CIHM Microfiche Series (iUionographs) ICMH Collection de microfiches (monographies) Canadian Instituta for Historical IMicroraproductions / Institut Canadian da microraproductions historiquaa Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institut* hu attempted to ot)tain the beet original copy available for filming. Features of thie copy which may tie t)ibliographically urri<^. which may alter any of the Images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming are checked t)elow. D n Coloursd covers/ Couvertwe de couieur Covers damaged / Couverture eiKlommagte Covers restored and/or laminated / Cou'/erture restaur6e et/ou peilicuMe Cover title missing / Le titre de couverture manque CokNjrBd maps / Cartes gdographiques en couieur Coloured Ink (i.e. other than t)iue or black) / Encre de couieur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) ryC CokNjred plates and/or illustrattons / 1-^ Planches et/ou illustrattons en couieur I I Bound with other material / D D D D Reli6 avec d'autres documents Only editton available / Seule Mitton disponibie Tight binding may cause shadows or distortton atong interior margin / La reliure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le tong de la marge int^rleure. Blank leaves added during restorations may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming / Use peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutdes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas M f ilmtes. Addlttonal comments / Commentaires suppMmentaires: L'Institut a microfilm* le meiileur exrmplaire qu'ii lul a «t« possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exem- plalrs qui sont peut-«tre unkjues du point de vue bibll- ogrsphk^. qui peuvent modifier une image rsproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modlftoatton dans la mMho- de normale de fllmage sont indk^ute ci^lessous. I I Cotouied pages/ Pages de couieur I I Pages damaped/ Pages endommagAes D Pages restorsd and/or laminated / Pages restaurtes et/ou pelNcuMes Pages discotoursd, stained or foxed / Pages dteotories, tacheties ou pkiu6es I I Pages detached/ Pages d6tach«es I >/[ Showthrough/ Transparence I I Quality of print varies / D D D Quality indgale de I'impresston Includes suppiementary material / Comprend du materiel suppl^mentaire Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible Image / Les pages totaiement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuiliet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 film^es 6 nouveau de fafon k obtenir la meilleure image possible. Opposing pages with varying colouration or discotourations are filmed twtoe to ensure the best possible image / Les pages s'opposant ayant des colorations variables ou des decolorations sont filmtes deux fois afin d'obtenir la meilleure image possible. I IMS nam m imimo « nw fMuenofi rano C« doewiMM Mt Wm* au iMii tfa rMuelion Indiqu* oi-dMMUs. lOX 14x flu 22x 26x SOx V 1 12x Itx 20x a4x 28x 32x TIM eepv fUmad hf hM bMn wpradyctd thanks to tiM ganaroaity of: National Library o£ Canada L'aaampiaira fUm4 f ut raproduit grtea A la 94fi4rooit* do: Bibliothiqoo nat.ionala du Canada Tha imagaa appaarins hara ara tha boat quality poMibIa eonaidaring tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and in kaaping with tha filming eontiyet apodfieationa. Original copiaa in printod papor eowars ara fUmod boginnkig with tha front eovar and andlng on tha laat pago with a printod or iUuatratod in.prao- •Ion. or tho back covor whan approprlota. All othor originol copiaa ara f Umod boginning on tho first pogo with a printad or illustratad impraa- •ion. and anding on tha laat paga with a printod or illuatratod improoMon. Tho loat rocordod frama on aach microficha shall eonuin tha symbol -•' (moaning "CON- TINUf O"). or tha symbol ▼ (moaning "END* ). whichowor applias. Maps, platas. charu. ate., may ba filmod at diffarant raduction ratios. Those too larga to bo ontiroly includad in unm asposuro ara filmad baginning in tha uppar loft hand eomor. loft to right and top to bonom. as many framas as raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mothod: Las imagaa suivantaa ont AtA roproduitas avac la plus grand soin. eompta tanu da la condition at da la natMt* da I'aKamplaira UU't. at an conformity ovoc loa conditions du contrat da fUmaga. Laa aaamplalraa originaux dont la ceuvanura an paplar aat ImprimCa som filmOs an eemmancant par la promior plat at tt tarminant soit par la damMro paga qui comporta una amprainta d'Impraaaion ou d'iUustration. soit par la sacond plat, salon lo cas. Toua laa autras axamplairas origlnaus sont fUmda an commancant par la pramiAra paga qui comporta una amprainta dimprasslon ou d'iUustration at an tarminant par la damiiro pogo qui comporto uno talla omprainta. Un das symbolos suivants apparaitra sur la darnlAra imaga da chaqua microficha. talon la caa: la symbolo -i» signifia "A dUIVRE". la aymbolo ▼ signlfio "FIN ". Laa cartaa. planchaa. tablaaux. ate., pauvant itra filmds i daa tau» do rMuction diff «ranu. Lorsqua la document oat trop grand pour itra raproduit on un soul clich*. il ast film* « partir da I'angla aupdriaur gaucha. da gaucha i droita. at da haut on bas. an pronant la nombra d'imagas ndcassaira. Laa diagrammaa suivanu iUuatrant la mOthodo. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 MKXOCOTY NKXUTION THT CHART (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) " a2 m to. IK IK U 1X6 UO 1.25 iu I I llilli 23 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 t ^ /ff^PLIED IN/HGE Inc _. 1653 Eoit Main StrMt ^ Rochester. New York 14609 USA ■■ (716) 482 -0300- PhorM (716) 288 -5989 -Fax / ' *"not unto U0, 9 lor^ not unto U0» but unto Cbi? Viame 0lve 0lor!?