The Ladies Organ Society of the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset was founded in 1822 by a group of 80 women. These women decided, after sitting in church during the Sunday morning sermon in 1822, shivering, with their hands hidden in small muffs, and their feet resting quietly on foot warmers, the church need a stove.

The ladies got together and pledged themselves to make an offering of a stove to the worshipers of the church. After 40 years without a stove in the church it must have made quite a difference in listening to the Sunday morning sermons. That was just the beginning of the many contributions made the group of ladies.   

In 1827, five years later, the same group of ladies purchased an organ for the Church at a cost of $875, and so the group became known as the Ladies Organ Society. They are perhaps the oldest Congregational women’s groups in the country today.

The Congregational Church on High Street has been destroyed by fire twice, in 1849 and in 1907. After the second fire destroyed the church, the Organ Society determined to have the church rebuilt. According to the history of the society, a committee of six women were chosen to raise the money for a new church, and in 1909 a new church was built on the same site.  Once again the society raised money for an organ that is still being used in the Church today.  

In the early 1920s, young mothers brought their children with them to the meetings, Laura Evans brought 3-year-old Joanna; Carolyn Pendleton brought 1-year-old Maurice; Vera Quinam brought 1-year-old Raymond, and Florence Sherman brought 1-year old Gerald, according to the history of the society.

Dues in the Society have quadrupled over the years, from 12 1/2 cents semi annually to $1 per year now. In recent years membership has varied from a high 20 to a low of eight. According to history briefs from the Society, in the past year, membership has doubled from its low point and new members are joining the group.

Fund raising activities have changed over the years; the society records show they raised an average of $60 at its annual Christmas sales from 1896 to 1913. In 1910 two Old Folks Concerts with performers in costumes of an earlier time raised the amazing amount of $281.50, which was simply unheard of at that time.

It is very clear the ladies have always kept very busy with making quits, cakes, suppers, auctioning off vegetables in the fall, and one of the early 20th century favorite fundraisers was baked bean suppers. Beginning in 1905 the society held an annual Summer Fair, at the end of July. In 1983 the summer fair became known as an all church event Summerfest.

In recent years the Society has donated Advent and Lenten paraments, tables and chairs for fellowship hall, and serving carts for the kitchen. The ladies also have contributed to the Church’s Capital campaign and have pledged $1,500 annually.

The Society also raises money through crafts. They knit to provide Christmas gifts for needy families, and to donate to other local charities.

In honor of the 180 anniversary the society raised $1.300 from their various fund raisers, to purchase a baptismal font for the church. In honor of the Society’s 190 Anniversary the Church will be given brass flower vases for the sanctuary.

Today the women of the Society meet weekly from September through May, In addition to their contributions to Summerfest; they donate crafts to Oktoberfest, decorate wreaths for sale in November and sell cookies and crafts in December.

At the 112th Anniversary of the Society in 1934, President Vivienne Wright Dunn closed the meeting with these words that will life on in the tradition of this very dedicated group of women, she is quoted as saying, “Like a thread of gold woven through a priceless tapestry, there has always been the spirit of love, of service, and of understanding.

“Churches may be built and burn, ministers may come and go, members be born and die, wars fought and won, depressions endured and overcome – while this organizations goes on forever, God Bless it and keep it.”