WO~EN'S MISSIONARY CONFE~ENCE,

OF THE

~~thodist aDpis~opat <Ilhu~~tt,

IlRLD AT

I . j

JUBBALPUR., December 19-21,

1901.

II v, i 0

it PmNTED AT THE METHODIST PUnLISII1NG HOVRE,

1902. ~

15omba~:

~~~. ~~~.-~~~~--, ~

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

BOMBAY

OF THE

Methodist Episcopal Church,

FOR.

1901.

PRINTED A.T THE; METHODIST PUllLISIIING HOUSE.

1902.

OFFICERS

OF THE

BOMBAY

<!po nKtrence, . . 1901.

President:

MISS E. W. NICHOLLS, Bombay_

Vice-Presidents:

])ins. D. O. Fox, Poona. I MI~S l\f. ,E. WILLIAMS, Baroda.

Secretary:

MISS C. H. LAWSON, Bomhay,

Assistant Secretary :

MISS M. ELLIOTT, Poonu.

Statistical Secretary:

MISS W ILLUMS, Baroda.

Auxilliary Treasurer and Conference Organizer:

MISS M. MILLER.

Finance and Reference Committee:

l\bss WILL,IAMS, I'MRS' ABnoTT, MISS HYDE, MRS. FREASE,

MISS.'~.~WSOl" MRS. Fox,

Ml1S HEAFER, Ojficif1;Z' GOl:,:espowlent and 71'ea81JJ'er oj Oonference,

Examination Committee. lIlarathi.-Miss Nicholls, Mrs. Fox, Miss Miller, Miss Lawson. Gujarati.-Mrs. Frease, Miss Williams, Mrs. Ward. Hindustani.-Mis8 Hyde, Mrs. Vardon, Mrs. Abbott.

Standing Committee. Temperance-.Mrs. Stephens, M.D; ,Mrs. Robinson, Miss Healer,

Miss Williams. Publishing .. lfinutes.-Miss Lawson, Miss Elliott. Marathi Women'8F1·iend.-Miss Nicholls, Mrs. Fox, Rev. W. H. Step­

hens. Deacones8 WOl'k.-Mrs. Thobnrn, L. E. Linzell, Mrs. Frease,

Miss Hyde, T. S. Johnson, W. H. Stephens, Mrs, Osbol'ac, Mrs. Stephens, M. D.

Special Day P,·og1·amme.-Miss Hyde, Miss Lawson., Mrs. Abbott. Special Programme.-Miss El1iott, Mrs. Frease, M.iss Miller. Educational.-D. Osborn~, T. S. Johnson, E. F. Frease, D.O. Fox.

F. R. Felt, Miss Hyde, Miss Elliott, Miss Williams, Miss Lawson.

Names and Addresses of Branch Secretaries. Corresponding Secretary of the Bombay Confe1'ence.-Mrs. M. S. Huston,

421 North 7th St., Burlington, Iowa. New England B1·anch.-Mrs. M. P. Alderman, 32 Everet St, Hyde

ParK, Mass. New Y01'k Branch,-Mrs. ,\Vm. B. Skidmore, 230 W 59th, New York. Philadelphia B1·anch.-Mrs. S. L. Keen, 1209 Arch St., Philadelphia,

Pa. Baltimore B,.artch.-Mrs. E. R. Stevens, 604 Thompson Ave., Baltimore,

Md. Cincinnatt; Branch.-Mrs. B. R. Cowen, 2406 Highland Ave., Walnut,

Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. Northwest6rn Branch.-Mrs. F. P. Crandon, 1414 Forest Ave.,

Evanston, Ill. Des Moines Branch.-Mrs. M. S. Huston, 421 North 7th, Burlington

Iowa. Minneapolis Branch.-Mrs. Joyce, Minneapolis, Minn. Topeka B1'anch.-Miss Matilda Watson, 17·01 S. 17th, Lincoln, Net. Pacific' Rranch.-Mrs. Charlotte O'Neal, Pasadena, Cal. Oolumbia River Branch.-Mrs. A. N. Fisher, 214 Twelfth St., Portland,

. Oregon.

Roll of Members. Abbott, Mrs. . .. Evangelistic, ... Khundwa Ayers, Mrs. . .•.. ••••••. • •• Baroda Benjamin, ~rs. Grace ••. , ..•. Burhanpur Bennett~ Miss' F.~ ~ •• Girls' 'Orphanage and Widows'-'

Home, ••• Jnbbulpur Benthien, Miss E. M •••• On leave, .!" ~ ... America.

