© 6T19 © MISSIONARY HAND-BOOK NO. 10.

American Meiwist Missis.

History of the Woman's Missionary

Society, M. E. Church, South.

1878-1892.

■B~sr i&jeis. "w. S. ^I^CK.

JANUARY.

LIBRARY,

Published by Board of Missions, M. E. Church, South.

FOI* USE OP SUflDAY sCHOOliS, EPttXORTH IiEHGUES, RfiD PERSONS DESIRING miSSIOfiflRY IflFORmHTION-

I. G. JOHN, D.D.,

Mission Rooms, Nashville, Tenn.

MISSIONARY HAND-BOOK.

This little book is designed for the use of Sunday schools, especially the teachers and more advanced classes, Epworth Leagues, and preachers and others desiring to prepare sermons or addresses who may not have access to a missionary library. Our design is to place in a cheap, compact, and convenient form infor- mation as to the history and operations of our own Church, and of the Societies and Boards at work in the mission field. It will be published monthly.

Terms: Single copy, 5 cents; 12 copies, 50 cents ; for one year, 50 cents.

Will mail them to Sunday schools and Leagues, or to preachers, for sale and distribution at the above figures. Address

I. G. JOHN, D.D.,

Mission Rooms, NASHVILLE, TENN,

MISSIONARY HAND-BOOK NO. 10.

American Methodist Missions.

HISTORY OF THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY. M.E. -CHURCH, SOUTH.

1878-1892.

BY MRS. W. S. BLACK.

JANUARY.

PUBLISHED BY BOARD OF MISSIONS, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.

For Use of Sunday Schools, Epworth Leagues, and Persons Desiring Missionary Information.

I.G.JOHN, D.D.,

Mission Rooms, Nashville, Tenn.

Copyright, 1893.

Nashville, Tenn.:

Publishing House Methodist Episcopal Ckgrch, South.

Barbee & Smith, Agents.

1893.

MISSIONARY HAND-BOOK No. 10.

This little book is designed for the use of Sunday schools, especially the teachers and more advanced classes, Epworth Leagues, and preachers and others desiring to prepare sermons or addresses who may not have access to a missionary library. Our design is to place in a cheap, compact, and convenient form infor- mation as to the history and operations of our own Church, and of the Societies and Boards at work in the mission field. It will be published monthly.

Terms: Single copy, 10 cents; 12 copies, $1.

Will mail them to Sunday schools and Leagues, or to preachers, for sale and distribution at the above figures. Address

I. G. JOHN, D.LO.,

Mission Rooms, NASHVILLE, TENN.

WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.

1878-1892.

The great problem of " woman's work for woman" commenced its solution over forty- three years ago. In March, 1849, Dr. Olin preached a sermon before the members of the Baltimore Conference. His home during the session of the Conference was at the resi- dence of Mrs. William Wilkins, on Charles Street. A lady friend of the family, the President of the "Female Auxiliary of the Foreign Evangelical Society," stepping in, mission work was discussed, and Dr. Olin in- quired why she worked outside her own Church.

" Because there is no avenue for woman's work in the M. E. Church," she replied.

He said with emphasis: " Create one."

"How? " was asked.

"Organize an association for missionary effort."

"In what field?" was the next question.

(3)

4 Woman 's Missionary Society,

" China is now opened for missionary en- terprise," said Dr. Olin. "Work for China; form your society and I will speak at your first anniversary."

The outgrowth of this conversation was the organization of the " Female China Missionary Society of Baltimore," which was the first " woman's " independent organization in this country, and from which all kindred organi- zations in sister Protestant Churches have sprung.

In 1858 came these words from Dr. Went- worth, then missionary to China — a sentiment then first brought to view, now occupying the foreground of mission work: "China needs an army of women, ready to Jay down their lives, if need be, for their own sex." The result of this appeal was the establishment of the "Baltimore Female Seminary" in Soochow, China. Soon after the war a society was or- ganized by the ladies of Trinity Church, Bal- timore, called "Trinity Home Mission," which was soon changed to the name of "The Woman's Bible Mission of the M. E. Church, South."

In April, 1872, organization upon a broader basis was effected, membership dues fixed at 2 cents per week, or SI per annum, and

M. E. Church, South. 5

arrangements made for holding regular meet- ings. The visits of Mrs. J. W. Lambuth, of missionary fame, to this society in 1876 in- creased the interest in and contributions to the cause of Foreign Missions.

In April, 1874, largely through the zeal and effort of Mrs. M. L. Kelley, some of the Metho- dist women of Nashville, Tenn., formed them- selves into an organization known as a " Bible Mission" with two distinct objects: one, to furnish aid and Bible instruction to the poor and destitute of the city; the other, to send pecuniary aid to foreign missionary fields. This Woman's Missionary Society in three years, besides securing a home for the poor of the city, and originating the "Mission Home" (an institution for the benefit of fall- en women), contributed $3,000 for the Chris- tian elevation of the women of China. To this work Mrs. Kelley dedicated her every treasure: prayers, labor, money, friends, child, grandchild. She died October 27, 1877, nearly seventy-two years old. Her last message to her granddaughter, who, as the wife of a missionary, had just set sail for China, was: " Hold out to the last for Jesus! "

A similar society was about the same time organized at Warren, Ark., and in 1876 an-

6 Woman's Missionary Society,

other at Broad Street Church, Richmond, Va.; others at Mineral Springs and Pine Bluff, Ark., Glasgow, Mo., Macon, Ga., Louisville and Morganfield, Ky., and Franklin, N. C. In New Orleans, La., a society of ladies had for several years been working for the Mexi- can Mission. The interest in woman's work in Missions seemed increasing throughout Southern Methodism. In flourishing Church- es, in sparsely settled districts, unaided often save by the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit, the women were organizing themselves into Missionary Societies, until 1878 found more than twenty Woman's Mis- sionary Societies in the M. E. Church, South, doing specific work. In May, 1878, acting under this growing impulse, a number of representative women of the M. E. Church, South, met in Atlanta, Ga., during the session of the General Conference, which body, under God, answered the prayers of his "hand- maidens" by organizing the Woman's Mis- sionary Society of the M. E. Church, South, under the provisions of the Constitution in- corporated in the Discipline, the bishops and Missionary Secretaries appointing a General Executive Association to be governed " there- after as by-laws and regulations to be adopt-

M. E. Church, South. 7

ed by the Association shall provide; and Con- ference Societies, to be constituted in accord- ance with provisions of such by-laws and regulations."

The following is taken from the General Conference Daily Christian Advocate, May 25, 1878:

General Executive Association — Officers.

President. — Mrs. Juliana Hayes, 304 North Strieker Street, Baltimore, Md.

Vice Presidents. — Mrs. R. Paine, Mrs. G. F. Pierce, Mrs. H. H. Kavanaugh, Mrs. W. M. Wightman, Mrs. E. M. Marvin, Mrs. D. S. Dogget, Mrs. H. N. McTyeire, Mrs. J. C. Keener.

Corresponding Secretary. — Mrs. D. H. McGavock, Nash- ville, Tenn.

Treasurer. — Mrs. James Whitworth, 101 South Spruce Street, Nashville, Tenn.

Managers. — Mrs. Frank Smith, University of Virginia; Miss Melissa Baker, Baltimore, Md.; Mrs. E. M. Saun- ders, Norfolk, Va. ; Mrs. Samuel Cupples, St. Louis. Mo. ; Mrs. Witten McDonald. Carrollton, Mo. ; Mrs. E. E. Wiley, Emory, Va.; Mrs. H. D. McKinnon, Mineral Springs, Ark.; Mrs. B. H. Moss, New Orleans, La.; Mrs. S. Henderson, New Orleans, La. ; Mrs. W. H. Fos- ter, New Orleans, La.; Mrs. H. Colquitt, Atlanta, Ga. ; Mrs. George W. "Williams, Charleston, S. C; Mrs. Dr. Lipscomb, Columbus, Miss.; Mrs. James Sykes, Co- lumbus, Miss.; Mrs. S. E. Atkinson, Memphis, Tenn.; Mrs. S. W. Moore, Brownsville, Tenn. ; Mrs. Dr. Hart- ridge, Florida ; Miss Maria Gibson, Louisville, Ky.

