USA > New York > Orange County > Warwick > The Record of a century of church life of the Reformed Church, Warwick, N.Y., 1804-1904 > Part 5
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62
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
THE CONSISTORY OF THE CENTENNIAL YEAR.
The Rev. Taber Knox, Pastor.
ELDERS. Samuel Pelton. James Wisner. Ferdinand Van Derveer Sanford. Henry Pelton Demarest.
DEACONS.
Clinton Wheeler Wisner. Ira Alden Hawkins. James Bonnyman. Rensselaer Armstrong Demarest.
OFFICERS OF CONSISTORY.
The Rev. Taber Knox, President. Ferdinand V. Sanford, Clerk. Ira A. Hawkins, Treasurer.
63
THE ROLL OF ELDERS.
ROLL OF ELDERS
Who have served during the hundred years:
Andrew Ackerman. 1804-1807
Cornelius C. Demarest. . . 1843-1861
Cornelius Demarest. 1804-1815
Henry Pelton 1848-1872
Edward P. Eckerson 1806-1810 Peter Dusinberre 1853-1877
John Pelton 1806-1843
James R. Christie 1861-1865
John G. Ackerson 1807-1824
Samuel J. Van Saun 1865-1872
David Demarest 1810-1827
Mahlon Cooper
1872-1881
Aaron Taylor. 1813-1832
Cornelius H. Demarest 1872-1890
Richard Johnson.
1824-1826
Samuel Pelton 1877*
Sylvanus Fancher 1826-1828
Thomas Welling 1878-1899
Thomas Sproul 1827-1837
James Wisner
.1881 *
Robert Pelton
1828-1832
John Mc Williams
1890-1891
Daniel Dusinberre
1832-1848
Henry Coe Dusinberre.
. 1891-1897
James Bell.
1832-1836
Ferdinand V. Sanford 1897*
Maurice Hoyt 1836-1877
Sylvester Case
1899-1900
Frederick Demarest 1837-1853
Henry P. Demarest
1900*
ROLL OF DEACONS Who have served during the hundred years:
John Ackerson 1804-1807
John F. Randolph 1841-1853
Aaron Taylor 1804-1813
Andrew B. Underdonk .1806-1808
Cornelius Van Dervort. . . 1843-1846 Alexander H. Galloway . . 1846-1884
David C. Demarest 1806-1808
James R. Christie. 1848-1861
Isaac Halstead . 1807-181I
Benjamin S. B. Dolson 1852-1864 Nathaniel Pelton 1855-1865
James Murray 1807-1813
Selah Mapes 1808-1823
Thomas Welling 1862-1878
Belding Burt 1813-1815
Nathaniel R. Bradner 1864-1885
John Welling 1812-1820
Robert Pelton. 1815-1828
Cornelius H. Demarest 1865-1872 Samuel Pelton 1872-1877
Peter Weed 1815-1820
John McWilliams 1877-1890
Frederick Demarest 1820-1839
Not continuous
Not continuous
John Roy, Jr 1820-1824 Sylvanus Fancher 1823-1825
Joseph Roy 1823-1832
Cornelius C. Demarest 1824-1843
Thomas R. Ennis 1891-1893
James Bell. 1825-1831
Clinton W. Wisner 893*
Maurice Hoyt. 1832-1836 Reuben Randolph. 1832-1837
Sylvester Case 1893-1899 Henry P. Demarest 1896-1900
Henry Pelton 1836-1848
Ira A. Hawkins 1897ª
Archibald Slaughter 1837-1841
James Bonnyman 1899*
Rensselaer A. Demarest. . 1900*
Peter Dusinberre 1837-1853 * Still serving, 1904.
Henry Coe Dusinberre.
1877-1891
Charles M. Demarest
1881-1896
Ferdinand V. Sanford 1885-1897 William S. Smith 1890-1893
-
Clinton Wheeler Wisner.
Ira A. Hawkins.
James Bonnyman.
Rensselaer A. Demarest. THE DEACONS OF 1904.
CHOIR.
DESK.
38
+1
36
3
49
18
3+
5
50
32
Moty Demsvast
$
J. A Montross
Mrs. Hunby
IR Vandervart
17
30
M D HasbrussY
Daind Hyserd -
V Sanford
Thomas Burt
7 .....
daryne
62
12
12
65
64
WF Wheeler
F c Cary
20
67
66
YA Walder
JH Van Duger
18
69
68
106
Mrs E A Demarest
Richard Wisner
M L Sanford
70
Pastor
PE " Sanford
I A Hawkins
Mrs J Bertholf
/2
A Prestoa
WY R Welling
77
76
Mrs CR Venduger Je Wilson
NL Furman Anna Still
Mre AB
Mr. MA W .. L.