/' Q uarter- of a B ^entury jHE following sketch is prepared with a twofold purpose. Its first object is to recount with humble and devout gratitude all the way by which the Lord has led us during the first twenty-five years of our existence as a Society, and also to record our loving remembrance and appreciation of the promoters and pioneers of the Society. All honor to the brave women who in faith and courage began this jireat missionary move- ment, and who, trusting not in their own strength or wisdom, but looking to the Divine Spirit for guidance, were enabled to overcome many difficulties and to lay the foundations of the organization broad and deep, as they watched over its interests and bore the burden and heat of the day in the early years of our history. Some of these have heard the Master's voice saying "Come up higher," and have exchanged the earthly service for the heavenly, and some are still with us anc? still giving of their best in ripe experience and wise counsel to the work of the Society. The photof ^^ ^ Sich by the kindness of friends we are able to present in these pages v ized by very many. With the exception of that of Mrs. Jeffrey, who did ,ome a member of the Board until a somewhat later period, they are all portraits of those who may be called the founders of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. It would have been a pleasure to have given more portraits, but the limits of the sketch forbade any enlargement of the number. It will be impossible to relate in detail all the occurrences and interesting points in the quarter century life of our Society. What is omitted will be found in the Reports, a re perusal of which at this time would be both pleasant and profitable. Historical Early in 1876 a notice from the Foreign Mission Committee of the (.'anuda Presbyterian Church (Wcsttrn Division) appeared in the Toronto daily papers calling a meeting of ladies to consider the formation of a woman's society for foreign missions. The first meeting was held on February 17th at which the Rev. Dr. MacLaren and Rev. Dr. i'opp were present and expressed the wisi of th? Committee that such a society be organized on similar lines with existing societies in the American Preshyti-rian Church. A committee, composed of the Rev. Drs. Topp and MacLuren wiiii Mcsdames liwart, King, Macdonnell, Harvie, Gregg, Topp, Reid, .McMurrich, Cameron, Robb, McLellan, Smith and Miss Haight, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. Several pre- liminary meetings were held for this purpose, and on .March 21st the NVoman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in due form, the constitution and by-laws adopted, and the board and officers appointed. The object of the Society, as the Constitution set forth, was to aid the F. M. Committee in the support of its work among heathen women and children, to interest the women and c'^'Ulren of the Churc-h in this \york, and to call forth in a systematic way their prayers and free-will offerings in its behalf. From the beginning the organization and management of the Society has been entirely in its own hands, the executive business being vested in the Board . *■ Management. The Board was at first composed of tliirty-two ladies residing in Toronto. In the third year it was increased to thirty-six, including six non- resident members selected from central points throughout the Society, with the Presidents of Auxiliaries as Vice-Presidents, 'i'his arrangement lasted until the ninth year. From that date the thirty-six were always chosen from those resi- dent in Toronto, Presidents of Auxiliaries and Presbyterial Societies continuing to be Vice Presidents ex-ojfkio. In 1884, Mission Band Presidents were added and became entitled to a scat on the Board. The Board and officers have al- ways been elected at the Annual Meeting of the Society, every member having paid the annual fee of one dollar or the life member's fee of twenty-five dollars being qualified to vote.* The first Nominating Committee was selected in 1883. It was composed of members at different centres, its object being to seek out suitable persons during the year to fill vacancies in the Board of thirty-six. * I,ife members' certificates were first issiiefl in 1SS3, .iiul motto "The World for Christ " was adopted. it was at that time that the Society's 890914 The first monthly meeting was held on the 4th ol April, 1K76, at which fifty women enrolled themselvi's as mi rubers. At the (;eneral Assembly in June the «onstitution was approved and tht- Society rommended to the Church. The organizing of Auxiliaries and Mission liands was the first step taken by the Hoard. Copies of the constitution were sent to pastors in the cities and towns, and in many cases Auxiliaries were formed by ministers in tluir own congregations. The first Auxiliary outside I'oroiUo was organized in this way at I^ncaster t)y the pastor, lit: . Mr. Ross, who did much to promote interest in the movement in that district of country. Rev. Dr. Maclaren orga nized many of the first branches taking opportunity to do so as his duty called him to preach in va teen .Auxiliaries and were formed t h e Much i)ioneer earl) years by Mrs. Harvie and in later was done by Mrs. Jeffrey. The visit- tailed fatigue and those who marked efforts felt amply re- ety never had an offi- from the beginning a controlling influ- the work, and no teresting the indif- "covered. The veiy (juietly. There Mrs. Macl.aren rious |>laces ICigh threeMission liands first year. work was done in .Macljarenand Mrs. years much visiting Shortreed and Mrs. ing of branches en self - sacrifice, but the results of their warded. The Soci- cial organizer, but personal effort was ence in extending better means of in- ferent has yet been work was carried on was no undue pres andAuxiliaries were sure brought to bear nearly always formed with the hearty co-operation of pastors. Many devoted women at different centres did noble service in organi/.mg ^nd in encouraging weak branches. Among the pioneers the names of Mrs. Cordon, Harrington ; Mrs, Blair, Prescott ; .Miss Cameron, Sarn.a ; Mrs. Ball, Vanneck ; Mrs. Smellie, Fergus ; Mrs. Roger, London ; Mrs. Fraser, (llengarry ; Mrs McCrae (iuelph : and iMrs Watt, Winnipeg, a.e well-known to us all ; but in truth from one end of the .Society to the other the women who have done their part faithfully are so great a lost that even to mention their names would occupy all our space. / Kev. Dr. Macl«areti At the first annual meeting held in Knox Church, Toronto, April 17th, 1877, a Presby- terial constitution was adopted. Presbyterial organization was, however, of necessity a grad- ual development following wherever Auxiliaries in sufficient numbers were working within Presbytery bounds. It was not until early in the eighties that Presbyterials Ixjgan to be gen erally formed. Between 1 880 and 1 8yo twenty- five were organized, forming centres of opera- tions covering almost the whole of the Western Division of the Church of that time, dlenboro' and VVestminster in the West, formrd at later dates, complete the present total of twenty- seven I'resbyterials.