USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Supplement to the manual : statistics and reports of the Second Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, O., for the year ending April 1, 1891 > Part 2
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By special gifts the Society furnished the Christmas supper for the mother's meeting of the W. C. A., at a cost of $27.56.
The Floral Committee sends no report. Nor is it needed, for are we not reminded on every Lord's Day that the ladies of this Con- mittee are not forgetful? And did not the Christmas and Easter decorations speak eloquently of their efficiency ?
We are deeply indebted to Mrs Rev. C. S. Pomeroy for planning and supplying material for the missionary meetings, nine having been held during the year. Also to the ladies who have given us interesting papers upon the various topics assigned, and to one gentleman, Rev. John Hall, who contributed a paper for the June meeting, "The South."
The summing up of the year's work shows it to have been one of unusual activity, the complete results not being yet known. May we not hope for a continuance of interest and a still greater widening of our work in the coming year ?
E. C. STANDART, Secy.
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Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
Balance March 15, 1890. $ I 59
Young Ladies' Society .
187 83
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Pt. Barrow Mission
3 00
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for St. George, Utah.
5 00
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Books for Mary Allen Seminary
50 00
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Juneau, Alaska
100 00
Contingent Fund.
5 00
Flowers .
5 00
Fancy Work sold
2 50
Mattress Covers.
IO 75
Freedmen .
6 00
Christmas and Home Mission Boxes
107 00
Membership Fees
55 00
Home Missions
209 55
Proceeds of Fair.
1,323 07-$2,071 29
Miss Allen's Sunday School Class Easter. Offering
7 00
Sunday School Christmas Offering
1.30 00
Sunday School ..
60 00
James Eells Society
150 00
Handy Mission Band.
$2,522 17
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, Contingent Fund .. ... $ 5 00
66 Sterling & Welch, for labor .
I 85
" Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Pt. Barrow Mission .
3 00
" Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for St. George, Utah ...
5 00
" James Allison, Treasurer, for Books.
50 00
Mrs. M. E. Boyd, for Juneau, Alaska.
100 00
" For Flowers.
67 00
" Chandler & Rudd, for Wreathing
6 65
66 Mrs. J. F. Rust, for Materials for Work.
50 00
" A. E. Schade, for Dishes.
8 40
" Hower & Higbee, for Materials for Work
7 60
" For Mrs. Stoneham
14 45
" For Christmas Box-Miss Gee.
13 00
" For Christmas Box-Miss Neilson.
II 26
" Home Missionary Box for Rev. J. S .. Pinney, in- cluding $50 cash .
82 24
" Messrs. Handy and Eells, for Miss Larsen
105 00
" Women for Work. I 75
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Matron's Salary at Albuquerque 75 00
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103 88
66 Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, Contingent Fund 5 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for General Fund. 100 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Freedmen. 200 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Miss Gee's Salary. .
450 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Mountain Whites ..
75 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, for Woman's Executive Committee 75 00
In Treasury .
Paid Miss Helen Boyden, for Good Will Mission, S. C.
559 09-$2,071 29 7 00
" Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, Christmas Offering from Sunday School.
103 88
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, from Sunday School ....
130 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, from James Eells Society 60 00
Mrs. Bushnell, Treasurer, from Handy Mission Band
150 00
$2,522 17
MRS. C. H. RANDALL, Treasurer.
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society.
President-MRS. W. M. MERIAM.
Vice Presidents-MRS. G. G. JOHNSON,
MRS. R. R. HERRICK, MRS. H. S. WHITTLESEY.
Secretary-MISS F. E. HUNTINGTON. Treasurer-MRS. O. J. BENHAM. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
MISS JULIA HASKELL, MISS CHARLOTTE LEONARD,
MRS. WALLACE W. BENHAM, MRS. JOHN E. MOREHEAD, MISS LIZZIE WAIN.
Owing to the resignation of our efficient Secretary, Mrs. A. C. Rogers, in September last, your kindly indulgence is requested as we submit the report of our Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, for the year now closing.
