Benton Ridge United Methodist Church Women's Missionary Society records

Under the direction of Reverend Burkett, pastor of the Benton Ridge United Methodist Church, a branch of the Women's Missionary Society was formed in 1883. The organization's records for the first thirteen years are not available. However, it is known that in the 1890s the society was strong enough to sponsor several sub-organizations. In 1895, the Women's Missionary Society sponsored the Mission Band. Later, the group started the Little Heralds which was an organization for children. A third sub-group affiliated with the Women's Missionary Society was originally called the Gleaners and was created for young girls; the title was later changed to the Young Women's Circle, and later it became the Young People's Missionary Circle and admitted membership from both sexes.

Between 1924 and 1934, Benton Ridge's United Methodist and United Brethren Churches merged. It was then decided that the Women's Missionary Society be renamed the Women's Society for World Service. The Mission Band was retitled the Boy's and Girl's Fellowship, and the Young People's Missionary Circle became the Intermediate and Senior Youth Fellowship. The Women's Missionary Society and later the Women's Society for World Service were oriented towards missionary work. During World War II, the Women's Society for World Service was active in sending care packages to servicemen overseas. During the Korean War, the organization initiated a program for sponsoring Korean orphans.