7
8
Buskhe
Mis Wn Buchbee
8
80
JM Deming
9+
95
5
6
WA Hulse
83
82
TE Howe
T F Holmes ASMIL Erman
92
95
3
4
John W Welch
85
84
90
Free
Free
87
86
88
89
Free
Free
100
J H Vealey
Mra FA Sanford JW Sanford.
Mr. SAPServin
Carrie Dusintuire
79
16
G WY Hyatt AR Gale
J J Beattie
96
97
Martine
n E Jenkins
Beattil
John Pelton
H P Demarest
Misses Williams
2
L J Stage
Free
Free
www.ener
TH Demarest
Stalden T.It
w & Sheldon
107
16
JA Wisner
ford
10€
14
Goo Strong MC Buyer
12
CEWLSner
Mrs E J Campbell
JA Ogden
11
W H CA ..
Mrs PA Wheeler
Y T Dunning
114
63
w 4 Hynard
S Pelton"
Jas Wisner
C M Demarest
Frank Arnoul
$8
16
W C Lageer
S W Johnson
M H Puiten
6/
60
C M Bartlett
JEV Muller
M.& H KBradar
Han Garala Bradner
Mes S D Baard
5
D Durcher
C G. Person
RA Wheat
C W Stevens.
A & Cuse
A WY Edsall
Denrest
71
10
MasJSly WB Vandervart
A K Demerest
Aon Davit
PEW CHART REFORMED CHURCH OF WARWICK, N.Y.
NOTE-Since the above diagram was made, the following pews have been rented: Second half No. 33 to Mrs. Anna M. Baird, No. 113 to Mr. Asa J. Baxter, and half of No. 83 to Miss Cora E. Farnham.
J HMe Connell
M Netalen
N Me Rek
Marcellus Drow
33
53
F A Yondervort,I Hi Laurence
108
Sanford
HC Dusinberre
Henry P. Demarest. Samuel Pelton.
James Wisner.
Ferdinand V. Sanford.
THE ELDERS OF 1904.
HISTORIES OF THE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH.
66
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
WE ARE LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD.
The household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Him- self being the chief corner stone: in Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the LORD: in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the SPIRIT.
HISTORY OF THE BIBLE SCHOOL.
BY MISS JULIA DEMAREST.
HE Bible School of the Reformed Church of War- wick was organized on the eighth day of Au- gust, 1830, during the pastorate of the Rev. John I. Christie, with a total enrollment of sixty-five scholars. The sessions of this school were held only during the summer months, and continued until 1842, when for a short period it was abandoned and catechetical classes were held at the parsonage every Saturday afternoon, by the pastor, the Rev. Ferdinand H. Van Derveer. A little later, during the same pastor- ate, the school was again started and has continued to the present time. April 13, 1869, the school was re- organized with constitution and by-laws; and at a meet- ing held April 28, 1869, at the home of Miss Emma Mc- Ewen (Mrs. William Bradner), the following officers were elected: Mahlon Cooper, Superintendent; John L. Ser- vin, Assistant Superintendent; S. S. Van Saun, Secre- tary and Treasurer; Charles M. Demarest, Librarian; Walter K. Vail, Assistant Librarian. At this meeting the Librarian reported 345 books on hand, and the Treas- urer was requested to purchase one hundred copies of the Compendium. This catechism is still taught in the school. At a meeting held May 1, 1872, was carried the following resolution: "That the Sabbath School collec- tions for the ensuing year be devoted to missionary pur- poses, and that we rely on the Church for the support of the school." Since 1872 our school has given all its col- lections to foreign and domestic missions and has been
68
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
supported by the Church. For twenty years it has main- tained two scholarships, one in China, and one in India. For better accommodations the Bible School, about 1877, left the church building and held its service in the Y. M. C. A. rooms. In 1879 these rooms were burned, thus obliging the school to return to its old home minus its library and hymn books.
Children's Day has been observed since 1886. A picnic in summer and some suitable Christmas exercises, with gifts, have been held almost without exception, since the school was organized.
During the summer of 1890 Mr. Peter Zwemer, through the kindness of Mrs. William R. Welling, came as a mis- sionary to the people of our Warwick mountains, and since then our Church has been interested in portions of our town without any Sunday school advantages. But long before this, in 1831 or earlier, there were two schools connected with the Church-one was held in the district school building situated where is located the present cemetery lodge, and the other in the Wheeler- ville, now known as the Sanfordville, school. Mr. Henry Pelton was the superintendent of these schools.
