Walter had been elected to the Christchurch City Council in 1868, and may have impressed Kate with his knowledge of local matters. They lived on Madras Street, not far from her mother's home, and within walking distance of the city centre.[13] The Trinity Congregational Church raised funds for a new building from 1872 to 1874, and Kate was most likely involved in this. She formed a friendship with Alfred Saunders, a politician and prominent temperance activist who may have influenced her ideas on women's suffrage.[14] In 1877–78, Sheppard and her husband spent a year in England, then returned to Christchurch.[15] Their only child, Douglas, was born on 8 December 1880.[1]