Constance Fauntleroy Runcie (January 15, 1836 – May 17, 1911) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and became a gifted musician, writer, educator, and advocate for women’s intellectual and cultural development.

Constance showed exceptional ability from an early age. She composed music at seven, wrote poetry at eleven, and began writing stories at twelve. After her father died when she was fourteen, her mother took her to Europe two years later to continue her education. They lived in Stuttgart, Germany, for five years, where Constance studied music, drawing, and dance. She also developed a strong interest in science and became fluent in several languages.

After returning to New Harmony, Indiana, Constance taught a Sunday school class of 125 students. In 1859, at only 23 years old, she organized the Minerva Society with 13 charter members and the motto, “Wisdom is the Crown of Glory.” It became one of the earliest women’s literary and educational clubs in America.

James Runcie, a young Episcopal clergyman, arrived in New Harmony to establish a church. He and Constance married in 1861. The couple later moved to Madison, Indiana, where they lived for ten years. During that time, Constance organized the Brontë Club, patterned after the Minerva Society.

In 1871, Dr. Runcie was called to Christ Episcopal Church in St. Joseph. Highly regarded in the Episcopal Church, he reportedly had opportunities to become bishop of Indiana or Missouri, but chose to remain in St. Joseph. He died on May 12, 1889.

Following her husband’s death, Constance built a home on the northeast corner of Seventeenth and Faraon Streets. The first floor consisted of one large open room designed for meetings and became the home of The Runcie Club, which she organized in 1894. The club was created to promote science, literature, education, art, and discussion of world events among local women at a time when formal higher education remained largely unavailable to them.

In 1898, The Runcie Club joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and in 1904, Constance was elected an honorary vice president. This national involvement helped establish the club’s place in historical records. Educational programs continued to be held in her home until her death on May 17, 1911.

The Runcie Club remains active in St. Joseph today, continuing the legacy Constance began more than a century ago. Its motto is:

“The World is a Woman’s Book.”