Dorcas societies within the COG in those days were usually women's groups set up for good works such as providing quilts, layettes, etc. for the less fortunate families in the community. For example, in the 1960s, the Maurertown, VA, women used to make layettes and take several at time to the Winchester hospital for mothers who didn't have clothing to take their babies home. They also made cancer pads, etc. for the local hospital. The Washington Society ladies made quilts and presented them to residents of the retirement home in Oregon, Illinois, which was operated by the General Conference. The ladies also provided needed bedding and other items to the Virginia Conference dormitory at Maurertown, VA. The meetings would begin with devotions, proceed to the handwork and end a short business meeting over a lunch provided by the host.