USA > New Jersey > Union County > Plainfield > Centenary, First Baptist Church, Plainfield, New Jersey, 1818-1918, November 24th, 25th, 1918 > Part 5
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In 1887, the women of the Park Ave. Church organized a society in their own church, withdrawing from our membership.
In 1885, work among the children was inaugurated by Mrs. J. W. Vail. This group of boys and girls was afterwards called "The Gold Dust Band" under the leadership of Miss Isabel Butler. Through its agency, missionary work was encouraged among the children until 1900, when the society disbanded, no lead- er being found for it.
The story of the Young Women's work is one of growth and devel- opment. In 1873, a number of school girls held a prayer meeting at the home of Mrs. W. C. Butler, where the Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society held many of its meetings, as well as at the home of Mrs. Elston Marsh. Organization was in the air they breathed, and they were organized into the The first "Prayer Meeting Band." contributed to the Woman's For- year of their organization, they eign Missionary Society $25 to make Mrs. D. J. Yerkes a life member of the society. The money was sent to Miss Haswell's school in Burmah to educate a native girl, Mah Myah. Miss Belle Butler was the first presi-
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dent. In 1876, the society was full fledged with the following officers: President, Miss Hattie Coon, now Mrs. Calvin Boice; vice president, Miss Mary White; secretary, Miss Belle Butler; treasurer, Miss Sarah Jones, now Mrs. J. A. Powlison. All of these officers are identified with the Woman's society today, Mrs. Powlison being our honored president. This youthful group was named the "Mah Myah Band" which name they kept until Mah Myah's education was completed and also that of Mah Mee, another native girl. The development of those girls across the seas was most in- teresting, as noted by the missionar- ies in their correspondence with the Band. In 1884 there are records in the society of a visit to this coun- try of Mah Myah in company with Miss Barrows, a missionary from Burma. She
said that to Mah Myah, all of America meant simply Plainfield and the Mission Band that had given to this heathen girl her chance. The secretary, Miss
Grace Yerkes (Mrs. Worthington Page), records the pleasure of the society in welcoming Mah Myah to their December meeting, and de- scribes Mah Myah's enthusiastic de- light when, as a guest with Miss Barrows in her father's house, she beheld for the first time a real American Christmas tree with its gifts and lighted candles, symbols of love and good will. A few years later, the Band received invitations to the wedding of Mah Wyah to a native pastor in Burma.
The girls' band with the added dignity of years became the "Young Ladies' Missionary Society" auxil- iary to the Women's Societies until their consolidation in 1914. The presidents succeeding Mrs. Hattie
Coon Boice were Miss Belle Butler, Miss Sarah Jones, now Mrs. J. A. Powlison, Miss Louise Taylor, Miss Grace Yerkes, Miss Anna Strong, Mrs. L. H. Biglow, Jr., Mrs. George H. Batchelor, Mrs. DeWitt Brokaw, Miss Hattie R. Shreve, Mrs. J. B. Probasco, Miss Helen Armstrong, Miss Elizabeth Nash and Mrs. Albert Kennelly.
During these years the Ladies' Aid Society looked after the needy in the church and Sunday School.
Prior to this period, the choir of the church, under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Vanderbeek, included a number of faithful women, who gave their musical gifts to the ser- vice of song in the sanctuary. At the beginning of this quarter of a century, the leadership was accept- ed by Mr. Charles W. McCutchen who has the distinguished honor of half a century's service as musical director, to the glory of God and to the comfort of the church. Among the women who gave their helpful as- sistance for varied lengths of ser- vice were Mrs. Halstead Compton. Mrs. Bessie Blair Case, Mrs. Martin I. Cooley, Mrs. George A. Chapman and Miss Gussie Runyon.
In work for Missions, as in most church work, much of the good ac- complished lies out of sight and only God knows the connection between cause and effect, but some of the fruitage of the seed sown years ago, has come to light, as the years have developed life and character.
To Mrs. F. K. Anderson falls the happy task of recording some of the fruits of the years, for in work for God, we never write "Finis" but "to be continued" for the glory of God and the honor of His Kingdom.,
1893-WOMAN'S WORK-1918
With a background of seventy- five years of endeavor, the women of this church entered on the clos- ing quarter of a century with enthu- siasm and confidence, born of past success and future hope.
