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The Huron Expositor, 1960-10-27, Page 5.Recall History of (On the recent oc _cas._i on of the still en that same time - '60th anniversary of the Ladies' Aid of First Presbyterian Church in Seaforth, this.. history of the so- ciety was prepared and presented by Miss Isabelle Campbell.) Three score years have come and gone since the Ladies' Aid of First Presbyterian Church came officially into existence. An anni- versary, like the New Year, is a time to look backward and for- ward, and when it comes to a 60th anniversary, as is the case today, it is surely a time to review past achievements and to do a bit of reminiscing which is just what we plan to do this afternoon. From the time this congregation was organized in 1867, the one so- cial function of the year following the anniversary service was the tea meeting, or the soiree, as it was then called, and with this the women willingly assisted. These first gatherings were held in the basement, with the eatables serv- ed in paper bags, as the people filled the room to its capacity, leaving little or no space for tables,_ In those days, mamma, pappa and the children all came to the soiree. As you can well imagine, there was a lot of cleaning up after this sort of a supper. Perhaps this was the reason the few active workers, in time, objected --you know the ones to whom we refer: "The Faithful Few"—the ones of whom it can be said: "When the meeting's called to order, And you look around the room, You're sure to see some faces That from out the shadows loom; They are always at the meeting, And they stay until its through— The ones that I would mention Are the Always Faithful Few. "If it were not for these faithful, Whose shoulder's at the wheel, Keep the institution moving Without a halt or reel— What would be the fate of meetings Where we claim so much to do? They surely would be failures But for The Faithfew Few," For whatever reason it might have been, in 1887 the "faithful few" requested that the tea meet- ing be done away ..with and sub- stitute a literary entertainment, or something of that nature, in its place. Shortly after Mrs. (Dr.) Ormiston„ of New York, gave two lectures and we read that the re- sult in every way was very satis- factory. Just when the tea meet- ings were taken up again, we have no record. These faithful women were not only concerned about the • welfare of the church, but also those who ministered to • them, so much so that one year, four — Mrs. Sam Dickson, Mrs. John Murray, Mrs. William Sclater and Mrs. SamtBar- ton--who later became elitfiusias- tic ladies aiders, being much wor- ried about the health of their stu- dent assistant, Mr. W. J. Clark, who came to them at the close of the unversity term, pale and an- aemic, bought and presented to him six bottles of beef, iron and wine. However, the gift disturbed very much their pastor, the Rev. A. D. McDonald', because of the influence he felt one of the con- tents of the tonic might have upon this young man. As the 1890's wore on it was felt each year that there was a great need for more accommodation. They . had two choices, either to build a new church or renovate the 'old one. With this object in, view, the group of women, who were always willing and anxious to do their share, gathered in this building on September, 27, 1900, to discuss the organizing of a Ladies' Aid Society, to assist the managers, with either the building of a new church, or the renovating of the old one. Ere they left that day the society was orgapized, with Mrs. Sam Dickson, a perky little busi- ness -like lady, as the president. The other officers were: vice- president, Mrs. F. H. Larkin; sec- retary, Mrs. D. T. Hepburn; as- sistant secretary, Mrs. W. D. Mc- Lean; treasurer, Mrs. C. W. Papst. The membership fee was 25 cents a year, and they very soon had a paid-up membership of 43. At this meeting the mite system was adopted. This money was to be put in an envelope and placed on the collection plate once each month. The .total of the mites re- ceived, together with the proceeds of S. McKeown Brown's lecture, enabled the treasurer by the end of the year to report a balance on hand of $143.46, Encouraged by their success and with the prospect of the church being enlarged and improved, they took on a sewing project in 1901 as a means of in- creasing their funds. Useful art- icles were made for anyone desir- ing such, and a bazaar was held in December. While they bad be- fore them a large and worthy pro- ject in their own congregation, they did not forget those less for- tunate than themselves, but pre- pared and sent off a box of warm clothing and quilts to the Douk- hobors in the Northwest. In 1903 the men were still hesi- tant about starting the renovation til] an offer came from this so- ciety, stating that the ladies would be responsible for the seating of tire remodelled church. This gave courage enough to the men to un- dertake the task. Plans were com- pleted and work began on the building early in 194. However, the women did not wait till the work began.to ,set their