The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-10-05
A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT
Inc Work OF the Ladies building So
clcty in the Erection OF the New
Methodist Church-Paper Read 70
society by Mrs. l.. IL. DuRant.

do auspicious events occur. and what
more effective way can there be of
realizing the flight Of its passing years.
than by the return of their anniver-
saries. and how quickly they seem TO
come.
Our first Mile Stone was, when our
little band Of loyal and enthusiastic
women organized a Church Building
Society. Working together in love
and harmony, with high and holy
object in view and that object the
up-building Of Gods temple; has it
seemed strange that success has
crowned our efforts?
With nothing tangible in sight. we
plodded on through the years adding
gradually to our fund. Like the mod
est violet, have our efforts been
made, without ostentation or display.
but permeating through the Society.
like the flowers perfume, was our
zeal and determination to accom-
plsh our end.
The Second Stone was passed.
when ground was broken and the
first spoonful Of dirt was lifted by
Master William Thompson, a baby
whose mother performed the same
service for the Church which had to
go to make place for this one.
And now we have arrived at the
Third Mile Stone, glorious epoch
the laying Of the corner stone of our
magnificent building
1t has been assigned to me the task
or reviewing and making history of
our work, it may be for future gener-
ations to read hundred years hence.
When perhaps another stone will be
laid by other hands than ours for
another temple to replace the one
which we have loved and helped to.
build.
Our Society was formed in 1904.
and during the eight years, but three
Presidents have served us, all very
creditably, Mrs. c. L. Stubbs, Mrs. c.
L. Mason and Mrs. J. M. Knight,
the incumbent, who bids fair to hold
the office as long as she will consent
to dos so. Mrs. Harry Hood served for
one year as Secretary and since then
Mrs. c. E. Stubbs has filled the posi-
ton with so much fidelity, accuracy
and zeal, that We could not possibly
conduct the finances without her.
She even traces every missing check
apron, so the dollars and cents are in.
capable hands. Is it not always due
to the efficiency and zeal of its off,
cial board that makes progress in any
society?
In looking over some data we find
our second Anniversary was held at
the home of Mrs w. S. REYNOLDS.
where we were most graciously enter
tained. Our first years receipts were
s50O.00, but with s1,15O.OO as our
second years work. we thought we.
were indeed prospering. and so it
was. Our work was pleasure, for it
was so diversified with Readings.
Fairs, Musicales, Lectures and dinners
that every one was a social success as
well as a financial one
Today we are to witness the laying
of the corner stone and to bring our
offerings miniture check apron, the
symbol Of our first efforts and success.
the enrolment of names and this lit
tie history of our work. We come
also with the sum of $1,000 to offer
upon the alter as our share in its
building and We are still working
with renewed interest until we have
reached the pinnacle which is almost
in sight.
To none was promised the privilege
of seeing our work finished. but God
has indeed been good and merciful
and gracious to spare so many. Death
has claimed but three Of our charter
members. and they were patriarchs
full or years and of honor-Miss Julia
DesChamps, Mrs. f. Hood and Mrs.
A. j. China
Our Church will indeed be a fit
ting home for Methodism as we'll as
an ornament to our city. We long to.
hear again the sweet tones of the old
bell, which SO many have heard in
their childhood days. ring out again
its joyous sound and calling us TO.
come and worship with it in its new
home. 1t will tell US also that our
goal has been reached our work is
finished.