A Chilly Easter

Neither distance or weather prohibited my great grandmother from celebrating one of the holiest days of the year.

Apr 03, 2026

One hundred eleven years ago today, April 2, 1915, my great grandmother celebrated Good Friday. She and her family probably huddled close together in their home rather than venture outside. This was because the city was experiencing severe cold weather.

On April 2, 1915, Augusta, Georgia, experienced exceptionally cold weather, featuring a record-setting minimum temperature of 13F (-10.56C), which is the coldest temperature ever recorded in April for the area. According to historical meteorological data, the morning of April 2, 1915, featured high-pressure conditions in the region. (Google)

In spite of the extreme cold, I imagine my great grandmother was joyful, in a good mood, and looking forward to Easter Sunday. I think she prepared outfits for her husband and their children, planned to attend early church service at Springfield Baptist Church, or Friendship Baptist Church. The former was the family’s worship place of record; however, when weather conditions were severe (as it was on April 2, 1915), they worshiped at Friendship Baptist Church, which was within close walking distance of their home.

Great grandmother’s intent to celebrate Easter is evident in a postcard she wrote to her sister, Clara Wright. Given her joy as expressed on the postcard, her love of family, and skill as a seamstress, I think she designed and sewed lovely outfits for her husband, five daughters, and herself.

Left-Great Grandmother Mary Williams; Right: Clara Wright

My great grandparents enjoyed hosting family gatherings and sharing meals with family and close friends. Great grandfather Willie was a member of The Augusta Union Society.

The Augusta Union- Willie Williams 4th from Right, 1st Row

Great grandmother Mary was a member of Aids Sons And Daughters of Zion.

Both organizations afforded my great grandparents an opportunity to network with other Black professionals and skilled workers in the community. They were able to share their skilled knowledge while also socializing and expanding their network of friends.

By 1915, my great grandparents owned three properties including the home in which they raised their family. They rented the other homes out thus increasing their income and establishing themselves as entrepreneurs in the community.

Family records and research reveal that Willie and Mary Ella were literate, sent their children to the private Haines Normal and Industrial Institute (and one to Catholic School), were active in Springfield Baptist Church—the church where Morehouse College was founded—and participated in social and political activities.

My great grandparents were teenagers when Frederick Douglass visited Augusta in 1888. They were married when Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver visited in the early 1900s. Records such as a copy of Harper’s Weekly, a signed copy of Frederick Douglass’s Memorial Proclamation, a poster signed by Booker T. Washington, and first edition books on Black life during this period strongly suggest that they were involved in civic, political, and social events in Augusta, especially within the Black Community.

In 1915 Easter Sunday fell on April 4th. I have no definitive records to say which church the family attended. My knowledge of our family, both churches, and the town, lead me to conclude they went to Friendship Baptist if the extreme cold weather continued. Family lore and some photos indicate great grandmother suffered from arthritis. Given the weather in April 1915, I think the family enjoyed Easter at the closest church then enjoyed their Sunday meal with one another in the family home. I imagine the home was festive and smelled of delicious foods; that they gathered in the parlor and dining room to break bread and share stories with one another.

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?