In 1976 Mary Jane Tullis, wife of Bishop E. L. Tullis, was President of the Board of Directors.   Her position and exposure at the side of Bishop Tullis was likely instrumental in solidifying Killingsworth as a stable institution.  Mary Jane insisted on having a word before whatever crowd the Bishop was addressing, and she became well known for asking that at least once everyday those assembled would say, "Killingsworth... Killingsworth... Killingsworth".  Another woman with a good idea.

The subsequent years saw slow but steady growth as the program for residents, the number of staff and the budget expanded.  An example of the kind of expansion we experienced was the arrival in Columbia  in 1979 of three Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary:  Kathy Riley went to work with Johnny Zenoni at Providence Home eventually creating the Women's Shelter on North Main Street;  Sue Beattie dreamed the dream of Harvest Hope Food Bank and worked to make it a reality; and, Lynne Moldenhauer came to work at Killingsworth.  Because they had taken a vow of poverty, Killingsworth was an appropriate place for one of them to work!  Lynne forged the position that later became the Program Administrator which became indispensable to the life of the Killingsworth community.  Three more women with good ideas.

Like most growing entities, Killingsworth has experienced times of peace and quiet growth, and times of turmoil and spiky growth.  But throughout this second chapter of our ministry Killingsworth has been blessed with wise, warm women who believe in our mission: to support, to nurture, to advocate, to challenge, to share faith, to love.

One of the most significant milestones for Killingsworth since 1972 was the celebration in 1997 of our double silver and gold anniversary.  In 1997 we were a golden 50 years old as a mission institution, and we were celebrating 25 years of working with women in crises.  We spent the whole year highlighting both milestones with numbers of events and recognitions, but the highlight was a  major birthday party held in the fall at the Sheraton Hotel with Dr. Trudie Reed as our keynote speaker and hundreds of guests and supporters from all corners of the state. 

Other highlights of the past 25 years:
   First fundraiser: a Professional Tennis tournament - we watch others play.
   Tennis Tournament becomes a Golf Tournament - we play.
   Fashion Show begins big and gets bigger.
   Newsletters are published and are well received.
   Computers are introduced.
   Hurricane Hugo creates 6' hole in the roof and entire front of the house is redone.
   During our 25/50 birthday year Women's Division gives money to completely redo the kitchen.
   An auxiliary is created.
   
    and

   *Hundreds of women have become stable responsible members of society.

   *Residents have embraced the life skills groups, Bible studies, and exercise opportunities.

   *Many mothers have been successfully reunited with their children and now take care of them.

   *Gamblers have quit gambling; alcoholics are sober; former crack addicts are now going to work habitually; violent men have been left to be angry alone; legitimate checks have been cashed and taxes have been paid; bodies have been respected; healthy relationships have been established; freedom is appreciated; grace has been given and received ; Higher Power's name is discovered to be Jesus; God has been very good.

It was a fine idea, Corrie.