Stonecroft Ministries - History

History

Much of the history of Stonecroft Ministries is recorded the classic book written by Helen Duff Baugh, The Story Goes On (Stonecroft Publications, 1984), and her recent biography by Steve and Annie Wamberg, One Woman, One Faith, One Vision (Bethany Press, 2008).

In 1938, the seeds for Stonecroft’s international ministry were sown when a grieving young woman approached banker Elwood Baugh at his office, asking him where her mother had gone when she died. Elwood and his wife, future Stonecroft leader Helen Duff Baugh, invited the young woman and nine co-workers to a restaurant, talking with them over a relaxed dinner about heaven and how to get there.

The women responded to Christ’s message of hope, and requested they meet again the following week so they could bring their friends. This original dinner with Elwood and Helen Duff Baugh led to the creation of 24 prayer groups in San Jose, California, sparking what would eventually be known as Stonecroft Ministries.

In 1948, Mary E. Clark, a former businesswoman and missionary, joined Helen Baugh in leading the growing organization. Clark was instrumental in the birth of Christian Women’s Clubs, lunchtime meetings featuring a catered meal, a special speaker, and an inspirational message.

In 1952, Mrs. Baugh and Ms. Clark moved the ministry headquarters to Stonecroft, a beautiful tract of wooded land in south Kansas City, Missouri. The prayer groups, Bible studies, and outreach events were soon referred to as Stonecroft Ministries.

The first Life Publications booklet, Life Eternally Yours, was published in 1962 and Stonecroft Bible Studies books started rolling off Stonecroft’s presses in 1968. Friendship Bible Coffees (now called Stonecroft Bible Studies) also launched in 1968.

Stonecroft Ministries went international in 1966, as the first outreach groups outside the U.S. began in Canada and South Korea. In 1973, for the first time, Stonecroft councils and clubs were active in all 50 states.

Stonecroft’s first regional Field Directors were appointed in 2006, and in 2007, college-aged women began arriving at the Home Office in Kansas City for 10-week internships.