Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1909-01-08
THE MOTHERS MISSION.

To the Editor Of the Alexandria Gazette.
AS reference has been made 10 the
GIzstte 10 the 10th anniversary Of the
Mothers MissioU," which work was
organized by Miss Julia Johus, Jsnu.
airy, 1869, with Mrs. NJ. NJ. Lewis a,
her helper, it msy interest your towa
readers to know something Of the his
tory Of this mission, carried on conliu-
uoasy, but nnosteu iously, 10 the
psrl5a hall of old Chdst Church, these
40 years from October 10 June, aOd
originated in the heart and mind of Miss
Johns for the uplIft and betterment Of
the mothers of toe children attending
the parish school, then in active opera
ton under QUE regular teacher, assisted
by couple Of ladies', until the public
school system Fa' established. A gen.
eral invita- ion sss given Irrespective OF
church sffl a ioI. 0nly seven women
we're present a. the first meeting, but
the number Iapi6ly increased to 40 dur
ing the winter aud the good results from
such ilAneuces were fully proved, as
one saw the ch nged lives, the chsnged
homes, the higaer ideals, born out OF a
new life, JOY, in the purer, better things,
bat make for peace on earth aod give
hope, through Christian teaching of the
joys 10 store In the life beyond-When
"earlh's shadows fee away" Among
tde over 900 women since enrolled as
faithful, devoted membera, are today
represented by tae children and grand.
children of macy of them who love
ihe mission for IFS own and the M Tiers
sake. The original seven have Passed
"witbin the VEIL" only two of the year
1869 are still with US. This large num-
Der included all "sorts AID conditions"
OF life; no woman was ever turned away
who came with an honest purpose b
lead a true life. This incr; ase of men,
bers needed a larger s.ett of assis lts to
carry on the several departments added
fer the bsneti. If the work. The one Civ.
ing most help aud pleasure, and which is
still eff Give, is the circulst ng library,
with the ele' a ing influence of good
books. The aversge attendance for
many years was 65, but many are the
the changes the mission has passed
tbrough-destb end removal, both Il nong
leaders and embers-iu these 40 years
yet the work goes brsvely on uuoer
those to whom it is now commtttt d,
who believe the record of the future will
be as in the rat a witness TO the power
of such a work. While primarily started
for the moral and religious benefits to he
received, the social side always largely
entered in to make some of the lives,
the brighet and happier, for the time,
st least. The merry Christmas tide wss
always marked by some cheer and fun
as vas the closing day June 1si) when
the "tea PARTY" furnished pleasure with
the ffait. The only sad note was the uni
versal regret Inst there "gOuld be no
Mothers meetings uli October l." 1t
was hoped that those wi have been &C.
tive helpers in the Tast bat now absent
(Mri. DR.. Lewis, Miss B. Smith aud
| Miss E. Mille,) could have been present
! at his 40.h anniversary but their cor
dial letters to The Mothers and ma erisl
help added a great deal to the afternoon
pleasure as it was msde a special
Great" fully enjoyed by the members
and the leaders, realizing with Lowell,
that "Forly is the youth of age" and
for the lime all were reslly "Chidren Of
an older grosth." May the mission
grow aud prosper sud continue its good
ir hueDce ia the future t) those nov con-
nected with it aud those who may desire
to become members.