'w 1 * Clyn Woman’s Baptist Foreign Missionary Society Of California. 1875 1893 Seventeen Years’ History OF THE Woman’s Baptist Foreign Missionary Society Of California. BY Miss Clara P. Hull. Price, - 10 Cents. w. g. Organized 1875. p. !V[. g. OF (?9L. Incorporated 1886. Seventeen years. The first movement towards the formation of a Woman’s Baptist Missionary Society in California, was at an as- sociational gathering at the First Baptist Church of San Francisco, in October, 1874, when Rev. 0. W. Gates, then pastor of the San Diego Church, on behalf of the ladies present, made a public presentation of the plans to form a Society in the interests of foreign missions. The in¬ terest aroused at that time resulted in the organization of a Society at the First Baptist Church of San Franciso, October 14, 1874. The ladies felt that the formation of the Society was due largely to the zeal and efforts of Mrs. Thorndike Jameson, and she was elected President of the Society; but she declined to accept the office, and Mrs. B. S. McLafferty was elected to fill the vacancy. The other officers elected were: Vice-Presidents—Mesdames 0. W. Gates, J. Pierce, C. L. Fisher, G. W. Green; Re¬ cording Secretary, Mrs. D. K. Woodbridge; Corresponding- Secretary, Mrs. F. M. Conro; Treasurer, Mrs. M. E. Wattson; Executive Board, Mesdames J. C. Ayers, I. S. Kalloch, C. E. Davis, C. P. Heath, E. B. Hulbert C. T. Garthwaite, A. R. Cogswell, L. Dam and Hilton. It was the earnest desire of the founders of the Society that the whole Pacific Coast might be united in this 4 work, and this desire was manifested in the choice of a name_“Woman’s Baptist Missionary Society of the Pacific Coast.” After perfecting the organization the first duty be¬ fore the Society was to secure the co-operation of the churches in Washington Territory, Oregon, Nevada and throughout our own State. In Central California the first churches to identify themselves with the new organization were the First, Fifth and Metropolitan of San Francisco; First, Oakland, East Oakland and First, Sacramento. Southern California was represented by San Diego and vicinity. And the lec- ords show that the Los Angeles Association was the first Association to give a collection to the young Society . At first California stood alone, but before the close of the first year Washington Territory allied itself with the organiza¬ tion, being represented by two churches, Seattle and Olympia; and Nevada was represented by an individual contribution. Up to this time the Society had been an independent organization, as it was not deemed wise to ask official recognition of the Missionary Union until there was evidence of an effort at united laboi on the part of the churches of the Coast. But the early response of Washington Territory so encouraged the Executive Board that they felt the time had come for such recognition, accordingly the request was made, and before the close of the first year the Society became auxiliary to our National Society. It was hardly to be expected that the first year s existence of the Society would accomplish much more than put the missionary machinery in motion, but the first Annual Report shows the Treasurers receipts to be o $266.90; the work accomplished being the support of one Bible woman and help in the erection of a building for the school under the care of Mrs. Arthur and Miss Kidder in Tokio, Japan. But a greater work was accomplished than appears in the report—a beginning had been made in the interests of foreign missions, seed had been planted which has been hearing fruit all these years in increasing harvests. In the second year Oregon joined the sisterhood, and the Society was in reality, as well as in name a “ Pacific Coast Society.” At the close of this year the reports showed some progress, Washington, Oregon and California were united in the work, new Circles had been formed and the receipts of the treasury had increased over fifty per cent. The record of these two years, tells the story of the next six years. Year by year the work became more systema¬ tized. Through untiring efforts an interest in the work was aroused in places where before there had been only indifference to the claims of foreign missions. This awakened interest brought new workers into line, and so from year to year the Secretary and Treasurer were enabled to report slight gains over the preceding year. Each succeeding year a few more dollars in the treasury, a few more Bible women supported, a few more missions aided. To those not interested in foreign missions a monotonous story of much work with small results. But to the earnest, devoted worker the added dollars, though few, the sending out of one additional Bible woman, the maintaining of one mission all meant the spread of the Gospel among the dark homes where heathenism held sway. One of the 6 Secretaries