By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — Teresa Noland, along with ten other women at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez, began the task of reinstating their church’s chapter of The Order of the Daughters of the King last year. They are set to take vows of the Order by October.

“Our organization was founded in 1885 and Natchez had a chapter as early as 1892,” Noland said. “We were number 646.”

Women who are interested in joining the Order attend a series of classes to help them better understand the mission and commitment of the group.

“We take vows in a ceremony with the priest,” Noland said. “It is a serious commitment we are taking to pray, on a daily basis, for the needs of our community and the world.”

The idea of the women praying together, for the same things, is a powerful and uplifting idea for Noland, and one of the reasons she wanted to get the Order back up and running in Natchez.

“I moved to Natchez four years ago from Franklin, Tenn.,” she said. “They had chapters there, and I considered joining, but then I moved to Natchez. We have not had an active Order here since the early 1900’s.”

Research revealed the history of the Trinity Chapter of the Order and national records indicate chapter activity ceased around 1919; however, Noland and others feel the chapter was still active into the 1930’s.

The national office has agreed to let the ladies at Trinity Church keep their original chapter name and chapter number.

“We are excited to be able to keep the original name and number of the Order,” Noland said. “It really makes us feel like we are doing the right thing by getting it going again.”

The mission of the Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service and evangelism. Women who are in the order commit to daily prayer and service and wear the Order’s emblem – a cross – bearing an inscription, in Latin, that means, “With heart, mind and spirit, uphold and bear the cross.” It reminds them of their commitment to Christ and His church and reminds them of their vow to make Him known to others and become reflections of His love throughout the world.

“I really feel like it lifts you spiritually,” Noland said. “I believe, through power of prayer, we are helping our community and the world. It also serves as a support system for each woman in the Order, which lifts us up and keeps us accountable.”

Although the Order is associated with the Episcopal Church, women of other denominations can join.

“Women who are from other churches are usually our guest for a year, attending lessons,” Noland said. “If they decide they want to join the Order, they will go through a ceremony and take vows in a special service at our church.”

Noland said they should begin holding meetings for the Order in September. Ladies who are interested in joining the Order should contact the office at Trinity Church at 601-445-8432.