THE GIRL’S FRIENDLY SOCIETY, referred to as GFS is not only a Diocesan organization, but also stretches their friendship circle nationally and internationally to girls and women in the Anglican and Episcopal Church. The motto of the organization is “Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens and so Fulfill the Law of Christ”. The girls pledge:
To worship and serve faithfully,
To make my words true, and my actions right,
To grow strong in mind, body, and spirit,
To make the world a better place to live.
GFS in the United States was founded in 1877 in Lowell, Massachusetts Today GFS can be found in 7 Providences of the Episcopal Church.
Many of the girls from St. Luke’s GFS branch have participated in Diocesan, National and International activities through the years.
• 1952 Agnes Rawlins Johnson & Dorothy Gray Willis † were Diocesan Delegates
• 1953 Sylvia Tyson † was alternate delegate to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth
• 1960’s Joyce Carnegie Tivis & Delores Jonson Alleyne served as GFS Summer Opportunity girls to work in the mission field
• 1966 Connie Royster was the National to the White House conference on Youth
• 1978 Eileen Williams Esdaile was Diocesan Representative to the World Council in Denver, CO,
• Christine Thomas Nix represent the Diocese in Japan
• Tatyana Duncan, Diocesan Delegate to New Zealand
• Nia Wright West-Bey Diocesan Delegate England
• Angelica Ward National Delegate to South Africa
We are extremely proud of “Our Girls” who have gone on to distinguish themselves in many different fields.
Many of the girls from St. Luke’s GFS branch have participated in Diocesan, National and International activities through the years.
• 1952 Agnes Rawlins Johnson & Dorothy Gray Willis † were Diocesan Delegates
• 1953 Sylvia Tyson † was alternate delegate to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth
• 1960’s Joyce Carnegie Tivis & Delores Jonson Alleyne served as GFS Summer Opportunity girls to work in the mission field
• 1966 Connie Royster was the National to the White House conference on Youth
• 1978 Eileen Williams Esdaile was Diocesan Representative to the World Council in Denver, CO,
• Christine Thomas Nix represent the Diocese in Japan
• Tatyana Duncan, Diocesan Delegate to New Zealand
• Nia Wright West-Bey Diocesan Delegate England
• Angelica Ward National Delegate to South Africa
We are extremely proud of “Our Girls” who have gone on to distinguish themselves in many different fields.
ST. LUKE’S BRANCH
The branch at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was established on Mother’s Day, May16, 1948. This group was the first African American Branch in New England. Under the Rectorship of Father John Edwards the charter was granted to Edna B. Carnegie as the advisor and Iris Hibbert as the associate leaders.
To this day St Luke’s GFS Branch is still active and growing. The Branch will celebrate six-five years (65) of having an active branch.
Our branch theme has been “Everything is Possible for Those That Believe” It is with this spirit that our branch has sustained and inspired girls and women in the Christian Faith.
With God’s help, we will carry on the Spirit of GFS into the future for girls.
The branch at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was established on Mother’s Day, May16, 1948. This group was the first African American Branch in New England. Under the Rectorship of Father John Edwards the charter was granted to Edna B. Carnegie as the advisor and Iris Hibbert as the associate leaders.
To this day St Luke’s GFS Branch is still active and growing. The Branch will celebrate six-five years (65) of having an active branch.
Our branch theme has been “Everything is Possible for Those That Believe” It is with this spirit that our branch has sustained and inspired girls and women in the Christian Faith.
With God’s help, we will carry on the Spirit of GFS into the future for girls.
Any interested mother in the community in the GFS program for their daughter at St. Luke’s Church can contact the Branch Advisor Delores Alleyne @ 203-745-8398 or email to GFSdeealleyne@snet.net
Remember we accept ALL girls. You do not have to be a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or any church to become a member.
To learn about GFS Nationally please check out our WEBSITE or our FACEBOOK PAGE
Remember we accept ALL girls. You do not have to be a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or any church to become a member.
To learn about GFS Nationally please check out our WEBSITE or our FACEBOOK PAGE