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 HISTORICAL SKETCH.t2tututst 
 
 OF THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF THE 
 WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETIES 
 OF THE REFORMED CHURCH. 
 
 BY MRS. E. S. YOCKEY. 
 
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HISTORICAL SKETCH ~ 
 
 OF THE 
 ORIGIN AND GROWTH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 WOMAN’S: MISSIONARY SOCIETIES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REFORMED CHURCH. 
 
 BY MRS. E. S. YOCKEY. 
 
 (REVISED TO DATE.) 
 
 ALSO CONSTITUTION 
 AND 
 ENGRAVINGS OF THE OFFICERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Wee Se Gee; 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 THE WOMAN’S JOURNAL, 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO. 
 
 _ 
 
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 back to the Reformation period, now studied for the first time, 
 she found much that was instructive and inspiring, in the self- 
 denying labors of the early church fathers in this country, 
 much to emulate and love; in the church doctrines, centralized 
 in Jesus Christ, a// that was needed for spiritual growth and 
 activity. But as time passed on, there wasa growing sense of 
 discrepancy between the glorious doctrine of the church, her 
 age and prestige, historically considered, and her present prac- 
 tices, in the early seventies. 
 
 How could a church revolve around Christ as a center, 
 and yet manifest so little zeal in carrying out his final com- 
 mand? It is undoubtedly right for a church or an individual 
 to cherish a just pride in honorable ancestry. But in either 
 case, when that pride satisfies, it ceases to be a stimulus to 
 further effort. Conservatism based upona reverence for the 
 underlying principles of institutions founded on self-denial and 
 
 BAPTIZED IN BLOOD, 
 and that serves as a check upon wild enthusiasm, is to be com- 
 mended, Conservatism that clings to the forms and traditions 
 of the past, disregarding alike the needs and facilities of the 
 present, as well as the advance in modern thought and method, 
 can only be condemned. The old idea that church purity can 
 only be maintained by treading in the exact footprints of its 
 forefathers, is happily, fast dying out. Truth is eternal and 
 unchangeable, but methods of applying truth may, nay must 
 vary according to time and circumstance. The highest order 
 of intelligence can not only comprehend the eternal verities, 
 but can apply them wzder existing conditions, for we are all to 
 some extent, “creatures of circumstance.” 
 
 We can not wholly separate ourselves from the spirit of 
 the times in which we live. To attempt, in churchor state the 
 
 continuance of methods suited to past ages and dissimilar con- | 
 
 ditions, would be fatal not only to progress, but would doom 
 either to slow death or oblivion. 
 The Reformed Church in its establishmeut in this country, 
 showed the true missionary spirit. Her founders 
 FACED DANGERS UNTOLD, + 
 overcame obstacles innumerable, and bore burdens and pri- 
 vations well-nigh insupportable, yet pressed forward with un- 
 
 2K 
 - 
 -§ 
 5 
 
 
 
ps. 
 daunted courage and unfailing faith, in their efforts to ‘“‘go 
 up and possess the land.”’ 
 
 HER EARLY HISTORY IN THE U. S. 
 
 must appeal to the admiration of ali who study it. But the hard- 
 ships that for many years involved her mere existence as a 
 church, the prodigious labor needed to ‘‘build her walls and 
 strengthen her bulwarks,’’ together with the conservatism that 
 was the natural inheritance of her German forefathers, centered 
 her thoughts and efforts for many years within herself, and 
 bounded her horizon by our own shores. 
 
 The Missionary Society of the German Reformed Church 
 was created by the Synod and organized at Frederick, Md., 
 Sept. 28,1826. Though organized by the Synod, it was carried 
 forward in an independent way. Underthis Board and as 
 auxiliary toit a Female Missionary Society was created in Fred- 
 erick, Md. in October, 1826. There was also a Female Mission- 
 ary Society of Germantown, Pa. organized about this time. 
 The report of the Treasurer of the Mission Board in 1827, cred- 
 its this society with a contribution of $50.00. 
 
 In 1838, after heathen darkness had been penetrated 
 with Gospel torches carried by other denominations, a 
 few of our devoted home missionaries conceived the idea 
 of extending their labors into foreign lands. Our first 
 Foreign Mission Board was organized Sept. 29, 1838. For 
 twenty-five years through this Board, the contributions of 
 the church were given through the “American Board,” under 
 whose care Rey. Benjamin Schneider of our church labored. 
 Our church also contributed through the German Evangelical 
 Missionary Society, to the support of Rev. Oscar Lohr, the 
 founder of the Mission in Bisrampore, India, and his assistant, 
 Rey. Jocob Hauser, both ministers of the Reformed Church. 
 But after 1865, foreign mission work in our church languished 
 for many years, and well-nigh died. During these years the 
 work was growing in interest and extent in other denomina- 
 tions. The women were waking up to the possibilities and re- 
 sponsibilities of womanhood in relation to foreign mission 
 work. 
 
 THE MOANS OF DEGRADED WOMANHOOD, 
 the wails of suffering childhood, had been wafted over the seas 
 to their ears, and they responded, some of them by saying, 
 
6° 
 
 ‘Here am I, send me;” others by organizing themselves into 
 Woman’s Missionary Societies in order to raise money for the 
 support of the workers in the mission field. As the interest 
 increased, the offering increased in like ratio. The women of 
 other denominations were organizing their forces, which soon 
 made itself felt throughout the churches and penetrated the 
 entire church organization. Through all of these years our 
 church was practically doing nothing for missions. The 
 “Gelds were white to harvest” but we sent forth no laborers. 
 Itis true that there was alwaysa little interest manifested in the 
 home fields, but even this work was feebly done when com- 
 pared with the work of other denominations. Mission points 
 in the growing centres of population were occupied by other 
 denominations while the strength of the Reformed Church was 
 largely exhausted in controversy. In the meantime 
 MILLIONS WERE PERISHING 
 
 in heathen darkness for want of the Gospel-light which we 
 might have sent them. But this state of apathy was not to 
 continue. In 1873 the Board of Foreign Missions met and re- 
 
 organized at the home of Hon. R. F. Kelker, at Harrisburg, 
 
 Pa. The memory of this dear brother should be honored by 
 every missionary worker in the church, for from that time to 
 the present he has ever been the faithful friend and liberal 
 supporter of the foreign mission work. His words of encourage- 
 ment have been strength and inspiration to beginners in the 
 
 work. 
 FIRST MISSIONARY. 
 
 After the reorganization of the Foreign Mission Board, 
 the foundation was laid for our Japan Mission. But notice 
 
 that the work did not and could not progress until after the ~ 
 
 Peace of 1878 was established at the meeting of General Synod 
 
 at Lancaster, Pa. Ata special meeting of the Board during the 
 
 sessions of General Synod, definite steps were taken, and at a 
 subsequent meeting on Sept. 20, of the same year, Rev. Am- 
 brose D. Gring was chosen as our first missionary to Japan. 
 The receipts of the first year were $20,000 and the work then 
 begun has been of steady growth. 
 
