MISSIONARY V jy ■ iiralfoln il INDEX •-'■ . \r ' ;'A ' - '>■ ' Y ' ■ V ' :" . S - >' AND HAND BOOK 51|n][5]iE 30 jr. •• ■ ISABELLE TANNER-TEMPLE (Copyright Applied For)* MISSIONARY TRUMPETER, Print Pittsburgh, Pa. MISSIONARY □ □ Hi i □ INDEX AND HAND BOOK DEOHO □ ISABELLE TANNER-TEMn.E (Copyright Applied For) DEDICATION Dedicated to the Auxiliaries Conference Branches , •aad to Mite Missionary Workers in general in the missionary field of the A. M. E* Church. Isabelle Tanner-Temple. j! PREFACE 1902 When we first entered the missionary work, the thought >o often oe- cured to us, if we only had a Guide Book, offering some help, giving some suggestion*, any little hint in regard to the missionary work, what a help it would be; and now, as the years come and go, the question is often asked, "What have you in the way of a Mite Missionary helper, for beginners; something that relates to our home work?" Having this question put to us so often, we thought, in a small way, we would offer this little pamphlet as a Guide-book for heme workers. May it accomplish the purpose for which it is sent, is the prayer of the writer. 1913 From the many appeals sent to us at various times for the Guidebook we decided to get out another edition. So we add to what has already been written and present to the many Mite Workers, tome information which we are sure will be of interest in the f irm of a bookie t, to be cnewn as the Missionary Index and hand book. Isabgllb Tanner-Temple. Mrs. M. F. Hardy j he present efficient Fratident of P. M. M. Society. 1113. BISHOP B. T. TANNER, D.D., 18Sb 8 Prom this letter written by the Editor of the Christian Re¬ corder B. T. Tanner, February 19, 1874 sprang the Parent M. M. Society. The Editor builded wiser than he knew. LETTER To Mrs. Bishop Qainn, Mrs. Bishop Payne, Mrs Bishop Way- man, Mrs. Bishop Campbell, Mrs. Bishop Shorter, Mrs. Bishop Ward, and Mrs. Bishop Brown. My dear sisters:— After much consideration and prayer I address you as the represent¬ ative women of the Church; and I beg you to hear me for the cause I plead. Allow me to emphasize the fact, that I address you as repre¬ sentative women in cur African Methodist Zion. There are others, of courje; i-i Biltimire, in] Wwhia^toa city, in Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Chicago, New Orleans, At¬ lanta, Charleston—cities in the North, and in the South, in the East and in the West. But time -vould fail me were I to undertake to enumer¬ ate them all. Inasmuch as this is impossible, I aould call to mind none who from position, and from the public spirit manifested upon other oc¬ casions gave me to hope could and would lead off in the glorious work which I now lay before you; and before the women of the Church in gen¬ eral; and may God give the listening ear. Woman has been man's real helper in the church. From the days of Sarah whose daughters all Christian women are, (I Peter 3i6), tillnow she has stood by and seconded his every good work. Yea, often she has led off in mighty projects. Remember Deborah. Remember He¬ lena. Remember Susanna Wesley. Remember Methodist Barbara Heck, who would not let Phillip Embury backslide when he wished to; but made him take up his cross; remember all of this glorious company and then ask yourselves, what are the women of our Church doing. The women of other Churches are hard at work, especially those of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The MisBionaiy Society *hich they manage and control is one of the mightiest appliances for spreading the gospel of Christ which that Church has, and it is cheerful to s«e th? liberal things they have devised in '0 ft. 9 Now, my dearsisters, allow me to a k; What are the women of our Church doing? No complaint is to be made of the past. Faithfully did they do the work Providence laid upon them. But what of the present? Be assured of firm belief that the old fire of Methodism still burns in the hearts of the daughters of our Church as it did in the heart* of the mothers—that they stand just as ready to work. And now do you ask, what is there for the women of our Zion to do? >V« reply, very much. I speak by faith They must organize A woman's missionary society. Accepting that of the M. E. Church for an example, what victories for the Cross might not be accomplished by such organization. At this moment, our Missionary in Hayti lies upon his cars'; and why? The Church with all its acknowledged riches cannot send him. Will you not, then my dear sisters in the Lord, lead off in the organization a society which shall supply the means wherehy that mission shall live? Hear, I pray you, the cry of those peonle. Never fried more eagerly a starving man for water. Be assured that thfir prayers have enter¬ ed into the ears of the Lord of Harvest, and that He will ppnd some¬ body. Possibly, though not probably, you will ask: Why don't you men do it? Our hands are full, The Book Concern— The Dollar Sys¬ tem—Wilberforce—Working up the Home F^'eld-- these require all the strength we have. If we knew better how to husband and how to manage the forces we have, we might possibly do better — but we are doing the best we know how. Be pleased my nw sisters, to read the thirty second chapter of Isa'ah and learn what the Spirit would have the women of Zion to do, when he will bring in that King who is to reign in rightpouem s«s. With the prayer that the )?oid Soirit, might you to act this way allow me to subscribe myself your brother in the Lord B. T. Taaner. 