Sally Rawlings, the Busy Bee

Sally Herndon Rawlings lived with her husband, Richard, just across the street from the Orange Presbyterian Church, opposite Dr. Holladay’s home. She brought fun, organization, and devotion to OPC in the early 20th Century.

Sally Herndon was born in 1859. She was admitted to OPC by letters of transfer from Waddell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rapidan, VA in 1900. Not long after joining the church, she organized the “Busy Bees,” which had a membership of  42 people.  

In 1921, Sally Rawlings organized and was Chairman of the Sunshine Band.  At the November 1933 meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary, she donated $50.00 made by the “little band” to the Auxiliary Fund. She asked that the money (about $1,018 in 2021 dollars) be applied to the Building Fund.  The Sunshine Band continued for many years.

Rawlings also taught young children in the Sunday School Department (grades 1-6) of the Orange Presbyterian Church. 

​OPC possesses a lovely silver pitcher with “Mrs. R. H. Rawlings” inscribed on it.  It reads “By the S. S. Primary of the Presbyterian Church”.  The pitcher was possibly given in thanks to Rawlings for her service.

Mrs. Richard Herndon Rawlings passed away March 2, 1940.  She is buried, alongside her husband, in Graham Cemetery, Orange, VA.

 - Jennie Hill Robinson
OPC History Team

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