The Women's Association
1935 -1950

In May of 1935, all of the women's organizations which were still active, united to form the Women's Association of the First Congregational Church of Waltham. It's stated purpose was to serve the Church educationally, financially, and socially. It began with 248 active members, divided into nine working groups of varying sizes. The first elected officers were:

President: Mrs. Erwin Shaver
Vice-President: Mrs. Reginal Webster and Mrs. William Meikle
Corresponding Secretary: Miss Rachel Slayton
Recording Secretary: Mrs. William (Janet) Parsons
Treasure/Auditor: Mrs. Paul Johnson

Seven Committees were established. They were:
Membership: Mrs. Ramon Kelly
Program: Mrs. Charles Huntington
Work: Mrs. George Snow
Finance: Mrs. Frederick Harlan (Grace) Page
YearBook and Publicity: Mrs. Alice Lockett
Groups: Mrs. Willis Merriman
Ways and Means: Mrs. Albert Thompson

The officers and Committee Chairmen constituted the Executive Committee which met monthly. It established dues of one dollar a year. All meetings opened with a member leading devotional prayers.

From its first Annual Report, it was apparent that the newly formed association had arranged a busy schedule. The Program Committee offered a summer reading course. Each Group began to study the activities of a "National Peace Plebecite" and a "World Friendship Program", with interest centering on Mexico. Several guest speakers were invited as additional sources of information, and book reviews were selected to show differing points of view. Financial aid was given to the Ways and Means Committee of the Church at Fair Time. Each Group was responsible for setting up a booth or table. Nine Thanksgiving baskets were distributed to the needy. Bandages and surgical dressings were furnished to the Red Cross and the Waltham Hospital. The Waltham Social Service League was the recipient of 150 dressed dolls for Christmas presents.

Janet Parsons, the Recording Secretary, concluded her Annual Report with these words, "The dissolving of the several smaller organizations, for so many years a part of our Church life, meant a sacrifice for many women of the Parish. Members of the various organizations were affected by the change for they had learned to work well together as friends. Nothing less than the welfare of the Church could have won them over to the new plan. We find that valued new friendships are being formed. Older friendships are still ours. A spirit of co-operation is present in the Women's Association, and will be a large factor in its success".

--During-the second year, eight Groups were-organized to conduct five evening and three afternoon meetings. From a financial point of view, two luncheons, two rummage sales, an Italian Supper, a musical, and an afternoon tea were successful. The Annual Fair was called "The Trading Post", and it realized a profit of $625.00. In 1938, the Annual Fair was given the name "The Stop and Shop Fair, "and $455.80 was raised. By 1943, only four Groups were active, and they were kept busy with World War II efforts. All day meetings were common, with sewing for the Red Cross, Waltham Hospital, and the Congregational Missionary Society. Our present children's room on the second floor was provided for the work of the Red Cross nurses and women from other Waltham Churches.

In 1947, for the first time, Annual Reports of all Church organizations, officers, the pastor, and committees were published in booklet form. This change greatly facilitated finding historical information and documents. During this period, there were about 300 members in the Association, making up five groups. On the first Monday of each month, a joint meeting of all Groups was held to hear reports from the Executive Committee. The Annual budget was $1200.00, of which $750 was given to the Church, in the midst of refinancing a large debt. A concern for missions was demonstrated when 825 pounds of clothes was donated to the Church World Services. It displayed a close and friendly relationship with the Golden Rule Brotherhood by preparing six dinners for their monthly meetings.

The Association sponsored two Girl Scout Troops and a Brownie Troop as well as an Intermediate Scout Troop led by Louise Toler. The Brownie Troop was made up of girls between the ages of 7 and 9, and was led by Bernice Hepler. In 1950, the Annual Fair assumed its present title, "Steeplecock" Fair, and the Women's Association put on two cafeteria luncheons, and a supper.

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Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002