Xucs 5amcson Scott i Homttn’fi i®iBj0i0narg ^arirtg : : : Spiarapal QII|urrl| : : : 36 18rom6rUi iOoiiton, iSIas0£iri|U0Pttii f V - ?^>;‘«;:.x<>?x^"cv 'i';W<'-:V>N'v:1<-'kv:i pssi^i OUR PERIODICALS OUR LITERATURE ITS STORY FROM THE BEGINNING BY LUCY JAMESON SCOTT {Mrs. O. IV.) PRICE 20 CENTS Published by the WOMAN’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. ‘ Back of the loaf is the snowy flour, And back of the flour the mill, And back of the mill is the wheat and the shower, And the sun and the Father’s will.” — Maltbie D, Babcock. HE story of our Woman’s Foreign Missionary A Society is a serial, whose chapters unfold year after year, revealing a plot that is nothing less than God’s great plan for the redemption of the “ Bride of Christ” from the pollution of heathenism. This story, so varied and beautiful, reveals the fact that one of the silent but most potent factors for good has been the printed page. But what has it done during all these years for the Christian and heathen women whose lives have so strangely blent in the carrying out of a Divine purpose ? What has been the peculiar mission of our literature ? This is what should be known, and this is the portion of the wonderful continued story that we have gath¬ ered from the records of the past to place before you. ®ut Xiterature ITS STORY FROM THE BEGINNING Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Meth- (ji) odist Episcopal Church was organized in Boston, Mass., March 23, 1869. Hardly were its officers elected before the far-sighted founders said: “We must have a paper^—an organ through which the needs of heathen An Immediate ’vvomen mav be presented to the women of our Need ^ Church,” In those days such a venture meant much more than it means now, but the responsibility was assumed, and, three months after the organization of the Society, began the remarkable history of our periodicals. PERIODICALS The choice of an editor was another indication of provi¬ dential watch care. The one woman who by natural and acquired gifts, social position, and newly-awakened missionary enthusiasm, seemed fitted for the work — Mrs. The First WiPiam F. Warren — was elected editor, Editor and in June, i86g, the first number of the Heathen Woman's F^'iend was given to the public. It was an eight-page monthly paper, with a subscription price of thirty 6 OUR LITERATURE cents, and the first year gained 4,000 subscribers. Its aim, as set forth in the first number, was as follows: “ It is proposed by our Executive Committee to issue a monthly paper contain¬ ing the latest intelligence from our missions, with contributions respecting the claims, methods, and progress of our work among the heathen women. The design is to furnish just such a paper as will be read with interest by all friends of the cause, and which will assist in enlisting the sympathies of the children, and educate them more fully in missionary work.” Contrary to all expectation, the new venture paid for itself the first year, and its size was increased to twelve pages. In 1871 it registered iwenty-one thousand subscribers ! This year a publishing agent, Mrs. Lydia H. Daggett, Publishing appointed at the Executive Committee Agent Chosen • r-u- ^ .u • meeting m Chicago, and the price was in¬ creased to thirty-five cents. The July number contained a map of India missions, prepared by Miss Thoburn, the first given to our Church. The Church periodicals had become aware by this time of the existence of this modest paper, which was receiving such a royal welcome, and gave it unqualified support. At the beginning of its third year, July, 1872, four more pages were added, by order of the Executive Committee meet¬ ing in New York, making it a sixteen-page paper. Its first illustration appeared this year^—an engraving Increasing q£ Mission House and Orphanage at Success i. o Bareilly, India. The site of the Orphanage was the very spot where Marla — first Methodist martyr in India — was slain during the Sepoy rebellion; hence to thou¬ sands of readers the engraving was a picture of holy ground. In 1874 the list of subscribers numbered 25,000 — a high- water mark — causing great joy at the Executive session held in Philadelphia. The following year, eight pages were added and the PERIODICALS 7 Heathen Woniaiis Friend became a twenty-four page paper, at the same time increasing its subscription price to fifty cents. This year also appeared a “ Home Depart- Helps for ment ”, in which the Branches — seven in num- .rV iixil 1 ber — gave their reports, and for which the Branch Corresponding Secretaries became responsible. This year for the first time appeared a list of “Addresses, Poems, Hymns and Music, to assist such as are not able to obtain speakers for auxiliary and public meetings ”, etc. Most of these were reprints from other Mission Boards, but several were original, among which we note “The Best Use of a Dollar”, verses written by Bishop Haven’s sister. Miss Hannah Haven, and recited with telling effect at many an early mission¬ ary meeting. In 1876 appeared Miss Belle Hart’s “ Seven Reasons why I to the Woman’s Missionary Society”, — a con¬ vincing, awakening, “ mystical seven ” — a leaflet long and widely circulated and still in service. In 1873 “editorial staff ” of eight women was appointed by the Executive Committee at their meeting in Cincinnati, and this “ staff ” or “ contributors ”, as they were called later, was con¬ tinued four years. In 1878, at the Executive session in Boston, the Branch Secretaries were made a “ Standing Committee on Publication ” to have charge of the paper. Like all periodicals, the HeatJmi IVoinaiCs Friend was subject to fluctuations in its subscription should belong F oreign Miss Belle Hart Editorial Contributors 8 OUR LITERATURE list. It has always depended upon its constituency for its circula¬ tion, and they have also been subject to fluctuations. But it was largely owing to the financial depression that it A Valley j^-g experience in 1877, ’78 and ’79. In the last-named year it “touched the earth with only 13,461 subscribers, but like the fabled giant of old, who thus renewed his strength, it began again from this point its upward progress. It was in the Executive session of 1879, in Chicago, that Bishop Peck made his oft-quoted remark i “ Why, ladies, don’t you know that this is the best little paper in all the world? ” It is worthy of note that there was a period of nearly ten years — from 1876, when the old Af/ssionapy Advocate closed its career, to October, 1885, when the Gospel in All Lands was adojDted by the Missionary Society — that this “little paper” was the only periodical in the Church devoted to foreign missions. The Executive Committee of 1880 “resolved” that once each quarter the names and addresses of missionaries should appear in the Friend ; also that the agent should send copies gratuitously to our missionaries and to “ all Methodist colleges and seminaries where ladies are admitted.” In 1882 Mrs. Daggett resigned the office of agent, and Miss Pauline J. Walden was elected. As the ffnances of the paper began to brighten, a series of demands upon its coffers was contemplated, and embodied in resolutions at each successive Executive session. Were leaf¬ lets, reports, certificates, mite-boxes, maps, new periodicals, travelling expenses, or salaries desired? Nothing was easier than for each “ new, untutored ” Publication Com¬ mittee to “ resolve ” that they be furnished “ from the surplus fund of the Heathen Woniapi's Friend Miss Belle Hart, in her appeal to the membership, January, 1890, after referring to the vast amount of literary supplies already provided by the Friend^ meets the subject as follows: “ If it has been the A Friend Indeed PERIODICALS 9 generous mother yielding all these golden eggs, let us not in our greed for the eggs destroy or even damage the parent for this treasury is burdened — overburdened^ But it has continued to be the “ generous mother ”, for in twenty-four years it has earned, above its own expenses, and paid for litera¬ ture, German Friend^ Childreii's Frieiid^ Zenana paper, certifi- cates, and missionaries’ travelling expenses, the almost incred¬ ible sum of $35,701. In 1886 four more pages were added. June, 1889, marked a significant milestone, and after reviewing the financial prosperity of the paper, the editor says; “All along through the twenty volumes are scattered abundant testimonies to the help¬ fulness in spiriUial life which many have found in these pages,” So this faithful “servant of all” gathered month by month,, year after year, into its storehouse supplies which were indeed for the “ healing of the nations.” Very early in 1893, the Heathen WoniaiCs Friejid^ the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, and the Methodist Episcopal Church suffered a great loss in the sudden death A Sad and Mrs.Warren. Sudden Her daughter. Change Mrs.Mary War¬ ren Ayars, was asked to edit the paper, and did so until the clos¬ ing of the year, resigning at that time. During her term of service a long-contemplafed change was made in the form of the paper, and in July, 1893, it appeared as a magazine. At the General Executive session in St. Paul, October, 1893, Miss Louise Manning Hodgkins was unan- 10 OUR LITERATURE imously elected to the position of editor. She came to her work fresh and resourceful and several new features soon appeared in the magazine. As 1894 was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Society—the silver anniversary — the March Heathen Woman''s Friejid was a special number with pictures of the founders, reminiscences and bits of history. June, the month of roses, was set apart for the Young Woman’s Number. A magazine fund was started, which, through the generous helpfulness of many, has continued to supply most of our missionaries with the popular magazines. Some new depart¬ ments were introduced also — a Post Office Box, Family News, What is Interesting us. Worth Reading, etc. At the annual meeting in 1895, the name of the magazine was changed. Its earlier name had “become objectionable in the minds of many, both in this land and in the foreign field,” and for some time before it was abandoned a grace¬ ful design of festooned vines had been used to soften the effect of the unpopular phrasing. Change of Name Now, however, such begging of the question ceased and with the new name, Womaji's Missionary Friend^ began a new and improved edition in January, 1896. With the advent of the kodak in mission fields, our mission¬ aries were enabled to send to the magazine many photographs, which were reproduced for its pages, adding to its attractive¬ ness and educative influence. The first illus- Illustrations tration, already alluded to, was made from a fine wood cut, at an expense of ^58. This item has an almost dramatic significance, suggesting not only the present contrast in the matter of expense, but also the long ■career of the Society’s publication interests. After the establishment of the children’s paper in 1890., the Friefid was enabled to carry out the expressed desire of the Executive Committee, and give every month a story or sketch, often accompanied by bright missionary poems, for the young THE ZENANA PAPER II women’s auxiliaries. This feature was greatly Young Wom^n became extremely popular. In 1902, through the practical enthusiasm of Miss Clara Cushman, formerly missionary in North China and now general superintendent of our young woman’s work, the name “ Standard Bearers” was quite generally accepted for young people’s organizations, and a page of the Friend was dedicated to their service. So, also, the Literature Committee was given a column through which to com- standard bkarer Ir^ENNANT municate with the general constituency. We cannot close this record of our leading periodical with¬ out speaking of its dress. For several years the magazine was in sober browns, but in July, 1896, it appeared in a most becoming suit of blue, the Society Appearance ■ a ■ ^ . 1 j color, varied m later years by pure green and white for Easter, and rose color for June. Its present beauti¬ ful cover design, bearing the crest of the Society, was assumed in 1903. THE ZENANA PAPER In 1883 the Executive Committee met in Des Moines for the fourteenth annual meeting. A notable feature was the subject brought before the meeting by Rev. Thomas Craven, a mission- ary from India, who “ presented a paper in Missionary’s regard to the necessity of illustrated Christian literature for the girls and women of India. He stated that the native press was busy scattering an impure literature over the country, which was not fit to put into the hands of women and girls, and that if they become Christian¬ ized thev must have Christian literature.” 12 O U K literature Other missionaries from India who were present indorsed these statements, and as ^a result, after full discussion, the following was adopted: Resolved^ That during the next year, which is the centennial Centennial Methodism, Offering , r we, as members of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, recommend a special thank offering of ^25,000 over and above our regular mission¬ ary operations, or our centennial offerings for other objects directed by the Church, this offering to be appropriated for the printing of an illustrated zenana periodical espe¬ cially adapted to the wants of women and children.” Other reso¬ lutions covered necessary pro¬ visions for its conduct, and the promise of the last $^,000, by Mrs. Elizabeth Sleeper Davis of Boston, the gift of a steam press worth $2,2^0 from David C. Cook of Chi¬ cago, and a general interest on the part of many workers, showed that this effort to establish the Friend family in India was in line with providential leading and blessing. The paper was to be issued dur¬ ing the month of January, 1884, and as the plans made could not materialize at once, it was voted that the expenses of the first year a “Frik.nd” illustration THE T O K I W A 13 A Wise Enterprise — not to exceed ^1,200 —should be paid from the surplus funds of the Heathen Woman''s Frierid. This was done accordingly. Miss Hart, in writing of this new enterprise, says : “ Probably the wisest and most significant, as certainly the bravest, work undertaken at the recent session of our General Executive Committee, was the plan to create an endowment fund of $25,000 for the establish¬ ment of such a paper.” The first editions of this Woman’’s Friend were in Hindi and Urdu. Later a Bengali edition was published in Calcutta, and one in Tamil in Madras. In "1893 a Marathi edition was made possible by the gift of one person, and was published in Bombay. The first two are fortnightly editions, the others monthly. The paper is devoted to Christian teaching, to the discussion of practical matters pertaining to the life of women, and such descriptions of interesting objects and things as may serve to brighten the homes into which it goes. It reaches about 20,000 women. Little Zenana Preachers THE TOKIWA. Great interest attaches to every attempt made in our foreign mission fields to give the people Christian literature in their own language. By this we do not mean translations of the The Japan Bible, religious books and hymnals alone. Woman’s These are made, as a matter of course, at the Friend earliest possible moment; but there still remains a wide scope for an uplifting literature which shall reveal “ the beautiful things of the kingdom ” in a practical way. India has its zenana paper, China has a variety of translations adapted to Christian development, of which we have no tabu¬ lated list, and Japan has its Tokiwa (or “ Evergreen ”) edited I \ I SOME OF OUR ARTISTIC JAPANESE PUBLICATIONS THE H E I D E N FRAUEN FREUND 15 by Miss Georgiana Baucus, one of our gifted missionaries. This small magazine, “the dear Friend of Japanese women,” enters 700 homes each month, has more than 3,000 readers,, and “ wields an influence greater than preacher or teacher.” Its enthusiastic editor is assisted by Miss Emma E. Dickin¬ son, and together they not only prepare this excellent and highly appreciated periodical, but issue leaflets, illustrated series of Sunday School cards, chain cards. General Bible book-marks, and all sorts of unique de- Literature signs to catch the eye and touch the heart of the beauty-loving Japanese. As we read of the demand for such literature, not only among children, but increasingly among men and women, we feel sure that God “ called ” Miss Baucus and her co-worker to this special service. Sales have been so satisfactory that their output is practically self support¬ ing. Miss Baucus says; “There is this blessed comfort in working for the women of Japan. They are grateful, not critical. They appreciate even the crumbs from our well-filled tables. The Tokiwa is but a crumb.” THE HEIDEN-FRAUEN-FREUND A growing German constituency had for several years asked for leaflets in its own language, and these had been furnished*, but in 1885 the Executive Committee, holding its session in Notable Evanston, Ill., met the desire of our German Action sisters by more tangible legislation, as follows; in 1885 a Whereas^ we recognize the growing demand among our German auxiliaries for literature in their own Ian- guage; therefore. Resolved^ That we recommend such a monthly German periodical as shall be deemed best by a com¬ mittee composed of the editor and the agent of the Heathen Wo7nan''s Friend and Miss Dreyer, the German secretary.” The first number was issued in January, 1886, and at the end OUR LITERATURE l6 At the meeting of the Execu- 1887, Miss Dreyer was in of the year 1,200 subscribers were reported. In fact, this paper has always been supported by a larger percentage of its First Year of constituency than any other periodical issued German by the Society. Friend Committee released from her reportorial work on the paper, as Mrs. Warren’s assistant, because of her many duties as organizer and secretary, and Mrs. War¬ ren, who was eminently fitted by her acquaintance with the German language, became its sole editor. Two years later, at the meet¬ ing held in Detroit, the position of editor of the Heiden-Fraueii- Change of Name Fretind was giv- Miss Maroaretha Dreyer en to Mrs. Ph. Achard, who thus became the first German woman “ in the known world ” to act in this capacity. When the name of the Heathen Wo 7 na 7 i‘s Frie 7 td was changed to Wo 77 ia 7 t's Missio 7 iary F 7 'ie 7 id^ in 1895, the name of the German paper was also changed to Fraiien-Missio 7 is-Freu 7 id. Mrs. Achard held her office until 1902, when she dropped all ■earth’s duties for heaven’s rewards. Her daughter. Miss Amalie M. Achard, was elected in her place, and is continuing the work with great efficiency. In all the years Change of this paper has been published, it has never shown a decrease in its subscription list; and, .counting European and American subscribers, it reports more .than fifty per cent, of its Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society jmembers on its subscription list. H E A T HEN CHILDREN’S FRIEND 17 THE HEATHEN CHILDREN’S FRIEND Although the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was slow to avail itself of that entirely accessible treasury located in the hearts and hands of children, and in fact legislated Children’s Dept 3&3.inst the formation of juvenile societies, it in Woman’s did recognize the necessity of educating these Friend small people along missionary lines. With this in view, the Heathe 7 i Woiiiaii’s Friend sustained a Chil¬ dren’s Department, where were foun 1 letters and stories from the missionaries, with occasional contributions from home talent. Mrs. Mary B. Willard was the acceptable