The 138th Waite reunion was held Aug. 3 at Point Gratiot on the beautiful Lake Erie shores.

President Helen Burlett called the meeting to order and welcomed all to the reunion. Bonnie Kemp gave the blessing for the luncheon as well as a memorial for Beverly Jean Widgay of Florida who passed away at age 90 on Aug. 18, 2018. Mrs. Widgay was Shelia Wassink and Bonnie Kemp’s mother.

The business part of the meeting continued with the Treasurer/Secretary, Shelia Wassink’s written report of the accounts and expenditures for the year, as she was unable to attend this year’s reunion. Paul Johnson of Jamestown shared highlights of his recent two week trip to Jordan and Israel. Paul Johnson took charge of a project to add to Stephen E. Waite’s tomb, information on his wife, Jemima Babcock Waite in South Napoli, NY. Paul noted Jemima Babcock’s a direct descendant of Mayflower Richard Warren. He was the 12th signer of the Mayflower compact, as well as part of the exploration of Cape Cod with Myles Standish and nine other members of the Mayflower. Paul was thanked for his time pursuing this project.

It is hoped to celebrate 140th reunion at Napoli cemetery with the new marker for Jemima in place. Meeting was adjourned until Aug. 2, 2020 at Point Gratiot with a noon meeting time.