The WMU’s main purpose is to educate and involve adults, youth and children in the cause of Christian missions. Although originally geared towards women and girls, both genders have become active participants in WMU organizations and ministries today.
The mission of the WMU is to support the cause of Christ, coordinate activities of outreach to Morning Star members and the community, and assist individuals who faithfully support the WMU. Members of the WMU are active with the district, state, and national women’s ministries.
Information regarding the organization of the Missionary Society for Morning Star Baptist Church cannot be given with accuracy, written records or documentation has not been located. However, through the organizing of the mission, there were mission circles organized. Morning Star has five active mission circles; Elizabeth, Mission Possible, M. L. Sudduth, Queen Esther, and Willing Workers. To keep each mission circle’s history alive, each circle is asked to document the dates of service of all chairpersons, members past and present, take lots of pictures and document any information that would be valuable to future members who will want to know the origin of the circles. This information will be a valuable asset for years to come.
The following information regarding organization of mission circles came from members who were active from the beginning. No written records or documentation has been located.
Elizabeth Circle – Was organized in 1956 in the home of Helena Caldwell. The charter members for this newly organized mission were Helena Caldwell, Altoria Muldrow, Grace Long, Elizabeth Thomas, Fannie Bryant, Senia Crump, and Elizabeth Chappelle. Officers were elected before the name was chosen. To choose a name, members listed women of the Bible. The majority thought the name Elizabeth was the perfect name. After choosing “Elizabeth” as the name, the group realized they had two members named Elizabeth, but the name is biblical for it was named after the mother of John the Baptist. Helena Caldwell served as the first chairperson and there isn’t record of her time in office. Izora Guy served for one year after Mrs. Caldwell, who was re-elected to chairperson once again in 1990. Dorothy M. Lewis served as chairperson from 1991-1996. Latrisha White served one year, 1997-1998, and Evelyn Page has served as chairperson since 1998.
Mission Possible – Dr. T. Oscar Chappelle, Sr. organized Mission Possible between 1976 and 1980, the correct date is unknown. It was organized because the new age group between 20 and 30 did not have a place in the mission. The newly organized mission now had to come up with a name. Using the word “mission” and knowing they could make things possible, the group came up with the name “Mission Possible.” Elizabeth Chappelle served as the first chairperson and her tenure is unknown. Shirley Mikel was the next chairperson and the date she began as chairperson is unknown, although she did serve until 1983. Sandra Moses was elected and has served as chairperson since 1984.
M. L. Sudduth – This circle was organized by Fannie Bryant in 1984 under the leadership of the late Dr. T. Oscar Chappelle, Sr. The circle was organized in honor of Melinda L. Sudduth, who served as WMU president for 25 years. Mrs. Sudduth’s daughter, Juanita Wilson, served as the first chairperson of the M. L. Sudduth Circle beginning in 1984. Tenure dates are unknown for Terri Moses and Aline Clark. Cynthia Browne was chairperson from 2000-2001, Fannie Bryant served from 2002-2006. Anita Douglas has served as chairperson since 2007.
Queen Esther – The original organization date for the Queen Esther Circle is unknown. Connie Hopson was the first chairperson and it is believed she began in 1943 until 1955. A few charter members for this newly formed circle were Eva Harris, Connie Hopson, and Bernice Jackson. Estelle Eubanks served as chairperson in 1956. After Mrs. Eubanks, Willie Mae Thompson served for many years, and Blanche Johnson served for 3 years. Veronica Vargas was elected in 2003, and after a few months, she resigned from office which was filled by co-chairperson Victoria Sanders, who is still serving as chairperson.
Willing Workers – Organization and the first meeting of the Willing Workers are unknown and no written records have been located. In 1956, the chairperson for the circle was M. B. Fowler. Members at this time were Annie Bell Jones, Doris Freeman, Pimmie Green, Joann Smith, and Bernice Bates. Doretha L. Gray served as chairperson from 1977-1996, and due to illness, gave up her position as chairperson. Co-chairperson, Mary Jones, completed Mrs. Gray’s term and went on to be elected as the new chairperson and served from 1997-1998. Doris King has served since 1999.
The WMU celebrates their annual day each year on the 3rd Sunday of September. This is an all day celebration with services beginning at 10:45 a.m. with a guest speaker, an afternoon service at 3:30 p.m. with speaker and music, ending with an elaborate reception in our Fellowship Hall. The Annual Doretha L. Gray Prayer Retreat is held the first Saturday of April.
Each circle has the option to feed the homeless at the Salvation Army Adult Day Center, adopt a family, school, college student or an organization that could use assistance (Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Cancer Care and Children’s Center). This service is scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of each month and each circle is allocated $100.00 for their project.