MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES
AMONG THE
Women of the Pittsburg
Conference Branch
—ii—
CONTRIBUTED BY
MRS. ISABELLE TANNER TEMPLE
MRS. ELLA H. BROOKS
MRS. L. V. JONES
MRS. M. L. C. NORRIS
DEDICATED TO THE
SPECIAL EFFORT DEPARTMENT OF THE W. M. M. SOCIETY
OF THE PITTSBURG CONFERENCE
MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES
AIVIUINU 1 HL
Women of the Pittsburg
Conference Branch
CONTRIBUTED BY
MRS. IS/^ELLE TANNER TEMPLE
MRS. ELLA H. BROOKS
MRS. L. V. JONES
MRS. M. L. C. NORRIS
DEDICATED TO THE
SPECIAL EFFORT DEPARTMENT OF THE W. M. M. SOCIETY
OF THE PITTSBURG CONFERENCE
PREFACE
The purpose of this work is to give the members of the Pittsburg
Conference Branch some information of the origin and accomplishments
of the women composing the Women's Mite Missionary Society during
the twenty-two years of its existence and to keep alive the memory of
those precious workers who helped to make this Conference Branch
a success and who have gone to receive the reward of their labors;
those "whose hands drop off, but whose work goes on."
HISTORY
The history of the Pittsburg Conference Branch dates from the
convention of the Third Episcopal District of the Women's Mite Mis¬
sionary Society, comprising the Ohio, North Ohio, and Pittsburg Con¬
ferences. This convention convened at Dayton, Ohio, 1896, at which
time the above named conferences were divided into conferencei
branches, in compliance with the law of the General Conference in
May, 1896. It was, therefore, at the rise of this convention, that the
Pittsburg Conference Branch of the W. M. M. Society was launched
with the following officers in charge:
President, Mrs. Georgia Johnson; 1st Vice President, Mrs. I. N.
Ross; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. J. W. Batch; 3rd Vice President, Mrs.
D. S. Bently; Recording Secretary, Mrs. M. B. Richards; Asst. Secre¬
tary, Mrs. Mary Fields; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Agnes Vactor;
Treasurer, Mrs. Lida Loury. Executive Board, Mrs. Ennie Queen, Mrs.
Carrie Lucas, Mrs. D. B. Scott, Mrs. C. Brown, Mrs. Hattie Solomon,
Mrs. B. Henderson, Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge. Lecturer, Mrs. Rebecca
Aldridge.
CONVENTIONS
FIRST CONVENTION
The first convention of the Women's Mite Missionary Society of
the Pittsburg Conference E'.ranch was held at Williamsport, Pa., the
first week m July of the year 1897, Rev. D. F. Caliman, Pastor. This
annual meeting brought together a number of interested workers and
visitors, among whom were Bishop Lee and wife, Miss Wilmer, of
Philadelphia; Miss Charlotte Monye, Presiding Elder W. H. Brown,
Rev. C. Asbury, Revs. Gazaway, Jeffries, Sampson and Caliman.
Good music, well prepared papers and addresses made the convention
interesting and profitable to all.
The following is a statement of the work for the year: Number
of members, 509; number of societies reporting, 24; number of repre¬
sentatives, 47; amount sent to Conference Treasurer, $252.77; amount
sent to General Treasurer, $141.27; amount raised on the quilt, $101.01;
amount raised for contingent, $65.56. Total amount, $564.61.
Resolutions pledging the members to renewed and more persistent
efforts for the cause of missions were unanimously adopted at this
convention. The president, Mrs. Georgia Johnson, delivered a very
appropriate address, full of timely suggestions, respecting the grand
work before us. A very creditable feature of missionary endeavor was
reported at this convention by Mrs. J. W. Batch, in the character of
two beautiful quilts. In the center of one of these was a handsomely
decorated square upon which was inscribed the name of Bishop Daniel
A. Payne, the worthy and revered founder of the Women's Mite Mis^
sionary Society of the Third Episcopal District of the A. M. E. Church,
July 3rd, 1893, at Columbus, Ohio. It contained also a square in honor
of Bishop Arnett and a large list of names of preachers and members
of the society. For each name inscribed the sum of ten cents was paid.
The other quilt consisted of large beautiful squares upon which was
inscribed the names of different secret societies from which a creditable
sum was received; also some Sunday Schools were represented in this
quilt. The society raised from these quiltsi,$156.00.
The following are the names of the officers elected at this con¬
vention: President, Mrs. Violo Caliman; 1st Vice President, Mrs,
Miller; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Hattie Solomon; 3rd Vice President,
Mrs. Mary Blue; Secretary, Miss Osie Watson; Asst. Secretary, Miss
A. Walls; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Agnes Vactor; Treasurer,
Mrs. Lida Loury; Lecturer, Mrs. J. W. Batch.
SECOND CONVENTION
The Second Annual Convention of the Pittsburg Conference Branch
of the W. M. M. Society was held July, 1898, at Uniontown, Pa. Greet¬
ings, fraternal and co-operative, were exchanged between our conven¬
tion and the North Ohio Branch, in convention at the same time at
Youngstown, Ohio. A resolution was adopted by the convention that
75 per cent of its parent money be appropriated for the purpose of
erecting and maintaining a college in South Africa.
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The following shows the relative strength of the work at the close
of the second year: Number of members, 723; number of societies
reported, 32; number of representatives, 53. Amount sent to Confer¬
ence Treasurer, $398.87; amount sent to Parent Treasurer, $142.28;
amount raised for contingent, $84.69. Total, $626.16.
The following is the list of officers elected at this convention for
the ensuing year: President, Mrs. Violo Caliman; 1st Vice President,
Mrs. B. Jeffries; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Gay McGee; 3rd Vice Presi¬
dent, Mrs. Mary Stevenson; Secretary, Mrs. Martha Sampson; Asst.
Secretary, Miss Rose Jackson; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Lillian
Dock; Treasurer, Mrs. Lida Loury; Lecturer, Mrs. Sadie Bentley.
These officers were duly installed by the Rev. D. F. Caliman, Presid¬
ing Elder of that district.
THIRD CONVENTION
The Third Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the Pitts¬
burg Conference Branch was held in Wheeling, W. Va., from July 6th
to 9th, 1899. Rev. R. H. Bumry, Pastor. The inspiration received at
the annual meetings previously mentioned seemed to possess the offi¬
cers and members with every increasing moment, and thus the work
at the beginning of the year, started off with a full tide of missionary
fervor. A special column in the "District Circular having been pre¬
viously arranged for the Voice of Missions," printed circular letters,
having been distributed at different periods of the year, and our worthy
Lecturer, Mrs. Sadie Bentley, together with her valiant assistant, Mrs.
J. W. Batch, who having been appointed because of the former's dis¬
ability. All these were the principal agents at work. The delegates to
the Electoral College to choose representatives to the Parent Conven¬
tion were Mrs. Lida A. Loury, Mrs. Grace P. Offer, Mrs. Violo Caliman,
Mrs. Lillian Dorkins and Mrs. R. H. Bumry.
Number of members, 876; number of societies reporting, 38; num¬
ber of representatives, 60. Amount sent to District Treasurer, $456.89;
amount sent to Parent Treasurer, $244.24; amount raised for con¬
tingent, $82.00. Total from all sources, $913.09. Number of member^
at the time of division, 262; increase in three years, 614. Amount
sent to District Treasurer in three years, $1,278.70. Amount set to
Parent Treasurer in three years, $528.09. Amount raised for con¬
tingents in three years, $236.15. Grand total, $2,042.94.
The officers elected for the ensuing year are as follows: President,
Mrs. J. W. Batch; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown; 2nd Vice
President, Mrs. Lizzie West; 3rd Vice President, Mrs. Lydia Loury;
Treasurer, Mrs. Lydia Loury; Secretary, Miss M. Levada Carter; Asst.
Secretary, Miss Libbie Skinner; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Lillian
Dorkins; Lecturer, Mrs. Grace Offer.
The blessings and success which have come to us during the last
three years shall ever be held most dear as manifest tokens of our
Ebenezer "Hitherto the Lord has helped us, Glory!" May the subse¬
quent history of the Pittsburg Conference Branch sparkle with increas¬
ing lustre until its voteries shall be immortalized in the golden regions
of eternal day. Yours for the cause, Mrs. Violo Caliman.
