Fonds AFC270 - Women's Christian Association fonds

The Women’s Christian Association, also referred to as the WCA, was a charitable organization based in London, Ontario, that was dedicated to “the care of the poor, and the sick”. Established in 1874 by a group of philanthropic women in their own homes, the organization was officially incorporated on March 15, 1875, by Judge Wm. Elliot. The nine women who are credited as the founding members of the WCA include: Mrs. W. Gregsten, president; Mrs. J. J. Lancaster, 1st vice president; Mrs. Ingram, 2nd vice president; Mrs. Newcomb, secretary; Mrs. George Webster, treasurer; Mrs. Dora War; Mrs. Charlotte Smiley, Mrs. Annie Parker, Mrs. J. H. Flock; and Mrs. Glass.

The WCA formed several different committees that were responsible for different aspects of community engagement. These committees included the Refuge Committee, Investigating Committee, and Devotional Committee (for providing religious services). The Hospital Visiting Committee is assumed to have been established in 1875 at the opening of Victoria Hospital in the same year. There was also a Jail Visiting Committee that dedicated time to visiting imprisoned women. Supply, Work, and Relief Committees were also established to support each other, patients in the hospital, their own Refuge home, and the wider community by sewing, knitting, and quilting clothing and blankets, as well as sourcing food and coal. Financing of the WCA and their activities came from memberships fees, donations, grants, and various fundraising endeavors. Doctors who provided services for those under the care of the WCA often donated their time instead of charging for services.

The WCA is known for having founded several care institutions in London, Ontario. These include: the Women’s Refuge and Infant’s Home (1876-1916); the Aged People’s Home (1886-1928); McCormick Home (1928-present); Victoria Home (1894-1920); and Parkwood Hospital (1920-present).

As a result of housing “indigent residents” at the Aged People’s Home, McCormick Home, and Victoria Home, the WCA also felt responsible for the burial of these residents. The WCA was granted a plot at Mount Pleasant Cemetery early in their history and secured a second plot in 1925.

Governance of Parkwood Hospital was transferred from the WCA to St. Joseph’s Health Centre of London in 1997. McCormick Home continued to be operated by the Women’s Christian Association, and a new location for the home was built between 2004-2006. In 2016, the Women’s Christian Association partnered with McCormick Home and Alzheimer Outreach Services, and rebranded as the McCormick Care Group.