California Conference
Women's Missionary Society
Historical and Service Summary

Organized
September 20, 1924

Background

The works of missions and organized missionary endeavors are a major thrust of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The first-known missionary endeavor for women began in 1824 when Richard Allen organized the Dorcas Society. The major emphasis of the Society was caring for men who were laboring to establish and expand the AME Church. They carried out this mission until 1827. From this humble initiative, what we now know as the Women's Missionary Society expanded and galvanized women of the AME

Church into a knowledgeable and global mission force committed to definite and clearly defined mission goals, activities, and obligations that command major contributions of time, talent, and resources. Present-day mission initiatives are global in scope and extend beyond the continental United States to Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and India.

Records reflect that the 'California' Women's Missionary Society (WMS) was established in 1924, under the leadership of Mrs. Audrey Roberts. Due to the distance between churches, the California WMS was divided into northern and southern areas. Mrs. Candice Sadler, first vice-president, was appointed chairperson of the Northern Area, and Mrs. Alice Young, second vice-president, was appointed chairperson of the Southern Area. Throughout the years, the dedicated women who have served as president of the California Conference include:

Mrs. Lydia Smith Ward
Mrs. Florence Harris
Mrs. Fannie M. Fletcher
Mrs. Mary P. King
Mrs. Mae E. Hill
Mrs. Effie Bryant
Mrs. Audrey Roberts
Mrs. Ann Davis
Mrs. Cleo B. Love
Mrs. Tessie P. Hill
Mrs. Mary Kidd
Mrs. Olga Boyd
Mrs. Hazel Keller
Mrs. Judy Burwell
* Mrs. Mary Austin
* Mrs. Esther Hemphill
* Mrs. Rosalie Gibson
* Mrs. Helen Kelley
* Mrs. Melba Brown

1976 - 1978 Mrs. Laura Winn
1979 - 1980 Mrs. Opal Holland
1980 - 1981 Mrs. Marquita Pinkard
1981 - 1984 Mrs. Gloria J. Thompson
1984 - 1986 Mrs. Blanche L. Williams
1986 - 1996 Mrs. Arsie L. Anderson
1996 - 2000 Mrs. Rita L. Walker
2000 - 2009 Mrs. Regina Bryels
2009 - xxxx Mrs. Irma Douglas Lastra
xxxx - xxxx Mrs. Alice Johnson
xxxx - xxxx Ms. Idella Hill
xxxx - present Mrs. Alice Johnson

These presidents have served under the following Episcopal leaders of the Fifth District and the California Conference.:

Bishop and Mrs. H. Blanton Parks
Bishop and Mrs. William D. Johnson
Bishop and Mrs. Noah W. Williams
Bishop and Mrs. D. Ormonde Walker
Bishop and Mrs. Fredrick D. Jordan
Bishop and Mrs. Richard. R. Wright, Jr.
Bishop and Mrs. H. Thomas Primm
Bishop and Mrs. Harrison J. Bryant
Bishop and Mrs. H. Hartford Brookins
Bishop and Mrs. Henry W. Murph
Bishop and Mrs. Vinton R. Anderson
Bishop and Mrs. Vernon R. Byrd
Bishop and Mrs. John R. Bryant
Bishop and Mrs. T. Larry Kirkland

Some of the California Conference WMS Outreach Highlights:

• Child Abuse Prevention Training Center (Oakland, CA): Provided monetary donations and services.

• War Against Hunger and Homelessness (Conference Initiative): Provided food and clothing to support programs.

  Mandella House - Oakland, CA: Provided financial contributions to support a program for mothers recovering from addiction and their children.

  Richmond Rescue Mission, Richmond, CA: Provided financial contributions to support homeless families and services provided at the Mission (employment training, drug recovery support, etc.).

  Mission Safe (Oakland, CA): Provided food, clothing, and linens to support the homeless men who sought refuge.

  Pavarello House (Fresno, CA): Provided financial contribution to support homeless senior citizens who sought refuge.

  Judy Davis Marrow Donor Program (Episcopal District Initiative): Conducted marrow donor recruitment drives to increase potential donors from the African-American population into the National Marrow Donor Registry throughout the Conference region.

  Bootheel Mission Project (Episcopal District Initiative) - Volunteers: Throughout the District, the southeast region of Missouri, to do short-term service in the areas of health, education, social services, etc.

  Missionaries on the Move (MOM) - (Conference Initiative): Provided assistance to agencies through the California Conference that provide services to low-income infants, women, and families.

  International Mission Projects (Episcopal District Initiatives/Pilgrimages): International mission initiatives have included Turkey, South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, the Holy Land, Alaska, etc.