 But what has this to do with Woman’s Missionary Socie- 
 ties in the Reformed Church? “In May, 1869, Rev. 5. B. Yock- 
 ey made so far as can be ascertained, one of the 
 
 Bs ne 
 
—7— 
 FIRST PUBLIC SUGGESTIONS OF WOMAN’S WORK 
 
 in Missions in the Reformed Church, on the floor of the Ohio 
 Synod convened at Delaware,O. But the time had not yet come 
 for that seed to take root and grow in the conservative soil of 
 the Ref. Ch. In 1876, after watching the great progress made 
 by the women in sister denominations, it was felt that the time 
 had come to inaugurate this work in the Ref. Ch. There had 
 been for some years women's Aid Societies, whose chief aim 
 had been to raise money to help their own congregation. 
 Some of these did undoubtedly make contributions for mis- 
 sionary work, but this was incidental. Then there were a 
 number of congregational societies under the leadership of 
 pastors, but Women’s Missionary Societies as they now extst 
 whose exclusive aim was to work for missions, not only in rais- 
 ing money, butin creating sentiment, in educating and train- 
 ing the women and children along the lines of missionary ac- 
 tivity, were unknown. The subject was broached in the Xenia 
 congregation with much diffidence, because here, as all over 
 the Reformed Church, the women were expected to 
 
 ‘‘KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCHES,” 
 
 Their voices were never heard even in public prayer, and to 
 this day, in most of the prayer meetings of the church the 
 number of audible prayers is limited to the number of men 
 present. How much the church owes to the number of st/enf 
 prayers that ascend heavenward from feminine hearts, can 
 never be known. 
 
 The movement in behalf of a Woman’s Missionary Socie- 
 ty in the Xenia congregation, at first met with but little favor 
 from the older members of the church, and an organization 
 was not immediately effected. It was too much like an i nnova 
 tion on established customs. But as is often the case, intimate 
 acquaintance 
 
 ROBS A FOE OF HIS TRRRORS, 
 
 Freq uent mention from the pulpit and in social intercourse 
 of the benefits other denominations were deriving from wom- 
 an’s work in Missionary Societies, brought about a gradual 
 change of sentiment, and on Feb. 20, 1877, the formal organiza- 
 tion of the Woman’s Missionary Society of the First Ref, Ch. 
 of Xenia, O., was effected. It is gratifying to be able to state 
 
perso Pea, 
 
 that notwithstanding the lack of enthusiastic support, the low- 
 est amount ever raised by this first Woman’s Miss. Soc. in one 
 year was $44. 
 
 While the work of this society was done quietly for many 
 years, there can be no doubt that its leavening effects have 
 been manifold. Letters of inquiry were frequently received by 
 pastor or his wife especially after the year 1883, asking for in- 
 formation and suggestions, and its first constitution, with 
 some modifications, was copied and sent out again and again. 
 How many Woman’s Societies were organized between the date 
 of Feb. 1877, and that of the first Woman’s Classical Mis- 
 sionary Society, is not accurately known, but there were 
 undoubtedly a goodly number. 
 
 The first official endorsement and recognition given to 
 woman’s work was that of the Pittsburg Synod held in Kittan- 
 ningin 1883. The following is a brief quotation of the report: 
 
 “Since two of these laborers in Japan are ladies, we think 
 the time has come when we should put forth efforts to enlist 
 the organized aid of the women of our church, for in them is 
 found much of the faith and piety existing in our midst; why 
 this mighty force should lie inoperative and dormant, one 
 knows not. Believing that it should be utilized and organized, 
 we advise the following action: 
 
 Resolved, that the Board of Missions be directed to prepare 
 a congregational and synodical form, to aid in establishing 
 Ladies’ Missionary Societies, the first for congregational organt- 
 zations, and the second for the purpose of organizing a Ladies’ 
 Foreign Missionary Society within the bounds of Pittsburg and 
 that means be provided whereby they may communicate and 
 annually report to this synod.” 
 
 ¢ C. R. Dieffenbacher, 
 Chairman. 
 
 The first Classical Woman’s Missionary Society, was that 
 of Illinois Classis, The first meeting was held Aug. 31, 1883, 
 with Mary A. Meyer, President. 
 
 The year following the Miami Classis took steps toward 
 organizing. An Executive Committe consisting of Mrs. H. 
 M. Herman, Mrs. B. Kuhns and Mrs. S. B. Yockey was appoin- 
 ted. On May 29, 1885, an organization was effected. 
 
 In the same year, on Oct. 6, the W. M.S. of Philadelphia 
 Classis was organized with Mrs. R.S. Dotterer as president. 
 
 Again in 1885, the Pittsburg Synod reiterated their former 
 position toward the woman’s work in the following resolutions: 
 
 ae 
 
=a ON 
 ' Resolved, That we respectfully recommend the immediate 
 organization of Women’s Foreign Missionary Societies in every 
 congregation within the bounds of this Synod. 
 
 fesolved, That delegates be sent annually from these So- 
 cieties to a Synodical Woman’s Convention, to be held the sec- 
 ond day of the meeting of this Synod. 
 
 fesolved, That we recommend the Societies to work es- 
 pecially this fall and coming winter with a view to enable the 
 Board to send Miss Lizzie Poorbaugh to her appointed station 
 in Japan. 
 
 fesolved, That the pastors of this Synod brin g this matter 
 at once to the attention of the women of their respective con- 
 gregations. 
 
 In accordance with this action of Pittsburg Synod, on Sept. 
 30, 1886, delegates from four of its classes met in conjunction 
 with Synod, and in the parlors of St. Paul’s Orphans’ Home 
 
 ORGANIZED THE FIRST SYNODICAL 
 W. M. Society of the Reformed Church, with Miss Jean Craig 
 as President. During this meeting a motion prevailed that the 
 officers of the Society be a committee to attend the meeting of 
 -General Synod to be held at Akron, in the spring of 1887, 
 with a view to the organization of a Woman’s Missionary So- 
 ciety of General Synod. 
 
 In order to make clear the progress of the work in the 
 different synods, it is necessary to go back a little. After the 
 organization of the W. M.S. of Miami Classis, a committee 
 was at once appointed, with Mrs. S. B. Yockey as chairman, to 
 overture Ohio Synod, in behalf of a Synodical Society. Ac- 
 cordingly, at the meeting of Synod in Cedarville, Ill., in Oct, 
 1886, the overture was presented and referred to a special com- 
 mittee, with Rev. J. J. Leberman, D. D. aschairman, who sub- 
 mitted the following report: 
 
 “The Synod desires to express its gratification and most 
 hearty appreciation of the missionary work and operations in 
 which the women of the church have engaged, and in the in- 
 creased interest that is manifestly taken in the formation of 
 Woman’s Missionary Societies throughout the Reformed Church. 
 This Synod recognizing the importance of having Woman’s Mis- 
 sionary Societies in all the congregations of our church would 
 recommend: : 
 
 That each pastor in the bounds of this Synod be requested 
 to preach a special sermon on the subject of ‘Woman’s work 
 in the Church,’ and that he in connection with the consistory 
 co-operate in the formation of Woman’s Missionary Societies 
 in the congregations. 
 
That the officers of the different classes be appointed a 
 committee by this Synod to assist in the, formation of Woman’s 
 Classical Missionary Associations. 
 
 That the different Woman’s Missionary organizations, 
 both of congregations and classes, be requested to send repre- 
 sentatives to the next annual meeting of the Synod, for the 
 purpose of presenting their claims, and also to organize a Wom- 
 an’s Missionary Society of Ohio Synod. 
 
 That the Synod fixes the Thursday evening during its next 
 annual sessions as the time for the consideration of Woman’s 
 Missionary organizations in connection with the missionary 
 work of the church. 
 
 That the Synod hereby invites Mrs. S. B. Yockey to pre- 
 sent this important subject before the Synod at the time ap- 
 pointed.”’ 
 
 In accordance with the recommendation of Synod, repre- 
 sentatives of the classical and congregational societies met and 
 organized a Synodical Society, Oct. 27, 1887, with Mrs. G. G. 
 Prugh, President. 
 
