It is probable that no Canadian enterprise amongst us is so familiar as that which the above title conveys. Hence, little exposition is needed for this generation. But, as years slip into decades, it is necessary to uncover the foundations of a policy which continues since 1922 to be the framework of our co-operative effort as Disciples of Christ.

      The organizations in seven Canadian provinces have been briefly set forth in Chapter 13, which also reveals the integration of our whole organized effort with our brethren in America--and wherever our world Brotherhood reaches beyond. These provincial organizations served their areas with but partial fullness. There was a degree of co-operation between neighboring provinces, and there was the perennial co-operation of our American brethren through their respective societies. This was helpful in early days; but the time came when it was inadequate. It had long been realized by deeper thinkers that a forward step must be taken some day. In 1927 the province of Ontario re-wrote its constitution quite independently of other efforts, so as to provide for a wider scope in matters such as evangelism, ministerial training, trusteeship of funds, and the realignment of the oversight of all the activities of our body, in order to conserve its powers and assist in its greater development. Thus, it is complementary, yet independent of the new organization set forth in 1922. This merely means that our Brotherhood had been thinking--and it takes time fully to translate new ideas into action. But, later it is seen that what happened in 1922 was in line with foresight that had long been ripening.

      This period experienced the aches and pains that go with all forward efforts which may seek a remedy for isolation and separateness of outlook. In a political and economic sense Canadian difficulties have been [175] intensified by our geographical spread. Canada's population is a thin tier of humanity spread across the base of our country (except in the 'bulge' over two central lakes) and but lightly diffused northward. This condition has baffled statesmen, tradesmen, publishers and patriots. It has been difficult to realize a radiating centre. As a people we lack cohesiveness because we are dispersed. As Disciples of Christ we have lacked the inspiring sense of a task suited to what should be a much greater group in our entire Canada. And, in this state, somewhat unexpectedly, came a voice from the West calling for a new alignment.

      In Ontario the movement for an advance began to express itself in a called Conference in Guelph, on 28 October, 1921. It included many representative brethren and some from both eastern and western provinces, and from the U.S.A. This Conference was the result of a previous gathering at Lake Winona, at our International Convention in August. A very large share of the driving spirit directing this movement was due to Mr. George H. Stewart, of Winnipeg; and H. B. Kilgour has reported (Can. Disciple, March, 1940, p. 3) that he first presented it to a group in Portage LaPrairie. So, somewhat suddenly, Bro. Stewart became the spokesman and protagonist and trusted leader of the new movement for national unity in Christ--the All-Canada Movement. And he filled that position for many years, giving selfsacrificing effort with undoubted energy.

      Official sources are drawn upon somewhat to outline the story of the beginnings. First, there was the All-Canada team to tour the country. To tour all of Canada, not just a province. Why the personal touch of a team? Why not a letter to church clerks about an important matter such as this? (Well, the clerks know better than anyone else bow far that would have got the Movement.) There had to be created the sense of destiny and duty--and it is hard to put this into print. Hence the voice and the handclasp and the hurried message of the urgency. Writing of it in those days I observe that I called it the Fiery Cross of the Disciples. In emergencies the Highland clans used to send forth a rude cross of wood, its extremities dipped in the blood of a goat, and woe to him who disobeyed the call to arms. Our urgency was not so severe, but brethren on the platform, under the spell of worship and a sense of vision, proclaimed the message to many assemblies throughout Canada. Within a three-months' period the sense of an impending movement was generally distributed amongst all [176] our churches. And, generally speaking, the call was widespread and the interest, if not a totality was equalled only by one other period.

