La Grange Western Springs

Unit History

Our unit will celebrate its 105 th anniversary in 2026. Much of the following information was taken from

a previously published historical document.

In the early 1920’s, the Interdenominational Missionary Committee met in LaGrange. Mrs. R. A.

Mathews was president from 1921 to 1929. The Day of Prayer for Peace, now World Day of Prayer,

was celebrated; and at times, as many as 400 men and women were in attendance. In 1941, when CWU

was nationally established, the name changed to United Church Women of LaGrange. In the late

1980’s, the unit was renamed Church Women United LaGrange/Western Springs Unit to reflect

member churches from LaGrange and the surrounding area. Past projects have included the Head Start

Program under President Edna Scott and the Farm Workers Ministry under the leadership of national

activist Olgha Sandmann. Some women made panels for the Peace Ribbon project; and in 1985,

Dorothy Trippel and Margaret Hofferbert attended the Peace Ribbon tying in Washington, DC. Our unit

has been represented at State and National Assemblies, and several women have received the Valiant

Women Award. So often in our history, we have been blessed with the input, guidance, and knowledge

of many local residents.

Present Day

Our unit encourages participation in four yearly events: our Annual Meeting in January, World Day of

Prayer in March, May Friendship Day, and World Community Day in November. The themes of the

celebrations are timely and typically address social concerns, and we often coordinate collections for

area programs in need such as food pantries and women’s shelters. Each of these events includes a

guest speaker; and with the exception of our annual meeting, Bible Study is offered. Unfortunately, the

Covid Pandemic affected many of our area congregations and created a downturn in organized

religious opportunities. In addition to church memberships, we promote individual memberships for

those seeking a place to gather, exchange ideas, and enjoy fellowship. Our unit will continue to honor

the mission of Church Women United as “an inclusive ecumenical Christian women’s movement

celebrating unity in diversity and empowering women to work toward a world of peace and justice.”