At a meeting held March 5, 1890, the officers already serving were re-elected for the coming year. The annual reports were presented at a Union meeting, held in connection with the Ladies' Home Mis- sionary Society on the 15th of March It was expected that Mrs. Cunningham of West Virginia, would make an address upon this
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occasion, but as she was unable to be present, our pastor kindly came to our aid, filling out the program in his own happy way; two of our musical friends also lent their assistance, and they have continued to favor us with their "sweet voices in song" at other meetings through- out the year.
The average attendance, twenty-one, at our eleven regular meet- ings, though much smaller than we had hoped for, shows no diminu- tion in fervor or interest, as evidenced by the many earnest prayers offered, and the unusual number of papers presented. The member- ship of the Society now numbers 146, a considerable gain upon that of other years, due, mostly, to the untiring exertions of our Treasurer, Mrs O. J. Benham.
The church being closed for repairs, the August meeting was omitted, and the September meeting, through the kind invitation of Mrs. Quinby, was held at her beautiful Summer home in East Cleve- land. Miss Clark, of Collamer, who had recently returned from European travel, was present and gave a very interesting account of her experiences in Athens and Constantinople, and of a visit to a missionary family in Bulgaria, the whole being illustrated with many views, curios, etc.
In October, as the church parlor was not yet in readiness, Mrs. Pomeroy hospitably invited us to meet at her residence on Prospect Street. Mrs. Rogers' letter of resignation as Secretary was read at this time, and as it was based upon the sister's ill health and conse- quent absence from the city, the resignation was accepted by the ladies, though with extreme reluctance, and another Secretary was chosen to serve the remainder of the year.
At the November meeting we were favored with the presence of Miss Waterhouse, who had been a teacher for several years in a self- supporting English school in Concepcion, Chili. We learned some- thing of the pioneer work in that place, and of the advance made in the condition of the people through missionary effort. .
At the January meeting many interesting items from the various fields were presented, and we were both saddened and encouraged as we listened to somewhat of the loss or gain during these last twelve months of work and prayer.
Interesting letters from our missionaries have been read from
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time to time, and we would like to dwell upon the variety and beauty of the various papers written by the different members of the Society, but we can only repeat that they have been of unusual interest and value, and only regret that more of our members do not participate in the advantages both given and received by this study of the countries to which we send our missionaries.
The method adopted last year of collecting membership fees and other subscriptions by means of circulars placed in the pews, has been continued, but owing to some misunderstanding they were not as fully taken up as expected ; many were sent ont by mail, but re- sponses came so slowly that notes, calling attention to the subject, were addressed to members who had not, as yet, sent in their contri- butions. This proved quite satisfactory, the amount raised being much in advance of that obtained last year.
We must not forget to mention the two new Life Members added to our number, Mrs. Annie Warren and Mrs. D. W. Geer, and the lecture given in April by Mrs. Barakat, of Syria. Some of the ladies of the Society secured the services of this converted Syrian for an address on Syria, which was delivered Sunday evening, April 27th, in the church, and on the Tuesday evening following, assisted by some of the young ladies and gentlemen of the different Societies, she gave a lecture, illustrating a number of Bible facts, as well as Syrian customs and dress, all of which proved very entertaining and helpful, contributing materially, also, to our receipts.
Allusion has been made to the mental stimulus given by our meetings ; we would speak, also, of the spiritual growth possible from these gatherings of Christian women. The promise of our Savior to those who meet "in His name," may surely be claimed, and this is not all; who can estimate what may be wrought in other lands through the earnest petitions here offered for the spread of Christ's kingdom.
Some of our number are being called upon to pass through pecu- liar trials; they sit in darkened homes, from which the light of a beloved face has been taken in a strange, sad way, or they suffer with painful, wasting illness. We think of them with loving sympathy, and with the prayer that the peace of God may abide with them, and that "their faith fail not "
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For the last year or two our contributions have gone into the "General Fund," though we still retain special interest in one of our missionary sisters, Mrs. Bessie Nelson Eddy, of Sidon, Syria. A letter recently received from her speaks of many home cares and con- sequent cessation of seminary work, but the meetings for moslem, jewish and protestant women are continued for Bible study, prayer and benevolent work. Mrs. Eddy mentions as cause for gratitude, that the cholera has been checked in its course, and tells of the brave fidelity of the medical missionary, Dr. Haas, who stood manfully at his post while the native physician fled to the mountains. Another letter from Syria gives a pleasant picture of the new Summer home at Jedaideh, of the services held there upon Sabbath evenings, and relates some incidents of camping life in the surrounding villages, where Mr. Eddy had opportunity to address the people as they gathered in groups to see the foreigners.
