Verna Hope talk

We thank Terrill Hope for sending us his mother's talk and a poem she wrote.

March 19, 1992

As I pondered the things to say this evening, I couldn’t help going back 37 years ago tomorrow. A little caravan of cars, truck and pickup pulled on the barren piece of land that was to be our home. A small little building had been built while we were living in Moses Lake. It was brought down on the back of a truck – along with the large power pole and an outhouse was all we had for a house. This WAS HOME! ! ! ! !

Then came the contractor with his little camper trailer, and parked it by the power pole. March 21st, 1955, our home was begun.

Soon other little sheds, tents, trailers began dotting the landscape. I believe we can all agree – it wasn’t real easy. No trees, no water, hot, dry dusty winds and lots of it. It did not destroy our enthusiasm, for we were the pioneers of our day. Hauling water form the community wells gave us the time we needed to get acquainted with our neighbors. We hauled water for many long months before the water lines were laid and the wells dug.

Then in July of the same year, the Stake Presidency called us on a Sunday morning, to see if they could meet in our home that day and organize a Branch of the Church. Our home wasn’t even finished, because you see, I had a new baby #5. But we hurried and tidied up the house as best we could and were so excited to have the honor our little home for such a wonderful purpose.

President was made Branch President. Shortly after, I was called as the Relief Society President. We were busy mothers and busy Relief Society sisters. As nearly as I can recall, there were about a dozen of us at first. New people kept moving in and we welcomed more members into our little Branch.

We met in the homes of the sisters and many memories are with me of the experiences we shared. Our Stake Center was in Richland, once a month. President Bleazard would try to have me pick up any welfare orders that needed to be brought back at the same time. We felt so fortunate to have a ferry across the river at the end of Selph Landing Road, which truly helped in our travel.

Much was accomplished in those first years. The Relief Society Sisters were in the middle of it. Those who were able, worked in the fields. Those who were expecting or for some reason couldn’t go in the fields, would fix meals for the working crews, when we had Branch work days. Then there were the fund-raising dinners, bazaars, food booths, and the helping hand when someone had a special problem. Everyone pitched in to help.

I recall how President Bleazard would tell me to watch for signs of families needing help. I was the Branch Chorister, and sat at the front of the building. We had little benches where the little ones sat. I remember watching little feet with ragged shoes on or no shoes at all. I would tell President Bleazard. His instructions were to go as soon as possible and check on them.

One time I delivered an order to a family – the mother wrapped her arms around me, and through her tears, told me she was so thankful. She didn’t know what she was going to do. They had been living on her home-canned tomatoes and beans and she was about out of them.

One morning after a bad windstorm, I received a call from President Bleazard saying the roof had blown off Doyle Mathews’ home. (It is now the store.) Could I get a meal arranged for a crew of men that would be helping put the roof back on that building? Immediately, we put aside the affairs of the day, and began organizing a lunch. It was a cold day and it wasn’t long until a large pot of chili was bubbling on the stove. The phone brought sisters from all the Branch, bringing in food. We had plenty to feed the working crew that day. Everyone was so willing to come to each other’s assistance. What a blessing.

Six years passed swiftly by and my time as Relief Society President came to an end. Those were busy, happy, years as well for me. The blessings came to me and my family as we served. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity and privilege of serving as the first Relief Society President of this ward in its beginning.

I leave these thoughts with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


Verna Hope poem

I’d like you to join and reminisce with me.
Let’s go back and review our Ward history.

In 1955 on a hot day in July
In the Hopes’ living room we vowed we would try –
To give our support to the humble man who
Had been called as the leader of this Branch that was new.

Yes, Bishop Bleazard answered the call and has faithfully led
Through the smiles and the sunshine and tears that’s been shed.
Brothers Rigby and Barrow, the Counselors, were there
To assist President Bleazard and the Branch problems share.

For a time Owen Loftus served as Ward Clerk
Then Arlin Wilson was called to this work.
One night to a Bishop’s meeting went these men.
‘Twas early spring and the hay was scarce then.
Cecil Barrow complained that his horses needed food.
Arlin says, “I can tell you what to do with that steed.
I’d slaughter that animal and he’d be my summer’s meat.
Don’t you think that critter would be quite a treat?”

Cec’s eyes grew big, “Do you mean it,” says he;
“Horse meat steak doesn’t sound good to me.”
Poor Cec couldn’t see any humor just then.
But it’s brought many a chuckle to that group of men.