 In the meanwhile, the various Classical Societies elected 
 delegates to represent them at the Missionary Convention ‘of 
 General Synod, to be held at Akron in 1887. Philadelphia 
 Classis went a step farther, and sent a petition to General Syn- 
 od to take favorable action in behalf of Woman’s Missionary 
 Societies. The church papers had for some time preceding 
 issued a call to the women of the church to attend the coming 
 convention. 
 
 Several weeks before the meeting, the Executive Commit- 
 tee of the W. M. S. of Pittsburg Synod, that being the only 
 Synodical Woman’s Society then in existence, sent an urgent 
 request to Mrs. S. B. Yockey, asking her to present the cause 
 of Missions as related to the women of the Reformed Church, 
 to the General Synod. 
 
 On Thursday, June 2nd, atg A. M. asa result of this agita- 
 tion from so many sources, twenty-five women assembled in 
 the parlors of Grace Reformed Church, Akron, O. 
 
 After devotional exercises and enrollment of delegates, the 
 following officers were elected for a term of three years: Presi- 
 dent, Mrs. S. B. Yockey; Vice Presidents, Mrs. H. M. Herman, 
 and Mrs. J. M. Evans; Rec. Sec., Mrs. A. K. Zartman; Cor. Sec., 
 Mrs. E. D. Wettach; and Treas.,Mrs. J. A. Keller. 
 
 These officers together with three additional persons, 
 were constituted the Executive Com, The persons added 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 ~ 
 
were Mrs. J. N. Burger, Mrs. R. S. Dotterer, and Mrs. R. Bell. 
 Mrs. P. Keil and Miss Etta K. Prugh were appointed as the 
 committee to prepare a constitution, to be presented at the 
 next regular meeting of the Society. They represented five 
 synods and eleven classes, as follows: 
 
 Synods:—Ohio, Pittsburg, Central, Eastern and Potomac. 
 Classes, Miami, St. Joseph, E. Ohio, Lancaster, Tuscarawas, 
 St. Paul’s. Somerset, Mercersburg, Lancaster,(E.S.,) E. Susque- 
 hanna and Kansas. 
 
 Two committees, one in the interest of Home, and the 
 other of Foreign Missions, were appointed. 
 
 The committee on Home Missions was composed of the 
 following ladies: Mrs. F. B. Hahn, Mrs. E. D. Wettach, Mrs. 
 R. C. Zartman, Mrs. M. Loucks, and Mrs. G.W. Henning, Secre. 
 tary. 
 
 The Foreign Mission Committee was composed of Miss 
 Jean Craig, Miss Annie Seibert, Mrs. H. M. Herman, Mrs. 
 J. M. Evans, Mrs. P. Keil. 
 
 FIRST HOME MISSIONARY WORK. 
 
 The Secretary of the committee on Home Missions was in 
 structed to present a request to the Board of Home Missions of 
 General Synod, asking that they designate some special mis- 
 sion point to the support of which the W. M.S. G. S. might 
 apply such ofits funds as should be contributed for Home 
 Mission work. To this request the Board responded by recom- 
 mending Sioux City, Iowa, to be taken under the special care 
 of the Society. 
 
 FIRST FOREIGN MISSIONARY WORK. 
 
 The Committee on Foreign Missions was instructed to ap- 
 ply all funds that should be raised for the foreign field to the 
 building of a school-house for a Girls’ School at Sendai, Japan, 
 and for the support of the missionaries there, the money to be 
 sent through the treasurer of the Board of Foreign Missions 
 of Gen. Synod. The receipts for all moneys paid to both Home 
 and Foreign Boards were to be sent to the secretaries of the 
 Home and Foreign Committees respectively. 
 
 On Thursday evening, June 2nd, Mrs. Yockey presented 
 the cause of Woman’s Work in the Church to the members of 
 General Synod. Missionary addresses were also delivered by 
 Drs. Van Horne, Weiser and Swander. 
 
The collection received at this service, the first ever taken 
 during the sessions of General Synod for the furtherance of 
 woman’s work, amounted to forty-eight dollars and fifty cents. 
 
 _ The closing sessions of this first Woman’s Convention of 
 Gen. Synod was held Friday morning, June 3rd. 
 
 oo 
 
 During all of these sessions, two of the most active, effi- 
 cient workers were Miss Etta K. Prugh and Mrs. J. M. Evans, 
 both of whom are now gone from our midst. 
 
 The former, on the rith of June, but little more than one 
 week later, fell suddenly into that sleep which knows no 
 earthly waking. 
 
 The latter, after several years of faithful effort in behalf of 
 the Woman’s Society, lessened only by failing health, on Sept. 
 15, 1893, exchanged the toil of earth for the reward of heaven. 
 
 The writer would fain lay down her pen and drop a tear, 
 while in the name of the “Woman’s Missionary Society of 
 General Synod she lays another wreath of laurel upon each 
 grave. 
 
 CES 
 
 During the two days’ meeting the dominant feelings among 
 
 all present were first, thanksgiving to God for leading the 
 women to the work and then opening the way for its accom- 
 plishment; second, gratitude to the brethren who had cordially 
 welcomed them to a place in the Missionary work of the 
 church; third, and this feeling was noticeably prevalent, duoy- 
 ant hopefulness for the future. 
 
 The second is mingled with sadness that so many are yet 
 but luke-warm in reference to woman’s work, while some 
 maintain the frigidity of extreme conservatism. The third, 
 hopefulness for the future, is strangely mingled with patience, 
 born of slow development, frequent disappointments and 
 severe rebuffs, yet, like the fabled Phoenix, that fromits own 
 ashes rises to new life, so from its past failures will the W. M. 
 S. G. S. rise to glorious fruition. 
 
 During the three years intervening between the organiza- 
 tion of the Society at Akron, in 1887 and its second meeting at 
 Lebanon, Pa. in 1890, constant efforts were made along the 
 line of organization. As will be remembered, the General 
 Synod, in response to a request from the Home Mission Com- 
 mittee for some well de fined work, recommended the Mission 
 at Sioux City, lowa. 
 
 ‘ 
 - PS 
 

 
 
 
 - CIRCULARS SENT OUT. 
 
 In Sept. 1887, a circular was sent to every pastor within 
 the bounds of the Reformed Church in the U. S. asking for the 
 co-operation of the women of his charge in the work under- 
 taken by the W. M. S. G. S. Comparatively few responses 
 were received, and in the begining of the year 1889, a second 
 circular, given here in full, was sent not only toevery pastor 
 in the church, but to every congregation, so far as they could 
 - be located, for many charges consist of three or four congrega- 
 
 tions each. 
 Xenia, Ohio, 1889. 
 
 This letter will doubtless reach many congregations that 
 are already organized for missionary work. When we con- 
 sider the recent organization of our church for such work, we 
 have every reason to rejoice not only in the work accomplished, 
 but also in the development of the missionary spirit. The time 
 has now come, however, for a more aggressiwe work in the 
 mission field, both at home and abroad. There are many rea- 
 sons why every congregation in the Reformed church should 
 be organized for this work. Any work in life is done more 
 effectively, if done systematically. “This is recognized in all 
 secular work ‘The children of this world are in their general 
 tion wiser than the children of light.'’ The regular giving, 
 incident to such an organization, is not only the des¢ way from 
 a business standpoint, of accumulating missionary money, but 
 it is the Bible way. ‘‘Upon the first day of the week let every 
 one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” 
 There is no greater educational force in achurch than a mis- 
 sionary society. Some ofits members are sure to be devoted 
 and euthusiastic workers well informed in regard to the work 
 done in their own and in other churches. These will become 
 mediums of information, and sources of inspiration to others. 
 This diffusion of knowledge through the contact of minds, 
 which will be a natural outgrowth of the society, mws¢ result 
 in a more general knowledge of the needs of the church, in 
 broader views of duty of Christians in working and giving and 
 in improved methods of work. 
 