editor of this department during 1877 and ’78, but aside from this, Mrs. Warren was in charge for twenty years, making it an attractive feature of the paper. The children were waking up, however, and in spite of legis¬ lation, mission bands were being organized and demands were made for more literature adapted to their use. In 1888 and 1889, Mrs. J. T. Gracey endeav¬ ored to meet the demand by preparing some leaflets, and especially a four- page “ Quarterly Leaflet ”, for boys and girls. Previous to this, efforts had been made at several Executive Committee sessions to secure a vote favor¬ ing the establishment of a chil¬ dren’s paper, but without avail. But the editor and the publisher of the Friejid, with other pro¬ gressive spirits, continued to agitate the matter, and in Octo¬ ber, 1889, at the Executive session held in Detroit, the follow- Children’s Paper Urged A Constant Reader i8 OUR LITERATURE ing appeared in the report of the Committee on Publication: Resolved^ That we recommend the discontinuance of the ‘ Children’s Quarterly Leaflet’ and ‘ Children’s Department’ in the Heathen Woman’’s Frierid^ and recommend, instead thereof, the issue of a child’s paper, to be published Action of 1889 monthly, at a subscription price of flfteen cents a single copy per year, or ten cents if taken together with the Friendd So, though late, the children claimed their own! Mrs. Emily Huntington Miller, whose literary and journalistic ability was already firmly established, was nomi¬ nated for the office of editor, but felt obliged to decline this appointment, and the New England delegation presented tlie name of Mrs. O. W. Scott, who was elected. The first number of the little eight-page paper appeared in January, 1890, with the name Heathen Children'‘s Friend^ and was well received, its first report showing 5,128 subscribers. The “ Little With the beginning of the next year ils size Friend” was increased to twelve pages. In 1895 its Appears name was changed to Childre7i’s Missionary Friend^ and in 1898 the price for single subscriptions was raised to twenty cents. Another change came in 1903, when, / by reason of the Growth and unification of chil- Changes ... dren s societies in charge of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society under the one name, King’s Heralds, and the nec¬ essity for more space for a rapidly growing constituency, four pages were added, making the little Friejid a sixteen-page paper. From the beginning of its career, editor and publisher have striven to use illustrations freely and judiciously. It has been necessary to study economy, but since the first years — when its life was sustained by that phenomenal “sur- Illustrations fund” of the mother F7'ie)id —its cuts King’s Herald Badge HEATHEN children’s FRIEND 19 Lessons have been noticeably interesting and educative, a large propor¬ tion being from photographs of children and scenes in our mission fields. From the first the paper has given one page — sometimes more — to “ Our Lesson,” which has conformed usually to the line of study followed by the Auxiliaries. Spe¬ cial programs have also been given for Thank Offerings, Harvest Home, Mite Box Opening and Little Light Bearer anniversaries. Its contributions from the missionaries have always been exceptionally bright, for, as one of the weary workers has written, “ one must smile when one thinks of the children.” A few writers of children’s stories in the home Contributions jg^^d have also given of their best. In fact, judging by the liberal use of its contributions in our exchanges, we are led to believe that it is widely appre¬ ciated. The reports of Mission Bands and King’s Heralds have always been a valued feature, suggestive and inspiring. The editor was long impressed that the readers of the paper might be inclined to give for special work^ if objects were attractively presented. The first step in this Special Wor direction was during the terrible India famine, in 1897, when 1^355 was reported, gifts from the children of the New England Branch. The success of this small begin¬ ning led the editor to ask larger things, and in 1898 the Finance Committee gave the chil¬ dren the privilege of building an orphanage in Baroda, India, as their Twentieth Century thank-offering. In .three years, more than $S,ooo was reported through the little Friend. The next “special” was a Home for ^hemulpo missionaries in Chemulpo, Korea. For this ^(soo was acknowledged. In 1902 the readers of this paper were asked to build a ischool and home in Hai Tang, China. Attractive blanks and Baroda Orphanage 20 OUR L I T E R A T U R 1-: Hai Tang School and Home cards were issued as with the other Thank Offerings, and a generous response has fol¬ lowed. Nearly $10,000 has thus far been reported through the paper as the result of these free-will gifts from its readers. It was during 1891, that Mrs. Lucie F. Harrison, now super¬ intendent of Children’s Work, thought of enlisting the babies of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society as “ active mem¬ bers,” under the title Little Light Little Light Bearers. Bearers In March, 1893, a page of the children’s paper was dedicated to these infant recruits. It has always been a popular page, and increasingly so since the life member photographs have appeared upon it, beginning in October, 1902, with Ruth Josephine (Sites) Brown, year and a half, more than winsome faces had “ followed leader,” and still they come! The Childreii's Missionary Friend is prepared and adapted to the class of boys and girls from seven or eight up to fifteen years, although there are gray-haired young folk who are its devoted readers. As it is the only children’s foreign missionary periodical now issued by the Methodist Episcopal Church, it has re¬ ceived a most kindly welcome in many Sunday Schools, as well as in Junior Leagues and King’s Herald bands, where its lessons and stories form a basis for the monthly meetings. It issues a monthly edition of 30,000 copies. In a forty their Ruth Josephine Brown Its Constitution \ UNIFORM READINGS 2 I UNIFORM READINGS, UNIFORM STUDY, THE STUDY “ Noihing is so hard but search will find it out.’’ The first movement toward a more comprehensive and systematic study of foreign missions and mission fields seems to have been made by the Northwestern Branch in 1876. In December of that year, the Heathen Wo 7 nan''s Friend published the first “ Uniform Readings for Missionary Meetings,” in the department Uniform Readings conducted by that Branch. The readings were prepared by Mrs. Stagg of Indianapolis, a sister of Jennie Tinsley (Waugh), one of our first missionaries, and the first were on India, with exhaustive references to divisions, population, climate and productions, inhabitants, manners, customs, caste, etc., — a prophecy of what was to come more than twenty years later in Lux Chrisii. While these readings were prepared for one Branch, they were accessible to all, through the F 7 ''iend. The General Executive Committee evidently learned the favor accorded them, for in 1878 we find among the “resolutions of the Committee as a whole” the following; Resolved^ That we have a committee on Leaflets and Uniform Readings, a p.irt of the duties of which shall be to arrange a series of uniform readings for the monthly meeting of the auxiliaries.” In the Heathe 7 i Wo 77 ia 7 i‘s Frie 7 id^ November, ’79, a “well- known Congregaiionalist sister ” is quoted as follows ; “ I have read with a deep thrill of hope and satisfaction the Uniform Readings in the Frie 7 id. To me they are a prophecy of uniform missionary lessons for the auxiliaries of all our Woman’s Boards, What “ Other People ” Said and the long-prayed-for time when the ‘ mountain of the Lord’s house ’ shall be established on the tip of all our denominational mountains. . . . Nothmg else could give so great a 7 i i 77 ipulse to all 77 iissio 7 iary effort as such a 77 ^ove 77 ie 7 it for 7 i 7 iio 7 ii’'' And twenty years later her prophecy was fulfilled in the interdenom- national studies. 22 OUR I. ITERATURE Committee and Topics The following year the general topic was; “The missions of our church taken up in chronological order.” Each country was to run through three months, and different women were appointed to prepare the readings. The same method was continued through 1880, but in 1881 a resolution was adopted by the Execu¬ tive Committee, as follows: '•’■Resolved^ That the uniform readings of the past year have been excellent and instructive,, but that for the sake of inciting our women to greater research, we recommend that the committee having in charge the prep¬ aration of these readings for the coming year shall give them in outline rather than in detail.” Mrs. Tudor and Mrs. Nind were appointed a general committee, with eleven women as sub¬ committees and alternates. The General Executive of ’82 appointed Mrs. J. H. Knowles and Mrs. Dr. Hibbard to arrange the plan for ’83, and recom¬ mended that a Bible reading be added for each month. In 1883 a similar method was adopted for the coming 5^ear, and Mrs. J. T. Gracey was given charge to prepare and present as she pleased. At the Executive session of 1884, the following preamble and resolution were adopted : “ Whe^'eas^ Your committee hnd, upon inquiry, that the uniform readings are not answering their original purpose, and are not uni\ ersally used in our auxiliaries, therefore, Resolved^ That a uniform plan of study be substituted for these readings, to occupy not more than one column of the Friend^ and that Mrs. H. Benton, of Cleveland, Ohio, be requested to take charge of this work.” Mrs. Benton gave excellent service for three years, and upon her resignation, October, 1887, the uniform readings were included in the work given to the Literature Committee, newly formed that year. With fresh vigor the study plan