Joseph Emerson Alliance

The Joseph Emerson Alliance meets at 1:00 on the third Monday of each month, except January, February, July, and August unless otherwise announced. Women from the Church and larger community are welcomed. Meetings are held in the Church Parlor followed by a program and refreshments. The programs range from fun events like the "brown bag auction" to educational programs such as crafts, plant care, etc, to travelogues, to the downright sinful cookie exchange!

Women of the congregations Afternoon and Evening Alliances have been a part of the history of the Mendon Church since 1843, with a record of service and fellowship that extends to our times. First called the Ladies Circle in 1843, the name was changed to the Ladies Circle and Alliance in 1903, to the Mendon Branch Alliance in 1927 and to the Afternoon Alliance in 1945. The Joseph Emerson Evening Alliance, organized in 1934, was named in honor of the first minister of the church, with the stated purpose to promote fellowship. The Evening Alliance was an offshoot of the Afternoon Alliance for the mothers of young children and working members who were unable to attend the afternoon session. The afternoon Alliance has now merged with the Joseph Emerson Evening Alliance.

In addition to promoting fellowship, members of the Alliance have been supporting the church in other ways. In 1881, they purchased a stove to heat the church. In 1895, the Ladies Circle began purchasing flatware and cookware. The first chicken pie supper was served at the annual fair in 1899.

Since 1980, members of the Alliances have generously donated more than $15,000 for equipment, and decorations, and amenities for Goss Hall and the Mendon sanctuary, including renovation of the Ladies Parlor a few years ago at a cost of over $1,400. All this is from an active membership of 16 to 18 ladies!