* The period between 1880 and 1890 wit- nessed a notable expansion of the work. Aux- iliaries and Bands being greatly multiplied mainly through the efficient agency of the Presbyterial Societies ?nd the visits of their Presidents and officers. The Presbyterial Annual Meetings have always been occasions of deep interest, and especially of late years have been most ably conducted, both in regard to business details and other features. Visits of missionaries on furlough have been highly appreciated and an expression of gratitude is due to them for their self-sacrificing labors throughout the Society. Almost every Annual Report refers to the pleasure and stim ulus received from their addresses In the fifteenth year the little band of fifty had j;rown to an approximate total of 15,951. Until quite recently it has not been possibl- to obtain perfectly accurate returns of the numerical strength of the Society ; the tab- .^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ♦ Almost -imultancously with the formation of the General Society, two Presbyterials ^fl^»^°^^ ^r^lral^ytxdT^^SutilnH similar to our own. the fist at Ki«ig?ton and thesecond at Hamilton, ffi eventually united with the W.K.M.S.. Hamilton in 1879, and Kingston in 18«o. ulated forms now in use have however obviated this difficulty to a great extent. The latest returns give the total numl>er of members as ai.ayy. Although these figures seem large, the fact mn i not be concealed tliat by far the larger projwrtion of the women of the Church have not yet seen their way to unite with the Society. While it is certain that our present strength could never have l)eer attained without Presbyterial organization, the isolated Auxiliaries deserve honorable mention. From (Quebec, in the East, to the Paci. (.'oast, we fmd here and there little bands of faithful workers persevering nobly without the stimulus of association with neighbouring societies. Ornistown, organized in 1877, was one of the earliest of these. We have also two Auxiliaries composed of Christian Indian women in the Northwest. The Scattered Helpers, introduced by Mrs. Thorburn, of Ottawa, in i88w have given valuable aid, both in contributions and in interesting many who otherwise would have been preclud- : by force of circumstances from sharing in the work. Many invalids have thus helped by prayer and gifts, and who shall say how large a part such may have had in the results of to-day ? In some cases Scattered Helpers have formed the nucleus of new AuxIMaries. The con- tribution from thisorderof members in the twenty-fifth year amounts to $1,068.58. The plan originally contemplated of having an Auxiliary and a Mission Band in every congregation and all branches within Presbytery bounds grouped together in Presbyterial order, has now at the end of twenty five years to a large extent, at least as regards Auxiliaries, been carried out, and during recent years the energy of workers in the older sections of the Church has been directed principally to strengtheninf le Society in an intelligent knowledge of the work. Improved methods are b g used in many places. (Ireat development in preparing for the monthly meetings may be noted. Programme committees have become qu;it; general. They are materially assisted by the publications of the vl -"ciety, t k ':ia!ly Ford^^n Mission- ary Tidings, where full information regarding ..r own Missions may always be found. Systematic Bible study has also become a marked feature. Circulating libraries have been formed in a few places. The first of these were reported from the London and Chatham Presbyterials in 1887. Thank-offering meetings begun in 1885 and now held annually almost everywhere, have always been looked forward to as the central point of interest of the year. These have been an untold blessing, not so much from the amount of the offerings, though that has been large, as in the quickening of spiritual life. 5 For the same reason mention must be made of the foremost place given to prayer. The Sabbath evening union of prayer in which every member is expected to join is at the same hour with sister societies in the United States, f om five to six o'clock on Sabbath evening. Very early in the history of the Society members were enjoined to bear this in mind. Subjects for prayer were first sent out to Auxiliaries in 1879, and the Prayer Card, a copy of which every member is entitled to have, was first printed in 1882. A day of special prayer was first observed in January, 1892. No part of the work has given more encouragement and at the same time more concern than the Mission Bands. While we rejoice in having to record at the present date 315 of these nurseries of our Society, it would not be right to shut our eyes to the fact that the number of Bands relatively to the number of Auxiliaries, is far short of what it ought to be at the end of twenty-five years The latest returns show the Auxiliaries to be more than twice as many in number and their membership almost twice as many as the Bands. Are the children being neglected ? Here is a question which it will be necessary to face resolutely, for if this link in the chain be not strengthened we know full well what will be the fatal result. Indeed, it must be confessed that the keeping up of this part of he work has been more or less of a problem ever since the beginning, and the solution is not yet reached. It would seem that almost everything depends under the divine .blessing