The First Buds of Promise, pp. 1-2. A Wider Vision, pp. 2-3. Our First Auxiliary, p. 3. The Parent Organization, pp. 3-4. Second on Record--But Early, p. 4. How the Missionary Clock Was Started, pp. 4-6. Another Key to the Clock Starting, pp. 6-7. Co-operation Begins at Once, p. 7. The First Executive, pp. 7-8. In the Early Years, pp. 8-9. The First Work Attempted, pp. 9-10. Young People's Missionary Organizations, pp. 10-11. Boys' and Girls' Bands, p. 11. "Go Ye into All the World", pp. 11-13. Miss Rioch's Work in Japan, pp. 13-15. The First Ten Years Financially, p. 16. Varied Activities of the C.W.B.M. of Ontario, p. 16.

A Social Venture in Toronto, pp. 16-17. Works of Social Compassion, p. 17. The Tokyo School Carried On, pp. 17-18. Mrs. Romig's Long Service, p. 18. The O.C.W.B.M. Enters International Federation, p. 18. What the Women Did For the Golden Jubilee, pp. 18-19. A Grand Total of the Finances of the C.W.B.M., pp. 19-20. Some Early History Makers--1887 to 1905, pp. 20-21. The Second Generation Leaders, 1879 Onward, pp. 21-22. The Surviving "Originals", pp. 22-23. The Women's Page, pp. 23-24. Our Inspiring Visitors, pp. 24-26. Officers for 1932-1933 and Board Members, pp. 27.

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Historical Sketch, Ontario Women's
Missionary and Auxiliary Organizations
for the years 1887-1933

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The First Buds of Promise

      Ere the year 1880 it was evident from many sources, that a missionary conscience--answerable to Christian urgings--should find an outlet for action amongst the women of Ontario. They had begun to feel that God had called them, as well as men, to serve Him and work in His vineyard. At the June Convention in Toronto in 1880, a committee was formed from amongst the sisters for the purpose of raising money to advance the cause of the Disciples in what was called the Canadian Northwest. (They evidently thought the men were not working hard enough.) In September that committee reported progress in print--"gratifying progress" they called it, and for the moment that in Toronto and vicinity the sum of $93 had been secured. The list of co-operating churches grew quickly. This report was made in the "Christian Sentinel and Bible Index," and signed by Mary McDiarmid, the editor's wife (he being our evangelist), and Jennie A. Lee, who was afterwards Mrs. C. Edward Pomeroy, a prominent preacher. The women then organized what they called "The Ontario Woman's Mission" and their first fruits of organized effort were used to send Andrew Scott, of Ontario, to Portage LaPrairie, Man. He began his work there in [1] September, 1881. The church he founded still lives and has had a fine history. It was later sustained for some time by the women and the "Board of Co-operation of the Disciples of Christ in Ontario." Missions since 1881 makes woman's work fifty-two years old.

A Wider Vision

      The aim next grew broader, because a foreign missionary conscience had been awakened towards a new goal. This idea first found voice, apparently, through Mrs. Thomas Chalmers Scott, of Toronto, whose husband was a strong and progressive layman leader. We find her appealing in "The Bible Index" for a new start past "the successful work already done." This was in March, 1882. She visualized the need of entering new fields of labor; to place a missionary society on a firm basis we need auxiliary circles in all our churches, with liberal contributions. (That, of course, came from the C.W.B.M. of the States.) Later in her appeal is noted the special reference to the applicability of the "Macedonian cry" to women, in that "certain women ministered to Him of their substance" (Luke viii:3). A scriptural argument and one that was often heard in church circles in that decade, where Woman's Work in the Church found favor as a discussion topic, with leaders on both sides of the talk. It may be noted merely that in June, 1885, James Lediard, evangelist, addressed the convention on this topic, claiming that the injunction of Paul "Let the women keep silence in the churches" had reference to activities within the purpose of the regular meetings of the church for worship, and so on. Whilst this might not qualify a woman to be a proclaimer of the gospel within the scope of such meetings, she [2] otherwise had liberty to engage in necessary Christian work, even preaching. Nevertheless, the dogmatic forbidding was heard from certain leaders and it naturally tended to limit ambition and lessen opportunities.

Our First Auxiliary

      Mrs. Carrie Angle was, as far as known, the first to organize a mission group. This effort occurred amongst the women of the Wainfleet Township congregation (Winger now) and the group met at the home of Mrs. Angle. In the "Christian Worker" of January, 1885, she reports that meetings had been held during the previous year and that they were then organizing for 1885. (In the columns of the "Evangelist" of October, 1887, from a published official report, it may be inferred that the Winger group began their operations in 1884, as in 1887 they were said to be observing their third anniversary.) Mrs. Angle suggested in her article the name "Ontario Band of Mission Workers." Already their circle had sent to the American C.W.B.M. a small contribution. At their June meeting of 1885, O. G. Hertzog was speaker; he was a leading evangelist of the period. There was also present, with gracious inspiration, Mrs. Graybiel, mother of our missionary to India. The little trickles of effort soon began to expand into a small river of interest. Our whole cause took new heart from that date.

