Chautauqua Scholars

Kevin Sixbey had the honor of welcoming today's speaker; Christine Dawson. Kevin welcomed Christine, who is a member of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons. 

 

The King’s Daughters and Sons (KDS) is an interdenominational Christian service organization with the International Headquarters located in Chautauqua Institution. It is comprised of approximately 4000 members, about 250 or so of whom are under the age of 18. Christine, who lives at Chautauqua during the summer season, has been a long time member of the KDS and has held many different roles within the organization.

 

The Order began on January 13th, 1886 in the New York City home of Margaret Bottome, a Methodist minister’s wife. Margaret was well-known for her drawing room talks, Bible studies and prayer meetings. Dr. Edward Everett Hale, originator of the Lend-A-Hand movement, had planted the idea for a “sisterhood of service” before Mrs. Bottome invited several of her friends to an organizational meeting.

 

Mrs. Bottome was chosen President at the group's first meeting and served in that capacity until her death in 1906.

 

The order's motto:

 

Look up and not down,
Look forward and not back,
Look out and not in, And lend a hand

 

represents faith, hope and service to others. The watchword chosen was In His Name and the text, Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.

 

The object of the Order is the “development of spiritual life and the stimulation of Christian activities.”

 

The Order unit was originally called a “Ten,” but was soon changed to “Circle” to accommodate the numbers of women wanting to join.

 

The founders were firm in declining to choose a work for each circle to do, rather allowing them to choose any work that involved doing good In His Name.

 

Hundreds of letters flooded the Headquarters office from women seeking information about membership and within a short time there were more than 50,000 members worldwide. In 1887, men and boys began seeking admission to the Order, and the name of the organization changed to The King’s Daughters and Sons in 1891.

 

By 1896, there were Branch organizations in 26 states and circles in nearly every country in Europe, Japan, China, Syria and India. Canada had nearly 6,000 members.

 

Interstate Conferences, concerning the work of the Order, began in 1897, but the first General Convention was held in Louisville, KY in 1912. Conventions continue to be held on even-numbered years. Central Council, composed of leaders of the organization, meets on odd-numbered years at Chautauqua Institution to conduct the business of the Order.

 

The Headquarters of the Order was based in New York City until 1972 when it moved to Chautauqua where it continues to be today.

 

One of the scholarships the KDS administers is the Chautauqua Scholarship Program.

 

The Chautauqua Scholarship Program is a 4-week cultural educational adventure designed to strengthen a person's faith, build their confidence as a Christian and increase leadership skills.

Any Christian between 19 and 25 years old who has had at least 1 year of college or university (or equivalent work experience) and who has an interest in learning is invited to apply.

 

The practice of religion, traditionally the foundation of all other activities at Chautauqua, is reaffirmed at the Sunday morning church service, Sunday evening Sacred Song service, Tuesday denominational house gatherings, morning devotions Monday through Friday in our chapel and morning worship in the amphitheater. People from all faiths and at all stages of their faith journeys worship at Chautauqua.

For more information on the program, please visit here.

 

Christine thanked the club for allowing her to present, and she also asked that if any club member knew of a student from Jamestown who would be interested in the Chautauqua Scholarship Program to please let her know (ironically, they have never had a student from Jamestown before). Christine also mentioned a Clergy Renewal Week at Chautauqua, and also invited club members to recommend clergy from Jamestown to be a part of the week long respite.