upon suitable leaders. Good results have been obtained where the meetings have been conducted on lines similar to Sabbath-schools. Following this plan with an efficient leader and a good staff of assistants the children have been thoroughly trained in missionary knowledge, and at the same time directed in useful handiwork for schools, hospitals or other proper objects. Miss Ferrier, of Caledonia, did much by way of interesting and instructing the Bands in her series of Mission Studies on our own Church's fields which were published in the Letter Leaflet from 1890 to 1894. During the meeting of the World's Council of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches in Toronto, September, 1892, a Woman's Missionary Conference was held, the outcome of which was the forming of the International Union of Women's Foreign Missionary Societies. The Canadian W.F.M.S. forms a part of this Alliance and was represented by delegates at the meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1896, and in Washington in 1899. Publications From the beginning prominence was given to the circulation of missionary inteUigence. At first letters from missionaries were copied by hand and sent out, and in the second year duplicates were reproduced by members ot the Society in Toronto and a copy sent to each Auxiliary secretary, to be read at the monthly meetings. These letters were a most effective means of arousing interest. To the majority who heard them their contents were nothing less than a revelation, so little was then generally known of the condition of heathen women. The Monthly Let- ed under that name was 1 2 cents per year, ced until 1899 when it The subscription list the presidents, secre for some time receiving but it was not long till sessing it for their own members, and in 1887 reached 1,500 In July, changed to Foreis^n and the form enlarged ed, and again in 1899 larged and improved very neat and attrac- a subscription list of tor was Mrs.Campbell, Mrs. Kwart ter Leaflet first appear- in 1884. The price which was not advan- was raised to 1 5 cents, was very small at first, taries and life members the Letter Leaflet free, the advantage of pos- began to be felt by the circulation had 1897, the title was Missionary Tidifi,i^s, and otherwise improv- it was still further en- until it now presents a tive appearance, with ifi,4o6. The first edi- who was then Home Secretary. When Mrs. Campbell became Secretary of Supplies the Letter Leaflet was given in charge to Mrs. G. H. Robinson, then Recording Secretary, who edited it for nine vears, and was succeeded by Mrs. MacGillivray in 1898. The Society is indebted to the missionaries for their unfailing faithfulnessi in writing for the Lettsr Leaflet often under difficulties and fatigues of which we can form but a dim idea. Letters from missionaries of the Eastern Division have also added a large measure of interest. The circulation of leaflets and pamphlets bearing upon the aims and meth- ods of the Society and others serving to quicken missionary interest has been a most important feature of the publication department. Some of these have been sent out free in large quantities, but for the majority of them a small charge has been made. These leaflets have been either specially prepared or carefully selected, the right to reprint many having been kindly granted by sister societies and other friends. In 1 88 1 Thankoffering Leaflets were first issued, and so great has been the demand for them that for years past many thousands have been sold annually and widely distributed. Mrs Telfer was appointed in 1884 to take charge of a part of the publications, Mrs. Campbell retaining the Letter Leaflet. In 1886 the business management of the Letter Leaflet also was placed in Mrs. Telfer's hands. In that year $125 was voted to extend her work. This sum was repaid to the general fund from profits of sales in 1891. Mrs. Telfer filled the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Publications until 1900 when the work becoming too heavy the department was divided with a stock on hand of the value of $250. The literature, including leaflets, pamphlets, maps, envelopes and mite boxes, was then given to a new secretary, Mrs. Donald, Mrs. Telfer continuing to be business manager of Foreign Missiouary I idings. The following statement will convey some idea of what Mrs. Telfer's labors have been : Total Letter Leaflets, Foreign Missionary Tidings, and other leaflets issued since 1881, 2,348,557. Cash received from sales of literature and F. M. Tidings since the work was placed in Mrs. Telfer's hands, $17,943.52. * Cash handed over to general fund from profits on sales $4,854.16. The contribution envelopes and mite boxes came into use in 1884 and much might be said of their helpfulness in promoting systematic giving. The Thank-offering envelopes going out with their accompanying leaflets have gathered in many precious offerings great and small . Maps of all our fields, at the lowest possible cost, are now being issued, so that we may no longer complain of the want of an adequate supply. . Contributions For several years the contributions were handed over to the Agent of the Church to be expended by the F.M. Committee on the objects for which the Society was organized, without receiving from the Committee any detailed estimates or statement of expenditure. In the ninth year an estimate was given to the Board, but it was not until the twelfth year that the expenditure appeared in detail in the Annual Report Estimates for the coming year, with a table of 8 Hums expenditure, were first published in the Letter Leaflet of January, 1884, and such estimates have been sent out every year since that time. It is not an unreasonable conclusion that the very marked increase in contri- butions in the years immediately fol- lowing 18^)4-5 was owing in part at least to this action in taking the Society into the confidence of the Board. Besides meeting regular estimates a contribution was made for several years for teaching purposes in the New Hebrides and Trinidad through the Eastern Division. In 1897-8 