FOURTH CONVENTION
The Fourth Annual Convention of the Pittsburg Conference Branch
of the W. M. M. Society was held at Brown Chapel A. M. E. Church,
Allegheny, Pa., July 5th to 9th, 1900, Rev. R. H. Morris, Pastor. The
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various addresses of the president, secretary, treasurer, officers and
members showed the work to be steadily increasing both numerically
and financially. Special efforts reported at the meeting was the
organization of an Auxiliary in every charge and Selfdenial Banks from
which $107.41 was realized. This convention was highly honored by
the presence of Miss Hallie Q. Brown, of Wilberforce, and Miss Charlotte
Monye, a native African, who was being educated by the Missionary
Society of the Third Episcopal District. Well prepared papers on the
following subjects were read and discussed: "The Missionary as an
Expansionist", by Mrs. Emma Davis, East Elizabeth; "Every Christian
a Missionary", by Miss Eva Chambers, of Canonsburg; "Missionary
Hospitality", Mrs. B. A. Grant; "What Steps Can, we Take to do More
Effectual Work in the Auxiliaries", by Mrs. Violo Caliman.
The following delegates from the Junior M. M. Societies were
present in the persons of Mary Bean, from New Brighton; also Bessie
Jackson, Eva Wheeler and Ola Asbury, from Canonsburg; Florence
Hopper and Quendola Anderson, from Washington, Pa.; Edna Cook and
Alice Brondson, from Brown Chapel, Allegheny, Pa.; Alma Lightfoot,
from Wheeling, W. V.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Presi¬
dent, Mrs. J. W. Batch; 1st Vice President, Mrs. W. H. Brown; 2nd
Vice President, Mrs. R. H. Bumry; 3rd Vice President, Mrs. R. H.
Morris; Recording Secretary, Miss M. Levada Carter; Corresponding
Secretary, Mrs. Lillian Dorkins; Treasurer, Miss Lida Loury; Lec¬
turers—Pittsburg District, Mrs. Grace Offer; Assistant, Mrs. Mary
Smothers; Allegheny District—Mrs. Hattie Soloman; Assistant, Mrs.
J. W. Brun; Wheeling District—Mrs. L. V. Jones; Assistant, Mrs. Jenny
Davis.
Number of societies, 56; amount raised by societies, $524.20;
amount raised for missions, $710.22. Grand total, $1,145.57. Number of
representatives, 44; number of Junior Societies, 9. Total membership,
1,083.
FIFTH CONVENTION
The Fifth Annual Convention of the Pittsburg Conference Branch
of the W. M. M. Society was held at Washington, Pa., July 11th to
14th, 1901, Rev. W. S. Loury, Pastor. The opening of the convention
consisted of the usual appointing of various committees, and reports
of societies. At the reception held in the evening the following
program was rendered: Welcome address in behalf of the district,
Rev. C. A. McGee. Welcome address in behalf of the local societies,
Rev. W. S. Loury. Welcome address in behalf of A. C. C. League, Mr.
A. Cramer. These splendid addresses were responded to by Rev. J. S.
Gazaway. One of the most notable and creditable features of thid
convention was the introduction of the first organizer of Junior Mite
Missionary Societies in the person of Mrs. Lida Loury. At this time
the Washington Junior Society was introduced to the convention and
rendered a splendid program. They were highly congratulated by the
President, Mrs. J. W. Batch. The evening exercises of the second
day's session were saddened by the knowledge that Miss Charlotte
Monye was leaving for her native land. Miss Monye made a pathetic
farewell address in regard to her stay with us but bright in the antici¬
pation of fulfilling her Heavenly Father's command. She expressed
heir sincere thanks to the W. M. M. Society, Pittsburg Conference
Branch, for their kindness rendered in educating, instructing and guid¬
ing her for the past eight years. Mrs. Grace Officer responded for the
conference branch, followed by the President, Mrs. J. W. Batch, Mrs.
5
Lillian Dorkins and others. By request Miss Nellie Bolden, of Wash¬
ington, Pa., sang a beautiful solo entitled, "In the Dark Sudan", after
which Miss Monye sang very sweetly in her native tongue. An offering
was lifted amounting to $30,48. An opportunity was given to all
present to shake hands while Rev. C. P. H'urrington, of Waynesburg,
sang "We Will Shout His Praise in Glory", after which the "Chautauqua
Salute" was given Miss Charlotte Monye.
The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Jennie
B. Bumry; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Gay McGee; 2nd Vice President,
Mrs. M. O. Bell; 3rd Vice President, Mrs. R. H. Morris; Recording
Secretary, Miss Libbie Skinner; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. L.
Carter; Treasurer, Mrs. Lida Loury; Asst. Secretary, Mrs. Rose Catlin;
Lecturers—Pittsburg District, Mrs. G. Offer; Allegheny District, Mrs.
R. Aldridge; Wheeling District, Mrs. J. W. Batch. Executive Board,
Mrs. Violo Caliman, Mrs. Maggie Jenkins, Mrs. Mary E. Jackson.
Number of societies reporting, 39. Grand total raised by auxil¬
iaries, $1,206.09. Grand total from all sources, $1,349.20.
Many instructive addresses and papers were heard and discussed
during the convention, namely, such subjects as "The Use and Abuse of
Conventions", by Mrs. Violo Caliman; "What a Missionary is Able to
do", by Mrs. Lizzie Jackson, Wheeling; "Does the Missionary of today
Express the Mind of Christ", by Mrs. Gay McGee; "Africa's Need of
Christianity", Mrs Jenkins. After installation of officers by Bishop
Arnett, the convention adjourned to meet in Brownsville.
SIXTH CONVENTION
The Sixth Annual Convention of the WT. M. M. Society of the Pitts¬
burg Conference Branch was held at Brownsville, Pa., from July 3rd to
6th, 1902, Rev. Carter Wright, Pastor. It was during the convention
that a Committee on Constitution and By-Laws for the government of
Junior and Senior Missionary Societies was chosen, also that the
missionary conventions hold their sessions during the second week in
July. The convention was highly honored by the presence of Bishop
Arnett. Mrs. J. W. Batch suggested that a special badge or pin for
the Pittsburg Conference Branch of the W. M. M. Society be made and
worn by the members. The President, Mrs. Jenny Bumry, offered some
very good recommendations and advice in her annual address, among
thgm being "Our Meetings and What they Should Accomplish", "The
Foreign Fields Work", "The Work of Missions" and "The Work of our
Conventions."
Elections resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Jenny Bumry; 1st
Vice President, Mrs. Gay McGee; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. L. V.
Jones; 3rd Vice President, M. L. Brown; Recording Secretary, Miss
Libbie Skinner; Asst. Secretary, Miss Emma Chambers; Corresponding
Secretary, Miss M. L. Carter; Treasurer, Miss Lida Loury; Executive
Board, Mrs. Dora West, Mrs. Viola Caliman, Miss M. E. Jackson, Mrs.
Maggie Jenkins, Mrs. Emma Morris.
Number of delegates, 36. Total receipts, $1,313.60.
SEVENTH CONVENTION
The Seventh Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Bellefonte, Pa., from July
9th to 12th, 1903, Rev. T. J. Askew, Pastor. The reports of the Treas¬
urer, Secretaries and Lecturers and the well prepared addresses of the
President and members showed the work of missions to be on the
6
increase. The usual appointing of the various committees and reports
of the societies was taken up the first day. The officers, members and
delegates were tendered a delightful reception by the local society,
given at the Brush Arcade. Cordial invitations were extended by the
pastors and congregations of Bellefonte to use their churches at
specified periods. The following churches were used for special meet¬
ings: Methodist, Baptist and United Brethren. Well prepared papers
on the following subjects were read and discussed: "How to Increase
an Interest Among the General Membership of our Local Churches in
the W. M. M. Work", by Mrs. Blanche Gilmore, Homestead; "Mission¬
ary Force Through the Pulpit", by Mrs. W. B. Anderson; "What the A.