10 DtJTY THE WOMEN OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH OWE TO THE CAUSE OF MISSIONS. The word duty, as defined, is, "That which a person is bound by moral obligation to perform," so we can see clearly what is before us. First, the duty that we owe to God; second, the duty we owe to ourselves, and last, but ftot least, the duty we, the women of the A. M. E. church, owe to the sacred cause of missions stands out in bold relief as a factor of no small import. When we consider the amount of work achieved, the amount of money expended, the amount of real good done by the women of the A. M. E. church, we cannot help but feel that the bread cast upon the waters by our sainted mothers and fathers, who long ere this are sleeping the sleep of the just, has been seen and gathered after many years. The duty that we, the women of the A. M. E. church, owe to the sacred cause of missions is one of constant and daily toil, so we may be able to do more in the future than we have done in the past for the furtnerance of Christ's kingdom here upon earth. On dear sisters in this mighty call for laborers, if we were more conse¬ crated to the work I'm sure more good could be accomplished; the day has passed and gone for drones. We need today, as we have never needed before, real good women to labor and do work for the Master in the missionary field. "Let none hear you idly saying, 'There is nothing I can do,' While the souls of men are dying And the Master calls for you." In the Recorder of October 11, 1900, there appeared an article by our own dear Sister Campbell, and were there not another word said, only that splendid article read and reread, which furnishes food for thought, we would be prompted to consecrate ourselves anew for Christ and the church. The foundation of the Christian church had scarcely been laid before individual missionary activity marked the life of each one of the circle of the apostles. This small circle of holy men went forth as Samson's foxes, igniting the stubble of sin, introducing a living Christ to a dying world; while a sweet voice was whispering down in their inmost souls, "Lo, I am with you alway." God grant that in the future we may accomplish more than we have ever done, and this we may do if we realize that our duty is ^o follow in the footsteps of Je&us, and let an echo arise from the depth of our soul, saying, "Where He leads, I'll follow." "Oh, faint not in the day of toil, When the harvest wants the reaper's hand. Go gather in the glorious spoil And joyous in His presence stand. Thy love a rich reward shall find T i om His who sits enthroned on high. For tliey vlio turn the erring mind Shall shine like stars above the sky. 11 SOME POINTS ABOUT ENTERING INTO THE MITE MISSION¬ ARY WORK. The first thought that presents itself, when you undertake to do missionary work, is a reconstruction of oneself to Christ, so you may be able to do valiant work for Him "in His name." In first entering an Auxiliary Mite Missionary Society is not to find fault with your predecessor if the Auxiliary happens not to be flourishing, for you may not know that her family cares, as a mini¬ ster's wife, happen to be such that it was impossible to leave and give it just the attention that was needed. No doubt she was a Christian woman and knew well that charity should begin at home. But right here I want to offer this thought: It is a great mistake when a minister's wife is so hampered that she cannot attend; the duty of the organization is to select an efficient member of your church to that office and proceed to work. Do not, my dear sisters, allow the work to suffer on that account. But I urge you to be sure in every instance to select a good woman as well as efficient one, for we must remember that if we let the misisonary spirit die it is somewhat hard to raise again. And now, to your Secretary and Treasurer. In every instance select the best material you can get. Be sure you have your meetings monthly, on the same day and hour, for there is nothing more hurtful to a society than irregularity in its meetings. Some societies can arrange a better meeting by having it in the afternoon, others in the evening. Study your people and find out what hour suits them the best, and arrange accordingly. But I pray you do not be forever changing day and hour just to please yourself, for it will surely end in death to your society. Now, as to dues. Suit it to the majority of your members— say two or five cents a month, or more, if you should be in a land of plenty. But when the membership complains of any set dues let it be a free will offering.. Have a Mite Missionary Society if you can only have a collec¬ tion lifted once a month in your organization In the way of suggestion as to the opening of your society, I would advise a short literary program. Fc:- example: Hymn. Scripture Less-on. Prayer. Hymn. Paper (not longer than five minutes, subject given one month in advance). Hymn. 12 Proceed to Business. Reading of Minutes. Calling the Roll. Payment of Dues. Unfinished Business. New Business. Introductions. Adjournment. I would urge in this, as in others, that the social life is im¬ portant. By all means have a social committee, whose duty it shall be to help the President in arranging her literary program. Also, keep a standing committee, whose duty it shall be to look after the aged members of your society, and