MANCHESTER WOMAN'S CLUB
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Organized 1908
Friendship Tree Lighting
Making for a Bright Season
The Friendship Tree Lighting was a splendid event Sunday, December 7, 2025. The crowd enjoyed the the Manchester Essex Regional High School (MERHS) Concert Band, the Memorial and Essex Elementary School Chorus, MERHS Sound Waves, and Tyler Cummins original composition, Glow, sung by Maggie Whitman.
Hot chocolate, donated by Manchester Masonic Lodge and served by the Manchester Woman's Club elves, kept hands warm, and had several in the audience coming back for seconds.
The Friendship Tree will be lit at dusk each evening until the first of January. Stop by to see the tree resplendent with all the lights and topped with a lighted snowflake. The tree and along with the decorated fountain have been a tradition in Manchester since 1965. It is because of the support of the Manchester community that the Woman's Club can continue to provide the lights for the tree each year and coordinate the Festive Program.
May everyone have a safe and happy holiday and all the best in the New Year.
Welcome to the
Manchester Woman's Club
The Manchester Woman's Club was organized in 1908 by women who wished to promote good work in the community. Our continued mission is to provide opportunities for its members to engage their ethical, social, and intellectual interests to enrich their lives and serve the community.
In 1910 the Executive Board voted to employ a district nurse. The following year the nursing service became affiliated with the National Red Cross. In the wake of the great influenza epidemic of 1918, the nursing service was deemed an asset to the community. In 1979 the Manchester Nursing Service became the Visiting Nurse Association. Today it is named the VNA Care Network and Hospice.
Our Club is best known for the Friendship Tree on the Town Green. We acquired the Norway Spruce in 1965 and have illuminated the tree every holiday season since.
Club News 2025-2026
At our November 18 members' meeting, a new member was inducted -- Rosemary Diskin, pictured here. Welcome, Rosemary! We look forward to getting to know you.
Volunteering to participate in the events and services the Club sponsors will go a long way in helping our communities and those in need. As you have stepped up in the past, please do so again this year so we can help as many as we can. The Service Opportunities page lists events and services for which you can volunteer.