Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-25
MOTHERS MEETING.
What the Ladies' of St Luke's Church Have
Accomplished.


Accomplished.
The mothers meeting" at st. Luke's Epis-
copal Church. Of which the Rev. Alex Crom-
we'll is rector, has been a marked feature in its
life and activities during the last two years.
Its main purpose has been to assist some of the
poorest Of the colored people of the town to
provide themselves with good clothing at a
cheaper rate than in the stores and to stimulate
the principle of thrift and economy among
them.
The work was begun and carried on in It's first
stages under the direct control Of Mrs. Henry
E. Pellew Of Massachusetts, avenue, who is
noted for her interest in all philanthropic work
In this city. This year the women of ST. Luke 8
church have taken it entirely in hand and
during the last six months have been carrying
on its operations. The session for the season
closed on Monday evening with special
exercises.
Nearly all the mothers we're present, with
also the several directors and a few guests.
After reading S1st chapter Of the Book OF
Proverbs, from the 10th verse, the rector DR..
Cromwell, opened the exercises with PRAYER
The secretary, Mrs. W. E. Matthews, then
read the annual report, which was as follows:
With the exercises Of this evening ends the
third year OF the mothers meetings Of St
Luke's Church. The meetings we're opened on
Monday evening, November %, and the follow
ing committee took charge: Mrs. Alex Crum-
NELL. Mrs. Evans. Mrs. A. P. Albert, Mrs Chas
Murray, Mrs. Gilmer. Miss Harris. Mrs. Ma
thews.
At the first meeting the committee was abso-
lutely without funds, but was amply supplied
with faith and energy. During the following
week contributions were received from Mrs
H. E. Pellew, who conducted the meetings dur
Ing the previous years; Mrs. Guignon CT New
York and few members Of the congregation
all Of whom the committee desires to thank
most heartily. Tweuty-one mothers were pres
ent at this first meeting, the number afterward
reached thirty and, despite the rain, snow and
intense cold, the average attendance in the six
months was twenty-four, representing members
OF the Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholic and
Episcopal churches.
The primary object Of these meetings is to
help industrious, self-respecting mothers to
clothe themselves and their children at little
cost and by as easy means as possible. Goods
were purchased by the committee, garments
cut and basted, and sold to the women who
ordered them for 2 cents less per yard than
paid for the goods. Charge was made for only
the actual amount Of goods used in the gar
ment Buttons, needles, thread and thimbles
were furnished free by the committee. Small
payments were made each evening on tho gar
ment ordered until it was made and paid for,
when it was taken home. During the win
ter 229 garments were made, in which were
useu 40 .aros hannei' - yarus white apron
goods. Sc wards calico, 671a yards pillow case
muslin. 1l5 yards canton flannel, 1877 yards
sheeting, POS yards bleached muslin. 227 yards
bingham. For which was paid Sl05.92 The
payments and contributions amounted to
SlO9.37-leaving in the hands Of the committee
the sum of S3.45. During the winter Mrs. J.
W. Cromwell very kindly read selections from
the life of "Sister Dora" and SO added greatly
to the interest of the meetings. Short practical
talks were given by the rector and very inter-
esting talk on Africa by Rev. Paulus Mort.
After the reading of the report addresses were
made by Rev. Paulus Mort and the rector
Select pieces Of vocal and instrumental music
were rendered by Mrs. Van Brackle, Miss
Florence Carter and Mrs. Albert Mrs l. w.
Cromwell very happily read an amusing story.
After refreshments Of strawberries and
cream and cake, the evenings exercises closed
with the doxology, "Praise God From Whom All
Blessings Flow" and benediction by the rector.