The Woman's Foreign Mission- ary Society, ' in the maturity of twenty-one years, stood with bowed heads and heavy hearts, for to them had come the grief that came to Elisha, the Lord had taken away our Master. Mrs. William C. But- ler, who in burden-bearing had car- ried more than her own share, passed from "the shadow into the shining" and Mrs. Yerkes, the first vice-president, did the gracious ser- vice for two years of filling an office
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without the name, declining the presidency offered her. Mrs. But- ler was not only president of the church society, she was also presi- dent of the Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society of New Jersey, and was vice-president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society with headquarters at Boston. As a me- morial to Mrs. Butler, the state so- cieties contributed $1,000 to build a room in Hazeltine House, Newton Centre, Mass., then in process of erection for a home for missionary students in training for the foreign field. This room is named the Em- ily C. Butler room and is occupied by students from New Jersey. This memorial is in line with the reward promised to the giver of the alabas- ter box, "This shall be told for a memorial of her."
In 1911 Mrs. John D. Runyon and her sister, Miss Anna E. Boice, built a memorial chapel at the Mary L. Colby home, Yokohama, Japan, in honor of their mother, Mrs. Ra- chel C. Boice.
One of the first special gifts made to the missionary society was the annual gift of $35 by Mrs. L. W. Serrell, to educate a heathen girl in Miss Haswell's school. This girl was to bear the name of Mary Ser- rell Nesbit in memory of Mr. Ser- rell's sister, who was a missionary in Burma years ago. Advices from Burma in this last period have borne testimony to the high type of Christian this girl became and the good accomplished by her in her na- tive land.
About two years ago, the Rev. Dr. W. Roberts, a missionary from Burma, addressed a meeting in this church and referred to Ah Soo, a Burmese convert, who became pas- tor of the Baptist church in Moul- mein, and who refused to give up his pastorate to accept a lucrative position with the British Govern- ment. Several members of the old Mah Myah Band in the 19th cen- tury recognized this man of efficien- cy and sterling integrity
as the husband of Mah Myah to whose wedding they were invited in 1888. Letters from Dr. Roberts later, con-
firmed their conjecture and told of Ah Soo's nobility of character, of his home life and added that the grown daughters of Mah Myah and Ah Soo were teachers in the Chris- tian schools. Surely "One genera- tion shall praise Thy works to an- other."
Time fails to tell of other girls, two trained each year in Miss Con- verse's school, Yokohama, Japan, Bible women supported by Miss Elizabeth Cadmus and Mrs. Gaunt, the oldest member of the church, and many special gifts for special work, the names of some giving al- ways being withheld.
During this period, when Dr. Yerkes was succeeded by Dr. Cham- bliss, the woman's work received his thorough appreciation and hearty co-operation. In the life
and example of his wife, Mrs. Chambliss, there was found an in- spjiration to good works and the faithful performance of duty. Both the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies prospered under her watchful care, as well as other or- ganizations in which the church was interested.
A beautiful benefaction of the church has been its share in the Home for the Aged at Newark. Mrs. Wm. White, Mrs. John D. Runyon and Mrs. Oliver B. Leonard had much influence in the establish- ment and erection of the buildings in 1891. Five members of this church have enjoyed the comforts of this attractive Home, four of them having ended their days amid its Apleasant surroundings. Besides contributions from the church and individuals, members from this church give their personal supervis- ion to the affairs of the Home one day of each month. The managers at the present time are Mrs. George F. White, Miss Laura Runyon and Miss Anna E. Boice.
The story of the Woman's work in this church would be incomplete if no mention were made of the Sunday School. Reared in the nurs- ery of the church, girls have grown into womanhood, taking their places in different departments of the
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school, some of them serving more than half a century. . Mrs. George Robins has the honorable position of Assistant Superintendent. Mrs. Frank W. Jones is superintendent of the Junior Department, with Miss Sara Conover assistant.
Mrs. J. Herbert Case is the super- intendent of the Beginners' Depart- ment.
Mrs. J. A. Powlison has been the superintendent of the Primary De- partment for forty-five years, giving the work much time and thought. Only the Heavenly records can un- fold the influence that has gone out from this base of supplies. Mem- bers of the Cradle Roll have been gathered in and prayed for before they were attendants of the school. When old enough to become mem- bens of the Primary Department, they have come not as strangers, but as children taking an expected place where they belong and where they are welcomed gladly. Interest in Missions is started here, one Sunday of each month having some time devoted to this subject. Miss Mary White has been a helpful as- sistant in this department for many years. The Cradle Roll in the Sun- day School and the Baby Band in the Missionary Society are agencies through which boys and girls are identified with the interests of Christ's Kingdom that may be life long in their influence.
Among the large classes in the school that of Mrs. Lewis Matlack, numbering one hundred young wo- men must exert an influence for in- calculable good in the church and the community.