The interest in the Persian work does not flag, the special con- tribution for the cot in the Oroomiah Hospital being always ready in due time through the persevering efforts of the faithful worker who has the matter in charge.
Mrs. Johnson, our agent for the magazines, has been likewise faithful and energetic, yet she reports but twenty-five names on the list of subscribers for "Woman's Work for Woman." "Children's Work" shows a slight advance in interest, there being thirty-one copies of that magazine taken.
Death has entered the ranks of our missionaries again and again during the past year. From Persia, North India, Siam, Brazil, valued lives have passed away; tedious illness has frustrated many plans, and Christian native friends and helpers called from their work, leav- ing many of our ladies overburdened by their loss, yet in the midst of all this five new locations have been occupied and fourteen revivals recorded, the accessions to the church being numbered by hundreds. Our Woman's Boards have 357 missionaries and helpers, 46 physicians, of whom II are fully qualified, and 60 recruits have gone out within the last few months. The passage of the Silver Bill has heavily weighted our various Boards, and carried great depression among our workers, yet there seems nothing to do but to press onward, working, giving, and praying, trusting that this extra expense may somehow be overruled for good.
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.
From the Shantung province 1,500 applicants for baptism are reported by Mr. Laughlin; 500 had received the rite since October. Two new stations are about to be opened in this province. Money is necessary for homes for the missionaries already there, and an opportunity is given to the home-makers of America to send the needed help. But this call for help comes from every direction ; the "open doors" are everywhere before us, and more soldiers of the cross are ready to enter them than the church is ready to send. What lack we yet? When we learn that only one-half of the church membership of our land give anything to foreign missions, and that nine-tenths of the contributions are given by one-tenth of the member- ship, we cannot wonder that our various Boards are struggling with debt, and that the work abroad must advance slowly. Yet even now a new spirit of conquest is aroused, which threatens the downfall of all opposition. Those who attended the late convention, held in our city, listened to the eloquent pleas of the missionaries, and looked upon the earnest faces gathered in that hall, must realize, in some measure, this wonderful awakening. But when it is remembered that these were but the representatives of the great crowd of volunteers who are going to attempt the "evangelization of the world in this generation," the wonder and admiration increase. Such faith and courage seem sublime-almost audacious-yet who can tell what might be done, were our grand army of protestant Christians wholly consecrated. Hundreds of years ago all Christendom was shaken to its centre by the call to rescue Jerusalem from the infidel; thousands responded, laying down their lives in what, to them, was a holy war. Now comes the ringing cry, "The World for Christ." Many are ready for the battle; they need to be fully armed and equipped that they "fall not by the way," and their numbers added unto until they prove invincible, through the grace of God, in this grandest crusade the world has ever seen.
F. E. HUNTINGTON, Secretary.
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1
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand March 13, 1891 (Expense Fund) $ 6 58
Collected for Expenses 2 58
Membership Fees. . 500 00
Interest at Savings Bank .
2 04
For Cot in Hospital, Oroomiah, Persia 25 00
Mrs. Barrakat's Entertainment. 49 28
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Syria 3 00
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Women of China. 5 00
Mrs. E. G. Benedict, for Moravians and Waldenses 10 00
Missionary Offering from Sunday School
128 87
James Eells Society
60 00
Handy Band. 151 00
Sunday School
230 00-$1,173 35
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid for Paper, Envelopes and Stamps $ 3 70
Leader Printing Company, for Circulars. 2 00
Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, for General Fund .... 502 04
66 Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, for Cot in Hospital, Oroomiah, Persia. 25 00
" Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, for Debt of Board ... 25 00
Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, for Expenses of Pres- byterial Society 8 00
Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, from Special Sunday School Offering
128 87
" Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, from Mrs. E. G. Ben- edict 8 00
" Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, from Handy Band. . . 151 00
" Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, from James Eells Soc. 60 00
" Mrs. A. H. Potter, Treasurer, from Sunday School. 230 00 Receipt from Board, account Mrs. E. G. Benedict 10 00
In Bank to Balance
19 74-$1,173 35
MRS. O. J. BENHAM, Treasurer.
