USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > Huntingdon > The Historical memorial of the centennial anniversary of the Presbytery of Huntingdon : held in Huntingdon, Pa., April 9, 1895 : 1795-1895 > Part 34
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A call was issued February 9, 1880, under the auspices of the Woman's Committee of Home Missions appointed by the Synod of Harrisburg, signed by the Rev. A. Nelson Hollifield, pastor of the Huntingdon Church, and sent to every church in the Presbytery of Huntingdon, stating that a convention in the interest of home missions would be held at Huntingdon February 26 and 27, asking them to be repre- sented by the pastor and three delegates, two of these being women. There was a large attendance, and this convention did much to arouse a new interest in the cause.
Dr. Jackson spoke at all of the sessions, and Mrs. Haines met with the ladies and gave them information about their special department of the work, which was the support of schools and missionary teachers, building chapels, etc.
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Mrs. Pratt, of the Indian Training School at Carlisle, also gave an interesting talk upon their work. Mrs. George Norcross (sister of Dr. Sheldon Jackson) and Mrs. J. C. Caldwell, members of the Synodical Committee, attended the convention and took part in the ladies' meeting, which was held before the public meeting in the morning.
In the afternoon Dr. Jackson addressed the convention upon Woman's Work. At the close of his address, upon motion of Rev. A. N. Hollifield,-unanimously adopted,-the chair appointed the fol- lowing ladies as a committee to secure Presbyterial action, etc. : Presi- dent, Mrs. Wm. Dorris, Huntingdon ; Secretary, Mrs. J. M. Bailey, Huntingdon ; Mrs. Dr. Wilson, Hollidaysburg; Miss Eliza Cresswell, Alexandria; Miss Mila Porter, Graysville; Mrs. Annie G. Patterson, Lewistown; Mrs. N. C. Barclay, Altoona; Miss Hattie Browne, Newton Hamilton.
Mrs. Haines called the members of the Synodical Committee together at this time, and, although few in number, an organization was effected by electing Mrs. George Norcross president, and Miss F. A. Dyer, of Covington, secretary. At this meeting Mrs. John M. Bailey, of Hunt- ingdon, who had assisted in the preparations for the convention, was elected to fill the vacancy on the committee for the Presbytery of Hunt- ingdon, Mrs. William P. Wilson, of Bellefonte, having declined the appointment by the Synod. As no uniform plan of action could be arranged, it was thought best that in each Presbytery the members of the committee should work according to their best judgment, and, where successful, communicate the plan to others.
A report was sent October 22, 1880, to the Synod, in session at Chambersburg, by the synodical secretary, showing some advance had been made in organization and general interest during the past eight months, with a request for the enlargement of the committee. The report was approved and the committee increased to sixteen members, four from each Presbytery. Those appointed for the Presbytery of Hunt- ingdon,-Mrs. William Dorris, Huntingdon; Mrs. John M. Bailey, Huntingdon; Miss Eliza G. Cresswell, Alexandria; Mrs. S. M. Wood- cock, Altoona.
The first efforts of the committee were directed towards spreading information through the sixty-seven churches of the Presbytery, as pre- paratory to the organization of societies and bands among the women and young people. To this end appeals were made, first to the pastors, and then to the women of the churches, as soon as names could be obtained
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with whom to open up correspondence, asking them to distribute leaflets and mite-boxes, furnished freely by the Woman's Executive Committee, and urging that subscriptions be obtained, wherever possible, to The Rocky Mountain Presbyterian, edited by Dr. Jackson, at Denver, Colo- rado. Instructions as to the general work were given, and special direc- tions as to organizing societies and conducting meetings, etc., and where to apply for help or information.
Many ministers replied with encouraging words, and offering their assistance, and many women were found waiting and anxious to be shown what to do. Others were indifferent, and some "doubted," wondering " whereunto this would grow," and feared lest woman's work for foreign missions would suffer in consequence. There were difficulties to be overcome and objections to be met, but the work was not "woman's," but God's, through woman, and it went forward.
At the first meeting of the Presbytery, April, 1880, in Bellefonte, after the convention held at Huntingdon the preceding February, a paper was offered by the Rev. A. N. Hollifield, stating the action of the con- vention, and naming the members appointed at that time, as a Presby- terial committee, " to effect the organization of auxiliary societies in our bounds," and "be it Resolved, that we cordially recommend the said com- mittee to our churches."