8 Woman's Missionarij Society,

The previously mentioned organizations (except the one in New Orleans working for Mexico) became auxiliary to the newly or- ganized Society, turning over to its care the foreign work undertaken by them. By reso- lution the Board of Missions committed the school for girls in Shanghai, China, under its control, to the care of the new branch of the system of Missions. And thus the Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, South, was fairly launched, with "apparatus and the openings for carrying on the work." God's blessing was with the new organization. He had directed in the appointment of its leaders, for among the many intelligent, con- secrated daughters of Southern Methodism none could have been found more fully suited, better equipped for the work than Mrs. Hayes, of Baltimore, Md., and Mrs. McGav- ock, of Nashville, Tenn. Said a great man, in speaking of" the organization at Atlanta: "The fullness of time had come. God had selected his handmaiden, Juliana Hayes, a chosen instrument, able and consecrated, to lead the women of the Southern Church in bringing back to his Son his promised inheri- tance: the heathen world." Prior to the or- ganization at Atlanta, Miss Lochie Rankin, of

M. E. Church, South. 9

Tennessee, had been assigned by the bishop in charge of the mission to the school in Shanghai. She was immediately adopted by the new Woman's Missionary Society and recognized as its first representative. This school had twenty-nine pupils, and several na- tive Bible women employed, and "thus," said the gifted Corresponding Secretary, "a nucle- us was furnished us, round which we could center in the dawn of our missionary morn- ing."

The first meeting of the General Executive Association of the Woman's Missionary So- ciety of the M. E. Church, South, was held in Broadway Church, Louisville, Ky., May 16, 1879. Though not quite a year had passed since organization, the seed sown by the wom- en of Southern Methodism had been blessed of God, and was germinating, budding, blossom- ing, giving promise of a rich fruitage in the near future. The officers, several of the mana- gers, and delegates from the Missouri, Ken- tucky, Holston, Tennessee, Little Rock, North Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisville, Baltimore, Memphis, and North Mississippi Conference Societies, and a number of elect ladies and interested friends were present. Mrs. F. A. Butler was elected Recording Sec-

10 Woman' 's Missionary Society,

retary. The opening address of the Presi- dent, Mrs. Hayes, was peculiarly appropriate. The venerable Bishop Kavanaugh honored the occasion with his presence. Dr. A. W. Wilson, Missionary Secretary, and Dr. D. 0. Kelley, member of the Parent Board, having been sent by the latter as a committee to con- fer with the Executive Association, were in- vited to occupy seats with the delegates. Mrs. McGavock, in her carefully prepared re- port, stated that "from the golden strand of California and the verdant valleys and heaven- kissed peaks of Colorado to the gulf-washed coast of fruitful Florida, Auxiliaries to the Woman's Missionary Society are in active op- eration, sending out their streams of useful- ness and binding Christian hearts in closer union." Fifteen Conference Societies had been organized, with 219 Auxiliaries, number- ing 5,890 members. Total receipts for the year, $4,014.27. The foreign work was repre- sented by one missionary, Miss Lochie Ran- kin, Shanghai, China; one boarding school at Shanghai, with 25 pupils and 6 native Bible women. Interesting communications from Miss Rankin, Dr. Walter Lambuth, and Mrs. J. W. Lambuth, pleading for help that the work might be extended, were read; also

M. E. Chureh, South. 11

letters from Rev. J. J. Ransom, missionary to Brazil, and Rev. W. M. Patterson, mission- ary in the City of Mexico, praying the Wom- an's Missionary Society to undertake work in those fields. It was decided to send one missionary to aid Miss Rankin; $1,500 appro- priated to building a school at Nantziang, and $1,000 recommended to be appropriated to Brazil and Mexico, if funds proved ade- quate. A touching incident was the recital of the first bequest to the Woman's Missionary Society of $100, earned by a fragile young sister by teaching a little school, "to aid in doing what she would gladly have done, had her life been spared." Like the "alabaster box of precious ointment," may its perfume fill the whole Church, quickening the hearts of our Southern sisters, and wherever the name of Helen M. Finlay is spoken, " let this be told as a memorial of her."

May 4, 1880, the Woman's Missionary So- ciety convened in Nashville, Tenn., in their second annual meeting, the officers and dele- gates from twenty-two Conference Societies being present Reports showed the foreign work extending, while the growth of the home work in some sections was surprising. Four hundred and sixty-five Auxiliaries numbered

12 Woman ss Missionary Society,

12,273 members. The most zealous and ef- ficient President had done faithful work in the home field. Said the Corresponding Sec- retary: "Her journeyings were like those of Paul, ' in weariness, in painf ulness, in watch- ings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often;' and also like unto the great apostle's, in that her visits were a benediction to every center of the work.' "

The consecrated Corresponding Secretary was also doing faithful service. Compiling and distributing appropriate literature, send- ing out Constitution and By-laws to points far and near, and with each a kind, personal, instructive letter, to incite to cooperation and active effort, corresponding with the workers abroad, and studying the interest of each field separately and its relation to the whole, Mrs. McGavock aided largely in securing the marked success of the Woman's Missionary Society. Conference Secretaries, officers and private members of Auxiliaries were also working zealously and proving that "prayer, faith, and works insure victory." During the year $13,775 was paid into the treasury. The gift of "Louise Home" for the mission- aries in China from a member of Trinity Aux- ilary, Baltimore, placed the name of Will: ins,

M. E. Church, South. 13

already historic in connection with the origin of " woman's work for woman," in the ar- chives of the Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, South. The boarding school at Nantziang, ordered and intrusted to Dr. W. E. Lambuth, who has ever been a most faithful friend to woman's work, was ad- mirably located in the rear of "Louise Home." Miss Dora Rankin, who had been accepted as a missionary, sailed for China in October, 1879, safely joined her sister, and they were in charge of the boarding school at Nantziang, called "Yoh le dong" — Pleasant Home, or Happy School — Clopton School remaining under Mrs. Lambuth's care. The venerable Bible woman, Qua Ta Ta, who fell asleep early in the preceding summer, was the only death reported among the work- ers. A judicious appropriation of $500 had been made to aid Miss Newman's school at Piracicaba, Brazil, and $500 used in placing four girls at Mr. Norwood's school in Laredo, Mexican Border Mission. The imperative need of an official organ as an essential requi- site to the permanent success of the work was freely discussed, resulting in the estab- lishment of the Woman's Missionary Advo- cate, to be published at Nashville, Tenn., Mrs.

14 Woman' 's Missionary Society,

F. A. Butler, Editor, with a salary of $500. All expenses were to be paid out of receipts of the paper, and the subscription price was fixed at 50 cents per annum. Five associate editors and a Business Manager were also elected.

Faith in God, who giveth the increase, and full confidence in the judgment and wisdom of the missionaries led to the devising of lib- eral things. To the work already under- taken in Shanghai was added an appropria- tion of $1,500, $600 for a boarding school at Soochow, medical tuition for two missionary candidates, $3,000 for hospital and Bible Woman's Institute, $300 for additional day schools, making the total appropriation for China $9,672; to Mexican Mission, $12,592; to Brazil for school purposes, $1,000; to Mex- ican Border Mission, $1,000. Total amount of appropriations, $24,264. To prevent em- barrassment by delayed action, provision was made for the Executive Board to transact all necessary business ad interim, subject to the approval of the ensuing Executive Association, and some needed changes were made in the By-laws of the Association.

The members of the General Executive As- sociation assembled at St. John Church, St.

M. E. Church, South. 15

Louis, Mo., May 9, 1881, for the opening exer- cises of their third annual meetiug. The sta- tistical reports of the home work showed steady growth. In 28 Conference Societies were numbered 726 Adult Auxiliaries, with 76 Young People's and Juvenile Societies — a total of 830 Societies with 21,338 members. One of the most hopeful signs was the in- crease of juvenile organizations. Children occupy an important place in the economy of the Church. Begin missionary education early; let the foundation be well laid, then add layer upon layer, line upon line, precept upon precept, and beautiful indeed will be the structure when complete.

There had been paid into the treasury during the year $19,362.18. The foreign work was enlarging, notwithstanding the sickness among the devoted workers. The girls' boarding schools in Shanghai and Nantziang were prospering. Property had been bought in Soochow for the establishing of a girls' boarding school there, and in fur- therance of the proposed plan to build a hos- pital at that point also, Miss Mildred Phil- ips, of Missouri, a lady in every way quali- fied, had entered upon a course of study at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsyl-

16 Woman's Missionary Society,

vania, preparatory to going to China as a medical missionary.