M. E. Church is Doing for Africa, Compared with Other Churches", by
Mrs, Virginia Sluby. The Children's Hour was conducted by Miss
Florence Jackson and Mrs. Katherine Green, of Bellefonte. Brief talks!
to the children by Miss Libbie Skinner, Miss Sadie Jackson, Mrs. Batch,
Mrs. Offer and Mrs. Streets. Instruction to the Lecturers was given
by the President. The sum of $50.00 was appropriated to the Payne
Theological Seminary. Mrs. Violo Caliman was elected delegate to
represent the Pittsburg Conference Branch at the District Quadrennial
Meeting to be held in Newark. The President, Mrs. Jenny Bumry, in
jher address to the convention, made special mention of the need and
encouragement to the Junior Societies and that every church should
have a young people's organization. In well chosen words Mrs. Lillian
Dorkins, of Allegheny, responded to the President's address. After the
installation of officers by Bishop Arnett, the convention adjourned to
meet in Canonsburg. During Bishop Arnett's administration the W. M.
M. Society of the Pittsburg Conference Branch raised $5,176.94.
Amount of money received during the year, $1,423.86. Number of rep¬
resentatives being 37, and number of Junior Societies, 9.
The officers are: President, Mrs. Jenny Bumry; 1st Vice President,
Mrs. Grace Offer; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Elizabeth Cross; re¬
cording Secretary, Miss Libbie Skinner; Assistant Secretary, Mrs.
Anna Douney; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. Levada Carter;
Treasurer, Lida Loury. Lecturers—Pittsburg District, Mrs. J. W.
Batch; Allegheny District, Mrs. Aldridge; Wheeling District, Mrs.
Caliman. Executive Board,—Mrs. Georgianna Johnson, Mrs. Emma L.
Morris, Mrs. Blanche Gilmore, Mrs. T. J. Askew, and Mrs. Lillian
Dorkins.
EIGHTH CONVENTION
The Eighth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Payne Chapel A. M. E.
Church, Canonsburg, Pa., July 21st to 25th, 1904, Rev. J. W. Jeffries,
Pastor. The President, Mrs. Jenny Bumry, called the following cabinet
to the rostrum: Mrs. Grace Offer, Mrs. Elizabeth Cross, Miss Libbie
Skinner, Mrs. Anna Douney, Miss M. Levada Carter, Mrs. Lida Loury,
Mrs. J. W. Batch, Mrs. Aldridge, Mrs. Caliman, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs,
Askew, Mrs. Dorkins and Mrs. Emma Morris. Bishop W. B. Derrick
was present and gave encouraging and instructive advice. Dr. Carl M.
Tanner was introduced and gave very interesting talks on his visit to
South Africa, and a paper entitled, "The Witness", edited by himself.
The W. M. M. Society wasl given a page of the paper for their special
work to be printed. Rev. W. S. Loury, P. E. of the Allegheny District,
presented for inspection a beautiful souvenir (a leaf) from a tree found
in Cape Town, South Frica, and brought to America by Dr. C. M.
Tanner. Mrs, Rosa Johnson, fraternal delegate from the North Ohio
Branch, was introduced by Bishop Derrick. The Bishop, officers and
7
members repaired to Payne Hall where they were delightfully banquet-
ted by the Canonsburg Society. Among the many and able addresses)
and papers read, were "Little Things, Great Things", by Miss Grace
Joiner, Washington, Pa.; "Co-operation of Pastor and People", by Mrs.
Harriet Leiei, Pittsburg; "The Influence of Women", by Mrs. G. S.
Sampson; "Why Should Women Work for Missions", Miss Blanche
Tillman; "The Women's W. M. M. Society Conventions, Its Defects and
Remedies", by Misa Libbie Skinner, Washington. The convention waai
in every way a success and the true spirit of missions predoninated.
The union work was succeeding slowly but surely. The financial suc¬
cess showed that the societies1 were working in harmony. Number of
representatives being 38. Grand total receipts, $983.46.
The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Bumry; 1st
Vice President, Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. M. B.
Bell; Recording Secretary, Miss Libbie Skinner; Asst. Secretary, Mrs.
Anna Douney; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. L. Carter; Treasurer,
Mrs. J. W. Batch. Executive Board—Mrs. Ida Johnson, Mrs. B. Jonas,
Mrs. Mahala Sampson, Mrs. Harriet Lee and Mrs. Emma Morris.
NINTH CONVENTION
The Ninth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Clarksburg, W. Va., with
thirty-eight delegates present and the following officers: Mrs. Bumry,
Mrs. Aldridge, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Douney, Mrs. Levada Carter, Mrs.
Adelia Murray, Mrs. Dorkins and Mrs. Violo Caliman. By the hand of
death the Recording Secretary, Miss Libbie Skinner, was not permitted
to fill her place, but had gone to the Great Beyond to receive the reward
of the faithful. Mrs, Rebecca Aldridge read resolutions on the death
of Miss Libbie Skinner and a chair was draped in her honor. The
Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Batch, was unable to be present because of the
serious illness of her daughter, Mrs. Addie Little. Mrs. Lillian Dorkins,
Lecturer of the Pittsburg District, was also absent and because of
ill health resigned her position and Mrs. Hattie Lee, of the Executive
Board, had been transferred to the Baltimore Conference. A reception
was tendered the officers and delegates. The Pastor, Rev. George
C. Sampson, and others, in glowing words welcomed the convention,
and in well chosen wordsi Mrs. Adelia Murray responded. Interesting
papers read at this convention were "How to Remedy the Indifference
of the Missionary Society", Mrs. Sadie Morton; "Women's Work as a
Divine Gift", by Mrs. Katherine Green, Bellefonte; "What are Some of
the Hindrances to Missionary Work", by Mrs. P. A. Scott, of Allegheny;
"Every Christian a Missionary", by Miss Grace Joiner; "The Station
Plan of Missions", by Mrs. Gay McGee; "Mission Work in Our Church
an Index of the Christ Life", Mrs Adda Little. Total receipts, $954.06.
The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Violo Cali¬
man; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge; 2nd Vice President,
; Recording Secretary, Miss Willa Lee; Corresponding Secre¬
tary, Miss Levada Carter; Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Batch. Lecturers—
Washington District, Mrs. M. C. Bell; Pittsburgh District, Mrs. Anna
Douney; Wheeling District, Mrs. Zora Johns. Executive Board, Mrs.
Jenny Bumry, Mrs. Hattie Solomon, Mrs. Mahala Sampson.
TENTH CONVENTION
The Tenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the Pitts¬
burg Conference' Branch was held July 19th to 23rd, 1906, in the St.
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Paul A. M. E. Church, South Side, Pittsburg, Pa., Rev. C. J. Powell,
Pastor. One of the sad features noted in the address of the President,
Mrs. Violo Caliman, was the announcement of the death of Sisiters
Jenny Bumry, Zora Johns and Georgianna Johnson. One of the myster¬
ies connected with the deaths of Sisters Bumry and Johns was
this: A few daysi after the death of Sister Bumry, Rev. Carter Wright,
P. E., related the following: Mrs. Bumry and Mrs. Johns were converse
ing at Mrs. Bumry's home, Mrs. Johns said, "Well, Sister Libbie Skinner
has gone from us, I wonder who will be next." Mrs. Bumry, pointing to
herself, replied, "Me or you?" When P. E. Wright was relating this
at Washington, Pa., to Mrs. Ella Brooks, Sister Johns was seemingly
in perfect health, but a week later the news of the sudden death of
Sister Zora Johns came.
The Presiding Elder of the district, Rev. W. H. Brown, welcomed
the convention in behalf of the district and a very pleasing address of
welcome was delivered by Rev. C. J. Powell, Pastor of the Church.
Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge responded to these addresses in a most pleasing
manner. The convention then settled down to business and during
the remaining sessions much work was1 accomplished. The Treasurer's
report gave a grand total of receipts of $1,154.41.
The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Violo Cali¬
man; Vice President, Mrs. Cora Powell; Recording Secretary, Missi
YVilla Lee; Corresponding Secretary, Alice Williams; Treasurer, Mrs.
J. W. Batch. Executive Board, Mrs. Lou Catlin, Mrs. J. W. Jeffries and
Mrs. L. E. Scott. The Lecturers elected were Mrs. Mrs. Hattie Smith,
Mrs. Cornelia Scott, Mrs. M. Ophelia Bell and Mrs. Mary Dyer.
