Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Bicentennial Quilt Story
A highlight of the activities surrounding the bell was the historic bicentennial quilt made by the women of the church. It was displayed on the wall behind the podium at the bell rededication ceremony. Into an old butter churn loaned by the Thormahiens over 2500 raffle tickets were tumbled. Amy Crowe (daughter of Randy & Linda and granddaughter of Ethel) drew the winning number. Annice Jacobsen of Kirkland was the lucky recipient.The story of the quilt began with the idea of the bell participating in the bicentennial. A major project was needed in order to raise the anticipated $5000 for the bell installation. Through many past generations of women in the church had created quilts. Shirley Lindahl suggested that the women of the church make a quilt depicting historic sites in Kirkland--this would be the key fundraiser for the needed funds.
Some historic buildings were selected, also some buildings still standing. Up to date scenes were included in the 30 blocks that were selected for the quilt. The ideas were drawn into designs suitable for appliqu� sewing by Helen Dahi, Vicky Pittson, Linda Crowe, Larry Lindahl and Shirley Lindahl.
Each block was color coded and appropriate fabric selected and placed in the packet which contained the pattern and instructions. The women selected their blocks and started creating the blocks. Often they added their own touch like tiny flags, tufts of grass for a lawn, French knots to simulate lilacs, top stitching for chimney bricks or cable stitch for a man's sweater. There were buildings, boats and symbols of Kirkland. The women who created the quilt included: Anita Watson, Joan Montgomery, Ramona Williams, Sylvia McConnell, Gale Peterson, Dee Cheney, Jeanne Peterson, Marguerite Johnson, Alice Ulsh, Karen Schumacher, Verna Thormahlen, Bertha Tarry, Shirley Lindahi, Sue Kelly, Dorothy Peck, Holly Reynolds, Chris Bell, Vicky Pittson, Ellen Zigler, Gen Cox, Sandi Dalziel, Ethel Crowe, Katie Hubbell, Sue Jovag Berquist, Linda Crowe, Jeanne Gardiner, Jean Hoodless, Helen Hopkins, Margaret Hjorth, Helen Dahi and Mary Bailey.
Each block bore a title which had been carefully completed in embroidery which was fashioned by Alice Howlett. The blocks were assembled in several group quiltings.
For nearly three months the quilt was displayed at church and in various places of business in Kirkland. Raffle tickets were sold. The sale of these tickets and the block patterns raised over $2500 for the bell project.
A plaque commemorating the re-hanging of the Houghton Bell and a photograph of the bicentennial quilt hangs in the church today. It is a fitting remembrance of the spirit of cooperation and dedication expressed by the members in 1976.
The bell project cost $4600. Surplus funds remaining were given to the
general fund and designated for roof repair costs.
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