On 7 April 1913, a meeting was held at Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, for the purpose of organizing a Women's Institute. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. H. McMillan and was surpervised by Mrs A. E. Dunbrack, who was sent by the Department of Agriculture to assist with the process. Thirty people from Cornwall, York Point and the surrounding area attended the meeting. The decision was made to form two Women's Institutes: one comprising York Point and Cornwall Districts, and the other Meadowbank.

The first meeting of the Meadowbank Women's Institute was held at the school in Meadowbank, Prince Edward Island, on 3 May 1913. The Executive Officers elected at the meeting were Mrs. Wm. Crosby (President), Mrs. Charles McLean (Vice President), and Mrs. M.E. Roper (Secretary). Meetings were organized on a monthly basis, initially at the school house and then in later years at the homes of members. Activities at the meetings included planning events, reading correspondence, and visits by guest speakers. Members also gave presentations on various topics including cookery, health, homemaking, millinery and gardening.

The Meadowbank Women's Institute was extremely active in its support of charitable causes. At a local level, its work was focused on improving the Meadowbank school house and supporting the educational development of the students. Over the years, it assisted with renovations and improvements to the building, including new flooring and improved sanitary facilities. It also supplied the school with new equipment and financed musical instruction for the students. In addition to its work in the local community, the Institute also raised money in support of a wide range of charitable organizations, including the Red Cross, the TB League, the Cancer Fund, the Halifax Relief Fund, and the Prince Edward Island Protestant Orphanage.