Well, our prayers have been answered many times, that we know,
For our members increased and the Branch, it did grow.
In the Rigby’s basement there was room for all
But it wasn’t too long ‘till we pushed out the walls.

Then ‘twas time to transfer to the Eltopia School Gym
Where we met and worshiped and sang many a hymn.

Now let’s pause just a moment and go back once more
To 10 below zero weather when we stepped out the door.
A Branch family night meeting was due in the Bleazard home that night,
For we gathered often to plan Branch functions, which was a delight.
But President Bleazard had ordered a large herd of cows.
The cows arrived late with many problems, as cold weather allows.
They were fussing and mooing, for they needed care that night.
But what could Grant do? The milkers were frozen up tight.

So all the Branch Brethren ran home for coveralls and a pail
To help milk Old Betsy’s and take care of details.
Our meeting was cancelled, but experiences such as this
Have made friendships grow which I’m glad I didn’t miss.
For Bishop and Gordon, those cows were a test
To ____________ to Sunday Bishop Meeting the cows
____________________________
To the Bishop and other leaders, no task was too great
For the Lord’s work was done and their own work could wait.

Now another silent helper who’s been wonderful I’d say
Was the Bishop’s wife Mary, who deserves credit today.No work was too hard; she would carry the load
She’d finish the work and keep up their abode –
While Bishop was gone, his meetings to attend
She’d carry on her duties and no one offend.

The first summer here was a struggle for all
And Mary and Lola heard chokecherries on the river were ripe that fall.
Not knowing for sure what the berries were, but they agreed
To gather and bottle for long winter’s need.
So with children and buckets they labored ‘till night,
When they returned with full buckets and filled with delight,
But what to their disappointment they found with dismay
The wild rose bush buds they had gathered that day.
Yes, there’s humor and pathos, happiness and care
Of which I am sure the leaders all had their share.

Now back to the school gym and a fun social, too,
When Bill Rigby entered a relay race, Joyce’s face almost went blue,
For putting on foundation garments, Bill’s tickniaw
He wriggled and squirmed and the crowd squealed with delight.

Now on with our Ward, the accomplishments made,
To our leaders a debt of gratitude paid.
Our need was great for our own place to meet
So we purchased the farm, which was a great feat.

Then the Bishopric presented this house in a plan
To be moved here and used, then build a chapel as soon as we can.
Some said it was a project too big to bear
But Bishop still said we could if we’d stand back of him there.
Another great project with carpenter’s tools,
To make the place ready for Sacrament meetings and Sunday Schools.

Then on July 19, 1959, the Stake Presidency came
And announced us a ward; then who could complain.
We were all mighty proud to be Columbia Basin Ward
What a progress four years had been, even though sometimes hard.

Now Gordon Mathews was Ward Clerk at this time.
Boyd Mackay for years as Finance Clerk had done fine.

Now, Boyd’s quite a cut-up as maybe you know
Especially if you saw the Cinderella show.
Boyd was one of the sisters but in the capers his bussel did slip
And he wound up by having a bussel on his hip.

Wayne Eppich a remarkable job as Finance Chairman,
A good job well done, to lose him made us sad.

On a camp trip to the hills on a midsummer day
Went a group of our members on an overnight stay.
Next morning the ladies were busy with the meal.
Time for a shave Wayne Eppich decided he’d steal.
Well, the pressurized can of shave cream was his goal
But to get it out of the can he had to make a new hole.
Well, to make this thing brief, he punctured the can,
And away went shave cream all over the camp.
The bacon and eggs had a fluffy shave cream top.
And Wayne was a snowman right on the spot.

Well, Bob Perkes replaced Wayne as Finance Chairman then,
Assuming his duties as leader of the laboring men.

George Withers replaced Boyd as Ward Finance Clerk.
He’s continuing on; his duties he will not shirk.
Then last but not least in his quiet, busy way
Reed Gibbons served well in the Bishopric we’d say.

On a trip to Grand Coulee with Reed’s folks and wife,
A short trip to take in and enjoy life,
After a busy day and quieted down in the middle of the night
Reed awoke with a start, thought it morning and the fishing just right.
He tiptoed from his bed, took the keys and went to the car.
But he really didn’t plan to go very far.
His dad heard the motor and yelled, “Stop that man,
He’s stealing our car; we must stop him if we can.”
Little did he realize it was his own son
Out for an early morning fishing trip just for fun.

So here we are up to the present time
With a new Bishopric whom we know will do fine.
But again may we say from the fullest of heart
Brethren and your wives, you’ve served well,
Since Columbia Basin Ward got its start.