When Rebecca Borneman was a young woman, her mother took her to visit the Church of the Resurrection in New York City. As they walked through the small but significant parish, Rebecca remembers seeing the small closed seat at the end of each pew. These small wooden seats – unassuming yet in a place of honor - were the designated seats for the original Daughters of the King.
“I am but one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?”
Founded in in 1885, the Daughters is an Anglican lay religious order, sister organization to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The original Daughters were non-convent women who were committed to serving Christ, devoted to prayer and evangelism. The original Daughter’s duties included taking responsibility for their pew and guiding visitors through the service of the Episcopal church.
The role of the Daughters expanded over the course of the next century beyond their individual pews and into committed service to the church and dedicated prayer for their ministers and congregations.
Today comprised of thousands of members, the Daughters of the King have served as the backbone of prayer to support the church for more than 125 years.
Rebecca’s unique insight into the order comes from the example of her mother, who was involved in evangelism and helped establish the Junior Daughters of the King around the country, as well as editing and updating the manuals and written materials.
From that poignant first visit to the birthplace of the order and her mother’s lifelong devotion and dedication to service, Rebecca observed the impact of the women in the Daughters of the King. She now serves at the All Saints’ St. Elizabeth chapter with other women in the parish, and emphasizes the important scaffolding that DOK provides to All Saints’.
“When men are lifting, they wear back braces. Daughters of the King is like that for the church. They are the prayer backbone that supports the church.”
President Betty Bertino shares Rebecca’s positive experience with Daughters of the King. Her journey to DOK came after serving in the church for years in different capacities, such as the library and crocheting blankets for donation. While she enjoyed these areas of service, nothing felt as satisfying and fulfilling as serving Christ through prayer and service in the Daughters of the King.
Betty feels a strong call to serve in this ministry, and encourages anyone who is interested in learning more to reach out via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by calling the church office at (863) 688-4502 to learn more.
The Daughters of the King meet monthly at All Saints’. The meetings are held on a Wednesday afternoon after the 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist with prayers for healing service, and are usually comprised of attending the service, praying for Fr. Reid and Rev. Kathy, sharing a meal together, and holding a chapter meeting and time of teaching.
Anyone who is interested in learning more is invited to come in and sit in on one of the meetings.
To see more upcoming events at All Saints’, view our calendar here: https://goo.gl/sPmVQP, or follow us on Facebook.