also keep an ac¬ count of yoar delinquent ones. Do not let your members stay away month after month and no one go to look them up. It is not a true missionary spirit. Keep all your old members, and try to get as many new ones as possible. In every charge where you can get the consent of the pastor have a mite box put up in the vestibule of the church, to be opened once a quarter, and also placed in the care of a regular committee appointed by the President. Have as many committees at work as »s necessary. Let all feel that they have something to do, which helps to make a wide-awake society. And now, lasf, but far from being least, is the importance of the Constitution. Not only have it, but study it. Yes, study it, I mean! for that we must do if we expect to know what is required jf us; especially the President and Secretary should have the Consti¬ tution, as it were, on their finger's end, for at times questions are put to them all answered in the Constiution and By-Laws of the society; but they are compelled to shake their heads in response. Let each society be furnished with a full supply of Constitutions. It would be well to read it to the society once a year, especially that part which relates to the funds of the organization, for many seem to think that the funds are to be used for any missionary purpose in their local church work. But, dear sisters, not so. The funds of the Mite Missionary Society are to be touched for nothing save the 50 per cent, which is used for home work and forwarded to your respective Conference Branches; 50 per cent, for Foreign work, to be forwarded to Mrs. M. E. Lee, Wilberforce, O. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."—I Thes. 23. 13 SOME POINTS. How Best to Expand the Work of the Auxiliary Societies. The Auxiliary Societies are the elements that make up the whole structure. What the machine is to the shop, what the water is to the mill, what the sun is to the earth, so the Auxiliary Societies are to the misisonary work. If the Auxiliaries are allowed to drag, if they are allowed to die, if we fail to organize, it is certain death to the misisonary work. So, for that reason, I beg of you to never let a chance fail when or wherever it is possible to organize. Let there me a Mite Mission¬ ary Society in every charge. We can do it if we will. And now, as to the points on how to expand the work of the Auxiliary Societies. My first suggestion is, organization. Let there be nothing in your way. First, last and all the time, organizel In this, as in other organizations, the officers of an Auxiliary stand for much. If you are successful in getting a good, active woman at the head of your organization you will have all things to hope for and nothing to fear, for the work will surely go forwards women whose hearts are filled with the missionary spirit, who will dare in the face of opposition to come forward and speak in behalf of the missionary work, no matter what the circumstances may be. In regard to the membership, with your regular local member¬ ship, I would add it would be well to have an honorary roll, consist¬ ing of male members, who would contribute at your monthly meet¬ ings, which would be a good way to increase your funds. Another way to increase your collection is to adhere to the plate system after every service, with the permission from the pastor. Many a mite can be gathered in this way. Right here I want to say work in conjunction with the pastor of the charge. Do not overstep your bonds, but consult with him. In that way get him interested in the workings of the society and he can be helpful to you in many ways. We often see what we are pleased to call indifference among the pastors of our charges, but too often we misjudge. In nine cases out of ten neither they nor their flock understand the work of the society. So we see the importance of the field agent, or, as some call an organizer whose duty it is to organize wherever an opportunity presents itself. So do not fail to send for one whenever it is practicable. And now, as to the importance of varying the program. Follow out the one outlined, with any new methods that may be of help to your society, in the way of different subjects given for discussion at your monthly meetings. And now let us sum up the whol'e matter as how to expand the work of the Auxiliary Societies: First—See the importance of organization. Second—Good, active officers and equally active members. Third—Increasing of funds. Fourth—Increasing of membership. Fifth—Having the spirit of our dear Saviour, who went about doing good and who "came not to be ministered unto, but to mini¬ ster, and to give His life a ransom for many." 14 SOME POINTS1 ON HOW BEST TO EXPAND THE WORK OF THE CONFERENCE BRANCHES. The Conference Branches are tributaries to the Parent Head, and the tributaries must be enlarged before the stream proper can be increased. When the water from the hillsides of Lbanon flows more rapidly the Jordan is increased, the valleys rejoice, the parch¬ ed ground is glad, and the verdure of the fields kisses the diamond dew-drops, and the greSl stream rolls on. So it is with the Con¬ ference Branches, and in view of these facts we see the need of having at the head of each branch a good, wide awake, far seeing, energetic President, and then having as her cabinet, officers of like qualifications; those whose hearts are in the work. The society can¬ not help but flourish. God grant