Columbia Basin Ward Memories - Cindy Bleazard

Columbia Basin Ward Memories
By Cindy Bleazard

I remember Cecil Barrow playing the spoons at ward parties. We really enjoyed it, but not near as much as he did.

I remember lots of Christmas parties, but I especially remember one where Marele Thorne directed a play. Clinton Hunter, Aliesha Woodward, Raquel Woodward, Kamille Thorne, and some others were in it. It was about beating the Christmas blahs. I also remember a “Christmas in Jerusalem” program where the cultural hall was turned into a bazaar with booths offering food, games, etc., helping us feel like we were in Jerusalem.

I remember Bonnie Robison bearing her testimony every year around the 4th of July and also around election day about the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunity and responsibility we have to vote.

I remember several sisters from our ward attending a conference about the Equal Rights Amendment. I think it was in Olympia. Some of them came home changed women—they were shocked by the lifestyles and behavior of many of those attending the conference.

I remember making things for the bazaars.

I remember many years of playing for the ward choir. I loved everyone I worked with but Boyd Mackay will always stick out in my mind. He was very organized and dedicated to having things well rehearsed. He used to say that anyone could be in the ward choir—you couldn’t find a better place to learn to sing parts.

I remember the women who were the leaders when we moved into the ward and what capable and faithful women they were—Necia Gibbons, Kathryn Naef, Gayle Mackay, Mary Bleazard, Julie Mathews, June Bitton, Verna Hope, Lola Herron, June Monson, and others. They were great examples to me. Since my mother died just a couple years after Lynn and I were married, I learned a lot about child-raising from observing these great women, and many others.

I remember teaching many of the young people in the ward to play the piano and how I would watch them grow up, go on missions, get married, and raise their families. I know I got a lot more attached to them than they ever knew. So many wonderful young people.

I remember the chicken moves. I loved chicken moves because it was so fun to work together. The mess and smell became minor annoyances as we got to know each other better and worked together. I remember Al Taylor and Paul Naef would always grab 7 or 8 birds in each hand (you were only supposed to grab 5) and I could never hold them all. I remember no one could ever outwork Kathryn Naef. She was quick and never quit until the job was done.

I remember going to the cannery together and making jam or canning apricots or potatoes. That was also really fun working together.

I remember all the softball games in the summer and how much fun it was to “watch” the game and visit with everyone. I loved to sit with the Basin City folks and drive them crazy.

I’ve had the opportunity over the years of getting to know many ward members by accompanying them when they performed. There is something really special about preparing music for worship together. I treasure those memories.

I remember when Mount St. Helens blew its top. We had noticed the sky was very dark through the windows in the foyer, but didn’t know what had happened until the bishop got a phone call, announced the eruption, and sent us home. That was May 18, 1980.

I know we don’t pay for pews like some churches do, but most of us sit in the same place each Sunday, just like we were assigned. We’ve sat behind the deacons since our boys were deacons.

I remember lots of great youth leaders. Our boys went to scout camp and on long term campouts. Our girls went to girls camp—lots of great character building activities. I remember taking the Young Women to the Portland Temple open house and trying to keep up with Lawrence and Brad on the freeway. We had a great experience, staying in homes of members overnight. I know there were demonstrators on the temple grounds handing out their literature, which was pretty upsetting for the young women.

I remember helping with a roadshow that Lawrence Jenks wrote. He also wrote a play that the Elders Quorum put on that was very funny. It seems like Garvin Smith was a snake in it.

I remember going visiting teaching. Over the years I’ve had a lot of companions, but the early ones really stand out in my mind. I learned so much from them—June Monson, Colleen Ferguson, Jeanne (Allred) Jenkins, Verna Hope. What great examples they were and are.

I remember teaching early morning seminary. It was so early—starting at six o’clock. We loved to play games—I think it was easier to stay awake. I also remember Clinton Hunter with a blue blanket wrapped around him, standing on a table playing the part of the angel Moroni.

I came to the Columbia Basin Ward as a young married woman. We raised our children and ourselves in this ward—surrounded by faithful, strong members. We’ve loved and been loved. We had our testimonies strengthened and our faith deepened here.