Florida Conference

United Methodist Women

Women's History Month Highlight: Olive Mason

Olive Mason joined a predecessor organization of United Methodist Women in 1939 where she attended a Northern Illinois Swedish Methodist Church for which English was not the language spoken. However, members translated so that she was able to understand.

Ms. Mason was asked three questions about her relationship with United Methodist Women. Who invited her? Why did she join? Why does she continue to participate? Her mother-in-law invited her to join. Olive had the responsibility of driving her mother-in-law to the meetings because even though she did not drive a car and lived miles from the church, her mother-in-law never missed a meeting. She joined because she became interested while waiting.

When responding to the third question you could hear the excitement in her voice as she answered. "I still participate because it is such a wonderful group that does great things for women, children and youth. At age 18, when I joined and all the way until now, at age 86, there has been something for me that I cannot find anywhere else! It is fabulous to be part of this mission organization and to have the opportunity to meet such wonderful like-minded women."

Ms. Mason has been described as a very "hands-on" person by a local unit member. One who very quietly works in the background from cooking, washing dishes and painting for United Methodist Women's events to volunteering over 10,000 hours at University Community Hospital.

She takes seriously what it means to "Campaign for Children" because she spends many hours volunteering at schools. .Olive still finds time to work with other civic and philanthropic organizations in her community. The girl scouts have been the recipients of her quilting talents.

Although Olive has chosen not to serve as an officer beyond the local unit, the fruits of her labor have been seen at District events, the Schools of Christian Mission, Conference Annual Meetings, the Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting and the Assembly. She often adds the finishing touches to many of the creative designs by her daughter. Olive quietly responds, "Here I am, Lord. Send Me." when asked to support United Methodist Women. She has driven the vans at Conference events for more than a decade happily transporting those needing assistance around the campuses. She has also assumed the role of adviser for resources used by United Methodist Women.

Her daughter describes her mother as "the worker behind the scenes. She makes it happen!" Her family affectionately calls Olive "the facilitator for the entire family." Ms. Mason supported her husband and continues to support her children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

As part of our Membership Campaign, during each national heritage month we will highlight a local unit woman. Please tell us about a local unit member, who has not served beyond the local unit and who is a model for acting out the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women. We also invite you to share stories about how you increased membership or nurtured existing members in your local unit.

E-mail your information to: umwmembership@yahoo.com or mail to:
Membership Campaign
P. O. Box 561646
Orlando, FL 32856-1646

Pictures will not be returned. Electronic pictures are accepted.

Olive Mason
Oak Grove, Tampa