was announced and pre- Uniform Study THE STUD Y 23 seated early in 1888, with the added feature of special leaflets to accompany each month’s lesson — most of them free. The The New Plan Committee also gave short lessons for the chil¬ dren in their department of the Friend. This method continued the following year, but in October, 1890, the following was adopted : “ Resolved., That in view of the increasing popularity and usefulness of the uniform studies we recommend their continuance in ^ , supplemental form, and that the leaflet bearino: Supplement , , . directly upon the study be issued as part of the supplement.” Hence, beginning with 1891, and continiu ing through ’92 and ’93, the uniform study was on a separate leaf, the size of the Friend, and one was slipped into each number of the paper. Extra copies were furnished for a small price. In the records of the Executive session, October, 1894, we find ; “ Resolved, That, instead of the supplement we recommend the publication of a brief outline of the monthly uniform study The Study Heathen Wo 7 na 7 i's Frie 7 id. Also, we a Separate recommend that the same study, more fully Publication prepared in leaflet form, shall be published at a subscription price not exceeding thirty cents a year for one dozen copies a month.” Mrs. Knowles, secretary of the Liter¬ ature Committee, explains that this change was made to relieve that overtaxed “surplus fund” of the F 7 'ie 7 id. Considerable anxiety was felt lest the change decrease the circulation of the Study, but when the reports were given in — October, 1895 — there were nearly as many subscribers to the new publication as to the Frie 7 id ; that is, A Successful 19,984 against 20,411. The experiment was re¬ garded as a success, and in 1896 it was voted to make the Study a permanent publication, and also to provide for an outline of study in the Frie 7 id. 24 OUR LITERATURE EDITORS The First Editor “Wasting no needless sound, yet ever working Hour after iiour upon a needy world.” Every paper and magazine bears, to a certain extent, the stamp of the personality which guides the editorial pen. Because this is true, it seems proper to give space for brief reference to the editors of the periodicals already described. Mrs. Harriet M. Warren began her work as editor of the Heathen Woman''s F 7 ne 7 id with its first issue in 1869. She was young, and with characteristic modesty doubted her ability to fill this impoi'tant position, but finally yielded to what was evidently “the call of the Lord.” From the first the paper bore the imprint of her pure, refined and cultured spirit. She gave to it twenty-four years of faithful and loving service, seeing it become a power for foreign missions, with a circulation beyond that of any similar publication. Her personal contributions to the paper were always valuable, although she was slow to admit this. She once said laughingly ; “ The ladies think I ought to give them more editorials. I write them, but when better things come in, I put them in the drawer.” But somehow—who can tell the secret? — she won the hearts of her readers. Mrs. Warren was a charming correspondent. Her letters to the missionaries, officers and workers in the home field, bore a gracious touch of individual interest which was irresistible. Mrs. Harriet M. Warren THE EDITORS 25 Her ofifice for several years as corresponding secretary of the New England Branch, gave constant opportunity for the exer¬ cise of this rare gift. As a presiding officer, Mrs. Warren was peerless. Always cheerful and hopeful, her knowledge and tact were also equal to any emergency, as was evidenced while a presiding officer for twelve years in her own Branch, as well as in the more trying Executive Committee sessions, where she acted as president on seven different occasions. A Member of When the Literature Committee was reorgan- the Literature ized in 1887, Mrs. Warren was one of the com- Committee mittee of five elected, and for nearly six years gave much time and thought to its work. During all these years her best service was given to home and family interests, a fact to be explained only by Him who gives the “sufficient strength.” From all these Called Home duties she was suddenly called to the land of the immortals January 7, 1893. The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society indicated its appreciation of her unequaled service by erecting the “ Harriet Warren Hall,” connected with our college for women in Lucknow, India. More enduring than this, even, is the memorial in the hearts of those who loved her, and in the growth of the Society. After Mrs. Warren’s death, her daughter, Mrs. Mary Warren Ayars, most efficiently filled the office of editor A Daughter s tPg next session of the Executive Corn- Service mittee held in St. Paul, October, 1893. At that time she resigned because of home cares. Her Memorial 26 OUR LITERATURE MISS LOUISE MANNING HODGKINS The successor of Mrs. Ayars was Miss Louise Manning Hodgkins. Miss Hodgkins was for several years in Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin, and later filled the chair of professor of The New Editor English Litera- Miss Louise Manning Hodgkins ture in Wellesley College most acceptably for a series of years. After resigning this position, she devoted her¬ self to study at home and abroad, and to literary work. She had had a long-time connection with the Woman’s Foreign Mission¬ ary Society, and well under¬ stood its spirit and aims. She entered upon her editorial work with great enthusiasm, and, with determination to make the Frieiid felt even more power¬ fully than during its past history, developed several new features and departments in the magazine. In 1900 Miss Hodgkins took a round-the-world trip, visiting en route our mission stations in Japan, Korea, China and Straits Settlements, returning to her work with a more definite knowledge of the vast interests involved. After the adoption of interdenominational studies by leading Woman’s Boards, Miss Hodgkins was chosen to write the first text book, which she called Via Christi. This book was a most valuable compilation and has had a truly phenomenal sale. The editor’s official influence has extended into most of the Branches through her platform addresses before conventions of various kinds, giving her a wide acquaintance with our constituency. A Trip Abroad Via Christi T II E EDITORS 27 First German Editor MRS. PH. ACHARD Although Mrs. Warren successfully edited the Freund for several years, assisted by Miss Dreycr, secretary of German work, it will always be associated with the name of Mrs. Ph. Achard, its first German editor. Mrs. Achard was the daughter of Dr. Jacoby, who founded the Methodist Episcopal church in Germany. She married Rev. Clement Achard in her native land, and came with him to this country in 1888, settling first in Quincy, Illinois, where her husband assumed a pastorate. Mrs. Warren, knowing her ability, soon persuaded her to take the paper, which she did^ as she once said, Mrs. Achard s u Qf love for the editor. She was elected to her office at the Executive Session of 1889, and for twelve years successfully demonstrated that strength is given for ihe day and the duty. She had a large family, was mother, housekeeper, pastor’s wife, and — editor. Eor some months she was also super¬ intendent of German work, and devoted to the advance¬ ment of foreign missions among her sisters. It was her pride and joy to report “just a little advance” in subscribers to the Freimd^ and the expression of her face, when congratulated, testified to her singleness of purpose. After her triumphant death, October 5, 1902, her daughter, Miss Amalie Achard, was elected, and gratefully assumed the blessed burden her mother had laid down at the threshold of the better land. Mrr. Ph. Achard 28 OUR LITERATURE Books and Leaflets MRS. O. W. SCOTT One of the gifted women who has built her literary work firmly into the structure of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society publications is Mrs. O. W. Scott, known to recent publishers’cata¬ logues as Lucy Jameson Scott, author of a delightful book for children — Twelve Little Pil- grifns who Stayed at Ho 7 ne. Mrs. Scott’s facile pen has contributed many successful leaflets for auxiliaries, such as the attractive “Pioneer” and “ Flag” series ; and many more for children’s work, of which the clever “ Mother Goose and Her Family as Mission Work¬ ers ” may be cited. As pastor’s wife, as house mother, as a W. C. T. U. worker, as member of the Literature Committee of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Societ}^, as a projector of children’s literature or “ special work,” Mrs. Scott has been uniformly successful. But it is as editor of the Childreii''s Misssionary Ft'ieiid^ which has been under her charge since its establishment in 1890, that she has found her vocation, and here her charming literary gifts and her genius for reaching the hearts of the little people have had free play. The “little ” Friend is very dear to its editor, and its steadily increasing success in both effectiveness and circu¬ lation shows clearly her special “call” to this work. Mrs. Scott’s literary work is favorably known outside missionary and denominational interests. (Editor.) Mrs. O. W. Scott The Children’s Friend 1 M E EDITORS MRS. J. T. GRACEY No history of the literature of the Woman’s Foreign Mission¬ ary Society would be complete without personal reference to the editor of the Study^ although that was a small part of Mrs. Gracey’s work, for she was also editor of leaflets- ^ for niany years. This “ elect lady,” in her early married life, went with her husband to India as a missionary. Failing health compelled a return to this country, but there was no failure in her love for missions. Very soon she identified herself with the women who were