ELEVENTH CONVENTION
The Eleventh Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Scranton, Pa., July 18th to
22nd, 1907. It was at this meeting that the sad news of the death of
Bishop W. B. Derrick's beloved wife and esteemed President of the
Parent Mite Missionary Society, was hear. A committee composed of
Mrs. Grace Offer, Mrs. Mary E. Stevenson, Mrs. Mary E. Dyer and Mrs.
Ophelia Bell, presented a resolution that a chair be draped in memory
of Mrs. W. B. Derrick, whose life among us of the Pittsburg Conference
proved an example worthy of emulation and a blessing while with us.
Rev. Rawer, a native missionary of New Zealand, gave the convention
some very interesting missionary remarks on the work of missions in
his homeland. Mrs. Isabella Tanner Temple, 2nd Vice President of the
Parent Missionary Society, was introduced and invited to the rostrum.
The Lecturers, Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge, Mrs. M. C. Bell and Mrs. Hattie
Smith, all reported the work to be on the increase and several new
Junior Societies being organized. Among the many subjects read and
discussed were, "The Necessity of Training our Children for Mission¬
ary Work", by Mrs. Virginia Allen; "The Duty of Officers", Mrs. Mar¬
guerite Ferguson; "The Women's Missionary Society as a Real Factor
Relative to the Work of Missions"; To What Extent Does Missionary
Work Embrace that of Temperance", by Mrs. Anna Wheeler, Washing¬
ton, Pa.
The following officers were elected for the year: President, Mrs.
Offer; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Fern Hurrington; Recording Secretary,
Miss Willa Lee; Corresponding Secretary, Anna Wheeler; Treasurer,
Mrs. J. W. Batch. Executive Board, Mrs. Cora Taylor, Mrs. Levada
Carter Norris, Mrs. Margueret Ferguson. Lecturers, Mrs. Isabelle T.
Temple, Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge and Mrs. M. C. Bell.
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Rev. West, Presiding Elder of Wheeling District, suggested that it
be divided into sub-districts as follows: Clarksburg District, Mrs. Grace
Grayson; Ohio River District, Mrs. Lynch; Plat Top District, Mrs.
Minnie Huff.
TWELFTH CONVENTION
The Twelfth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at New Castle, Pa., July 2nd to
6th, 1908. The President, Mrs. Grace Offer, gave some very good
recommendations and advice to the convention. Mrs. Annie L. Mose-
bay, a noted Christian young woman, told how she was going- to spend
her life asi a missionary to Africa and, hoped to sail in January. Mrs.
Cora B. Taylor, sang "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say." The well
prepared addresses and papers showed that the missionary movement
was not dead. Total receipts $674.71.
President, Mrs. Grace Offer; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Fern Hur-
rington; Recording Secretary, Mrs. M. L. Carter Norris.; Corresponding
Secretary, Miss Willa Lee; Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Batch. Superinten¬
dents—Pittsburg District, Mrs. Cora B. Taylor; Allegheny District, Mrs.
L. V. Jones; Washington District, Mrs. M. C. Bell; Wheeling District,
Mrs. Minnie Samuels; Temperance District, Mrs. Isabelle T. Temple.
THIRTEENTH CONVENTION
The Thirteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Brown Chapel A. M. E.
Church from July 14th to 19th, Rev. C. M. Tanner, Pastor. The Presi¬
dent, Mrs. Grace Offer, called the officers to their respective places.
The appointing of various committees and reports of the superinten¬
dents were heard during the first day's session. A pleasing reception
was tendered the convention in the evening. The President's address
was full of advice and encouragement. The Temperance Superin¬
tendent, Mrs. Isabelle T. Temple, conducted a splendid meeting and a
very spirited discussion of temperance was engaged in by Mrs. R. H.
Morris, Mrs. Adelia Murray and Mrs. Fanny Nevels. The Juniors gave
the convention a splendid showing of their missionary work. Prof.
Nelson Arter directed the singing. The President, Mrs. Offer, was
presented a medal in the name of the Pittsburg Conference Branch, for
her 35 years of actual service. The President, deeply affected by this
token of appreciation, accepted the gift with sincere thanks. Mrs. J.
W. Batch, a faithful worker, and Treasurer of the Society, was pre¬
sented with a medal in behalf of the Pittsburg Conference Branch.
Mrs. Batch's favorite motto being, "Distribute your flowers while life
lasts." She thanked the convention in her own sweet way. Miss Willa
Lee, the retiring Secretary, was presented with a handsome bracelet,
for her active Christian service to the convention. A committee was
appointed to secure a banner for the Junior Societies. Mrs. Gay
McGee stated that the Canonsburg Missionary Society would furnish
whatever was needed for the banner. The President then appointed the
following persons to see about the purchase of the banner: Mrs. Gay
McGee. Mrs. Sluby, Mrs. Praul, Mrs. M. E. Wheeler and Mrs. Lou
Catlin. Total amount raised by the Pittsburg Conference Branch,
$535.80.
President, Mrs. Grace Offer; Vice President, Mrs. Fern Hurrington;
Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jefferson; Corresponding Secretary,
Mrs. M. Levada Norris; Treasurer, Mrs. Gay McGee. Executive Board—
10'
Mrs. Aldridge, Mrs. Virginia Sluby, Mrs. J. W. Batch. S'upt. of Pittsburg
District, Mrs. C. T. Boykin; Supt. of Allegheny District, M. 0. Bell;
Supt. of Washington District, L. V. Jones; Supt. of Temperance,
Mrs. I. T. Temple.
FOURTEENTH CONVENTION
The Fourteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Uniontown, Pa., from July 7th
to 11th, 1910, Rev. R. H. Morris, Pastor. One of the sad features of
this convention was the death of Mrs. Mary A. Campbell, founder of the
Parent Missionary Society. Mrs. Isabelle Temple read a communica¬
tion of the Trumpeter from the Treasurer of the Parent body, Mrs. S.
Tanner, an appeal from the Sarah Gorham Mission; also from Retv.
Seally. A committee composed of Mrs. Praul, Mrs. Temple, Mrs. M. O.
Bell, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Adelia Murray, Mrs. L. V. Jones and Mrs.
S. E. Brooks, presented resolutions on the death of Mrs. Mary A.
Campbell. Bishop Heard was introduced and given the Tawa-warwa
Salute. His message from Africa was greatly appreciated and a col¬
lection of $5.07 was lifted. A motion prevailed that Mrs. Rebecca
Aldridge, who had to leave, should present greetings to the National
Confederation of Women's Clubs from this convention. During the
Temperance Symposium, Mrs. J. S. Plater recited an original poem
entitled "Temperance". Among the many addresses and papers heard
were such subjects as, "What the Missionary Spirit Does for the
Preachers", by Eva Williams; "Women's Devotion to the King's Bus¬
iness", Mrs. Ella H. Brooks. The Junior Society, of Uniontown, had a
well prepared program and received many compliments. The report
of the committee on Sarah Gorham Mission was as follows: "That we
endeavor to uplift the A. M. E. Church above criticism and ridicule by
the Mohammedan and other denominations. That each local society
make a special effort to raise two dollars or more to aid the Sarah
Gorham Mission. The same to be paid to the Home Treasurer on or
before September 15th, 1910, and the Treasurer forward it to the
Parent Treasurer." Total receipts, $708.57.
Election resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Isabelle T. Temple;
Vice President, Mrs. Fern Hurrington; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Jose¬
phine Gatewood; Recording Secretary, Izetta Jefferson; Corresponding
Secretary, M. L. C. Norris; Treasurer, Mrs. Gay McGee; Superin¬
tendents, Mrs. L. V. Jones, Mrs. Mary Blue, Mrs. Adelia Murray.
FIFTEENTH CONVENTION
The Fifteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at St. James A. M. E. Church,
E. E. Pittsburg, July 13th to 16th, 1911. The President, Mrs. Isabelle
T. Temple, called the officers to the rostrum where they were seated ~-iri
their respective places. The usual appointing of committees, and
hearing the Superintendents was heard the first day. The President
delivered a fine address and among the recommendations considered
were, "That the Baby Roll be Known as the Grace P. Offer Sheltering
Arms". "That Mary A. Campbell Day be observed by Societies of this
Conference Branch on Jan. 10." Mrs. M. Levada Carter Norris read a
well prepared paper on, "The Origin and History of the Pittsburg Con¬
ference Branch of the W. M. M. Society". The devotional service was
conducted by Mrs. Gatewood and Mrs. Dyke. A paper, entitled "The
Need of Junior Missionary Society and What it Can do for the Cause
11
of Missions", was read by Miss Eva Brooks, Washington, Pa. Welcome
addresses were made by the following persons: Rev. C. J. Powell, Mr.