In the Mexican Mission the two schools, though small, had borne good fruit. Eligible lots for building purposes had been donated at Laredo, Tex., a point destined to be an important railroad center and crossing on the Rio Grande. The Central Mexican Mis- sion had been visited by Dr. Wilson, Mission- ary Secretary, and his report had increased the interest in the spreading of the work in that " wide open field."

In Brazil the school at Piracicaba had been suspended early in the year by the marriage of Miss Annie Newman to Rev. J. J. Ransom, her untimely death, and the failing health of her sister, Mary. The visit soon after of Mr. Ransom to the "home land" awakened a lively interest in the Church; and when he sailed for Rio Janeiro March 26, 1881, he took with him four recruits. Miss Mattie H. Watts, of Louisville, Ky., having been recom- mended by the Executive Board ad interim, and appointed by Bishop Keener to school work at Piracicaba, sailed with this party of missionaries.

Of the seven other applicants for work under the Woman's Board, Miss Rebecca To-

M. E. Church, South. 17

land and Miss Annie Williams, of Texas, were accepted for the Mexican Border Mis- sion; and Mrs. Florida M. Pitts, of Winches- ter, Tenn., who had already practiced dentist- ry, was accepted as a medical missionary and assigned to the Woman's Medical College at Philadelphia. Early in the following autumn Mrs. Pitts entered upon her studies, but cir- cumstances compelled her to withdraw from entering the work as a medical missionary, and her services were lost to the Society. The following appropriations were made: China, $17,072; Brazil, 17,500; Mexican Border, $6,- 500; $5,500 for building college for girls, on lots donated at Laredo, and for educational purposes of the same; $1,000 for Central Mex- ican Mission . Total amount of appropriations, $32,072. The new venture, the Woman's Mis- sionary Advocate, proved to be an assured suc- cess, the agent reporting total receipts, $3,- 025.39; total expenses, $1,779.88; net earn- ings, $1,245.51.

On the 18th of May, 1882, the Society con- vened in McKendree Church, Nashville, Tenn., having reached its first quadrennial. The- borders of both the home and Foreign work had continued to widen and spread, 31 Conference Societies, composed of 1,112 2

18 Woman's Missionary Society,

Auxiliaries, numbering 26,556 members, hav- ing been enrolled. The Society supported 2 missionaries in China, 1 missionary and 1 as- sistant in Brazil, and 2 missionaries in Mex- ican Border, and had under its care 5 board- ing and 10 day schools, and $25,609.44 had been paid into the treasury. Since the last annual meeting death had hushed the voices of three of the most honored members: (Mrs. Doggett and Mrs. Marvin, Vice Presidents; and Mrs. Davidson, Corresponding Secretary of the Baltimore Conference Society), and the joyous notes of praise and thanksgiving mel- lowed down to a minor chord of sadness.

Miss Anna Muse, of Atlanta, Ga., was ac- cepted as a missionary and assigned to work in China. Mrs. S. Burford was also accepted and associated with her sister, Miss Williams, in Laredo Seminary, while Miss Blanche Gil- bert, of Virginia, was recommended for the Central Mexican Mission. Miss Nora Lam- buth was associated with her mother in Clop- ton School, Shanghai, with half salary, the full salary of each missionary being $750. Miss Melissa Baker, of Baltimore, was ap- pointed Treasurer of the Memorial Fund. On May 24 Bishop McTyeire met with the So- ciety and had read the Constitution which had

M. E. Church, South. 19

been adopted by the General Conference then in session, and given to him by Bishop Pierce, presiding officer, immediately after the read- ing of which Bishop McTyeire was requested to occupy the chair during the election of of- ficers to serve during the next four years, re- sulting as follows: President, Mrs. Juliana, Hayes, Vice President, Mrs. M. D. Wight- man; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. D. H. McGavock; Recording Secretary, Miss M. L. Gibsou ; Treasurer, Mrs. James Whitworth ; Auditor, Mr. J. D. Hamilton. Mrs. F. A. Butler was, by acclamation, reelected Editor of the Woman's Missionary Advocate. The presence of Miss Annie E. Williams, repre- sentative of the woman's work in Laredo, added to the pleasure of the meeting.

The folloAving appropriations were made: China, $16,845; Brazil, $12,500; Mexican Border, $6,000; Central Mexican, $1,200; In- dian Mission, $635; contingent printing and office expenses, $3,550. Total, $40,730.

The fifth annual meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions opened in Court Street Church, Lynchburg, Va., June 6, 1883. Re- ports evidenced satisfactory growth in the home work and in foreign fields. There had been organized 185 Adult and 99 Juvenile So-

20 Woman's Missionary Society,

cieties, making a total of 1,396 upon the roll, with a membership of 84,128; supporting 4 missionaries in China, 3 in Mexican Border, 1 in Central Mexican Mission, 1 missionary and 2 assistants in Brazil; 5 boarding and 17 day schools were in successful operation, and aid was also being given a school in the In- dian Territory. From each field came re- ports of thorough organization, with promise of rich results. In China, under the skillful management of the consecrated workers, the schools had developed far beyond expecta- tions. In Brazil the corner stone of the col- lege at Piracicaba was laid February 8, 1883, with imposing honors and ceremonies, in which several prominent men of that country took part, thus evincing the interest felt by the Brazilians in the enterprise.

The seminary at Laredo, though not com- pleted, was opened October 13, 1882, by Miss Williams, assisted by Mrs. Burford, but be- fore the meeting of the Board Miss Williams had married Rev. J. F. Corbin, pastor of the M. E. Church, South, in Laredo. Miss Re- becca Toland was appointed to Laredo Semi- nary, and Mrs. Burford recommended to go to Monterey, and with her sister, Mrs. Corbin, open a day school there. Miss Nannie E.

M. E. Church,. South. 21

Holding, of Somerset, Ky., was accepted by the Board as a missionary, and assigned to work in the Laredo Seminary. Miss Jennie C. Wolfe, of Alabama, and Miss Mattie B. Jones, of Norcross, Ga., missionary candi- dates, were also accepted. Miss Jones was appointed to Mexico as a colleague for Miss Blanche Gilbert, and Miss Wolfe to China. Miss Mildred M. Philips, who had graduated with honor March 15, would spend one year in the woman's hospital, where she could have large opportunities for improvement and experience, and the following spring sail for Soochow, China, where the hospital and dis- pensary were being prepared. In response to an earnest appeal from Mrs. S. J. Bryan, teacher in Seminole Academy, all available funds having been already applied to existing work, a special contribution of $1,200 was pledged by different members of the Board for their respective Conference Societies. The following appropriations were made: China, $11,168; Mexican Border, $6,250; Central Mexico, $8,150; Brazil, $4,750; print- ing and office expenses, $3,350. Grand total, $34,868.

June 5, 1884, witnessed the opening exer- cises of the sixth annual meeting of the

22 Woman' 's Missionary Society,

Woman's Board of Missions in Walnut Street Church, Kansas City, Mo. For the first time since its organization the detaining hand of the Master had been laid upon two of the of- ficers, the able and consecrated Corresponding Secretary and the efficient Treasurer being absent because of sickness. No new work had been undertaken during the year, because of the heavy tax already upon the missiona- ries. The work had developed and grown be- yond their strength, and reinforcements were greatly needed. The following statistics comprised the summary of the home work: Adult Auxiliaries, 67, numbering 1,061 mem- bers, and 62 Young People's and Juvenile So- cieties, with 2,398 members added, making a total of 1,528 Societies, with 37,482 members. The resignation of Mrs. Sarah Burford on the Mexican Border, was accepted. The un- conditional resignation of Mrs. J. W. Lam- buth, who had done such faithful service at Clopton School, Shanghai, left the Board no choice but to accept, which was done after passing fitting and well-deserved eulogies upon one to whom was due, in large measure, the success of this school. Miss Dona Ham- ilton, of Texas, Miss Jennie M. Atkinson, of Alabama, and Miss Laura A. Haygood, of

M. E. Church, South. 23

Georgia, were accepted, as missionaries, and appointed to work in China. Miss Mildred Philips, medical missionary, would defer sailing for her appointed work in Soochow until fall, and it was decided to send with her an assistant. An appropriation of §23,940 was made to China. Miss Mary W. Bruce was appointed to reenforce Brazil, and an ap- propriation of $5,600 made to that field, $14,- 600 to the Mexican Border, $6,400 to Central Mexico, $1,200 to the Indian Mission, and $3,500 for contingent expenses, total amount of appropriation being $52,740. A thrilling incident of this meeting was the offering of herself by Miss Lou E. Philips to the Board. The rich gift was gratefully accepted and Miss Philips subsequently, at a special meeting of the Local Board, appointed as the assistant of her sister, Dr. Mildred Philips. The President, Mrs. Hayes, beauti- fully emphasized two points in the annual re- port—viz. : the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the Conference at Nantziang, and the con- version of scholars in the various mission schools of the foreign field, for which devout, thanks were given.