planning to “ take the world, and made herself felt as a speaker and writer. In 1878 her name appears as secretary of the Executive meeting held that year in Boston, and, as up to the present writing she has filled that responsible office at twenty-two sessions, it would appear that she is “ a born secretary.” The old saw runs, “Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.” Mrs. Gracey has taken care of the “ Minutes.” As early as 1877, Mrs. Gracey saw a demand for a larger leaflet provision, and from that date until 190G wrote and edited — how many leaflets, booklets and reports? The record is not yet made, but some day we shall be astonished by its magnitude. Beginning with 1888, she became editor of the Study^ which later was made one of the permanent publications. While it was a part of the F?'iend^ while it was a supplement, when 30 OUR LITERATURE Editor of the Study it became a separate four-page leaflet, in 1894, she carefully and judiciously prepared it for a large and ever-growing constituency. In 1901, weary with ceaseless pen work, she resigned this editorship. The Study at this time had 31,232 subscribers. As a representative woman, no one has filled so many responsible positions as the subject of this brief sketch. With a wide acquaintance among living missionaries and missionary ^ workers, and surrounded with books, maga- Representative zines, and “ Lives ” manifold, she has become. Woman perforce, a cyclopaedia of missionary informa¬ tion, reaching far into the “ musty, dusty past,” but never losing the trend of the actual present. When the United Study of Missions brought together the Woman’s Boards of most of the larger denominations, and a Central Committee was chosen, Mrs. Gracey became the representative of our Society. Her connection for many years with our Literature Committee will be noticed elsewhere. Mrs. M. S. Budlong, of Rockford, Ill., was Mrs. Gracey’s successor for one year as editor of the Study^ re¬ signing at the end of that time on « , , account of ill health. Subsequent Study Mrs. Budlong i s a Editors woman of fine literary ability, and has written leaflets and papers of various kinds. Her “ Bright Bits,” compilations of choice prose and poetry, have aided many an auxiliary in arranging acceptable programs. Miss Elizabeth C. Northup, of Waltham, Mass., was elected editor of the Study in 1902. Miss Northup is a young college woman, with unusual ability as writer, editor and speaker. By inheritance she is a lover of die Woman’s Mrs. M. S. BTJDix)Na THE EDITORS 31 Foreign Missionary Society, and by what may be termed a direct providential leading, has come through this editorial work into an inheritance of blessed service. The Study was never more acceptable and progressive. It has a monthly cir¬ culation of 39,489. Woman’s Friend EDITORS OF THE ZENANA PAPERS The editors of this paper have always been from the ranks of our busy missionary workers. As five editions are issued, many editorial pens have aided in their preparation. Just The India twenty years ago, this IVoma/iS Friend^ known as the Rafiq^ first appeared in Lucknow, in two editions, with Miss L. E. Blackmar as editor. Mrs. B. H. Badley succeeded her in 1887, and Miss Isabella Thoburn was appointed editor when Mrs. Badley returned to America. Mrs. L. H. Messmore was her successor, and is the present editor. In her report to the North India Conference, Mrs. Messmore says : “ The Rafiq needs and deserves the thought and supervision of one woman, and if this one woman gives the thought and care, the paper will grow and its mission will be blessed.” The Bengali edition, published in Calcutta, and known as Mahela Bondhate^ has been edited by Mrs. Meek and Miss Kate Blair, while that in Madras — the Tamil issue — Mathar Mithiri^ has been in charge of Mrs. Rudisell, Mrs. George Isham, and finally of Miss Grace Stephens. The Bombay edition was first edited by Miss Sarah De Line, then by Miss Minnie Abrams, and is now in charge of Miss Helen Robinson. Many of our missionaries contribute helpful articles to these silent but effective zenana visitors. Other Editions 32 OUR LITERATURE PUBLISHERS Mrs. Lydia H. Daggett was the first publisher, or agent, of the Heathen Woman''s Friend.. Her work began in 1871, when almost as a pioneer, she had to meet the perplexities of a business woman’s life. For twelve years she managed the financial side of the literature, seeing the early growth and develop¬ ment of the Society. Mrs. Daggett was a pronounced A Dozen Years Mrs. Lydia H. Daggett figure in most of the meetings of the New England Branch and also of the Executive Committee during these years. Always dressed in the style which prevailed in 1860-61, on account of a vow taken in her young womanhood which pledged her not to conform to the changing fashions, she wore, with stately independ¬ ence, her plain black silk, with its full gathered skirt over crinoline. No one who met her often in those early years could doubt her devotion to the “ great idea.” She began what became afterward such a power — the printing and sale of leaflets, music and exercises for use in auxil- Leaflets and iaries, also the sale of photoo:raphs of mis- Exercises . sionanes. Her policy toward the Society in general was very liberal — more so than was wise in many instances ■—■ but undoubtedly she contributed much to the development of a taste for missionary literature. She compiled and issued a small book—“Historical Sketches of Woman’s Missionary Societies in America and England” — which was THE PUBLISH E R S 33 of special value in those earlier years. In 1882 she resigned her office. Mrs. Daggett died in Melrose, Mass., October 2, 1901. MISS PAULINE J. WALDEN After Mrs. Daggett’s resignation. Miss Pauline J. Walden was elected at the Executive meeting held in Philadelphia, in October, 1882. She came to the office with practical sympathy for the Wom- all’s F o r e i g n the Work . . * Missionary So¬ ciety and with full knowledge of its working, in which she had already participated. She brought to it, also, an executive ability far beyond that ordi¬ narily bestowed upon women Financial tangles yielded to her patient investigation, and it was soon evident that she had “ come to the Growth and kingdom for Prosperity ^ such a time as this.” To the broadening of our publishing interests, the development of new resources, the wise expenditure of money, and a constant effort to make our entire output acceptable and helpful, Miss Walden has given her best years. The wonderful growth of every department under her care testifies to a wisely economical regime, and a watchful fidelity. Miss Pauline J. Walden 34 OUR literature It is impossible for one who has never been in the pub¬ lisher s office, at 3b Bromfield Street, Boston, to have an idea of its detail work. Lost packages to trace, supply depots in a hurry for lesson helps, orders for leaflets from Headc^amrs ^ thousand, inquiries for missionaries’ addresses, a call for old cuts, complaints from subscribers whose papers are “ strayed or stolen ”, a call from the man whose wife wants “ a Woinan's Friend _or the Chil¬ dren s, he doesn’t know which ”—-a call from a sister from the western slope who “ must see the publisher before she goes home,” and another from the young woman who wants a mileage book and directions for making a trip to Smith’s Corner up in New Hampshire. And yet the atmosphere of the office is seiene! But it is not strange that, even with her faithful clerks. Miss Walden’s nerves have sometimes called A Trip Abroad Her first long vacation was in 1897, when she went to England, Italy and France. Again, in ipos? Constitutional Publication Committee sur¬ prised her with a two months’ leave of absence and money to pay exti a expenses, thus enabling her to visit the Pacific coast, to meet the royal women living there, and to see what nature has done for that wonderful section of our country. One paragraph from Miss Walden’s last report will give an idea of the extent of our publication interests: “There have been, in the four periodicals, 19,365,312 pages sent out, and in the Annual Report and leaflets 5,662,200, mak- Figures ^ 24,020,510 pages of literature, an increase of 2,443,312 over last year. The com¬ bined circulation of the four periodicals has been 93,084, an increase of 430^8. It will be the privilege of a future gener¬ ation, more calm-eyed than this, to sum up Miss Walden’s service. LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 35 LEAFLETS AND LEAFLET COMMITTEES “ Liue upon liue, line upon liue; here a little and there a little.” The same guiding Hand which had led in the formation and development of the Society was signally manifest in the new era of its literature that dawned in 1877. Mrs. J. T. Gracey and Mrs. D. D. Lore, both of western New York, spent that winter together, and dis- Literature the Vital Question An Appeal Who will read? cussed many questions pertaining to the new organization. It seemed to them that the most vital one was that connected with the production and circulation of appro¬ priate literature. In May, 1877, the Executive Committee met in Minneapolis, for until 1882 these meetings were held in the spring, and Mrs. Lore was a delegate from the New York Branch. This gave her an opportunity to ask that a definite beginning be made by the Society as siich^ to provide literature to meet the increasing demands. This proposition was not very enthusiastically received. Someone said, “ If we print missionary literature, who will read it?” And others, “There is no money to expend for it.” The result, however, was the appointment of six women, representing the Branches, and called “a committee on publication of leaflets, tracts, etc.” Those elected were: New England Branch, Mrs. L. H. Daggett; New York and Philadelphia, Mrs. J. T. Gracey; Northwestern, Prof. Sue