A Bit of Week of Missions History

We recently came across this account of the beginnings to Week of Missions. It is posted here to preserve and enjoy it.

- THE BEGINNINGS -

WINEMA WEEK OF MISSIONSWinema Week of Missions has its roots in a family camp, which was conducted at Camp Winema in the summer of 1949. Among those moved by the spirit in this camp were Aldis Webb,minister of the First Christian Church in Tillamook, Bill Morse, Frank Cunningham, Howard Hutchins, and Elery Parrish.The first full-scale Week of Missions was held August 14-19, 1950. Willie White, minister of the Fairmount Church of Christ in Eugene, Oregon, was Camp Director, and David and Rozelle Henry were Business Managers. This first camp included 147 paid registrations, and more than 200 people in attendance. Thirteen missionaries were present, representing 7 mission fields. Thirty ministers were registered, and there were representatives from 41 churches.Adult registration was $2.00 (which included insurance), and the price of all meals was $10.00 per person (!).Missionaries who participated in the program were Gladys Schwake, Tibet; Mrs. Franklin Smith, Alaska; Dolly Chitwood and Leah Moshier, India; Ella Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; Arnold Karnen, Boise Children’s Home; M/M Julius Fleenor, recruits to Japan; and M/M Hugh Kafton, recruits to Tibet. Harry Schaefer, India, was the chapel speaker and James Earl Ladd I was the Bible lecturer.The morning schedule included devotions, Bible study, missionary classes, and chapel. Afternoons were free for rest, recreation, and visiting. Sunset devotions were led by missionaries or missionary recruits. Various missionaries spoke for the evening service, and the day was closed with a bonfire service.Memories of this first Week of Missions include sitting on logs overlooking the beach for morning and evening devotions, eating meals in the remodeled “stable,” services held in the outdoor chapel when weather permitted, and sitting on the 6 inch benches attached to the tables in the dining hall when it was necessary to move inside. Registration fees and offerings enabled us to pay all bills and have in excess of $300.00 on hand to contribute toward the 1951 camp expenses.The second Week of Missions, held August 13-18, 1951, saw 314 paid registrations; more than double the first year registration total. Seven states were represented by those in attendance, and 36 ministers were present.Among participating missionaries were John Chase, Korea; Ellis Back, Tibet; Mel Byers, Burma-Tibet; Gilbert Cays, Canada; Dorothy Herring, Kiamichis; Jane Kinnett, Japan; Paul Magnuson, American Indians; Ella and Edna Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; Glen Johnson and Mrs. Franklin Smith, Alaska. Bible studies were led by Bill Jessup.On Friday evening a missionary offering of $802.38 was received and divided among the participating missionaries. At the suggestion of Brother Aldis Webb, an offering was taken to apply toward the expense of installing the chapel bell, which had been donated by the Christian Church in Beaverton. This offering amounted to $25.60.The third Week of Missions, August 11-16, 1952, saw a decline in attendance. There were 160 paid registrations, and an attendance of approximately 300. Twenty missionaries and recruits were guests, and 40 churches were represented.Missionaries participating in the 1952 camp included Rodney Northrup, Mexico; Neilan Dodson, Canada; Edna Hunt, India; Mary Craig, CWBA; Mel Byers, Burma; Arnold Kernen, Boise Children’s Home; Edna and Ella Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; M/M David Reese, Tibet; and Lloyd Pickering, recruit to India. C. H. Phillips, president of Puget Sound College of the Bible, was the Bible lecturer and John Chase was chapel speaker. An offering of $623.00 was divided among missionary participants.It was during the 1952 camp, on August 12th, that the uncompleted dining hall was totally destroyed by fire. The building was valued at more than $10,000.00 and was not covered by insurance. There was also a large loss in equipment, food items, and personal effects of the kitchen staff. Immediately following the fire a prayer service was held, and an offering was received to reimburse those who had suffered personal loss. Offers were made of labor, money, and supplies to begin an immediate rebuilding program.Willie White served as Camp Director from 1950 through 1952. J. Frank Cunningham directed the camp in 1953. The Winema Week of Missions has been conducted annually since 1950 and experienced phenomenal growth. The blessing of the Lord has been abundantly manifest.-- Prepared by Willie W. White, June 27, 1984 --