History
FOUNDED OCTOBER 1978
FOUNDER - Elise LeNoir Morris
The founder of the Drexel Society in Houston, Texas is Elise LeNoir Morris*. The charter members are Consuella Broussard*, Rosemary Coreathers, Monica Delphin*, Josephine Egby*, Ethel Fleming*, Gertie M. Guidry*, Delores Henning, Winnie Reed*, Rose Thibodeaux*, and Isadora Wills*. The Drexel Society is a national lay catholic service organization founded on October 14, 1978 and chartered December 1, 1981. Uniquely, it is the only lay catholic organization founded and chartered by an African American woman, primarily for African American Women. It became integrated in October 1992.
The members of the organization are women who render service to the church, the community and humanity through sacrifice, love, dedication and devotion. They dedicate their efforts to the memory and honor of their patron and mentor, Saint Katharine Drexel. The objectives of the organization as expressed in its mission statement are to:
Render services to God and to our fellow humans through charitable works and religious devotion.
To foster opportunities for women of common interest to address issues and concerns related to those issues.
To formulate positions and to seek positive action in relation to these positions
To provide opportunities for women to advance themselves educationally, secularly and spiritually.
On February 8,1983 the organization attained regional status. On December 30, 1983 national status was attained through the establishment of chapters in other dioceses. 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 $17,227.35. At this same convention the delegates approved the second national project. It is Project-Dream Alive which is designed to make of a woman with terminal cancer or other debilitating illness dream become a reality. The first dream honored was that of a woman dying of cancer who dreamed of having her daughter graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana. We were able to help many other dreams become realities through this project.
*Deceased
Chapters established:
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.
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 corporal 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 to 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’s history has been shaped not only by its mission and membership, but also by the dedicated leaders who guided its work through the years. The following individuals served as National presidents and National vice presidents, offering their time, vision, and commitment to strengthen The Drexel Society and carry forward its purpose for future generations.
Past National Presidents
Elise LeNoir Morris [1978-1998] Houston Chapter
Consuella Broussard [1998-2006] Houston Chapter
Katie Reed Roberson [2006-2014] Barrett Station
Mary Reescano [2014-2018] Houston Chapter
Past National Vice Presidents
Rose Thibodeaux [1978-1982] Houston
Deora Tinsley [1982-1990] Mobile
Consuella Broussard [1990-1998] Houston
Emily Daniels [1998-2001] Pritchard
Elizabeth Thornton [2002-2010] Houston
Mary Reescano [2010-2014] Houston
Anna Watson [2014-2018] Mobile
