For the first time in more than 100 years, Arkansas has two members elected to the National Society United Daughters of 1812 Executive Board at the same time.
Kay Brakefield Tatum and Jerrie Jones Townsend were elected and sworn in as chaplain national and recording secretary national, respectively, in the spring in Washington, D.C., according to a news release.
Their Pine Bluff Chapter, Simon Bradford, along with the state society made plans to honor them with a social event. State Vice-President Kimberley Stout planned the tea. Stout is also a member of the Pine Bluff chapter.
The tea was held at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, an historic church building, in Little Rock. It is the seat of the Diocese of Arkansas and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This was a celebration of two women who have accomplished and given much in their lives. Before everything started a warm fellowship ensued, according to the news release.
“Stout did a marvelous job with everything. From invitations, decorating, food, etc. Very elegant complete with a receiving line,” according to the release.
The Simon Bradford Chapter purchased two National Society’s Library pins to present to Tatum and Townsend to wear on their official insignia ribbons.
Attendees traveled from Mt. Ida, Hot Springs, Hot Spring Village, Stuttgart, Pine Bluff, Clinton, Little Rock and Beebe. A tour of the historic cathedral followed the gathering.
Tatum and Townsend have both served in leadership positions in other societies at the state and national levels. They were elected to their national USD offices at the April 2024 Associate Council.
Organized Sept. 19, 1911, the Simon Bradford Chapter meets quarterly at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The chapter is known for its support of veterans and youth.