In 1896 a school was started in the Raynor district. It was in the charge of the pastor's wife, Mrs. Taber Knox, and Miss Carrie Pierson. Another school was organized soon after in the Belcher district and one in the Miller district. During the winter the Raynor school is conducted as the Home Department of our school. During the winter of 1899 Mr. George H. Archibald was invited to give addresses in our Church concerning Bible School work and Child Study, and aid us in grading our school. The present system was then arranged and consists of Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Departments, with the pupils ranging from three to nine-
69
HISTORY OF THE BIBLE SCHOOL.
teen years of age, and the adult Bible class to include all beyond this age. Each department has an additional course of Bible study to pursue beside the weekly lessons and catechism. At the end of each year the scholars of suitable age are promoted from one grade to the next, after passing satisfactory examinations and receiving diplomas. We also have an Honor Roll for faithful attendance at school and church, good scholarship and good deportment. We have at the present time 291 volumes in our library.
The secretary of the school reports the following en- rollment:
Officers and Teachers 27
Students in Bible Department, 37
Students in Intermediate Department, - 56
Students in Junior Department, 33
Students in Primary Department, 48
Total enrollment of Home School, - 201
Enrollment of Summer Schools (1903), - 56
Total, 257
The contributions of the school for the year 1903 were $70.74 for Domestic Missions, and $59.10 for Foreign Missions. The congregation contributed for the current expenses of the school for the year $103.58.
For many years the primary children of the school were taught by Mrs. Malven Hotalen, whose devotion to the little ones was untiring, and whose quiet, conscien- tious life and work came to an end early in 1899. Since then Miss Carrie Pierson, who was previously assistant superintendent of the department, has been superinten- dent of both Home and Primary Departments of the school. Miss E. A. Demarest is the superintendent of
70
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
the Junior Department. Mr. F. V. Sanford has been musical director since 1883. The following persons were superintendents from 1830 to 1842: Maurice Hoyt, Arch- ibald Slaughter, Dr. L. W. Lynn and John F. Randolph. From 1842 to 1869 there are no records. During part of this period James Christie and C. H. Riggs served as super- intendents, the latter from 1866 to 1869. From 1869 to 1904 the following have been superintendents: Mahlon Cooper, E. S. Colwell, Dr. H. Warren, John McWilliams, John L. Servin, George A. Sanford, Henry P. Demarest and F. V. Sanford. Mr. Demarest served ten years and Mr. F. V. Sanford since 1891.
THE BIBLE SCHOOL. (From a photograph taken in May, r904.)
A HISTORY OF THE CHOIR.
BY HENRY PELTON.
ROM the date of its organization, there seems to have been a lively interest in good music in our church. Although the records give us little in- formation about the early history of the choir, we are able to gather many facts from the older members of the congregation. From Elder Samuel Pel- ton I learn that his earliest recollection is that of seeing his father, Henry Pelton, acting as chorister to a good- sized choir. This was at least as far back as 1825 or 1830, and he says that he has heard that Mr. James Hoyt preceeded his father.
Mr. Hoyt, the first choir leader of whom we can learn, was the grandfather of Mrs. John J. Beattie, and at that time lived in the house now owned by Mrs. M. D. Has- brouck. How long he served, we do not know. Mr. Henry Pelton, who followed Mr. Hoyt, held the position for ten or fifteen years with the exception of a short time, during which Mr. William Crissey acted as leader. Mr. Pelton had a tenor voice but always sang the air in church as was customary in those days. Of course no musical instrument was used, and for many years no books having tunes, so it was the duty of the chorister to rise after the minister had read the hymn, and an- nounce the name of the tune he had selected-"Dun- dee", "Mear", "China" or "Old Hundred", as the case might be, then after catching the pitch of "A" from his tuning fork, he would sing the tones of the fundamental chord. Others getting the pitch of his first note, he would start the hymn. Sometimes a dozen or more of
72
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
the choir would be in their places and the classic old tunes would roll out in a good strong chorus; or it might be a stormy Sunday and the leader would be alone and except for the scattered voices in the congregation, it would be a solo. The tuning fork used by Mr. Pelton in those old days is now in the possession of his grandson.