Robert Wheeler, Mrs. Love and others. Mrs. Adelia Murray responded
nobly to these addresses. The Secretary then read the following let¬
ters: Mrs. Handy, thanking us for the help to the Sarah Gorham Mis¬
sion; a letter from Rev. H. M. Steady, of Freetown, thanking us for
$33.40 for rebuilding the Sarah Gorham Mission; also a letter from
Mrs. Sarah E. Tanner, Treasurer of the Parent body. Paper, "The
Relation of the Negro Women to Missions", was read by Miss Mabel
J. Webster, Charleroi, and a motion prevailed that the paper be adopted,
and placed on the minutes. Mrs. Mary B. Jones, Monongahela,, read a
paper on, "Our Mission Work in Africa". A motion that each Society
subscribe for the Trumpeter and Missionary Recorder. The committee
on awarding the banner for the Juniors announced two Societies in
the contest, Washington, Pa., $16.00, and Canonsburg, $19.00. Canons-
burg received the banner. Mrs. R. H. Morris made the presentation
speech and Mrs. M. E. Wheeler responded in behalf of the Junior So¬
ciety. Mrs. Lou Saunders: presented the Juniors of Euclid Avenue to
the convention, after which a fine program was rendered. A committee
composed of Grace P. Offer, Mrs. J. W. Batch, and Mrs. M. E. Wheeler,
to visit and carry a letter of sympathy to Rev. and Mrs. W. S. Loury
as Mrs. Lida Loury's condition was critical. The missionary sermon
was preached by Rev. W. H. H. Butler, P. E., of the Pittsburg District,
which was enjoyed by all. Mrs. Emma J. Moore and Miss Eva Brooks
addressed the Sunday School. The Temperance Symposium was con¬
ducted by Mrs. Offer, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. J. W. Batch, Mrs. Robison. The
memorial service was conducted by Mrs. Emma J. Moore. Total amount
of money raised for missions, $1,008.95. The delegates elected for the
quadrennial convention of the Parent body that convened in Chicago,
were Mrs. J. W. Batch; alternate, Mrs. M. Levada Carter Norris.
The officers elected for the year were: President, Mrs. Isabelle T.
Temple; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Mary Stevenson; 2nd Vice President,
Mrs, Lou Saunders; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jefferson, Corre¬
sponding Secretary, Mrs. M. L. C. Norris; Treasurer; Mrs. Gay McGee;
Superintendent, Mrs. L. V. Jones, Mrs. Adela Murray and Mrs. Mary
Stevens. Total receipts, $1,008.95.
SIXTEENTH CONVENTION
The Sixteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held in Washington, Pa., from July
18th to 21st, 1912, Rev. W. H. H. Butler, Pastor. Delegates' Prayer
Meeting was conducted by Mrs. Adelia Murray and Mrs. Emma J.
Moore. Mrs. Mary F. Handy, wife of the late Bishop Handy, was intro¬
duced to the convention and gave some very encouraging remarks.
Mrs. Handy is President of the Parent Body Women's Missionary So¬
ciety. The first day was taken up hearing reports and appointing com¬
mittees. Mrs. Linnie Guy was the fraternal delegate to our meeting,
bringing greetings from the North Ohio Branch. Mrs. Jenny Davis,
fraternal delegate from the West Virginia Conference Branch, was
introduced and made some very beautiful remarks to the convention.
The report of the Junor Societies resulted in the Washington Juniors
receiving the banner, having raised $40,85 and Canonsburg $10.58.
Miss Eva Brooks, Junior Superintendent of the Washington Society,
responded to the kind words of encouragement given by the women
of the convention. In the evening a splendid program was rendered.
Welcome addresses were made by P. E. R. H. Bumry, Rev. W. H. H.
12
Butler, Mrs. Josephine Asbury, Miss Eva Brooks, Mrs. Linnie Guy, for
the North Ohio Branch, and Mrs. Jenny Davis, for the West Virginia
Branch. The response to the welcome addresses was made by Mrs.
Rebecca Aldridge. An elaborate reception was tendered the officers
and delegates by the members of the St. Paul A. M. E. Church Mis¬
sionary Society, Mrs. Ella H. Brooks, President. A picture was taken
of the convention by Mr. N. T. Bush. Mrs. Grace P. Offer and Mrs. A.
J. Batch were made Honorary Members of the Convention and execu¬
tive Board with all privileges allowed. The women were charter
members. A motion prevailed that we furnish a room in the National
Preachers' Home in Denver, Colorado, and pay the sum of $15.00 down,
which was adopted. Junior Hour was conducted by Superintendent
Miss Eva Brooks. Recitations and songs were given by Thelma Birch,
Wylie Avenue Junior; Katherine Hayden, Marie Lyons, Sarah Brooks
and others. Words of commendation by Mrs. J. W. Batch, Mrs. Handy
and Mrs. Temple. The presence and words of instruction and advice
from Mrs. Handy was a benefit, to the convention. The convention
stood with bowed heads during the Memorial Service, when the name
of Mrs. Lydia. A. Loury was numbered with many others who had
crossed the shore. She was a faithful worker and a charter member of
the W. M. M. Society. Total receipts for the year, $659.40.
The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Gay McGee;
1st Vice President, Mrs. M. Levada Carter Norris; 2nd Vice President,
Mrs. Eva Williams; Recording Secretary, Miss Izetta Jefferson; Cor¬
responding Secretary, Mrs. E. Pryor; Treasurer, Mrs. E. H. Brooks;
Executive Board, Mrs. Julia Johnson, Mrs. M. E. Wheeler, Mrs. M.
Ophelia Bell; Superintendent, Mrs. L. V. Jones; Junior Superintendent,
Miss Eva Brooks. Honorary Members, Mrs. Grace P. Offer, Mrs. J. W.
Batch .
SEVENTEENTH CONVENTION
The Seventeenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Monogahela, July 18th to
20th, 1913, Rev. Williams, Pastor. The President, Mrs. Gay McGee,
called the officers to their respective places on the platform. Reports
and committees were heard. Greetings were read from Mrs. Beckett,
Secretary of the Parent body, containing the following information:
$7,615.00 sent annually to foreign fields; $4,882 raised for missions
since the meeting in Chicago; financial help sent to the flood sufferers;
Bishop Johnson travels 1,600 miles to get over his district. Missi Willa
Lee, President of the West Virginia Conference Branch; Mrs. Emily
Kineh, returned Missionary from Africa, were introduced and seated
on the rostrum. Mrs. Offer, fraternal delegate to the N. B. Convention,
made report of the prosperous condition of that branch. The reports of
the superintendents showed the work to be increasing. Miss Eva
Brooks, First Junior Superintendent of the Pittsburg Conference
Branch, made a good report for the Junior Societies. Among the many
good things in the President's address were following recommenda¬
tions: 1st—That each society take up a mission sturdy course. 2nd—
That we adopt some plan to increase interest in the Contingent Fund
treasury of Mary A. Campbell Day. 3rd—That we. subscribe to the
Voice of Missions and Women's Missionary Recorder. 4th—That our
Superintendents offer special inducements to stimulate the reading of
suitable missionary literature, such as "The Price of x^frica", by S.
Earle Taylor; "Daybreak in the Dark Continent", by Naylor; "In Pigmy
Land", by Fisher. That we have a home l'or aged and indigent mem-
13
bers and ministers, to be established by the missionary women of the
Third Episcopal District. Rev. Williams, Pastor of the Church, invited
the convention to visit the foundry of Mr. Simmons, a young colored
man who cast the liberty bell for the Emancipation Exposition to be
held in Philadelphia. A splendid Junior Hour was conducted by Junior
Superintendent Miss Eva Brooks. The convention was highly honored
by the presence and missionary talk by Mrs. Emily Kinch, returned
missionary from Africa. Many well written papers were heard, among
them "How to Maintain and Increase a Missionary Interest When
Once Aroused'', by Miss Emma Overton; "Should our Church Have
Medical Missonaries in Africa?" Why Should a Missionary be Thor¬
oughly Educated?" "How Organize and Maintain a Missionary Society
at a Mission Point". Total receipts, $1,058.39, as follows:
Treasurer's Report—Receipts, Auxiliaries,, $708.29; Annual Confer¬
ence, $24.26; for Rev. Steady, $25.00; Contingent, $43.00; Cradleroll,
$2.40; Minutes, $25.10; Dues, $34.00; Public collections. $21.01; Bal¬
ance from last year, $175.33; Grand total receipts, $1,058.39. Disburse¬
ments, $793.09. Balance, $265.30.