The Parent Organization

      The Christian Woman's Board of Missions originated at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1874; and it may be said to have as its chief inspirer Mrs. Caroline Pearre, of Iowa City, Ia. Thomas Munnell, a General Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society, [3] had a shaping hand also, and when the work of the women was called to his attention he remarked: "This is a flame of the Lord's kindling."

      Mrs. Pearre was induced by George Munro to write a series of articles in the "Ontario Evangelist" of 1886 and 1887 on the subject of "Woman's Work in the Church." This she did, and so the Ontario women (and men it is hoped) got their inspiration at the original fount. Previously, in the "Christian Worker," Bro. Geo. Munro began publishing articles advocating the support of the newly rising Foreign Christian Missionary Society, and that Dr. W. E. Macklin should be our first Canadian missionary. But this support was not soon enough in coming and we lost the chance. He then advocated sending another Canadian to follow him, and this was accomplished in 1891, through the direct agency of the F.C.M.S. by sending Dr. James Butchart to China. Such leadership in publicly writing and publishing in support of foreign missions, and of Woman's mission work, is apparently first on record in Canada amongst the Disciples.

Second on Record--But Early

      Another church should be recognized gratefully as organizing early. This was the church in Lobo (Poplar Hill) whose society records show that a "Woman's Band of Christian Workers" was organized on June 28, 1886, under the leadership of their minister, Murdoch Gunn. Mrs. Elizabeth McClurg was their secretary.

How the Missionary Clock Was Started

      The actual precipitation into action of the long felt want to organize came about at the annual meeting of [4] the Co-operation of Disciples of Christ in Ontario in the city of Guelph in June, 1887. Lobo records show that they sent Mrs. McClurg as representative "to agitate the question of the co-operation of this 'Band of Christian Workers' with them in future, and the secretary to be at liberty to withdraw this motion if necessary." At the same convention evangelist James Lediard reported the existence of Bands in the province at "Guelph, Everton, Wainfleet, Lobo and Toronto (Denison Ave.)." Amongst the names of delegates and visitors there are found the names of visitors from these points, excepting Wainfleet; but that some were present from Wainfleet may be conceded as probable; other points as well were represented. Mrs. McClurg carried her letter from their group expressing their aims, and it was read at the last session of the convention. While the particular thing sought by the foregoing resolution--namely, the privilege of the local group of workers co-operating with the general co-operation in some unstated manner--was apparently not the thing effected, the after noted result (a Woman's Provincial organization) is hailed in the Lobo secretary's records as the achievement which the Lobo group wanted.

      Mrs. Geo. Munro, of Windsor (then of Guelph), states in her excellent article "The First Ten Years" that "it looked on Monday morning--the last day of the convention--as if the good women, anxious and eager as they were, would go home and not make an attempt to organize. A brother who knew their mind and had faith in their capacity to do well what they desired to have done, took the floor, addressed the chair and simply announced that the sisters would have a meeting immediately in the school room in the [5] rear of the church. About a dozen women repaired to that room. The deed was done, the pendulum was touched, the clock started, and it has been running ever since." And that fine deed was forty-six years ago.

Another Key to the Clock Starting

      It is of interest also to note other little details of this momentous beginning. The official records of Mrs. McClurg, to her group, state that precipitation came through a note sent to the chairman by Mrs. Brown, asking that the sisters present be ushered to the school room, which was complied with at once. This diplomatic touch of a woman's note to a man, or vice versa, has often made history in various departments. Mrs. McClurg goes on to state that "the result of our effort being read"--doubtless their letter detailing their happy and fruitful group meetings--a hearty welcome was accorded the idea" and "the feeling was better than the expression." Afterwards an aged brother, Simeon-like, is quoted as heartily commending "our movement," since he well knew the tyranny to which the sisters of Ontario had been subjected, but now (we trust) relieved."

      Upon inquiry of Mrs. Munro recently, I am informed--as I imagined to be the case--that the brother who stood up and asked that the women be permitted to go on with their organization meeting, was her own husband. Mr. Munro, as editor and evangelist, was closely informed of the women's desire to organize; and he knew also that a well-defined fear to attempt it was holding them back. Doubtless the chairman, Mr. Hugh Black, knew this as well, for they were closely brothers in the work, and he would likely call upon Mr. Munro to make the [6] announcement. Mrs. Munro herself was detained in her home in Guelph that day by the fact of a sick baby; and she relates that when three of the sisters came to her home and reported that a woman's provincial organization was in being, they embraced each other and shed tears of joy.

