The Women of the Stewart Center

As I read about the women who fueled the Stewart Center's early beginnings, I can't help but reflect upon the time period in which they lived.  To give you a frame of reference, women earned the right to vote in 1919 with the passing of the 19th amendment. By this time, the Stewart Center had been open for 3 years, and was run entirely by women.  The written histories of the Center cite very few names, and when they do, they are written devoid of a first name, for example: "Mrs. Andrew Stewart"  (Her name was Frances, or "Fannie.")

As was typical for the time period, most of these women did not have careers of their own, which allowed them to devote great amounts of time and energy to the Center.  These women did not allow their position in society to restrict their passion for children in need, and they accomplished a great deal.  Many wealthy women used their social position for good by lobbying their husbands and social connections to provide financial resources for the Stewart Center.  Wealthy or not, many women gave the Center their primary attention, giving it as much time and devotion as they would a career. 

Without countless, unnamed women the Stewart Center would not exist, and their legacy continues.  Today many dedicated women give their time, energy, and resources to the Center through volunteering, serving on the APSC board, donating resources, etc.

This blog is not to downplay the role of men who have helped shape the Stewart Center---it is simply to highlight the incredible work of so many women who made the Center possible.
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In 1919, after three years of renting a cottage at 219 Bellwood Avenue for use as the Stewart Day Nursery, Mrs. Stewart purchased the building and presented it to the Baptist Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) of the Atlanta Association.  Prior to this gift, the Center was run and supported by a small group of women (including Mrs. Stewart), and not owned or operated by any organization.  Up until this time, it had also received support from the Judson Relief Association, but was not owned or operated by this group.

The WMU (which still exists, and actively supports the Stewart Center) existed to fund and support missions outside the walls of the church.  Most Baptist churches in Atlanta had an active WMU group.  By putting ownership of the Stewart Center in the hands of the Atlanta WMU, a source of volunteers and financial support was all but guaranteed.  

At this point in time, Mrs. Stewart also created a Board of Directors for the Center, to manage and control the affairs of the nursery (subject to the Board of the W.M.U.).  She appointed women who had been actively involved in the Center, and who were keenly interested in it's future.

One church that was particularly involved in the Stewart Center beginnings was First Baptist Church of Atlanta, where Andrew P. Stewart had served as superintendent of Sunday School, and where the Stewart family attended for over 30 years. 

1924:  A group of unidentified women posing in front of the First Baptist Church at the corner of Peachtree Street and Cain Street (Now Andrew Young International Boulevard)

The Atlanta WMU owned and operated the Center until 1995.  For 76 years, the Center was run by missionaries chosen by the WMU (most of whom were women who lived at the Center).  Members of the WMU consistently volunteered at the Center, helping children with homework, teaching them carpentry, sewing, crafts and more.  It was these women who made decisions regarding the future of the Center, provided for it financially, and recruiting passionate people to work with the children.  

Below are just a few women who faithfully served the children of the Stewart Center.

Mrs. Frances Stewart, wife of Andrew P. Stewart.  This is the only known photo of her.  (I apologize for the reflection--taking the photo out of it's frame will be a challenge.)

Mrs. John Dickey, first chairwoman of the APSC board, appointed by Mrs. Stewart.  When Mrs. Dickey passed away, she left a legacy of $8000 for the construction of a recreation building at the Pelham St. location (which still stands today, and is owned by St. James Baptist Church.)

Elizabeth Lundy (left) and Myrtle Salters (right) served as directors of the Stewart Center for 39 years.  They began their service at the Pelham Street location, and relocated with the Center to Reynoldstown in 1950.