The History of St. Hilda’s Guild

It all began in 1968 when Sallie Modlin and her mother, Ruth Settle, had the idea that St. Stephen’s needed a night time guild, primarily for working women. They went to see the rector, the Rev. Raby Edwards, explaining that there were only morning guilds, St. Mary’s and St. Martha’s. Raby thought it was an excellent idea—thus St. Hilda’s was born.

St. Hilda’s was created for Bible study and for service to St. Stephen’s. Strong bonds of friendship and deep commitment followed. The ladies were indeed busy. The following are some of the projects that have taken place over the years.

St. Hilda’s has made and sold enough chicken salad and cheese biscuits to feed an army. The proceeds have gone to many worthy causes such as: The Empty Stocking Fund, supported a child from the Thompson’s Orphanage—giving them birthday and Christmas gifts, The Junior Woman’s Club Shoe Fund, Stop Hunger—Now, Operation Santa Claus, sent children to summer camps, supported summer mission trips, bought Altar linens and big print Bibles, cleaned and planted the Garth each spring. Our last big project was a $1,000 check for the Renovation Fund for our beloved church.

St. Hilda’s was created for Bible study and for service to St. Stephen’s. The proceeds from St. Hilda’s annual chicken salad sales have gone to many worthy causes such as supporting children’s programs, buying Altar linens, and cleaning and planting the Garth each spring. Social events for members include a fall picnic for members and their spouses and an annual Christmas party. St. Hilda’s is known as the “Get it Done” and “Have Fun” guild. If interested contact Mary Susan Heath at heathtomcat@yahoo.com or Linda Edsall-Huard at davlin0585@gmail.com.