WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Saturday saw the gathering of the Zion Line Women’s Institute (WI) Branch members, family and other attendees to celebrate their 100 year anniversary at the Christian Education Centre in Cobden.
Currently, there are members and all were in attendance. President Ruth Douma delivered a welcome and greetings to guests, while Sheila Broome delivered a history on the WI. Attendees helped themselves to a buffet of food and drinks, which they consumed throughout the event.
“If he [God] can forgive, I hope you can forgive too,” said Audrey after cutting the cake. Audrey’s speech moved the room, as she has been a member of the WI since the 1940’s.
Reeve Cathy Regier from the Township of Whitewater Region and Renfrew County Council was also in attendance.
Mrs. Sandy McLean of Beachburg met with women of the Zion Line area to discuss forming a local WI Branch in the Zion Line school on July 7, 1919.
At this time, an executive was chosen and the first meeting was held on August 1, 1919 with 24 members.
The first WI in the world was organized on September 19, 1897 in Stoney Creek, Ontario. WI Branches can also be found in England, Brunei Darussalam, Kwazulu-Natal, Nothern Ireland, Pahung, Sarawak, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, and Wales.