M. D. Fry; Western, Mrs. Mary C. Nind ; Cincinnati, Mrs. W. G. Williams ; Balti¬ more, Miss Ella Kellogg. Mrs. J. T. Gracey was made chairman of this committee. As no appropriation had been made for their use, the year saw no advance save in correspondence and agitation. The following spring the Executive Committee met in Boston, and there advance ground was taken. The former resolution was repeated, with the added duty of Uniform Readings, to be The First Committee 36 OUR LITERATURE Funds prepared by the committee, and each Branch Secured for a was to contribute $2^ toward the expenses of Beginning this “ new departure.” The remained the same, except that Mrs. James B. Longacre represented the Philadelphia Branch and Miss Belle Hart the Baltimore. Mrs. Gracey remained chairman. The first leaflets issued were reports of two Bible women in Budoan, India—Rebecca Stirling Porter and Bernice Steele- In 1879 6ie annual meeting was held in Chi- Report of cago, and Mrs. Gracev reported that 178,000 First Leaflets ^ pages had been issued and circulated, at a cost of ^199.79. Mrs. Gracey, Miss Hart of Baltimore and Mrs. Early of Northwestern Branch were elected Leaflet Committee. The following year, at Columbus, Ohio, 332,000 pages were reported, and compliments and congratulations were given Mrs. Gracey. At this session she was asked to write a history of our History of our ^'‘'^G^ical missions, “to be sold at a cost of not Medical over fifteen cents.” The history was prepared. Missions 'i-g pi-iQ-3 necessarily raised to twenty- five cents, and the first appropriation of $^00 was made from the “ surplus fund of the F?iend^'' to defray the expense of publish¬ ing. Mrs. Gacey gave the book to the Society after this expense was met. As our Society sent the first trained medical missionary to Asia-— Dr. Clara Swain to India, in 1869—^this history was of great value, and \vas sold outside our denomina¬ tion, as were also our leaflets. “ A drop of ink may make a million think ” was certainly true in connection with these little but living messages. In 1881 the committee met in Buffalo, N. Y. It was at this meeting that the “surplus fund” was drawn upon for the book noted above, and also for ^300, to pay for leaflets. Mrs. Gracey was continued in charge of the work, in addition was made a committee “to of Maps make diligent inquiry” as to a series of maps LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 37 which were greatly desired. It was finally decided to issue an outline map of China, India and Japan, size, five by six feet, and nearly two years later this difficult task was com¬ pleted by Mrs. Gracey. This was the first wall map issued by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and it was used very extensively. In 1883 the report given at Des Moines, la., was 530,000 pages of leaflets issued, with thirty-two varieties. The Publica¬ tion Committee reported as follows; “ Resolved^ That we recommend that the publication of leaflets be Enlarged continued by Mrs. I. T. Gracey, whose deVo- Appropriation . . tion to the work and whose wisdom in selecting material for publication demand our lasting gratitude and highest commendation.” The sum of ^500 was devoted to this work, and ^200 for “such assistance as the work demands,” this money to be paid from the “surplus fund of the Frieiidd A large increase in leaflets was reported at the Baltimore meeting, in 1884, 1,620,000 pages being the grand total, and an appropriation of $^00 for leaflets and $200 for “ assistance ” was voted. At Evanston, 111 ., in 1885, the number of pages reported was 1,794,000, and Mrs. Gracey’s salary was increased to ^400. This year an appeal was made for German leaflets, and their publication was ordered, also leaflets “ especially adapted to the young.” The following year at Providence, R. I., 2,178,000 pages were reported, and Mrs. Gracey was requested to prepare supplemental chapters, bringing her book on medical missions up to date. For nine years Mrs. Gracey had written or edited all the literature, prepared calendars, historical and biographical sketches, reports and booklets, had superin- A Change tended their publication, and sent out every Demanded . . package! It became evident that the growth of the work demanded a change. At Lincoln, Neb., in 1887, German Leaflets 38 OUR LITERATURE the whole matter was readjusted, under the following resolutions from the report of the Publication Committee. “ Resolved^ That there be a Literature Committee whose work shall be to edit the Annual Report, to provide leaflets,, uniform readings, lesson leaves, and other helps for monthly and public meetings, especially for young ladies’ and juvenile societies, and to so far unify with these the Heathen Wo 7 nads Friend as to secure combined instruction on definite themes for more effective work. “ Resolved^ That this committee be empowered to draw on the surplus funds of the Heathen Wo 7 na 7 i's Frie 7 id^ for all necessary expenses in prosecuting their work, said amount not to exceed $2,000 ; but should any increased expenditure be deemed necessary, this committee shall seek authority therefor from the constitutional Publication Committee. “ Resolved, That this Committee consist of five persons, and that we recommend the following; Mrs. J. T. Gracey, Mrs. W. F. Warren, Miss P. J. Walden, Mrs. M. B. Hitt and Miss I. Hart.” Thus was the Leaflet Committee merged in the Literature Committee. Mrs. Hitt was unable to serve, and Mrs. M. S. Budlong,, appointed in her place, also resigned. The four remaining members met at Mrs. Warren’s home in Cam- Organization Bridgeport, Mass., and organized by electing Mrs. Gracey chairman. Miss Hart secretary, and Miss Walden treasurer. Be it known that up to this time the immense output of leaflets had been gratuitously. In Miss Hart’s first report for the new committee, she modestly suggests; “ The conviction prevailed that at least for our larger leaflets, and among our established auxiliaries, a small price should be paid.” She lays before the Society large plans, involving original work and systematic study, with' a supply of “helps” that would surprise a “new woman ” who' A Small Price LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 39 One was taken has never studied “ ancient history.” Miss Hart also urges the formation of reading circles, quite similar to club work, and exalts the possibilities of missionary enterprise. The four members of the Literature Committee were re-elected in 1888 and ’89 and ’90, their work being constantly approved, and ever stimulating the intellectual growth of our constituency. On September 5, 1891, Miss Isabel Hart, the beloved secre¬ tary, was called to her crowning. Miss Hart’s pen was dedi¬ cated to missions, and whatever she wrote was suggestive, strong, inspiring. At the meeting in Kansas City, Mo., October, 1891, the three remaining members were re-elected, and Miss Mary L. Ninde — Bishop Ninde’s daughter — and Mrs. J. H. Knowles were added. It was also voted that, as it seemed necessary to consult more frequently, the committee should be “ empow¬ ered to meet semi-annually, if required, the necessary travelling expenses to be met from the funds appropriated to the use of said committee.” At this session Mrs. Gracey stated that 6,000 annual reports had been printed, and over 1,600,000 pages of leaflets issued. So great and widespread was the demand for literature that we And early in 1892 a list of Branch Depots Depots of q£ Supplies with their agents. This method Supplies ^ had been gradually adopted, and at this time became universal. The first semi-annual meeting was held in March, 1892, in New York, at the home of Mrs. Skidmore, where new projects were discussed, among them a life membership certificate for children. Mrs. Knowles took Miss Hart’s place Mid-Year as secretary. Miss Ninde was not at this meet- Meeting ing^ but gave proof of her ability during the year by contributing two leaflets — “The Girls of Bulgaria and How They Live” and “ If They Only Knew.” The latter has been one of the most popular and useful leaflets ever 40 OUR LITERATURE issued. At the meeting in Springfield, Mass., in October of that year, Mrs. Gracey reported an issue of 6,025 Annual Reports, and over 2,500,000 pages of miscellaneous literature. More than ^2,000 had been expended that year for literature ! The same committee was re-electcd and soon announced plans for still more extensive work. With the beginning of the new yc ir, however, came another blow to this Literature Committee, for Mrs. Warren, tried and trusted leader and friend, suddenly passed into In the Shadow Light, leaving her comrades bewildered and bereaved. There was no one to fill her place, but to fill the Literature Committee the Constitutional Publication Committee which met in May, added the name of Mrs. O. W. Scott. At this meeting of the Branch secretaries, it was also decided to observe the year 1894. appropriately, and the follow¬ ing action was taken ; Resolved^ That it be celebrated as a silver anniversar)^ and that the Literature Committee be requested to make an announce- Anniversary . ment and prepare a program, to be ready tor distribution immediately after the next General Executive meeting.” This program was acceptably prepared by Mrs. J. H. Knowles, whose consecrated voice and pen have been used so freely and successfully for the advancement of the cause. It appeared in blue and silver, and was a fitting celebration of the birthday of a great society. The Branches observed this anniversary very generally. At the St. Louis meeting in 1895, the committee “ resolved ” that Mrs. Scott “ be requested to have charge of the literature for children,” and this special department was Literature for under her care for several years, during which Children -in • • time leaflets, exercises