King’s Daughters (1905)

Welcome back, Monroe history lovers. This week’s historical spotlight will be a bit shorter than usual and is intended to complement our last historical spotlight on the Stepney Methodist Episcopal Church. Not the physical church, mind you, but a rare look at its members who once worked quietly behind the scenes for the greater good of their community. I know I can count on our readers to express a sincere interest in such historical topics, so, once again, we’re heading over to the Stepney Green to learn some new history.

Our first supporting image dates to 1905 and shows ten members of the King’s Daughters, a charitable organization that was associated with the Stepney Methodist Episcopal Church. This local chapter earned their funds through donations and various fundraising activities throughout the calendar year. Their most popular events were ice-cream socials which were held in the basement of the church. The funds were then applied to their mission of assisting the infirmed and destitute residents in their community. Their services were selfless and greatly appreciated throughout our town. Sadly, the identities of these generous women are lost to time.

The original organization of this eventual international order began on January 13, 1886, when ten women met in New York City to form a Christian Sisterhood of Service, an organization which eventually included men. Our second supporting image is a photo of the organization’s founder, Margaret McDonald-Bottome (1825-1906). She was the wife of a Methodist minister and was often in demand for her popular and inspiring Bible lectures. She also gained a broader notoriety for her articles published in the Ladies Home Journal. Margaret was a true woman of God and was driven by an innate responsibility to spread God’s word. She served as president of the King’s Daughters and Sons until her death.

The insignia of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons is a silver cross, a symbol of their pledge of community love and service. This symbolic cross is often worn by members in the form of a pin, each engraved with the letters I, H, & N, signifying “IN HIS NAME”, an ever-present reminder of the inspiration behind their community service. Our third supporting image shows an example of this cross, which can also be seen worn in the image of the founder. Today, the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons is headquartered in Chautauqua, New York. Chapters are currently located in 26 states in the US and one province in Canada.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s historical spotlight on the King’s Daughters of Stepney. Please share this post with your family and friends, or anyone who is inspired to community service. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and interest in Monroe’s rich history. Until next time. Find personal inspiration in the organization’s adopted motto.

“Look up and not down; look out and not in; look forward and not back, and lend a hand.”

― Edward Everett Hale

Regards,

Kevin Daly
Historian, Monroe Historical Society
www.monroecthistory.org
Our Past is Always Present