Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Federation Formed
Three separate women's groups trying to function in the same capacity was very cumbersome. On January 15, 1943 a committee met at the home of Ida Gates to form a "central committee." After formulating an organization acceptable to all three groups the Women's Federation was formed. (Later to become Women's Fellowship) Each circle continued to meet separately, but once a month the Federation would meet as a whole and an executive board governed. Madeline Blish, wife of the minister, was the first president. Committees set up were: program, devotions, ways and means, membership, calling, finance, housekeeping, courtesy and a service men's committee.One of the first actions of the Federation was to write congressman "to urge the blockade be lifted and relief ships sent to help feed the starving children of Europe."
Relief packages of clothing were sent overseas. Locally food and clothing were collected to be given to the needy in the community.
In 1944 the Federation sponsored the first World Day of Prayer and invited all the other Kirkland churches to participate. Many women belonged to the Women's Federation who were not members of the Congregational Church just as it had been since the early days. It was still one of the largest women's organization in Kirkland. A Christmas tradition that was to last over 20 years began in 1944 when the Kirkland Women's Club and the Women's Federation held a joint Christmas Tea. In the earlier years the Lake Washington branch of the American Association of University Women was also included. This afternoon tea and special music alternated between the two sites. Decorations and refreshments were provided by the host group.
Dishes were purchased in 1948 and silverware in 1950. We are still using them today. (Occasionally we have replaced "missing silverware" and added some other items to be used in preparing and serving food.
Mary Martha group put on a "Tom Brenneman Breakfast" at the Civic Center in downtown Kirkland. (The Center later was destroyed by fire. The Library is now on the approximate site.) It was a simulation of the popular radio program heard at this time. The women prepared a bountiful midmorning breakfast. Rhoda Barrie cooked a 100 pound sack of potatoes a day ahead that would be used for hash browned potatoes. There were prizes and entertainment. The profit from the second year of this event was used to purchase a new stove, sink and hot water heater for the church building.
Women's Federation also paid half the cost of a new public address system for the church and the newly formed Kerchief and Kalico Club (a square dance group) paid the balance.
In 1949 the Federation meetings were held in the Women's Club until the
remodeling which provided the basement (Fellowship Hall) was completed.
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