In writing the history of our youth organizations, we find that they correlated very closely in structure with the divisions of the Sunday School, particularly as to the difference in the ages of its members. As can be expected, the emphasis of the Sunday School was in religious education, while the youth groups were involved in the maturation processes of youth such as leadership, missions, Christian Fellowship, recreation, and the preparation for the life ahead. With this in mind, the history of our youth organizations will be written separately in Chapters, titled, "Youth Organizations" and "Religious Education", with the latter focusing on the Sunday School.

During the 1920's, when the Christian Endeavor Societies seemed to be experiencing a loss of members. Other youth groups were being formed, and in 1923, there occurred a reorganization of youth activities into "Departments" according to the ages of its members. The following descriptions of their activities were recorded in 193 1 by the Educational Director, Erma Steeves, and are typical of their activities:

Junior Department: This group was formed in 1923 which included the youth from elementary schools, ages 9, 10, and 11. They participated in a Thanksgiving offering for the Social Service league Missionary projects included India, and the American Indians at Elbo woods, N. Dakota. Christmas boxes were sent to them. In 1928, the boys and girls became eligible to join the Junior Choir.

Junior High Department: This group consisted of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students. It correlated with the Christian Endeavor Society, joining with them in many activities. They constructed an Indian Village and held a Minstrel show to raise money for the Boston Seamen's Friend Society.

Young Peoples Department: This group of High School age boys and girls was formed on October 28, 1923, with a membership of 83. It quickly announced its autonomy by electing the following officers: President, Albert Hoffinan; Vice-president, Florence Olson; Treasurer, Efton Stearns; Delegate to Young People's Council in Newton, Florence Olson and Carleton Owen, Councillor. "A Pageant on the Birth of Christ", and Christmas service activities were carried out in December, together with the Christian j Endeavor Society. The elected officers in 1924 were: President, Burton Worth; Vice-President, Margaret Andrews; Secretary, Florence Wheeler and Treasurer, Donald Osborn. It sent four people to summer camp and presented "The Messiah Cometh", under the direction of BurtonWorth. In 1925, the officers were: President, Benjamin Worth; Vice-president, Barbara Patriquin; Secretary, Florence Olson and Treasurer, John Rogers. A Worship Committee was formed to plan Sunday morning worship meetings and a basketball team was organized to participate in the Waltham Church League. Meetings were held with the Christian Endeavor Society to plan activities such as plays, socials, athletics, and prayer meetings. By 1926, the membership had increased to 116! There were no further reports until 1929, when Rev, Charles Reidt conducted classes in such topics as, "The Life of Paul," "The Person I Hope to Become," and "How to Keep America Out of the War." In 1931, a committee was formed to plan a program for activities for one Sunday each month at the City Home on South Street.

High School Department: This group consisting of 61 High School students was formed in September 1926, in order to relieve the crowded membership situation existing in the Young Peoples Department (where there was also a difference in the ages between the oldest and youngest members.) Its first officers were: President, Ronald Burkes; Vice-president Norman Slayton; Secretary, Lois Mansfield and Treasurer, Ruth Kennedy, Its first activity was to put on a play, "The Queen of Hearts," in co-operation with the Christian Endeavor Society. In May, 1927, weekend parties were held at Camp Andover, featuring ping-pong, tennis, baseball, swimming, and dancing. Two visits were made to the City Home where gifts were distributed. At the annual Church Fair, the girls managed a table where jewelry and stationery were sold, earning $20, which was given to the Ladies Benevolent Society. The elected officers in 1928 were: President, Philip Havener; Vice-president, Barbara Baine; Secretary, Marion Slayton and Treasurer, Richard Pontz. It joined with the Christian Endeavor Society to put on a play: "Oh, Didn't It Rain?" In 1930 there was a reunion with the Young Peoples Department for the purpose of worshipping together at the Sunday Morning Worship Services. During the summer, two girls attended the International Camp of Religious Training. In February 1931, the boys were guests of the Golden Rule Brother at a banquet where 150 fathers and sons joined. In April, the supper room was filled with mothers and daughters holding lighted candles, and together, pledging their lives to the high ideals of womanhood. They planned, and conducted a well attended Easter Sunrise Service. A Rally Day was held with all Departments participating, consecrating themselves anew to the work of the Church, with an Installation Service for the officers of the High School and Young People's Department.

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