      Judging by these hints (none of which have actually broken into print until this day) it may be inferred that the daring of the Woman's religious world victory was analogous, if not in depth of importance, to the one wrought at Runnymede. But that may be unfair to the memory of some good brethren who sincerely took the somewhat common and literally scriptural view as to the silence of "women in the church." Only those who lived in the period of hesitancy can possibly comprehend the agitations and urgings that went through the minds of those women, amidst the repressions which hindered. What if their course had entirely failed? And so lost the opportunity for ever? They did what all do not do: they kept the frontiers of the kingdom as if it were committed solely to them.

Co-operation Begins At Once

      At the convention at which the organization was effected the brethren (and sisters too) showed their interest by voting the sum of $400 to the new work of the women to now be attempted in Manitoba, in co-operation with the Woman's Board. Later on both organizations--the Ontario C.W.B.M. and the Ontario Co-operation--were organically united in Home Mission work, but there was little or no intermingling of the two boards. It did not work out that way in actual practice.

The First Executive

      Here must now be named the first original officers [7] of the Christian Woman's Board of Missions--or the O.C.W.B.M. as it was called for so long. The list as recorded is:

      President, Mrs. S. M. Brown, Wiarton.
      Vice-President, Mrs. W. B. Malcolm, Toronto.
      Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. McClurg, Lobo.
      Recording Secretary, Miss Annie Kilgour, Guelph.
      Treasurer, Mrs. George Munro, Guelph.

      Besides the foregoing the early records show signatures to the constitution, as follows:

      Martha A. Baughman, Guelph.
      Eusebia B. Oliphant, London.
      Bessie A. Parkinson, Eramosa.
      Elizabeth V. Rioch, Hamilton.
      Jennie Fleming, Owen Sound.
      Mrs. James Lediard, Owen Sound.
      Mrs. Carrie Angle, Fork's Road.

In the Early Years

      During the first critical year the new society received the support of "The Ontario Evangelist," conducted by Geo. Munro, and the churches were encouraged to start auxiliaries. In a report of the first annual meeting at Hillsburg, 1888, the recording secretary stated that the auxiliaries had raised $116.03; that expenditures were $55.03; balance on hand $60.20; and that the aim for the next year was $400. At the end of the fourth year the secretary was enabled to report that the membership was about 400, and that during the last two years about 350 children had been enlisted in mission study groups. All this was splendid progress and encouragement.

      The young society had the cordial support and help of the officers of the parent American Society. [8] Mrs. O. A. Burgess, president, was present at Hillsburg in 1888; Mrs. Persis Christian, at St. Thomas in 1889; Jessie Brown Pounds was at Toronto in 1891; Miss Graybiel at Bowmanville in 1992; Mrs. Candace Lhamon Smith at London in 1895; and at later dates Mrs. Ella K. Payne, Miss Clark, Miss Darnall, Mrs. Anna B. Atwater, Miss Daisy June Trout, Mrs. Affra Anderson, Mrs. Shepherd are well recalled in recent years. And a notable visitor was Mrs. Mary Lediard Doan, sent over by the U.C.M,S. not so very long ago. Mary Lediard surely was an "exported" Canadian foreign missionary, raised under the influence of a O.C.W.B.M. home.

The First Work Attempted

      The work of the Ontario C.W.B.M. was at first directed towards the support of Disciples' Home Missions, and in this manner the churches at Collingwood, Stayner, Guelph, Hamilton, Owen Sound and Toronto (Denison Ave.) were aided, partly to help support a minister and part for church erection account. Very material assistance was given to the Muskoka mission under the labors of W. M. Crewson and J. B. Lister and others. Most of this aid was given in co-operation with the regular Home Mission effort through the Board of Ontario Co-operation. Our great "Canadian West," as it was then called, was an attraction for many, and it added zest to the work, being a new field. A mission church at Minnedosa, Manitoba, was begun in the year 1889 and a building was erected. It was the first independent work of the women and was attempted under the labors of A. H. Finch and F. H. Lemon. But three years of work resulted in disappointment that the field was perhaps not best suited for such a venture. The young church at [9] Winnipeg next received substantial aid to the extent of $1,000, part of which was from an bequest from the Thomas Whitehead estate.