President, Mrs. Gay McGee; 1st Vice President, Mrs. M. Levada
C. Norris; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Eva Williams; Corresponding Sec¬
retary, Mrs. Mary B. Jones; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jefferson;
Treasurer, Mrs. Ella H. Brooks; Junior Treasurer, Miss Catherine
Bowman; Superintendent, Mrs. M. Ophelia Bell; Junior Superintendent,
Miss Eva Brooks; Executive Board, Mrs. Margaret E. Wheeler, Rebecca
Aldridge, Mary F. Addison, Grace Offer and Alice J. Batch.
EIGHTEENTH CONVENTION
The Eighteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Oil City, July 2nd to 5th,
1914, Rev. H. G. Payne, Pastor. The convention opened with a dele¬
gates' prayer meeting, led by Mrs. Mary F. Addison, Chaplain; Mrs. M.
E. Wheeler and Mrs. J. W. Batch. The first day's session was opened
by singing, "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go", after which all re¬
sponded with a verse of scripture. Reports of Superintendents, and
appointing of committees and minutes of the Executive Board were
heard. The report of Madam Ophelia Bell, Superintendent of the
Senior Societies, gave a grand account of her year's work, visited 34
societies and organized two. The sad feature in her report was the
parting word to the members as with this report she retires from
mission work among us and leaves for New Haven, her former home.
The President's address was received with applause and referred to a
committee. Suggestion by Mrs. Adelia Murray that we have a fancy
work table at the conventions and the money be used for Contingent
Fund, which was adopted. An elaborate reception was tendered the
officers and members of the convention. Mr. L. O. Brown, of Franklin,
Pa., brought greetings from the Venango County Sunday School Asso¬
ciation. He held the audience spell bound thirty minutes with a chalk
talk. Rev. Dr. J. W. Rankin, Secretary of Missions, was introduced and
gave a very interesting account of his recent trip to Africa. Miss Helen
Lauson, of Franklin, rendered a beautiful piano selection and Madam
Bell had a reading entitled "The Master's Flower Garden". Among the
many well written papers were, "How to Maintain and Increase a Mis¬
sionary Interest When Once Aroused", by Miss Emma Overton; "What
Can the Missionary Society do to Offset the Influence of the Saloon",
by Mrs. Mary Martin, Washington. The reporters for the various pa¬
pers were Miss Eva Brooks, for the Oil City papers; Mrs. Levada C.
14
Norris, for the Missionary Recorder and Voice of Missions; Mrs. E. H.
Brooks, for the Pittsburg Courier. Mrs. Grace Offer was compelled to
leave for her home in Pittsburg because of the illness of little Thelma
Burch. During the convention Mayor J. B. Higgins welcomed the ladies
to the city. The Juniors of this church rendered good service with Miss
Valeria Johnson at the organ. Grand total or receipts, $1,056.38.
The officers elected for the following year are: President, Mrs.
Gay McGee; Vice President, Mrs. M. Levada Carter Norris; 2nd Vice
President, Mrs. Eva Williams; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jeffer¬
son; Corresponding Secretary, Mary B. Jones; Superintendents, Mrs.
Mary Blue, Mrs. Adelia Murray, Mrs. Cornelia Praul; Junior Superin¬
tendent, Miss Eva Brooks; Junior Treasurer, Mrs. Katherine Bowman
Thompson; Executive Board. Mrs. Margaret Wheeler, Mrs. Rebecca
Aldridge, Mrs. Mary F. Addison, Mrs. Grace P. Offer, Mrs. Alice J.
Batch.
Treasurer's report as follows: Receipts—Auxiliaries, $587.65; An¬
nual Conference, $16.50; District Conference, $3.56; Executive meeting,
$6.47; Balance from Annual Conference, $6.92; Junior Societies, $60.05;
Contingent, $32.20; Dues, $29.00; Collections, $18.68; Minutes, $21.10;
Contributions, $3.65; Babyroll, $1.40; Balance from last year, $265.30;
Grand Total receipts, $1,056.38. Disbursements, $859.65. Balance!,
$196.73.
NINETEENTH CONVENTION
The Nineteenth Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held at Canonsburg, Pa., July 8th to
11th, 1915, Rev. R. H. Morris, Pastor. Devotional services were con¬
ducted throughout the convention by Chaplain Mrs. Mary P. Addison
and assistants. Mrs. W. H. Thomas presided at the piano. Reports
of the Superintendents showed the work as a whole to be in a prosper¬
ous condition. Mrs. Emily Kinch, of Philadelphia; Rev. I. E. Steady, a
native of West Africa, were introduced and seated upon the rostrum.
The President's address was received with great applause and referred
to a committee. Some of the recommendations were, In naming your
societies call them for our own women who have been pioneers in the
work; that our local societies elect officers at the last business meeting
before the convention as this would help the Corresponding Secretary;
that we endeavor to have a working Junior or Young Ladies' Society in
each church; that our watchword be efficiency. The reporters for the
convention were: Mrs. Ella Brooks, for the Pittsburg Courier; Mrs. W.
H. Thomas, for the Recorder; Mrs. M. L. C. Norris, for the Voice of
Missions; Mrs. Bertha Goodly, for the daily papers of Canonsburg. An
elaborate reception was tendered the officers and members and dele¬
gates of the convention by the local society, of which Mrs. Mary M.
Jones, is their efficient President. Rev. I. E. Steady brought greetings
from our Father Land, West Africa, being one of the products of Mrs.
Amanda Smith and Mrs. Sarah Gorham. Mrs. Emily Kinch, returned
Missionary from Africa, gave a splendid address on the needed work
to be done in Africa. The hymn "Do Something for Somebody Every
Day", was sung by the convention choir. The members of the conven¬
tion visited the log cabin, the historical spot of Jefferson College.
Addresses were made by Rev. Brown, grandson of ex-President of
Jefferson College. Rev. P. A. Scott, Rev. W. S. Laury and Mrs. Adelia
Murray. The Junior Hour was conducted by Miss Eva Brooks and Mrs.
Margaret Clark. Rev. I. E. Steady sung a song for the Juniors in
African language, and Mrs. Kinch gave a short talk. Rev. C. A. McGee,
15
husband of the President, gave a chalk talk on "Missions." Main things
to do were prayer—study—give—work—go. Mrs. Corinthia Dickerson
rendered a beautiful solo. The temperance symposium was conducted
by Mrs. Emma J. Moore and Mrs. R. H. Morris. Address by Mrs.
Dorsey, of the W. C. T. Union of Canonsburg (white). Temperance
song, "Pensnylvania Shall be Free", was sung very sweetly. Mrs. Cant-
well rendered a beautiful solo, "Jesus Lover of My Soul", (whistle).
Bishop C. T. Shatter was introduced and gave a short address to the
convention. Some of the papers read and discussed were, "How the
Women Should Work for Missions", by Mrs. Nellie Lucas, of Franklin;
"What are the Fundamental Needs of the Women's Mite Missionary
Society", by Mrs. Mary Dyke; "What Has Our Women Done for Mis¬
sions in the Last Fifty Years", by Mrs. Cora. B. Henry. The Missionary
sermon was preached by Bishop C. T. Shaffer, Mark 16:15. It was full
of food for the soul and full of historic facts. The Young Ladies' Hour
was conducted by Mrs. R. H. Morris, after which the Memorial Service
was conducted by Mrs. L. V. Jones, Mrs. J. W. Batch, Mrs. Delia
Thompson, Mrs. T. E. Wilson and Mrs. W. H. Thomas. The silent
roll was called and the convention stood and sang, "Shall We Meet
Beyond the River"? The grand total receipts for the year was
$1,057.59.