the sum of $1,368.00 which had been ra'sed by small offer- ings as a memorial fund commemor- ating the twenty-first year of the Society's existence was presented to the F.M. Committee to assist in the general foreign work. In 1900 about $8,000.00 passed through the hands of our treasurer from members of the W.F.M.S. in aid of the famine in India. In the first year of its existence the Society raised $1,000.00 which was handed over to the Committee to be used in part payment of the sal- aries of the two ladies already employed in India. In the twenty-fifth year, the Society's contri- butions amount to $45,000 52, supporting approx- imately 53 workers with their assistants at 38 sta- tions in the several fields The total givings of the Society in twenty- five years amount as nearly as can be computed to $631,000, a sum which represents, we may safely say, much self-denial and consecration of purpose. Mrs. KiiiK The Foreign Work and Workers The VV.F.M S. is distinctly limited in its powers in regard to the foreign work, being by its constitution auxiliary to the Foreign Mission Committee which governs all appointments and salaries and regulates all affairs in the fields. In 1891, however, the F.M. Committee proposed that applications of women for foreign service be sent through the Woman's Board, and to meet this change a manual for the use of women offering for foreign mission work and for missionaries was prepared. The support of missions for women and children has been undertaken by the W.F.M.S. in Malwa, Central India ; Honan, China ; Formosa, Japan ; and among the Indians of the Canadian Northwest and British Columbia. Besides the salaries of workers in these fields, travelling expenses and furlough allowances, schools, hospitals and other buildings with requisite appoint- ments, including necessary dwelling houses furnished in part, are provided. India We will now go back to the year 187 1. In that yeai three young ladies offered themselves to the F M. Committee. Two, the Misses Rodger and Fairweather, were accepted, but the health of the third. Miss Patton. did not permit of her being sent to the foreign field. After a period of training the two ladies were sent in 1873 to labor under the American Presbyterian Church at Futtegurgh, India, the Canadian Church guaranteeing their support. In 1876 the Rev. J. M. Douglas, the first missionary of the Canadian Church to India, was sent out. He arrived at Indore in January, 1877, and the Misses Rodger and Fairweather soon after joined him there. In the autumn of 1877. Miss Forrester, of Halifax, and Miss McGregor, Brockville, vent out with Mrs. Douglas. Miss Forrester afterwards became the wife of Rev. J. Fraser Campbell. Miss fairweather was permitted to return to Canada in 1879 and ultimately retired from the staff. Miss McOregor also retired in 1888. Miss Rodger labored faithfully for eighteen years, wnen she tendered her resignation in 1891 to the great regret of the F,M. Committee and the W.F.M.S. MEDICAL WORK Medical work for women was begun in 1884 when Dr. Elizabeth Beatty was sent out. Two years later her hands were strengthened by the arrival of Dr. Marion Oliver. They made their headquarters at Indore where they carried on 10 the work under many dti!iculties until 1891, when the NVoman's Hospital was opened, which has proved to be a priceless boon to the na- tive women. Dr Beatty, overworked in mind and body, was forced to return home in the same year to the great loss of the work and the deep regret of the Society, and has never been able to return to India. Dr. Oliver, we are glad to state, is still on the staff, and is now our senior missionary \n India, having completed fifteen years of service. The medical staff was in- • reased in October, 1890, by the addition of l)r. Margaret McKellar and Dr. W. Grant Kraser ; in 1891 by Dr. Margaret O'Hara ; in 1892 by Dr. Agnes Turnbull ; in 1900 l)y Dr Susanna McCalla,* and in 1901 by Dr. Margaret Wallace, of the Honan Mission. Miss Harriet Thomson, a trained nurse, went out in 1895, and has rendered most useful service in the Indore Hospital. Dr. W. Grant Fraser retired at the end of her first term, and Dr. Turnbull came home on furlough in 1899, much out of health but hoping yet to return to India. Dispensary work had been carried on for some years at Dhar by Dr. O'Hara, and in 1898 a hospital was opened at that station. At Neemuch, alsi), under Drs. McKellar and Turnbull. medical work has become so large that a small hospital has been opened there. A nurses' training class was opened last year in connection with the Indore Hospital. Mr.s. Macdunii«U SCHOOLS Prominence has been given to education in all our missions, the gathering in and instruction of children being rightly regarded as the most important and hopeful element in the work. In this department we have at Indore the (iirlr Boarding School completed in 1892. The school had been re-opened in rented quarters in July, 1890, at Neemuch under the principalship of Miss Harris, sent out in 1889. Previous to that time, it had been under the care of Miss Rodger at Indore. Miss Harris was in every way especially qualified for * Dr. McCalKn is .supported by the Montreal Woman's Missionary Society. 