USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Extracts from the minutes of the yearly meeting of Friends held in Philadelphia, 1922 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
The Meeting is grateful for the efforts of the committee and desires to express its sense of obligation both to them and to the officers at the school. For report see page 56.
The report of the Social Order Committee was read, showing that the Committee has been active during the year along various lines of service.
At our Meeting last year two queries framed by this Com- mittee were approved by the Yearly Meeting and a Minute adopted to the effect that they be left to the care of the overseers of the Monthly Meetings, it being expected that each Quarterly Meeting would forward a report to the Yearly Meeting now in session. .
Reports were received from all the Quarterly Meetings and a summary of these was approved.
The report of the Social Order Committee contained the suggestion that a new query might be added to be answered annually by our subordinate meetings, said query to be in line with a recommendation contained in their report. The proposition did not at this time commend itself to the Meet- ing, the matter was, however, referred to the Social Order Committee and the Representative Meeting jointly with the suggestion that they may find in the recasting of our present eighth query a solution to the question involved. They are desired to report to this Meeting next year. For report see page 74.
Previous to the reading of the Annual Report of the Peace Committee, opportunity was afforded for a brief report of the activities of the American Friends' Service Committee.
The Meeting expressed its sense of appreciation to our Friends, Rufus M. Jones and Wilbur K. Thomas, who have been acceptably with us and who briefly and feelingly out- lined the work in which the Service Committee has been and is now engaged. Their presentation of the picture of distress
.
17
in Russia, Poland and Austria brought impressively before our Meeting the call that is still extended to us for all the sympathy and help that we can possibly render. We were made to realize in some degree the spirit of unselfish devo- tion which has actuated those who have gone to succor the helpless and starving people there, and our hearts were lifted in secret prayer to Him who rules in the affairs of His crea- tures, that this great load of sorrow may be lightened and that we ourselves may continue to be agents in helping these, our unfortunate brothers and sisters. It was directed that the clerks draft and forward a letter to those now engaged in relief work under the American Friends' Service Committee, as also those working under English Friends, the same to go as a message of sympathy and cheer from this Yearly Meeting.
The report of the Peace Committee was now submitted. The Meeting expressed its appreciation for what has been accomplished by the Committee. They have been respon- sible for the extensive circulation of Peace literature, for the spread of peace principles in our schools, they have collected and contributed funds to various peace organiza- tions and have in other ways been unselfishly devoted to the duties of their appointment. For report see page 90.
During the sessions of this Yearly Meeting we have had the acceptable company of many Friends from other Yearly Meetings. The Minutes of those who had been furnished with them by their home meetings were read at a session of the Meeting of Ministers and Elders held on the 25th inst.
As our session this afternoon was about to close, we were feelingly reminded that we had in our company, represen- tatives from London and Dublin Yearly Meetings; from Friends in Canada, New England, New York, Baltimore, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and from Meetings farther West, and that two of our own beloved members who had established a Christian home for their little family in China were also most acceptably in attendance.
To all of these it has been our desire to extend the right hand of Christian fellowship. We have been strengthened and cheered by the thought that our loving Father in
18
Heaven is not unmindful of our needs and that He has in His own Great Wisdom directed these dear Friends to our doors; it is our united prayer for them and for ourselves that His cause may be advanced among us by their coming, that they may tarry among us as His guiding hand directs and that in return they may receive the comforting assur- ance of having performed the service He has called for.
The Meeting now adjourned to meet in separate sessions tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Fifth-day of the Week and Thirtieth of the Month.
The Meeting convened in separate sessions at the appointed time.
A Committee was appointed last year under a deep religious exercise which found expression as minuted at an early session of that Meeting. The Committee was charged with the concern of this Yearly Meeting for the extension of Christian truth as ways and means might present to them.
Certain tentative outlines for service were marked out, but the task before the Committee was largely of an experi- mental nature, without a well defined outline of a previously organized committee's work to guide them. But with a measure of faith that the call was not of their own begetting, the committee entered upon its task with the feeling that work lay ready for its hands if it could be directed aright to assume it.
