Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-10-16
AN EPIDEMIC OF GIVING
Gold Watches, Rings and Jew
 els Piled on the Altar.
MISS SHEPARD SET THE EXAMPLE.

mlSS ShhIAhD S11 1uh hAhmT Lb, She Promised Iron Watches For Geld
 Ones and Iron Crosses For JeweIs-The
 EvangeIists Raised s5o.ooO In a Short
 whIIe-Oae Man Gave n Farm.
 NEW YoEK. Oct l6-At a meeting in the Eighth Avenue Gospel tabernacle of the Christian and Missionary alliance, which has just closed its eleventh annual convention, something unusual happened. It was at the height of tho meeting when Miss Louise shepard. m evangelist, pro posed that there should be an offering of gold and silver for the work of the alli- ance.
 In whirl of religious fervor men and women marched up the aisles to the altar and left gold and silver watches, diamond pins and rings and jcwclry of all forms to be sold in the interest of missionary work. Tho programme of the meeting was stopped and was not resumed until the altar of the tabernacle was piled high with the offerings.
 At one of tho three great meetings at the American theater more jewelry was given. One mans generosity reached such a pitch that he gave 0 decd for a farm. Others gave amounts of money ranging from $6 900 to $I. Moro than
 
 Miss shepard Started It.
 Thero wcro missionaries who had seen service in all parts of the globe. The pro- grammes were interesting. and the meet inGs werc attended by very large audi enccs. Each night during the convention the Gospel tabernacle was packed with people. The enthusiasm reached n cul- minating pitch when Miss Louise shepard broke up the meeting with her proposi- tion for offerings.
 Miss shepard Is q wealthy Now York woman. \ few years ago she was con vcrtcd at convention of tho Missionary and Christian alliance at Round Lake. At that time she took diamond rings from her fingers and earrings from her ears and laid them on the altar as m of fer:ng to the cause. Since that time she has been most earnest and devoted work CT for the alliance.
 The programme was to include n series Of short addresses on missionary topics. When it camo Miss Shcpard's turn to speak. she arose and showed a small watch, with cases which, she said, were made of iron. Shc explained that not long ago she saw iron watches advertised in a Broadway window. Shc determined to sell her gold watch and give tho proceeds to the alliance and use a cheap iron watch instead. Then she told n little story about the Order of the Iron Cross. This society was formed by women during the Prus- sian war. when the emperor called upon all of his sub jccts for assistance The Prussian women sold their jewelry for tho benefit of the government and wore iron crosses.
 Now, said Miss shepard, with an appealing gesture, if these women were willing to give up their jewclry because of their loyalty to thoir native land surely we ought to do as much for the love of Jesus. For gold We will give iron to you.
 Watches. Ring and Jewels.
 The Rev. stephen Merritt, tho under takcr and preacher. sat on the first TOW. When Miss shepard stopped and looked about for response to her appeal. Mir. Merritt arose, and after turning toward the audience pulled n fine gold watch from his vest pocket and laid it on the altar. Miss shepard rewarded MT. Merritt with an encouraging smile.
 Who Is nCNt:' she asked.
 \ man took n diamond pin from his scarf and laid it by Mir. Merritt $ watch Women arose in the audience and began to pull rings from their fingers and jcwel- ed pins from their dresses. Mir simpson tried to resume the programme Of the evening. but gave up whom ho saw the ex- Citcment growing and tho aisleS filling with peoplc marching toward the altar and leaving watches. rings. pins and money. some of them made brief speeches.
 Each Givcr. after brief speech, was rcwar'icd with cries of Amen" Bless the LOrd"' ''Praiso the holy name'' The spirit of tho Lord is with you" Men and women werc shouting and weeping.
 Subscriptions to be paid within the year were made with great enthusiasm. When the figures reached $i6 GOO, one man. who would not give his name said that he would make up the 500, 900. More than 500. OOJ was subscribed.
 Miss shepard will arrange to exchange iron watches. as they are called, for the 2. watches that were given up. So far as i. | possible the works of these watches will | be put in iron cases. which will be fur nishcd by Miss shepard Those who gave stem winding watches will get the worst | of this deal They will be compelled tC take tho iron watches as they stand | Those who gave tho 10 rings and the othei | jewclry will receive iron crosses appro | "rintslv engraved.