that each society may have, with¬ out one exception, women of God at its head, women consecrated to the work of missions, who can say from the depths of their hearts: "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea. I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; "I'll be what you want want me to be." Second—The Members. The members of the Conference Branch ought to attend regularly, be at the opening of every meet¬ ing, and take some part. Indeed, the idea has occurred to me more than once that it would be well if we had a pledge similar to that of the Christian Endeavor Society, which would compel members to take some active part aside from seconding motions. A great many attend th6 meetings, and that regularly, too, but have never been known to bring one new idea into the same or to even branch out so far as to move the minutes be adopted. To my mind, it is not health to any organization to have the meetings carried on by the few, but let each member feel that it is her duty to come prepared to take some active part in the deliberations of the socity. Third—Committee Work. Let each committee have at its head an efficient chairman, and let their reports be called for, not after they have done good work in their several capacities, and then at the end of the month or quart'er no notice be taken of it,* but call for their reports, and, I am sure, with a goou word of cheer from the presiding officer, they will then return to their work with more inspiration, and be able to do better work in the future than they have in the past on their several committees. Let no one be over¬ looked. Fourth New Members. Try to take new members in at every meeting; encourage the old ones to bring one new member ct least once a quarter, and by so doing we will have an increase in membership which will mean an increase in dollars as well. Fifth—Keep before the Public. By that I mean, at least, be¬ fore the churches. Let them know what is going on; publish in the church paper reports of the organization; of not weekly or monthly reports, then quarterly reports; but let it become so regu¬ lar that missionary workers interested in this or that Conference Branch will know where and when to look for a report. Sixth-—Entertainments. That is, have one good entertainment once a year; to my mind a yearly bazaar, coming off at some stated time. The social life of any organization is important and shoul-1 be looked after by a regular social committee appointed by the 15 President of the society, and consisting of five or seven of the younger members. Now, last, but not least, to have a successful Conference Branch as well as a profitable one, the society should enforce the idea of a field agent—first, last and all the time. A field agent is the life of any organization. As water to a plant helps to sustain life ,so an agent in the field would bring life to the society. The lirst thought that naturally arises in our mind is, can we support an agent in the fields, and how ?re her expenses to be met? It is quite evident that as yet our funds will not warrant any definite salary, but the idea could be carried out similarly to tnat of the District Superintendent. Visit some church once a Sabbath. If they have no society, or¬ ganize one; if they have one call the women together and have a talk on mission work and its importance, and how much good could be done if they would only report per Constitution. But each Con¬ ference Branch, without a doubt, should have an agent in the field. Before visiting any charge come in contact with the pastor of the charge, either by letter or person, and arrange with him, and I am sure there is not one who would not be willing to give a collection to help with traveling expenses, etc., provided it did not happen to fall on a Steward day or some grand rally. But work in unison with the pastor of the church, and I am sure after he has become familiar with the work of the society much good that is now at a standstill for the lack of organization will then be done. "Organ¬ ize, Organize" should be our motto. How delighted would be each member of this Conference Branch, if she could feel that the minis¬ try were in close touch touch with the society. God grant that the day is not far distant when Ave shall have in every charge a flag waving triumphantly, and having engraved on her banners "Auxiliary Society Conference Branch," and it cannot be done unless every minister becomes enthused with the work of mission?. Talk is all very good. What we ought to have and be is all very easily written or thought; but, my dear sisters, we ought to be aroused to greater activity in the missionary work. "For the harvest truly is great, but the laborer? are few. Pray ye the Lorrl of the harvest, that He may send forth laborers into His harvest." *This paper was read at Reading, Pa., at the Philadelphia Con¬ ference Branch and after several requests for publication we are pleased to place it as one of the Chapters. 