The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-07-18

EAR SISTERS OF the Universalist
faith, one and all, those of you
who cannot hear may have an opportu-
nifty of reading the words here written.
After seven years of deepest interest
in. and earnest work for this organiza-
tion, you will not wonder that it seems
to the writer like great institution, and
that she has much to say concerning it.
In seven years this organization
should have history; it has. and one
that the women of Ohio may be proud
Of. We have thus far been very modest.
Our trumpet has not been blown 80
those outside the State could hear, but
having accomplished so much good for
our people and our church. we believe
that we should keep our light under
bushel no longer. but let it shine, 80 that
others seeing our good work may be led
to do likewise.
Many Of us will remember that years
ago at each State Convention an appeal
would be made to the women for dol
lar for mission work by Vice-president
of the Woman's Centenary Association.
From twenty-five to fifty dollars would
be raised; portion of this would be
used to defray expenses of the person in
charge to the annual meeting of the As
sociation. Sometimes not much was left
for the object intended.
Many of us saw at what disadvan-
tage we were working, and the writer
made some effort to bring about State
organizations under that name, but to no
effect.
Other States saw the same need and
organized separately; finally Ohio did
the same and this is how we came to be
Independent and with another name.
Conscious that there was more money
and more power among our people and
our church than was being utilized. that
there was something more for the
women of our church to do, the matter
was brought before the people at our
State Convention in 1889. While we
did not deprive any from becoming
members of the w. G. A. and recogniz-
ing the work it had done and was do
ing. we thought best to organize as a
State. A committee was appointed to
arrange for organization and for work.
The meetings held by that committee
with a few interested brothers,-the
prayers offered for guidance,-the earn
est words. and intense interest will
never be forgotten. Our committee.
with no money, but great faith in the
enterprise, thought best to put an organ
izer in the field if one could be found
to work with the assurance Of her ex-
penses. One was soon found and set at
work. In one year we had one thousand
women enrolled. not only to pay dollar
but to do mission work.
Having obtained money the question
came, How can we use it to the greatest
advantage to our cause in Ohio?
Cleveland, one of the largest cities in
the State. was without a Universalist
church; should we not plant the seed of
truth there where there was room for
growth and great usefulness? And
there the Missionary Alliance has con-
centrated it's efforts. A few Universal
lists were found and enthusei with hope
by the brothers who were sent to speak
to them; they kept coming, and as num-
bers increased and the working force
grew. courage was built ups until they
we're ready to run risks and do valiant
service.
A fine lot was purchased in desir-
able part of the city, incurring heavy
debt; little chapel was built and paid
for; people have been coming there to
worship until it is filled and overhowing.
At Sunday school hours it is filed
1t is not simply Sunday service
church, but an every day work church,
and is blessing those who work and
those for whom they work.
The chapel has been built and paid
for, preaching sustained, running ex-
penses met, and paid On the lot with help
that has come from various sources.
The w. U. M. A. has paid to Cleveland
Mission, s3.196.S9; has pledged 800 to
State Convention on which it pays in.
est,-paid deficits Of s22S60 for our
State paper, Convention Circular, be-
sides paying expenses of various kinds
and the salaries of organizers and mis-
sionaries. Sum total of all money raised
in seven years. s5.521.50. One fourth
of all the money raised from member
ship dues has been kept for the home
churches and not included in these fig.
ures.
Now there are those who will compare
the money raised with what has been
given to the object for which it was
raised, and say, "See what an amount of
money has been diverted from its pur-
pose by giving through an organiza-
ton"
We would say to those, consider the
fact, that had it not been for the organ
ization no money would have been
given for this purpose, and there would
not have been a working, growing church
in Cleveland today, of which we are all
so glad.
Of courae thara ara mora or Lace NV