The Salvation Army Texarkana Women's Auxiliary

SALVATION ARMY AUXILIARY HISTORY

The Texarkana Women’s Auxiliary has a tremendous heritage. They were the first auxiliary established in the entire Texas Division. The group began with just a few strong women who wanted to show their love and support of The Salvation Army and over the last 28 years they have done just that. The membership has grown to over one hundred members strong and has a drive to help those in need in our community.

In 1989 Major Harvey Harwell, Salvation Army Officer invited board members and wives or husbands to come to the service center on Sunday afternoon in December for coffee and cookies. A silver service was provided by Mrs. Ben Cook (Mildred), sister of J.C. Cabe and visiting was enjoyed by all.

At a later time, Mrs. Dennis (Barbara) Benchoff invited wives and a few others to her home to talk about an auxiliary for the Salvation Army Board. They talked and decided to go farther. Their project was to dress dolls, bought by Salvation Army and the Army would give dolls away at Christmas to needy children.

The first Auxiliary officers were Barbara Benchoff, President, Gladys Morriss, Vice President, Harriet Autrey, Secretary/Treasurer.

The charter members were: Barbara Benchoff, Gladys Morriss, Harriet Autrey, Allisin Cable, Ann Proetz, Cristini Stanley, Nancy Crowder, and Helen Wren. The group grew within a very few years.
Stone Soup got it’s beginning when Gladys Morris bought a black pot and used it to make a pot of soup. Since that time Stone Soup has grown and become a tradition that the community looks forward to and enjoys participating in each year.