Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1901-06-01
MISSISSIPPI MATTERS.
NOTES OF PAST AND CURRENT EVENTS.
By J. L. POWER.

Church Court of the Cumberland
Presbyterians during their recent ses-
sion in West Point, was one to which
this section of our country is not ac-
customei, viz: The seating of wo-
man delegate from Kentucky Church
in which she was Ruling Elder. This
proceeding, unusual under any cir
cumstaaces, became remarkable be-
cause OF the fact that Presbyterian
Church had sent woman to repre-
sent them in the far South
The discussion relative to giving
her a seat in the Church Court WaXed
warm, and press and people, as we'll
as preachers, had much to say, anent
it. Finally the young woman's rights
were recognized in accordance with the
established rule in Mississippi-the
men offered the lady a seat. In the
various publications regarding this in
cident, 1t has been generally spoken
of as the only instance of the kind
ever known in the State, and by many
is regarded as a great stride toward
progress. We have been told, how
ever by an aged Mother in Israel"
that as long as sixty years ago the
old blue stocking Presbyterians of
Vicksburg were represented by wo-
man Ruling Elder in meeting Of
the Synod. Whether she was accorded
recognition our informant does not re-
call, but she does recall-and clearly
that things were much the same
| then as now, and that this godly Wo-
man, whose son afterWard became
one of the Souths greatest and grand
est men-with a few helpers, sustain
ed ana kept vigorous the Church
which is now so strong a force in
| Southern Presbyterianism.
! She was chosen elder and whether the
men composing the Synod gave her the
| title or not, they freely acknowledged
their Indebtedness to her executive
ability and devoted piety in discharg-
ing an elders duties. This woman
was the sainted mother of sainted
son-Thomas Railey Markham Our
informant believes her information to
| be correct, but we would be glad to get
an accurate statement touching this
matter from some of the Historic
City's" old citizens, who know con-
cerning it. 1t will prove of deep inter
est and will be one more of the many
strong foundation stones upon which
stands today the opportunities of Miss
issippi women.
The ladies of Memphis have their
hearts full and oyerflowing with love
and sympathy for the veterans who are
their guests. and their hands are full
and overhoWing with work, and anxi-
ETY. for the sponsors who are there
with their maids
These ladies have done loyal and
almost super-human work in prepar-
ing for this Reunion-they have done
all that women-eyen Southern wO-
men-could do, and if any one should
fail to receive the full measure of
attention TO which they think their
sponsorship entities them, they must
remember that there are hundreds
Just like them 1ld ii msands of Maids
of Honor to be prO1idrd for AMI en-
tertained-a sreat task for any CITY,
even without the veterans.
Indeed that BLESSED old "Go.den
Rule" the following which would
make life so beautiful for all Of us,
is a mighty good thing to go by at
times like these. And We believe our
eirls--especially our Mississippi girls
will keep it in mind, and if things
do go wrong, just wonder if YOU
would do as we'll if you were in the
place of these weary, overtaXeI, burd
ened women, half Of whom can not
keep their servants for love or money
who have to struggle to make their
tables stretch and their beds double
and all the time keep fresh and sweet
and entertaining to the family and
guests at home, besides taking turns
down town, at club room, reception
hall committee meeting and the thou
sand other wearisome things they are
doing for love Of the cause and the
defenders, who have honOred you 10y
taking you with them. Remember this
sponsors and maids, and instead OF
adding to their burdens, turn in anG
like the sweet girls your mothers wert
help these noble women to honor anC
serve and make blissfully happy the
old COnfederates. They are yours as
we'll as theirs-and it is incumbent
upon you as well as upon the Memphis
women to serve them, and to do i
gladly.
The lovely young daughter of Con
gresham McLain is to be married tC
Mr.. John Henderson Hines, on th'
Goth inst, at the McLain home il
Gloster. The wedding is to be tht
social event of the season in that sec
tion of the State, and great interes
is felt in It, because of the family
high position and the brides lowell
ness of mind and person.
All Mississippi mourns with he
distinguished son and representative
= in Congress, Hon Thos. Spight, in tht
death OF his beloved wife at thei1
home in Ripley. This sad event oc
= cured Wednesday, and bereayes a de
, voted husband and large family o
e grown children, besides many friends
Mrs. Spight was a beautiful Christian
e character, and made her home o
which she was in very truth the light
a happy place where all her famil!
loved to linger with her, We tende
, our deep sympathy to her strickel
husband and children,
The Columbus Masonic Bazaar add
, ed about $4,000 to the Temple treas
, ury. OF couse the Masons and thei
! friends, and the Columbus people gen
| orally are to be congratulated becaus'
/ of so great an achievement, but If w
, may be allowed to mention Just ont
more" as the man to be most thanked
it is our good friend Percy Maer
whose pen never tired ana whose IN