 Finally; Jesus commanded us to do this work. “Go ye 
 into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 
 
 The Woman’s Missionary Society of General Synod under- 
 took the support of the Sioux City mission. While many con- 
 gregations have cheerfully responded, many more have not, 
 and this failure is doubtless owing to the fact that they are not 
 properly organized for the work. What we need is the complete 
 organization of our church into congregational, classical and 
 synodical missionary societies. Brother, we ask you to help 
 us. Organize the women and children of your congregation 
 
—14— 2 “ a 
 
 into Missionary Societies. I enclose constitutions as a basis 
 for such organizations where none exist. 
 
 In order to facilitate the compilation of a statistical 
 report of the mission work of the Reformed Church, I earnest- 
 ly request you to answer the following questions. 
 
 I. Have you a Missionary Society ? 
 
 2. When was it organized ? 
 
 3. What is its object, Home or Foreign Missions? 
 
 4. How much have you contributed as a total ? 
 
 5. How much in 1888? 
 
 6. If you contribute to do/h Home and Foreign Missions, 
 how much have you given to each, as above indicated ? 
 
 7. If you have zo organization. can you estimate the 
 amount of your missionary contributions? 
 
 This circular was in every case, accompanied by a plea in 
 the handwriting of the president, urging not only help in the 
 work already undertaken, but more complete organization of 
 the women and children for the work. The responses numbered 
 about two hundred, and the sum, in round numbers of $600, 
 was reported by the women for the Sioux City Mission, while 
 a smaller amount was reported as having been contributed 
 through the committee on Foreign Missions which, according 
 to the instructions of General Synod, directed its efforts 
 towards aiding the Girls’ School at Sendai,Japan. Thisschool 
 is now the protege of the W.M.S.G. S. As already intimated, 
 the chief effort during these first three years was along tbe 
 line of organization, the extreme timidity of the women, to- 
 gether with the old-time conservatism of many congregations, 
 making the first step difficult of accomplishment. 
 
 -In Feb. 1890, a third circular was sent as before to every 
 congregation, so tar as possible, urging anew the necessity of 
 organization, and also asking for a complete report of the 
 money raised by the women for missionary purposes, the same 
 to be presented at the second triennial meeting of the W. M. 
 S. G. S. at Lebanon, Pa., in May 1890. To this circular nearly 
 four hundred replies were received, some reporting no woman’s 
 society in the charge, while many gave more or less complete 
 reports of work done. From these it was gathered that over. 
 $5, 680 had been contributed by the Woman’s Missionary So- 
 cieties of the church for the year 1889, and $8,300 by the 
 mixed societies. This at best was but approximately correct, 
 many of the reports being conspicuously incomplete notwith- 
 standing the éfforts made to obtain accurate information. 
 
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During the three years closing with the meeting at Lebanon, 
 Pa., in May 1890, over twelve hundred letters were sent out in 
 the handwriting of the president urging organization, giving 
 information where needed and desired, and suggesting lines of 
 work, program, etc., where requested. 
 
 DISCOURAGEMENTS. 
 
 This work though necessarily burdensome, could have 
 been cheerfully performed but for the element of discourage- 
 ment so frequently encountered. A few pastors when petitioned 
 in behalf of the women of their congregations, sent refusals 
 instead of reports, saying that they reported to Classes and 
 Synods, zot to Woman’s Missionary Societies. Some letters of 
 rebuke, many of disapproval,and more of caution, were received. 
 The condition of affairs during these years, can perhaps be 
 best told by quoting a passage from the address of the president, 
 at the meeting in Lebanon, Pa. 
 
 ‘‘The women began their work under many discourage- 
 ments. We had no experience, no precedent, and truth com- 
 pels me to say, we often felt that we had very little encourage- 
 ment. Could I read to you some of the letters received during 
 this time, of disapproval, and in a few instances of sharp 
 rebuke, you would better understand the feeling of discourage- 
 ment that at times well-nigh overwhelmed us. But I should 
 much prefer reading the many kind words received from our 
 missionary superintendents, heads of boards, and other devoted 
 missionary workers. They 
 
 CHEERED OUR DARK HOURS 
 
 with their brotherly sympathy, and helped us over hard places 
 with their advice.” 
 
 The recollection after this long las pe of time, of some of 
 the letters referred to, is akin to that of repeated cold draughts 
 over a red-hot enthusiasm. The result was a gradual reduction 
 of temperature, no doubt, but with a corresponding increase 
 of adhesion. 
 
 One of the most difficult phases to meet was the dis- 
 inclination on the part of some of the brethren and sisters, to 
 assume or share responsibility by publicly indentifying them- 
 selves with the cause of the women. All of the arrangements 
 for the meeting at Lebanon, were left to the president, who 
 
TG 
 
 finally acting under advice of the devoted missionary workers 
 to whom reference was made in the passage quoted, shouldered 
 though with fear and trembling, the entire responsibility, and 
 planned the meeting, published notices, prepared the pro- 
 gram, and perfected arrangements down to the minute 
 details. 
 
 While truth demands that these facts be made public, 
 justice demands that mention be made of the conscientiousness 
 that breathed in almost every line received from the brethren. 
 St. Paul, referring to his early persecution of the church, said, 
 “T verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things 
 contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” So those who 
 opposed woman’s work in missions, or in any public capacity 
 were conscientious in their opposition, and just as rapidly as 
 they became convinced that God had called the women to 
 their work, they changed opposition into support. One truth, 
 which in the writer’s mind is reduced to an axiom, asa result 
 of this interchange of communication, is this; opposzlion that 
 1s based upon conviction ts open to conviction. 
 
 SECOND TRIENNIAL MEETING. 
 
 At the second triennial meeting thirty delegates, represent- 
 ing the five Synods and sixteen Classes, * were present. 
 
 Three important committees were appointed. One was to 
 prepare blanks for credentials and statistical reports with the 
 view of unifying the work. It was composed of Mrs. S. E. P. 
 Mosser, Mrs. H. Bair and Miss Dermott. 
 
 The second was on publications and was composed of Mrs. 
 L. M. Unger, Mrs. Dr. E. V.. Gerhart, Mrs. Wm. Shaeffer, 
 Mrs. S. E. P. Mosser, Mrs. Prof, Sheidt, Miss R. H. Schively 
 and Mrs. S. B. Yockey. 
 
 The third and most important was to formulate a plan of 
 work and consisted of Mrs. S. E. P. Mosser, Mrs. H. M. 
 Herman, Mrs. P. Keil, and Miss R. H. Schively. : 
 
 *Hastern Synod, seven Classes represented: Schuylkill, 
 Lebanon,Philadelphia, Lancaster, Wyoming, West Susquehanna 
 and East Penna. Pittsburg Synod, three Classes: Allegheny, 
 Westmoreland and Somerset. Ohio Synod, two Classes: 
 Miami and Lancaster. Potomac Synod, two Classes: Mercers- 
 burg and Virginia. Synod of Interior, two Classes: Wichita 
 and Illinois. 
 
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The wiiter has been minute in detail in recounting the 
 proceedings of these first conventions because the attendance 
 was limited, and no public record kept ; hence a large majority. 
 of the women of the church could know nothing about them. 
 The proceedings of later years have all been recorded in the 
 Woman's Journal, now the organ of the W. M.S. G.S. 
 
