The 17-year anniversary paper by a charter member, 1911.
Paper by Carrie K. Pike
Sept. 14, 1911
I read recently that “There are few present day Isaiahs: Nowadays when the Lord asks, ”Whom shall I send?” men do not say, “Here am I - send me” - they send their wives and when I realized that this part (?) was on the program, I commenced to cast about after the fashion of these men, for a reasonable excuse to have our most worthy Vice (President?) - to whom it is always such a pleasure to listen but I failed to find one plausible enough to justify the audacity of the request; so can only beg your clemency and proceed.
This summer I have been thinking much of the past seventeen years in Fortnightly - of its membership and all it has meant in their lives; of all for which it has stood and accomplished both outside and within its compass; of the high ideals by which it has been controlled; and ever has returned the conviction that it is a club which is well-nigh perfect. In years past others have looked upon us with a suggestion of criticism in the nod or shake of their heads - in feeling we were too self-centered, and self-satisfied. But I have always thought the accusation an unjust one. While it is true that in some ways we have differed from other clubs - at the same time - it is a true saying “The end justifies the means,” provided the means are honorable, and in accomplishing results of a high order, have we not been successful?
A short time ago I visited a Lake which is not more than half a mile wide in any direction, but was told that it is very deep, the bottom having not been sounded in some places. I thought of our Lake Washington with its large surface of which the same is said; and while some clubs may likewise extend over a larger surface than others, the smaller may be just as deep.
Our club colors: pink and green- are beautiful and harmonious together, each enhancing the other, because they each retain their individual hue: in the same manner our membership, made of a variety of dispositions and characters, was blended into a harmonious whole in like proportion as each keeps true to her own self. This has been manifested in different ways in the history of our club.
First in loyalty: since one has said, “If I put to the pinch, one ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness,” and our own experience will bear out the truthfulness of this saying. Differences of opinion must necessarily be, and problems arise, but they can be met pleasantly, as has been our custom, and are all sound views of each matter under consideration or discussion obtained.
At the same time loyal support be given if the majority decision is against one or more individual views. Praise and commendation has always superseded fault-finding and criticism - so much so that “neutral administrative society” has come to have a very familiar sound, while the attempt for a brief time to have a critic at each regular meeting, failed, because it savored of unkindness. There in promptness and regularity in attendance at the meetings of the club, and in a conscientious performance of all club work - we have ranked high (A Neksika Lady).
In enthusiasm, we have always shown a generous and wholesome quality and Edward Bulwer [a 19th century playwright, poet, novelist] says, “Enthusiasm is the genius of sincerity and truth has accomplished no victories without it.” And this from the Y.W.C.A. calendar, “Blessed are the men and women of fine enthusiasm. They are as a fresh breeze on a summer day, and while sometimes they blow a little too harsh, they keep us thereby from stagnation and pessimism and inertia the while we are holding our hats and wondering how long it [will} last.”
For the coming year we surely have a very strong incentive for even greater enthusiasm in the splendid program which has been arranged and set before us in our new year books, by our committee. Our motto - we’ll work with patience which is almost power - indicates the spirit with which we have worked, each doing her best according to one writer that is success - for he says, “Success is not so much a matter of talent or opportunity as concentration and perseverance.”
This success witnesses the close and opening of our club year in the shadow of the deep sorrow which has come to the homes of two of our members and as in the past, sickness and sorrow in our midst, have developed bonds of love and sympathy ……unknown, so these last hours and days of sadness and sympathetic sorrow together have been as a cement to closely bind us to the others. One of the choicest treasures of our club life is this sweet spirit - of sisterliness (if I may be permitted that term), which is constantly growing dearer with the vicissitudes of the passing days and years. (Memorial Day)
President Burton in his inaugural address at Smith College said, “To relate each person to himself - to others, to the universal, and to God, to rob him of all isolation which is selfishness; to make him truly social which is goodness - this is life’s noblest work.” and as I read these words Fortnightly stood before me for [it] seemed they so well bespoke the ideals for which she exists. Thus far we have been looking at the club in its individual make up - but after all is that not the whole?
But there are a few matters to which we are related as a whole and first - I mention the City Federation heretofore this relationship has been I believe mutually helpful and this year with delegates who are familiar with the work we shall I trust maintain this relationship.
Then in our relation to Nesika - whether it be in simple but heartfelt hospitality, or in more elaborate and financial affairs - though just as sincere - may the happy bravado of friendship as expressed in our meetings together continue many years.
With all these assets in our favor what more can we ask, except for the fact that great good is constantly seeking something better. And so as we acted at the threshold of this new year of club life let us enter with even stronger purpose than ever before to be loyal, prompt, regular, conscientious, enthusiastic, sympathetic, and affectionate.
Let us do the part we take in Federation affairs heartily; and endeavor to do the business of the club as expeditiously as possible whether it be through the executive board or in regular session; know and live up to the Constitution.
With these resolves, the entering upon a new year’s work will not mean a mere marking of time just at the beginning of another year over again - but a year of new inspirations and new growth, a broader and larger life. If I may be granted just a word personally, it is to request your leniency with the blunders I shall make. Were it not for the many kind assurances of help and support which I have received, it would be with great trepidation that I take up these new duties, but backed by your kind spirit of support, I shall try diligently to do my part and may God guide and bless us all in our individual and combined effort.
Carrie K. Pike