The Glory Group
The Glory Group’s legacy is a long and rich story that has blessed our Palmetto community in very significant ways. Originally Circle #4, the Glory Group had its start over 50 years ago. The only known surviving member of the charter group is Nancy Courtney.
In 1977, Bonnie Moore (Nancy Courtney’s daughter), began teaching elementary school at Blackburn Elementary in Ellenton. Bonnie saw a student’s family that had a great need for assistance, so she asked her mom if her women’s group could help by adopting the family at Christmas time. The humble beginnings of the Glory Group’s mission began with the needs of that one family that Christmas season.
The women of the circle responded with the love, joy and grace of Jesus in their hearts and so our Christmas Mission was born. It has grown over the past 31 years to include food baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas gifts at Christmas, sponsorships for school field trips and supplies, as well as whatever other needs are brought before them throughout the year. Bonnie now teaches at Palmetto Elementary where the Glory Group’s name is well known, loved and respected.
How did we get the name “Glory Group?” According to Nancy Courtney, they had a fabulous speaker one day that gave a wonderful presentation and spoke of the perseverance of the morning glory flower. It was then that the women of Circle #4 decided to adopt their new name: The Glory Group.
In 2009, the Glory Group’s membership is 25 strong as we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Through our mission program with Palmetto Elementary and our volunteerism with Family Promise of Manatee County, the women of the Glory Group continue to care for God’s children in their time of need. Whatever God asks of us, the Glory Group is always willing and ready to respond to His call to take up the basin and the towel.
In loving memory of Alice Myers, Iva Eisenbrandt, Mary Ann Throup, Margaret Phillips and many more.