goal and work towards it. In 1903 an associ- ate society, sort of a junior Ladies' Aid, was organized, and both groups worked together toward that goal. The secretary, lit• her report of 1903, made mention of the fact that "we aimed high; our ambition was to add $560.00 to our funds during the year and we suc- ceeded in doing so." The report of 1904 reveals this good; news: "The result of the work of the past four years is new before the people in comfortable pews we have placed in the renovated- church enovated church at a cost of $2,100.00,, and we are proud to say we had suf- ficient money do hand to pay for #.hent-" Hadn't they reason to be, roud? We,today,are toying those same comfortable pews. But the ladies didn't stop there Before the pews„ were screwed to the floor they had another vision and it was no pipe dream. To back up that vision, a communication from the Secretary was read at the annual meeting in January, 1005, asking permission from the congregation to place a pipe organ in the church, with the promise to assume the payment of it. No ob- jections were -raised, and the re- quest was granted, provided the society pay for it, and that the work of placing it in the church be done under the direction of the managing committee. To this they consented, and set out to add to their fund, which had been started with the $46.00 contributed at the farewell social, the last public function held in the old church. The organ by this time had be- come a "must", but it wasn't al- ways so in this congregation, nor in many others in the pioneer days. On February 17, 1869, the Kirk Session of First Church respect- fully recommended the removal of the melodian which was at that time occasionally used in the church, because it was brought in- to the church without consulting the session or congregation, and because many of the members are very much displeased that it is used in the church at all. No men- tion is made by whom it was brought in, but, however, the mel- odian, went out. Three votes were taken during 1884, 1885 and 1886 before consent was given the managing commit- tee to purchase an organ: Up to this time many protested on the same grounds as did this writer, whom we quote in part: "An organ! No, it cannot work Within, a Presbyterian Kirk; If once you hear a single note From ..out. its deep sonorous .throat, The Kirk is there, the lime and stane, But Presbyterianism's gane. "Our father thought the human voice Was, of all instrpments, the choice, That simple melody of the heart Wants little of the pomp of art. But that's all changed, the mod- erns say, 'Tis cheaper, better every way To praise (if such it siem to be), Their maker by machinery. • "An organ! Yes, it will be here Through a' our Kirks in twa, three year; Unless some wife, like Jenny Geddes, The heroine of Scottish ladies, Wi' three-legged cuttie fire a shot, And knock the squeaking thing to pot." . As no Jeiilnie Geddes fired the shot, the organ came in and has remained a fixture. The Pipe Organ Fund could be called the baby enterprise of the new Church. As has been mention- ed, it came into existence when the old church, with its many cherished memories, was passing into the hands of the architect to be renewed ;and renovated. The president, Mrs. S. Dickson, was the treasurer of the fund. The organ in 1905 was purchased at a cost of $2,425.00, and the organ recital in April, 1906, brought the new organ into service for the first time. After a strenuous few years of money -making projects, the ladies must have decided to have a bit of recreation in 1908—one item of expense mentioned that year was "rigs to Bayfield" ($2.80). Each year after the organ was paid until 1918, a donation of sev- eral hundred dollars was made to the managers to apply to the church debt. The society felt the burning of the church mortgage in 1918 was quite an event in 'its history, as the society was organ- ized to assist ,the managers in the huge project of renovating the old church. Its goal was attained un- der the very capable leadership of their first president, Mrs. Dickson, who served from September, 1900, till the end of 1914. A farewell tea was given in her honor at the time she left to make her home in Fort Saskatchewan. A few years later Mrs. Dickson sent a donation wbicb was used to buy this large comfortable chair for the- school. room platform. Perhaps the one who has used it most during all those years is the Sunday School Superintendent, Mac McKellar. A few years ago it was felt a new covering was needed. At first Mac protested; said it was good en- ough as it was for him. Eventual- ly some one took the matter in hand and the chair got a new face lift, as did the basement about During the war years -1914-1918 —as well as paying toward the church debt, the ladies gave assist- ance to Red Cross work, Belgian Relief, etc. Following Mrs. Dickson's long tern of office, the next six presi- dents served short terms each. These were Mrs. J. D, Hinckley, Mrs. William Sclater, Mrs. J. C. Laidlaw, Mrs. A. D. Sutherland, Mrs. James Kerr and Mrs. William Freeman. By this time