The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-06-01
BENEVOLENT WORK IN TABLE
GROVE, ILL.

Any one who has visited Table Grove,
ILL.,, and attended the Unigersalist
church at that place, has learned to
know the familiar face Of Miss Pru
dence Berry. A few thoughts concern
ing her and her work will, l trust, be
of interest to the readers of The
UNIvERsALIsT. 1t is no more than
just that persons who devote their en-
tire life and thought to humanity should
have some passing notice taken OF them
before they die. Such feelings prompt
me to pen this short sketch. Miss Berry
was born about forty-three years ago.
and her entire life has been spent in the
beautiful little town where she now lives.
We add no facts concerning her history.
but the brief statement: "Her life has
been one of devotion, and good deeds"
She became known to the church in this
State last autumn when she was elected
State Secretary of the Y. P. G. U. The
Secretary of the State Union is no COM
mon Individual. but rare and remark
able person.
Miss Berry is not without some of the
wealth of this world. however, but she
uses it for an unselfish end. Facing the
public square to the south one observes
a brick building with stone front, de-
signed and built by Mr.. J. M. Willis of
Table Grove The architectural features
are very beautiful. The second story
is the property of the l. o. o. F. and the
first floor belongs to Miss Berry. Its di-
mansions are 25x70 feet. The interior
is well finished in Georgia pine. On en-
tering the hallway or vestibule door to
the right leads into a comfortable reading
room we'll provided with good literature.
which is opened to the public under GER
tain conditions. The reading-roo is
furnished with small library in which
there is a choice collection of books, and
Miss Berry assured me that any good
contribution sent to this collection would
not be returned. but gratefully acknowl-
edged. The reading room also possesses
cabinet Of some rare collections from
various parts of the United States.
This collection has come together largely
through efforts of a brother of the
owner.
Next we enter hall provided with a
stage and scenery. The seating capacity
in about 200, and it has been appropri-
ately christened Progress Hail." Here
meets the temperance Band OF Hope, bet
ter known perhaps as the Loyal Legion,
with membership of 10. This society
meets every Sunday with an average at
tendance of 40; Miss Berry is their leader
and here they are instructed in lessons
OF sobriety and patriotism. Another so
ciety meets here also-theW.C.T.U., and
in this organization she is also the inspir-
ing spirit Other societies are the sewing
club and the cooking club. The sewing
club meets daily, and the members are
instructed in both practical and fancy
needle work. No person over four years
OF age is excluded who wishes to become
proficient in al art much cultivated by
our grandmothers, but less understood
by the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. The cook
ing club meets once each week in the |
pleasant kitchen in the rear of the stage,
as we'll provided with conveniences as a
modest hotel. Miss Berry is not instruc
tor 10 this department but can tie on an
apron when called to do 80.
Progress Hall is ever at the service of
the Universalist church for suppers and