Members of the Dorcas Group of Grace Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship were the pioneers of the Christmas Cake baking project. In 1961 they were looking for a profitable project in which many women could participate.
Several worthy ideas were put before the group, and they decided to make “a good old-fashioned Christmas Cake”. The next goal was to find a never-fail recipe that everyone liked. It took many experiments to find the perfect recipe and they finally agreed on Lady Eaton’s recipe which was shared with Kay Caspell during a golf game. With a few modifications over the years, this recipe is still used today.
In the first year, 1962, six members brought their mix-masters from home along with flour sifters, measuring cups, ladles and spoons, large bowls, and small bowls. It was reported that Jean Thorson’s contribution left few gadgets and supplies in her own kitchen. Using six mix-masters, they were able to make six cakes at a time, and that year 100 pounds of cake were sold at the Bazaar. They realized a rewarding profit even with the expense of repairing six mix-masters.
A few years later, a suggestion from Dr. Murdo Nicholson brought a big change to the cake baking process. They borrowed a commercial mixer from City Bakery which meant they could increase their production dramatically and retire all those tired mix-masters. Eventually they bought their own commercial mixer.
The popularity of this project can best be measured by the quantity of cakes that are made and sold. Production increased from about 50 cakes the first year to over 2,000 cakes in recent years. Proceeds from Cake Bake have traditionally supported the Women’s Missionary Society and local charities.
2012 was a big year for important milestones. Queen Elizabeth celebrated 60 years on the throne, the Calgary Stampede celebrated 100 years of rodeos, and Grace Church celebrated 50 years of baking Christmas Cakes. The occasion was marked with a dinner and presentation attended by many volunteers, past and present.
The project continues to evolve with new ideas and improvements in the production and sales. The look has changed; cakes are now sold in gift packaging. The Cake Bake Committee introduced the idea of sponsorship donations and the response has been remarkable. Last year sponsorship donations totalled over $20,000.
Each year over 100 volunteers (women and men, members and non-members) participate in the week-long event. They all agree that what they enjoy most is the fellowship. 2020 should have marked the 58th Anniversary of Cake Bake, but due to the pandemic, it was cancelled. We’re looking forward to next year with great hope and anticipation.
Story submitted by Lorna McNeill and Barbara Henson, Photos contributed by Barbara and Bob Ermter.