in reviewing the work of these eight years, says, “I have been struck with the similarity of their story, a tale of eager endeavor and patient waiting, so pro¬ longed that the casual reader might cease to expect any bright side to the story.” But there was a bright side to the storv for the records show that through all the dis- couragements of pioneer work those early workers were faithful, patient and hopeful; and to-day we recognize the fact that their faith and faithfulness has been honored of God by a steady growth in the Society, and an increase in the work it has been enabled to accomplish. For the first eight years the work of the Society had been largely in aiding mission schools and supporting Bible women, much of the money sent to the treasury being designated for these special uses by the Circles and Bands sending it. The Society as a whole had had no special work, and there began to be a strongly expressed desire, on the part of individuals and Circles, for a specific object for which to work. The members of the Executive Board were not indifferent to this plea, but they were hampered by the designating of funds on the part of Circles, so were powerless to assume greater obligations. For years it had been the earnest desire of the Society to support a missionary, who should be its representative on the foreign field. But the receipts of the treasury had not warranted such expenditure. And just when it seemed possible for the Society to take a step in this direction, Washington and Oregon withdrew from the organization, feeling they could accomplish more by forming independ¬ ent Societies. So, in 1883, California once more stood alone—a State Society. At first it was feared the with¬ drawal of these Northern States would cripple the work on the Coast, but time has proven the fears unfounded. Fortunately for the interests of the work, just at this time Miss Adele Fielde of Swatow visited the Coast, and her earnest words inspired each of the three Societies with renewed zeal. Oregon, Washington and California all united, had felt unequal to assuming the support of a missionary, now each State independently began to con¬ sider the question of having a representative on the foreign field. It seemed to the Executive Board of our own Society, that the time had come for California to make this advance in her work. The enthusiasm aroused by Miss Fielde’s visit seemed to remove all obstacles in the way of sending out a missionary, but the Board fully realized that in taking such action they would be assum¬ ing a great and solemn responsibility. Circulars were sent to all auxiliaries, placing the question before them, and asking for expressions of opinion in regard to the matter. The responses were almost unanimous in their endorsement of such action, and the Circles pledged them¬ selves to stand by the Board should the Society assume this new obligation. Miss Fielde’s vivid picture of the needs of China had turned all thoughts towards that land, and it was determined to send a missionary to Swa¬ tow. But before California could raise the necessary funds, the urgent call from Swatow was responded to by Oregon, and Miss Minnie A. Buzzell was sent to that field. The immediate need of that station being provided for, correspondence was opened with the Missionary Union in 8 regard to another field. Letters in reply directed attention to the new undertaking in Africa. The Missionary Union had just accepted the gift of the “ Guiness Mission,” a number of stations on the Congo, all well equipped with buildings and workers. The work had been successful in the face of many difficulties and discouragements, but it had out-grown the financial ability of Dr. and Mrs. Guiness to carry it on, and they had asked the the Baptists of the United States to take it under their fostering care, that it might not be abandoned. The assuming of this great work by the Missionary Union necessitated the immediate providing for the work¬ ers already on the field, and the Baptist women of Califor¬ nia were asked to assume the support of Miss Jessie Skakle, who was stationed at Mukimbungu, on the Congo. In response to this request of the Missionary Union our Society assumed the support of Miss Skakle, and for four years she was maintained as our representative. During the last year of this time she married Rev. Mr. Billington, a missionary on the same field, and it was found that the amount forwarded to the Missionary Union for the sup¬ port would have to be credited upon her husband’s salary, she herself drawing no salary. This was the usual course under such circumstances. Virtually we were supporting Mrs. Billington, but of course the reports could not credit California with her individual support. The watchword of the Society had long been “ woman’s work for woman,” and many felt that in contributing to the