and several series of booHets were prepared. Mrs. Gracey reported 2,214,000 pages of literature issued in 1895. Much of the work of the Literature Committee was now CHILDREN’S LITERATURE ■ i 42 OUR LITERATURE Individual Publications being done at the semi-annual or “ mid-year ” meeting, and in the spring of 1896 this was held in Boston, with Miss Walden, Concerning publisher, who was also the treasurer of this committee. From her view-point she saw that there was a growing tendency on the part of the eleven Branches, and of individuals as well, to prepare and issue missionary literature. She stated these facts, with their important bearing upon her work and the income of tl.e Society, which led to the following action respecting the publishing interests ; “ Inasmuch as these interests are created by and for the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, our Supply Depots should be avenues through which the various Branches should receive all literary supplies which meet their wants, instead of giving their patronage to literature prepared and published by private individuals.” This sentiment was expressed in view of the small orders received from many of the depots, and the consequent reduction of income. One year later. May, 1897, three of the committee met again in the office at 36 Bromfield Street, Boston. Just previous to this, the Constitutional Publication Committee, composed of the Branch secretaries, had held their annual 1897 meeting in Cincinnati. To them Miss Walden had sent a long letter explaining the financial conditions affect¬ ing the literature, and asking instructions, and also presenting her views as to what ought to be done. The letter received in response did not give definite advice or instruction, and after careful consideration, the three members present — Mrs. Gracey, Miss Walden and Mrs. Scott — reached the following conclusion and action as recorded in the minutes: “ Both this year and last, the Literature Com¬ mittee has felt restricted and embarrassed by the small number attending its mid-year meet¬ ing, at which time its work for the year is done, except such small matters as can be settled by correspondence. It has A Definite Statement LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 43 Definite Action also looked out over the wide home field and noted its increas¬ ing needs, and the growing desire for missionary intelligence, especially among young people. It has grown to feel the absolute necessity of a larger representation, and to believe that if every section could be represented in this committee^ the demand for separate publishing interests in each Branch would be greatly lessened.” This thought was embodied in the letter written by the publisher to the Constitutional Committee, and so commended itself to the Literature Committee as to form a central point around which discussion finally crystallized. As a result it was voted to present the follow¬ ing to the Executive Committee at its next session: “ Whereas^ The Literature Committee, in its mid-year meeting, deplored the absence of two of its members ; and. Whereas^ conditions are such as to make a full attendance as uncertain in the future as in the past; and. Whereas^ the growing importance of this department cf our work demands the best thought of a permanent committee which shall fairly represent our entire constituency; therefore. Resolved^ That we, members of the Literature Committee, respectfully ask the Executive Committee to consider the present needs of our Society, and to authorize the appointment, by each Branch, of a woman who shall represent its interests upon this committee. Also, Resolved^ That the expense of this representative to the meet¬ ing of the committee be paid by her Branch, and that said meeting should be held annually in connection with this Executive body.” The acting committee fully realized that they could not personally form a part of this new representa¬ tion, but felt that they were planning for a wider and more glorious work. The Executive session of that year was held in Denver, beginning October 28th, and the resolution was presented in Resolutions of 1897 44 OUR LITERATURE due time, and referred to the Publication Committee, which presented the following as its method of Meetin^'^^^ settling the great question : “ We recommend the creation of an Advisory Board, composed of one member elected by each Branch, whose duty it shall be to assist the Literature Committee, by correspondence, by sug¬ gestions, by presenting the needs of their respective Branches, and in any way said committee may desire.” It was also advised that all manuscript should come through this Board, and be approved by the entire Literature Committee. Miss Mary L. Ninde had been unable to attend the meetings of the Literature Committee, and this year resigned. Mrs. R. H. Pooley of Rockford, Ill., was elected in her place. At this Executive meeting it was voted to introduce a reading course for auxiliaries, and there was a call for addi¬ tional literature for young people and children. The next New York mid-year meeting was held in New York, Jan- u iry, 1898, and the entire Literature Commit¬ tee was present. There were also in the city Mrs. Stevens of the Baltimore Branch, Mrs. Keen of the Phila¬ delphia Branch, Mrs. Skidmore of the New York Branch, and Miss Hodgkins, editor of the Friend, — all of whom favored the c.>mmittee with their presence and advice atone or more sessions. The question which interested all was the previously much discussed one of Branch representation in the Literature Committee. Mid-Year Meeting Miss Walden was so fully convinced that no other arrange¬ ment could be satisfactory that she presented the plan even more clearly than before, and a resolution very similar to that Plan of presented the previous year was adopted, with Representation the additional recommendation that the repre- sentative might be a delegate if her Branch so desired. An excellent reading course was arranged for three years, latest and best books being chosen. It was also LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 45 Reading Course decided to issue a certificate for those who finished the course. Leaflet literature was discussed, a series of booklets (later known as the Flag Series) on mission countries was ordered, a thank- offering service projected, and it was voted that Mrs. Gracey continue her series of historical leaflets. A handbook for workers was also desired, and “ many women of many minds were duly considered through their correspondence. n THE FLAG SERIES At the annual Executive meeting in October it was resolved that each Branch elect a Secretary of Literature to present the needs of her constituency, and also that “ one of the two dele¬ gates from each Branch be appointed on the Committee for two years, the term of delegates for the first six Branches expiring 46 OUR LITERATURE .the odd years, and the last five in the even years.” The same Literature Committee was re-elected. In February, 1899, Mid-Year Literature Committee, with the exception of Meeting again Mrs. Pooley, met with Mrs. Knowles, at the in New York home of Mrs. Dr. Reid in New York City. Twentieth Century Thank-Offering literature, reading course, certificates, proofs of the handbook, manuscripts of five countries in the Flag Series, historical leaflets, lesson topics, etc., were all discussed, or examined, or projected. It was also voted to issue a large Prayer Calendar for 1900, following the suggestion of Mrs. Crandon of the Northwestern Branch. The relation of the literature to the Executive body was again freely discussed, the publisher still urging and the other members warmly supporting full Branch representation. At the thirtieth annual meeting, Mrs. Gracey reported that 3,770,000 pages had been issued from the publication office. Many of the booklets and leaflets were new? others were reprints by necessity. General Prayer Calendar At Cleveland in 1899 Mid-Year Meeting, 1900 interest centred in the Prayer Calendar, which was very neatly executed, and filled with valuable statistics, quotations, texts, and several cuts. It was highly approved. Three of the committee — Mrs. Gracey, Miss Walden and Mrs. Knowles — met with Mrs. Knowles in New York. The usual demand came for fresh, “ taking” liter¬ ature of all descriptions, and all these requests were considered and met as far as possible. The Calendar for 1901 was planned and arrangements made for editorial work by the several Branches. Due attention was given to lesson topics, reading course and young people’s and children’s literature. In April, 1900, four of the Committee— Mrs. Gracey, Miss Walden, Mrs. Knowles and Mrs. Scott-—-were again in New York, privileged to attend the wonderful Ecumenical Confer- LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 47 Ecumenical which, in its ten days’ session, did so Conference much to advance missionary interests in this in New York country, and, through delegates, the entire Christian world. Two informal meetings were held for the transaction of business. The members became greatly inter¬ ested in the scheme for the United Study of Missions, discussed at the Woman’s Meeting on Literature during this Conference, and for which a committee of five representative women was appointed, April 30, Mrs. Gracey being one. In October, 1900, the Executive Committee met in Worces¬ ter, Mass. Mrs. Gracey at this time presented facts concern¬ ing the United Study which looked toward an uplift for all literature con- Executive _ Meeting at nected with for- Worcester eign missions, and the Committee heartily approved the plan formulated by those appointed at the Ecu¬ menical Conference. The usual work for the coming year was under discussion, but before it was fully outlined, action was taken which changed the cur¬ rent