Treasurer's Report—Receipt, Auxiliaries, $602.18; Junior Societies,
$96.16; Dues, $38.75; Contingent, $40.25; Collections, $21.37; Minutes,
$17.30; Special effort Treas., $28.25; Annual Conference, $12.60; District
Conference, $4.00; Balance from last year, $196.73; Grand total receipt,
$1,057. 59. Disbursements, $892.94. Balance, $164.65.
The following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Gay McGee;
Vice President, Mrs. Eva Williams; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. J. S.
Plater; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jefferson; Corresponding Sec¬
retary, Mrs. B. Jones; Treasurer, Mrs. Ella H. Brooks; Junior Treas¬
urer, Mrs. Catherine B. Thompson; Superintendents, Mrs. Mary Blue,
Mrs. Adelia Murray, Mrs. Cornelia Prawl; Junior Superintendent, Miss
Eva Brooks; Executive Board, Mrs. M. E. Wheeler, Mrs. L. V. Jones,
Mrs. Rebecca Aldridge, Mrs. Grace P. Offer, Mrs. J. W. Batch.
TWENTIETH CONVENTION
The Twentieth Annual Convention was held in Brown Chapel, N. S.
Pittsburg, Pa., July 6th to 9th, 1916, Rev. C. J. Powell, Pastor. The
meeting was called to order by President Mrs. Gay McGee, and the
officers were seated upon the rostrum. The minutes of the Executive
Board were read and approved. Appointing of committees and hearing
the Superintendents' reports was taken up the first morning. Rev. T.
J. Askew made a most impressive address on the subject, "Women
a Factor in the World's Redemption". Mrs. Tenie Robison, of Union-
town, rendered a beautiful solo. Communication was received from
the West Virgina Branch thanking this branch for the receipt of $15.00
and wishing the convention a happy session. A letter was sent to
the Columbia Hospital, Wilkinsburg, for Mrs. Mollie Fletcher, who was
very ill. Welcome addresses were made by P. E. Rev. N. D. Temple,
Rev. C. A. McGee, Rev. C. J. Powel, Mrs. Adelia Murray, Miss Hazel
Lee, Florence Arter and others. The response was made by Mrs. L.
V. Jones. Miss Irene Morris rendered a pleasing solo, after which a
well prepared reception was tendered the officers and members of
of the convention. A communication from Bishop Shaffer expressing
his regrets as to his inability to be present at the convention. The
Junior Societies raised $120.73, an increase from the preceding years.
16
Mrs. Mary B. Jones read an interesting paper, "Can One be a Christian
Without Being a Missionary"? Mrs. M. Levada Carter Norris gave an
excellent report of her stay while attending the Sixth Quadrennial Con¬
vention, which was held in Detroit, Mich., followed by a report from
Mrs. R. H. Morris, second delegate to the convention. Mrs. M. L. C.
Norris reported the business part and Mrs. R. H. Morris the social side.
Solo, Mrs Madeline Brown. Rev. W. H. H. Butler, P. B. of Washington
District, delivered an address, in which he gave great credit to the
women of the Church for their vital and effiective1 work in connection
with world wide missions. Mrs. Grace P. Offer read reminiscences of
the Pittsburg Conference Branch, and a vote of thanks was given her
for the information imparted. Mrs. Katherine Green read a, paper on
"Woman's Work in the Missionary", followed by a paper, "Missionary
Work an Open Door of Opportunity for the Women of the Church' .
The Sorosis Society composed of young ladies of St. James Church
E. E., having raised $44.23 for Missions wasi awarded the Intermediate
Banner. Mrs. Saunders made the presentation speech and Mrs. R. Ii.
Morris responded. Miss Elizabeth Jones, of the Pittsburg Dispatch
force, and Mrs. Laura Brown were introduced and addressed the con¬
vention interestingly. On motion the Junior S'ociety of West Newton
was named the Eva Brooksi Society. The Missionary sermon was
preached by Rev. N. D. Temple, text Jonah 3:2. Mrs. Sadie J. Ander¬
son of the North Ohio Conference Branch was introduced and delivered
an inspiring message on "A Living Torch, or the Light that Never
Faileth". The Memorial services were conducted by Mrs. Dessie
Grooms, Mrs. Truss, Mrs. Matilda Robison and Mrs. J. S. Polley. The
convention stood with bowed heads, while Mrs. Bessie Powell called
the names of the silent roll. Hymn, "Shall we Meet Beyond the River,"
was sung. Total receipts for the year, $976.63. Grand total, $1,142.38.
Treasurer's Report—Receipts, Auxiliaries, $653.17; Junior Societies,
$120.73; Annual Conference, $18.83; Allegheny District, $3.00; Minutes,
$18.80; Special effort, $51.13; Dues and Contingent, $110.97; Balance
reported, $164.65. Grand total receipts, $1,143.38. Disbursements,
$812.80. Balance, $330.58.
The following officers were elected for the year: President, Mrs.
Gay McGee; Vice President, Mrs. Eva Williams; 2nd Vice President,
Mrs. L. V. Jones; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Izetta Jefferson; Correy
sponding Secretary, Mrs. Mary B. Jones; Treasurer, Mrs. Ella Brooks;
Junior Treasurer, Mrs. Katherine Thompson; Superintendents, Mrs.
J. S. Plater, Mrs. E. J. Moore, Mrs. Emma Morris; Junior Superinten¬
dent, Miss Eva Brooks.
TWENTY-FIRST CONVENTION
The Twenty-first Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of the
Pittsburg Conference Branch was held in Franklin, Pa., July 5th to
8th, 1917, Rev. H. H. Summers, Pastor. The usual appointment of com¬
mittees and hearing the Superintendent's report was taken up the
first morning. The announcement was made of the death of the Cor¬
responding Secretary, Mrs .Mary B. Jones, which occurred at her home
in Monongahela, Tuesday, July 3rd, 1917. Miss Mabel Webster was
elected Corresponding Secretary pro tem. A birthday souvenir con¬
sisting of a poem set to music and the names of all the Presidents,
and a picture of the President, Mrs. Gay McGee, composed and arranged
by Mrs. Ella H. Brooks, of Washington, Pa, The poem was presented
to the convention by Mrs. Isabelle Tanner Temple and sold for the
small sum of ten cents and proceeds applied to Special Effort Fund.
17
A vote of thanks was extended Mrs. Brooks for the composition. Ad¬
dresses of welcome were made by Mayor W. H. Brown, Rev. R. H.
Morris, Rev. Summers' and others from various departments of the
Church. Mrs. Gay McGee responded in a very pleasing manner. The
church choir sang very beautifully and was highly appreciated. A
splendid repast was given the officers and delegates in the dining room.
A beautiful banner on which was inscribed, "Young Woman's Departr
ment", was presented by the Sorosis Intermediate Society of
St. James Church, East End, Pittsburg, and a vote of
thanks was extended them. Same of the recommendations in the
President's address were, Holding of mass meetings to arouse interest
in the work. Societies raising $100 or more be placed on the Honor
Roll in the minutes. That we maintain a scholarship at Payne Sem¬
inary. That we have a Secretary of Literature. That we have a Secre¬
tary of Temperance. A communication from Rev. R. R. Wright, asking
a contribution for the book concern, was read and $1.50 was raised by
free will offering and $3.50 ordered drawn from the treasury. The
report of Mrs. Emma Morris, District President, visited several societies
and reported the work in good condition in Washington District. Mrs.
J. S. Plater, District President of the Pittsburg District; Mrs. Emma J.
Moore, of Allegheny District, and Miss Eva Brooks, Junior Superin¬
tendent, on account of illness, wrote to each point and reported the
work in good condition. By request of Rev. W. S. Laury, the members
joined in singing, "The Star Spangled Banner". Paper, "The Necessity
of Unity Among Mission Workers", by Mrs. Margaret Brown. Discus¬
sion, "What are the Advantages of a Negro Health Week", by Rev. J. M.
