Borden and her older sister, Emma Lenora Borden (1851–1927) had a relatively religious upbringing and attended Central Congregational Church. As a young woman she was very involved in church activities, including teaching Sunday school to children of recent immigrants to the United States. She was involved in Christian organizations such as the Christian Endeavor Society, for which she served as secretary-treasurer, and contemporary social movements such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). She was also a member of the Ladies' Fruit and Flower Mission.