11 the work, and was looking forward to years of happy usefulness when her health failed. A sea voyage being recommended she sailed for England accompanied by Dr. McKellar, but passed away shortly after reaching London, in February, 1892. Miss Sinclair, who was appointed to succeed her, is still in charge. The Boarding School by latest reports has an average attendance of 100 pupils. There are also at Indore three vernacular schools and one camp school, which for some time have been under the care of Miss White and Miss Grier. Miss Ploteroy, ivho had been engaged in the Indore work, has just returned to India from furlojgh. Provision was made for normal classes in Indore College, in which Misses White, Chase and Plotemy, assisted for some time. Neemuch has five schools and an or- phanage with 165 children, under Miss Camp bell and her assistants. Miss Duncan, who has just returned to India to enter upon a second term of service, belongs to the Nee- much staff. At Mhow there are two village schools under the care of Miss Weir. Ujjain — three Mohullah schools and a school for the blind taught by Miss Jamieson, assisted by Miss Goodfellow. Dhar — one regular school under Dr. O'Hara. These statistics must be regarded as only approximate. The missionaries have been too busy with the famine to make full reports, and the educational work has during the past year been to a great extent merged in the famine relief. Mrs. Alexander (MissTopp) EVANGELISTIC WORK Evangelistic work for women and children is carried on side by side with education at all the stations. Zenana visiting has been undertaken wherever possible^ throughout the whole history of the mission. Sunday schools are in ope ition in connection with each of the day schools. The terrible famine of 1899-igoo, though it checked for a time some of the 12 ordinary branches of mission work, on the other hand brought with it marvellous oppor- tunities of reaching the people, both in re- lieving their bodily hunger and in preaching the gospel, thousands being fed daily and at the same time taught the great truths of Christianity. The greatest benefit which the famine brought was undoubtedly in the rescue of children. This work entailed a most severe strain of anxiety and responsibility upon all our missionaries, while those who undertook the care of orphans had a still heavier burden when cholera and small- pox spread among them. Besides the missionaries to India al- ready named may be mentioned Miss Ross Mrs. Harvie appointed 1 883 and retired in 1898 after two terms of faithful service ; Miss Scott, who went out with Miss Sinclair in i^Sg, and returned after a stay of two years ; Miss McWilliams, 1 891- 1893, returned in ill-healtn ; Miss Leyden, 1896- 1900, retired from staff; Miss Chase, three years, 1895-1898, sick leave, withdrawn for the present ; Miss Dougan, 1893, returned in i".l-health 1897 and eventually retired; Miss Calder, 1892, served one term and retired; Miss Mackay, M.I)., was sent to India by the W. F. M. S. in 1888, but was married to Dr. Buchanan on her arrival. Formosa A substantial building for the girls' school was erected by the V. K. M. S. at Tamsui in >">83, and provision according to estimate has been ade every year since thai date for woman's work in the mission. Honan In 1888 a Mission to Honan, North China, was undertaken by our Church. The first lady designated to this field was Miss H. B. Sutherland, a trained nurse, who, however, did not enter upon our work, but was married to the Rev. Dr. Hunter Corbett, of Chefoo, in the following year. Miss Mcintosh and «3 Miss Graham, trained nurses, went out in 1889, but the health of Miss Graham giving way she returned to Canada in 1871. Her place was taketi by her sister, I)r. Lucinda Graham, in 1892, who died suddenly at Chefoo ir 1894 after two years of devoted service. It was not long till a volunteer for the vacant plan; offered, in the person of Dr. Jean Dow,* who was appointed and sent forth in 1895. In 1896 the staff was still further strengthened by the addition of the Misses Pyke and Robb. The latter shortly after became the wife of Dr. Menzies. In response to an urgent request for another medical lady Dr Mar- garet Wallace was appointed and joined the staff in 1898 A permanent entrance into Honan was not effected till September, 1891, three years and six rtfonths after the arrival of the first Canadian missionaries, when premises were at length secured at Chu Wang and Hsin Cheng. Work among the women gained a foothold slowly but surely. An interruption took place in 1894-5 through the war with Japan and other circumstances. In the follow- ing year an important station was opened at Chan;^ te Fu, and mission work among women and children began to open up in a wonderful way. .Station classes. Sabbath Bible classes, training classes for workers, and visiting among the villages have been the chief means employed The Report for 1898-9 states that eight women had been baptized and eleven were under probation. Two of the Bible women, Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Wu, women of strong Christian character and helpfulness, were a great comfort and assistance in the work. A most promising beginning had been made when the Boxer movement broke out in June, 1900, and our missionaries were obliged to flee for their lives The ter- rible hardship and peril of their journey of two weeks through a hostile country with their wonderful and almost miraculous escape cannot be set down in detail here. It is a thrilling story, and to have heard it from the lips of those who passed through the awful experiences of that time has been a means of strength- ening our faith in God and deepening our desire and prayers f v the salvation of the people of China. The unswerving faith of the converts on whom cruel persecutions fell has been a cause of devout thankfulness and hope for the future of the Church in Honan. * The salary of Dr. Dow is provided by the Montreal W'oinan's Missionary Society. 14 North-West Indians In 1878 letters from Mrs. Bryce, of Winnipeg, awakened the si)ecial interest of the Hoard in the Church's work for the Indians in the Noithwust. When the Rebellion broke out in which our Christian Indians were conspicuous for their loyalty our interest was intensified, and within a short time aid was given to the schools at Okanase, Sioux Reserve, Bird Tail Creek Mistawasis and Prince Albert. Want of clothing and the severity of the climate being mentioned as the chief causes for non-attendance at schools, an appeal for help was made in 1884 which was liberally met by the Auxiliaries, and every year since that date has seen large (|uantities of new and second-hand clothini^ and quilts forwarded from every part of the Society for the children in the schools and for the aged and infirm on the Reserves. So great a work did this grow to be that a special secretary was appointed to take charge of the correspondence and shipping. Mrs. Campbell was the