16 HOW TO AROUSE A GREATER MISSIONARY SPIRIT IN OUR SEVERAL CHURCHES. Is a question of no small moment and has absorbed many hours of thought by many Presidents. Now, my dear sisters, this missionary spirit cannot be spread broadcast unless YOU, as the head of that organization, have the missionary fire kindled and brightly burning upon the altar of your heart, seasoned with faith and prayer; can you expect to have any success in your various fields of labor. But in God's own word are recorded these words, that '"If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it." As my first suggestion, I would urge that each President ask largely of the power of God to make her indeed and in truth a missionary worker for Him, and that your sphere of usefulness may grow and extend far and wide, and that you may be a power for good in missionary work. While it is true that the President is the head of the organiza¬ tion, the pastor of the charge can in many, many ways lend a help¬ ing hand to further the work by repeatedly speaking of the neces¬ sity of mission work in his church and the good the women are do¬ ing in gathering the mites; also by urging the members and friends to attend the meeting which is at least held once a month. If he has the true missionary spirit he can and will attend. Really I can make no excuse for him not attending and having a thoroughly organized Mite Society in every charge, but for fear some may not be organized I pray fiist your heart may be filled, yes, filled to over¬ flowing, with the missionary spirit. You could be such a help to us if you only will, and we in return for your labor spent will try to double our erYorts. But we cannot do it of ourselves. We musl have your co-operation in arousing a missionary spirit in our several churches. Will you help us more in the future than you have in the past? is a question for each pastor to decide. May the response be in each heart, where there is no organization, "1 will, God helping me. I will." Now, to further arouse a- missionary spirit, after the President and tne pastor are thoroughly aroused to tlie importance of the work and having the true missionary spirit, the work cannot lag. But I would aid also, would it not be -"-ell to have an annual sermon preached; or the society, with permission from the pastor, might be allowed to hold a "song service" one ^nbbnth evening during tha year, and the collection that evening lifted devoted to the cause of missions. We all know the power of song, how it helps to brighten mnnv lives end in the midst of discouragements how it helps toll ft the vale of dark and obscure paths. Many are the beautiful songs that will help to arouse a missionary spirit in our churches. 17 Another great benefit to a society is the organization of its children. Why has not each society a juvenile mite missionary con¬ nected with its work? I am sure if we did but know the real good the children of our church could do they would not be so neglected on this line, especially as it relates to our Mite societies. However, let us sow the seed, the reaping time will come by and by. "Paul may plant, Apollis water, but the increase must come from God." Do not be discouraged if at times the path be infested with thorns and the highways and the byways crowded with drones. Let us look beyond it all to a just God, who will not let us labor in vain, but notices even the sparrow if he fall, and if we do our part He will help us to arouse a greater missionary spirit in our churches. Mrs. S. F. Tanner President of First Connectional P. M. M. Society Convention, November, 1895 19 Synopsis of the address delivered by the President of Parent M M. Society, Mrs. S. E. Tanner, at the first Con- nectional Convention of Parent M. M. Society of the A.M.E. Church, held in Bethel Church, Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 7,8, 9, 10 and 11, 1895: The A. M. E. church was organized quite a hundred years ago, under the leadership of Richard Allen, who early conceived the idea, if he would succeed in the work, he must call women to his help; hence, we read in the early history of the church, in this city, of the Dorcas societies, whose mission it was to aid those in our im¬ mediate vicinity. Later on, we read of the Daughters of Confer¬ ence. These were of the Church general, and were bands of women who for two score years, supplied the wants of many of the travel¬ ing preachers, and helped in the cause of the missionai"", generally. The author of the "Apology," Bishop B. J. Tann?r, referring to the work of those women says: "Fully one-half the honor is justly due to her, for making the A. M. E. church, un^er God what it is. She was no officer, yet it cannot be sai-1 she did not lead. She taught not, yet it cannot be said she did not pveneh. A De- borrah was she, while manya preacher was to her as Tr.--" As it relates to this present organization, we fnd by refPT-1' ^^ to the Recorder of February 19th, 1 874, an "Open l etter," addressed to the Bishop's wives by the editor, sayiny: "After much considera¬ tion and prayer, I address you as representative women of the church," and among other things that are said, the question is ask¬ ed: "What are the women of the church doing? No complaint of the past. Faithfully did they do the work Providence laid before them, but what of the present? Do not ask what there is for the women of Zion to do? We reply very much. It is not our purpose to tell everything they might do, but rather of one thing they ought to do. Thev ought to organize a missionary society of the A. M. E. church, accepting the A. M. E. church for an example, what victories of the cross misht be achieved by such an organization. After a thoughtful and praverful consideration of the suggestion bv those to whom the letter was addressed, a call was made by Bishops Shorter, Camp- be'' Mrs. Maria Shorter, and Mrs. C. M. Burley, a 11 