      Be it understood, we were not acting strictly alone. Able representatives of our American brethren had been at both previous conferences, such as President F. W. Burnham, Robert M. Hopkins, and Mrs. Affra B. Anderson, of the Women's board. By arrangements between the provinces a team, somewhat representative, was designated. Its members were John Stuart Mill, of the U.C.M.S., Mrs. M. V. Romig, organizer for the Women's board of Western Canada, Mr. R. J. Westaway, Mr. George H. Stewart of Winnipeg, and Mr. E. M. MacDougall, of West Gore, N.S., Mr. C. L. Burton was asked to participate but he could not take the time, but was in sympathy. During the Fall of 1921 the team visited many western centres and churches, and then hurried to Ontario. A fine meeting was held in Bathurst St. Church, Toronto on Thanksgiving day; it was intended to be representative for all the Toronto churches. I recall that it was inspiring and suggestive. An exact itinerary of the meetings cannot now be given. The team went East and continued the strenuous and long campaign, lasting into the winter. Its stress and strain and features of discomfort, will long be remembered. It was late in the Winter when the Maritimes were contacted; a definite effort was made to reach every church or group. Never before had such an extensive call been presented to the Brotherhood in Canada.

      The proposals put forward at each meeting were centered in the following items:

      1. Closer co-operation, leading to a fuller union amongst all our Churches.

      2. Appointment of secretaries.

      3. Headquarters to be established.

      4. Literature for our Sunday Schools of Canadian origin and trend.

      5. A standardized program for Boys' work and Girls' work.

      6. A program of stewardship of life and means.

      The heading No. 1: "Closer co-operation of the Churches of Christ." What is its meaning? It suggests that divisions exist and continue within our local groups, which are all a part of "all of Canada", owing to variety. in the policies of local churches. The end desired was some form of united co-operation and unity of action that would provide an invigoration for [177] our cause. It has been our record that our churches had alternate ends in S.S. work, in missionary activities, and uncertainties in financial response. Some churches lacked any policy whatever in the matter of co-operation with others. Thus disharmony provoked despair and a sense of loss.

      Lack of fellowship between churches was illustrated in a lack of fellow-interest between provinces. Our separateness was but seldom broken, unless some missionary-minded person undertook to visit the Conventions of an adjoining province. (This has occurred with profit.) But these fraternal visitors were but few and it was mainly left to the visiting personnel of the American missionary organizations to break the silence between the Christian groups. Without, elaboration of this disparate state, it may be pointed out that the New Testament knows of no such condition as sovereign independent congregations entirely separate from each other, holding only to their own fellowships, and never looking abroad for either help or co-operation. Such a condition belies the efforts made by the apostles (see Acts) to make journeys for evangelism, church planting, "liberalities" (Paul's phrase). Perhaps one aspect better sums it all up: the Apostles undertook what they called the "care of all the churches", to see that they prospered in knowledge, in fellowship, in co-operative liberality, in order that the program of the Church of Christ might be extended. In short, coming into Christ, the individual faces a task not only for his local church, but also the whole program of the Church around the world. The Great Commission, and the actions of the Apostles (and their Epistles) can mean nothing short of it. This basic fact, the Church as a whole has never fully accepted.

      There was undoubted enthusiasm and hope in the endeavors of the churches and groups which joined in the All-Canada campaign so briefly sketched. It is true it was a surprise to many, and to a few repugnant; there was the "remainder" that failed to shake off the timidity that dwells within the limited outlook. But for the majority of our co-operative churches there arose the inspiration of happy auguries for a new era for our cause. (That new Era always waits upon man's faithfulness.)

      The reader may easily conjure from the headings 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 some of the means which were hoped to aid in welding together our scattered provincial forces into unity. [178]

      Through personal contacts of leaders with representatives of the Churches of Christ across Canada it was agreed that all churches were at liberty to send delegates to a gathering to be assembled on the occasion of the annual Ontario Convention. The Convention for 1922 was fixed for May 31 to June 2, at Poplar Hill, Lobo Township, Ontario. The enrollment shows that 115 persons from various Canadian churches were present in relation to the All-Canadian program; and that 72 others were present in connection with the Ontario program. Amos Tovell, of Guelph, was voted Chairman of the united Conference, and Hugh B. Kilgour, of Guelph acted as secretary. The printed programme contained the names of the following representatives: Ontario, John A. McKillop, West Lorne; New Brunswick, James S. Flaglor, St. John; Nova Scotia, L. A. Miles; Prince Edward Island, C. E. Armstrong; Manitoba, Hugh B. Kilgour; Saskatchewan, R. J. Westaway; Alberta, Josiah Royce; Western Canada board, Dr. Mary Cornelius; Ontario W.M.S. board, Mrs. Amos Tovell; Maritime provinces, Mrs. M. F. Schurman, Summerside, P.E.I.; British Columbia, M. R. Ely; Quebec Province, P. L. Pratley, Montreal. For the Ontario board its president, Archibald McKillop was present; from the United Society Robert M. Hopkins, Mrs. Affra B. Anderson, and Dr. F. W. Burnham, president.

