In the early 70's Rev. James Cleveland appointed Mrs. Elma
Hendricks, a true servant of God, of Detroit, Michigan as the first
Chairman of the Women's Division, GMWA. Each year the Women's Division
raised funds for scholarships for students aspiring to become great
musicians. Mrs. Hendricks worked diligently and faithfully with the
women (which was a small group at that time). She was a very firey woman
and that excitement spread like wildfire causing the women to praise God
and to give Him the glory and honor due Him. Mrs. Hendricks encouraged
the women to strive for excellence until her death.
In 1979 Rev. James Cleveland appointed another strong woman of God, Mrs.
Mary K. Elsaw of Birmingham, Alabama as leader of the Women's Division.
She was short in statue, but a great leader and disciplinarian. Mrs.
Elsaw stepped to the mark to carry the torch of excellence that Mrs.
Hendricks had begun.
During Mrs. Elsaw's administration, the Women's Division became the
second largest division in the workshop. In addition to the Ms. GMWA
contest and other fund raisers that made it possible for many student to
receive scholarships to the universities of their choices, the Women's
Division recorded its first project, "Order My Steps" written by Glenn
Burleigh. The recording was intended to be a fund raiser; however, God
blessed the project and it is still ministering to saints even to this
present time. Because of Mrs. Elsaw's vision, the Women's Division is
known as the "Women of Worship". This group of women is known as one of
the most respected group of worshippers in this nation and abroad. Mrs.
Elsaw, just as Mrs. Hendricks, has left a legacy of excellence for the
Women's Division to carry on. She is now resting in the safety of our
Lord.
In addition to worshipping God in spirit and in song, the Women's
Division also focuses on helping youth by funding annual scholarships
for youth interested in furthering their studies in music.
Another area of the Women's Division is hoping to impact is women's
health. The Division focuses on the temple that embodies God's spirit
and enables each woman to life up her voice and sing. The group wants to
help women take care of themselves. Women need to be reminded to take
care of their temples.
As part of the healthy lifestyle initiative, the Women's Division
compiled a Women of Worship Cookbook. The cookbook features favorite
recipes from the hundreds of women who make up the division.
At the convention in Milwaukee in 2005 the division revisited one of the
traditions of Black women and church by sponsoring their first Hatter's
Tea. Each women is encouraged to show up wearing one of their finest
crowns or hats. The Tea features a National Recording Artist and a
competition of between the women that ends in the crowning of Miss GMWA.
One of the highlights of the convention is the night recording of the
Women of Worship. The group rehearses songs sent in by songwriters from
throughout the country and records those songs.
Throughout the women's time together, they receive information to
inspire, inform, and ignite. The workshops are designed to educate choir
members so that they may return to their home churches with a better
understanding of music. The Women's Division wants its attendees to
return home knowing that the division is comprised to strong sisters who
love the Lord, love singing good gospel music, and who want to be around
so that God can order their steps.
Currently,
Mrs. Eloise Ford Gaffney is Chair of the the Women's Division and a
member of the GMWA Board of Directors. She is a founding member of the
Birmingham Community Mass Choir which was organized in 1968 by Mrs. Mary
K. Elsaw.
Mrs. Gaffney served as assistant to Mrs. Elsaw for 35 years,
and was Mrs. Elsaw’s Administrative Assistant for the Woman of Worship,
GMWA. During this time frame she was instrumental in planning
activities, keeping records, scheduling, teaching and directing the
choir. For many years served as section leader on many of the recordings
by the Women of Worship (Order My Steps, When I Get Home, Coronation, I
Got My Joy Back and He Lives just to name a few).
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