This Committee now presented their report which was read: Its presentation elicited expressions of warm approval from many Friends. The lines of work to which the Committee's attention had been directed were clearly set forth in the report. The feeling entertained by them that much should yet be attempted by themselves or by another committee that might be appointed to succeed them was endorsed by the Meeting, but the sentiment found universal acceptance that this same Committee should be continued and encouraged to carry forward the plans already developed and to feel after fresh openings for service under the Master's guidance.
19
Our attention was drawn to the need for funds, which should be furnished the committee if their work is to be measurably effective. Endorsing the work already accom- plished, the Meeting felt the wisest course to pursue was to earnestly encourage our membership to contribute liberally of their means to the furtherance of the work of the Committee.
Our members have been generous in their donations to relief work abroad during the years just past; now that the issue is in some degree shifted to the task of sending Chris- tian literature to places where hungry souls are eager to receive it, the Yearly Meeting would urge upon its members that they do not forget the opportunities for real spiritual assistance that the channel through this Committee affords. For report see page 98.
At our session yesterday morning the isolated condition of many of our smaller meetings called forth the loving regard of this Meeting.
This sentiment found expression that the Friends of these smaller meetings claimed at this time, to a peculiar degree, the sympathy of those of the larger meetings.
In order to give this a practical bearing, it was felt that should the Yearly Meeting at this time see its way clear to appoint a visitation committee, drawn chiefly from our larger meetings, who might under the constraining love of the Gospel and under promptings of individual concern visit from time to time during the coming year these smaller meetings, a blessing might attend the effort.
Much unity was expressed with this, and the decision reached that a committee be appointed and encouraged to visit any or all of our meetings and to appoint meetings for Divine worship as they might feel a clear call to do so.
It was directed that the Extension Committee nominate friends for the service, the same to be approved by the Representative Meeting.
We realize that the sending forth of such a Committee can accomplish nothing for the real advancement of truth; except as they build on the only sure foundation, Christ Jesus, our Saviour and our Lord. We commit them to the care of Him who has promised to be strength in weakness.
20
We have listened with great interest to the reading of the report of the Westtown School Committee. The evident concern of the Committee for all departments of the school and for the home life of all connected with it, met with a welcome response on the part of the Yearly Meeting.
We note with satisfaction that the Monthly Meeting at the school is felt to be helpful to the best life of some, and that the general tone of the student body, the serious deport- ment of the boys and girls in meetings for worship and their occasional vocal offerings, give ground for the belief that the currents of spiritual life are flowing strong and deep in many hearts.
That the blessings of a bountiful Providence may be bestowed in the future, as they have been in the past, is our heart-felt desire for this highly favored school. For report see page 62.
Our session was closed with the reading of a memorial of our beloved Friend, Samuel Emlen, issued by Germantown Monthly Meeting and approved by Abington Quarterly Meeting and by the Representative Meeting. The beautiful portrayal of this Christian character recalled to the minds of many of us the source of strength and solace he had turned us toward in years long past, when in winning words he pleaded with us for a surrender to the Divine Will as manifested in our heart of hearts.
We have missed his presence and his counsel from our meetings, but the savor of a life such as he lived and preached among us will remain as one of the richest treasures of memory.
Then adjourned to 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Sixth of the Week and Thirty-first of the Month.
The Meeting assembled at the appointed hour.
It was suggested by Women Friends that a small com- mittee of men and women be appointed this year to serve as a Committee on Epistles at our next Yearly Meeting, that to this Committee be referred all Epistles which shall come to the Yearly Meeting through the year and that, with it shall be left the decision as to which Epistles shall be
21
brought before the Yearly Meeting for reading. The men's meeting united with this and appointed Wm. Bishop, James M. Moon and Walter T. Moore.
The Committee to urge Executive Clemency toward the political prisoners held in confinement at Fort Leavenworth, submitted the draft of a letter addressed to President Hard- ing; after making a few slight changes and omitting one paragraph the letter was approved by the Meeting. It was directed to be signed and forwarded in person by a few Friends of the Committee.
