Young Wives' Committee, a sub-committee of the Mothers' Union, held its first meeting on 21 Jul 1916. Reasons why the Mothers' Union failed to attract young married women and young mothers are given. Mrs Ford was the first elected Chair. The last meeting of the Mothers' Union Young Wives' Committee was held on 16 Dec 1920 and the title 'Wives' Fellowship' was suggested. On 20 May 1921, the constitution was revised and in view of there only being one grade of member, it was decided to omit the word 'Young' from the title and call it 'The Wives' Fellowship'. The Central Committee of the Wives' Fellowship met three times a year until 1973 when only one meeting was held in Mar. Each Branch sent 2 representatives (one of whom should be an Officer) to serve on the Central Committee to decide on matters affecting the Fellowship as a whole and to report back to their Branches.
From 1922, minutes show a static agenda: those present; apologies; reports (Chairman, secretary, treasurer, editor, oversea's secretary, conference secretary, scattered members' secretary, Hospitality Scheme secretary; Literature Secretary, Senior Wives' Fellowship representative; affiliated societies' secretary); branch reports; conferences / Annual Day; Autumn conference (from 1973), resolutions; elections; general discussion; any other business.
Meetings began with prayers or quiet time for reflection. From 1986, the constitution was read at meetings.
Abbreviations used in minutes: GDA = 'Girls' Diocesan Association'