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One hundred and fifty years ago in Halifax, the first Women's Missionary Society was formed. Throughout the years, the W.M.S. has created an honoured reputation and name for itself by sending out nurses, missionaries and doctors who have reached out beyond their own community to the needy.

On November 11th, 1884 the W.M.S. of Greenbank was first organized with a membership of twelve. Mrs. John Leask acted as President until 1893. In 1891 it was first decided to send clothing to the Northwest, and if the members could contribute anything, the same was to be left at the home of Mrs. Dusty. The year of 1894 the Mission Band was organized under the affiliation of the W.M.S. and a letter was received from the Presbyterial welcoming this organization.

There are no records from the year 1894 to 1920 so no activities were reported on.

From 1920 to 1925 the two congregations (Presbyterians and Methodist) were united under an informal agreement, until the Union became official in 1925. Mrs. George Lee was president the greater part of this time. On January 10, 1925, the ladies of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches joined to form the Women's Missionary Society of Greenbank and worked together for the next 36 years. The first President of the newly united group servicing the whole of Greenbank was Mrs. James Leask.

Throughout the years many women made outstanding contributions, stemming from their love of their community and their abiding Christian faith. They had a genuine concern for the well-being of all their home and foreign Missions.

Presidents following Church Union:
Mrs. James H. Leask, 1925-28
Mrs. Harvey Real, 1929-32
Miss Margaret A. Blair, 1933-36
Mrs. Cecil Phair, 1937-43
Mrs. Tyson Lee, 1942-44
Mrs. Fleetwood Beare, 1945-52
Mrs. R.T. Chapin, 1953-57
Mrs. Harry Phoenix, 1958-60
Mrs. S.R. Cooper, 1961

The W.M.S. was always well represented at Presbyterial annual meetings, sectional rallies, conventions, etc. The sectional Rally was held at Greenbank April 26, 1960. Each year a quilting bee took the form of social activity and was held in the church basement. These quilts were prepared, along with new and used clothing, for missionary work which reached out and beyond to the needy of the local community and the world.

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The Leask Family
22 October 1908
Greenbank, Reach Twp., Ontario, Canada

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Greenbank Methodist Church
c. 1880
Greenbank, Reach Twp., Ontario, Canada

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Presbyterian Church
c. 1878
Greenbank, Reach Twp., Ontario, Canada