 Of allthe reports given during the second convention, as 
 well as those previously collected by the president, there were 
 about one hundred and six (106) Woman’s, and one hundred 
 and twenty-six (126) mixed Missionary Societies. 
 
 A constitution was adopted. The election of officers for 
 the ensuing three years resulted as follows: Pres., Mrs. M. EH. 
 Whitmore, Vice Presidents—the presidents of the synodical 
 societies; Rec. Sec. Miss R. H. Schively, Cor.Sec. Mrs. P. Keil, 
 Treas. Mrs. G. Z. Kunkle. Additional members of Ex. Com- 
 mittee, Mrs. M, D. Schaeffer, Mrs. S. C. Love, Mrs. S. B. Yock- 
 ey, Mrs. T. R. Winsheimer, Miss A. M. Weistling. 
 
 One incident of the meeting at Lebanon, is worthy of note. 
 Rey. C. U. Heilman sent the society a gift of twenty dollars 
 the first tangible evidence of fraternal regard received with 
 the exception of the collection taken on the floor of General 
 Synod, at Akron, O. Could the brethren have seen the appre- 
 ciation with which this token of good-will was received, they 
 would surely give themselves the happiness and the women 
 the encouragement of frequent repetition. 
 
 At the open meeting, held on the floor of General Synod, 
 addresses were given by Mrs. H. Bair, Mrs. S. E. P. Mosser, 
 Mrs. M. E. Whitmore, aud Mrs. S. B. Yockey. That of the 
 last named included the report of her three years’ work as 
 
 president. 
 
 With this second triennial meeting, brought by the grace 
 of God to successful issue through the expenditure of so much 
 labor and anxiety, much, but not all of the indifference and 
 opposition disappeared. Many who had opposed or failed to 
 encourage the movement, became convinced that the work 
 was for and from God. The unwomanly aggressiveness which 
 some feared was entirely absent. There was no spirit of self- 
 seeking, no effort to adopt masculine methods, or usurp mas- 
 culine prerogatives, but only an intensely earnest desire to 
 
= (Ss 
 
 to have some part inthe evangelization of the world. This 
 earnestness, as is usually the case in the , 
 
 BEST TYPE OF WOMANHOOD, 
 
 went hand in hand with a persistence that admitted no denial. 
 To the careful observer who had noted the spirit of the first 
 convention at Akron, and was now privileged to compare it 
 with that of the second, there was a marked difference. The 
 ideal had given way before the real. The poetry of expectation 
 had been displaced by the prose of realization. 
 
 In this spirit the convention was organized; in this spirit 
 new plans were laid for future work; in the same spirit the 
 women separated at the close of the sessions. Having put 
 their ‘‘hands to the plough’’ they were resolved never to look 
 back. 
 
 During the next three years the new officers continued 
 their efforts along the line of organization. The president, 
 Mrs. Whitmore, seconded by her efficient corps of helpers and 
 profiting by the mistakes of the past, spared no efforts to 
 extend interest and effect organization. In Sept. 1801, the 
 first number of the: WomAn’s JouRNAL, “long wished for, 
 talked of and prayed over” appeared, with Mrs. Whitmore as 
 editor, It has been from the beginning conducted in an able 
 manner, and has maintained its footing in the face of dis- 
 approval, criticism, and shall I say it in this Golden Age of 
 Woman’s opportunity ? opposition from some who should have 
 
 been its helpers. But it has steadily grown in favor no less- 
 
 than in excellence. It has been from the first reliable authority 
 on all matters pertaining to the work of the W. M.S. G. S. 
 and is rapidly becoming what it has all along aimed at being, a 
 true missionary hand-book for the church. 
 
 The third triennial meeting of the Society was held at 
 Reading, Pa. May 25 and 26, 1893. At this meeting forty-five 
 delegates, representing five synods and twenty-one classes, 
 were present,* 
 
 *Eastern Synod, 9 classes: Schuylkill, Lebanon, Philadel- 
 phia, Lancaster, Wyoming, East Susquehanna, East Pennsyl- 
 vania, Goshenhoppen and West Susquehanna. 
 
 Ohio Synod, 3 classes: HE. Ohio, Tuscarawas and Lancaster. 
 
 Pittsburg Synod, 3 classes: Allegheny, Westmoreland and 
 Somerset. . 
 
 =A 
 
 “a 
 , 
 ' 
 
 
 
Synod Interior, 3 classes: Lincoln, Iowa and Illinois. 
 Synod Potomac, 3 classes: Juniata, Mercersburg and Mary- 
 land. ! 
 
 The interest of the convention centered in the report of 
 the Committee on plan of work, which had been appointed at 
 Lebanon. The report with some modifications, was adopted 
 and the Committee continued for the next three years, witha 
 single change, Mrs. S. J. Houtz being substituted for Mrs. P. 
 Keil, who retired at her own request. The plans suggested 
 were comprehensive, and looked toward complete organization, 
 united effort and increased results. As this report appeared 
 in the “JOURNAL’’ we will only refer to two of the important 
 items. 
 
 1. ‘‘All Classical moneys for woman’s work to be passed 
 into Woman’s Classical Treasury, tobe sent to the Classical 
 Treasurer by whom it will be forwarded to the Treasurers of 
 the proper Boards, their receipts to be sent to the Treasurer of 
 W. M.S. G. S. who will publish quarterly reports.”’ 
 
 2. ‘All Classical Societies to report according to the clas- 
 sical year.”’ 
 
 The report of this Committee included suggestions as to 
 best ways of arousing interest and extending knowledge 
 among all, but particularly the women and children of the 
 church, and carefully provided for the collection of missionary 
 contributions from the women of synods and classes, as well as 
 congregations, that were not yet organized into Missionary 
 Societies. It recommended in addition, that the W. M.S. G. 
 S. should at that time assume the entire support of the Girls’ 
 School at Sendai, Japan, but this item failed of adoption on 
 account of the unsettled condition of the school, 
 
 Figures are sometimes misleading from two causes, viz: 
 inaccurate and inadequate reports. Some societies have in 
 the past, included the worth of boxes sent to Home Mission- 
 aries in their financial reports. Others have paid the mission- 
 ary apportionments of the congregation, and received vo credit 
 as Woman’s Missionary Societies; while in other cases still, it 
 is probable that the amount raised has been credited fwice, 
 once to the congregation, and once to the Woman’s Missionary 
 Society. Inno other way can the discrepancies between the 
 reports of Treasurers of Mission Boards and those of Woman’s 
 
Missionary Societies, be explained. Time and experience will 
 rectify all of these irregularities, and we may indulge the rea- 
 sonable hope that at no distant date the women may know 
 just how much they are doing from a money standpoint. But 
 in the meantime, in comparing figures and showing results, 
 we but approximately show the status of missionary work 
 among the women of the church. 
 
 Again, a majority of the ministers of the church neglected 
 answering the questions asked by means of circulars, but it is 
 only fair to presume that all, or zear/y all of the congregations 
 organized for missionary work would be sufficiently interested 
 to report. Hence the estimate as to number of Societies cannot 
 
 be far from the truth. 
 When the Society of General Synod was organized at 
 
 Akron, O., in 1887, there were one Synodical and four Classical 
 Woman’s Missionary Societies, in existence, the number of 
 Congregational Societies, and theamount of money raised by 
 them being unknown. 
 
 MONEY RAISED. 
 