Among the few names which we can gather of those who sang under Mr. Pelton's leadership were Mary Hoyt, Delia Hoyt, Hannah Kieran, Mary A. Bradner, Archibald Slaughter, David Demarest, Dr. James Heron, N. R. Bradner, Willliam Bradner, Benjamin Ross, Gamaliel Russell, Joshua Smith and William Plumsted.
About the year 1837, Mr. Pelton was succeeded by Edward V. Colton, a finely educated man, a graduate of Dublin University, who taught a private school in War- wick. Mr. Colton did not sing, but was an expert player of the flute, and he led the singers with his instrument. This was the first time that any instrument of greater range than the tuning fork was heard in our church, and it took some time before the older people became reconciled to the innovation. It was during Mr. Colton's term that a Mr. Converse conducted a singing school in Warwick. A very enthusiastic musician, he aroused the young people's interest in singing and did mnch to stimulate its study, and his influence was felt for many years in the improved singing in the village churches. The flute was soon joined by the violincello in the hands of Jeremiah M. Pelton, a son of the former leader.
Mr. Colton left Warwick in the latter part of 1838, and the choir was then conducted for a number of years by Mr. William H. Hoyt, a son of the first mentioned lead- er. Mr. Hoyt played the violin, sang tenor and was accom- panied by Mr. J. M. Pelton on the 'cello. He remained in charge until about 1842, being succeeded by his
73
A HISTORY OF THE CHOIR.
nephew, Mr. Edward Crossen, who only acted as leader a short time. Mr. J. M. Pelton became leader in 1843, playing the 'cello and singing bass. He was a very en- thusiastic student of the best music, taught singing school in Warwick and neighboring villages a number of years, and was one of the organizers of the Orange County Musical Association.
In January, 1857, Mr. Pelton went to New York to en- gage in the piano and organ business, and from that time until October, 1865, the choir was much of the time without a regular leader. Part of this time Mr. Albert Hoyt acted in that capacity with the able co-operation of Mr. Charles W. Stevens. In 1865 Mr. Robert A. Wheat was engaged to conduct the singing. He was one of the most widely known singers in the county, having taught singing school in nearly every village within a large radius of Warwick, and at the time of his selection for the leadership of the choir was leader of the choir of the Second Presbyterian Church of Middletown, of which Dr. Charles Beattie was pastor. With a strong voice and an in- tensely enthusiastic spirit and manner, Mr. Wheat kept a good- sized choir together and inter- ested in their work. At some ROBERT A. WHEAT. periods of his management, good judges pronounced his choir the best in Orange County. After a faithful ser- vice of twenty-six years, he was succeeded by the pres- ent leader, Mr. Sherman Rightmyer. It has been Mr. Rightmyer's aim to raise the musical taste of our singers, and by his careful selection of the best music for an-
74
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
thems and cantatas has kept alive the interest of his choir. Selections from the best composers have been given at the special services held each Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Among them have been the follow- ing cantatas: "The Risen King", Maney; Gounod's "Gallia", Brewer's "Holy Night", Buck's "The Coming of the King", "The Risen Lord", Schnecker.
The first instrument larger than a 'cello used in our church was a melodeon, which was purchased sometime during the leadership of Mr. J. M. Pelton, and was played in succession by himself, by Misses Mary and Ella Van Derveer, Miss Elizabeth Benedict, Misses Chris- tina and Julia Cowdrey. Soon after Mr. Wheat took charge of the choir, a small reed organ was purchased. This was replaced later by a larger pipe organ. The credit for raising a fund for its purchase is given entire- ly to Miss Mary Cooper (Mrs. L. H. Sanford), who played it very acceptably for a number of years. Since her marriage the following organists have served: Mrs. Will- iam B. Bradner, (occasionally relieved by Miss Anna Pelton), Miss Mattie Welling (Mrs. C. W. Wisner), Mr. Fred Bradner, Mr. D. W. McCartney, Mr. Edward Voll- mer, Mrs. Thomas Welling, Messrs. Frank B. and Ferd- inand D. Sanford, the latter being the present organist.
The organ now used in the church was built in 1890, by George Jardine & Son of New York, and has two man- uals, fifteen stops and over fifteen hundred pipes.
For many years during the term of Mrs. Bradner at the organ, she was accompanied by Mr. Joseph Muth, a very fine flutist, and for a short time each by Messrs. Jessup Miller and Charles Florence on the cornet.
