The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-11-21

} A Happy Thanksgiving
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decided that something must be done, and
at once. The treasurer, young man,
who had recently come to the village. had
made a financial statement that October
sunday morning, upon which certain per-
sons felt very much scandalized. Such a
thing had never been done before-not
even thought of; then it revealed the fact
that the Rev. Wesley Norwood had re-
ceived but S51.75 for six months of faith
full service.
Il don't believe in bringing up such
matters IN the religious services of the
church." growled Brother Cook. who al
ways protested that it was a waste of
money to pay the minister so. much sal
airy.
Il quite agree with you," responded
Mr.. Barnes. He was not a member Of
the church. but attended because it was
q respectable thing to do-gave you stand
ing. IF these things must come UP ev-
cry Sunday, / shall attend church else
where"
Notwithstanding this, it was generally
agreed that Ii was a shame, and some
thing must be done. Tut when things had
gone in haphazard way so long it was
no easy matter to face right about At
ter several weeks of deliberation, the nee
essary something seemed as far from ac-
complishment as ever.
Its too bad that they do not collect
the pastors salary" remarked Mrs. Hun
ter at the Ladies' Aid meeting. Who she
meant by they" was not entirely clear.
inasmuch as she was one of the officers.
IF no one else will do anything, we
must" rejolned Mrs. Allen; the various
members nodded approval.
1t was soon planned. The pastor had
received S51.15; they would pay him
s9S.25-make it even Sl50-and have
enough left in the treasury for incidental
matters. On Thursday evening OF next
week, which was Thanksgiving. they
would invite themselves to the parsonage
and have good time while making the
pastor happy. 1t would be easy TO pre-
pare something extra while getting ready
for Thanksgiving. 1t was to be grand
secret; not a soul but members OF the
society should know a word OF it.
At the close of the business meeting
of the Young Peoples League, the presi-
dent made close scrutiny to assure him
self that all present were members; he
then proposed that, az they would not
do anything" the League take up the
matter.
IL understand that we have nearly
sixty dollars in the treasury; we could
ray the pastor $4S.J0-bring the salary
cp to S100-and have enough left to pay
all bills and begin the new year out of
debt. If We do this | suggest that we
observe the utmost secrecy and make it
q complete surprise" All readily agreed
% the plan and pledged the proper reti-
osz,ce in the matter.
Four of the most faithful met after
prayer meeting to discuss the situation
and decided that they must at once COL
lect S24S.25, the balance necessary to pay
the six months salary due. This they
proceeded to do so quietly that no one
surmised a general canvass was being
made. Before Sunday the entire amount
was secured.
Friday, after school, the Junior Leag-
uers met and decided that inasmuch as
the gyswn-up folks would not help in the
matter, they would do what they could !:
so they voted to pay over every bit there
was in the treasury. Upon counting
s23.25 was found to be the correct
amount.
"Oh, girls ~ cried Lottie Newman. as
she made some figures in the treasurer's
hook. ut will make just even So and I
hope we can ge. enough to make il a hum
dred."
After the choir had run over the Sun
day hymns. someone proposed that they
fho IF ha lac
the salary. The sum of $30.25: after re-
.erring to the margin of his anthem book.
he chorister reported that it would make
$50 all told. On Thanksgiving morning
hey would call at the parsonage and sur
prise the pastor with a check for this
amount Perhaps it would somewhat
atone for the sin of whispering during
The sermon.
Thanksgiving day was a trying time for
he Norwoods. The baby was sick the
night before and kept them awake; and
when they did get to rest, they oversight
What with rushing to get breakfast over
and make ready for the service at church,
prayers were shortened and the chapter
omitted altogether.
"Oh, Wesley, / am so tired! Every
thing has gone wrong to-day" said Mrs.
Norwood that afternoon. THE children
never were so naughty before. What will
people saw about Robbie fighting? The
hour barrel is empty, the potatoes are all
gone, and we have not a thing in the
rouse for breakfast, only bread and but
err and the grocer sent us word yester-
| lay that we could not have another thing
| intil we paid him. What shall we do?"
| >fter which lengthy and somewhat inco-
lerent speech, she laid her head on his
shoulder and found refuge in tears.
Never mind, dear; the Lord vii, pro-
vide" then he slowly added, as if In an
| ,fterthought, 'some way"
A few minutes later Pastor Norwood
| vas bowling to the organist, who slipped
1, check in his hand and said properly,
| With the compliments of the choir. "
| lust as they were seated, The door bell
| rang again, and this time the Junior
eague marched en- masse and the aston
| shed minister stood speeches. with a
heck in either hand. Then the older
| league came, and presently the Ladies'
Aid, and last of all the trustees, all add
ng their offerings and crowdlng the small
| looms. Each party looked stiffly askance
Il the others, wondering by what trick
| .ry their secret had become known.
After an hour of discourse and song,
| he treasurer arose and said
"A few days since our pastor had re-
'eived but a mere pittance for many
months of faithful labor. While he had
wrought earnestly for the church and its
societies, so that, for the first time in
ears, all were In a prosperous condition,
ba ,noaIG,cbIv for0ot his own needs No