 At the second meeting in Lebanon, Pa., there were four 
 Synodical, a gain of 3, seventeen Classical a gain of 13,106 con- 
 gregational Woman’s Missionary Societies, and 126 congrega- 
 tional Societies that include both sexes. The money reported 
 for 1883, that being the only year for which the amount could 
 be estimated, was $5,680.00 raised by the Woman’s Missionary 
 Societies an average of $53.58, and $7,300.00 raised by the 
 mixed societies, an average of $57.02. Total number of con- 
 gregational societies, 232. 
 
 At the third meeting in Reading Pa., 1893, the report 
 showed four Synodical Societies, no gain, twenty-six Classical 
 a gain of nine, 144 Congregational Woman’s Missionary Socie- 
 ties, a gain of thirty-eight, and 189 Congregational Mixed 
 Societies, a gain of sixty-three. The amount of money report- 
 ed by the Woman’s Societies for the year ending May, 1893 
 was $10,000, making an average of $69.44, two-thirds for Home 
 and one-third for Foreign Missions. The amount raised by 
 the mixed societies for that year was not given. Total number 
 of congregational Societies 333, a gain of Ior. 
 
 Since the last meeting of W. M. S. G. S. in 1893, one 
 Synodical Society for both sexes, that of Potomac Synod, was 
 
 ; 
 3 
 Z 
 f 
 
 
 
organized, Sept. 20, 1894, and two Classical Societies, 
 that of Lehigh Classis, Eastern Synod, organized Sept. 7, 1893, 
 and that of Clarion Classes, Pittsburg Synod, organized Sept. 13, 
 1894. 
 
 THE WOMAN’S JOURNAL. 
 
 At the meeting at Reading, a proposition was made to the 
 Society toundertake the publication of the ‘‘WoMAN's JouR- 
 NAL”’ as the organ ofthe W. M.S. G. S. and a committee was 
 appointed, with Mrs. Nettie B. Anthony as chairman, to report 
 in July 1893, to the Executive Committee which was empowered 
 to act. By the action of the Executive Committee the work 
 was put into the hands of a special committee of three with 
 Mrs. S. J. Houtz, as chairman. 
 
 The members of the Executive Committee were commis- 
 sioned to raise money for its purchase, the enterprise having 
 been started by private parties. The committee of three 
 labored with a zeal that knew no’ weariness, and their labors 
 were so far successful that in Sept. 1894, the W. M.S. G.S. 
 took possession of The WoMAN’S JOURNAL as its official organ. 
 The purchase money was not all raised until the beginning of 
 the.new year, the work being completed on Jan. 24, 1895. Mrs. 
 Whitmore was continued as editor. 
 
 In Oct. 1894, the W. M.S. G. S. after bringing the matter 
 before the District Synodical Societies, assumed the en-' 
 tire support of the Girls’ School at Sendai, Japan, thus at 
 length carrying out the suggestion embodied in the original 
 report of the committee to F. P. of Work. 
 
 This step means extended efforts, increased liberality, 
 entire consecration, on the part of the women of the church. 
 But as Samuel of old raised his Ebenezer, ‘‘Hitherto hath the 
 Lord helped us,” so has the W. M.S. G. S. raised for itself .an 
 Ebenezer in the Mission field that shall be a perpetual remind- 
 er of God’s goodness in the past, and a continued assurance 
 of future help. 
 
 FOURTH TRIENNIAL MEETING. 
 
 The fourth triennial meeting of the W. M.S.G.S. was 
 held in the First Reformed Church of Dayton, O, May 27-30, 
 1896. 
 
 Twenty-three classes were represented by 30 delegates. 
 
The advisability of consolidating the Woman’s Journal 
 with some other periodical in the church was fully discussed, 
 also the debt of over $600 and how to get rid of it, but it was 
 finally decided to continue the publication of the Journal as such 
 for the present. 
 
 At this meeting Miss Anna M. Kieffer presented a paper | 
 on “Children’s Work in the Church, which met with general 
 approval. As the result of the discussion of this subject a 
 Committee was appointed to publish the Mission Band Helper ; 
 frame a constitution for Mission Bands; publish phamphlets 
 containing hints to leaders, occasional leaflets, to see that 
 literature is distributed, and by studying the methods of other 
 churches, to improve our own Children’s department. 
 
 This Committee consisted of Miss Anna M. Kieffer, Mrs. 
 D. B. Shuey, Mrs. H. M. Herman, Miss Charlotte Voigt, Miss 
 R. H. Schively, Mrs. R. L. Gerhart. 
 
 The Society resolved: Heartily to support any action that 
 General Synod might take toward establishing missions in 
 China. 
 
 Mrs. R. S. Dotterer and Miss Elizabeth Barnhart were 
 elected delegates to represent the Society at the International 
 meeting of the Woman’s Foreign Mission Societies at Glasgow, 
 Scotland. 
 
 The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. H. M. 
 Herman; Vice Presidents, Presidents of Synodical Societies; 
 Rec. Sec. Miss Jennie S. Clever; Cor. Sec. Mrs. T. H. Sonne- 
 decker; Treas. Mrs, Nettie Anthony. 
 
 INDICATIONS OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE, 
 
 The growing plants, the swelling buds, the opening flowers, 
 the singing birds, that in obedience to the warm sunshine and 
 spring zephyrs, transform the frostbound earth into a garden 
 of beauty, furnish repeated assurances of the glories that shall 
 follow in the train of each succeeding spring. 
 
 In the course of history, the growth of nations as a result 
 of obedience to certain fundamental principles, their decline 
 and fall when those principles have been ignored or violated, 
 are prophecies of what shall be the future of our own nation if 
 she forgets the statutes of God built into her very foundation 
 by our puritan progenitors. 
 
 ~ 
 
sh Pye eras 9 
 
 So it isin the church of Jesus Christ. The Spirit, that 
 from the beginning, dwelt in the hearts of God’s people; that 
 led the Israelites through dangers seen and unseen into the 
 Promised Land; that under the New Dispensation came down 
 on the day of Pentecost and converted three thousand, that 
 later, nerved the apostles to meet danger and death that they 
 might bring into new life their own nation and the Gentile 
 world; that enabled St. Paul to say in the face of bonds and 
 afflictions, ‘‘None of these things move me; neither count I my 
 life dear unto myself ;” that Spirit is still with us. ‘Behold 
 the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save.’’ 
 
 Itis none but the Spirit of God that has, within this nine- 
 teenth century,led the missionaries of theCross away from home 
 and all that life holds dear, to journey over oceans and deserts, to 
 climb mountains and penetrate jungles, under the scorching 
 heat of a torrid sun, or amid the piercing blasts of the eternal 
 ice-fields; that has given them courage to incur risks of being 
 
 DEVOURED BY SAVAGE CANNIBALS; 
 to endure privations unnumbered and tortures untold ; to be 
 ‘all things to all men, that they might by all means save some.”’ 
 
 And through that same Spirit, walls of opposition have 
 been thrown down, mountains of prejudice levelled, and doors 
 of opportunity swung ajar, until the whole world is practically 
 open to the Gospel, and millions in heathen lands are casting 
 away their idols, and are learning the “Old, old story of Jesus 
 and His love.’’? And we, the women of the Reformed Church, 
 have realized in these later days the words of the prophet Joel; 
 “And on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will.pour out 
 in those days of my spirit.” 
 
 Our work has been signally owned and blessed of God. 
 We believe that His seal is affixed to the charter of the W. M. 
 S. G. S. and under its protection we may be strong to labor 
 and brave to endure. 
 