of whom have fa Hen nrlecp. rave cur beloved sister Campbell, who i° providential¬ ly rpr.red to be with us today. The first meeting was held in Wash- 20 ington, D. C., May 8th, 1874, looking forward to an organization. Mrs. Bishop Brown, read a carefully prepared paper, showing that the design of the meeting was to organize a Mite Missionary So¬ ciety, of the A. M. E. church, for the evangelization of the world, especially of the Island of Hayti, and to secure the co-operation of the sisters in the ministry in carrying forward the work. Mrs. Bishop Wayman, nominated Mrs. Bishop Campbell, as President; Mrs. C. M. Burley, as Secretary. The nominations were confirmed, and it was voted that they meet in Conventional form on August 14th, 1874, in the city of Pittsburgh, after which it was changed to meet in Philadelphia. Pursuant to a call by Bishops Shorter, Campbell, Brown and Mrs. Mary A. Campbell, Mrs. Maria Shorter, Mrs. M. L. Brown and Mrs. C. M. Burley, the above named, with many other earnest work¬ ers, met in the Bethel church, Philadelphia, August 11th, 1874. In their address to the church general, using the Recorder of May 21st, 1874, as their organ, they say: We have been deeply moved by an open letter asking our co-operation with the Board of Mis¬ sions of the A. M. E. church in its efforts to evangelize the world. Our beloved Bishop Campbell was the first to state the object of the work of the convention, here on this hallowed spot dear to us all. The Parent Mite Missionary Society was first organized, August 11th, 1874. Mrs. M. A. Campbell, President; Mrs. C. M. Burley, Recording Secretary; Mrs. J. H. Hunter, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Bishop Wayman, Treasurer. From this point we look back on twenty-one years of energetic, consecrated work in the Master's vineyard. To the furtherance of this end, it was resolved that it should be the duty of the Parent Mite Society, to see to it, that there should be an Auxiliary Society organized in all our churches, to aid in pushing forward this good work. Accordingly, the effort was made and a reasonable success attended the same as will be seen when we hear the Corresponding Secretary's report, and we trust ere our session closes, better plans, if possible will be inaugu¬ rated for the furtherance of the work. The first work taken up by us was the Haytian field, that time everything seemed favorable toward doing effective work there. This Society obligated itself to be responsible for a certain per cent of the expenses of a missionary, provided a suitable person could be found. It was not long before the heart of Rev. C. W. Mos- sell, was fired with holy zeal for the cause, and be Avith his young, noble, self-sacrificing wife took up the work, which had been begun by our fathers in the year 1827. In the Spring of 1879, Rev. Mos- sell, with his wife, sailed from New York, for Pori-au-Prince, Hayti, followed by the faithful prayers of the church, to tell the Gospel story to the people of that Island. "There amid oppression, Brother Mossell and his judicious wife succeeded, according to Bishop Payne, in his history, in organizing a new mission, planting and training a new Mission Church, also planMng and training a Mis¬ sion Sunday school, and a Mission day school, in which both the French and English languages in their elementary forms were taught. Sister Mossell was placed at the head of this school and managed it with great skill," finally sacrificing her life to the cause. During their sojourn there, the Parent Society with its Auxiliaries assisted greatlv in defraying the expenses, both by money, boxes of clothing, groceries, etc. 21 After a term of about eight years on the Island, he was suc¬ ceeded by brother Dorce, a native of Port-au-Prince, and after rfieveral years of service, he was succeeded by Rev. John Hurst, and I might here remark both of whom were educated by the church at Wilberforce, for this special work. Later Rev. Solomon P. Hood, was appointed to succeed Rev. Hurst, and he will give us some in¬ formation in regard to the work later on as to San Domingo. Bishop Payne informs us in his history that the A. M. E, church was represented there as early as 1824, by local preachers. Hon. H. C. C. Astwood, preacher in our church, being appointed as Consul to represent the United States, at San Domingo. He says of him: "This generous man revived our mission at his own expense. Being a member of the A. M. E. church in the United States; he did not allow the honors and dignities with which he was clad, as an officer of one of the greatest republics on the globe to make him forget his allegience to the Lord of Lord s, and Kin^, of King's; but with the humility and zeal of a Christian Missionary to the heathen; he went in search of his brethren. He gathere i them together, hired a house for two years, in tlie meantime re¬ paired the old chapel." He increased the membership, organized ~ day and Sabbath school. After accomplishing this work, Rev. A. H. Mevos was a regu¬ larly appointed misisonary to succeed him. He with his young wife, took up the work, assisted by native preachers. We have reason to believe much good seed was sown both in church and school. From this church other missions were organized upon the islan i. We do not claim the entire support of the mission, but we assist' ' as best we could with our limited means, as can be seen by referring to our Treasurer's