      Mr. George H. Stewart made the report on the visitation of the churches. The team visited 38 centres, with nearly every church nearby having members in attendance. More than 50 Churches of Christ throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Maritime provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta heard and considered the proposals for the All-Canada work. "With one or two exceptions all were unanimous in adopting the program. Resolutions were passed by most of the churches urging that these matters be brought to the attention of every Disciple of Christ in Canada, and came a further request from Prince Ed. Island that each province send representatives to the Ontario Convention of 1922; and that two days be given to the consideration of the program. This two-day request was provided for. The two churches in Vancouver advised that on account of distance they could not send delegates, but that they were in sympathy. P. L. Pratley, of Montreal, sent a written report of a group there under his care, which was accepted. Bro. G. H. Stewart himself presided at the All-Canada sessions. [179]

      Quoted here are resolutions (somewhat briefed) from a pamphlet issued from Headquarters later. Each resolution was prefaced by the statement that "We the members of the Churches of Christ in Canada appoint"--and so on.

      Resolution 1. "That we endorse the program of this Conference as setting forth principles and definite ways of working for our guidance."

      2. We appoint a Committee to be called the "Continuation Committee of the All-Canada Program" whose duties it shall be to carry out, by working through the provincial boards, the work which this Conference entrusts to it.

      3. Member of the Continuation Committee: John A. McKillop, Ontario; Mrs. C. G. Welsman, Ontario; Mrs. M. F. Schurman, Pr. Ed. Island; James W. Barnes, New Brunswick; Mrs. Alfred Jones, Saskatchewan; Josiah Royce, Alberta; George H. Stewart, Manitoba; and in addition we ask each provincial Convention or board to appoint one to this Committee.

      4. Secretaries. The Department of Religious Education of the United Christian Missionary Society to be asked to provide a secretary in the person of John Stuart Mill; and a Women's worker in the person of Mrs. M. V. Romig.

      5. That we appoint Brother Reuben Butchart of Toronto as editorial manager of Headquarters Publications.

      6. Bible School literature. That we ask all our publishing houses supplying literature to co-operate with our editorial manager in the working out of plans to bring literature into our Schools having a Canadian atmosphere and emphasis.

      7. Canadian paper. That we take steps to create an All-Canada paper, formed if possible through the union of the Ontario Christian Messenger and the Maritime Christian; and that the following be a Committee to carry out this purpose: W. H. Harding (convenor), J. P. McLeod, J. W. Barnes, R. Butchart.

      8. Extension fund. To create an Extension Fund, of a national character, to be administered by the All-Canada Committee who shall also define the manner of raising it.

      9. Tithing. In order to increase our missionary zeal we approve and endorse the practice of tithing the incomes and that we urge upon our [180] churches the adoption of the aim of securing 50% of our members adopting the tithing principle.

      10. Bible Chair. That careful consideration be given to the possibility of establishing a Bible Chair or an All-Canada Bible College; and that steps also be taken to secure some method of encouraging Canadian benevolence.

      11. Training for Boys and Girls. That we instruct our secretaries to do all possible to promote the program known as the Canadian Standard Efficiency Training for our boys and girls.

      12. Provision was made for a meeting in 1924 as an All-Canada Conference to which all Canadian Churches will be asked to send representatives.