This resolution called forth considerable discussion and some oppo- sition, but was bravely defended by earnest friends of the cause, and the paper was finally adopted.
The progress made in organization can be shown best by the follow- ing extracts from the report of the Synodical Committee, made one year after, to the Presbytery at their meeting in April, 1881 : .
" Believing that the members of the Presbytery of Huntingdon are not indifferent to any work of the Master carried on within their own bounds, and encouraged by the resolution of the Synod of 1880, page 15 of the ' minutes,' ' that we will endeavor to help those women who labor with us in the Lord, and encourage and assist them in organizing Home Misssionary Societies and Bands in all our congregations,' we, the members of 'The Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions,' who have the honor to represent the Presbytery of Hunt- ingdon on this committee, venture to intrude upon your time and patience with a report of our work in this department during the past year. In March, 1880, soon after our appointment by the Synod of IIarrisburg, we made our first report to the ' Woman's Executive Committee,' showing but three societies, and one band, auxiliary to them. These, with their contributions, were from the following churches :
" Alexandria, organized March 4, 1876 : to Woman's Executive Committee, $50; box to missionary, $103.28 ; Huntingdon, organized June 25, 1879: cash, $38; box, $76.10; Hunt- ingdon Band, Lilies of the Valley, contributed to box ; Lewistown, organized March 31, 1880;
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special donation from the Misses Stewart, Colerain Forge, $5; making a total of cash, $93; boxes to home missionaries, $179.38; total to both, $272.38. (The Lewistown society was organized through the efforts of Mrs. A. Granville Patterson, of Lewistown, a member of the committee appointed by the convention at Huntingdon in February, 1880.)
"Our second annual report to the Woman's Executive Committee, for the year ending March, 1881, shows fourteen organizations, a gain of ten during the year; the greater number have been but recently organized, and nine only report contributions. Five churches contrib- uted without organization, and a special gift by the Misses Stewart of Colerain Forge.
" Receipts in cash, $520.63; value of boxes, $536.88; total, $1057.51, a gain of $785.13, and ten more organized societies.
" (Signed by the committee,)
" MRS. WILLIAM DORRIS, " MRS. JOHN M. BAILEY, " MRS. S. M. WOODCOCK, " MISS E. G. CRESSWELL."
At the twelfth annual meeting of the Synod at Clearfield, October, 1881, which proved to be its last session,-as its official existence ended January 2, 1882,-the Home Mission Committee was continued, and the same ladies were appointed to represent this Presbytery, Miss E. G. Cresswell being then Mrs. J. C. Barr, of Alexandria. The third report, for the year ending March 31, 1882, showed women's societies, thirteen ; bands, six ; total, nineteeen, a gain of five ; cash, six hundred and thirty- five dollars and five cents ; boxes to home missionaries, schools, etc., seven hundred and fifty-one dollars and sixty cents; total, one thousand three hundred and eighty-six dollars and sixty-five cents. Eight churches without societies contributed through mite-boxes. Fourth report, March, 1883 : auxiliaries, twenty-five; churches contributing without societies, eight ; cash, six hundred and fifty-two dollars and seven cents; boxes, seven hundred and one dollars and ninety-four cents ; total, one thousand three hundred and fifty-four dollars and one cent.
By the action of the Synod of Pennsylvania, convened at Harrisburg, October 19, 1882, seventy-five ladies were appointed as a committee, rep- resenting the twenty-two Presbyteries of the Synod, " to have in charge the interests of woman's home mission work within their several Presby- teries," and also recommended that this committee meet at Carlisle, in connection with the meeting of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Presbytery of Carlisle, on the 8th and 9th of November following. In response to this call a large company came together from the recently- consolidated Synods of Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburg, and organized as a "Synodical Committee for Home Missions of the Synod of Pennsylvania," electing as their officers, Mrs. S. S. Bryan,
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chairman; Mrs. Thomas McCauley, vice-chairman; Miss F. A. Dyer, corresponding secretary ; Miss E. S: Dickey, recording secretary.
The ladies appointed for the Presbytery of Huntingdon by the recon- structed Synod were the members of the committee that had been acting under appointment from the late Synod of Harrisburg, now as members of the "Synodical Committee of the Synod of Pennsylvania."