report. We next take a bird's eye view of the work done in St. Thorn"". For a time we assisted the missionary, Rev. E. M. Harper, wr i looked after our interest during the year 1886. and later the R^ Miller, through whose mismanagement and disloyalty, our wo-\- was completely lost to us. Next we have Demarara, Pev. N. Stewart, in a very unsatisfactory way managed our affairs. : though we pave him a support as liberally as our means would al¬ low within the last three years. Rev. Rueban R. Sealy has been appointed by Bishop Turner to take charge of the work in Bridgetown, Barbadoes. From him we have received repeated appeals for assistance, only to a limited ex¬ tent have we been enabled to heed his call less than one hundred dollars, with a box of books was sent last year. We have every rea¬ son to believe with proper support, this work would be in a few years self-sustaining. We clip the following from the Barbadoes Bulletin of Octohp- 1st, 1 895, giving an account of a missionaries meeting. A special mention was made cf the kindness of the ladies of the Mite So- 22 ciety in sending gifts to their West Indian brethren. One of which the Library has proved a great boon to the church. Additional gifts of books and literature suited to the capacity of the people, would be much appreciated, as the circulation has outgrown the resources. As to Nova Scotia, we have mainly assisted on the salaries of men doing missionary work in poor districts, and that in a small way. We now turn to the "Dark Continent." In the year 1887, Rev. J. R. Frederick was appointed by Bishop R. H. Cain, to Freetown, Sierra Leone. He with his wife was given a farewell in this church, with three hundred and twenty-five dollars as an outfit from the Parent Mite Missionary Society, and a God's speed to take charge of the work; we, pledging ourselves according to the second article in our constitution to assist the Foreign as well as the "Home Mis¬ sionary Society." We therefore have contributed annually four hundred dollars on his salary. And later on, $150 on teacher's salary as well. The work has steadily grown under the efficient supervision of brother Frederick and his co-laborers as you will see by the report of Sierra Leone Conference recently held by Bishop Turner. In 1888, Sitser Sarah Gorharn felt called of God to go to Africa, and join hands with brother Frederick in his work; he giving her charge of the Magbelly Mission, about 60 to 70 miles up the Scarcies river. Here she with the aid of native preachers established a church and school, after securing a small building, it was destroyed by fire, and upon a call from brother Frederick, we sent two hundred dollars to rebuild the house. In 1891, Sister Gorham returned home, thinking by presenting the' needs of the Mission she could accomplish more effectual work. She identified herself with the Parent Mite Missionary Society, and we in time assisted her financially. Upon her return, pledged her one hun¬ dred and fifty dollars a year on her support, and as God would bless us to build her a Mission house, but before the accomplish¬ ment of this work, she was called from labor to reward. All honor is due to this noble self-sacrificing woman. Last year at your annual meeting, a resolution was passed, that we build a Mission house to her memory, and so six hundred dollars has been sent to Rev. J. R. Frederick, and he in his report, gives us an account of the work done, which will be read by the Corresponding Secretary later on. In regard to Liberia, an appeal has been recently made to us, through United States Minister Heard. Owing, however, to our obligations to Sierra Leone end other work to which we plighted our faith, we found it impossible to respond. Let us now hope in the near future, our Treasury will be so replenished, that we will be able to aid all our missionaries laboring, both at home and abroad. Mrs. I. M. Yeocum Recording Secretary P. M. M Society, Fifteen Years. m THE PARENT SOCIETY; ITS WORK. Columbus, Ohio, May, 1900. Mrs. Ida May Yeocum, Philadelphia, Pa. To the Bishops, General Officers, Delegates, Women of the Church General: DEAR BRETHREN AND CO-WORKERS:—Among the many annual celebrations, conspicuous in the closing years of the Nine¬ teenth Century, is the one now almost universally known as "Foun¬ ders' Day." A day which, because of its character, has been cele¬ brated by the governors of the church, the State and the school; a day in which men and women meet, and from hearts warm with unselfish love, pour forth praise upon the lives of the pioneers of these various organizations. This is done for inspiration and ex¬ ample. For over two thousand years the name of Confucius in China has been "kept green" by yearly honoring his memory, as the great sage of that country. "Mecca receives the visitation of thous¬ ands who revere the memory of Mohammed." American people yearly honor Washington as the hero of his country. The African Methodist Episcopal church today honors Allen for his judgment in establishing the church of his choice. Wilberforce honors her Payne, Shorter and John G. Mitchell. History everywhere gives innumerable examples of great warriors, great statesmen and great churchmen, of whom we have Caesar, Charlemagne, Cromwell, Napoleon, and of our own race variety, Tousant and Douglass; whose names we revere and whose cherished memories oft repeated become the legend of the hearthstone as well as the ambition of ev¬ ery student of American history. In the struggle for equal inde¬ pendence, along many lines, woman appears; and her deeds made so commendable have been chronicled by the historian. We note her first appearance as it pertains to American History, in the Civil war, when the strength of a husband and son became im¬ paired by the "shimmering, bloody sword," it was woman who gave her help in caring for these thus wounded; and it is further¬ more recorded that during the long series of Revolutionary cele¬ brations, made consequent upon the war, it was the women of suc¬ ceeding years, especially the years from '75 to '87 who served to bring about a revival of the same, by the organization of suitable societies, prominent among which is the "Colonial Dames Society" of these latter days, through which the daughters have kept alive i perpetual war interest, to the soldier who yearly assembles around the camp-fires, etc. In an address delivered before this organiza¬ tion of women, we are indebted to Talcot Williams, staff-editor of the Philadelphia Press, who a few months ago gave notable mention as to how the women all over the land had aided in the late war of '97, and how that over $3,000 had been raised by the women of Pennsylvania for the support of the soldiers in battle; as well as by organized efforts have they contributed food, clothing and hospital accommodations generally. Mr. Williams also gave instances of woman's work during the days of anti-slavery agitation, when Lucretia Mott, of Pennsylvania, led the women of her State to take decided action; and after the struggle was won it was Woman's Building during the Centennial in '76 which first awoke the common conscientiousness of an American people to the necessity and ex¬ istence of the great world of woman's work, thereby creating new avocations, new duties and new responsibilities. Out of this has 25 come the great array of Woman's Clubs, accomplishing so much of the reformation which exists among us today. History also records that the Friends (of Quakers) gave woman her place in the re¬ ligious and social world; and women have to a greater or less de¬ gree maintained this place for over two hundred years. Female education began with the Colonies, in the work of Countess Benigus, who established the first school for girls in Germantown, Pennsyl¬ vania, and this same school fifty years ago established the first medical college for women, only to be succeeded by still greater ones known to exist in many of our great cities in the East and elsewhere. Thus we have shown that woman's position is no longer an unworthy ambition, a myth, to be rehearsed as something in¬ tangible, but rather an historic fact, for out of the opportunities given her by the war, church and school have come the actual ac¬ complishment, which to us become the expectation, the hope, made possible to us by the descent of the mothers of these noted works just described. In the review of our sisters of the Anglo-Saxon race, the history would be incomplete without mentioning those of our race to whom we point with pride, in the person of Phillis Wheatly, Francis E. W. Harper, Fanny Jackson Coppin, and others. Time fails, moreover, in speaking of the respective work of these worthy subjects, sufficient is it to say that each arose to distinction in their life's work. Added to these is one of Revolutionary fame, Sojourner Truth, who at the time of the Civil war went through the State of Michigan creating a war interest, the result of which one thousand men enlisted to carry the musket and face a possible death. But her deeds, like many others, because of racial conditions have not been blazoned in history, nevertheless we have enough to show that a veritable "Red Cross" Society and a Clara Barton did exist even in the days less favorable to the women of our race. The same is true of their work in church and school. The women did what they could along side their brother, in bringing the light to both mind and soul; especially is lier church history familiar to every African Methodist who lived in the days of Allen when the struggle came to him in Old St. George's church, Philadelphia, for freedom from caste prejudice in religious worship, r,routing him to establish the African Episcopal church, and this eventually brought the women of the church prominent in the --i-'-ntion of ppv'v minor societies of the church, such as the Daughters of Conference, the Dorcas Society; and of these latter we are informed by history that the wife of Richard Allen bore no small part in creating the nucleus for these societies; and thus it is reasonable to suppose that it was with thoughts akin to these, and from hearts which delight to honor and revere, that the women of the Third Episcopal district, in their district convention held at Steubenville, Ohio. A ugust, 1899, considered the practicability of "Woman's Day," during p session of the General Conference and since it has subsequently met the en¬ dorsement of the Bishops' Council we can but hope that this be the first of the succeeding days of its character—that it shall become a fixed law of the General Conference, the product of the Quadrennial Conference now in embryo, when the members and delegates, who compose this conference of women, may arrange the program— when the day shall not only comprise the women of this district, but from the cluiroh-ceneral. women shall be sent as representatives and have a