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Secretary's Report of the James Eells Missionary Society for the Year 1890-91.
As we come to another Annual Meeting of our Society we are reminded of the rapid flight of time, and the question comes to us, " Have we done all in our power to help answer the prayer, 'Thy Kingdom Come?'"
With the exception of August, September and October a meeting of the Society has been held each month, and only those who have attended can realize the instruction and personal help that have been gained from them. To learn of other people and countries must surely have a broadening effect upon our lives, and where can more accurate knowledge be obtained than in the writings of intelligent Christian workers on the field? For ourselves, then, if from no higher motive, let us cultivate a habit of regular reading of the missionary magazines.
At our last Annual Meeting, Mrs. Taylor, who had spent some time in San Francisco, kindly told us of her visits to Chinatown, and of the great work done among the Chinese, especially in rescuing girls from the terrible lives which so many, even the smallest, must lead in the opium dens.
Our money has been divided between Home and Foreign Mis- sions. To the former we have given $50 for the school in Albuquer- que, N. M., $10 for the Seminary Building in Burkeville, Va., and to the latter, $30 to the school in Bogota, S. A., $30 for a scholarship in Oroomiah, Persia, and $10 to the Chinese Girl's School in San Francisco.
Several letters received from Albuquerque, telling of the interest manifested by the children, the growing confidence of the older people in the missionaries, and faith in the gospel they are sent to teach, enable us to see the necessity for prompt action in this direc- tion, and to be glad that we are permitted to help here, if only a little.
Real advance is shown all along the line, in spite of many diffi- culties and discouragements, but notwithstanding all the good that has been accomplished, much more might be done, and missionaries among the Chinese, Negroes and poor Whites of our own country, as
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well as workers in other lands, send urgent appeals for more money to carry on the waiting work. Shall we not consider it a privilege to render all the assistance possible in the evangelization of the world?
The need is so great, and our talents so small in comparison, that we are tempted, naturally, perhaps, to think that we can do nothing, but is it not true that each one has some talent given him to use as currency in the Lord's service? While we are waiting and wishing for great deeds and large sums to express our love, and desire for the extension of the Kingdom, let us watch and pray lest the little oppor- tunities, God's small change, slip through our careless fingers.
FANNIE G. JOHNSON, Secretary.
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
Membership Fees
$
I 50
Collections
9 01
Balance from last year
9 83
From Pledges.
119 90
Interest at Bank
2 18
Total Receipts, --- $ 142 42
DISBURSEMENTS.
Stationery and Printing.
$ 4 14
School in Brazil
30 00
School in Persia ..
30 00
School in New Mexico
50 00
Work among poor Whites.
10 00
Chinese School, San Francisco
15 00
Total Disbursements,
-$ 139 14
Balance,
$ 3 28
EDWARD C. COLLINS, Treas.
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Report of Handy Mission Band for 1890-91.
OFFICERS. President-MISS ALLEN. Ist Vice President-MRS. G. G. JOHNSON. 2d Vice President-MISS ADELAIDE TAYLOR. Secretary-IDA C. BROWN. Corresponding Secretary-HARVEY YOUNG. Treasurer-CHARLES MORRIS.
Assistant Treasurer-JULIA WHITTLESEY. Work Committee-MISS LEONARD and MRS. BAILEY.
Our report shows good work done by the Handy Mission Band during the year just closing. The average attendance at fifteen meetings has been thirty scholars, six officers and teachers, out of an enrollment of sixty four members. We have had nineteen visitors with us this year and have received 103 of our friends as honorary members.
In May we were made sad by the death of one of our number, Gilbert Rowe, who died May 18th. He was one of our most active members and joined the Society at the time it was organized. We miss his pleasant face from our midst; he always did so willingly and cheerfully what was asked of him.
