St. Elizabeth’s Guild is a long-time Episcopal ministry, traditionally for older women of the parish. In June of 1983, the Messenger described the guild as:
“A valued part of St. Mark’s life for over 25 years, with nearly twenty members who identify themselves as ‘older people who can work – people who can sew and cook.’” (St. Mark’s Archive)
Their ministry was to use these skills to help those in need, and of course there was the important fellowship and “warm sociability” of gathering together plus a sense of purpose and ministry the group provided for its members.
Originally a Catholic ministry, St. Elizabeth Guilds were also adopted by Anglican and Episcopal congregations. The ministry was inspired by St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The Messenger wrote that:
“The thirteenth-century Elizabeth, daughter of the King of Hungary, though well born and carefully reared, became a victim of harsh political and church disagreements. After the violent death of her husband, Elizabeth’s two children were taken from her and she became a virtual prisoner in a convent of women Franciscans, where she was treated with almost sadistic severity. Nonetheless, she became the most beloved ‘sister of the poor.’ She often sewed garments for poor children until her fingers bled, or went days without sleep caring for the sick. At her early death, even those responsible for the harshness to her acknowledged they had mistreated a saint.” (St. Mark’s Archive)
St. Mark’s St. Elizabeth’s Guild met on the fourth Tuesday morning of every month in the old Fireside Room. Each year the group elected a president and vice president who coordinated the group’s activities.
The Messenger described the St. Elizabeth Guild’s contributions for 1983:
“Beneficiaries of their work are numerous and varied. Locally, Palo Alto’s Downtown Food Closet received $10 monthly plus $100 at Christmas; they give to the discretionary funds of both St. Mark’s clergy; each year they assist our music department; and they support special programs such as this year’s Baale chicken farm project. Other recipients of the Guild’s help include the Henry Ohloff House for recovering alcoholics, St. Francis Home for Boys in Solano County, a school for American Indian girls, CDSP, and the Flying Samaritans – doctors and dentists who give their services to the needy among American Indians and in Central America.” (St. Mark’s Archive)
On June 12th, 1983, the group held one of their twice annual bake sales where they offered “inimitable baked goods for sale to munch on the spot or to take home for feasting later.” Guild activities often included knitting or sewing. For example, at Trinity, Menlo Park, the St. Elizabeth’s Guild members used to crochet hats and blankets for newborns at Stanford Hospital and they also held bake sales in conjunction with the annual rummage sales to raise funds for outreach.
Although St. Mark’s no longer has a group, a quick internet search shows that St. Elizabeth’s Guilds are still active at many Catholic, Episcopal and Anglican parishes. For example, at St. Mary’s Church in Napa, the guild meets monthly for “fellowship and fundraising” and donates “hundreds of shoeboxes filled with gifts and useful items for children in need around the world.” All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield, Missouri began their St. Elizabeth’s Guild in 2017 – they knit and crochet prayer shawls for those who are sick or having a family crisis.
To read more about St. Elizabeth’s Guild:
Thank you for this fascinating history!