History
The Drexel Society is a National Corporate Service Organization that was founded on October 14, 1978 and chartered the first chapter in Houston, Texas on December 1, 1981. The members of this organization are Catholic women who render service to the church and humanity through sacrifice, dedication, love, and devotion. Drexelaires dedicate their efforts to the memory of their mentor, Saint Katharine Drexel.
The founder of this organization is Elise LeNoir Morris. The charter members are Consuella Broussard, Rosemary Coreathers, Monica Delphin, Josephine Egby (D), Ethel Fleming (D), Gertie M. Guidry (D), Delores Hermy, Winnie Reed, Rose Thibodeaux and Isadora Wills.
In 1983, the organization attained regional status with the establishment of a chapter in Port Arthur; Texas on February 8th. On December 30, 1983, a chapter was organized in Los Angeles, California giving the organization national status. Subsequently, chapters of this National Lay Catholic Service Organization have been established in:
Chapter
Mobile
St. Martinville
New Iberia
North Channel
Barrett Station
Broussard
Prichard
Four Corners
North Houston
Raywood
Lafayette
Location
Mobile. AL
St. Martinville, LA
New Iberia, LA
Houston, TX
Barrett Station, TX
Lafayette, IX
Prichard, AL
Jeanerette, LA
Houston, TX
Raywood, TX
Lafayette, LA
Date Established
January 1, 1985
January 12, 1985
January 12, 1985
February 17, 1990
June 10, 1990
March 9, 1990
August 8, 1997
October 19, 1998
October 4, 2002
October 5, 2004
April 9, 2005
Conventions are held biennially. The first was held in 1986 in Houston, Texas.
At the 1990 Convention the first national project was completed, a burse for the sick and infirm Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in the amount of $17,277.35. The second national project was also approved during the 1990 convention, Project Dreams Alive, which is designed to make a dream a reality for a woman or women with terminal cancer or other debilitating illness.
A consortium scholarship was established by our founder, Elise LeNoir Morris, which awarded a scholarship to each chapter of the National Drexel Society. The consortium scholarship extended over a six-year period. In 2004, the convention body voted to establish National Scholarships to be given to high school graduates entering a baccalaureate program.
Spiritual and corp oral works of mercy are rendered to shut-ins, hospitalized patients, battered wives and children, youths, schools and parishes as well as other recognized service agencies. Notable financial contributions are made to the United Negro College Fund and parochial schools.
The organization recognizes outstanding achievements of members and non-members through the presentation of certificates and awards. The LeNoir and Morris Families fund one such award in honor of two women who shaped their lives; their mother, Mrs. Ivy Darensbourg LeNoir, 1987 Poet Laureate, of California and Saint Katharine Drexel, founder of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters and Xavier University.
On October 4, 1986, an affiliate group joined the Drexel
Society Family, The Drexel Squires. These Catholic men have chosen to dedicate
themselves to service in the same manner as the members of the Drexel Society.
Squire Paul Matthews was insightful enough to initiate the formation of this
group.
Honorable memberships to the Drexel Society have been
accorded Attorney Gabriella Morris Coleman for her legal advice and service,
Sister Mary Stella Aqulina, D.C., and Sister Eva Regina Martin, S.S.F., in
recognition for their love of God and service to mankind.
The Drexel Society Colors
Silver and Gold
The Drexel Society Flower