The Sewing Group of St. Jacob's (Stone) Church began meeting in the church basement in the fall of 1976.  No record was kept, but several hundred bed pads were made for the Lutheran Homes.

In 1977 we continued to make bed pads but also made lap robes.  The measurements of these were 48"x45".  The name of the individuals to whom they were given was embroidered on them.  At least 80 lap robes were made.  Several of the ladies also made capes.  These also had names embroidered on them.  Approximately 60 were made.

In the 1977-78 year we continued with bed pads, lap robes, capes and then began making quilts.  By January, 22 quilts had been made and distributed to needy families in the area.

In 1978 to save heating in the church, we would go to members' homes to sew.  In 1980 because of the amount of materials to carry each time we would sew, Anna and Claude Rohrbaugh invited us to store out materials at their home and to come there to sew each month.  This practice continued for several years and then it was decided to return to the church basement.

Today the patches are cut and pieced at home and brought to the church to be assembled and knotted and then taken home to be hemmed.  The number of members in our group is usually about 12-15; however, our number did reach into the 20-25 member range.

In the past, our program has varied and included devotions, Bible studies, and refreshments.  Usually the group will have one social during the year such as a picnic or covered dish lunch.

Our materials have always been donated to us.  Occasionally, we have had to buy thread for knotting and pins, etc., but otherwise everything else has been donated.  We are always in need of materials, especially large pieces, sheets, blankets, etc. to be used for the backs and insides.  Also, we are always in need of people to help - no sewing skills are required.  If you have materials or if you could come help in any way, please call Ennis Tyler or Jane Miller.

We have never sold any of our quilts.  Everything we have made has been given to people in need.  Most of our finished covers have been distributed locally to the York Red Cross, Salvation Army, Access York, Bell Shelter, Hanover Red Cross, Hanover Council of Churches, Glen Rock New Life for Children, local fire victims, and several year back many quilts, as well as clothing, were taken to Wahington, D.C. for those unfortunate people living on the streets, and to New Windsor, MD for distribution through Church World Service.  Many of our children's quilts were sent to the Lutheran Women's Children's Quilt Program.

Through December 2001, the Sewing Group has produced the following:

5281 adult quilts
996 baby quilts
175 blankets
45 sheets
7 crib sheets
5919 bed pads
284 lap robes
337 capes
123 bed shirts
52 trach bibs
41 bibs
421 walker and wheel chair bags
85 diapers
84 soaker pads
221 cancer bags
450 cancer scarfs
50 cancer turbans
42 Christmas ornaments for Cancer Society
13 Baptismal napkins