of events. The members of the Execu- A New tive, feeling that Committee , , , they could not grant the publisher’s appeal for Branch representation, decided to divide the territory of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society into three sections, and appoint a woman to care for each. The new Literature Committee was as follows: From the Eastern section, Mrs. A. H. Eaton, Catonsville, Md.; from the Central, Mrs. R. H. Pooley, Rockford, Ill. ; from the Western, Miss Elizabeth Pearson, Des Moines, la. Mr.s. R. H. Pooley 48 OUR LITERATURE Up to this point, our sketch, gathered from the records of the past, covers thirty years. It began when free literature was indispensable in developing a new and unpopular move¬ ment. One of the most remarkable features in its records is the fact that the Friend was enabled to earn, and has actually paid, in round numbers, for this supply of missionary literature, more than ^25,000. Only a combination of industry, economy and faithfulness on the part of publisher and subscribers has made this possible. Mrs. Gracey—the mother, in a sense, of the literature department, and its chairman for many years — must be remembered as a moving spirit in its progressive development. “’Tis much to sow that which another reapeth.” The new committee, with Mrs. Pooley as chairman, entered upon its duties with great enthusiasm. The attention of the Branches had at last been won by repeated . efforts, and they hailed loyally the plan which had been formulated at Worcester. Each Branch elected its secretary of literature, whose duties were fully outlined at the beginning of the year. Mrs. Pooley’s business talent soon manifested itself in large plans for the year’s output. Her report, given at the Execu¬ tive in 1901, was an elaborate resiune of detail work. Among the new features were an enumeration of the Report at duties of Branch secretaries of literature, a Philadelphia , . ^ ’ summary of Branch publications, sales at Depots of Supplies and at conventions, number of mite boxes issued, and a list of libraries in various cities which make a specialty of missionary literature. Mrs. Pooley’s presentation of facts to the Branch secretaries and to the Executive Com¬ mittee as a whole, won more than the usual attention. Miss Pearson’s term of one year had expired, and she declined a re-election because of her duties as Branch presi¬ dent. Mrs. Eaton resigned, thus leaving two vacancies, which LEAFLETS AND COMMITTEES 49 New Members A Successful Year were filled by the election of Mrs. C. F. Wilder of Manhattan, Kansas, and Miss Mary E. Holt of Boston. Much of the work was necessarily done by correspondence, and the change in personnel naturally called for slight readjustments, but when the Executive Com¬ mittee met a year later in Minneapolis, Mrs. Pooley reported a “year of remarkable success.” The great impetus given to our foreign missionary societies by the United Study was seen in the sales of Via CJu'isti and L^lx Christie with a multitude of helps of various kinds. After five years of slow devel¬ opment, the reading course for 1902 had been completed by two hundred and thirty-six persons. Including German leaflets, Japan leaflets and cards, and Branch issues, a total of 5,712,840 pages of leaflets was reported. At this session of the Executive, a large display of programs and literature from India, China and Japan, added to the inter¬ est of the usual literature exhibit. What the ear did not hear concerning this helpful and suggestive display, the eye was compelled to see, and what appeared to some the dawn of a new era was largely due to the methods of the committee in placing the productions of the Society before the public in an attractive way. Miss Mary E. Holt, who represented the Eastern division of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, had been elected corresponding secretary of the New England Branch, and therefore resigned from the Literature Commit¬ tee. Miss Elizabeth C. Northup of Waltham, Mass., was elected in her place. The follow- ing year, 1903, brought sickness and bereavement to the home of the chairman, and her plans for new projects were not fully developed, but when the harvest records were again made up for the Executive session in Baltimore, the summary was most Helps Manifold Another Change 50 OUR LITERATURE encouraging. Again, large sales at Depots of The Baltimore Supplies and Branch conventions were reported, Meeting ^ ^ together with an all-embracing review of litera¬ ture issued by all departments of the Society. Again a won¬ derfully attractive exhibit was arranged by the committee, most valuable for its awak¬ ening and educative possi¬ bilities. Mrs. Pooley’s term of ser¬ vice — three years — having expired, and her health and duties as a Change in the pastor’s wife Committee . , . , forbidding re- election, her place as repre¬ sentative of the Central section was filled by the election of Mrs. William A. Gamble of Cincinnati. The convention expressed its appreciation of her faithful work by a rising vote of thanks. The committee, now consisting of Mrs. Wilder, Miss Norlhup and Mrs. Gamble, elected Miss Northup chairman. Miss Elizabeth C. Northup MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE. There has been an immense amount of miscellaneous litera¬ ture used by the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society which can hardly be classified, and yet which deserves mention. An example is found in the various annual reports. That issued after Executive meetings, to which reference has already been made, is a veritable The Annual Report §^iEART'- ro-HEART Missionary /rayer fAI,..END\R nf fXiitiw rt ' HK3CaSfc. WtoftJi. A DISPLAY W. F. M. S. OF PUBLICATIONS 52 OUR LITERATURE Branch Reports Branch Quarterlies compendium of foreign and home statistics, information and tabulated facts. Reading it — and it is an entertaining pam¬ phlet — brings one into touch with the entire work of the Society. And how one’s vision broadens as it takes in the wide sweep! There are also Branch reports — eleven of them—devoted to the special interests of each Branch terri¬ tory, missionaries, special work and statistics. Many thousands of these are scattered broad¬ cast each twelvemonth. Another enterprise is that of issuing Branch Quarterlies. Whether these are separate publications, or, better still, found as a part of the Friertd^ they are well edited and full of bright “ news from our own.” Beside these, the Branches have published leaflets, booklets, programs, etc., for special occasions and interests. We must not fail to mention still further in this connection a class of literature which sprang up like a wild flower from Mrs. Lucie F. Harrison’s “happy thought.” Little Light Bearer membership cards, Light souvenirs, leaflets, etc., Bearers were so attractive that they soon made their way everywhere, even far outside our own Society limits. For some years Mrs. Harrison published these lovely things, but in 1902, when she was made General Secretary of Children’s Work, she loyally transferred them to the pub¬ lisher, feeling that there should not be separate publishing interests. Mrs. Harrison has also written several popular dialogues and exercises, among which we note “ How some Dollies came to go as Missionaries,” “ The Mission Mrs. Lucie F. Harrison MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE 53 Standard Bearers Band of Averageville,” “ Missionary Camp Fire,” “Wen Shun Exercise and Motion Song,” etc. Miss Clara Cushman, who was for eight years an efficient missionary of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society in China, has also published many leaflets and booklets which have been widely circulated and as widely read. Her style is both humorous and pathetic, and her stories of Chinese life and character, which she seems to understand intuitively, are deservedly popular. Miss Cush¬ man formulated a plan for the unifica¬ tion of young people’s work, which she presented to the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society in 1900. It has been generally adopted as has the name Standard Bearers, which she selected. In 1903, owing to the resignation of Miss Mary L. Ninde, because of illness. Miss Cushman was elected General Superintendent of this department. Many historical sketches of our Society have been written for various publications, and also two books. The first history was prepared by Mrs. Mary Sparkes Wheeler at the end of the , first ten years, and was called “ First Decade and of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of Histories the Methodist Episcopal Church, with Sketches of its Missionaries.” The second was written by Miss Frances J. Baker, under the title, “ The Story of the Woman’s I'oreign Missionary Society from 1869 to 1895.” Miss Baker has also written a number of acceptable leaflets, among them being the bright biographical sketches of our missionaries, now in progress, and known as the “ Young Woman’s Series”. Her booklet, “First Women Physicians to the Orient”, is a Miss Clara Cushman 54 O U R L I T E R A T U R E Striking illustration of its author’s all-round missionary knowl¬ edge. And what shall we say of reports and items filling many columns in various church papers generously open to our workers? Surely if “ the people perish for lack of knowl¬ edge ” it is their own fault and misfortune. As the Christian church faces with clearer vision its great, aggressive work — the evangelization of Christless nations — it appreciates more fully the power of the press, and measures up to its added opportunity. And this ministry of inspired type will not cease until humanity everywhere, “ with God’s image stamped upon it and God’s kindling breath within,” has heard or read of the great salvation. PRESS OF R H. BLODGETT & CO. 30 BROMFIELD STREET BOSTON