It being the centenary year of the organic existence of American Methodism, wise plans

24 Woman's Missionary Society,

were devised for raising a " Centenary Monu- mental Fund," for the establishing of a col- lege for girls at Bio de Janeiro. The salary of the editor of the Woman's Missionary Ad- vocate was increased to $100 per month, with authority to employ assistance when needed, and pay for the same out of subscription re- ceipts. Miss Marcia Marvin's presence and earnest words increased the interest felt in the Indian Mission, and during the discussion of the work, she arose and offered herself as a centenary gift to the Seminole Seminary, in a manner which brought to mind her honored father, Bishop Marvin. Much precious com- munion in Christ was enjoyed during the en- tire meeting. Mrs. Whitworth having re- signed, Mrs. B. Weakley Brown had been elected in the interim as Treasurer, and re- ported $38,873.52 as the total amount received during the year. Miss M. Baker, Treasurer of the Memorial Fund, reported $556.34 re- ceived since last report, making a total in hand of $2,308.13.

As in the " olden time " the seventh year was to the people of Israel the year of jubilee, so with glad hearts the Woman's Missionary Society exchanged joyous greetings in Church Street Church, Knoxville, Tenn., on the even-

M. E. Church, South. 25

ing of June 4, 1885. At no previous annual meeting had there been as great cause for re- joicing, as shown by the carefully prepared report of the Corresponding Secretary. In no year had so much money been paid unto the Lord by his handmaidens; in none had so many consecrated themselves to the work. In the home field the growth had been steady, 415 Auxiliaries, with 5,478 members, having been added, which increased the number of Societies to 1,947, with a total membership of 43,096. In some Confei*ences juvenile organ- izations had been effected, working in perfect harmony with and reporting to the Woman's Missionary Society. North Carolina had se- lected for the name of her juvenile workers "Bright Jewels;" South Carolina, "Palmet- to Leaves;" Holston, "Little Workers;" and Kentucky, "Soul-loving Society." Another most encouraging feature was the formation in mission fields of societies contributing money to send the word of life to those be- yond, still shrouded in darkness. There were two of these in Mexican Border, one in Bra- zil, and four in the Indian Territory. In some schools and colleges the spirit of God had begun to move upon and develop the forces in this important element. The plan

26 Woman's Missionary Society,

of publishing a monthly leaflet, to be issued quarterly in advance for the use of Auxilia- ries, Miss M. L. Gibson, editor and publisher, had worked admirably. The 6,000 copies of the Sixth Annual Report ordered published and distributed gratuitously had proven a fruit- ful " seed sowing." The Woman's Missionary Advocate, with an ever increasing circulation, had won " golden opinions " for the editor and the cause she espoused. There were em- ployed 15 missionaries, 4 assistants, 2 Bible women, 1 medical missionary, and 1 trained nurse; 7 boarding schools with 276 pupils, and 10 day schools with 241 pupils, a total of 517 pupils under the control of the Board. Reports from the missionaries proved that plans had been wisely laid, and the work far- reaching, with present gratifying results. The total amount paid during the year was $52,145.73.

The sisterly greetings from the Woman's Missionary Societies of the Baptist and Pres- byterian Churches found responsive echoes in the hearts of the members, voiced by the President in beautiful, well-chosen words. With peculiar pleasure the Board arose to greet its first missionary: Miss Lochie Ran- kin, from China, who had been invited "to

M. E. Church, South. 27

come apart and rest awhile " from her ardu- ous labors, aud Miss Blanche Gilbert, from Mexico. Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Eeid, from China Mission, added to the pleasure of the Board by their presence. As questions of grave importance connected with the affairs of the Central Mexican Mission demanded immediate and careful consideration, all mat- ters pertaining to this field were referred to a special committee. After a full investigation, the decision of the bishop in charge in with- drawing Misses Gilbert and Jones, the repre- sentatives of the Woman's Board, from San Luis Potosi was accepted with " becoming dignity and Christian grace," the Board at the same time expressing " its unimpaired confi- dence in the integrity of its representatives, and the assurance to them that in this unfor- tunate termination of well-laid plans for useful- ness in Mexico it gave them full sympathy with- out a trace of blame." It was unanimously decided that Misses Gilbert and Jones be left without an appointment for the present, they sustaining to the Woman's Board of Missions the relation of returned missionaries. A plan was submitted by Miss Haygood to the women of Southern Methodism to form a joint stock company to pay into the treasury during the

28 Woman's Missionary Society,

next year $25,000 outside of all regular dues, to establish a Girls' High School and Home and Training School for Missionaries at Shanghai. Eight hundred and twenty-seven shares were at once pledged! Mrs. Park, having spent three months in the school at Laredo, gave valuable information concerning the Seminary and teachers, and was tendered resolutions of thanks for the able and satis- factory manner in which she had carried out the wishes of the Board in superintending the enlargement of the school building. The value of real estate owned by the Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, South, was shown to be as follows: In China, $30,100; Mexican Border, $18,500; Central Mexico, $7,700; Brazil, $18,800. Total, $75,- 200. The appropriation to China was $22,- 780; to Mexican Border, $6,250; to Brazil, $16,000; to Indian Territory, $1,800; contin- gent, printing, and office expenses, $3,500; travel and half salaries of two returned mis- sionaries, $997. Total, $51,327! The Cor- responding Secretary was instructed to pre- pare a report of the work of the Woman's Missionary Society to the General Confer- ence, to convene in Richmond, Va., May, 1886. At the close of its second quadrennium, the

M. E. Church, South. 29

Woman's Missionary Society met in St. John's Church, Augusta, Ga., June 10, 1886, in the opening session of its eighth annual meeting, Mrs. Hayes presiding, and other officers present. Miss Watts, missionary to Brazil, with Mile. Rennotte, who for five years had been assisting her in Collegio Pira- cicabano, and Miss Dora Rankin, from China, were welcomed with loving pride. The So- ciety was reported healthful and vigorous. The home work was represented by 1,406 Auxiliaries and more than 45,000 members. The mite box, that eloquent but silent plead- er for Jesus' sake, was coming into use, and gathering up the "fragments, that nothing be lost,"

Miss Lochie Rankin, having been greatly refreshed by her brief visit to the home land, after nearly seven years' toil in China, had returned to her loved employ in October, 1885. Miss Blanche Gilbert had been ap- pointed to Laredo, and Miss Mattie Jones to Piracicaba, Brazil. No new missionaries had gone to the foreign fields, while every letter from the overburdened workers called plead- ingly for " help." Buildings were overflow- ing and pupils being turned away. The plan so enthusiastically received and adopted at

30 Woman's Missionary Society,

the seventh annual meeting, to found a home for new missionaries, in connection with a high school for girls at Shanghai, had met with great favor. Miss Lochie Rankin was busy with her boarding school of fifty girls at Pleasant College, Nantziang, and her sister Dora in preparing sixty boys for higher educa- tion in the Anglo-Chinese College. In Soo- chow the schools were likewise prospering, and Dr. Philips, during the absence of Drs. Lambuth and Park especially, "in labors abundant." Miss Baldwin, the trained nurse taken out by Dr. Philips, after several months of acute illness, had returned home. The work at Laredo was "lengthening its cords and strengthening its stakes." The " Laredo Band," a Missionary Society among the pupils, had sent over $50 to the Treasurer at Nashville. In Brazil, the workers, though mourning the death of an invaluable helper and sympa- thizer, Rev. J. W. Koger, paused not in their wearisome labors. Mr. Koger, since May, had received 25 persons into the Church, 7 of whom were inmates of Collegio Piracicabano. It was pleasant to hear Miss Watts, fresh from the field, tell how the school had become self-supporting during the first year, and that out of the school fund fences had been built

M. E. Church, South. 31

and improvements added to the amount of several hundred dollars. Good work, with satisfactory results, was reported from the Indian Territory. The total amount received by the Treasurer for the year was $51,588.76; amount received by the Treasurer of the Memorial Fund, $275.09. The Board ac- knowledged by fitting resolutions their great indebtedness to Dr. Young J. Allen, mission- ary in China, for his valuable assistance in sus- taining and directing their work, and for his tender care and consideration for the young ladies sent out by them. Dr. Allen was ap- pointed attorney, with power to attend to all business of the Board in China Mission, and the bishop in charge was requested to make Dr. Allen superintendent of all work under the care of the Woman's Board in that field. Due acknowledgment of the valuable services of Mrs. A. P. Parker, who had given herself as a freewill offering to the Woman's Board of Missions for several years, and rendered most efficient aid, was made in a resolution of thanks, and the paying of her traveling ex- penses to the United States on a visit.