. For letter see page 123.
The Friends appointed to offer nominations for a Com- mittee to confer with the Friends' Foreign Missionary Asso- ciation of Philadelphia in the interests of their work and the missionary activities of our members as minuted earlier in the week now submitted the following:
WM. B. HARVEY MARY J. MOON
JULIA COPE COLLINS
LYDIA W. RHOADS
J. HARVEY BORTON JOHN WAY
EDWARD G. RHOADS
D. ROBT. YARNALL
WALTER W. HAVILAND ELIZABETH A. ROBERTS
These nominations were approved and the Friends accord- ingly appointed.
As delegates to the Conference of Christian sects, to be held this summer in the interests of Peace, the following were named and their appointment confirmed by the Meet- ing: William Bishop, Francis R. Taylor, Ann Sharpless, William B. Harvey and Mary B. Moon.
As fraternal delegates to the Five Years' Meeting the Meeting appointed George M. Warner, Thomas K. Brown, William B. Harvey, Alfred C. Garrett, Rayner W. Kelsey, J. Passmore Elkinton, Frances Tatum Rhoads, Emma Cadbury, Jr. and Mary J. Moon with liberty to appoint substitutes in case any of the number cannot attend.
The draft of an Epistle addressed to the Yearly Meeting of Friends held at Stillwater, near Barnesville, Ohio, and those Yearly Meetings in correspondence with it, including also the Meeting of Friends at Fritchley, England, was read
22
and endorsed. Epistles addressed to Dublin Yearly Meet- ing, to Friends in Australia and in New Zealand, to the infant Yearly Meeting in Japan, to Friends in West China, and to groups and meetings of Friends in Germany were also presented and with some alterations approved. It was directed that these be signed by our clerks and correspondent and forwarded.
The Committee on Race Relations produced their report which was approved and they were encouraged to continued effort. It was felt that there would be a service in sending a copy of this report with our letter to Friends in Australia. This also was approved. For report see page 106.
The Committee on Organizing Church Union submitted an interesting report, and the Committee was continued with the expectation that it will report to the Yearly Meeting again next year. For report see page 116.
The report of the Friends' Fiduciary Corporation was presented and approved. For report see page 113.
The report of the Educational Committee was submitted. There are eight schools embraced in the concern of this Committee of the Yearly Meeting. Eighty per cent. of the total enrollment (365 children), are non-members with us; the Meeting feels the responsibility that rests upon it in connection with these interesting groups of children, and those other larger groups included in our schools at Ger- mantown, Philadelphia, Moorestown and elsewhere, and we accept the truthfulness of the spirit of the report where it states, "It is your privilege with us to extend the ideals for which we stand, through the schools, that the door to an abundant life may be opened for our children and that working through our schools, more and more the things of the spirit may come to be the common and abiding posses- sions of mankind."
The report refers to the serious illness of our Superin- tendent, Gertrude Roberts Sherer, who since its writing, has gone from among us. That she loved little children and that they returned this love in unstinted measure is evidence that she drew from the source of that love that crowns all the Christian virtues.
23
We have greatly valued her work and influence in our schools. The educational interests of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and the community at large have met with no com- mon loss in the death of this, our dear Friend.
Th work of the Educational Committee, of the teachers in our schools, and of Gertrude R. Sherer are greatly appre- ciated by the Yearly Meeting.
For report see page 49.
There was introduced from the Peace Committee a recom- mendation that the Yearly Meeting issue an appeal on the subject of War and Peace addressed to the Christian Churches in all countries. They submitted a draft of the proposed letter which was read and with a slight alteration · endorsed. It is hoped that other Yearly Meetings will join with us in subscribing to this address, that it may go forth as a united testimony held by those bearing the name of Friends.
The issuance of this address is referred to the Peace Committee.
For letter see page 124.
