Madonna Circle

In 1936 a group of civic-minded ladies joined together in response to a need in the Memphis community.  They founded the St. Catherine's Junior Club to assis girls from out of town working in the "big city" of Memphis and living in the St. Catherine's Home for Girls.  Gertrude Lovitt (Mrs. Lloyd B., Sr.) served as senior advisor for the club and Mary Louise Saxon (Mrs. David W. Jr.) acted as president.  Just two years later, in 1938, with  a fast growing membership and a desire to respond to additional community needs, a separate group was organized and chose the name, Madonna Circle.

In 1996 the Circle incorporated as a nonprofit organization.  Members wore blue uniforms while doing their works and became know around the Mid-South as the "Ladies in Blue."  As the years passed, the blue uniforms were left behind and membership in the Circle as well as the community needs continued to grow.

Madonna Cifcle now has a membership of approximately 575 Catholic women.  Its focus still remains on fulfilling community needs by providing financial aid to a wide variety of Memphis and Mid-South charities and organization and volunteers for service projects at St. Peter's Manor and the Jubilee Schools.


The Circle has a strong tradition of success in fundraising and since 1976 has sponsored the prestigious Memphis Antique Show and Sale, which in 1993 expanded to become the Memphis Antiques, Garden & Gourmet Show.  The multifaceted show brings to Memphis the finest in antiques, garden and gourmet exhibits and products.  It has enabled us to give approximately $2,600,000 to many local organizations in the last 33 years.