 With our motto, “Out of darkness into light through the 
 blood of Christ ;” with our past successes as an earnest of future 
 victory, we may indeed hasten the day when, ‘‘At the name of 
 Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven, and things in 
 earth, and things under the earth; 
 
 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is 
 ‘Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 
 
—24— 
 
 f APPENDIX. 
 
 Dates of organization of W. M.S. G.S. and its auxiliaries. 
 W. M.S. G. S. organized at Akron, O. June 2, 1887. Mrs. 
 S. B. Yockey, Pres. 
 1883. 
 
 W.M.S. of Illinois Classis Aug. 3t. Mary A. Meyer, 
 President. 
 1885. 
 W. M.S. of Miami Classis, O. Synod panes at Beech 
 Grove, O. May 19: Mrs. H. M. Herman, Pres. 
 W. M.S. of Philadelphia Classis, E. Synod organized at 
 Nivtistowie Pas Oct. 6). Mrs. Dotterer, Pres. 
 1886. 
 W.M. 5S. of Pittsburg Synod, organized at Butler, Pa. 
 Sept. 30, 1886. Miss Jean Craig, Pres. 
 M. S. of W. Susquehanna Classis, E. Synod organized at 
 Aaronsburg, Pa. May 23rd. 
 W. M. S. Somerset Classis, Pittsburg Synod, organized in 
 St. Paul’s Church, Wilhelm, Pa. Aug. 26. Mrs. J. M. Evans, 
 Pres. 
 1887. 
 W.M. S. Ohio Synod organized at Lancaster, O. Oct. 27. 
 Mrs. G, G. Prugh, Pres. ‘ 
 1888. 
 
 W. M.S. of Eastern Synod organized at Chee: of Ascen- 
 sion, Norristown, Pa. Oct. 12. Mrs. Mary G. Hietshu, Pres. 
 
 W. M.S. Schuylkill Classis EK. Synod organized in St. 
 John’s Church, Reading, May 31. Mrs. S. E. P. Mosser, Pres. 
 
 W. M, S. Lancaster Classis, O. Synod organized at Delaware 
 O. May 25. 
 
 W.M.S. Wyoming Classis E. Synod was organized at 
 Danville, Pa. Sep. 6. 
 
 W. M. S. Llinois Classis, Synod Interior was organized in 
 1888, 
 1889. 
 
 W. M. S. of Synod of Interior was organized at Forreston, 
 Ills. w Oct. 35, Mrs. H. Bair, Pres. 
 
 . M.S. Kansas Classis was organized at Fairview, ier 
 
 May, hee 
 
 W. M. S. Lebanon Classis E. Synod was organized at 
 Myerstown, Pa. Oct. 8. 
 
 W.M.S. Lancaster Classis O. Synod was organized at 
 
 Manheim, Lancaster Co. Pa. May 31. 
 
 W. M. S. E. O. Classis Ohio Synod was organized at Paris, 
 Stark Co. O. May 10, Mrs. J. C. Nunamaker, Pres. 
 
 W. M. S. of Tuscarawas Classis O. Synod was organized at 
 Canton, O. June 7th. 
 
 W. M.S. EB. Susquehanna Classis E. Synod was easier 
 Sept. at Sunsbury, Pa, 
 
1890. E 
 
 W.M.S. Mercersburg Classis Potomac Synod, organized 
 in Zion Reformed Church, Chambersburg, Pa. Aug. 
 
 M.S, Juniata Classis, Potomac Synod organized at Saxon, 
 Pa. in May. 
 
 W.M. S. E. Pennsylvania Classis E. Synod was organized 
 in Plainsfield, Northampton Co. Pa. May 16. 
 
 W. M.S. Wichita Classis Synod Interior, was organized at 
 Whitewater, Kan. 1890. 
 
 W. M.S. Iowa Classis, Synod Interior organized at Lisbon, 
 Iowa, Oct. Mrs. A. B. Achenbach, Pres. 
 
 18o1. 
 
 W.M,S. of Westmoreland Classis Pittsburg Synod was 
 organized April 1891 at Greensburg, Pa. 
 
 W.M. S. Tiffin Classis, O. Synod was organized in Lima, 
 Ohio. May, 20. Mrs. H. T. Heller, Pres. 
 
 W. M.S. Goshenhoppen Classis E. Synod organized at 
 Falkner Swamp, Pa. Oct. 7, 
 
 W. M.S. Lincoln Classis, Synod Interior was organized at 
 Sioux City, Iowa, May 1891. Mrs. T. F. Stauffer, Pres. 
 
 1892. 
 
 W. M. 5S. Allegeney Classis, Pittsburg Synod was organized 
 
 in Butler, Pa. Feb. 28th. Mrs. Brinker, Pres. 
 1893. 
 
 W. M.S. Lehigh Classis E. Synod was organized in St. 
 John’s Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. Sept. 7. Mrs. J.B. 
 Mauser, Pres. 
 
 1895. 
 
 M.S. Synod Potomac was organized Sept. 20. Mrs. Wm. 
 Schaeffer, Pres. 
 
 x 1895. 
 
 W.M.S. of Tohickon Classis E. Svnod was organized at 
 Hellertown, Pa. Oct. 23. Mrs. Buchecker, Pres. 
 
 7 1897. 
 
 W.M.S. of N. C. Classis, Potomac Synod was organized 
 at Mt. Hope Church, Guilford Co., May 6. Miss M. Ida 
 Hedrick, Pres. 
 
 1898. 
 
 W. M. S. of Zion’s Classis, Potomac Synod, was organized 
 
 in York, Pa. Feb; 24. Miss Annie M. Blessing, Pres. 
 
65 — 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE ‘WM. S. G. S. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 This association shall be known as the WOMAN’s MISSIONARY 
 Society of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in the 
 United States. 
 
 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 The object of this Society shall be to aid in the advancement 
 of the work of Christian Missions in Home and Foreign lands, 
 with a view, especially, to the enlightenment and elevation of 
 women to a saving faithin the Lord Jesus Christ both at home 
 and abroad. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 This Society shall prosecute its work under the direction of 
 the Boards of Foreign and Home Missions of the Reformed 
 Church in the United States. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 The membership of this Society shall consist of its officers 
 and two women delegates from each classical society, or from 
 each classis if not organized, within the bounds of the Church, 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 The Society shall hold a meeting for the transaction of all 
 necessary business regularly every three years in conjunction 
 with the General Synod of the Reformed Church, or at an-, 
 other time and place if the Executive Committee shall so de- 
 cide. Twelve authorized delegates shall constitute a quorum, 
 and all its sessions shall be opened and closed with appropri- 
 ate devotional exercises. 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 
 At the close of each triennial session the Society shall elect 
 a President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Correspond- 
 ing Secretary, to serve until the next triennial election. The 
 Presidents of the Synodical Societies shall be Vice Presidents 
 of this society by virtue of their office. 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meet- 
 ings, and to have a supervision of the work of the Society. 
 
 In her absence or inability to serve, the Vice President whom 
 she may appoint, shall act in her stead. In the absence of 
 President and Vice President, a President pro tem shall be 
 chosen. 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 
 The Recording Secretary shall keep a complete roll of all 
 the members (or delegates) and _a correct record of the pro- 
 
 
 
ceedings of the Society. In connection with the President, 
 she shall sign all orders for moneys to be paid out for mis- 
 sions, and certify to all bills for incidental expenses of the 
 Society before the same shall be presented to the Treasurer 
 for payment. 
 
 ARTICLE IX. 
 
