On March 24, 1987, the Founding Mothers (Elizabeth Brondos, Margaret Grace, Beth Mitchell and Norma Powell) met for the first time to discuss the possibility of forming an organization for the many calligraphers in the Memphis area.

Meetings continued weekly toward the first gathering on Monday, May 11, when approximately 30 people came to the Frazier-Jelke Science Center at Rhodes College. At this meeting it was decided that a Coordinating Council made up of the original four, plus those who had expressed an interest in being officers or committed chairpersons, would continue the planning sessions for the summer meetings, with officers to be elected in September. A By-Laws Committee could work until that time, and charter membership would be open until the end of September.

Also at this meeting, Memphis Calligraphy Guild was chosen as the official name of the group. A logo contest was held, and at the second meeting the logo and newsletter masthead designed by William Womack we’re selected. Bill was given an honorary membership for one year.

In December of that year, the first honorary lifetime membership was awarded to Burton Callicott, who had contributed so much to the art of calligraphy in Memphis for many years. Burton’s certificate was lettered by Bill Womack.