Wheeler and Mrs. Aldridge. Temperance Symposium was conducted
by Mrs. E. J. Moore, Mrs. J. W. Batch and Mrs. Aldridge. Stirring
temperance music was rendered by choir and congregation. Miss Flor¬
ence Arter recited the "Gambler's Wife", and Mrs. Lulu Blair read an
original poem. Mrs. Matilda Robison gave a reading followed by
several addresses. Miss Willa, Lee, President West Virginia Conference
Branch, sent a verse of scripture for encouragement. Mrs. Adelia Mur¬
ray, who was taken suddenly ill, was the subject of prayer by the con¬
vention, for her recovery. A splendid paper on "Little Things, Great
Things", by Mrs. Blanche Bundy, was highly appreciated and discussed
by the members, and a vote of thanks extended her for the inspiration
received. Sunday afternoon a Young People's mass meeting was con¬
ducted by Miss Eva Brooks and Mrs. Annie Lawson, of Franklin, which
was well appreciated. Mrs. R. H. Morris, in well chosen words, pre¬
sented the retiring President, Mrs. Gay McGee, with a handsome gold
medal as a token of the high esteem which the members held for Mrs.
McGee during her twenty-one years of her membership in this Confer¬
ence Branch. Mrs. McGee, greatly surprised, responded in a touching
and pleasing manner. The Memorial Service was conducted by Mrs.
Grace Offer, Mrs. Anna Webb, Mrs. Nettie Scott, Mrs. W. M. Lyons,
Mrs. Levada Carter Norris. As the roll of deceased officers and mem¬
bers was called by Mrs. Norris, the audience stood with bowed heads
and Mrs. Alice Batch dropped a white flower in memory of each name
called. The amount of money raised by the Junior Societies, $272.76.
Total amount for the year of the Senior Societies, $1,307.38. Balance,
$411.51. Mrs. Ella H. Brooks, Treasurer. The Special Effort Committee
through Mrs. Grace Offer, presented Mrs. McGee with a handsome
pillow.
Officers elected: President, Mrs. M. Levada Norris; 1st Vice Pres¬
ident, Mrs. Lulu Blair; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Catherine Green; Cor¬
responding Secretary, Mrs. Lauretta Moore; Recording Secretary,
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Mabel J. Webster; Treasurer, Mrs. Ella H. Brooks; Junior Treasurer,
Mrs. Katharine Thompson. District Presidents—Pittsburg District, Mrs.
L. V. Jones; Allegheny District, Mrs. Emma J. Moore; Washington Dis¬
trict, Mrs. Emma L. Morris. Junior Superintendent, Miss Eva Brooks;
Executive Board, Mrs. Isabelle T. Temple, Mrs. E. J. Pride, Mrs. Hen¬
rietta Loury; Honorary Members, Mrs. Grace Offeir, Mrs. Alice Batch.
TWENTY-SECOND CONVENTION
The Twenty-second Annual Convention of the W. M. M. Society of
the Pittsburg Conference Branch was held in the Bethel A. M. E.
Church, Williamsport, Pa., from July 4th to 7th, 1918, Rev. W. M.
DawkiiiS', Pastor. The President of the Conference Branch, Mrs. M.
Levada Carter Norris, called the officers to the restrum and seated in
their respective places. The devotional service was conducted by Mrs.
Matilda Robison and Mrs Henrietta Loury. The convention song waa
sung, after which the roll of officers and delegates was called, each
answering with a verse of scripture. The minutes of the Executive
Board held at McKeesport, March 14, 1918, were read and received
after necessary correction. The reports of the District Presidents, Mrs.
L. V. Jones, Mrs. E. J. Moore and Mrs. Emma Morris were accepted with
a standing vote of thanks. The national hymns were sung, "The Star
Spangled Banner" and "America". Miss Eva Brooks, the Junior Super¬
intendent. reported and her work showed progress in every phase of the
work. Some excellently prepared papers on the following subjects
were read: "What are Some of the Duties Outside of the Meeting" by
Mrs. Ollie Hill; "The Opportunity and Migration Among Colored Peo¬
ple", Mrs. Fanny Nevels, Braddock; "Why do we Err with More Rapid¬
ity than-Wisdom"? Mrs. Cora B. Henry. A delightful program' was
rendered the first evening, after which an elaborate reception was
tendered to the officers and delegates. Reporters for the various papers
wore, Miss Carrie Collins, Pittsburg Courier; Mrs. Henrietta Loury, for
the Women's Missionary Recorder and the Voice of Missions; Miss
Florence Arter, for the city papers. Mrs. H. G. Payne sang a beautiful
solo, after which Mrs. Anna Mosebay Williams, returned Missionary
from Africa, addressed the convention. It was wonderful, the circum¬
stances under which she and her husband labored earnestly and prayer¬
fully for four year and as she told, of the life of the little babe, whom
she and her husband adopted, her listeners were moved to tears. Fol¬
lowing her address the hymn, "If Jesus Goes With Me", was sung. Col¬
lection $10.00. Mrs. Mary Slaughter, Matron of the Home for Aged
Colored Women, Williamsport, Pa., was presented and spoke to the con¬
vention. The picture of the convention was then taken by Mr.
Harris. A Symposium on Temperance was conducted by Mrs. E. J.
Moore, Mrs, A. J. Batch, Mrs. Loury and Mrs. Grace Offer. Those
taking part, other than the leaders, were Miss Florence Arter, Pitts¬
burg; Rev. Richards, of the local Baptist Church; Rev. King, of the
Shiloh Baptist Church; Rev. Truss, P. E. of Pittsburg District, and Mrs.
Katherine Thompson, of McKeesport. An original poem was read by
Mrs. J. S. Plater, Scranton, Pa. Communications from Bishop Shaffer
regretting he could not be present, but wishing the convention God's
speed. A letter from Rev. R. H. Morris,, who had been called to the
bedside^ of his son, and could not be present. Prayer was offered for
Rev. Morris and his son by the convention. Miss Eva Brooks gave a
beautiful piano solo. Mrs. Anna Mosebay Williams conducted a ques¬
tion box. The annual Missionary sermon was delivered by Rev. W. H<
Truss, P. E. of the Pittsburg District. Immediately after the Sunda/
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School session the Young People's Mass Meeting was conducted by the
Junior Superintendent, Miss Eva Brooks. At this meeting Mrs. Anna
Mosebay Williams spoke to the boys and girls of the home life of the
children in Africa. The Grace P. Offer Sheltering Arms Roll was called
and eight new members added. The Memorial Service was: conducted
by Mrs. Offer, Mrs. Batch and Mrs. L. T. Temple. As the death roll
was called of officers, members and ministers, a flower was dropped in
their memory, while the organist played, "Shall we Meet". Among the
many good recommendations were, That every church be 100% a Mis¬
sionary Society. That we set a certain time to make a drive to double
or membership. That we seek a 50% financial interest for the next
conference year. That we formulate and adopt an active educational
campaign of Missions. That a uniform program be prepared by thia
convention and distributed to the churches. One of the noted and
creditable missionary endeavors completed during this convention year
was the Young People's Missionary Manual of the Pittsburg Conference
Branch, dedicated to the Junior Mite Missionary workers. The follow¬
ing persons composed the committee: Mrs. Henrietta Laury, E. E.
Pittsburg; Miss Carrie N. Collins, N. S. Pittsburg; Mrs. J. W. Batch,
Elizabeth; Mrs. G. P. Offer, Pittsburg; Miss Eva Brooks, Washington;
and Mrs. Isabelle T. Temple, Canonsburg, Secretary and Editor.
Treasurer's Report—From Senior Societies, $1,289.11; Junior So¬
cieties, $452.45; Annual Conference, $22.10; Mass meetings, $18.42;
Minutes, $38.95; Offerings, contingent, dues, $131.19; Collection for Mrs.
Williams, $10.10; Balance from last year, $411.51. Grand total receipts,
$2,373.83. Disbursements, $1,625.31. Balance $748.52.
Election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. M. Levada
Norris, 1st Vice President Mrs. Lulu Blair; 2nd Vice President, Mrs.
Catherine Green; Recording Secretary, Mabel Webster Patience; Cor¬
responding Secretary, Mrs. Lauretta Moore; Treasurer, Mrs. Ella H.
Brooks; Junior Treasurer, Mrs. Catherine Thompson. District Presi¬
dents—Mrs. Emma L. Morris, Washington; Mrs. Emma J. Moore, Alle¬
gheny; Mrs. L. V. Jones, Pittsburg District; Miss Eva Brooks, Junior
Superintendent. Executive Board, Mrs. I. T. Temple, Mrs. E. J. Pride,
Mrs. Henrietta Loury.
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