ACW branch celebrates golden anniversary
by Sheila Dibblee
St. Andrews Day 2006 was a day of celebration at St. Luke’s Church in Woodstock. It was 50 years before, on Nov. 22, 1956, that a new branch of the W.A. was formed and called St. Luke’s Evening Branch. The golden anniversary meeting took place in the same living room as the first meeting and members celebrated with lunch and a generous helping of memories.
The day began with a service of Holy Communion in the church with Archbishop Harold Nutter as guest speaker. Archdeacon Walter Williams, the rector, and the Rev. Terence Chandra, the assistant curate, presided.
Six of the original W.A. members were present: Edith Nutter (the first president), Patricia Wetmore, Irene Briggs, Adeline Dunbar, Shirley McLean and Sheila Dibblee. The minutes of the first meeting were read, bringing back many happy memories, some long forgotten names and inspiring lots of laughter.
Over the years the Evening Branch became the Afternoon Branch and the W. A. became the ACW. The bales we packed for students in the residential schools were discontinued and became part of a long, sad story, but the interest and enthusiasm of the group remains and the branch is active. The Woodstock women continue to meet monthly to praise God and support the work of the Anglican Church in the parish, in the diocese and throughout the world.
This was a happy reunion full of memories, good friends and plans for many more years of service in the ACW in Woodstock.