The work was growing steadily, as shown by the fourth report made March 31, 1883, and the committee felt the time had come for organizing as a Presbyterial society. The following circular, therefore, was issued, accompanied by the several actions and recommendations of the Pres- bytery of Huntingdon, with their endorsement :
" It is the desire of the members of the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Mis- sions representing the Presbytery of Huntingdon that a Presbyterial society shall be organ- ized as early as possible; and as soon as arrangements can be made a meeting of the auxil- iaries and Presbyterial Committee will be called to consider this question, and to elect their own officers. In the mean time our work will be systematized and facilitated if treasurers of Auxiliaries and other contributors to home missions will send their money to Mrs. John M. Bailey, Treasurer of the Woman's Home Mission Work of Huntingdon Presbytery.
" (Signed) MRS. WM. DORRIS,
" Chairman Synodical Committee."
HUNTINGDON, PA., August 30, 1883.
To HOME MISSION AUXILIARIES AND MEMBERS OF THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSION PRESBY- TERIAL COMMITTEE.
Unavoidable hinderances have prevented the publication and sending out at an earlier date the several actions of the Huntingdon Presbytery in regard to our home mission work. Neither have we been able to hold a general conference with the members of the Presbyterial Committee for the purpose of dividing the work, which has grown rapidly since its start in the winter of 1879-80, when we numbered but two auxiliaries. At this date our auxiliaries are twenty-seven, societies having been reported as organized in the churches of West Kishaco- quillas and Buffalo Run since we reported to the Presbytery in April last, and the women of nine of our churches have been contributing without regular organization. With such marked increase of interest thus shown in this department of mission work, the members of our Synodical Committee cannot but feel that the time has come for handing the care of it over to the auxiliaries themselves, and we therefore ask you to examine carefully the Constitution for Presbyterial society herewith enclosed, and be prepared (when the call for a meeting shall be issued) to adopt it, or to make changes in it, if necessary, if it shall be decided by a majority of those present that it is expedient to organize as a Presbytery for woman's work in home missions.
In the Synod of Pennsylvania the women have thus organized in all but four of its twenty- two Presbyteries. Will you not by your action in this matter enable us to report to the Synod at its meeting in Pittsburg, in October next, that the women of the Presbytery of Huntingdon
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do not mean any longer to be left behind, but expect to keep pace with the work of the Pres- byterian Church ?
MRS. WILLIAM DORRIS, MRS. JOHN M. BAILEY, MRS. J. C. BARR, MRS. S. M. WOODCOCK, j
Synodical Committee.
August 30, 1883.
ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON IN REGARD TO WOMAN'S WORK IN HOME MISSIONS.
After the presentation and adoption of the third annual report of the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions, representing the Presbytery of Huntingdon, the following resolution was offered and passed unanimously by the Presbytery in session at Hollidaysburg, April 12, 1882 :
" In view of the present vast emigration to our Western States, and the importance of most active mission labors there, especially in the present decade, as affecting the future interests of both the country and the church, we have heard with great pleasure and interest the report of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Presbytery, showing their commendable zeal in the organization of auxiliaries within our bounds."
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, October 1, 1882, the following resolution was passed :
" Resolved, That the members of the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions, residing within the bounds of this Presbytery, be requested to take charge of the woman's home mission work of the Presbytery, reporting their work statedly to us, and that Mrs. John M. Bailey, of that committee, act as Presbyterial treasurer for the auxiliaries of the Woman's Home Mission Society."
Also at a meeting of the Presbytery, held April 11, 1883, the follow- ing minute was adopted :
" The fourth annual report of the Woman's Home Mission Society of the Presbytery was received and read, and in compliance with the recommendation and request of the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions of this Presbytery, a Presbyterial Com- mittee was appointed to assist the Synodical Committee in the department of mission work committed to their charge. The Presbyterial Committee to consist of the following-named ladies : Mrs. William Gemmill, Ramey, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. William C. Kuhn, Pine Grove Mills, Centre County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. H. G. Fisher, Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. James A. Beaver, Bellefonte, Centre County, Penn- sylvania; Mrs. George Elder, Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Robert F. Wilson, Port Royal, Juniata County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. George K. Scott, Shellsburg, Bedford County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Charlotte Irvine, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania ; Mrs. Ner Thompson, Milroy, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania ; Mrs. S. R. Barclay, Altoona, Blair
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County, Pennsylvania; Miss Ida F. Reamer, Bedford, Bedford County, Pennsylvania; Mrs. William Dorris, Huntingdon, to act as President, and Mrs. John M. Bailey, Huntingdon, to act as Treasurer of the Society."
