The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1901-11-23


on certain October Sunday. The
treasurer, a young man who had re-
Gently come to the village, had made
financial statement that morning,
upon which certain persons felt very
much scandalized. Such q thing had
never been done before-not even
thought Of; then 1t revealed the fact
that the Rev. Wesley Norwood had re-
ceived but $61.75 for six months OF
faithful service.
II don't believe in bringing up such
matters In the religious services of the
church." growled Brother Cook, who
always protested that 1t was waste
Of money to pay the minister so much
salary.
II quite agree with YOU" responded
Mr.. Barnes. He was not member OF
the church, but attended because 1t
was a respectable thing to do--gave
you standing. If these things must
come up every Sunday I shall attend
church elsewhere"
Notwithstanding this, It was gener-
ally agreed that 1t was . shame, and
some thing must be done. But when
things had gone in haphazard way
90 long 1t was no easy matter to face
right about. After several weeks OF
elaboration, the necessary something
seemed as far from accomplishment
% ever.
ut Is too bad that they do not col
lsct the pastors salary" remarked
Mrs. Hunter at the Ladies' Aid meet
ing. Who she meant by "they" was
not entirely clear, inasmuch as she was
= one OF the officers.
"1f no one else will do anything, We
must" rejoined Mrs. Allen; the various
members nodded approval.
1t was soon planned. The pastor
had received $51.75; they would pay
him sOs.25--make II even $l5O---and
have enough left In the treasury for
incidental matters. On Thursday
evening of next week, which was
Thanksgiving, they would invite them
selves to the parsonage and have a
good time while making the pastor
happy. 1t would be easy to prepare
something extra while getting ready
for Thanksgiving 1t was to be
grand secret; not o soul hut members
Of the society should know word OF
II.
"May ! not tell John?" stammered
timid Mrs, Addie Day. She was but re.
Gently married and dIsliked to have
ever 30 little q secret from her hus-
band. Scornful glances from the more
mature matrons warned her that she
was about to lose caste In the society,
and she quickly subsidized.
At the close Of the business meeting
Of the Young Peoples league, the
PRECEDENT made a close scrutiny TO as.
sure himself that all present were
members, he then proposed that, as
"they would not do anything" the
league take up the matter.
III understand that we have nearly
900 In the treasury; we could pay the
pastor sls.so--bring the salary up TO
Si00--and have enough left TO pay oil
bills and begin the new year out OF
debt. II we do this, I suggest that we
observe the utmost secrecy and make
n q complete surprise" All readily
sgrsed to the plan and pledged the
proper reticence In the matter.
Four OF the most faithful met after
prayer meeting TO discuss the situation,
and decided that they must at once
collect t2is,p5, the balance necessary
70 pay the ak months salary due. This
they proceeded to do so quietly that no
one surmised q general canvass was
being made. Before Sunday the entire
amount was secured.
Friday, after school, the Junior
jsaguers met and decided that mas
much a. the grown-up folks would not
help In the matter, they would do what
sAsy could, 30 they voted 10 pay over
every bit there was In the treasury.
Upon counting, SeS.ss was found 10 DO
~ correct amount.
"oh, girlsl" erlsd Lottle Newman, a.
~ made acme figures In the treas.
'Wrsr's book, III will make Just even vs.
ond ] hope We osn gst enough 10 make
" ) Aundrsl."