Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
New Circle Formed
In 1950 the Newberry Circle came into existence to honor the memory of Reverend C. E. Newberry who had served the church for so many years. First from October 1908 to August of 1921; then again from September, 1924 to September, 1929 and finally from October, 1933 to January, 1937. This new group was formed to assist the Sunday School as substitute teachers, helping provide equipment and furnishings. Many of these women were the same ones who had originated the Junior Aid and now their children were school age.As an added activity this group began serving at the wedding receptions. Their husbands built the bride's dressing room from the former kitchen. At first they loaned their own silver service for the receptions. (We now have our own.)
The Junior Aid name was changed to Mary Ingle at that time to honor a missionary. This group served refreshments to the choir once a month and breakfast for them between the two Easter services.
Through the years various products have been sold to raise money. Betty Brite scrubbers, vanilla, candy and dolls from India were a few. Betty Crocker coupons, Folger coffee stars and Boyd coffee lids were also saved to make special purchases. Other items collected for recycling were eye glasses and clothing. The clothing was sent to Church World Service for use over the world and also for local agency who needed emergency clothing. In 1955 after several years of discussion it was decided to redraw the names for the Circles every two years. Each Circle selected a new name using the women of the Bible. All the Circles assessed a 35 cent charge for lunch. Metal trays were purchased for each circle to use for serving lunch in the homes. Devotions were uniform as each circle had a devotion chairperson who met with Reverend Helliwell for a preparation hour before each circle meeting.
With the arrival in 1955 of Reverend George and Eleanor Helliwell the women of the church became active beyond the local church. She encouraged participation in the Eastside Council of Church Women and the state level of Congregational Women's Fellowship. At this time the name of the organization was changed to Women's Fellowship to coincide with others in the state. Its purpose was stated: "to cultivate the spirit of Christ beginning within our own lives and reaching out into home and community and the uttermost parts of the earth."
Eleanor helped the women organize the church library, cataloging and covering the books. To encourage reading she started a state competition among Women's Fellowship groups. Sewing also took on a new emphasis under her able leadership. She organized two mornings a month as sewing days. Layettes were produced in great numbers with the diapers hemmed at circle meetings. Some of the older women were organized into the So and So's and they created lap robes, clothing and quilts for many years.
Women's Fellowship Sunday was held for the first time with the service
conducted by Alice Erickson, Helen Schoen, Eleanor Helliwell, Ethel Crowe,
Marion Elgin, Ethel Jovag, Grace Braillard and Ethel DeVere. There was
even of Women's Fellowship chorus in 1957 under the direction of Florence
Gildow accompanied by Ruth Wright. Bill Radcliffe taught a class in religious
painting.
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