support of a minister the Society was turning aside from its legitimate line of work; others felt that perhaps a greater activity in 9 the work might he obtained could we send out a lady from our own State, choosing her field nearer home, China or Japan. These views were so generally and so strongly expressed, that the Executive Board deemed it wise to rec¬ ommend the Society to sever its connection with Mrs. Billington. With sincere regret such action was taken, for all had become deeply interested in Mrs. Billington and in her work. The Executive Board now found them¬ selves facing an emergency; they felt the interests of the work demanded prompt action, and yet the importance of the case forbade hasty action. During this trial hour Dr. William Ashmore, of Swatow, visited the State and greatly aided the Board by his words of wisdom. He gave a broad interpretation to the phrase —“ woman’s work for woman,” and urged that we recognize the fact that heathen women were as surely elevated by the preaching of the minister, as by the teaching of the lady missionary; he further urged that in sending out a minister and his wife we would be enlarging our field of work. The Society recognized the wisdom of this advice, and after much deliberation and prayer, resolutions were adopted which placed the Society in the position to extend its line of work should the opportunity offer. Soon after this Bev. J. S. Norvell and wife offered themselves to the Executive Board to go to China. This application so soon after the adoption of the resolutions seemed to be God’s seal of approval of that action. Mrs. Norvell was well equipped for the work; she was a graduate of the Chicago Training School, and previous to her marriage had labored very successfully among the Chinese in San Francisco. Mr. 10 Nor veil had been engaged in Evangelistic work through¬ out the State, and was well known to many of the Board. To send out hvo missionaries meant we must double the receipts of the treasury, but the opportunity to send two seemed an indication of God’s will in the matter. The obligation was assumed, and in January, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Norvell sailed for China under appoint of the Mission¬ ary Union, our Society pledging their support. Laboring first at Swatow, they afterwards went to tbeHakka district. In a few months after they reached their field the Executive Board was notified that Miss L. Adele Phillips of Los Angeles had consecrated herself to foreign missions, and desired to go to Japan, under the auspices of California. Once more the door of opportunity stood open before our Society. Miss Phillips was an earnest, active worker in the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles, and after determ¬ ining to become a missionary, had fitted herself for the work by a special course of study under the direction of her pastor, Rev. Daniel Read. The Society was not in a position to open a new station, so Miss Phillips was designated to Sendai, in 1889. In 1891, she went to Tokio to continue her study of the language, and do such work as she could until her perma¬ nent station was determined. In October, 1890, Miss M. K. Scott went to Swatow to join her mother, who had gone there as a medical mission¬ ary just one year before. Mrs. E. H. Gray, of Oakland, generously contributed the full amount of her salary, making it possible for the Society to assume her support. 11 Thus in less than two years, four missionaries had been sent to the foreign field, and it was with feelings of ut¬ most gratitude that the Executive Board reviewed the pros¬ perity which had attended the Society. But in June, 1891, Mr. and Mrs. Norvell were obliged to lay down their work and return to America, owing to the failure of Mr. Norvell’s health. During the summer of 1891 Miss Phillips was urged by Mrs. R. A. Thompson, of Kobe, to go to Osaka and hold that station until some one should be sent there. Osaka had been opened by the Southern Baptist Convention, and had then been transferred to the Missionary Union. The Union had no one whom thev could send there, but the Ex- ecutive Board did not think it wise for Miss Phillips to take upon herself the care and loneliness of such a position. A few months later it was learned, through Rev. J. Sunderland, that Rev. J. H. Scott and wife desired to go to Japan. For nearly two years Mr. Scott had been pastor of the Baptist Church at Port Townsend. He had been for several years in the ministry, and all his pastoral work had proven him a faithful, energetic worker for the Master. Mrs. Scott had long been actively identified with mission work, having been associated with Miss Joanna P. Moore in her work among the Freedmen in the South. The return of Mr. and Mrs. Norvell to America necessi¬ tated the making of new appointments by the Society. So the Missionary