the first group of worthy stalwarts were feeling the weight of their years, sought younger. helpers and were being rewarded for worthy service. In 1923 Mrs. William Sclater re- signed after serving for 23 years as convener of the Sewing Com- mittee. Duriirg those years it was a familiar sight to see Mrs. Sclater walking to the church before one o'clock on quilting day, with the "twilt" under her arm, so as to have it in the frames and ready for the quilters when they arrived. In appreciation of her faithful ser- vice, she was made a Life Mem- ber of the W.M.S. in 1919. In 1924, at a tea in her honor before leav- ing for Ottawa, Mrs. L. L. McFaul, on behalf of the society, presented Mrs. Archie Scott with a Book of Praise, as a token of appreciation of her willing service. Others who received a Life Membership in the W.M.S, in recognition for loving and faithful service rendered to the society were Mrs.• James Mc- Intosh, Mrs. John Murray, Misses Jennie and Frances Brine, Miss Jennie Steele Mrs. William Ament and Mrs. William Freeman. To interest younger workers, the town iri 1923 was divided into six districts, and silver teas were held in the homes. These were a suc- cess. Again in 1928 there was an- other membership drive, which resulted in a record membership of 87. That was the year the mon- ster bazaar was held in the G_W..V.A. rooms on September 28. This bazaar netted the society $903,23. It was also the year the manse was renovated from helm to stern -11 rooms were decorated and hardwood flooring laid, both upstairs and down — total cost $1,262.47. Great credit was due to the two presidents, Mrs. William Freeman and Mrs. William Ament, both of whom served part of that year, and also to their helpers. During Mrs. Ament's• term as president, from 1928 till 1939, and again for the church's diamond jubilee year, 1942, fowl suppers were the big event of the year. As these are mentioned, do not fam- iliar faces loom up in our memor- ies? When the dong was about to be sounded for the people to file down from upstairs, can you not picture Mrs. Ament stepping over to the large furnace pipe in that corner and stood at attention while she in her methodical and business- like manner gave last minute or- ders—no detail was forgotten. Just then, ifyou looked around, you would see Mrs. J. C. Greig and Mrs. T. • Swan Smith standing in readiness to dish up the potatoes and vegetables which others were doing their very best to keep hot on the electric and old wood stove. No steamers then! Back in a small corner behind the door were Mrs. George Lowery and Mrs. George Cardno, red-faced and hot from the making of gravy on a three - plate electric burner. Mrs. W. E. Kerslake and Mrs. Harry Stewart were surrounded in their stall with cut pies, as was Mrs. T. Bickell and Mrs. A. Park with cake. Mrs. W. M. Stewart and Mrs. J. Cum- mings were ready to hand out the salad, and over in this corner of the room, with their coal oil stoves and boilers, were Mrs. James Rivers, Mrs. J. A. Wilson and their helpers, Mrs. Mae Dorrance and Mrs. William Drover, in readiness to keep up the tea supply. At more than one of these suppers over 1200 people were served' Besides these suppers, baking sales and garden parties were the means of adding to their funds. Their first offer to cater was turned down, but in January, 1337, they consented to undertake the Lions Club Burns' supper. The menu was as follows: tomato cocktail, hot roast beef, potatoes, turnips, cabbage salad, Lettuce, celery and cream cheese, toma- toes, jelly salad, . rolls, brown and white bread, pie and tea. Mrs, Ament and Mrs, H. Charters made the haggis. The tables were decor- ated with flowers and heather; the price, 50 cents a plate. Barely $35.00 was cleared, but they made mention of the fact that the Lions put on a good program of speeches and songs. To add variety and spice to their work, they occasionally changed their routine, In the 1930'Sa play, directed by Mrs. Keith M. McLean, brought amusement to the audi- 1957 Dodge Four -Door 2-1956 Dodge Four -Door 1955 De Soto Four -Door; Automatic, Radio 1959 Austin -Healy Sprite • ROWCLIFFE MOTORS DODGE - DE SOTO SALES and SERVICE Phone 267 Seafoith ence andfavorable-comments bath to the director and the east, most of whom were Ladies' Alders. Another event was a "congregga- tional social evening with a pto- gram of solos, readings, violin solos, conundrums and an old titne spelling match. David Wilson and Mrs. John Reinke proved them- selves to be the best spellers. At one circle tea the evening was spent doing handwork with a program consisting of a piano duet by Mrs. M. R. Rennie and Mrs, J. E. Keating; a story by Miss S. I. McLean; a solo by Mrs. W. A. Wright, and a contest on the best drawing of First Presbyterian Church. Prize winners were Mrs: G. A. Ballantyne, Mrs. D. Nixon, Mrs. F. Kling, Mrs. R. Sproat, Mrs. J. G. Mills and Mrs. Jennle Patterson. The Wabasso demonstration in the basement was a decided suc- cess. The crowd of 300 ladies ex- ceeded their expectations to such an extent that lunch could not be served at tables, as