An Historical Overview
Rooted in Community Service
Founded at the suggestion of Bishop Denis. J O’Connell in 1914, the Catholic Woman’s Club (CWC), in its early years, ran an orphanage, established a vacation camp for girls and boys, and provided a residence, Floyd Home, for young working women.
Erected Crucifix on Route 1
In 1930, by arduous work of CWC members to clear land overgrown with bushes and through financial assistance from the Bishop’s Appeal, a life-size bronze crucifix, sculpted by George J. Lober, was erected on Route 1 near Aquia, Virginia, to commemorate the first permanent English Roman Catholic settlement in Virginia.
Annual Mass in Aquia
The Brent family were influential Catholics who settled in Virginia after fleeing religious persecution in Maryland. Through the efforts of a member of CWC, the site was designated a Virginia Historical Landmark. Members of the Club make an annual October pilgrimage to Aquia for an open-air Mass at the cemetery’s permanent altar and, assisted by an honor guard from the Knights of Columbus, lay a wreath at the foot of the crucifix to commemorate this historical event.
Community Service Continues
With Monsignor Francis J. Byrne’s guidance, in 1953 a Book and Author dinner was initiated with proceeds designated for scholarship funds and other charitable projects. In addition, encouraged by Bishop John J. Russell, in 1959, CWC members joined with other Richmond organizations to establish a Meals on Wheels program. The Club continues to support the program through annual contributions and member volunteerism.