History of the Bowen East District Women’s Auxiliary

The Bowen East District Women’s Convention was organized in 1906 at Rehoboth Baptist Church in

Valley, Alabama, under the leadership of Rev. John Smith and Moderator Rev. W.T. Mackey. The organizer, Mrs. R.T. Pollard of Selma, gathered women with a vision for Christian service and community leadership.

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• Mrs. Hattie Nash served as the first president.

• Mrs. Willie Mae Mosley, first Recording Secretary.

• Mrs. Amy Patton King, first Corresponding Secretary.

• Mrs. Abby Martin Alexander, first appointed Field Worker.

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As the Auxiliary grew, so did its impact:

• Mrs. Hattie Satterwhite, the third president, organized the youth division and appointed Mrs. Zelma Slaughter as the first Directress.

• Mrs. Edna Yarbrough, the fourth president, established the Committee System, President’s Prayer Breakfast, and Leadership Lecture Series. She also launched the World Day of Prayer Program, later expanded under Mrs. Julia Cumberlander, the fifth president.

• Under President Cumberlander and Moderator O.C. Stiggers, the district acquired and renovated the old Drew Junior High School, becoming the first official home of the association.

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During President Oreatha C. Hardy’s leadership, the Auxiliary helped furnish the facility—installing cabinetry, kitchen appliances, a lounge, and restrooms. She also spearheaded the “Contributors Wall of Fame”, which raised over $30,000 for the building fund and serves as a lasting tribute to those who supported the vision.

The Auxiliary currently oversees:

• Seven active adult circles, including the President’s Circle, Ministers Wives, Deacon Wives, Trustees Wives and Female Trustees, the Pearls, Ushers, Matrons, and Nurses Guild.

• Three youth circles, including the YWA and Red Circle, Crusaders, and Sunbeams.

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Over a century later, the Women’s Auxiliary remains a pillar of faith, leadership, and service, with strong Christian women continuing the legacy of those who came before.