was planned, and they ran out of eats. The eleven children did their part well. Donald Scott was the one lone wolf, and Marie Jack, dressed as a Bun- ny, brought many smiles to the audience. In 1939 the society went all out for quilting -21 were completed that year.' From items recorded in the minutes, we read that 21 ladies were present at one quilt- ing when a pancake supper was served. Quilt wasn't finished at 8 o'clock; finished next day at 5 o'clock. Had no lunch. Price $3. Two weeks later another was start- ed, but was far from being finish- ed that night. A note read: "We were Thursday, Friday and. Satur- day before we fnished it." A mo- tion was made by Mrs. Frank An- derson, seconded by Mrs. Tom Beattie, and carried, that the price for this quilt be $3.50 for quilting, marking and finishing. It can be plainly -seen. that the ladies neither worked union hours, nor received union pay. All quilts were not quilted for pay. One was made and presented to Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Larkin as their parting gift. Rev. R. H. Wil- liams was given, as a wedding gift, a beautiful wine and gold- colored satin comforter. How care- ful the quilters had to be 'that day that no fingers were pricked! Again, a quilt was the gift when a new baby arrived at the manse. In Mrs. Jack's letter, of thanks, she said:. "I shall always think of the women and picture them quilt- ing at what the children have aI- ready named 'Mother's Ladies' Aid Quilt'." The last quilted, two years ago, was given to. Rev. S. Lotfi, a Moslem who became a Christian and a Presbyterian minister. In 1958 he preached in this church and was later that year inducted as minister at Monkton. Several of the group were present at his ordination and induction service. This happy band of quitters spent many pleasant hours stitch- ing and reviewing the everyday happenings of the community. Mrs. Free was the one who al- ways came forward with some re- mark to give us all the shot -in -the - arm we needed when the day was getting far spent and weariness was Overtaking us. One evening in the vestry, when everyone was so tired the conversation had al- most ceased, she, no doubt, wish- ing to boost our morale, pointed to a framed tribute high up above the window. "Look, girls," she said, "this is what they'll be say- ing about us in the years to come," and this .is what we read: "In loving memory of the faithful workers who have passed to High- er Service." As this incident was recalled when preparing this sketch, there also came to mind Tribute To First Church Ladies' 1ias just $1.4y years agW now. .Our ladies Inet together and made a vow To for a Ladies' Aid, and meet together Once every month, regardless of - the weather. We can picture thein hi horse and buggy wtdays., summer, making their different ways' To hold their get-togethers; plan what they would do, To work to raise some money, to do their share too. Wouldn't it be fun if we could turn back the pages And listen in to some:.of those wise old sages; Imagine them saying: "Now what shall it be, a bazaar or tea, A quilting, hot supper or an old- fashioned bee? Some would be for, and some would be 'agin', Then above the buzz of chatter and din, You know how 'tis, times change— women's don't, Some sweet little lady would say, Aid ,144A, WRON APQSza Oa(3" , f % Q) rTOB R a1,td we quote: "Ladies, please remember, we came to work for our Lord, And we all know so well He says in His Word: He win bless all the work done in Hi$ mime, Let's all work together, let peace and happiness reign." Then they'd look at each other and all start to grin, For they knew this was true, and in order to win Each needed the other to carry on This work for their Master, that they had begun. And so through the years we can see how God's hand Has led us and blest us, His work to expand; As we look to the future, much work still to do, May we each one be willing to do our share too. So today gathered here we are able to sing Praises to ,Cod for every good thing. " r, MRS. R. KERSLAKE several faithful workers of that same group of quilters whose mem- ory we are honoring today with those others of earlier days. Among them are Mrs. W, M. Stewart, Mrs. T. Beattie, Mrs. Lena Davis, Mrs. M. A. Reid, Mrs. Robert Smith, Mrs. F. Anderson, Mrs. W. Amerit, Mrs. R. Eberhart, Mrs. H. Charters, Mrs. H. R. Scott and Mrs. F. W. Wigg. At the end of 1938 the secretary, in her "annual report, appealed for more new members. Mrs. Ament, after giving devoted service for 11 years, also tendered her resigna- tion at that 'meeting, They were reluctant to accept it, but she was persistent, so persistent that when no one would step up to take her place, she did Carry on, but signed - the minutes Janet Ament, acting - president, through all the year df 1939. All the ladies in the congregation were invited to attend the Janu- ary meeting in 1940, and that day the group system was introduced, with Mrs. Wes Free as president. At this time the congregation was divided' into four groups. Each group had a leader, and every woman in the congregation, with- out