As you mention above, the WRC's devotions and works were spread thick, spilling over to countless philanthropic endeavors. Perhaps their presence was not that marketable in Fall River at the time. Most of Lizzie's works had a local community association.
Lizzie was indeed a joiner. Which makes it sad that the murders may have torn her away from more institutional organizations as she retreated to her close circle of friends, outsiders, and the comfort of Maplecorft.
Before the murders she was a member of several societies, most which she came to know through her christian membership at the First Congressional Church of Fall River.
One was the
Women's Christian Endeavor Society, which the name speaks for its works. Another was
The Fruit and Flower Mission of Fall River. They worked with the poor and ill, bringing toys for children, food for the needy, and visited the elderly and bedridden, etc. Hard to believe that someone who joins such a group would swing an axe.
Then there was the group after Caroline Moore's heart.... better known as Carrie Nation. Lizzie did join a local chapter of WCTU. Not certain whether it is the same organization you refer to in your post. But Lizzie was a member of the
Women's Christian Temperance Union , as it was known in Fall River at the time and where she was secretary and treasurer.
When she was in her twenties she was also a member of the
board of Fall River Hospital, one of the few women to serve on such a group and reported to be one of the youngest.
During the trial the Temperance Union was very supportive of Lizzie. It's president put out a declaration at the time which read.
"This Borden trial, from beginning to end, has been one of the most surprising revelations of the possibilities of gross injustice ... Is she guilty? No, a thousand times no. There has not been a shred of evidence of guilt."
After the trial and with the passing of time and hearts, things went down hill for Lizzie Andrew Borden.
Lizzie had a fall out with the
Women's Christian Temperance Union. The Union had their offices in the A. J. Borden building at the time, one of Andrew Borden's properties and owned by Lizzie and Emma. After things went sour the Union moved out of the A.J. Borden Building. Some reported that they did so out of their own accord; others that Lizzie asked them to leave.
All interesting, no less.
Good topic. Hope you enjoy your stay with the forum. Lots to learn here.