The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-11-23
WOMAN's WORK IN ILLINOIS.

On the second day of State Conven-
ton of Universalists, held at Eigin, Oct.
20, 81, %, 1868. Rev. r. H. Pullman Of
fered the following resolutions:
RESOLVED, That in order to increase the eff
ficlency of Lombard University and to enable 1t
to accomplish for the education of women, all
that 1t was designed to do. a first-class colleg-
ate building shall be erected in Galesburg for
the accommodation of lady students.
RESOLVED. That we recommend to the wo-
men of our church in the State of Illinois to un-
dertake the erection of this building and here
by pledge to them our aid and cooperation In
such effort
Mrs. Mary A. Livermore. who was pres
emit at this meeting and who was then
the recognized leader of the Universalist
Women of our State, suggested that they,
the women. should have an opportunity
to consider the resolutions before action
should be taken and it was decided to
hold special meeting for this purpose
at P. M. in the German church which
was near by. Truly was this an import
ant meeting to the women of Illinois and
to our cause in the State. Mrs. Liver
more was chosen Chairman and after an
earnest consideration of the resolutions
they were adopted. The plan proposed
at this meeting. briefly stated, was to
raise the sum of $4,000 to erect Board
ing Hall for young lady students at
Lombard University; this to be CEN
tennial offering to the Universalist de-
nomination.
What great undertaking was this
and what a glorious monument to the
women of Illinois it would have been
had it been consummated!
At this meeting an Executive Com
mittee consisting of Mrs. Mary A. Liver.
more, Mrs. J. V. N. Standish, Mrs. w.
S. Balch, Mrs. DIR. Forester. Mrs. Ho-
mes Slade, Mrs. Hardin, Mrs. Gorton,
and Rev. Augusta ]. Chaplin were ap-
pointed and the ladies adjourned to
meet at Mendoza, Dec. l, 1868, at P. M.
One day during the sessions Of the
last State Convention held at Galesburg,
ILL.,, Prof. l. A. Parker handed me an old
book which he had found few days be-
fore among the household belongings of
his home. 1t was the first Secretary
book of the Illinois Woman's Association
and was used last by Mrs. Parker, who
was for long time its Secretary. What
thoughts, what memories that old book
excited! How it brought before me our
leaders in those days,-that host OF noble
and capable men and women who direct
ed our counsels nor hesitated to make
any sacrifice for the cause they lovedl
Most of them have passed on to the
higher life. Their mantles have fallen
upon our shoulders.
What account of our trust shall we be
able to render them?
The principal event Of this occasion
however. was the woman's meeting. The
church, Tor it may have been hail.
was crowded with the leading men and
women Of our denomination, and promi
nent among them were those who were
interested 10 the welfare of Lombard
University with good DIR. Weston at
their head. Those were days when
woman's position was not 80 we'll recog-
nized as it is at the present time, and a
debate arose early in the session
whether the Secretary, being women
her signature upon the return tickets
would not invalidate them with the rail
road authorities. DR.. Weston looked on
while l signed the first and said Leave
off Miss, Mary. and write mans hand.
/ obeyed little against my will, l con-
fess