first Supply Secre- tary, and was succeeded by Mrs. Jeffrey in ' ^'' *^ ^^^ 1890. Under the management of each of these secretaries the work became gradually systematized and controlled. There has now been for several years u regular plan of allotting supplies to each Presbyterial according to recjuests received from the various schools and reserves, the tjuantities given away diminishing year by year as the Indians improve in self reliance and ability to earn. The supply work has been an unspeakable benefit to the Indians and a great encouragement to the missionaries as well as a means of blessing to the dcdors. An acknowledgment may be made here of the kindness of the Canadian Pacific Railway which for three years granted half-rates of freight on our bales since then the Indian Department at Ottawa has continued to grant a re fund of freight on clothing for which \vc arc most grateful. The progress made in every part of the work among the Indians is very apparent and satisfactory. In the older Reserves the changed conditions an- 15 most encouraging. Twenty-one missions are now in operation. A new school in process of erection at Lake of the Woods will be named " The Cecilia Jeffrey School " in honor of our late lamented Secretary, who had the establishment of work at that point deeply at heart. The Society supports six Boarding Schools in the Northwest and British Columbia with an attendance of about 300 children, the Government aiding in t' .. maintenanee of the children of Treaty In lans. The Boarding Schools are ' uited at Crowstand, Birtle, Portage la Prairie, File Hills, Round Lake and at Alberni, B.C Day Schools are also maintained at Okanase, Mistawasii, Makoce Waste; and at Ahoushat, Ucluelet, Dodger's Cove, British Columbia. We also assist in clothing the children at the Regina Industrial School. Woman's work for the Chinese in Victoria, B.C., was begun in 1900. Miss Carrie Gunn, a graduate of the Ewart I'raining Home, is our first missionary there. Ewart Missionary Training Home The importance of special preparation for missionary work in the line of biblical and theological instruction was recognized when the first ladies were sent to the foreign field, for whom a course of suitable tuition was provided. Classes foi- young women in theological subjects .. ire formed in Toronto about that time under the auspices of professors in Knox College, and continued to be held for four years A revival of the ide- of providing training for applicants appeared in the fifteenth year of our history in the form of a resolution, and from that time forward was bt fore the Society in different aspects for six years. At length, in September, 1897, the Ewart Missionary Training Home was opened, its name being bestowed in loving memory of our late President, who had been deeply interested in the Home, and had taken a leading part in its inception. The Foreign Mission Committee vere also in full concurrence with the Society in its establishment and appointed three of its members to act with representatives of the W. F. M. S. Board .. joint committee of management. In agreement with the wish of the Foreign ...ission Committee, the constitution was framed to admit not only those who looked forward to foreign mission work but aU > stuaents who might wish to fit themselves for any form of Christian usefulness either at home or abroad. 16 The Home is as yet in its infancy, but it is felt that it has accomplished excellent work and that it is a necessary and important part of the organization. The first superintendent was Mrs. Anna Ross, who occupied the position for two years, and was succeeded by Mrs. E. Livingston. Able instructors form the lecturing staff, and the course of study is liberal and thorough. Opportunity is also given of engaging in city mission work and nursing of the sick poor. The Home is supported from the funds ,. the Society an \ fees (mm students' board. Fifteen students have resided in the Home for longer or shorter puritKis since its beginning. Of these, four have completed the two years' course of study and training and have received diplomas ; eight are engaged in mission work, seven under the Foreign Mission Committee of our Church, and one employed as a Bible woman in a large city congregation. A number o( non-resident students have attended the lectures each year. Ofricers Not least among *he factors in the success of '.he VV. F. M. S was the wise selection of its early officers. We were specially favored at the beginning in having the management .n the hands of deeply devoted women of marked business ability and strong Christian character, the value of whose services cannot be easily over estimated. The Society has had but three Presi- dents. The first was Mrs. Macl^ren, who held the office for five years, and who was a guiding spirit in a time which demanded much wisdom and tact as well as faith and patience. The state of her health necessi- tating her retirement at the end of that time, she was succeeded by Mrs. Thomas Ewart, who also had held office f^om the first. Mrs. Ewart was President for six- teen years. She gave all her powers with unreserved devotion and unflagging energy to the work, showing a mastery of every department to the minutest detail, and Rev. Dr. Reid 17 ruling with firmness tempered with love through years, when at times there was much to try the patience and lest the wisdom of those in office. When Mrs. Ewart, full of years and working actively till almost the very end of her life, was gathered home in May, 1897, Mrs. Macl^ren was again called to l)e President and for two years guided the deliberations of the Board, but her physical strength not being equal to the strain she was obliged to retire from the office to the re ^ret of all at the close of 1899, when Mrs. Shortreed was elected I'resider.t. Another early oificer to whom the Society owes much was Mrs. MacMurchy, lor eleven years Recording Secretary,* one ye.""" first Vice-President and one year and a half Foreign Secretary. Dunng those thirteen years her faithfulness to duty and loveliness of character, no less than her high mental gifts, endeared her to those associated with her. A grateful tribute is also due to Miss Topp (now Mrs. Alexander), the first Hotiie Secretary, who gave eight years of youthful zeal and diligence to the work. Her re|)orts give evidence of great breadth of view and clearness of vision as to the aims and future place of the Society. Of her successor, Mrs. Hugh Campbell, who held the office for five years, we are forbidden to speak in terms of appreciation such as she deserves. The W. V. M S. knows Mr. Campbell well, and she will ever hold a warm place in their affectionate e,iatitude. 