Women have always been a driving force since the beginnings of Methodism in Cheraw.  Prior to the construction of the first church in 1823, services were organized by and held at the home of Mrs. Mary McShea.

In 1879 the women of the church organized the Women’s Missionary Society and in 1904 the Ladies’ Aid Society to support local missionary efforts and to provide for the maintenance of the church, its grounds and the parsonage.  In 1910 they purchased a $14,000 Moeller organ for the church.  During World War II they changed their name to the Women’s Society of Christian Service and in 1973 became known as the United Methodist Women.

At FUMC the UMW is organized into five “circles” each meeting monthly and meeting together quarterly.  The continuing responsibilities assumed by this group include the provision of bereavement meals and the support of needy children and Cheraw Manor residents at Christmas, Hospice of Chesterfield County, McArn Food Bank, Soup Kitchen, Pee Dee Coalition, FUMC Pre-School and Nursery, Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Salkehatchie, St. John’s Island and Red Bird Missions, Epworth Children’s Home, Alston Wilkes Society, Asbury Hills, and other needs which arise and warrant their attention.