      These (and certain others) were presented as a signed document by the Chairman, John A. McKillop and secretary, H. B. Kilgour, and the Chairman of All-Canada, George H. Stewart.

      The foregoing elemental facts are familiar to some living persons and known by thousands of others. This newest organization amongst us is known by its constant appeal in provincial organizations, pulpit, press and other contacts. It is the truth to say that no other organization of the Disciples has had so wide and varied an appeal. Moreover, its organization, with some changes, in personnel and direction is still at work. It is a part of what we have become in a national effort since the year 1922. It is true also that those who have tried to live up to its program are even more conscious of its shortcomings. The deeper truth also may be apparent that enthusiastic aims (even those deeply religious) are not thereby guaranteed realization in the economy of our Lord. Further, that not any aspiration or effort undertaken in human concert always achieves a justifying reward, signifying divine approval; and yet all human (even religious undertakings) are subject to the frailties of Nature, the possibilities of error, and failure through low aim where a higher was intended. Also, no cause is immune from testing from Time's unexpected adversities. These conclusions (likely obvious to many at the start) may now be apparent to many in our ranks who might with profit freshly assess their own share in a Brotherhood effort. It is admittedly natural that countless thousands may hail a new scheme as a way to achieve a result hindered by previous neglect, and yet fail in doing their own 'little bit' that would have added something to the pile for God. On the contrary, many who review this effort, are [181] still left to enjoy the consciousness that it was therein that they realized a deeper fellowship with the Disciples of the Lord across our Dominion of Canada. It is possible that the few who regarded the aims of 1922 as an intrusion and unwanted, may yet be touched by the still growing needs of unity amongst us. There may even be the occasional Diotrephes who still hugs his prerogative of 'pre-eminence' in some local group as his short measure of the gospel conception of a wider and wider fellowship and brotherhood in a world which fairly terrifies by its neglect.

      The foregoing thus may mean briefly that the All-Canada that was so enthusiastically received by countless souls as a hopeful way of achieving greater results, and by others, with either suspicion or disregard, has in a quarter century 'run the gauntlet' of every human endeavor and piled up its record of gains and losses. Some brief resume of some of its undertakings may be worthy of an attentive review.

      The fraternal co-operation which All-Canada receives from the Brotherhood is first of all recognized in the special representatives which every province must appoint as their link with the federated field in the Dominion. Here the democratic principle of the responsibility of the group is demonstrated. Each provincial body is thus associated with every other one in maintaining the stability of the whole. No provision in the plan limits any provincial group; and it is through voluntary association and agreement that everything is done.

      2. The first aim is the delegation by each province to the All-Canada Committee of the task of carrying out the will of the provincial body. The local churches are interested in and anxious to aid the provincial body to carry out such aims as are too wide for the local groups. Here we have free groups or churches associating first provincially, second in a federal manner to formulate policies and aims which will tend to magnify the local work. It ought not be needful further to elucidate what seems a safe and simple method of working together for common ends.

      3. The financial system of All-Canada is based upon voluntary but budgeted yearly contributions to the plan by the provincial organizations. The plan is to work by provinces, not by the aid of churches, or of individuals. The financial aid from the provinces is fixed by agreement at or following the annual conventions. Thus it is that organizations, not individuals, are contributors. Prudence and democracy are here embraced; [182] and the sacred administration of money for the Lord's cause is not dependent upon individuals, as such.

      Secretaries. The name ill befits one who labors for all the churches in the way designated. First, the secretary is assumed to be a qualified preacher of the gospel and an earnest promoter of evangelism. He is assumed to be one who studies the needs of all the fields; who travels from time to time in various areas to see and learn "how they do". (In scriptural phrase). This office is based upon the assumption that not every group or church has the leisure (or abilities) fully to be informed or co-operative with all other agencies in the kingdom. The most fruitful concept of the opportunities of one who shall see to the "care of all the churches" is to be found in I Cor. 12:28-30. The body of Christ has severally members; and in the Church "God hath set apostles, prophets, teachers"--and some who "interpret" (v. 30.) There now exist no apostles or prophets (save by courtesy of speech) but the Church is always to be benefited by the wise who can interpret Christian opportunity, if not duty. A 'secretary' or other worker tries to do just that. just here seems appropriate an excerpt from the first Convention report by H. B. Kilgour, revealing his idea of his duties.