Our meetings, under the direction of our President, Miss Allen, have been full of interest, and we have learned many things about missionary work in the different countries. At our first meeting of the year we had with us a Syrian lady, Miss Montrand, who gave us some very interesting facts. A little boy was with her, and both were dressed in Syrian costumes.
In March our Society was represented at the Annual Meeting of the Ladies' Home and Foreign Missionary Society, held at the North Presbyterian Church.
In May a box was sent by the Band, containing clothing, Sunday School papers and books, to Miss Boyden of the Good Will Mission at Marysville, South Carolina, and afterwards a letter was received, thanking us for the articles sent.
On account of the church being closed for repairs during the
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Summer, no meetings were held from June to November. Our first meeting in November, after such a long vacation, was one of great interest, as we had with us Mrs. Hull, who told us in a most enter- taining way of mission work in New Mexico, after which our dear Mr. Handy gave a short talk and offered prayer. We then had a little feast of ice cream and cake, which was sent in by kind friends.
Altogether, we think it has been a year of profit to ourselves as well as others, and we feel grateful to our kind officers and teachers who are teaching us so patiently how to help on the great work of missions.
MARY HUNT, Secy.
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand March Ist, 1890 $ 55.79
Honorary Membership Fees
25 25
Membership Fees 3 90
Collections
II 75
Birthday Money
I 34
Work sold. .
30
Proceeds of Entertainment
3I
55
Interest on Account
2 21
Mr. T. P. Handy
202 00-$334 09
DISBURSEMENTS.
Material for Work
$ 5I
Secretary's Book.
50
Miss Batran, for Speaking
2 00
Printing Certificates . 2 00
Mr. Handy's Photos.
4 00
Flowers for Gilbert Rowe's Funeral
5 00
Freight Bill on Box sent to South Carolina.
2 70
Seeds .
25
Bibles sent to Utah .
5 00
Mrs. Benham, Treasurer, for Scholarship, Sidon, Syria . .
50 00
Mrs. Benham, Treasurer, for School at Baraka, Africa. . ..
30 00
Mrs. Benham, Treasurer, for Bible Reader at Bata, in Ben- ita, Africa
36 00
Mrs. Benham, Treasurer, for Mission School at Lakawn, Siam
35 00
Mrs. Randall, Treasurer, for Scholarship, Las Vegas, New Mexico
75 00
Mrs. Randall, Treasurer, for Scholarship, Tucson, Arizona. 50 00
Mrs. Randall, Treasurer, for poor Whites. 25 00
In Bank
II 13-$334 09
CHARLES MORRIS, Treasurer.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION.
The work of the past year has been very encouraging. More interest has been manifested, the attendance has been larger, and a greater number have been willing to help on the work.
On account of the repairs of our church building the meetings were discontinued for some weeks. This did not seem to cool the ardor, but when they were resumed it was with a new impetus, and a desire on the part of each to do all he could to make the Society a power for good.
Only one business meeting was held during the year, and that was for the election of officers.
HERBERT B. JOHNSON, Secretary.
BENEVOLENCE.
In this church, GIVING is a part of worship every Sabbath morning. Your contributions are solicited in support of the following agencies of the Presbyterian Church, for the spread of the Gospel :
1. Board of Foreign Missions.
2. Board of Home Missions. 3. Board of Church Erection.
4: Board of Missions for Freedmen . 5. Board of Education. 6. Board of Publication. 7. Ministerial Relief. 8. Board of College Aid.
9. Contingent Fund Employed under the direction of the Session for Missionary Work and Church Extension, principally in Cleveland- for the expenses of our Sabbath School, etc., and for paying the assessments of this Church to the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. Consider conscientiously the claims of this benevolent work upon you, and contribute EVERY SUNDAY MORNING, your free- will offering as God has prospered you.
Special designation of funds for any of these objects can be made, if you so desire, by enclosing the amount in a suitably-marked envelope. Otherwise, the contribution of each Sabbath, except the amount needed for the Contingent Fund, will be divided, by the Session, among the above causes, in the proportion recommended by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Packages of numbered envelopes are in readiness to supply every contributor.
No part of the amount is employed for the ordinary current expenses of the church.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."-Mal., 3-10.
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