A valuable adjunct to the Sun- day School is the Home Department, established in 1896 'by Miss Julia Shinn, now Mrs. Wallace St. John, of Rangoon, Burma. She was suc- ceeded in the superintendency by Miss Laura Runyon, Mrs. Calvin Boice, Mrs. J. G. Mclaughlin, Miss Jennie Whitney and Miss Mary White, the present incumbent.
We find records of the Judson Junior Band in 1906, when work among the boys and girls of the church was carried on under the di-
rection of the Woman's Missionary Societies. Mrs. Reuben Knox gave this band much time and interest. This band was organized into the Judson Junior Templars in 1912 un- der the supervision of Mrs. L. E. Rising. Boys as well as girls shared the honors and responsibil- ity of office. Their presidents have been Miss Dorothy Lee, Randolph M. Stelle, Anna Sherwin, Emily Pilger, Mildred Weiss, Corrine Lane, Charles White and Randolph Doug- lass. Mrs. John R. Hefti succeed- ed Mrs. Rising in the superinten- dency in 1914 and Mrs. Randolph Chandler is the newly elected su- perintendent.
Other organizations have been the Hasbur group with Mrs. Gifford Cooley its first president. She was succeeded by Mrs. Fred Smith and Miss Ray Harris. This band with the Sunshine group, under Mrs. Lucy Douglass Day, president, has been merged into the World Wide Guild, with chapters under the su- pervision of Mrs. J. Herbert Case. The Young Ladies' Missionary So- ciety at the present date has the fol- lowing officers: President, Miss Cor- rine Tennyson; vice-president, Miss Emily Pilger; secretary, Miss Lil- lian Fountain; treasurer to be elected.
The new office of Deaconess was instituted in 1912, their duties in- cluding whatever helpful aid women might render the deacons in their care for the general welfare of the church, material as well as spirit- ual. Those who have served in this capacity are: Mrs. J. L. Manning, president, Mrs. Robert Barnes, Mrs. Frank W. Jones, Mrs. Arthur M. Harris, Mrs. Chas. E. Conover, Mrs. Wilbur Randolph, Mrs. J. A. Pow- lison and Miss Anna E. Boice, secre- tary; Mrs. F. S. Thompson (re- moved to Connecticut), Mrs. George Brown (resigned), Mrs. George H. Batchelor (deceased).
As time developed unity of
thought and purpose in the Wo- men's Missionary Societies of the city, a Federation of Home and Foreign Missionary Societies of the Evangelical churches was formed in
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1912. Each church in this organi- zation elects a representative of the Home and Foreign Missionary So- cieties to arrange for public meet- ings and secure unity of interest. The representatives . of this church at the present time are Mrs. Arthur Harris and Miss May Shreve.
In 1913, the Rev. Dr. Philip B. Strong, recently called to the pas- torate of this church, gave the wo- man's work his cordial endorsement and helpful co-operation. The Mis- sionary Institute arranged by him, elicited much interest and enthusi- asm. The Park Ave. Church was a sharer in the exercises and exhibit, which was pronounced a remarkable one by authorities competent to judge.
In 1914 the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies with the Young Ladies' Society consoli- dated in one organization, hoping for greater efficiency. The officers elected were: President, Mrs. Mar- tin I. Cooley; vice presidents, Mrs. B. J. Shreve, Mrs. Reuben Knox, Miss Margaret Mccutchen; record- ing secretary, Mrs. George Robins; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ar- thur M. Harris; treasurer, Mrs. De- Witt Brokaw; assistant treasurer, Miss Elizabeth Nash. Mrs. Cooley was succeeded by Mrs. J. H. Bu- chanan in the office of president. Of- ficers serving for the ensuing year are: President, Mrs. J. A. Powlison; vice presidents, Mrs. F. K. Ander- son, Miss Amy Conant, Mrs. J. Her- bert Case; recording secretary, Mrs. Clarence Murphy; corresponding secretary, Mrs. John R. Hefti; treasurer, Miss Sara Conover; as- sistant treasurer, Mrs. Samuel P. Case.
The titles of organizations during the century have represented the trend of thought and development in each period. In the early part of the 19th century the title was "Fe- male Societies," past the middle of the century the title was "Ladies' Organizations," and later it has been "Woman's," best and highest.
The thanks of the women of this church are due both the pastors and laymen for their kind encourage-
ment and courteous consideration as they have prosecuted their work. They have obeyed the apostolic in- junction, "Help those women who have labored with me in the Gos- pel," and have given the various women's organizations a free hand in their management and control.
For any church or organization to secure a place on the Honor Roll is cause for congratulation. - This church has won such a place in the records of contributions to Missions, having given a larger amount per capita for the whole membership than any other Baptist Church in the State. Women and girls are sharers in this honor and this re- sponsibility.
