New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-10-10
BIG DEBT WIPED OUT.
Foreign Mission Board Begins Its
"Haystack" Jubilee.
fBy telegraph to The Tribune

b telegraph to The Tribune
North Adams, Mass, Oct 9.-The American
Board Of Foreign Missions was born behind
haystack hundred years ago at Wiamstown
five miles from hero. Samuel Mills and his four
companions driven by a thundershower
from the grove OF maple trees where they had
met to pray. Their successors, in session here
to-day. would have been glad to have had hay
stack behind which TO run when the heavy
showers fell this afternoon.
The ardor OF the missionaries and their friends
attending the annual meeting OF the board was
not dampened however by the downpour On
the other hand. there was a scene seldom wit
messed when the announcement was made that
the receipts for this year had been 1913 100.
This was gain over the receipts OF last year Of
s161o 20 Notwithstanding this increase. the &C
counts at the close of the financial year. August
81, showed a balance Of Indebtedness from pre-
vious years stfl standing of SS5.41I.
After this report had been presented in printed
form, certified by the auditors completing
the accounts of the year supplementary state
ment was made. causing great surprise, namely.
that within the last five days provision had been
made. chiefly through the generosity Of Few
friends of missions for the cancellinS of this
debt
1t had been announced prior to the closing OF
the accounts that pledges amounting 10 nearly
$4,000 had been received conditioned upon the
securing befors August 81 of Sl.OooOpo. or a
sufficient to cover the outstanding debt ana
the cost OF the work during the yeaS Since the
books were closed nearly $4,000 has come in to
be applied 10 the debt.
Within the last week $4,000 was raised ana
paid into the treasury chiefly through the efforts
of a few business men who have purchased ana
paid cash for securities which como to the board
from estates prior 10 August 81 but which other
wise. according TO CUSTOM could not be included
In the receipts This made out the million dol
lars. This announcement was received Win
great enthusiasm.
Dr. Samuel B. Capen. president Of the board.
called upon Vice-President Hopkins TO offer
prayer of thanksgiving Hardly had the Amen
been said when an old man arose, and In
trembling voice started the DoxOlogy. In an In
slant the entire audience was on its feet joining
heartily in the hymn of praise Again the ooaTo
was free from the shackles Of debt and able 10
carry on It's great and growing work. and It's
friends as happy as If they themselves had
rolled from their own shoulders heavy burden
In welcoming the officers and members OF the
board and their many friends at the opening
meeting this afternoon. Mayor Ford, who Is
member Of the Congregational Church OF this
city, referred To the remarkable growth and
splendid results achieved during the century
which has passed since Mills and his friends held
their famous prayer meeting
President Capen in his response, said that
there were now under the care of the board 56o
missionaries and 1000 native helpers, and that
the receipts during the last fifty years had been
$50, 600 900. Churches and schools, and colleges
and theological seminaries, and hospitals and
printing presses had been established in various
parts OF the world, but the dream OF the men OF
the haystack and the prayers which they offered.
he said would not be satisfied until every man
everywhera should know OF the Cross and Of
Him who died to redeem the nations
The report of the treasurer, Frank H. Wfggin.
was received with interest, but II was left TO
Secretary c. H. Patton. of the home department.
to ms Ike the announcement of the wiping out OF
the debt through the raising OF the million dol
lars this year
Secretary James L. Barton. of the foreign de-
partment gave a graphic outline of the work Of
the board in Turkey, India. China. Japan and
other countries There are now $50 churches,
with $1,000 native members. who contributed
last year for the support OF religious. eduCa-
tionaI and missionary work, S212353
This evening President George A Gates Of
Pomona College California, preached the annual
sermon from the text. THE love of Christ con-
straineth US"
Tomorrow the session will be held at Will
Jamestown the site of the prayer meeting of
1906.