Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1909-07-29
SILVER ANNIVERSARY

Twenty-Five years, a quarter OF
century-it is long time! In July
of the year 1884, in a little church up
on the bleak northwest prairies OF
Minnesota, was organized society
which was christened." The Woman's
Missionary society of the First Pres
byterian church of Warren"
And now, after the changes of TWEEN.
ty-flve years, we felt it fitting that we
should celebrate the arrival OF our
silver anniversary. But more re-
markable than that our society has
existed so long, is that from first to
last, we have retained the same presi-
dent, Mrs. A. P. Frank.
And so the members held a secret
conclave, and decided to surprise her
by combining with our anniversary
program, banquet in honor of her
many years of service. Fortune con-
spired with us, and the weather,
which had been almost unbearably
hot, changed to a refreshing GOODNESS.
The guests assembled upon the
broad piazza of Mrs. w. F. Powell's
residence. The meeting was opened
by scripture reading by our president,
followed by prayer by Miss McCrea,
and the singing Of old hymns. Min
utes of last meeting read and approx
ed.
Mrs. Frank was then asked to re-
view the work of the society, which
she did as follows:
"Our Presbyterian church of War
rem was organized by Rev. Mr.. Schell,
in February 1882. He conducted SER
vices every two weeks until Oct. list,
1882; in that same month, Rev. Hen1y
Dyckman, succeeded Mr.. Schell, and
entered on his labors as stated sup
ply of our church.
1t was almost at the close of his
pastorate in July of 1884, that he gave
an announcement one Sabbath that
Mrs. VanCleve. of Minneapolis, who
was visiting some of the churches ip
the Synod, addressing the women, in
behalf of Foreign Missions, would
meet with us an afternoon of that
week. He was particularly urgent
that our women be present at the
meeting. Mr. Dyckman must have
been sincerely interested for he walk
ed miles over the prairies to some of
the homes, giving further notice of
scarce we were requested to bring any
we had. A goodly congregation met
at the appointed time in our church.
which had been erected but not yet
finished: it was not plastered; had
neither pulpit or furniture; the seats
were the ordinary wooden chairs.
Mr.. Dyckman conducted the devo-
tional exercises.
Mrs. Van Cleve's address was a
vivid portrayal Of the sorrows, and
needs of heather women. Our hearts
were stirred, but truth compels me to
say, that at the close of her address,,
when she asked us if we would not
at that meeting organize for this
work, we were a reluctant band of
women. 1t was the old story repeat
ed. We began with one consent to
make excuse. She seemed grieved
and as l recall the last few minutes
talk she had with us at that time, it
was in substance: II know the effort
you women have made to come and
hear me tell you about heather wo-
men, that your own hands seem filled
with work, but you have SO many
blessings, will you help, just as you
are able. to brighten these heather
women's lives. by giving them the
the gospel you enjoy?" We willingly
assented to be helpers, the organiza-
ton was accomplished. and our
Foreign Missionary Society. with
about ten members, received it's
baptism Of prayer and blessing that
afternoon, as this new work was
committed to our trust. Some of the
names of the earlier days are familiar
to you: Mrs. Margaret Main, Mrs.
VIM. Brown, Mrs. Carver Mrs. Will
lard Brown, Mrs. VIM. Thomas, Mrs.
Alfred Thomas, Mrs. James Huggard,
Miss McCrea, Mrs. Tullar, Mrs. Lam
berson, Mrs. Folwell, Mrs. Dady, Mrs.
Ross, Mrs. Mcintyre, Mrs. Green,
Mrs. Easton, Mrs. Graham, Mrs.
Whitney, Mrs, Sheldon, Mrs. Wood.
ward, Mrs. Longbridge, Mrs. Benne.
WITT, Mrs. Edwards.
at a meeting short time after our
organization the decision was made
that we respond to the call TO,
helpers in Home Mission Work ane
that we combine the work of bott