Episcopal Press and News
Episcopal Women's History Project Begins Work
Episcopal News Service. August 6, 1981 [81218]
Salome Breck
NEW YORK -- The first official session of the Episcopal Women's History Project in its newly loaned quarters took place in mid-June, when members of the board of directors and steering committee met at General Theological Seminary here. The Seminary has designated a room for the use of the Project. It will serve both as office space for a part-time secretary and as a meeting place for the entire group.
"This sharing of space by General is one of several kinds of assistance which have come our way, and for which we are most grateful," said the new president of the Project, Joanna Gillespie of San Francisco. "Another is the 'strong endorsement' we were given by the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, which is also serving as a sponsor for our new organization. Our most recent resolution of support came from the Episcopal Communicators, most of them editors of diocesan and national publications, when they met in Sierra Madre, Calif., in June. We most enthusiastically endorse the value of their help."
At their meeting June 1-5, the Communicators gave unanimous approval to a resolution which noted that "Whereas the role of women in the Episcopal Church is an untold story," the Communicators resolve to "proclaim our enthusiastic support for the Episcopal Women's History Project, and pledge our assistance at all necessary levels, in the collection, organization and publication of the historical data necessary to further the ends of this important enterprise."
The Project began in August 1980 with a meeting in New York City. Some 30 women gathered with Gillespie and Mary Donovan of Arkansas, the originators of the idea, to discuss the need for such an undertaking and ways in which the organization could be put together. A steering committee and board of directors were chosen and Betty Gray of New York City was elected convenor.
The group plans to research, write and eventually publish the history of noteworthy women of the Episcopal Church, not only those well known in national and diocesan circles, but the "everyday saints." These stories have never been recorded. Several area sessions have taken place, and soon the group hopes to have a chairman working in every diocese.
The project's first newsletter will be published this fall and will be mailed to all paid-up members.
Donovan will speak, explaining the History Project, when the Women's Task Force meets in Indianapolis Nov. 5-8. A national meeting for the entire membership is scheduled for Austin, Tex. at the Church's national archives, June 1-3, 1982.
Membership is $10.00. Checks should be made to the Episcopal Women's History Project, and mailed to the project at General Theological Seminary, 175 Ninth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10011.
