The CWC – A Historical Overview
Founded at the suggestion of Bishop Denis. J O’Connell in 1914, the Catholic Woman’s Club (CWC), in its early years, ran on orphanage, established a vacation camp for girls and boys, and provided a residence, Floyd Home, for young working women.
In 1930, by arduous work of CWC members to clear land overgrown with bushes and through financial assistance from the Bishop’s Appeal, a life-size bronze crucifix, sculpted by George J. Lober, was erected on Route One near Aquia to commemorate the first permanent English Roman Catholic settlement in Virginia.
Around 1650, the first Roman Catholic Settlement in Virginia was established by Giles Brent and his sisters Mary and Margaret Brent near Aquia Creek in Stafford.
The Brents were an influential Catholic family who settled in Virginia after fleeing religious persecution in Maryland. Through the efforts of a member of the CWC, the site was designated a Virginia Historical Landmark. Members of the CWC make an annual October pilgrimage to Aquia for an open-air Mass at the cemetery’s permanent alter and, assisted by an honor guard from the Knights of Columbus, for a wreath laying ceremony at the foot of the crucifix.
With Monsignor Francis J. Byrne’s guidance, in 1953 a Book and Author dinner was initiated with proceeds designated for scholarship funds and other charitable projects. Encouraged by Bishop John J. Russell, in 1959 CWC members joined with other Richmond organizations to establish a Meals on Wheels program. The club continues to support the program through annual contributions and member volunteerism.