 The Treasurer shall keep a record, showing all receipts and 
 disbursements, and all other financial affairs in connection 
 with the Society. She shall pay only orders of the Society or 
 Executive Committee drawn on the Treasurer, signed by the 
 President and Secretary. 
 
 At the clese of her term of office, she shall prepare an 
 itemized statement of moneys received and disbursed, which 
 shall be audited and approved by a Committee on Finance ap- 
 pointed by the President, before it is presented to the Society; 
 and shall deliver all books, papers and moneys to her suc- 
 cessor. 5 
 
 ARTICLE X. 
 
 The Corresponding Secretary shall carry on the general cor- 
 respondence of the Society, notify the members of the Execu- 
 tive Committee of the time and place of the meetings, and 
 promptly communicate to it any information in regard to mis- 
 sionary work necessary to its successful operation. 
 
 ARTICLE XI. 
 
 The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the 
 Society, and five additional persons selected by the Society 
 triennially of which the President shall be ex officio -Presi- 
 dent. This Committee shall have power to dispose of all 
 business which may claim attention between the triennial 
 meetings of the Society. It may pay out moneys under the 
 provisions of this constitution, and shall transact such other 
 business of the Society as would suffer from being delayed un- 
 til the triennial. meeting, provided a full report of all tran- 
 sactions shall be submitted for the approval of the Society at 
 its regular meeting. 
 
 It shall meet at the call ofits President, and five members 
 shall constitute a quorum to transact business. 
 
 ARTICLE XII. 
 
 Each Classical Society shail pay a contribution of Two Dol- 
 lars each year, to be used in meeting the incidental expenses 
 of the Society. 
 
 Suchfunds to go into the hands of the Treasurer and be dis- 
 bursed under the rules regulating that office. 
 
 ARTICLE XII. 
 
 This Constitution can be amended at any triennial meeting 
 by atwo-thirds majority of the members present, provided a 
 written notice of the proposed change be sent to the Executive 
 Committee six months previous. 
 
EAA VEO NAAN ONAL NAGE BNA) ars 
 
 On to China! 
 
 how ‘Ready. 
 Written by REv. W. EH. Hovy.- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contains New Material, Instructive and En- 
 y tertaining. 
 
 FL Pathetic Fppeal. 
 
 Sixty-four pages, Six Fine Half-tone 
 . Engravings, Etc. | 
 
 
 
 Single Copy, 15c. Two Copies, 25c. 
 
 
 
 
 
 On each page you can almost feel the heart 
 beats of Brother Hoy as he vearns to help perish- 
 ing China. 
 
 The friends of China are praying that this 
 little book may have a large circulation, and 
 thereby exert an influence in behalf of China’s 
 evangelization. 
 
 You can help answar that prayer by doing 
 your part. 
 
 Send for acopy! Read it! Circulate it ! 
 
 Address, THE WOMAN’S JOURNAL, 
 
 eee ee oe 
 
 r 
 | 
 
 | 
 
 . 
 
 . 
 
 rs 
 
 4 
 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO S: 
 er Di se 
 
JUST ISSUED. - 
 
 A New Pamphlet on the 
 
 Reflex Unfluence of Missionary Effort. 
 By 
 REV. J. H. BOMBERGER, D. D., 
 
 Author of ‘‘Preach the Gospel,” ‘‘C. E. Plans and 
 Principles,’ ‘‘Cardinal Points,’’ etc. 
 
 
 
 Encouragement for the Discouraged, 
 A Stimulant for the Worker, 
 Convincement for the Indifferent. 
 
 
 
 The price has been placed very low to 
 insure a large circulation. 
 
 May we have your co-operation in circu- 
 lating it ? 
 It has been called “Nails driven by a 
 
 Master.” “Excellent,” ‘Helpful,’ etc., by min- 
 isters and others who have read it. 
 
 Price, Single Copies, 5cts., Per Doz. Copies, 50 cts. 
 Send Orders to the 
 
 Woman’s Journal, 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO, 
 
THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL. 
 
 An Illustrated Monthly Magazine devoted to 
 the Religious work of the Women of the Re- 
 formed Church. 
 
 It contains suggestions and helps for the work- 
 ers, as well as able articles from the field at home and 
 abroad. 
 
 Send for a free sample copy. 
 
 Subscription Price, 50 cts. per year. 
 
 Issued the first of each month. 
 Address, 
 
 THE WOMAN’S JOURNAL, 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO, 
 
 
 
 
 
 YOUR OWN. 
 
 New Missionary Music. 
 
 We have just received from the printers a large 
 supply of the Words and Music of this excellent hymn. 
 It is meeting with great favor. 
 It will not fail to give satisfaction. 
 You will need it for your programs. 
 All it needs to recommend it is a trial. 
 SEND FOR A COPY. 
 
 Price Single Copy, 3 cts; per doz, 25 cts. 
 
 Address, WOMAN’S JOURNAL, 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO. 
 
NED HASIPDEN, 
 
 OR 
 THE RAVAGES OF INTEPPERANCE. 
 
 This is the title of an excellent temperance work which 
 has met with general favor wherever it has been introduced. 
 Sunday School superintendents and many others have spoken 
 in the highest terms of its excellence. The book contains two 
 hundred and seventy four pages, with a half tone portrait of 
 the author, Rev. I. A. Sites, as a frontispiece. 
 
 In the form of a pleasing narrative the note of warning is 
 sounded to young men who allow themselves to be enticed 
 into the saloons and young ladies are shown what their fate 
 will be if they marry a man who is addicted to the use of the 
 _ wine cup; The Christian voter is brought face to face with his 
 responsibility as a true citizen and follower of Christ. 
 
 A FEW PRESS NOTICES. 
 
 “He writes as one inspired by a high and holy purpose— 
 as one whose whole soul is aroused with a holy indignation. 
 The effects of the licensed rum traffic are depicted with all the 
 graphic fidelity to every day facts, with all the thrilling interest, 
 and all the dramatic effect of the celebrated, ‘TEN NIGHT’S 
 IN A BAR ROOM.” We most devoutly wish every voter in 
 the land would procure a copy of this book (Ned Hampden), 
 and read and ponder its contents.”—Rel/igious Telescope. 
 
 “Tt is a terrible truth, not overdrawn, and will serve a 
 good purpose in making that girl stop and consider who is 
 willing to marry one who drinks even a little. Showing the 
 young man a pitiful picture of what he possibly and probably 
 will become.’’—Ram’s Horn. 
 
 Ned Hampden is one of the best and strongest temperance 
 books we have seen for many aday. It should be in every 
 household in our land. It has few, if any, equals as a Temper- 
 ance work.—Daily and Weekly Journal, 
 
 A fine cloth bound copy will be sent post ne on receipt 
 of $1.00; Manilla bound, 40 cts. 
 
 : THE WOMAN’S JOURNAL, 
 Alliance, Ohio 
 
Our Dungarian 
 Wlork. 
 
 The [lost Successful Work 
 of the Church. 
 
 
 
 
 
 -_”® 
 
 
 
 
 
 This valuable pamphlet contains a vast 
 amount of information about our Hungarian 
 Work. 
 
 It contains ascholarly and accurate his- 
 torical sketch on ‘How Hungary Became Re- 
 formed,” by Rev. F. Mayer. 
 
 Letters from our Hungarian Mission- 
 aries, short biographical sketches of their lives 
 and an article by Mrs. Geo. F, Bareis. 
 
 Illustrated with HALF-TONE EN- 
 GRAVINGS of these Faithful Missionaries. 
 
 Price, 5 Cents. 
 
 Address .% 
 
 Woman’s Journal, 
 ALLIANCE, OHIO.