“The young ladies have solved the mysteries as to just who sent them their valentines, with a promptness that should strike terror into the heart of the average young man, while most of the young men are decidedly in the dark as to whom they are indebted for their pretty favors” (New Church Life 1882, 47).

Although the New Church does not recognize any saints, St. Valentine’s Day, like Halloween and other secular holidays, has been celebrated in New Church schools and congregations since the latter part of the 19th century.

Chicago, Illinois, 1882:

“Since our last letter we have had a pleasant Church social at the house of Mr. Junge, and the young people’s club has met twice; the last time, on the evening of St. Valentine’s day, at the house of Mr. Smeal . . . The second feature of the evening was the distribution of the valentines, which had been deposited in a box in the hall by the members of the company as they came in, and this feature of the evening, which had been regarded rather skeptically by some, proved quite entertaining and was a success; a strict embargo had been put upon the sending of caricatures, and only one managed to find its way among the lot, but that was a work of art (in its way), and considered by the company to serve the recipient just right.

“The third feature of the evening consisted in discussing large quantities of cake and ice cream, which was apparently done in a satisfactory manner, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in playing games, etc. The young ladies have solved the mysteries as to just who sent them their valentines, with a promptness that should strike terror into the heart of the average young man, while most of the young men are decidedly in the dark as to whom they are indebted for their pretty favors” (New Church Life 1882, 47).

Glenview, Illinois, 1924:

“For the social calendar, February offers two affairs of predetermined character. On St. Valentine’s Day, a dance cotillion was the order of the day, with appropriate decorative effects. A huge white trellis, erected in front of the stage and garlanded with flowers, arched over a flight of steps to the stage. Feeling the lure, an engaged couple wandered up the steps, and paused for a moment in a human valentine” (New Church Life 1924, 252).

Toronto, Canada, 1945:

“The gay feature of this month was the Valentine Party on February 16. The 54 guests arrived in a spirit of fun, and that always makes for a good party. The guests were introduced to each other by means of pictures pinned on their backs, these indicating that each person was one of a famous couple. In order to join the Grand March which followed the reception, it was first necessary to find one’s own identity, and then to locate the obvious partner. Virginia Reels, Treasure Hunts, and Valentine making followed, accompanied by a riotous noise. Later, spontaneous and unrehearsed dramatic portrayals of famous lovers were given.

“These included, among other very touching presentations, Henry VIII and his many wives, Anthony and Cleopatra, Rapunzel with her Prince, and Jack and Jill who brought down the house as well as the pail of water. During rather fantastic square dances, each guest was given a portion of a Valentine, with the information that the person holding the other portion would be his or her supper partner. To the amazement of the refreshment committee, this resulted in a stampede on the unannounced buffet supper, which left the tables as clear as Mother Hubbard’s cupboard” (New Church Life 1945, 185-186).