Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Pilgrim Firs Constructed
In the spring of 1956, many men from the church, including Reverend Helliwell, traveled to our Camp at Pilgrim First for work parties. The conference had been given 125 acres of wooded land six miles south of Port Orchard to use for a campground. It was received with great enthusiasm as the only other site owned was in northern Idaho on Lake Coeur d'Alene--N-Sid-Sen. Within a year over 2500 man days of volunteer labor had produced an outstanding conference site.
All of the buildings were of precut cedar logs. The lodge overlooking the lake contained a chapel, dining-auditorium area, and several meeting rooms. The attractive large fireplace in the lodge and one in the caretaker's home were the donated handiwork of our member, Nels Rasmussen, masonry contractor. Women's Fellowship seamstresses produced curtains for the cabins as their contribution. The camp was dedicated on July 29, 1956. Many members of all ages from this church have participated in activities and camping at this site over the years.
During the '50's several long time members of the church died. Names that some of the current members may remember were David Burr, Clayton Shinstrom, Alvin Curtis, Ralph Coman and Ollis Patty. Carrie Shumway was 98 when she died. She was buried in the Kirkland Cemetery in her family plot; Rosa French who had been a member off the church for 62 years also died. "Mr. Congregational Church" John Nelson (Enid Johnston's father) was still active in mind and body when he died just before his 99th birthday. He had not only contributed to the physical building of the church but had participated in the spiritual life and served as Deacon Emeritus for many years.
As the national church merger came closer to reality, Reverend Phillip Eisenhauer of Lake Hills Evangelical and Reform (E&R) Church was invited to speak at a potluck supper to clarify questions on his denomination.
The Christmas service included the adult and children's choir on December 22, 1956 with the Sunday School pageant given that evening. The Christmas Eve candlelight service on Christmas Eve featured the Pilgrim Fellowship Rhythm Choir led by Sue Helliwell.
The budget included $5000 for a Director of Christian education but after searching it was determined that there were no suitable candidate for that salary. Reverend Helliwell then asked if this church might share such a person with another church for that salary. In the meantime, the Board of Christian Education consisted of Rena Jensen, Pearl Mary Clark, Mertice Johnson, Verna Thormahien, Lucille Aidridge and Emily Champneys.
In January of 1957, a coffee hour after church services honored Ruth Tyler who had resigned as church secretary as she was moving to a retirement apartment at Wesley Gardens in Seattle.
Collections were very good this year as the collections were 90% up to date and the year's benevolences were also current. This included $3000 for church extension in the state. The minister was allowed $300 for car expenses and conference dues were 45 cents per member.
George Schoen suggested adding to our fellowship by having a series of social events. He was instantly appointed the chair to organize a Valentine party and box social. Maundy Thursday was observed with the traditional service of Tennebrae with the extinguishing of the candles and everyone quietly leaving the church in darkness. A sunrise service was held that year in addition to the two regular services.
The annual meeting of 1958 began with the traditional dinner but included attending the worship service put on by 30 members of Pilgrim Fellowship. Ed & Margaret Hjorth (Kennedy) were the advisors of this enthusiastic group. The young people had charge of arranging the church services during Reverend Helliwell's vacation. They held a car wash to raise money to purchase additional chimes for the organ.
Gene & Betty Martinson were advisors for the Junior High Pilgrim Fellowship. By coincidence, they had been teenagers in the same type of group in Minneapolis. And Reverend Helliwell was their minister there.
Byron Baggaley, mayor of Kirkland and a church trustee, reported that the only debt of the church was the parsonage mortgage.
The minister's annual report reflected an overworked pastor. The field for
professional service in this church is larger than is possible for one man to cover.
The effectiveness of our work would be increased with additional professional
ministry. (It had been promised in the first discussion Reverend Helliwell had with
the church in 1955.)
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