The following Minute expressive of the deep religious exercise that had been a conspicuous feature of all the ses- sions of the Meeting was approved. It is as follows:
THE OPEN DOOR.
"Behold I set before thee an open door."
Repeatedly during our meetings we have been reminded of these familiar words. They express not only our oppor- tunities but also our call. "I have set before thee,"-thus the living Christ speaks to His individual followers. It is God's call that should prompt us to any service; and His call should be answered in consecration and with joy. Per- sonal consecration, a living faith in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and a joyous obedience to Him as He may lead us into service, are essential if we are to enter the doors of opportunity before us.
And what doors have been opened before us! What a forward looking call! What service!
24
One of these doors is our own meetings for worship. These are of fundamental importance in maintaining our spiritual power. We should learn to love our meetings, because we expect to meet with God. Our small meetings should especially claim our loving interest and our prayers; and we should visit them as we have intimations of God's leading. Though we may have a Visitation Committee, the door is nevertheless set open before us all and we should pray to enter it.
Another door of service that is always open before us is the constant Christian joyousness of our daily lives. In family life, in business relations, in our social activities and in the use of our leisure time, we can manifest the radiancy of Christ. As His character comes into our hearts, and His joy into our lives, we shall attract others to desire · Him. "The joy of the Lord is our strength."
Still other doors appear to be set before our Meeting to a very remarkable degree, and the field literally is the world. We have liberated our beloved Friends, William C. and Elizabeth C. B. Allen, for a Gospel journey around the world. They need our sympathy and prayers. We have authorized a Visitation Committee to visit all our sub- ordinate Meetings. Our Peace Committee, Social Order Committee and Extension Committee find larger fields of service than they can occupy.
We are having new opportunities of fellowship with other Friends and with other Christians, and these, we believe, have come to us because our Heavenly Father has service in them for us to render. We are looking towards a closer connection with the foreign missionary work in which our members are engaged. This is another door set open before our Meeting, with possibilities of service which we only dimly foresee. Finally the great work of the Ameri- can Friends' Service Committee calls steadily for the very utmost that we can render.
As we consider all these opportunities which our loving Father in Heaven has set before us, we realize afresh that we must put first things first. We rejoice in our oppor- tunity, but we are solemnized by the thought that God has
25
so much for us to do. We remember that we must humble ourselves as little children if we are to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, or into the doors that are opened. In all earnest- ness and in all consecration, let us therefore, "put on the whole armor of God" and joyfully accept the message: "Behold, I have set before thee an open door."
As the Meeting now draws to a close we acknowledge with deep gratitude the overshadowing presence of our Heavenly Father during the week.
Our business has been most varied, but we feel that His Spirit has been above our spirits, and has helped us to reach our conclusions in a good degree of harmony.
In this feeling we now separate to meet again at the usual time next year if consistent with the Divine Will.
DAVIS H. FORSYTHE,
Clerk.
3
26
EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE WOMEN'S YEARLY MEETING
At a Yearly Meeting of Women Friends, held in Philadel- phia by adjournments from the twenty-ninth of Third Month to the thirty-first of the same, 1922, both inclusive,
The following Friends, Eleanor R. Elkinton and others, were appointed by the Quarterly Meetings as their represen- tatives to this body. They reported in joint session of men and women, held on the 28th, that they were united in proposing the names of Mary R. Williams for clerk, and Sarah Emlen Moore and Elizabeth B. Jones as assistant clerks.
This meeting approved the nominations and they are appointed to the service for the year.
The Quarterly Meetings report that Alice H. Yarnall and others have been appointed to promote the comfort of Friends attending Yearly Meeting. Summary answers to the nine queries have been read, considered and approved. We have been drawn into much sympathy with one another, and have been encouraged to "put first things first" in arranging our daily activities. This will more often allow time for attendance of mid-week, as well as First-day meet- ings, thus strengthening our fellow members, and receiving a blessing ourselves.
These queries, which are so vitally connected with our spiritual and secular life will not be difficult to answer, if "every avenue of our beings is opened for God's service."
