Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-02-04

Y YERE are 70 religious erganiza-
- tions represented In Boise and
i suburbs. They have u member
ship Of 1889, an increase from
about 1900 a year ago. During the year
in the nelghborhood Of $4,000 was ex-
pended for church maintenance. The
following is taken from tho annual
statements of Boise pastors:
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.
Steps were taken during the year for
q more commodious church building,
the fund receiving liberal donations.
Substantial Improvement has been
put upon church and manse proper
ties. and about $500 expended for new
hymnals for church service and Sum
day school. The total number Of con-
tributors has been considerably In
creased.
In Sunday school work. special at
tention has been given to organiza-
ton, with a view to more efficient
educational work. Several new classes
are organized for specific work.
The Christian Endeavor society is
not largely attended, but Is more &C
tive than for some time past. 1t is
charging its budget and increasing
its activities.
The boy scouts were organized early
IN the year. They are an aggressive
bunch of fellows and have introduced
new features into the work OF the
church for boys.
The young mems educational class Is
one Of the largest classes for young
men in the state. 1t Is organized for
work outside Of the school az we'll as
within it.
The brotherhood Of First church
has had continuous existence for
q longer period than in any other
mems organization for church work
in Idaho. At present its functions are
mainly social and educational.
The year has witnessed q marked
increase in the average attendance up
on the mid week PRAYER service.
The Ladies' Aid society has been a
strong contributing factor to the i'm
proved conditions financially. A new
branch has recently been organized
In the east side Of the city.
Unusual interest has developed In
mission study, both in the Woman's
Missionary society, and in Westmin-
ster guild. The number at present
engaged in this study Is an advance
Of more than 100 per cent.
Perhaps the most substantial and
progressive organization in the church
at present is the Philomath Bible class
a large class Of adult women, who
meet with the school during Sunday
school hour, and hold mid week meet
ing for Bible study along topical
lines. They also give special attention
to the courtesies due to the sick and
shut-ins.
Sixty three members have been add
ed during the last church year The
church is differed by a session COM
posed of seven elders. each of whom
is chairman OF one of the departments
of activity. as follows: Membership,
education. finance, evangelism, wor-
ship. extension, social service. There
are also three deacons who have es-
pocially in charge the work of poor
relief.
Community center socials and en-
terainments, free of charge. are regu-
larry given under the direction Of the
Ladies' Aid society.
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN.
The present membership is 1871, a
gain OF 10 during the year. The ben
evolent work of the church includes Of
ferings to all the official agencies of
the church, home and foreign missions,
and also offerings to the Chidren's
home. the Belgian relief fund and the
Armenian and Syrian relief funds. The
Bithe school enrolls 100.
BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN.
The total attendance for the year
was G100 persons, or an average Of
12s per Sunday.
During the year there were organ
lied a woman's missionary society,
young girls Westminster guild, two
prayer and Bible class meetings, all Of
which meetings have been held reEu-
larly during the year. There are a
live Ladies Aid society. a growing En-
deavor society, and about 100 mem
bers attending the Sunday schools.
Total attendance OF the PRAYER
meeting and Bible class for the year
was 1874 persons
The Woman's Home Missionary so
ciety supplements the resources Of our
frontier ministers with warm clothing
and bedding. 1t is also helping to up
lift the mountain whites and the COL
ored folk OF the south, and Is assisting
In the task OF making good Americans
out OF the foreigners who are coming
to America.
The Ladies' Aid society is divided
into eight divisions.