Árdís - 01.01.1954, Page 44

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start a fund—a building fund for our own camp. After some dis-
cussions, Mrs. F. Johnson moved and Mrs. O. Stephenson seconded
that such a fund be started by transferring $50 from the General
Fund and $50 from the Ardis fund. Unanimously carried. There
were no wealthy people at that Convention; most of those present
bore the marks of suffering from the depression which then was
just being lifted; but purses and wallets were quietly opened. The
three ministers present brought forth $5.00 each. Others added to
the fund. Thus our camp fund was started.
At that Convention a site for our camp was suggested—a
beautiful spot owned by Arni Eggertson of Winnipeg just south of
the C.S.S.M.C.. In their enthusiasm the ministers jumped over the
fence to view the grounds and brought back glowing reports. I
might explain here that we did not get an option on buying that
land, much to our disappointment at the time. But later on we
realized what a blessing that was, as all that land was broken up
and washed away by the lake!
As the executive had served for five years it did not accept
nomination at that convention. A new slate of senior officers was
chosen. Mrs. I. Thorvardson was elected president; Miss Lilja
Guttormsson, secretary; and Mrs. Rosa Johannsson, treasurer.
The following winter it was again entrusted to Mrs. Henrickson
and myself to make arrangement for the same camp for another
season. We met twice with their committee which unfortunately
was divided on the feasibility of renting us the camp. Again I take
the liberty of quoting from a letter of Mrs. Henrickson: “Will we
ever forget our harassing experience with the Canadian S.S. Mis-
sion people when we asked for the camp for the fourth season?
You and I walked out of their church after the second meeting in
silence, and having gone some distance without a word, you said:
‘We will just have to build our own camp.’ There were mixed
emotions in your voice and I had such a lump in my throat I could
not answer except with a determined nod of the head.”
However, after that second meeting we received a letter
wherein the committee rescinded their refusal of renting us the
camp, and offered it to us with certain restrictions and conditions
which we felt we could not accept. We sent back a friendly letter,
declining their offer and wishing them well in all future activities.
Even if we felt this must be the parting of the ways, we were