St. JAMES’ YOUNG PEOPLES’ ASSOCIATION

Earliest records of this group are in the form of minutes for the years 1921—1926. At this time the association was well-organized and very active. Some of the many pursuits included lectures, debates, plays, concerts, ice cream socials, sports, games, contests, goose and chicken suppers, decorating the church for special occasions, and conducting of church services. A typical outline of the associations’ activities is that of early 1922:

January 10 - business

January 24 — sleigh party

February 14 - valentine party and games

February 28 — pancakes and program

March 14 - debate

March 28 - lecture

April 11 - church service for Y.P.A.

The group met every two weeks, with King George Hall being the usual location. Fifty cents per evening was required to cover the cost of heating and lighting the building. Close to thirty names were on the membership list, and annual dues were twenty-five cents. Monies realized from various projects were contributed for the improvement of the hall, church, rectory, and the rectory barn. One of the larger undertakings was the installation of a lighting system in both the church and the rectory.

Minutes of the November 9, 1923 meeting, recorded by secretary Ruby Dennis, are included here as a sample activity of the association:

The Y.P.A. held a Chicken Supper in King George Hall on Nov. 9. 28 were present, and each paid the sum of fifty cts. to include supper and fee for the year. Games and music were much enjoyed by all. Proceeds of the evening amounted

to $15.25.

The young people of St. James’ have remained active over the years. Today, under the new name of St. James’ Youth Group, the members carry on with the original motto of "worship, work, fellowship, and edification". Meetings are held weekly in the Parish Memorial

Centre.

36