In the essay, published in 1729, Swift began by realistically detailing the grim condition of Ireland’s poor. Then, considering that Ireland’s landlords “have already devoured most of the parents” metaphorically, Swift declared that these same landlords therefore “seem to have the best title to the children” — literally.

Swift’s modest proposal was that the poor breed their children as food for the elites.

— Matthew Wills, “What Was Behind Jonathan Swift’s Modest Proposal?”

We currently conduct a full worship service on the first Sunday of each month, and discuss a different short reading each of the remaining Sundays.

On Sunday, 26 October, we will open with a very brief service and chalice lighting, followed by our discussion. Robert Helfer will lead the service and discussion. This week’s reading is “What Was Behind Jonathan Swift’s Modest Proposal?”, by Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, September 30, 2025.

The article, “What Was Behind Jonathan Swift’s Modest Proposal?”, by Matthew Wills, can be found here.

Please Join us for Worship.

Our services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on ZOOM and in person at the Progressive Women’s Association Event Center, 305 Washington Ave. in downtown Clarksburg, behind the Courthouse. A coffee hour, a time for discussion and socializing (including ZOOM participants), follows from the end of the service until 12:00 noon. More about us.

If you prefer not to be seen, video is optional. If you would like to participate online, please email westforkuu@gmail.com for details and a link, or for help with using ZOOM.

We would love to have you come worship with us.

Children are welcome.

The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible restroom. You may park on the south side of the building, which is marked reserved for the PWA, or the north, where the reserved spaces are available on Sundays.

Map

Email westforkuu@gmail.com or use our contact form for more information or write to us at PO Box 523, Clarksburg WV 26302