The Washington herald., 1908-03-16

N the Congress Of Mothers for the dead
FOUNDER Of the organization and field Of
endeavor, IN appreciation of her lowell
uess Of character. the exaltation Of her
Ideals, her devotion to the cause which
she had made her life work, and a tribute
from the President of the United States,
marked the memorial service for Mrs.
Theodore W. Birney. held in the Metro
politan Memorial Methodist Church last
night
The Presidents message to the con-
gress was read by Mrs. Frederick SchOff.
the president of the congress. 1t was as
follows:
May I, through you. the president Of
that body, express my very real sense
OF loss in the death Of Mrs. Theodore w.
Birney? Mrs. Roosevelt and had grown
10 feel a genuine attachment for her.
I only regret that il is not in my power
TO be present at the memorial service"
Mrs. Birney's Last Words.
Mrs. SchoT, presenting the purpose Of
the. occasion. said:
We ca ne TO honor woman we all
loved. We come to honor woman whose
memory is dear to US ALL Our greatest
work is 10 carry on the work she loved
SO we'll
In her last hours. her one thought was
of the National Congress Of Mothers.
Her last words We're. Whether here or
there, I viii be with YOU. "
The invocation opening the services was
said by Rev. William Loring Worcester.
Mrs. Schof then introduced the vice
president of the association. a personal
friend Of the founder, Mrs. David O.
uMears. of Albany. y. Y Mrs. Mears said:
"A rare. beautiful. altruistic spirit has
recently passed from among US into
ilgher life We. who mourn. meet here
Sp-night 20 commemorate the memory of
pas. Theodore Birney. Deep sorrow and
u profound sense of loss fiji all our
1edrts, sor we shall see no more in our
! midst at these gatherings the sweet face
5of our beloved friend and never again
listen 10 her loving words of wise coun-
sci, which guided and inspired.
As Personal Friend.
She, who was the founder Of this new
worldwide movement. was a personal
friend 10 US all Her winning charm. her
gentle dignity, unfailing courtesy. her
eonsecrated life. and loving spirit drew to
her the heartfelt affection Of an who as
sOciated with her.
Mrs. Birney was one Of Gods mothers.
and she looked about with pain at the
unframed. unenlightened motherhood of
2the world. but she foresaw that brighter
81 lays might Dawn for the neglected. help
ess. sOrrowful little ones Of earth in the
Il ZONES Of the rich as well as in the dwell
Tngs OF the poor"
\ Mrs. Roome sang Mrs. Birney's favor
bte hymn. Lead Kindly Light"
Miss Janet Richards lifelong friend
Of Mrs. Birney. gave a brief history of
the Congress Of Mothers. and told of the
great task TIE founder accepted when
she set out 10 organize one Of the great
est womcn's clubs in the world.
She ~ = the many hardships encoun-
tered. rnfaling faith of Mrs
Birney to Mrs. Phoebe
~ II, Il assistance to
make ID work an as
suran'
Tribute.
Miss art:
a tribute 10 my
dear altering courage
at al her sanity pa
tience faith thar from
stress ds. the sun must
burst re cause of child
hood. ut, must prevail.
Pc cret of her ulti-
mate ,Oad and catholic
spirit often expressed.
she ~eYer widely di-
be in opinions
ara and measures. if
they and ideals. striv-
ing goal. at last they
must the end desired.
Cause.
~ seem 20 call for
their their sad. sweet
sacr fe. IN my belief,
Mrs sacrifice. the life
givel it might cOnse-
= crat its work for the
ben Welfare Of future
gene
II woman conse-
crat rt. soul and frail
body orget self for the
acco high ideal for
wha living, that woman
was Mrs. Theodore ". Birney."
Girs. Huntsinger sang the hymn. ABIDE
with AIe."
"WOman Beyond Comparison"
Mrs. William King Of Atlanta. Ca.
paid loving tribute to Mrs. Birney. She
said
The angel of death never claimed a
nobler woman or a lovelier. gentler spirit
that Mrs. Theodore w. Birney. She pos
sessed magnetism that drew all toward
her. She had a lovely face. and that
greatest Of gifts to a woman a gentle
musical voice, and an earnest, loving
manner-a beautiful spirit of love that
made itself felt by all who came in per
s0nal contact with her. She was a woman
beyond comparison"
Mrs R0dger ID. McMullin. of Chicago.
read tributes from educators and persons
interested in the work the congress is
doing from all parts of the country.
Benedicti0n was said by Rev William
L0Ting Worcester
Afternoon Session.
At the session in the afternoon the sub
ject OF Sunday schools was taken up.
Papers were read by Rev. Jacob E. War
ren. of Cambridge, Mass Mrs. J. w.
Barnes. Rev. Robert c. Boville. Rev.
Richard NJ Hodge D. D, of Columbia
University New York. and Josiah Strong
d. D., New York.
The following delegates will make ad
dresses at the sessions to-day: Edwin d
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