In 1929, the women of the fledgling St. James church had a vision to make a quilt that memorialized early members and founders. The women charged ten cents a square for individuals and families to sign squares. They embroidered the signatures, pieced the squares, sewed and quilted the work. Quite amazingly, the money raised from that labor of love made the final payment on our original mortgage.
Whether created for practical usages, for aesthetic purposes, or to tell a story, we intuitively know that there is a history in a quilt. It may be a history of where each piece of fabric originated—grandmother’s house dress, curtains in an aunt’s house, the blanket of a child now grown. It may be the history of the hands that stitched the pieces, or the imagination that envisioned the design. Quilts draw us in to examine the stitches, study the design, ponder the purpose of the creation.
As St. James enters its Centennial year, the Episcopal Church Women are quilting again. The Centennial Quilt will reflect celebration and joy, giving thanks for our past and looking forward to the next 100 years. Beginning February 5, everyone at St. James is invited to sign a square which will be embroidered, pieced and sewn by many loving and gifted hands. The suggested donation for a square is $15, but you may donate as much or as little as you choose. The money raised will help support the St. James Centennial Campaign. For more information about the Centennial Quilt, please contact Bea Emory.