The gratifying action of the late General Conference in regard to the Woman's Mis- sionary Society, having concurred in every

32 Woman's Missionary Society,

point of the memorial presented by the Board, was read by the Corresponding Sec- retary, with the following indorsement of woman's work by the highest official body in the Church, words deemed by the women of the Missionary Society of unspeakable worth:

The Woman's Missionary Society, organized eight years ago, has done well, unexpectedly well, in its col- lections, marvelously well in its administration, mag- nanimously well in its relation to and its cooperation with the Parent Board, gloriously well in its achieve- ments in the fields of its operations ; therefore be it

Resolved, That the success of the Woman's Mission- ary Society, organized eight years ago, has demon- strated the wisdom of that movement, and is cause of devout gratitude. What they have done has been done in excess of what would probably have been done during the same period by the Church at large. Where they have been most successful in their home work and their zeal has been most actively displayed,' there is not only no diminution of the general collec- tions, but rather an increase. That it is, therefore, every way desirable that our godly women be encour- aged to a continuance of their zeal, and that to this end our preachers and people everywhere should cooperate with them as their other duties will allowr.

A pleasant incident of this meeting was the undertaking by the Juvenile Missionary Soci- ety of St. John's Church (in which the meet- ing was held) to furnish $200 to provide a missionary boat for the comfort and conven-

M. E, Church, South. 33

ience of the Misses Rankin, and a pledge from three ladies to procure a surrey for the' use of Miss Watts, Collegio Piracicabano. Miss Emma Kerr, of Brownsville, Tenn., was accepted and recommended to the Nurses' Training School of the Woman's Hospital, at Philadelphia, to become assistant to Dr. Phil- ips at Soochow. Appropriations for the year amounted to $69,770.

The ninth annual meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions was held in Catlettsburg, Ky., June 11-17, 1887. The presence of Bishop Wilson, fresh from the China field, was an inspiration to the body of women, across whose hearts a dark shadow had fallen. December 10, 1886, Dora Rankin, after seven years of unremitting service to the Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, South, at the age of twenty-five years, re- ceived the summons "Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." Bishop Wilson testified that " her work and worth will hardly be known until the righteous Judge shall declare them." The bereft sister was bravely discharging her own duties and a part of the work which had been undertaken by her sister. The gloom of the hour was brightened by the evidence of the Spirit's glorious power. 3

34 Woman's Missionary Society,

There were in Pleasant College seven ap- plicants for baptism, and the oldest pupil in the high school had declared his desire to unite with the Church. In Shanghai five additional day schools had been opened and the work in other respects broadened, though at a cost to the health and strength of the little handful of missionaries. From Soochow was sent a most interesting and gratifying report of Dr. Philips's work, and the boarding and day schools in charge of Miss Lou Philips. Surely and steadily the work at Laredo Seminary, Mexican Border, was advancing. After a visit of several days, and careful examination into the inter- nal management as well as to the location, buildings, etc., Bishop Key said: "For each and all I have nothing but admiration and praise." Bishop Granbery, while on a tour of inspection in Brazil, wrote of Collegio Pi- racicabano: " I am delighted with the college, buildings, grounds, teachers, mode of in- struction, success already achieved, and pros- pects of growing usefulness." Miss Watts re- turned to her work there in May, 1887. The bishop strongly commended the contemplated school at Rio. The work of the "Woman's Board Yn-'sv been concentrated at Hai'rell Interna-

M. E. Church, South. 35

tioual Institute, at Muskogee, Ind. T., the Principal, Bev. T. F. Brewer, submitted to the Board a highly interesting history and report. Mrs. J. P. Campbell, of Los Angeles, Cal., and Miss Kate E. Roberts, of Nashville, Tenn., had been accepted as missionaries and sent to China in March, 1887. The minutes of the first organized annual meeting of the rep- resentatives of the Woman's Board in China, presided over by Bishop Wilson, a new fea- ture in the foreign work, were recommended as good reading. The presence of Miss Hold- ing in the interest of Laredo, that institution having for the second time outgrown its ac- commodations, quickened the sympathy of the Board to painful intensity, as enlargement could not be met by appropriation. The amount needed was $7,000, and Miss Holding- was given permission to make individual ap- peals for the securing of that amount. The week before Christmas was appointed a spe- cial season of prayer and self-denial, and daily prayer at eventide, to gain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pledged. It was stated that the fund for the proposed Home and Training School at Shanghai had been raised, and that Bio College had become a real monument of centenary offerings. MissLula H. Lipscomb,

36 Woman's Missionary Society,

of the North Mississippi Conference, and Miss Ada Reagan, of the Tennessee Conference, were accepted and appointed to China; Miss Mar- cia Marvin, of St. Louis, Mo., was accepted for matron of Collegio Piracicabano, Brazil. The proposal of Miss Lelia Roberts to place her- self and school at Saltillo, Mexico, under the Woman's Board, was accepted. Miss Bettie Hughes, of Meridian, Miss., was also accepted for work in China. Ten missionaries had of- fered and been accepted and appointed since the death of Miss Dora Rankin, for whom touching memorial services were held by her siste.rs, who, amid their tears, thanked the all- wise Father that the new-made grave in China was as a magnet drawing the hearts of the young women of the Church to that be- nighted land. Appropriate resolutions were ordered drafted and sent to the Emperor of China through Dr. Y. J. Allen, as a testimo- nial of the appreciation by the Board as a religious body, of the grand and gracious lib- erty he had proclaimed to his subjects, open- ing wide his gates to the religions of the world. The home work numbered 2,000 Auxiliaries, with 46,999 members; amount received by the Treasurer, $48,092.63. Miss Baker reported the Memorial Fund having

M. E. Church, South. 37

been increased 1199.25. She had remitted to the Treasurer of the Woman's Board of Mis- sions, to be applied to "Davidson Memorial Training School for Girls," to be founded in Shanghai, China, $2,000. Balance on hand May 1, 1887, $1,303.56. Total appropriations for ensuing year, $66,487.

The opening exercises of the tenth annual meeting of the Woman's Board in McKen- dree Church, Nashville, Tenn., May 3, 1888, marked with a " white stone " the first decade of the Woman's Missionary Society. The fact that it was the seventy-fifth birthday an- niversary of the able and faithful President, who had presided at every annual meeting, made the occasion doubly memorable. Other facts tended to make this the third testing by the Board of Nashville hospitality, and the tenth anniversary, notable: the presence of the College of Bishops; the Board of Missions; Dr. Allen, who had been for nearly thirty years a missionary in Shanghai, China; Miss Toland, from Mexican Border Mission, who, for the first time in seven years, had laid aside her work for a season of much-needed rest; Miss Jennie Wolfe, who, for several years had been employed by the Woman's Board in the Indian Territory, with Miss

38 Woman's Missionary Society,

Augusta Wilson, sister of Bishop Wilsou, and Miss Ella Granbery, present as missionary- candidates, made the occasion peculiarly in- teresting. The statistics presented showed a gratifying increase in the home work, there being 2,399 Auxiliaries, numbering 56,783 members, besides life members, honorary life members, and life patrons. The young peo- ple and children had outrun their elders in zeal and enthusiasm.

Miss N. E. Holding came home in May to recruit her failing health, having for four years rendered faithful service as Principal of Laredo Seminary, returning in October greatly benefited. The money needed by her for the much-desired addition to the building had come to her in small, special gifts, made precious by love and prayer, and the house was built, dedicated "Hall of Faith," and stands as an object lesson to her pupils of trusting God for all things needed. Miss Holding's appeal lor $600 additional help as a loan was responded to by a pledge of SI, 500 as a gift from fifteen Conference So- cieties. Appreciative thanks were tendered Misses Mason and Holderby, of Catlettsburg, Ky., for one year's service in Laredo Semina- ry, freely and cheerfully given by them.

