In October of 1983 a group of woodcarvers met in the Fellowship
Hall of the First Baptist Church of Byram, MS to explore the idea
of starting an organization that would have as its purpose to promote
and preserve woodcarving. Out of this meeting came an organization
called the Mississippi Pearl River Woodcarvers. During the first
two years of its existence there was an average attendance of sixteen
people at the once-a-month meetings.
Our Newsletter
We had read in a nationally known woodcarver’s magazine,
called, “Chip Chats,”that one of the secrets of success
for acarvers’ groups was the publication of a newsletter.
Such a letter, sent monthly,would advise themembers of activities
and remind them of the meeting time andplace.
A special logo was created for the“Newsletter” and for
the organization’s correspondence. Included in each issue
of the “Newsletter” was an original woodcarvingpattern.
Space was also given given for promoting woodcarvers and their carvings.
Included also was practical information about carving, supplies,
and equipment. “Chip Chats” picked up some of these
patterns and published them, which resulted in contacts with other
carvers around our State. Soon 75 people were receiving the newsletter.
The funds for the publication and mailing costs came from money
thrown into a basket at each meeting. Years later, there would be
a membership fee out of which the newsletter would be published
and mailed out to the membership.
Our Meetings
Eventually the Pearl River Woodcarvers organization decided to
have two meetings per month on each second and fourth Monday nights.
The meeting on the second Monday was for Business Meeting and a
Program. The meeting on the fourth Monday was for “carving.”
A typical meeting of the club consists of a word of welcome by the
president, introduction of guests, presenting of a carving project
consisting of a cut-out and a pattern, a “Show and Tell”
time, and special programs, and a “Give-Away” of donated
items related to woodcarving.
The club maintains a library of a large number of books about woodcarving
and related subjects that can be checked out by the membership.