Members of Woman's Synodical Committee representing the Presby- tery of Huntingdon : Mrs. William Dorris, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania ; Mrs. John M. Bailey, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; Mrs. J. C. Barr, Alex- andria, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. S. M. Wood- cock, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, held in the Presby- terian Church of Mifflintown, April 11, 1883, the following paper was adopted, viz. :
" The Presbytery have this day heard with great pleasure the report of the Woman's Home Missionary Societies within our bounds (the same being the Fourth Annual Report of the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions representing the Presbytery of Huntingdon), and rejoice greatly in view of their rapid growth, increase in contributions, and proportionate efficiency over past years, and also in view of new auxiliaries and bands which have been formed during the past year.
" Therefore be it resolved :
" First. That the Presbytery regards this Society as one of the important agencies by which the great work of our Lord is to be carried forward in the earth, and that we most heartily congratulate the auxiliaries, bands, and the families having mite-boxes, for the great good already accomplished by them, and pray that they may advance to still greater results, and reap proportionately greater blessings.
" Second. That we earnestly recommend that organizations be effected in all the churches within our bounds where they do not now exist. ,
" Third. That the officers of the Presbyterial Committee be requested to report fully their work to this body at its annual spring meeting.
" Fourth. That the following members of Presbytery be appointed a permanent com- mittee to confer with the members of the society concerning their plans and work, and to render them in the name of the Presbytery all the assistance in their power. Names of com- mittee : D. K. Freeman, D. H. Barron, D.D., T. H. Wiggins, Elder.
" Fifth. That the stated clerk of the Presbytery send a copy of their action to Mrs. Wil- liam Dorris, President of the Presbyterial Committee, with the request that a copy be sent by her to each society within our bounds."
M. N. CORNELIUS, } Committee. J. C. BARR,
Arrangements were accordingly made for holding a meeting in Altoona, and a call was issued for October 8 and 9, 1883, " under the auspices of the Woman's Synodical and Presbyterial Home Mission Committees of the Presbytery, for the purpose of organizing a Presby- terial Society,-' if the way be clear,'-and for the advancement of the general interests of home missions."
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The meeting on Monday evening, October 8, held in the First Presbyterian Church, was addressed by Rev. Wm. C. Roberts, D.D., Secretary of the Board of Home Missions. On Tuesday, October 9, the sessions were in the Second Presbyterian Church, and after de- votional exercises, led by Mrs. N. C. Barclay, of Altoona, Mrs. Chas. E. Walker, Vice-President of the Woman's Executive Committee, was chosen to preside, and Mrs. Woodcock and Mrs. Dorris as Secretaries.
Mrs. S. M. Woodcock, of Altoona, welcomed the delegates in an excellent address, and after roll call of the churches,-showing quite a good representation,-Mrs. F. E. H. Haines, Corresponding Secretary of the Woman's Executive Committee, who had come from New York to aid the ladies in organizing, gave an account of the progress of the work, and Mrs. Walker and Miss McKean made good addresses. Miss McKean was a missionary teacher in Utah, and said, "The only hope for Utah is the education of the children." (Miss Mckean is now the wife of Rev. W. P. White, of Germantown.)
Committees on constitution and organization of Presbyterial Society were appointed, who reported a constitution and the following permanent officers :
President, Mrs. Wm. Dorris, of Huntingdon; Corresponding Secre- tary, Mrs. S. M. Woodcock, Altoona; Recording Secretary, Mrs. J. C. Barr, Alexandria ; Treasurer, Mrs. J. M. Bailey, Huntingdon.
Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Charlotte Irvine, Hollidaysburg; Mrs. S. A. Smith, Altoona; Miss Lizzie Bell, Bellwood ; Mrs. Emma Dewees, Lew- istown ; Mrs. Dr. McClay, Milroy ; Mrs. Henry Butler, Clearfield; Mrs. James A. Beaver, Bellefonte ; Mrs. R. F. Wilson, Port Royal.
The report given showed that there were twenty-seven auxiliaries in the Presbytery, with contributions up to April I, in money and boxes, amounting to thirteen hundred and fifty-four dollars and one cent, the same report that was made to the Woman's Executive Committee and to Presbytery in April, 1883.
The paper prepared and read by Mrs. J. C. Barr at this meeting, relative to the formation of the Alexandria Society, being of such general interest, is given here in full.
