Please come join us, we meet at the Parish Convent, across from the Administrative Building, every third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and sometimes still at the homes of members. All ladies are welcome to attend.
History of St. Mary Altar Society
In the early 1940's, the Catholic families of Levelland, Texas were celebrating Mass in the American Legion Hall under the spiritual direction of Father F. Michael Higgins. It was through his encouragement and persistence that a handful of women joined together to work for the small church. This small group of women became known as St. Mary Altar Society. This should answer the question that many ask as to why we are not called St. Michael Altar Society. The society existed many years before the construction of St. Michael Catholic Church.
The first president of St. Mary Altar Society was Lottie Meyer and the first members were Ora Shamburger, Regina Steffens, Nadine Grappe, Frances Watkins, Mary Veretto, Agnus Schultz, and Ollie Schmalsteig. Father Higgins attended all the meetings, which were held in members' homes. The main purpose of this group of women was to take care of the altar and see that the area was clean for Mass and Confession. The candles used during Mass were purchased with money earned by bake sales. Altar linens were made by a few of the ladies, who later became as The Order of Martha; however, they were all considered as the Altar Society. Due to some problems, the society was discontinued. In October of 1949, under the leadership of Teddie Brown, the society was recognized and it has been in existence ever since. Duties became more intense for the group. They saw a need for religious education for the children and became teachers of their faith. Classes were held in their homes, as were society meetings.
Earning money was a necessity in order to help pay the expenses of catechism materials and altar essentials. Rummage sales were held every Saturday of the warm months. One of the most profitable Saturdays netted a grand total of $98. Things were looking up! The women began having bake sales, selling Christmas cards, and inventing the ideas of the traveling can. Through a constant labor of love, the society was able to pay for the tile floor and the beautiful white altar for the new St. Michael Catholic Church. (That church is now the Incarnate Word Hall.) After the death of Father Higgins, the women continued to grow in membership under the direction of Father Richard H. MacLellan. He also attended all the meetings.
Today we continue working together and have over 50 members. The Tabernacle in the Church was donated and purchased with money made from bake sales.