Young People's Missionary Organizations

      From the enlistment of the women of the province in a great spiritual effort it is easy to foresee that the growing minds of children would soon be sought as seed-plots in which to cultivate future fruitfulness for the kingdom. In the second year of effort (1888) a department for children was founded with a sympathetic soul for such a work at the head of it, Mrs. James Lediard. Mission Band was the name chosen. During the first year eleven Bands and Societies were organized, with a financial lift of $90 for the general cause. The Bands grew in numbers and for the early years their funds were used for a scholarship for a boy in China; for hospital work in India, and a native worker in Japan. By the time the Board were ready to send Miss Rioch to Japan they had $300 in hand, and during the first ten years $1,098 was raised for foreign work only. During the forty-five years since the forming of the first Band it has been the constant work of the Superintendents to keep before the churches the importance of missionary training for the children if they are to be expected to grow up missionary-minded. The Bands once totalled twenty-five in number, but their organization and maintenance have been so peculiarly dependent upon the fortunate presence of suitable local leaders that their continuance has been a problem. So their activities have been somewhat up and down at times. In 1899 Miss Mary Royce, of Walkerton, was appointed in succession to Mrs. Lediard, and following her in office were Mrs. J. H. H. jury and Miss Windatt, of Bowmanville. In [10] the long years there have been developed plans of interesting the child mind in missionary effort. In 1906 the work came to the hands of Miss Grace Lediard, who capably handled it for twenty years. She has given unstinted effort in a fine way. Mrs. Earl Lemon, of West Lorne, served a year, until June, 1927, and since then, Miss May Watson, of Hillcrest, Toronto, has had it in charge.

Boys' and Girls' Bands

      In the year 1909 the need appeared of having missionary instruction and interest continued to the groups as they grew older, so intermediate groups were formed called Boys' Bands and Girls' Bands, the first being in Owen Sound, where always fine leadership has lain. Some groups for younger women were also organized there and throughout the province. Under the plans of the United Society the needs of the teen-age girls were met by what are called Triangle Clubs, and some of this class were successfully run. However, the rise of the Canadian Girls in Training, with its strong social appeal, somewhat limited such effort, as may be imagined. It is about impossible, I am told, to give accurate financial figures for the whole forty-five years of effort, but in the five year period reported in 1908 it was seen that at that time an average of 380 children were being instructed each year, and their givings amounted in that period to $2,030.97. So that the whole movement through children and young people must be interpreted as a real contribution to the missionary work of our churches.

"Go Ye Into All the World"

      The interest and membership grew when the [11] objective of the women became "Foreign Missions." This enlargement came in 1891, in the annual convention at Toronto. There was unanimous and hearty concurrence amongst all present that the work should go forward at once. Personal pledges of $145 were obtained and the sisters went home to their auxiliaries fired with the aim of securing other financial aid. This enthusiasm was, no doubt, created by the long-smouldering fire in many hearts to "go into all the world"; and the stirring addresses of that great woman's leader, Miss Jessie Brown, were but taking occasion by the hand with the command Go Forward! Thus again was illustrated leadership breaking through providentially at the right juncture. The very important question Who shall go? was solved in a highly satisfactory way at the next convention, which occurred at Bowmanville in 1892, in the person of Miss Mary Rioch, of Hamilton, who offered her life for any foreign field, her choice being China. Her appearance at Bowmanville convention "won all hearts" (says Mrs. Munro's account) and for many years afterward she was the centre of our woman's hopes, efforts and prayers. For the first year's work $900 was required, and this was easily raised through the co-operation of the Maritime sisters' W.M.S. societies and the Children's Mission Bands, the latter giving $300. The participation of the Maritime sisters was accorded on their desire to have the new missionary sent to Japan. Their interest in that field was due to the fact that one of their number, Mrs. Josephine Smith, had fallen a victim to the climate of Japan and died while a missionary there. Therefore, Miss Rioch was selected for the Japan field. In this aim the women had the warm co-operation of Archibald McLean, then secretary of the Foreign Society, who [12] later by counsel and frequent attendance at conventions created and held interest in Foreign Missions at such a height. So "Brother McLean" became almost a permanent feature of the annual convention in Ontario at the Friday night session--that of the Woman's Board. Ontario people will not soon forget his apostolic fire, his earnestness and piety, and perhaps not least, certain mannerisms which endeared him to all.

