OREGON—Members of the Portland and Seattle Spokesman Club hosted their gala event on July 30 at the historic Benson Hotel in Portland, a venue that has served United States presidents for decades. The gala included 70 attendees, including Regional Director Brian Davis and Preaching Elder Gareth Fraser, on his last night in the northwest before relocating to headquarters in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Oregon single Sarah Kimes said, “I was not expecting so much elegance in the venue. I appreciated the unique poster-board presentations in the meeting room lobby about the past, present and future Club graduates.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Fraser noted that the day marked the 100-year wedding anniversary of Herbert and Loma Armstrong. Club president Brian Young opened the meeting by speaking about the opportunities that Spokesman Club provides.

Washington member Daniel Ladenburg said, “This was the most elegant and exciting event—knowing it was the Armstrongs’ 100th wedding anniversary made it even more inspiring.”

Topicsmaster Ole Schow led a topics discussion that included favored activities unique to the northwest and happy memories during the stay of the Fraser family. Toastmaster Brian Hallett introduced five speakers under the theme of “elegance.”

Dan Young spoke about smartphones being a huge new tool for the Work. Bob Kaus spoke about how severe trials can lead to miracles. Ken Fehr gave a humorous speech explaining the differences between the Amish and the Mennonites. Matt Young gave an informative speech about the patriotism of the family of John Quincy Adams. Ed Anderson told the story of how Mr. Armstrong’s prayer rock was located and retrieved by using the Autobiography as a reference.

Local Church Elder Darren Verbout awarded certificates to club graduates Gary Lawler, Kai Kimes, James A. Lowry and Bill McDougald. In Kimes’s acceptance speech, he quoted Singleminded for God, telling the audience that “we’re not to be concerned about failure, here in Club” and “success can be built on a string of failures.” Director Brian Davis connected his closing lecture with Mr. Fraser’s opening remarks by talking about men and women being complementary partners with governmental roles to fulfill.

Oregon member Maria McMackin said, “I enjoyed the elegance of the Club members and of the ladies.”

Washington member Hilary Young said, “This was truly a royal event! We were served like royalty.”