CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

The C.W.L. was reorganized in Saint Mary’s Parish at Indian River, October 24, 1933. Mrs. W. J. McIntyre, who was Diocesan President, had delivered an address to the ladies the Sunday before. Mrs. Parnell Mc- Mahon, who was organizer for Prince County, Mrs. W. B. MacNeill and Mrs. Kane came out from Summerside to organize.

Mrs. James Saunders was appointed chairman and the following officers were elected: Honorary Chaplain. Rev. R. F. MacDonald; President. Mrs. E. G. Gillis; First Vice-President, Mrs. J. A. MacLelIan; Second Vice- President, Mrs. John Murphy; Third Vice-President, Mrs. Albert MacLelIan; Recording Secretary, Miss Anna Coady; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Leslie G. Ramsay; Treasurer, Mrs. Gervase MacLelIan; Councillors, Mrs. Robert Glover, Mrs. Wilfred Gillis, Mrs. James Pendergast.

Sixty-two women joined up as members. They did much work in the Parish, they extended help to any one in need. They worked long and hard in preparation for the Eucharistic Congress which was held at Indian River, 1939. They raised money for their work by having card parties in every home in the Parish. Those proved to be sociable as well as profitable. Money was hard to come by in the thirties but the will to cooperate and work with their neighbours was evident in all members.

During World War Two they packed and shipped overseas many boxes of food, etc. to the boys from Indian River and Kensington. They clothed children for First Communion and helped families to clothe their children to enable them to go to school. The year 1937 saw the members ‘ planning to be hostess to the Diocesan Convention, this was held in the King George Hall, which was filled to the doors. Mayor Charles Cook wel- comed the Delegates to Kensington.

Mrs. Leslie Ramsay was President that year and presided for the in— teresting program which followed. Bishop O’Sullivan attended. Delegates and members attended the Convention Mass next morning at St. Mary‘s Church, Indian River, and business meetings were held in the McMahon House which at that time was owned by the Parish, the C.M.B.A. hall burned down in 1929.

The Kensington members gave the visiting delegates hospitality in their homes and a very successful convention ended (after two day ses- sions) with a card party.

In 1939 Mrs. Leslie G. Ramsay was appointed Provincial President. She attended the National Convention in Winnipeg, also at St. John, NB. in 1940 and Ottawa 1941. In 1940 she was appointed National Convenor of Study Clubs for a two year term. She served several times as President of her own Parish Council.

In 1950 Mrs. James Pendergast was appointed Provincial President, she attended a National Convention in Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax. Mrs. James Saunders also served on the Provincial Executive for two years as War Service Convenor and was also organizer for Prince County in 1940. During her term_of office she and Mrs. Ramsay organized the councils at Summerfield, Grand River and Lot 7.

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