Miss Rioch's Work in Japan

      The Disciple missions to Japan date back nearly fifty years. We recall the early work of the Garsts, the Smiths, and following these were Miss Harrison and Miss Kate Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. E. Snodgrass came next and their mission and headquarters--located in northwest Japan in an almost inaccessible region--was finally transferred to teeming Tokyo in 1890. Miss Mary Rioch came in at this point. In an issue of the "Canadian Disciple," October, 1930, she tells at length her missionary life story; of the first arousal of a missionary conscience that "bid nor sit nor stand but Go," during the time of her service as a school teacher; of the ungrudging consent of a far-seeing mother; and then of the last barrier broken down in an overflowing love for Christ and a desire to serve Him. (We read of such uncompromising life-changing decisions to-day, and the uplift which follows them.) Arrangements were outwardly completed at the Bowmanville Convention, in June, 1892, with Miss Graybiel and Archibald McLean present to assist. Miss Rioch went out with Mr. and Dr. Stevens and Miss Oldham and landed at Yokohama, on November 3, 1892. At first language was her main pursuit; but almost at once she began to teach English to [13] girls in the home of Miss Harrison. A preaching service in this home by a student preacher (convert from Akita) was the origin of the Koishikawa church of to-day. The presence of a vast number of slum children soon indicated that a Sunday school should be attempted. This new effort was the basis of the present Matsugae Cho Primary School and Kindergarten. The Word has been taught there regularly ever since. Along with Miss Oldham the next step was the founding of a Sunday School in Mokimachi district, within their first home. Great opposition from a temple and priests' home nearby hindered this effort, but it was persisted in. The mission was further enlarged by the founding of a class in the English Bible from Wasuda College for boys. Some of these students had been in the Doshisha School--the first within the empire. Before furlough time came every boy was a Christian, and from that class came two outstanding evangelists--Kawai San and Hirai San-the latter to become pastor of the Takinogawa Church in the school compound. This class was continued by Miss Oldham up to her retirement about twelve years ago. Miss Rioch's efforts next leaped forward to the founding of a Day School for poor children, which was continued and is known to-day by her name. From this work contact with mothers was easy, through personal influence and Bible Women. Teachers and helpers were added; the school was twice rebuilt or enlarged, and later the land was purchased and more commodious buildings erected. A fortunate extra room suggested another class, and a Christian kindergarten was formed, making what Miss Rioch terms her happiest year in Japan. A disaster came on May 31, 1911, when fire destroyed the building, but Miss Fleming's insistence on fire insurance brought them sufficient to rebuild in better [14] shape. When Miss Rioch left her work seventeen years ago there were forty-five in the kindergarten, two hundred and seventy-five pupils in the Primary School (6 year course), and graduating pupils were entering the Mission College, situated elsewhere. The slum district had been rehabilitated; shopkeepers and housewives were eager to have the graduates of this school. For years Miss Rioch assisted in the Koishikawa church and for two years she had full charge. During this period a great revival came to Tokyo. And for some years she had a large English Bible Class in the Formosa University. In the brief space at disposal here it is impossible to sketch more fully the multiple work that Miss Rioch and her associates engaged in during her twenty-three years of service in Japan. It included evangelism, girl-saving, sewing and cooking classes, teaching of English, and always and without cessation the sowing of the seeds of the kingdom, a service that was always welcomed by the poor, under-privileged women and children who were eager to learn of a Saviour who could love and save them.

      Miss Rioch's last contribution of service to the field where her heart was so engaged, was to provide over two thousand dollars ($2,000) as a gift to her School and Kindergarten.

      Miss Rioch later returned to America as Mrs. Miller, by which name almost a new generation has learned to call her friend, amidst Ontario missionary circles. She is a high example of consecrated Christian womanhood which found a life-work afield for the Master; and she has brought to her old home in the City of Hamilton a heritage of memories of struggles and joys and toils in His service which doubtless add their color to the early evening of her life. [15]

The First Ten Years Financially

      Mrs. Annie Munro in her brief history--"The First Ten Years" gives the approximate receipts of the C.W.B.M. of Ontario during the first ten years of its life as $6,000, which was supplemented by $1,000 contributed by the Children Mission Bands. Taking somewhat at random a single year's work--that of 1893--the women raised $1,063.81, and the Children's Mission Bands $300. Mrs. Munro informs me that during the first year, up to convention morning, she had received but $30; but that prior to her report being presented various sums were handed in making the total as reported $116.03. This, with Miss Fleming's report noted later, is surely a lesson in thrift--and perhaps sacrifice.

Varied Activities of the C.W.B.M. of Ontario

      Through the years the Woman's Missionary organization was frequently appealed to for financial help, which was freely, though judiciously given in various directions. The women always had our Canadian Home Missions in mind, with an eye always to the West, and just as frequently helping Ontario (the East). Whilst the Tokyo School may be considered their major work, the list of their benevolences is a long one. Amongst these are famine relief, succoring orphans and educating them, maintaining Bible women and native workers on various fields. Ambitious and strong aid was given to the mission to Canadian Indians conducted by Arthur Santmier in the Fort Frances region of Ontario. This was about the year 1914 and following.