Union was notified that if Mr. and Mrs. Scott were appointed to Osaka and Miss Phillips allowed to go with them, the California Society would make the effort to meet all expenses of the mission. Accordingly the ap- 12 pointment was made, and last year Mr. and Mrs. Scott an d M iss Phillips went to Osaka. Osaka is one of the most important cities in Japan, and its importance, as a mission station, is increased by the fact that it is surrounded by a net-work of towns which can be reached by the missionaries stationed there. Al¬ though the work there has been so recently started, the re¬ ports are of the most encouraging character, giving promise of great results in the future. In order to main¬ tain the work there, our efforts as a Society this year are largely concentrated on that field. It is impossible to report all that has been accomplished by the Society, for much of the work done could not be recorded. But a review of the records shows that since the organization of the Society we have raised for foreign missions $17,202.22. We have, at different times, had an interest in fifteen mission stations, representing Africa, India, Burrnah, China and Japan. As a Society we have supported each year from one to four Bible women and from one to five children in the mission schools; aided several missions and schools; made some special appro¬ priations, and sent some undesignated funds to the Mis¬ sionary Union. In 1875 the Society counted among its auxiliaries only eight circles, last year they reported forty-five; during the first year the receipts were $266.90, last year they were $2,371.23. The first year the Society supported one Bible woman, one girl and aided one school; to-day we have a missionary family, a lady missionary and two Bible women in the field, and have assumed the support and education of one Japanese girl and two Christian Burmese girls. We compare the work of the two years and gratefully recognize God’s blessings, and give Him praise for all the work ac¬ complished through the instrumentality of this Society. While it is intended that this paper shall deal with re¬ sults, rather than with methods of work, it would be in¬ complete without a brief allusion to the workings of the Society. From the earliest life of the Society it has been the constant aim of its officers to present the claims of for¬ eign missions in such a manner that every woman in our Baptist Churches might be won to an active interest in the work. In 1886 the Society was incorporated as an independent Society under the laws of California, and this action necessitated a complete reorganization of the Society, al¬ though it had been in good working order for eleven years. While there has been this change in organization, in meth¬ ods of work there has been but little change from those first adopted, but these methods have been enlarged and developed. Systematic efforts have been made by corre¬ spondence and by personal appeals to secure the formation of Circles and Bands in every Baptist Church in the State. During the years 1888 and 1889 Miss L. Ella Miller, under appointment as State Organizer, visited the Baptist Churches in the State, organizing Circles and Bands in many churches which before had not been identified with the Woman’s Society. One of the greatest helps in arousing an interest in for¬ eign missions has been the presence in our State, from time to time, of missionaries going to or returning from 14 their fields. Whenever possible receptions have been ex¬ tended to these faithful workers, a courtesy they have fully appreciated, and all such gatherings have proven an in¬ spiration to the workers at home and given an impetus to the work. The Society has had its days of prosperity and its days of adversity; it has felt the stress of times, of financial de¬ pression; it has had to contend with the constantly chang¬ ing membership of our churches, and the ignorance of and indifference to the work on the part of those who should have been well informed and deeply interested. These difficulties of the past confront the Society to-day and can only be overcome by the loyalty of its individual mem¬ bers. Beyond question, the measure of success attained in the past is due to patient, faithful, prayerful work; and herein lies our strength of future success. 15 •— 1 p o cn 4 - CO to O CO CO CG 5 07 4 ^ CO tO ►a g p U 1 b CO >—* CO B h-* to »—» a> r-* CO »—i CO 07 err t—• CO l—» CO i—* CO b -* CO Q t—• CO h-* zn P d* P ct- c-r ct- ct- err e-r err Ct- err err 3 •—> P . C 3 P g CD GG 02 i •r- c*t- V! GO o CD CD CO ►r-* 1§ ►> K ^ P CD^ ® hd co GO H O a GO GO > $ w •< 85 F F • - *-s • - rT r? G r- GO CO CO CO CO GO CO b p w GO . w B ** •* pc r : : y GO w DC 0 £ o - p 0 g 0 g t?* 1 -^ 0 o C"T CO - * - 0 r 1 0 . t - 1 *"S S ^5 • p CO p CO a> «*3 D P -. 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