Organized in 1912, the Bethel Zion Women's Institute continues to be an interesting, educational and friendly group.  We meet the third Thursday of the month in our members’ homes.  In 2019, we have 9 active members.

At our meetings in recent years, we have invited a wide variety of speakers from the health community, local council members, special interest groups and small local businesses. We annually offer a ROSE program for community members, guests and district WI members.  Our meetings are informative and fun.  As well, we do field trips, attend local theatres and of course, dine out.

Through the years our Branch has continued to support a number of local community projects: the Christmas Sharing Program in Belleville, Christmas cookies and other needed supplies for Three Oaks Home for Women, treats for Cheshire Home, “Twiddle Muffs” for Alzheimer patients, and Teddy Bears to comfort children with family tragedies.  In the past, we contributed to care packages for Canadian Troops.

We were especially proud of successfully solving two community safety issues. We petitioned for better signage and road turning markings on Highway 37.  Also, as a result of our initiative, the City of Belleville installed a flashing red signal at the intersection of Phillipston and Zion roads.  Both projects are making our community roads safer.

 Over the years, our local history has been well documented by our Tweedmuir Curators. Of particular note, are the detailed and entertaining contributions made by our local historian, Luella Sills.  The Tweedsmuir books have recently been digitized.  These, as well as Bethel Zion’s original minute books, are available to the public for viewing at the Belleville Public Library. 

On June 22, 2019, Bethel-Zion Branch hosted their Rose Programme: a Victorian Tea.

What a wonderful day! The weather was perfect, sunny and not too hot, with a good breeze, which thankfully kept the mosquitoes at bay.

Of the 34 guests present, 23 were Women’s Institute members, with the remainder being friends and neighbours.

We walked through the gardens scented by the blooms of Mock Orange, Peonies, Roses and Irises. Under the shade of locust trees, we enjoyed delicious, dainty sandwiches, lemon curd, scones and a host of other yummy desserts. We even had an opportunity to glimpse a pair of nesting bluebirds. In true Victorian Tea tradition, we had music. One of our members played her ukulele, accompanied by her friend, Annette, who entertained us with a few songs. And we had tea! What an afternoon!

Many of the women in the spirit of a Victorian Tea, were dressed in elegant dresses and wore lovely hats. We put away our cares and duties for several hours as we relaxed and visited. It was a treat that we all enjoyed!