A Social Venture in Toronto

      Adapting itself to the times the C.W.B.M. began in the year 1915 a special work called "The Toronto [16] Community Institute," situated at 393 Spadina Avenue. It was under a committee of management composed of Mrs. W. B. Malcolm and Mrs. J. D. Higgins. Miss Ferguson was the first worker and various voluntary workers from Cecil St. and other Toronto churches assisted. Mostly foreign and Jewish children were reached. Classes and recreation projects were main features. In July of each year a Daily Vacation Bible School proved a blessing to the crowded community. For a time Mr. W. J. Hastie, Ontario evangelist, and Mrs. Hastie, assisted, being loaned by the Co-operation. For a time Mrs. Carrie Angle assisted, and in May, 1918, Miss Ada Currie and Miss Ostrander were in charge. The work was discontinued in August, 1920, when it was discovered that a much larger investment of funds and a larger staff was required to do this type of work.

Works of Social Compassion

      All through the years there have been adopted young people who were to be trained and started on a life of usefulness. Such a one was O'Hana San. I cannot now give the particulars, but such ventures always paid good dividends of interest. More recently there was Shinkai San, whose pathetic story as told to the Convention at Toronto in 1928 started a generous fund that resulted in saving her from shame to a bright career for her own people as a teacher, upon which she has already entered.

The Tokyo School Carried On

      After Mary Rioch Miller returned to her own land the Tokyo School was still carried on for some years by Miss Ada Scott. Her work was unfortunately interrupted by a furlough and the later necessity of leaving the field owing to the illness of her father. While [17] on furlough she visited some churches and schools and made a wonderful appeal for workers in the year 1922. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy took over the School in 1924. In 1922 a fine residence was purchased for our missionaries, Miss Scott and others, costing $3,771.50.

Mrs. Romig's Long Service

      Mrs. Romig was engaged as general secretary in 1920, serving also the Maritime Provinces in this capacity. Linked with the united work of these two sections were the other provinces under the direction of The All-Canada Committee. Her fine constructive work was closed in 1925.

The O.C.W.B.M. Enters International Federation

      After a long period of independent work the Ontario women in May, 1919, agreed by a vote of 23 to 9 to enter the International Federation. This seems to be really in the line of the modern way of conducting missionary endeavor and makes for unity of control on 'the field. In the articles of agreement it is stated in Article II that the special work of the Ontario women--the Mary Rioch School and Kindergarten--shall be continued and supported under the International C.W.B.M. The Ontario board contributes to the support of that work the monthly dues of not less than ten cents per member; all the C.W.B.M. Day offerings from churches and all special gifts. Besides supporting the School and Kindergarten the Ontario women provide the salary of the local minister. Funds are sent to the International treasury and from there passed on to the F.C.M.S. treasury, to be administered by that board for the work in Japan.

What the Women Did For the Golden Jubilee

      The celebration of the Golden jubilee of the [18] C.W.B.M. of America in the year 1924 was attended with a strenuous and consecrated campaign throughout the whole communion on the part of the women. Great plans were made, and carried out, the objective being no less than the raising of a million dollars and building fifty new buildings. The amount of $6,000 was allotted to the Dominion of Canada. By June, 1925, the sum of $6,061.31 had been raised. Towards this total the women of Ontario raised, in 1924 the sum of $1,253.88; and in the year 1925 the sum of $1,209.17, or a grand total of $2,463.15. It was intended that Ontario funds should be apportioned to Jamaica, and a new building was projected; but in the end the sum raised was insufficient. At the Washington Convention in 1929, it was proposed that the young men and women of Jamaica who were in training for the ministry or Christian service should benefit by our gifts. This decision was made by the O.C.W.B.M. later on.

A Grand Total of the Finances of the C.W.B.M.

      During the first ten years of effort the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000) approximately was raised, as reported by Mrs. Munro in her article "The First Ten Years." During the remaining portion of the history--now reported by Miss Fleming--a matter of thirty-six years--no less than eighty thousand eight hundred and forty-six dollars ($80,846) were raised. Thus the grand total of the Woman's organization alone is the sum of eighty-six thousand eight hundred and forty-six dollars ($86,846). To this may easily be added from ten to fifteen thousand dollars raised by the Children and Young People's efforts. Miss Fleming explains that this whole sum has been expended in accordance with the missionary activities [19] treated in these pages, mentioning Home Missions, work in the Canadian West, the Santmier mission to the Indians, Toronto Community Institute, India orphans, Bible women and many churches in Ontario. "But," she adds, "the larger portion of our funds were expended on missionaries' salaries and the upkeep of the Mary Rioch School and Kindergarten in Tokyo, Japan, during the last forty-one years, and which we are going to continue." The only comment, if one is in place, is that the reader notice the intention in the last few words.

Some Early History Makers--1887 to 1905

      Those who have held office, and especially for long, are surely entitled to honorable record. It is impossible for me, justly and briefly, to characterize the work of every one, though I have a somewhat particular knowledge of many. I feel that when the reader reviews the names which follow there will arise feelings of love and respect, and in some cases even a reverence, depending upon the extent of personal knowledge.

