The 1940s found Fayette County, much like the rest of the world, in a difficult time of war and recovery. Families changed as women became breadwinners in the absence of men who had gone into service. When World War 2 broke out members of our Church supported the war effort in many ways. Women took jobs in factories. Connersville produced bomber wings, munitions and jeep bodies for the military. Families planted Victory Gardens and women sewed and grew food to help those in need due to rationing. It was a time when many called on their faith to help them cope with this difficult time.
Following the War the ladies of the church organized the Ladies Missionary Society – later becoming the Women’s Association. They met monthly to share Bible Study, prayer, music and mission work. Members included many from families who had long been members of the Presbyterian Church….Bohlander, Buser, Clark, Hassler, Himelick, Hurst, Hyde, Kipp, Lockhart, Newkirk, Rieman, Roots, Thomas, VanHart, Walters and more.
One very special mission project was becoming Sisters in Christ with a church in Holland going through a difficult recovery following the War. Each month the ladies prepared a mission box and sent it to their sisters in Holland. They also sent money to pay for items their sisters in Holland needed like glasses for a little girl which cost $6.85. Their sister church was so moved that the ladies of our church would be so generous that they sent a box of tulip bulbs as a Thank You and blessing. At the time we still had the Manse just north of the Church on Central. The women of our church planted the tulips in the yard between the Church and the Manse. It was noted in the Connersville News that these tulips had come from Holland to bless our town for the blessing their town had received from us.
First Presbyterian Church of Connersville continues to hold strong today to the mission work they have embraced for 200 years. We share the gifts that God has so generously blessed us with.
— by Mary Swope