paying a membership fee, be- came a member of the society. This spread the responsibility and greatly relieved the president and her executive. The system proved so successful that it is the one un- der which we are still carrying on. The free-will offering of five cents per week collected from each member, a bazaar, catering to a few •Men's Club suppers and the odd wedding, are the means from which our funds are now raised. Following Mrs. Free, these serv- ed as presidents: Mrs. Mae Dor- rance, Mrs. F. W.. Wigg, Mrs. 11. R. Scott and Mr1f'a' H. E. Smith. Sonfe of these held office during the years of World War II, when only necessary decorating and oth- er minor jobs were undertaken. During those years, boxes were sent each Christmas to our own church boys who were in the ser- vice at home and overseas. Mrs. H. Whyte followed these others, and it was during her term of office that two large projects were completed. The purchase of a church carpet early in 1954 cost 'the society $3,200.00; and in 1955 two electric stoves, two electric coffee makers and a steamer were purchased for the renovated kit- chen, which was officially opened in April, 1956. Next followed our present very efficient, hard-working president, Miss Jean Scott. Jean is truly one of the- "faithful few"—always here SICKNESS CAN CRIPPLE Financially As Well As Physically HURON CO-OPERATIVE MEDICAL SERVICES Offers You Protection Against The Unexpected Expense Of Sickness H.C.M.S. IS AN OFFICIAL COLLECTOR ' YEARLY OF ONTARIO HOSPITAL INSURANCE PREMIUM The Government's Basic Standard Ward Families Individuals Hospital Plan $50.40 $ 25.20 MAJOR MEDICAL PLAN When included with Surgical Plan, pays 80% of most expenses not covered by Surgical Contract after the first $100 and up to $5,000 in any twelve month period 10.00 5.00 SURGICAL CONTRACT Cutting procedures, fractures, dislocations, X-rays, anaesthetist's services; childbirth expenses, hernias, tonsils and adenoids, added after a waiting period 38.00 19.00 TOTALS—$ 98.40 $ 49,20 OPTIONAL — Term Life Insurance Pro- tection available for both the member and spouse if they have not reached age 55. No physical examination required at this time EACH 24.00 24.00 TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS—,$ 122.40 $ 13.20 WE PAY CLAIMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEES AS SUGGESTED BY THE SCHEDULE OF FEES 1955 (WITH AMENDMENTS 1956, 1957, 1958) Huron Co - operative Medical Services For Further Information, Write to or Phone G. M. WED—secretary-Treasurer Phone Hunter 2-9751, P,O, Box 256, Clinton, Or Russell T. Bolton, RR 1, Seaforth at the start and stays till the fin- ish. The secretaries during the years who made this story possible have been Mrs. D. T. Hepburn, Mrs. James Watson, Mrs. Wes Mere- dith. Those who have read the pome, "Sale of Old Bachelors," which Mrs. Meredith composed for a community concert in Cardno's Hall, will know that the society had an efficient and peppy secre- tary while Mrs. Meredith held that office. Others to the present time have been Mrs. George Chesney, Mrs. John Finlayson, Mrs. Mar- garet White, Mrs. James Kerr, Mrs. Oscar Neil, Mrs. W. M. Stew- art, Mrs. Robert Smith, Mrs. John MaeTavish, Mrs. J. B. Russell, Mrs. W. E. Butt, Mrs. F. W. Wigg;, Mrs. R. K: _McFarlane and Mrs. Harold Whyte. Those who counted the pennies as they came in and paid the bills have been Mrs. C. W. Papst, Mrs. William Somerville, - Miss Agnes Barton, Mrs. James Watson, Mrs. George Cardno, Mrs. Robert Eber- hart, Mrs, Oscar Neil, Mrs. H. R. Scott, Miss Belle Campbell; Mrs. J. B. ,Russell, Mrs. John Cardno, and our present very efficient treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Butt. It has been impossible in this sketch to tell of the countless pro- jects accomplished, or to mention the many "faithfuls" down through the years, including our present- day band of willing workers. But in• closing, a word must be said about the mistresses of the manse, whose door was always open for socials or meetings if the church were not available, and also these others who always kept their doors ajar—the Brines, in the earlier days, and in later years, Mrs. H. R. Scott, Mrs. E. Geddes and Mrs. W. A. Wright. When the salt, the flour or such like happened to be forgotten, or there was a shortage of this or that, it was to thein the S.O.S. call went out and the need was always supplied, These have gone the second mile. Now that we have reviewed some of the achievements of Iiig,144 what of the .lure? NO fndiv.dual,: or pertain, group of incilltblUale is indispensable, Altera take place and the work, goes qft. Today,, we pay tribUlte to the devoted workers of Ibis society; who served so faithfully during these threescore yearad— Many of them are with us no more but their influence lingers on, and that influence has in the past and al- ways will touch a responsive cord in the hearts of a "Faithful Few" to take up their torch and carry on. Orange Ilatip Pgatorilt Auspices 01'0480 rrOPOrtP Colurateti Friday, October 2 at 8:30 p,m. 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