      "He is the servant of the Churches across Canada as they unite in working together through the All-Canada Committee. His work is national. When he helps in a local piece of work it is because that local piece of work has a national aspect. In Convention the Canadian churches have set up a method of co-operating among themselves. That method recognizes first the local congregation as the unit; then the provincial board and convention as the next unit; and lastly the All-Canada Convention as the third unit. The All-Canada Convention commits to the All-Canada Committee certain charges expressed in the form of resolutions, which are urged upon the churches for their approval and action. In carrying out these resolutions, which are of a national character, there is nothing like the personal contact of someone who has been at the Convention and the All-Canada Committee to give the scope of the whole task to the faithful brethren and give them a word of encouragement. This is the work of the All-Canada secretary." (Canadian Disciple, August, 1927, p. 11). [183]

      Field Workers in Missionary and Educational Lines. These are men and women who are capable of informing, organizing, directing and promoting the aims of any local group. They are those who are instructed in the teaching art, in the mission fields, and are able to use Literature, or suggest its use as a stable means of raising the standards of those aspiring to lead. What is more evident to the thinker than that a church that contents itself with the fine function of admitting persons scripturally to its membership--and yet which allows them to remain spiritual adolescents all their lives (except what they may casually gain through the pulpit or undirected study)--must always be looking for the fulfilment of the kingdom aims with almost hopeless eyes. Why is it? The cause, or part of it, is found in a deficiency in the religious education of persons brought into the church. It is so easy to welcome them socially, and yet neglect them spiritually. It is not the pastor's fault always: it belongs to the whole undergirding consensus of church wisdom, which is content with letting the individual take care of himself. Now, church and field workers cannot supply anything but a small quota; but they may give a sense of direction to local leaders, and that is a great need of a languishing church (that is, where there are languishing churches). The writer hesitates to say to what extent an uninformed eldership is responsible. Some scriptural elders, qualified and willing, may yet be defeated by the common policy of handing complete control of a church to one individual. Circumstances, not cases are mentioned here, because of the need of reinforcing the home church by a constant stream of aiding talent, working with a non-personal yet not neutral viewpoint. Qualified and inspiring workers from outside the local circle are a great aid frequently to supplement local talent.

      Publications and S.S. Literature. The power of the press to inform, to lead, to inspire a people to ever wider effort is incalculable if it is used. This is not even a controversial statement to those who consider. Actually our history reveals that literature meant more and did more for our forefathers than it does for us, with all our advantages. The creation of S.S. Literature with specialized content for so small a group seemed impossible; and the attempt was abandoned but not forgotten. We have not yet accomplished all that Poplar Hill in its young enthusiasm wished upon us. The two monthly papers (with a service unitedly of 66 years) were happily merged in the Canadian Disciple. (See "Our Journalism", Chapter 15.)

      Extension Fund. Such an excellent idea as this still waits. [184]

      This being a chapter based on ideas not personalities, little has been written about the valuable services of all named in the Poplar Hill charter (unofficial word that). What was proposed, planned and attempted at Poplar Hill was in the main carried out by certain ones named. They gave years to the service and according to news reports (and others) served with fidelity and usefulness. Not one of them would wish his or her career imperfectly sketched here, and a perfectly balanced adjudication seems impossible. Therefore, a few words may be the thing for them, for they are all well-known.

      John Stuart Mill had served Canada as a Bible School worker for at least a year and he continued this work, with attention to duties as secretary of All-Canada, during the years 1923-24. He was energetic, in earnest, and his withdrawal was regretted. He returned to field work in Missouri.

      Mrs. M. V. Romig had been active field organizer for the Women's board of western Canada for several years. Her work appears in several sections. She did a remarkable service as lecturer, organizer and inspirer to loyal but lonely groups of far-spread women. Mrs. Romig lived in Winnipeg after her retirement, the object of loving remembrance. She died 9 May, 1947.