M. E. Church, South. 39

The presence of Rev. A. H. Sutherland, missionary from Mexican Border, gave added interest to the meeting, he being called the " right arm of the Woman's Board of Missions " in that field. Words from Bishop Galloway in- creased the interest felt in the " red man." Harrell Institute, at Muskogee, had passed through a most prosperous year, and addition- al buildings were much needed.

The reenforcements sent to China had cheered and strengthened the burdened hearts and weary hands of the brave, faithful missionaries. In September, 1887, Miss Emma Kerr, Miss Lula Lipscomb, Miss Ad- die Gordon, Miss Bettie Hughes, and Miss Ada Reagan sailed for Shanghai. In Brazil the work, amid many hindrances, was advan- cing. Miss Marcia Marvin had gone out in July, 1887, and was at her post in Rio. From every field came the cry: "Helpers are a ne- cessity, and must be sent at an early day." Miss A. F. Wilson was accepted and appoint- ed to Harrell Institute. Miss Kate Warren, of St. Louis, was recommended as a teacher for Harrell Institute. Miss Ella Granbery was accepted and appointed to Brazil, she having already given one year's service there. A communication from the Business Commit-

40 Woman's Missionary Society,

tee of the General Missionary Conference, to be held in London, June 9-19, 1888, contain- ing a request for the appointment of one or more delegates to represent the Woman's Board of Missions at said Conference, was read and Mrs. Hayes elected as delegate.

The resignation of Miss Jennie Wolfe, for five years a missionary of the Board, be- cause of failing health, was accepted with as- surances of their sympathy and continued interest.

In addition to the $1,500 to Laredo, over $1,000 was pledged to other specific work in the Mexican Border by Conference Societies. The Board appropriated to China $23,837; Mexican Border, $9,800; Brazil, $10,550; In- dian Territory, $5,950; for medical students, $1,000; to Dr. Allen, $500; expenses of dele- gate to London, $300. Total, $54,937. There had been forwarded to the Treasurer $69,- 729.65. McKendree Auxiliary had paid $1,500 of this, $284 of which was a contribu- tion from Dr. W. A. Candler, assistant editor of the Christian Advocate.

May 1, 1889, witnessed the opening exer- cises of the eleventh annual meeting in Eighth Street Church, Little Bock, Ark. The ven- erable President embodied in her comprehen-

M. E. Church, South. 41

sive address an interesting report of the World's Missionary Conference in London, July, 1S88, at which she represented the Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, South. The Recording Secretary being absent, Mrs. Trueheart was appointed Secretary pro tern. Reports showed no marked extension in any field, while the work seemed steadily growing in each. Miss Gran- bery had sailed for Brazil, and Miss Wilson had entered upon her work in the Indian Territory. Miss Clara Chrisman, of Missis- sippi; Miss Ella Yarrell, of Virginia; Mrs. Brelsford, of Kentucky, and Miss Lyda How- ell, of North Georgia, were appointed to Bra- zil. Miss Chrisman, while hastening to New York to sail with the other missionaries, met a tragic death in the Johnstown flood. A dark, heavy shadow was thrown over the hearts of the women she was to have represented, and reaching across the seas, was felt in the mis- sion school where she was to have labored. Touching memorial services were held throughout the length and breadth of the Southern Church over the death of this gifted, consecrated young woman. Her memory will ever be as "precious ointment poured forth." Miss Sallie Phillips, of Louisiana, went before

42 Woman's Missionary Society,

the Local Board, was recommended to the bishop in charge to fill the vacancy, and be- fore the next meeting of the Board was at work in Brazil.

Miss Lizzie Wilson, of Kentucky, and Miss Flora Baker, of North Georgia, were assigned to Laredo Seminary; Mrs. A. E. McClendon was also sent to Laredo Seminary. Miss Ella Tydings, of Florida, was sent to Saltillo, Mexico,; Miss Helen Richardson and Miss Lula Ross were appointed to China; Miss Mary McClellan, of Brookhaven, Mississippi, had sailed for China in August, 1888.

Miss Bennett, of Kentucky, introduced the subject of a training school so forcibly as to secure the indorsement of the Board, by ap- pointing her their agent to fully investigate the subject and secure funds. At this meet- ing China had earnest, eloquent pleaders in the person of Miss Anna Muse, who had spent seven years of service in that benighted land, and of Mrs. A. W. Wilson, who, with her husband, the bishop, had visited and ex- amined into the work. Miss Holding spoke touching words for beautiful, sin-cursed Mex- ico. The marriage of Miss Addie Gordon, a missionary of the Board, to Rev. Mr. Burke, of Soochow, was reported. With regret it

M. E. Church, South. 43

was learned that the heavy work upon Dr. Allen forced him to resign as superintendent of the work under the Woman's Board. The announcement of Bishop McTyeire's death brought a sense of sadness and bereavement to each member, which was expressed in suit- able resolutions.

The number of members reported was 65,466, a pleasant proof of the extension of the home work. Amount paid into the treas- ury, $68,165.34. Total amount of appropria- tions for the year, $61,350.

At the opening session of the annual meet- ing closing the third quadrennium of the Woman's Missionary Society, held at St. John's Church, St. Louis, Mo., May 14, 1890, there were 31 missionaries in the foreign field, 20 assistants, 37 native teachers, 10 boarding and 31 day schools, 1,248 pupils, 1 hospital, 1 medical missionary, 1 foreign as- sistant and 9 native assistants, 1,986 Auxili- aries, with 41,235 members, and 995 Juvenile Societies, with 2,991 members; making a total of 2,991 Societies, with a membership of 72,367, and 2,067 life members, 60 honorary life members, 10 life patrons, and $181,000 worth of property. Total receipts for the year, $75,486.54.

44 Woman's Missionary Society,

Miss Muse was enjoying her well-earned rest after seven years of toil. Miss Bruce, still suffering from the effects of yellow fever, had also come home to recuperate. Dr. Mil- dred Philips, enfeebled by her the years of arduous labor in China, was granted the priv- ilege of returning home. She started, but reaching Port Said just as a vessel was leav- ing for Shanghai, she transferred to that and returned to her post. In China, while the workers had suffered from sickness and heavy burdens, there had been an increase of schools and pupils, and an encouraging condi- tion of the work was reported. The Mexican Border had been blessed with health and great prosperity. Of Brazil Bishop Granbery wrote: "The Society has no cause for dis- couragement or for relaxation of interest or effort in respect to Brazil." The year which had just closed had been a trying one to our workers in that field. A yellow fever epidem- ic, the worst for several generations, closed the schools and scattered the faithful band of workers. Through the mercy of God, all -were brought safely through, though several were dangerously ill. After the reopening of the schools, measles, whooping cough, and scar- letina appeared. Amid all these hindrances

M. E. Church, South. 45

good results had been accomplished and progress made. The government had quietly passed from a monarchy into a republic. In the Indian Territory there was promise of good fruit. The brave, overburdened work- ers in every field were pleading for increased appropriations and a large reenforcement of laborers, in answer to which the Board ap- propriated to the work $74,607, and accepted and appointed the following ladies: Miss Lucy Harper, of Georgetown, Tex., and Miss Mary Turner, of Sharpsburg, Ky., to the Mexican Border; Miss Kate P. Fannin, of Blountstown, Fla., to work at Saltillo, Mexico; Miss Mattie Dorsey, of Charlestown, W. Va., to Chihuahua, Mexico; Miss Fannie Hinds, of Mt. Sterling, Ky., and Miss Mary L. Smithey, of Jetersville, Va., to China. The Board in- dorsed the action of the Local Board in ap- pointing Miss Helen Richardson to China, and advising Miss Pyles to continue at school in preparation for mission work.

Several circumstances united to make nota- ble this twelfth meeting of the Board: the session of the General Conference, before which went memorials for needed changes in the Constitution; the presence of Dr. and Mrs. Parker, missionaries, and Rev. C. K.

46 Woman's Missionary Society,

Marshall (delegate to the General Confer- ence), from China; Mrs. Watkins and Miss Gilbert, from Mexico; Miss Mary Brnce and Eev. J, W. Tarbonx, from Brazil; Rev. N. W. Qtley, from Japan; and the gifted young women, bravely giving themselves to the work; added to which was the grand gift of Rev. Nathan Scarritt, D.D., of Kansas City, Mo., of $25,000, and a suitable site in Kansas City for a training school for missionaries and other Christian workers, provided the Woman's Missionary Society would for the same object furnish $25,000, made sacred a few days later — May 22 — by the death of this valued servant of God and true friend to woman's work. Miss Bennett, agent, reported the wonderful success which had attended the efforts of herself and assistant, Mrs. Wight- man, having secured for said training school $11,311.90 in cash, with subscriptions making a total of $36,917.34, These ladies were con- tinued as agents, and in loving, grateful mem- ory of its most liberal donor, the institution was named " The Scarritt Bible and Training School," and Bishop Hendrix was elected Chairman of the Building Committee appoint- ed by the Board, Rev. W. B. Palmore and Miss Belle Bennett beina' the other members.

