American Methodist Missions. History of the Woman's Missionary Society, M.E. Church, South, 1878-1892

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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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