1 robably all do not know how she labored above measure from the year 1884 till 1899, the work expanding rapidly during that time and largely increasing her duties year by year, until at length it became necessary to divide the work into four departments with a secretary for each. She was followed by Mrs. Shortreed, who gave eight years to the Home department, and whose labors bore fruit in much enlargement and development of the Society. In 1897 Mrs. Orant l)ecane Home Secretary, and proved herself a worthy successor in the line of business ability and i)ersonal interest in all he branches. Mrs. Harvie's name and work need only to be mentioned to luring before us her great zeal and her earnest, untiring labors. She served the Society as Foreign Secretary for nineteen years, a period whicu was divided into two terms owing to her temporary retirement from ill health. Mrs. MacMurchy was elected in 1889 and continued in office till the following year when she was taken from us. When Mrs. Harvie withdrew to take up another importan. branch 01 * It is a inattir of sincere reRtet that no good photoRraph of Mrs. MacMurchy is in existence, hence the absence of one anions; those which appear in these pages. IS philanthropic work in i8tj6, Mrs, Shortreed was chosen to take her place and held the othce Tor three years. In 1K99 Mrs Hell was appointed and is our present Foreign Secretary. We have had four Treasurers, the first ol whom was Mrs. King, wife of the late Principal King. Mrs Kini; held a very high place in the regard of her fellow- workers, both as an efficient officer and a loved fricntl,' aner, 1900, Mrs. Jeffrey was called home at the close of fifteen years of faithful service as a member and officer of the Board. She was Supply Secretary from 1890 till 1896, at which date the work of the secretaries was re-arranged, and XIrs. Jeffrey was appointed Secretary of the whole of the Indian work in the Nortliwest and British Columbia, including the management of supplies. She performed the duties o*" this office, it might almost be said, till the day of her death with energy and earnestness beyond praise. Her knowledge of the work was wide and accu- rate, her sympathy with the missionaries sincere and strong, and her liusiness capacity remarkable. Her visits to the schools and re.^erves, in the first instance in company w'th Mts. Harvie, were a means of blessing in encouraging the lonely workers in distant places, in bringing tht*m into cl()> • personal relation with the Board and in awakening interest in the Indian- throughout the Society. Of the other officers who have faithfully served the Society as secretaries or vice-presidents during the past twenty-five years, it will be impossible to speak at length, but there is one who cannot be passed by without special notice. Readers will easily guess that Mrs. Telft " is that one. In our review of the Publication de|>artment some statements are made which may convey an idea at least of the magnitude of her labor. Of her energy, accuracy, discrimination and zeal for the Lord's cause we may not speak as we would desire, but the W.F. M.S. at large ought to know the fact that the work done by Mrs. Telfer represents a very consideral)!e amount of money saved for the Society, both in the expense of management and in the sums handed over to the General Treasury every year from profits of sales 19 Let it not for one moment be thought that because special reference is made here to officers and members of the Board we forget the many hundreds of officers throughout the Society who have done their part with equal faithful- ness and often under far greater difficulties. Let the fact once more be emphasized that the great work has been done in the Auxiliaries. In some of these there' have been women continuously in office since 1876. Ladies of fourscore are working as presidents, and one of over ninety has been presiding over an Auxiliary for several years The name of the Rev. Wm. Reid, D.D., for twenty years auditor of our Society, deserves an honored place in this history. Br. Reid was a true friend to the W.F xVI.S., and his advice and assistance were most valuable. His work as auditor was ever cheerfully given, although of necessity always coming upon him at his busiest season. . • t-* The thanks of the Society are due also to Rev. Dr. Warden, who since Dr. Reid's death has kindly audited our boo^is. The conveners of the F. M. Committee, Rev. Dr. MacLaren, Rev. Dr. Wardrope, Mr. Hamilton Cassels, Rev. Dr. Moore and the Foreign Mission Secretary, Rev. Dr. R. P. Mackay, have all taken a deep interest in the aims and objects of the Society, and have from time to time given us valuable coun- sel which we gratefully remember. There are other dear friends who were with us on the Board in the earliest years and who we cannot but feel are with us in spirit to-day though gone for- ever from our mortal sight, .^mong these we chensh the memory of Mrs. Mac- donnell, whose pen and voice did much for the work ; Mrs. Dr. Burns, Mrs. Camera n, Mrs McMurrich, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Milligan, Mrs. Gilray, Mrs. Gal- braith, Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Topp. and Mrs. Kirkland. All these, departed in the faith, their task completed, their victory won; they are at rest in Jesus, and ere long we too shall follow them and others will take our places, but we rejoice to know that the Lord's work will not cease till His Kingdom is established in the earth. 20