Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1908-05-15
w. f. M. S. Convention


The sixteenth annual convention of
the Sioux Falls District w. +. M. s..
of the M. e. church, held in Canton
the Sth, 9th and 10th of May, was one
Of the most successful ever held in
the district. The weather was all
that could be desired and a large ma
jority Of the delegates were present
at the first meeting. All the district
officers with the exception of Vice
President Mrs. Maude P. Walker,
who was detained home by the illness
of her mother, were on duty.
Friday afternoon, the local auXil-
larry gave a reception to visitors and
home friends at the parsonage, after
which a short business session was
held at the church.
The special feature of the evening
was the presidents address: "a
Glance BackWard-A Look Ahead"
She treated the subject of missions
from its infancy to the present time,
showing clearly what c~onsecrated eff
fort can accomplish for Christianity.
Then she gave a very optimistic view
of the future which filed earnest
hearts with hope.
DR.. Stevenson. seventeen years a
medical missionary in China, being
introd uced to the convention, re-
sponded in well chosen words.
Saturday the morning praise led by
Mrs. Rowe of Flandreau was very
helpful, and the roll call following
was full of inspi zion and entbusi-
asm. The subjectf> i response, "What
do l Most Need to Learn at the Con-
vention?" emphasized the thot that
enthusiasm for missions comes only
\, rnv1rI ID 1y,NN u,lnI-0 0rI iS,npnncO IT
membership depends upon the en-
Reports from auxiliaries showed
much interest throughout the dis
trict and membership on the in
crease.
Mrs. J. P. Jenkins of Watertown
was introduced to the convention.
She spoke a few words in her usual
helpful, pleasing manner, bringing
greetings from the Watertown auxil-
airy.
Greetings from the convention were
ordered sent to Miss Brethorst and
Miss Stout, missionaries to China
from South Dakota. The session
closed with the reading of interesting
letters from Miss Brethorst and Miss
Stout.
The afternoon service opened with
a song service followed by roll call on
"The Latest News of our Work and
Workers.
Two papers: methodist Mission
Presses and Their Work. by Mrs. w.
P. Slocum of Centerville, and Goods
by Mrs. A. A. Stout Of Parker were
both interesting and helpful.
The conservation service led by
Mrs. Stewart was sweetly helpful.
She spoke of Goods Telephone" the
central thot, the perfect order at
Gods end of the line. When there is
disorder it is always at our end of the
line.
Sunday Morning services were fit
tingly opened with a Love Feast led
by Mrs. J.. M. Brown of Sioux Falls.
Presiding Elder A. G Shepherd de-
livered the morning sermon in his
own ~forceful way. He spoke of mis-
sion work and workers, illustrating
the conservation of men and women
called into mission fields and the ef-
feet of their labors. 1t was a power
full sermon, the one for the time and
place.
The afternoon services consisting Of
a Praise Service led by Miss Onica J.
Mile. The Young Peoples Session
by Mrs. Chapman, "The Illustrated
Talk by Mrs. Stewart were of spec
ial interest to the workers. The
Memorial service for Mrs. Joyce led
by Mrs. jenkins closed the afternoon
session. This was sweetly pathetic,
especially to those present who were
her personal friends.
a large audience listened to an ad-
dress by Miss Kate Moss. Her theme.
1.-THE Result of Christian Labor liz
Heather Lands" was treated in a
clear, realistic way. She is a pleasing
though rapid speaker, and her de
scriptions of foreign lands, peoples
and conditions, were given with the
accuracy of an eye witness. In fact
many thought her a returned mission
airy so real did she paint her pictures
Every session was filled with good
things.
Special music was furnished by thu
M. e. Choir, Mrs. M. J.. Gotthelf O
Sioux Falls, Mrs. Myron Dunlap anl
Miss Myrtle Muma of Canton. Par
ticular mention might fittingly bt
made Of Mrs. Gotthelf's services, who
though not a member of this particu
lar group of workers in Gods vine
yard, was so helpful, not only will
her beautiful voice but with tn
sweet spirit she manifested for tn
work.
The presence and words Of Mrs
jenkins, and DIR. Stephenson CAV,
added charm and helpfulness to tn
convention.
The money collected for missions i
to be appropriated to the MRS. Joyc
Silver Anniversary Fund"
All the old officers were reelected
with the exception of Vice Presiden
Mrs. Walker who declined reelection
Mrs. Nichols of Parker was elected t.
fill her place.
The sweet dignity of the President
Mrs. Rust, won her a place in ever
heart, and all who are fortunat
enough to go to Sioux Falls next yea
will be glad TO meet her as presidin