" We call ourselves the pioneer society of Huntingdon Presbytery, because we were the first society organized within its bounds, for the present organization was effected in March, 1876. We have perseveringly continued till the present,-sometimes amid discouragements when little interest has been manifested by the members and few found at the regular meet- ings of the society.
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OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HUNTINGDON.
" One fact worthy of mention of our society is, that we have never failed to hold our regu- lar monthly meetings since its reorganization. We say reorganization, for we find that, running back to December 25, 1823, Rev. James Thompson, pastor of the Church of Alexandria, preached the first home mission sermon, which so stirred up the hearts of the good women of the church that four met that same afternoon to consider the formation of a missionary society. Of these ladies, one, Miss Margaret Stewart, is still living, to whom we are indebted for the facts of this organization, which became a large and flourishing society. Rev. Mr. Thompson wrote a constitution for them.
" They met twice a month, on Saturday afternoon, at the homes of the members. They went just after a twelve o'clock dinner and worked until bedtime. The members had but little money to give, but willing hands to work for the Master. This work they sold and put the money in the treasury. Some of the members chose special work. One lady continued for years making gentlemen's stocks, such as were worn in that day. Another embroidered baby caps. Some made needle-books and pin-cushions.
" The meetings were opened with reading the Scriptures and prayer. One was appointed at each meeting to read at the next meeting. If members were absent, a fine of six cents was imposed. At the end of the first year they had ninety dollars in the treasury.
" Dr. Ely came after this, preaching missionary sermons, trying to establish societies in the churches. When he found one already in Alexandria, and the only one within the bounds of Huntingdon Presbytery, he proposed to take their money, double it, and send it back to pay a missionary to labor in their own Presbytery. This he did, and Rev. James Thompson em- ployed Rev. Samuel Montgomery, of Northumberland County, who served six months for that money, laboring at Yellow Creek, Coffee Run, and Marklesburg, which was all missionary ground then. After the first year the money was sent to Presbytery, to be used where most needed. The yearly contributions never amounted to less than sixty dollars. Three life members were made in this society.
" After this the little girls formed a society on the same principles. They sent their money to Rev. William Montgomery, a missionary laboring among the Osage Indians. We selected two children for them to name, and one was called Henry Martyn, the other Cladius Buchanan. How long this little girls' society continued we have no record; but the other lasted many years, until death, marriage, or removal had claimed most of the members. Of this old society we have two at least of the members of it enrolled as members of our present society, and one who was a member of the little girls' society.
" Of Miss Stewart, one of the founders of the parent society, I wish to speak. Although living in Philadelphia, in her eighty-fifth year, her sight almost gone, yet her heart returns to the old Church of Alexandria, and her interest continues in all its work. When I meet her, almost the first question she asks is, 'What about your missionary society ? What are you doing?' And then her thoughts go back to the old society, of which she loves to speak. Soon these living links that connect the society of 1883 with that of 1832 must be broken; but we may be thankful that some of the old spirit remains. Indeed, it has never died out, for whilst the organization by changes was broken up, the spirit continued, and missionary boxes were sent out by the ladies of the church year after year. When the formation of women's missionary societies was recommended in all our churches some years ago, our ladies, when they came together for that purpose, by a large majority decided it should be a home missionary society, thus again becoming the first organized Home Missionary Society in the Presbytery.
" We have also organized, two years ago, a Young Ladies' Foreign Missionary Band, and find the two working together harmoniously."
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After earnest words of counsel and instruction from Mrs. Haines and Mrs Walker, in the closing hours of the afternoon, Dr. W. C. Roberts bade the society God-speed in the work that lay before it, and pronounced the benediction ; and thus on the 9th of October, 1883, the Woman's Home Mission Society of the Presbytery of Huntingdon began its official life.
The first annual meeting was held on October 29 and 30, in the Logan's Valley Church, at Bellwood; opening on Wednesday evening, 29th, by a public meeting, at which Rev. Joseph H. Mathers, D.D., pastor of the church, presided. Addresses were made by Rev. J. C. Barr, of Alexandria, Rev. J. H. Mathers, Rev. M. N. Cornelius, of Altoona First Church, and Rev. D. K. Freeman, of Huntingdon. These addresses were short, "but earnest in setting forth the needs of home missions, and pleading for increased effort and enlarged contributions." The session on Thursday morning, 30th, opened at 9.30. Forty-two delegates responded to the roll call, representing seventeen auxiliaries and bands.
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