INTRODUCTION 3 by Miss Jessie Fullerton Ever since the inception of the Kirk of St. James 150 years ago, the women of the Kirk have been a tower of strength. In every facet of its endeavour, they possess a record of great achievement. They have, on many occasions, undertaken tasks which seemed insurmountable and have come through victoriously. Over the years, many of the members of the various women's groups have met regularly for prayer, study, and work. Under the guidance of God, these meetings were happy and devout occasions and much was accomplished. Undoubtedly, the founding group of the women of St. James established a standard of Christian service and of devotion to their church that has had a lasting influence - not only in their own congregation but also in the community. Fortunate indeed are the present members of the women's groups. They have had laid down for them a strong and enduring foundation on which to build. It can be said of them that they too "builded better than they knew." There have been varied and progressive stages of progress during the years. The organizdion advanced with the times. War Service Peace and war alike presented a multitude of exacting and urgent duties. The pressure of three wars, in which members of the Kirk served, inspired these tireless women to devote unlimited time to the necessities of war work. At the same time they remained ever mindful of their obligations to their own beloved church. It is difficult to give an accurate accounting of the work of the women of the Kirk from 1825-1903? by reason of the fact that no annual reports have been found for these years. The material available, however, reveals an intensely interesting succession of events. One cannot evaluate the tremendous spirit of devotion that did, and still does, permeate our women's work. Many of those to whom this history refers have long since passed to their just reward. Those of us who remain and are active today cherish their memories. These introductory notes and succeeding pages of the history of the women of the Kirk of St. James, inadequate though they be, have been written so that present and future generations will read with keen interest and deep gratitude the story of the faithful Christian service so admirably carried on by their forebears.