I can’t even sew on a button but I do admire those who can sew! On February 2, 1860, the Wesleyan Sewing Society was established at the Methodist Church in St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick. The purpose for establishing this Society was to furnish, repair, and paint the parsonage. The members took their responsibilities very seriously and their first order of business was to outline the eleven rules by which the Society would function. Here are a couple of my favorites:
“Rule 7: …It is expedient that the members, in their conversation, will confine themselves to the business of the Circle. Any member introducing personal matters shall receive a reprimand from the President or whoever also may, at the time, be occupying the Chair of the Meeting.”
“Rule 11: The members of the Circle shall meet at each others houses, in succession, every week on Thursday afternoon at 2 oclock, the Circle breaking up without tea, at 5 1/2 oclock”
The Society obviously kept very busy as is evidenced by the many items they were selling in the spring and summer of 1860. Children’s stockings, collars, overalls, shirts, fringe, and “drawers” were all on the list.
The minutes only go to 1875 so I’m not sure how long the Society lasted but these minutes provide an interesting glimpse into one aspect of the important work being carried out church members in the early years.