      The first president, Mrs. S. M. Brown, of Wiarton, served from 1887 to 1891, and again in 1899-1900. How capable a Christian woman she was is still well-known to many. She excelled also in helping the cause with her pen. Mrs. Elizabeth McClurg, the first corresponding secretary, served until 1891, and one can believe she was inspired for her task. (She leaves a daughter, Mrs. P. D. Ferguson, of Saskatchewan, to take up similar tasks.) Mrs. John Campbell, of St. Thomas, was treasurer for the year 1895-1896. Mrs. T. L. Fowler, of St. Thomas, was president June, 1897-1898, and Mrs. W. W. Coulter, of St. Thomas, for the year following. (One was the wife and the other [20] the sister of our venerable veteran, Dr. T. L. Fowler.) Miss Isabella Sinclair, of Blenheim, was the second corresponding secretary--years 1892 to 1898. (Her name, with that of her mother and brother, Duncan A., is linked with the Sinclair Educational Fund for the ministry.) Miss E. V. Rioch, of Hamilton, succeeded as corresponding secretary and carried the task with splendid efficiency until June, 1898. Another sister from the Lobo church, Miss M. A. Sinclair, also served as recording secretary during the early period, and Mrs. T. D. Butler, of St. Thomas, was also a vice-president. Mrs. Eusebia Oliphant, of London, was a vice-president, and actively interested. (She was the widow of the late David Oliphant, preacher and editor.) Mrs. James Lediard, of Owen Sound, succeeded Mrs. Brown's second term, as president in 1901 to 1905. Thus she gave in executive service as Superintendent of Mission Bands and President, the years 1888 to 1905. Most of the sisters named served also as board members during the time of their activity. All here named have for some time been beyond the veil of separation.

The Second Generation Leaders, 1897 Onward

      Miss Sara McCloy (now Mrs. S. Clapp, of Toronto) served very efficiently as corresponding secretary during the period between Miss Rioch and Miss Stephens, 1899 to 1901. As recording secretary Miss Bessie A. Parkinson (now Mrs. Scott) links the honors of the executive with Everton church, acting from 1894 to 1902. Mrs. James Whitehead, of Walkerton, very capably filled the office of recording secretary for the ten years ending June, 1916. Following her was the beloved Mrs. C. B. King, now deceased, who served until 1929. Mrs. Ralph Starratt, of Toronto, served [21] during 1929 and 1930, when in June, 1930, Miss Tena McKillop, of West Lorne, was appointed recording secretary and is still serving. Mrs. Amos Tovell, of Guelph, occupied the office as president for the nine years ending June, 1929, and made an already familiar Disciple name more of a household word, joining with her husband in Christian leadership. In the long administration of Miss Agnes Stephens, of Glencairn, as corresponding secretary, those who are familiar with C.W.B.M. history are conscious that the years from 1901 to 1924 were full to the brim with Christian energy, consecration and fruitfulness. Many would feel that her name deserves an underline of emphasis. Mrs. G. C. Welsman succeeded her for a year and then removed to Regina. In 1925 Miss Nancy Inglis, of Aylmer, was found at that stage to be the "inevitable secretary," faithful and efficient and suited to the task. Long a valued member of the executive, in the year 1930 Mrs. John A. McKillop, of West Lorne, received the office of president and still is the executive head of this honorable and faithful sisterhood in the Lord's service. How familiar all these names are to the ears of Disciples.

The Surviving "Originals"

      Now we have some who were "the first of that bright band" of 1887 who are still spared to our circles. Of these who are better known and remembered than Mrs. Munro and Mrs. Malcolm. Mrs. Geo. Munro lived at Guelph, which was a sort of official headquarters (for general activities at least). There an earnest and forward-looking outlook was always manifest. For the first year she was treasurer; but continued after that as an executive and I dare say somewhat of an inspiration, as nearly as I can [22] judge. Mrs. W. B. Malcolm, of Toronto (but for some years of Pasadena, Cal.) was the first vice-president and later she occupied the high office of president for the years 1891 to 1894 and afterwards from 1906 to 1919, serving and holding the confidence and love of the women in her administration. Miss Annie Kilgour, also of Guelph, served as first recording secretary until 1895 when she removed to take up benevolent work in Baltimore, Md. She now resides in Ayr. Mrs. Martha Baughman, of Guelph, was a signer of the constitution at the start, and from being the wife of a missionary pastor at Bowmanville she graduated later, in the years of her widowhood, to many years service as State organizer in the West for the C.W.B.M. Mrs. Carrie Angle, of Fork's Road (and somewhat recently returning to her old home to live there) was an organizer of persistent missionary activity and she doubtless still continues with a fervent outlook on privilege. And there remains yet one other who cannot be omitted--Miss Jennie Fleming, of Owen Sound. She was appointed the second treasurer in 1888 and continues to this day, save for the year 1895-96 when Mrs. John Campbell, of St. Thomas, served. This adds up a wonderful record of forty-four years as treasurer--surely a record as treasurer in any religious group on the continent. She surely must have dependable qualities of judgment and fidelity to her trust. (We have no higher name than that of Fleming in the honorable and productive task of handling religious trust funds.)

