The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-12-29
HELPING The afflicted
How the Deaf Mutes of Scranton Have
Organized.
WORK OF THE LITTLE ONES
Class of Forty.Five Deaf Mutes Compose
a Body for Work Among the AZ.
flicted-Their Connection with
ST. Luke's Church.

One Of the most interesting guilds in
the city-the Ephphatha guild-held
their Christmas exercises last evening
at st. Luke's church parish room on
Washington avenue.
The history and objects of the guild
requires to be known to be fully ap-
preciated. There are in Scranton
about forty-five deaf mutes who have
organized a branch of the Central
Pennsylvania work among their class.
The Scranton branch was formed in
connection with st. Luke's church last
summer, and its object is the mainten-
ance of a mission for deaf mutes for
social purposes. Its success has al
ready been assured. An auxiliary So
slety has been formed called THE Mute
society,"" which meets every week and
is efficiently directed by Mrs. II. II.
Coston, who takes a deep interest in
the work of the guild generally.
Various interesting incidents have
come to light in connection with the
Christmas exercises of last evening
Mrs. Coston has Sunday school class
who have formed penny club" the
dues being l cent week each, the
proceeds being devoted to the guild
fund.
Work of Enterprising Children.
Three months ago Mrs. Coston gave
the children penny each, and asked
them to invest it in the interest of the
Guilds Christmas tree and to particu,
larize their speculations. One little boy
bought twelve pieces of candy with his
penny, resold it for cents, with which
he purchased popcorn which retailed
brought in 5 cents; he then purchased
material and made four busters, which
at 10 cents each, brought in 40 cents
and so on until he realized $l.50, which
he proudly deposited in the treasury
last evening. A little girl paid in $l.3(
and little boy 80, the total profit of the
sixteen pennies being over SIG, all Of
which were industriously made in three
months.
The penny club will again start oper.
ations at the beginning of the New
Year to supply goods for a Bazaar OF
allnations, which will be held at Easter
Mrs. Coston and Miss Nellie Stevens
receive the members of the club every
Wednesday at their residences.
With regard to the guild it is now
well organized and on a substantial
footing. Rev. Rogers Israel is presi
dent; Rev. ]. NJ. Koehler, director and
missionary; Mrs. Harriet Eynon secre.
tary, and Norris Garbet, treasurer. Mr.
Koehler is rector of All Souls church
Philadelphia, and has charge of the
Deaf Mutes mission through centra
Pennsylvania which he visits at regu'
lar periods and breaches by signs. To
morrow at y. m. he will conduct such
a service at st. Luke's church.
Exercises Last Evening.
Last evening the parish room was
crowded, one of the mutes being dressed
as Santa Claus" and distributing
gifts from a magnificent Christmas
tree which was loaded with mittens
laden with candy and about hundred
eggshell baskets. A sack of oranges
donated by Isaac Felts were also &
prominent feature on the tree.
Mr.. Koehler addressed the members
Of the guild by signs and his communi
cations were received with rapt atten
ton Mrs. Coston was awarded o
hearty vote of thanks for her labors ir
decorating the room and Christmas
tree. Rev. Rogers and Mrs. Israel ant
several members of st. Luke's church
were present and assisted in the exer
cises.