Most of the time since the present church has been built, the sweet tones of Mr. Harry P. Smith's cornet has blended with the organ. Mr. Smith is a cornet soloist
Fred Ermann. Cornelius Lazear. Henry Pelton. Ferdinand D. Sanford. Frank C. Wilson. Harry P. Smith. Paul V. Winslow. Margaret Minturn. Gertrude Sly. Mrs. J. R. Van Devort. S. Rightmyer. Mrs. T. Welling. Irene Carpenter. Alein Demerest. Caroline Bradner. THE CHOIR OF 1904.
75
A HISTORY OF THE CHOIR.
of wide reputation, and on special occasions, when joined by Messrs. Thomas and Jeffrey Wisner on the flute and violin, we have an orchestra which adds much to the effect of our church music. Messrs. George W. McEl- roy and Frank J. Gardner have also given splendid as- sistance with the violin.
It would be impossible to give anything like a list of the singers who have freely given their services during all these years, and we hesitate to mention any for fear some of the most deserving will be overlooked. Only those whose unusually long term of service make them especially noticeable will be given. Among them Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hoyt, Miss Louise S. Hoyt (Mrs. J. J. Beattie), Mrs. Joseph Muth whose fine soprano voice was heard for many years, Mrs. M. H. Pelton, alto, Mr. Charles W. Stevens, who sang a very sweet tenor for thirty-eight years, Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Holly, Mrs. R. A. Wheat and Mrs. J. M. Morehouse.
For ten years the leading soprano was Miss Blanche Muth (Mrs. Anson H. Bingham), whose sweet tones were always enjoyed by all who heard them, in solos or above the other voices in the congregational singing. After Miss Muth left town in September, 1901, Miss Irene Car- penter of Monroe, was engaged as leading soprano and soloist. She has filled the position since that time and her rich cultivated voice is fully appreciated by all our congregation. The present choir is composed of the following: Sopranos, Misses Irene Carpenter, Alein Demerest and Caroline Bradner; Contraltos, Mrs. John R. VanDevort, the Misses Gertrude Sly and Margaret Minturn; Tenors, Sherman Rightmyer, Leader, and Paul Winslow ; Basses, Henry Pelton, Frank Wilson, Fred P. Ermann and Cornelius Lazear; Organist, Ferdinand D. Sanford, and Cornetist, Harry P. Smith.
THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
BY MRS. IRA A. HAWKINS.
N Sabbath morning, November 21st, 1880, Rev. V. B. Carroll announced from the pulpit, that a meeting of the ladies of the Church would be held at the parsonage on Saturday, November 27th, for the purpose of forming a society auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Foreign Missions. Eight ladies responded to this call and organized the "Woman's Mis- sionary Society of the Reformed Church of Warwick, New York."
The first regular meeting of the society was held at the parsonage on December 8th, 1880, with the following charter members:
Mrs. V. B. Carroll,
Mrs. William R. Welling.
Mrs. John Burt,
Miss Eleanor Dusinberre,
Mrs. Theodore Cooper,
Mrs. C. H. Demarest,
Mrs. S. A. Van Saun,
Mrs. George W. Sanford,
Mrs James Wisner,
Mrs. Mahlon Cooper,
Miss Mary Carroll,
Mrs. T. G. Pierson,
Miss Carrie A. Pierson,
Mrs. Thomas Welling.
Miss Marianna Welling,
Miss Alice Wisner,
Miss Cordelia Burt,
Miss Carrie Dusinberre,
Miss Annie Burt.
During the first year of its organization the society increased to thirty-six members, the following ladies having united with the society during the year:
Mrs. John Ackerman,
Mrs. Alex. H. Galloway,
Miss Sarah Van Duzer,
Mrs. John L. Welling.
Mrs John L. Servin,
Mrs. Ellen Armstrong,
Mrs. Charles M. Demarest,
Miss Annie Pelton,
Miss Kate McEwen,
Miss Hattie Wisner,
Mrs. Samuel Pelton,
Mrs. John Palmer,
Mrs. Emily Ellis,
Mrs. Malven Hotalen,
Mrs. John Clason,
Mrs. Frank H. Campbell,
Mrs. C. Stoutenberg.
77
THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The first officers of the Woman's Missionary Society were: President-Mrs. V. B. Carroll; Vice President- Mrs. W. R. Welling; Secretary-Mrs. John Burt; Treas- urer-Miss Eleanor Dusinberre.
The secretary writes in her first annual report: "Al- though the number was small, there was an earnestness among those who were present that gave encouragement to the permanent establishment of a society." At the first annual meeting it was resolved to support a girl at Vellore Seminary, India, and the society still maintains the scholarship in India. The meeting in June, 1882, was of especial interest, owing to the presence of the Misses Mary and Kitty Talmage, who told of their work in China, as a result of which it was decided to maintain a scholarship at Kolongsu, China, for which the society is still responsible.
