(The logo of the Women's Missionary Council is the wheel. Each officer, departmental chairperson or secretary of a committee or commission is noted).

 The Women's Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is one of nine programmatic departments. The Council was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in September, 1918. It's original title was the Women's Connectional Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1954, the name was changed to Women's Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The primary purpose at its inception was to primarily raise funds to assist Home missions. As the years passed, with continued growth and development, it was realized that this distinctive body of women rendered outstanding service in all phases of church work. As a result of this service, the Women's Missionary Council was received in 1942 as one of the departments of the general church with its President having the status of a General Officer. The Department of Finance of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church pays the salary of the President.

Eight presidents have led the Women’s Missionary Council with unique talent and commitment. Each president has given outstanding service and commitment for the task and era in which she led. Most of the presidents have a background in education, and has served as high school or college professors. Several have served as administrators, and one as a medical physician prior to their respective election.

 

First	Dr. Mattie E. Coleman	1918-1939
Second	Mrs. Rossie T. Hollis	1939-1955
Third	Mrs. E.W.F. Harris	1955-1963
Fourth	Mrs. Phyllis H. Bedford	1963-1971
Fifth	Mrs. Pauline B. Grant	1971-1979
Sixth	Dr. Thelma V.J. Dudley	1979-1987
Seventh	Dr. Sylvia M. Faulk	1987-1995
Eighth	Dr. Judith E. Grant	1995-2003
Ninth	Dr. Elnora P. Hamb	Present

 

When the Council was organized in 1918, it had the following officers: a President, six Vice Presidents, Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Chairman of Arts, and a Community Director. Its membership totaled eighteen members. Today, the Council has as it officers: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor of the Missionary Messenger. Its membership exceeds 100,000!

 

The Council met at the same time and place of the General Conference until 1930 when it was agreed upon that it would meet biannually. In accordance to the present Constitution and By-Laws, the Executive Board of the Women's Missionary Council convenes yearly the last week in February or the first week in March except in the year of the Assembly. Its Assembly may be held the last week in July or the first week in August. Council officers, Secretaries, and Chairpersons are elected quadrennially for a maximum of two terms or eight years. (it was under Mrs. E.W.F. Harris' tenure that Council Presidents would serve a maximum of eight years).

 

Officers for 2007-2011 Patron Bishop:  Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III President - Dr. Elnora P. Hamb Vice President- Mrs. Princess A. Pegues Recording Secretary- Mrs. Daisy Banks Assistant Secretary - Ms. Theresa Duhart Treasurer- Mrs. Emogene W. Crittenden Editor- Missionary Messenger - Ms. Rita Washington Immediate Past President: Dr. Judith E. Grant President Emeritus:  Dr. Sylvia M.Faulk Episcopal Past Patron:  Bishop Nathaniel L. Linsey

 

The Women's Division is actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of Christ and the Church!