As we have told you the story of the century, memory has been busy in every listening mind and heart, for there have come remembrances of the comrades who have been numbered with us, and who have gone up higher. Only twelve of the one hundred and twenty-six con- stituent members of the missionary society are with us now, and only eight of the Prayer Meeting Band.
"The workers fall,-the work goes on."
For the past four years the wo- men of this church, with the wo- men of the whole country, have borne the 'burdens imposed upon them by this "cruel war," which has threatened civilization even.
In Red Cross work, as nurses, in camps and canteens, in Christian Associa- tion work, in business and common labor at home and abroad, women and girls have given royal service for God, our country and the world. Our boys in camps and trenches have had comforts and ministrations that no army has ever had before because women's hearts have been stirred the world over, and womens' hands have been outstretched in willing service.
Miss Anna Conant, Miss Hazel Greenleaf and Miss Nellie Picker- ing in camp work here and Miss Madeline Evans and Miss Margaret Mccutchen, "over there," are among our church members who
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have given unselfish service for God and the world in this world crisis. More than ever is the world's need of strong, Christian women. With fire and blood God has taught the world that "He has made out of one blood all the nations of the earth," and the call of God is the world's call for Christ, whose wit- nesses we are. With the heritage of one hundred years to enjoy and build upon, let the young women of this church, especially, give God their heart's deepest devotion and their life's best service. The past inspires it; the present demands it; the future beckons to a higher goal.
The Centenary services were a privilege and a joy to the large audi- ences in attendance on Sunday and Monday, November 24th and 25th, 1918. The weather was perfect. The pastor's sermon on Sunday day evening was impressive and in- spiring. The music by the choir was soul-stirring. The social gathering and refreshments on Monday even- ing were heartily enjoyed. A spirit
of enthusiastic gratitude pervaded these assemblies. The general com- mittee in charge of the Centenary arrangements was as follows:
Chairman, L. V. F. Randolph; vice chairman, Charles W. McCutch- en; secretary of committee, Mrs. Robert Lowry; program committee, chairman, J. Herbert Case, Mrs. A. L. Kennelly, Walter C. Dobbins; music committee, Howard M. Case, Charles W. Mccutchen; finance com- mittee, J. Herbert Case, Alexander Gilbert, John G. Mclaughlin; social committee, Mrs. Samuel Case, Mrs. G. H. Robins resigning; E. L. Bon- ny, Wilbur W. F. Randolph and the Rev. Dr. Philip B. Strong.
The committee for the woman's meeting was as follows:
Chairman, Mrs. A. L. Kennelly; presiding chairman, Mrs. Martin I. Cooley; history, Mrs. B. J. Shreve; invitations, Miss Ida Yerkes; dec- orations, Mrs. Arthur M. Harris and Mrs. Walter M. McGee; music, Mrs. J. Herbert Case; publicity, Miss Sara Conover; ushers, Mrs. Francis K. Anderson.
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CENTENARY POEM ยท
We sing a hundred years today Since common Faith and common Hope First raised their altar on this slope, Where men and women knelt to play, Whence went forth, armed with life to cope.
The quiet village echoed then The daily coach's lusty horn, And girt with fields of waving corn, Rose the plain Church, inspiring men To walk with God, through Christ re-born.
Here women learned the grace to serve, The patience that in quiet waits, Wisdom to rule within their gates Their little kingdoms, and the nerve To meet unbowed the shocks of Fate.
The Heavenly Vision here they caught, That sent their love around the earth To waken in the soul's new birth Children of God, as yet untaught To claim their heritage of worth.
O Women of this Church! Today 'Tis yours to prove these hundred years Of Faith and Vision,-prayer and tears- Have not been lived in vain, and pay Your debt to those your love reveres.
'Tis yours to arm your sons for war, Dry-eyed. to bid them all "God-speed!" That in their Country's hour of need They fail her not. Be you their power Who with their life-blood write their creed.
The Faith that laid this altar stone Flings now our banner to the fight. The Hope that shed its beacon light Down the long years then all unknown, Assures the victory of Right.
. We hear no more the old coach horn, But troop train whistles, long and shrill. Gun-forge, munition plant and mill Replace the fields of waving corn.
But through the night of battle born From France's quivering trenches, still Point our brave towers-and ever will- The pathway to the Gates of Morn. -Margaret W. Mccutchen.
First Meeting Place of Congregation
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Church Edifice-Erected at Organization, 1818
Present Edifice-Dedicated 1868
7/33 VEL
The HF Group Indiana Plant 082132 E 69 00
1/19/2007
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