      Miss Marion V. Royce, of Toronto, came into the work as children's specialist and educational worker, in May, 1924. Her work led her to church groups across Canada during Mrs. Romig's time and after, organizing, counselling workers for Children, and later Young People. She organized the Young People nationally, as told elsewhere. She was also acting Secretary after Mr. Mill's departure. Her service ended at St. Thomas Convention in June, 1930. Later on she served as editor of the Canadian Disciple, January, 1936--October, 1939. Her abilities and her service were alike, fine in character.

      Reuben Butchart found the Poplar Hill assignment to Publications an agreeable task. It was somewhat of a thrill to unite two evangelical papers in marriage, to one of which he had been godfather and a longtime nurse. The Chapter on journalism tells something of this. His service as editor ended with October, 1929.

      Hugh B. Kilgour, (who was previously pastor at Wychwood, Toronto and at Home St., Winnipeg) came well-qualified to the task of Secretary of All-Canada in September, 1926. He served long, valiantly, and well. See his previous estimate of his duties as church counsellor. After October, [185] 1929, he was in charge of publications as well, and his latest year of a long and faithful service was inclusive of the field secretaryship of College of Churches of Christ Inc. Fortunately he had a temperament that suited the trying times of 1929-1935.

      George H. Stewart, of Winnipeg, Chairman of All-Canada, for many years was present at every national Convention or Conference and was a partaker in planning what was done. In addition to this I believe he gave generously and largely of his means and his time to promote some campaigns that were not even national. The Churches of Christ owe him loving regard for his brotherhood labors for his beloved "Churches, of Christ Across Canada." Something like an appreciation and gift was offered to him on his retirement, which occurred long after he desired a successor: The Honorary Chairmanship came to him in May, 1942, at Ridgetown, Ontario, Conference. But no one who knows him believes that either his Christian work or influence have stopped or waned. He is best known at Home Street, Winnipeg,--the church he helped to establish and where he has worshipped and spent a large part of his life, with an associated partner in life, who is only second to all his efforts. The Stewarts are both in "the praise of all the churches." At the Second World Convention, held in Leicester, England, in 1935, Bro. Stewart was chosen as Chairman of the next one in order--that of 1940. The War prevented this, yet he was the head of this organization through those years, ending with his death on Jan. 1, 1948. He was the Chairman of the Buffalo Convention in August, 1947, though illness kept him from attendance. His message on the occasion was received with the honor of a standing audience.

      Brother Ralph W. Pugh succeeded as Chairman of All-Canada in May, 1942. He was well-known throughout Canada in our Brotherhood, and especially in his beloved Maritimes; he was unanimously considered by all as fitted to carry on the office of Chairman. He had character and abilities fitting to such a work. Bro. Pugh had been known as one who put Christ first in his affairs, and in addition he was a successful man of business. To this task be gave almost four years of service before it was terminated by what seemed an untimely death. His life-tenure was suddenly snapped in Toronto, in the midst of worship, in February, 1946. Brother Pugh's living influence we believe still exists wherever his name is to be mentioned, either East or West of the Maritimes. [186]

      Brother Herbert Stainton, of Hillcrest Church, Toronto succeeded to the task of Chairman in August, 1946. An active and successful man of business, and an able administrator in church affairs, he came as an appropriate servant of the Churches in their wide co-operative tasks. His home has, with the aid of Mrs. Stainton, been an encourager of both education and life service for the kingdom. A son, Mr. H. Bruce Stainton, of Winnipeg, is minister at Norwood and St. James (1947); and a daughter, Miss Margaret Stainton, entered our foreign missionary service in 1945, and has served since on her field, at our mission in Asuncion, Paraguay, S.A.