In March, 1883, the third annual meeting was held at the home of Mrs. S. A. F. Servin, and it is worthy of note that all the annual meetings since, with the exception of 1891 and 1892, have been held at Mrs. Servin's home. On April 4th, 1883, the constitution was amended making the society auxiliary to both the Woman's Board of For- eign Missions and the Woman's Executive Committee of Domestic Missions. The society became identified with the Missionary Union of the Classis of Paramus in Octo- ber, 1892. A bazar for the benefit of missions was held at the home of Mrs. J. J. Beattie in December, 1892, and $147.03 realized. In June, 1894, a fair was held in the Church parlors. The proceeds, $160, was voted to be divided equally between the Foreign and Domestic Boards, as a special offering, to be applied toward paying off the debts of said boards. These two are the only entertainments ever held by the society for the purpose of raising money. During the summer of 1893 the ladies
78
THE RECORD OF A CENTURY.
gave $121.50 to complete the furnishing of the new church parlors.
As the young ladies of the Church were not attending the meetings of the Woman's Missionary Society, our pastor's wife, Mrs. Knox, suggested that a separate society for the young ladies be organized. The idea was most favorably received and in September, 1895, the society appointed a committee consisting of Mrs. Taber Knox, Mrs. L. W. Hoffman, Miss Carrie A. Pierson, and Mrs. Ira A. Hawkins, to organize such a society. The organization was effected September 26, 1895, with a membership of thirty-four, and adopted the name of "Heart and Hand Society."
The Woman's Missionary Society celebrated its twen- tieth anniversary on November 27, 1900, by a meeting at the parsonage, where the ladies held their first meeting twenty years before. Written invitations were sent to all the members and former members of the society. A roll was called by the secretary, and many former mem- bers who could not be present sent letters of greeting and congratulation. It was a privilege to have present at the anniversary ten of the charter members of the society-Mrs. C. H. Demarest, Mrs. Marianna Welling Miller, Mrs. Thomas Welling, Miss Carrie A. Pierson, Mrs. Alice Wisner Berry, Mrs. S. A. F. Servin, Miss Annie Pelton, Miss Kate McEwen, Mrs. R. Wisner, Miss Carrie Dusinberre. A report of the work of the society for the twenty years was read by the secretary, Mrs. Ira A. Hawkins. The Treasurer, Miss Julia Demarest, gave a report of the money received and expended during these years. Refreshments were served by a committee of ladies and an hour of social intercourse brought to its close the anniversary, long to be remembered in the his- tory of the society.
79
THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Much inspiration has been gained by the society from the visits of missionaries and workers. The following have been heard under its auspices: In 1882, Misses Mary and Kitty Talmage; 1883, Rev. N. H. Demarest and Rev. Dr. Cobb; 1884, Mrs. Leayyah Barakat, late of Syria, then residing in Philadelphia, and Rev. Daniel Rapelja, of Amoy, China; 1886, Rev. Dr. Myer; 1887, Rev. Mr. Zabriskie; 1891, Mr. Oi, a Japanese student; 1893, Miss O. H. Lawrence and Miss Cornelia Anderson; 1894, Miss Maggie McCarroll; 1896, Mrs. E. B. Horton; 1898, Miss Cornelia Anderson; 1899, Mrs. E. B. Horton gave a stereopticon lecture; 1902, Miss Harriet Lansing of Japan, spoke in native costume; 1903, Mrs. John H. Wyckoff of Tindivanum, India; 1904, Mrs. Alfred R. Page. Among the earliest work of the society was the pre- paring of boxes for missionaries, and this has continued to be one of the principal activities of the society and has brought them in vital touch with the work on the home field. Fourteen boxes have been prepared and sent to pastor's families in the far west. During the summer months the society have usually assisted the Summer Sewing Guild by making garments for the wo- men and children of India. They have frequently sent offerings toward the Christmas boxes for Mrs. J. H. Wyckoff, Tindivanum, India, besides contributing regu- larly to the high caste girls' school in India. Regular offerings are sent to the Student Missionary Work, and at different times contributions have been sent to the Indian work and work among the white settlers in Oklahoma. Each year unspecified offerings are sent to both of the Woman's Boards. The society has given for missions through the Woman's Board of Foreign Mis- sions $2,067.00, and through the Woman's Executive Committee $1,447.08.
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