Margaret Bolte, Special to the Beacon
In the basement of St. James Lutheran Church, you can hear soft voices and the humming of a sewing machine. The quilting group ladies are meeting this morning. The ladies get together on the first Monday and Tuesday of every month from 9 am to 3 pm. Tables have quilts and materials, and each lady works on a specific task at her table.
“This church has had a quilting group for 60-plus years. This ministry has touched many lives at our church and in the community,” remarked Betty Artus, who organizes the group. “We have ladies from other churches join us. It is a tribute to these loyal women who are doing God’s work.”
Five or six ladies dedicate their time and energy to creating handmade quilts for those in need.
Their creations have warmed the laps of nursing home residents, comforted hospitalized individuals, and comforted families grieving the loss of a loved one. They also routinely give quilts to Veterans at VA facilities, fire departments, and local youth centers.
Each quilt is crafted with care, created in a church setting, and delivered with love. Last year, the group gave 165 quilts to local organizations in Belle Fourche and Sturgis.
The group uses donated fabric, purchased materials, and scraps from many donors. Some women cut patterns, others piece blocks, and a few specialize in the final quilting and binding. No matter their skill level, every member contributes—and every contribution matters.
“We are always looking for fabric material and have an annual fundraiser during the holidays to raise funds to purchase sewing and binding materials. The ladies are loyal in helping, and we share a special time working with each other and enjoy being here together,” remarked one quilter.
A closet revealed shelves of completed colorful quilts and lap quilts. Faithful quilters keep coming every month. A gift of a colorful, unique quilt is good for your soul – physically and emotionally, providing warmth for your heart. The ladies’ quilting group consists of: Betty Artus, Diane Feist, Paula Speidel, Cindy Ballengee, Nettie Dick, Linette Batterman, and Susan Wilkerson.
Everyone is welcome to come and join the quilting group. “You do not need to know how to sew. We will show you how to tie knots, gather material, and do other tasks.” You will be blessed, and you will bless others.
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