      The Women's Christian Missionary Societies functioned provincially until the Calgary Conference in 1927. Mrs. Romig, so often mentioned, was the intercommunicating agent between the provinces, on her extensive missionary journeys. Time and growth, by 1927, caused the women to realize that a federal organization was needed, for were they not a band of provincially-governed women needing a national bond? The pattern of All-Canada was ready, and at Calgary an organization was effected to secure promotional and administrative control.

      The first officers were Miss Nancy Inglis, of Ontario, who served some years as president. Mrs. Hugh B. Kilgour became secretary and Mrs. N. A. Gough, treasurer: others members were Miss M. V. Royce, Miss Tena McKillop; and regional workers from every province were appointed, holding places on the Committee as well. These regional workers through the years have played a great part in creating and sustaining enthusiasm. Some of them are named here: Mrs. Leith Wright and Mrs. M. F. Schurman, both of Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Mrs. Fred Welsford, St. John, N.B.; Mrs. Harold Swartz, of Manitoba; Mrs. R. C. Murray, Miss Ethel Dunn, Miss Bertha Howarth, and Mrs. P. D. Ferguson, all of Saskatchewan; Mrs. W. J. Johnston for the Maritimes; Mrs. R. S. Martin for British Columbia; Mrs. Gordon Dunn, for Ontario.

      The original founding at Calgary defined the Committee as auxiliary to the All-Canada Committee and not a separate organization. Thus its sphere is unaltered. The Committee makes a contribution to the All-Canada treasury, after certain "askings" of provincial societies are secured. It is therefore the channel through which the women of Canada make their contribution to the work of "All-Canada". How much Christian [187] activity is accomplished because there lies a ready-made, easily accessible way of doing it! As a mere sample, the budget of the Women's Committee in July, 1943, was $1,450.

      The work of the field workers has often been honored, if not sung. The appointment of Mrs. Jennie Curiston, of Toronto, in July, 1943, was a peculiarly fitting one, as she had for years been office secretary and had grown familiar with every branch of the work. I believe it is of record that her visits to outlying auxiliaries were seasons of refreshing, long looked-forward to. It indeed takes time, tact, and genuine human talent to create and sustain such interest. The visit of the secretary has again and again demonstrated that it is the living voice and presence that aids so much to make alive all mere knowledge gained from literature or others. Owing to ill-health, Mrs. Curiston was obliged to retire in 1946--a distinct loss felt through the Sisterhood of effort.

      Some officers names are available. Mrs. Ralph Starratt of Toronto was secretary beginning in 1932 and Mrs. H. B. Kilgour was added as Advisor. The national set-up in 1946 is Mrs. H. B. Kilgour, Chairman, Mrs. O. W. McCully, recording secretary, Mrs. L. G. Crumback, treasurer. For many years the women of Canada have rejoiced in having a vital connection as "women" in the work of the kingdom. They can be trusted to continue so doing. Aiding their program is not inappropriate where it can be extended.

      Oliver W. McCully, of Harwich township (which the reader is asked to read), came to be All-Canada secretary in May, 1942. The need for just such a personality as his loomed large before our leaders. His calling was endorsed by all provincial boards. He seemed loath to accept--having experienced two interesting pastorates. Yet as he had come up from Harwich township to serve the cause, he here seems to have envisioned a wider opportunity for service. His manner of acceptance threw responsibility upon his sponsors, but they have never been humbled by their act. He is Canadian born and was educated here. His background has been "true-blue"--that is, if Disciples have that variety. It is difficult to describe a worker in a few sentences, as I must do. Yet I would ask all who know him (and few are ignorant now of him) whether his appeal as a Christian worker and organizer, and speaker, does not signify something of what our inner sense describes as "an All-Canada secretary", as earlier defined? In his wide field of service across Canada he seems never absent from the place where he is needed. [188]

      Take note, will you, that this phenomenon of young men and women offering their lives for the cause of the Redeemer's kingdom is the life-line of our cause. Thank God, it persists, half a miracle in these degenerate, pleasure-loving days. Let us be alert to welcome and catch every such line thrown to us by our Pilot. As our young are thinking so may we become in less than two decades.

[DCC 175-189]