M\ E. Church, South. 47

The work having now assumed such large proportions, it was decided to increase the number of officers; instead of Corresponding Secretary as heretofore, to have a "For- eign Secretary" and a "Secretary of Home Affairs," appropriating to meet expenses of the former §1,200, and of the latter $500. Mrs. McGavock was elected Foreign Secretary, and Miss Mary Helm, who had for several years been her faithful assistant, Secretary of Home Affairs; the other officers being reelected for another term of four years.

When the Woman's Board of Missions con- vened in Fort Worth, Tex., June 9, 1891, and reviewed the work of the thirteenth year of its existence, it was pleasant to note that more women and children of the M. E. Church, South, than ever before had enlisted in the work, and more money been paid into the treasury. The statistics were: Auxiliaries, 2,148; members, 42,563; Juvenile Societies, 1,124, with 32,917 members; life members, 2,121; honorary life members, 59; life pa- trons, 9; amount paid into the treasury, $83,865.72. Ten young ladies had been ac- cepted as missionaries since the previous an- nual meeting, some of whom had gone " to their appointed fields. Others were in train-

48 Woman's Missionary Society,

ing schools, preparing for the work. Early in the year Miss Yarrell returned from Brazil on account of ill health, and Miss Lou Philips, from China, and Miss Mattie Jones, from Brazil, later came home to recuperate. Most encouraging reports came from the foreign field, but the overburdened missionaries were still piteously pleading for help. Three of the missionaries in China (Misses Lipscomb, Roberts, and Reagan) had married, and their connection with the Board been thereby sev- ered. Miss Dona Hamilton had died in Chi- na; some of the most devoted home workers had been called from labor to rest, and others were hovering between life and death. Miss Mollie F. Brown, of Austin, Tex. ; Miss Minnie Bomar, of Marshall, Tex.; and Miss Kate C. McFarren, for some time in the employ of the Presbyterian Board of Missions in South America, were accepted. Miss Brown was appointed to Brazil, and Miss McFarren to Mexico. Miss Bomar was recommended to a training school. The resignations of Miss Muse and Miss Gilbert were accepted. The Board decided to publish a connectional juvenile paper, with Miss A. M. Barnes, of Georgia, editor; the salary ($750) to be paid for the ensuing year out of the general

M. E. Church, South. 49

treasury; the name and all matters pertain- ing to the publication of said juvenile paper to be decided by the editor and Publishing Committee. Miss Helm's resignation as Sec- retary of Home Affairs because of ill health was not accepted, but a year of rest was granted the faithful officer, and Mrs. Nathan Scarritt was elected to discharge the duties of the office during the time. Mrs. Scarritt de- clining to serve, Mrs. S. C Trueheart was elected by the Local Board to relieve Miss Helm of the burdens of the office.

Miss Lou Philips, late missionary of the Board in China; Miss Mattie Jones, repre- sentative from Brazil; and Rev. J. J. Meth- vin, from the Indian Territory, by their ear- nest words and thrilling descriptions of the work, its growth and needs, increased the zeal and enthusiasm of the Board. With much re- gret was the announcement of the approach- ing marriage of Dr. Mildred Philips received, as the Board would thereby be deprived of her valuable services. The resignation of Mrs. W. G. E. Cunnyngham as Editor of Leaflets was accepted with resolutions of re- gret and of appreciation of her six years of valuable service without remuneration, and Miss Barnes was elected her successor. The 4

50 Woman's Missionary Society,

amount of appropriations for the coming year was $90,485.

Miss Belle H. Bennett reported for the Scarritt Bible and Training School success far beyond the most sanguine expectations. Five years had been allowed by the generous donor and founder of the institution in which to collect the needed $25,000. In tiro years it had been accomplished, and on May 28 "a company of missionary women and inter- ested friends had assembled at the site, and after solemn religious exercises the ground was broken and actual work on the Training School begun." Miss Bennett and Mrs. Wightman were continued as agents, and special effort promised to secure Easter offer- ings for the benefit of the Training School.

The fourteenth annual session of the Board convened for business in Lexington, Ky., June 6, 1892, with the President, Mrs. Juliana Hayes, in the chair. Every officer, all the Managers except one, 24 Conference Secreta- ries, and 4 reserve delegates, a total of 40 members, answering to roll call. The 37 Conference Societies numbered 3,404 Auxili- aries, with 80,963 members. There were be- ing supported 29 missionaries: in China, 9; Mexico, 12; Brazil, 8. In the Indian Mission

M. E. Church, South. 51

teachers only were employed. Two mission- aries were at home for their health; seven young women had been accepted within the year, and $66,448.59 was the total amount of collections. The Woman's Missionary Advo- cate was prosperous, and the new juvenile paper, the Little Worker, the name selected by the Editor and Publishing Committee, was pronounced a success. In China the work had been somewhat interrupted by the un- settled condition of the country, but 38 na- tive teachers and assistants, 2 Bible women, and 669 children under instruction, showed that the work was advancing, notwithstand- ing the forced reduction of the number of workers. Loud calls for help came from this field. These, emphasized by the presence of Miss Hughes, were answered by accepting and appointing to it Miss Sallie B. Reynolds, of South Carolina, and Miss Emma Gary, of Georgia. Miss Martha Pyles, of Missou- ri; Miss Alice Waters, of Tennessee; Miss Sue Blake, of Florida; and Miss Minnie Bo- mar, of Texas, having completed the several courses assigned them by the Board; and Mrs. Julia Gaither, of Georgia (who had been accepted by the Local Board and ap- pointed by Bishop Wilson in November pre-

52 Woman* s Missionary Society,

ceding, but was prevented by unforeseen cir- cumstances from sailing at the time expect- ed), were also recommended to reenforce the feeble band in China, and $29,345 was appro- priated to that field. Of this reenforcement, Miss Hay good wrote: "We had the great joy of receiving them October 18, 1892. It hap- pened that one or two of the ladies were not on deck as the steamer neared the wharf. You would have faintly realized what the ab- sence of one of the eight would have meant to us if you could have heard the call to Miss Hughes, 'Are you all there?' and could have felt the relief that came with the answer, 'Yes, we are all here! ' We had a delightful and profitable meeting at McTyeire Home the following evening, with all our sixteen ladies present, and Bishop Key presiding. . . . We, the old guard, ' thank God and take cour- age ' because of their coming." Miss Jennie Atkinson, having given eight years of faithful service to the work in China, was granted leave to return home for a season.

Amid many difficulties and some discour- agements in Mexico, it appeared that the true religion of the Bible was overcoming the er- rors of popery. There were, in addition to the twelve missionaries, 16 assistants and 7

M. E. Chunk, South. 53

native teachers, while 935 women and chil- dren were being- taught in the excellent schools which had been established in seven towns and cities. Miss Delia Holding, who for ten years had given faithful service as a teacher, was accepted and assigned as a mis- sionary to the Mexican Border. Miss Wilson, missionary from Chihuahua; Miss Mason, a teacher in the school at Saltillo; and Miss Holderby, once a teacher in Laredo, in simple, earnest words presented forcibly the needs of Mexico. The appropriation for the ensuing- year was $33,940.

In Brazil the woman's work was established in Piracicaba, Bio, and Juis de Fora. There were 3 boarding schools in successful operation, and 215 pupils enrolled. Yellow fever had hindered the work, and there was imperative need that two of the workers should return home for rest and recuperation. Miss Alice Moore, of Georgia; Miss Susan Littlejohn, of South Carolina; and Miss Amelia Elerding, of Wisconsin, were accepted and assigned to Piracicaba, Bio, and Juis de Fora, with an appropriation for Brazil of sll,600. Permission was granted Misses Bruce and Marvin to return home to regain, if possible, sufficient strength for the prose-

54 Woman's Missionary Society,

cution of their work, and Miss Watts was also granted leave to come, should her health re- quire the change.