The following recommendation from Concord Quarterly Meeting in regard to the 5th Query was read. It is as follows: Westtown Monthly Meeting proposed by minute, that this Quarterly Meeting consider the advisability of suggesting to the Yearly Meeting that a change be made
-
27
in the wording of the 5th Query, with the purpose of eliminating reference to any specific diversions, and direct- ing attention forcibly to the whole general question of the use of our leisure time. After earnest consideration, the suggestion was approved by this meeting. The clerks were directed to bring the matter to the attention of our approach- ing Yearly Meeting by means of a copy of this minute, duly signed.
JOHN D. CARTER, SUSANNA SHARPLESS,
Clerks.
Women's Yearly Meeting is united in referring this subject to the consideration of the Representative Meeting. We strongly recommend that if a change be made in the query, it shall not only warn our members against harmful diversions, but that emphasis shall be laid upon the recrea- tions which help in upbuilding the spiritual life; and that it will result in an awakened conscience on the part of all of us.
Summary answers to the five annual queries were also adopted.
That to the first query informs us of the death of one minister and eight elders, members of this Yearly Meeting.
"When our summons comes may we be enabled to lay down our armour with joy and not with grief, through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus."
Then adjourned to a joint session of men and women Friends this afternoon at 2 o'clock, and to our separate session at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Fifth-day, Third Month 30th.
Friends gathered near the appointed hour. By the read- ing of the Educational Statistics we are informed that we have 809 children in this Yearly Meeting, between the ages of 5 and 20 years.
Three children under 5 years attend school, and 58 young men and women, over 20 years, are in colleges and technical schools.
28
The total number of all ages attending colleges and technical schools is 111.
A report was read, from the committee appointed to nominate fraternal delegates to the Five Years' Meeting.
The report was approved by this meeting.
In response to the letter sent to President Harding by this Yearly Meeting, expressing our appreciation of the work of the Conference on Limitation of Armaments, an appreciative letter has been received from his Secretary, which was read.
Expressions of loving sympathy have been given, in regard to the absence of our dear friend, Sarah G. Yarnall, who has so faithfully attended this meeting these many years; also, on behalf of the many absent ones, who have been prevented from being with us, and whose comforting presence and support have been greatly missed at this time.
An interesing and comprehensive report from the com- mittee in charge of Westtown School was read, in which the judgment is recorded, "that the past year has been marked by progress toward the ideals for which those in charge desire that Westtown shall stand."
One hundred and eight boys and ninety-seven girls, four of whom have but one parent a member, have been enrolled. This is a somewhat smaller number than last year. We feel grateful for the effort that is being made for the social betterment of the employees and the neighboring com- munity. Gratitude has been expressed that we have such a school which affords opportunity for the best education, and the most worth-while influences, moral and spiritual.
Monthly meetings, which have no schools under their immediate care, are encouraged to use unexpended funds in helping children to get a Westtown education.
The appropriation of $5,000 for the use of the school next year was approved.
The report of the Committee on Education informs that: "The school year may be characterized as a year of spiritual power. Our ideals have been enlarged, our courage
29
renewed, our purposes strengthened, as together we have worked at our common problems. *
* Our aim in educating the children in our schools may be put, broadly speaking, in the words of a recent writer: 'To bring the child out and into something. Into the real world, out of half worlds and barren regions, into the best and the eternal.' "
These high ideals, and the enlarged sphere of usefulness which has been entered by those who so faithfully carry on this most important work, are cause for thanksgiving.
· The unselfish, faithful work of the teachers in our schools is deeply appreciated. It is encouraging to learn that sev- eral young women Friends are entering the teaching pro- fession, where so many are already engaged in a most self- sacrificing manner.
The Yearly Meeting has sustained a great loss by the death of Gertrude Roberts Sherer, whose labor of love among its teachers, pupils, parents and committees cannot be estimated.
This "Committee believes that it is not too much to say that she has in her large work in our schools, helped little children to find God, and that her work will go on."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.