The Women's Page

      Who shall assess adequately to the Society the value of the Woman's Page in our journals? Miss [23] May Stephens, of Owen Sound (that missionary centre) was page editor for some years prior to the removal from Toronto to Owen Sound of the "Christian Messenger" in 1906; after that time and until it ceased and was merged with the "Canadian Disciple" she was not only editor of the Woman's Page but office editor as well and she continued after that as an active participant in the Disciple publications during the last thirty years. I feel that I ought here to say that few can know what Miss Stephens' judgment and enthusiasm have meant to the publication end of our communion. She gave a great, whole-hearted and spiritual contribution to the whole cause in her capacity as editor. On leaving the province some years ago to reside in Vancouver, her place was filled very happily by Miss Agnes Stephens, of Glencairn, who is still Page Editor. Surely the journals themselves made a rich contribution impossible to state in figures: I mean the "Bible Index and Sentinel," the "Christian Worker"; the "Ontario Evangelist"; the "Christian Messenger"; the "Canadian Disciple" and not omitting the splendid "World Call." Without a press religious alignments are very difficult to maintain.

Our Inspiring Visitors

      I am sure our women would wish to accord honor to the distinguished visitors and missionaries who have annually come to their sessions and helped with information and inspiration. In the list, drawn from memory, there would be first our returning Canadian missionaries, some of them several times. There would be Dr. W. E. Macklin, Dr. James Butchart, both of China; Dr. Susie Rijnhart, of Tibet; David Rioch, W. C. Macdougall and James McLeod, of India; [24] Martha Smith, of India; Dr. Daisy Macklin, of China; Rose T. Armbruster, of Japan, and Roderick McLeod, of Tibet (and who can forget his story of his Chicago wife's verbal routing of Tibetan bandits?) Of beloved missionaries visiting there were the informative and always inspiring addresses of F. E. Meigs, of China; Dr. Osgoode, of China; Dr. Royal J. Dye, of that "mighty continent, Africa." The contributions these men and women made to our cause were enormous. Of missionary executives there was that host in himself, for years and years always fresh and inspiring, Archibald McLean (for whom any titular letters would be belittling). There was the humorous and wholesome F. M. Rains (was it "Foreign Missionary" that his initials stood for?); there was at times the scholarly C. T. Paul (our own contribution also); there was Stephen Corey, forceful and admirable on every occasion, the loveable Mrs. Affra Anderson and the masterful Mrs. Anna R. Atwater, and Miss Daisy June Trout. And speaking of Dr. Susie Rijnhart (our Chatham-born missionary) who that has ever read her book "With Tibetans in Tent and Temple," or heard her speak can forget the impression she made on her return after escaping the Tibetan bandits, under the stress of sleepless nights and the bereavement of a baby buried in the mountain pass, and a missing husband who never returned to her. Surely she showed what a woman can do for her Lord. Ten of the foregoing names are Canadian.

      In closing this sketch, which has some shortcomings, I must record that there is something which I cannot communicate. I am unable to tell the outsider just how the women of Ontario have developed the spiritual power and enthusiasm revealed in these brief records. It is somewhat evident that over fifty [25] years ago a Christian conscience on the point of the Great Commission arose within our women. I have only given the exterior of the story, after all, of how they responded and developed their aspirations in accordance with that greatest source of all Christian effort for others. The women themselves are aware. Chance readers are reminded that nothing has happened in the religious world recently to discount Christian Missions. It is still a great fellowship for Christ--one that brings its own lasting rewards as they are earned, by sharing in the Way. [26]

[FLK i-iii, 1-27.]

      The electronic version of Reuben Butchart's A Flame of the Lord's Kindling ([Toronto]: The Ontario Christian Woman's Board of Missions of the Churches of Christ (Disciples), 1933) has been produced from a copy of the pamphlet held by the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.

      Pagination in the electronic version has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained; however, corrections have been offered for misspellings and other accidental corruptions. Emendations are as follows:

      Printed Text [ Electronic Text
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 p. 13:   northwest Japen [ northwest Japan
      landed at Yokahama, [ landed at Yokohama,
 p. 15:   came to Tokio. [ came to Tokyo.
 p. 20:   Kindergarten in Toyko, [ Kindergarten in Tokyo,
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 2 December 2003.