In the Indian Mission the work had pro- gressed without interruption. Almost every needed improvement asked for was granted. The total amount of appropriations for the year was §86,810, of which $5,425 was appro- priated to the wild tribes. A few changes were made in the By-laws, a revision of the " Manual for Missionaries " ordered, a commit- tee appointed to revise the Constitution and submit the same to the following annual meeting of the Board, and a resolution adopt- ed that will bring all missionaries going into China and Brazil home to rest at the end of seven years. Miss Helm again tendering her resignation, it was accepted, and suitable res- olutions of appreciation of her valuable serv- ices were adopted. Mrs. S. C. Trueheart was elected Secretary of Home Affairs. Rev. C. F. Reid, missionary from China, enthusiastic- ally presented the great needs of that great country.

Mrs. Callaway presented a memorial from the North Georgia Conference Society, pe- titioning the Board to enter Japan. Mrs. Philips presented a memorial from the Flor-

M. E. Church, South. 55

ida Conference Society to establish a school in Key West. The Board decided that "Japan is an inviting field, which commands our sympathies and incites our desires to en- ter ; but obligations to work already begun in other fields must be fully met before work can be undertaken in any mission not hitherto occupied by the Woman's Board."

The telegram from Rev. W. B. Palmore asking the Board to appoint a committee to investigate the West Indies with a view to entering that field received due consideration.

Dr. Palmore had, in a tangible form, shown his interest in the work of the Woman's Board of Missions, and his suggestions, en- kindled by his missionary zeal, were gratefully received; but because of the large demand upon the resources of the Board, and also by reason of its policy to work only in fields oc- cupied by the General Board, they could not be acted upon.

A communication from Mrs. J. E. Bay, Su- perintendent of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union Department of Home and For- eign Missions to the Colored People, was con- sidered.

Much interest is felt in this people, and as far as comes within the scope of the organi-

56 Woman* s Missionary Society,

zation it will assist tliem in forming societies for the spread of the gospel among their race. Letters from missionaries in the field ask- ing for a construction of the "pledge" taken by missionary candidates were referred to a subcommittee. This committee, after labor- ing in vain to find plainer language in which to express the meaning of this pledge, brought in the following resolution, which was adopt- ed by the Committee on Extension of Work:

Resolved, That as we interpret this pledge, every can- didate who signs it promises to give not less than five years' service to this Board. Nor do we regard the re- funding of outfit and passage money as canceling this obligation. Mrs. C. W. Brandon,

Mrs. W. G. E. Cunnyngham.

A communication was read from Dr. I. G. John, Secretary of the Parent Board of Mis- sions of the M. E. Church, South, accompa- nying the following resolutions, which had been adopted at a meeting of the Board of Missions, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, held in the Mission Rooms Saturday, May 4, 11 A.M.:

Whereas the Woman's Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, will hold its four- teenth annual meeting in Lexington, Ky., beginning June 6; and whereas their great work and the work

M. E. Church, South, 57

of this Board are indissolubly united in effort and de- sign; therefore,

Resolved, That we rejoice over the tokens of divine approbation that have attended their work in the dif- ferent fields they have entered, and devoutly trust that divine wisdom and grace will guide their deliber- ations at their coming session, and that every measure they shall adopt shall yield large results in the work of our Lord in lands of superstition and sin.

Resolved, That we rejoice that it is our privilege, in any way, to " help those women " in the great work to which they have been called, and will not cease our prayers that the great Head of the Church will be with all the work of the Board and its officers, and with those consecrated women whom they are sending out in our Master's service in the foreign 'field.

Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary of this Board is hereby instructed to send a copy of these res- olutions to the Woman's Board while in annual ses- sion at Lexington, Ky.

In presenting to each member of the Board a set of the "Missionary Hand Books," as far as issued from the press, Dr. John said: "The next number should embrace a brief history of the origin and work of the Woman's Board. It is proper, however, that your Board should choose its own historian. If a history corre- sponding in size with those now in print can be furnished, I will be glad to embrace it in the series, assuming all cost of publication."

On motion of Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. W. S.

58 Woman's Missionary Society,

Black, Corresponding Secretary of the North Carolina Conference Society, was appointed Historian, to prepare a brief history of the origin and work of the Woman's Board of Missions for the next number in the series of "Hand Books" above mentioned.

A communication from Bishop Keener was read, suggesting that the " Woman's Board would do a grand act and a wise one to send $25,000 to Japan for the relief of our friends there who are suffering from the earthquake." The Secretary was directed to answer Bishop Keener's letter, assuring him of the apprecia- tion by the Board of this token of his confi- dence, and regretting its inability to comply with the suggestion of the honored senior bishop of the Church.

Mrs. Brandon offered the following:

Resolved, That the President of the "Woman's Board of Missions appoint a committee of five on Constitu- tion and By-laws of the Woman's Missionary Society; that this committee be instructed to indicate the du- ties, powers, and prerogatives of the Local Board; re- port of said committee bein.u' subject to the action of the Woman's Board of Missions at the next annual meeting. Mrs. C. W. Brandon.

This resolution was adopted, and the Pres- ident appointed said committee as follows: Mrs. C. W. Brandon, Miss Maria Layng

M. E. Church, South. 59

Gibson, Mrs. S. S. Park, Mrs. A. H. Strother, and Mrs. W. G. E. Cunnyngliam.

Mr. J. D. Hamilton, after years of " un- wearying kindness and faithful service" as Auditor, resigning, Mr. T. L. Weaver, of Nashville, Tenn., was elected as his successor.

At the memorial service held as a tribute to Mrs. Florence Malone, Corresponding Secre- tary of the White Eiver Conference Society, and Rev. J. W. Lambuth, of Japan, sweet, touching testimonials of her worth and char- acter were spoken by her co-workers.

The Secretary records:

Miss Gibson read the tribute to Rev. J. W. Lambuth, which had come from the heart to the pen of Mrs. W. G. E. Cunnyngliam, so many years his neighbor while a missionaiy in China.

Rev. C. F. Reid added his tribute, speaking strong words of praise of the veteran mission- ary, dwelling chiefly on his godly life and his success as a soul winner.

By request, Rev. Walter Lambuth spoke of his father, and as he told of his consecrat- ed life in all its sweet humility no one won- dered that he had won from the natives the title of the "God-man."

A cause of thanksgiving to the Board and

60 . Woirian 's Missionary Society,

to the Church at this meeting was the com- pletion of the Scarritt Bible and Training School and its equipment for work. An- nouncement was made that its dedication and opening would take place September 14, so that henceforth the Board may send thither its daughters that need training, that they may be "thoroughly furnished unto every good work."

At a meeting held last July the officers of the Board of Managers elected were: Bishop E. B. Hendrix, President; Miss Belle H. Bennett, Yice President; Mr. J. S. Chick, Treasurer; Mrs. Julia E. Simpson, Secretary.

Miss M. L. Gibson was elected Principal; Miss E. E. Holding, Department of Bible Study; Miss E. C. Cushman, Head Nurse; Mrs. W. H. Waldron, Matron.

Mrs. Butler was reelected Editor of the Woman's Missionary Advocate and Miss Barnes of the Little Worker and Leaflets.

The Treasurer's books showed that $93,- 991.73 was on deposit in the Eirst National, Commercial National, and City Savings Bank, of Nashville. Total amount received since organization, $651,405.68. Value of property owned by the Board (1891), $176,300. The Secretary records the following:

M. E. Church, South. 61

The service on Thursday night, when ten mission- aries were presented to the Board, and repeated the pledge in the presence of a large audience, was impress- ive, and inspired a doxology from those who had been praying for women— a glad thanksgiving that God heareth and answereth the supplications of his chil- dren. Benedictions were silently invoked on the new missionaries as the President delivered the solemn charge and Rev. C. F. Eeid addressed them as his fel- low-laborers and offered his congratulations.

Should the venerable and beloved President be spared to meet with the Board another year (the fifteenth annual meeting blessed by. her presence), she will "wear fourscore years as a crown." Her fourteenth annual address, most appropriate to the centennial of modern missions, was heard by six persons only who, as members, listened to her first address as President of the Board at Louisville. God's blessing has crowned the years. The language of each consecrated worker is:

" Master, to do great work for thee, my hand is far

too weak ; Yet, take the tiny stones that I have wrought, just one

by one, as they were given by thee. Not knowing what came next in thy wise thought, Set each stone by thy master hand of grace ; Form the Mosaic as thou wilt, And in thy temple pavement give it place."

62

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