# Brnere, Mrs. W. W. • •• America Butterfield, Mrs. H. . .. English Work, ... lgatpuri Bhosle Mrs. S. • .. Bombay

.. Calkins~ Mrs. • •• English Work(Grant R'd Church),Bombay Clark, Mrs. . .. Evangelistic Work, ••. Kampti

lifo Denning, Mrs.J. O. • .. America. 1 Elicker, Miss A. R. • .•• Girls· Boarding School, .•.. Khnndwa

Elliott, Miss M. . .. Taylor High School, .•• Poona 2 Felt, Mrs. F. R~ ... America

Files, M~ss, ..• Taylor High School, ... Poona 1 Fox, Mrs. D. O. ...'Marathi Girls' Day Schools, ••• Poona 1 Frease, Mrs. E. F. • .• District Work and Evangelistic

. School, ... .. .Baroda Grenon, Mrs. ·'V. ·R. uoEnglish Work, ••• . .. Jubbulpur

2,: Heaf.er, MiBs L. • .. Zenana Work and Oity Schools, .... JubbuWur Holmes, Miss A. . ... Village W ork~. • •• Baroda Hutchings, Mrs. E.H •... Anglo Indian 'Gh:l~,' Home,. • •• Poona

lit Hyde, Miss N. M. • .. Girls' Orphanage and Widows'

Kale, Mrs. G. *" Lawson, Miss· C: H.

Linzell, Mrs. L, E. lit Moore, Mrs. W. A. 1 Miller, Miss M.

llome, •• !t!~bb~lpur ... Panwell

. .. Girls' Boarding School, ... Bombay • •• English Work (Bowen Church), .•• Bombay

. ••• America • •• Girls' Boarding S~ho()l and Zenana

Work, .•• , •• Basim Me' Knight, Miss ... Girls' Orphanage, '~ •• Godhra

-"NiehaUs, Miss 'E. W .... Evangelistic Work; ... Bombay Osborne, Mrs. D. . .. English Work, ••• Poona

"Park, Mrs; G. W. ...District Work, ••• Nadiad lifo Porter, Miss C. J. . .. On leave, •.• America

Robbins, Mrs. W.E .... City Work, •.. Ahmedabad 1 Robinson, Miss R. E .••• City Schools, ... Bombay

Singh, Mrs. Es~her P.... . ... J~b~ulpur Stephens, Mr. S. W. ~ .. lII. D., Medical Work, ... Poona

I Stephe~~, M:rs, W. H .•• ~Womeu~s Work (Marathi), ... Bom~,ay Thoburn, Mrs •• 1.M. . .• M. D. .., ••• ... • •• Amenba Vardon, Mrs, A. S. E .... Hindustani Work, ... Poona Waller, Mrs. W'.!D •..• English' ,\\Tork, ••• ,'. ..• Karachi Ward, Mrs.; R. C.. . ... Districu Work, ; ... - .•• Godhra Williams, Mis~M. E .... Girls' Boarding Schoo], _ .••• Baroda W?od" Mrs. F. . .. Sea:n:ten:s Rest, , ... ~~omb~;r.

The figures' indicate the year of vernacular passed. The asterisk indicate that the vernacular course of study has peen completed.

MIN UTES OF THE

FIRST DAY

THURSDAY, 1.9th JJ(:C(imoe'1', 1901.

The tenth annual session of the Bombay \\r omen's Con­ference, met in the drawing-room of the \f F. M. S. Horne, at Jubbulpur, at 2 P. M., 011 Thut'sday, December 19th, 1901. As tlie president, alid both vice-presidents were absent," the s'ecretary of the last Conference, Miss Miller, caned the 'meetiIiu­to order. Mrs. Stephens conducted the devotional exercises reading Phil. ii., making helpful comments and then leadhlg in prayer.

Roll-Gall.-The assistant secretary, Miss Elliott, called the Rol1, and the following members responded to their names:~ Miss- Elliott, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Frease, Miss Heafer, Miss Hyde, Miss Lawson, Miss l\Iiller, Miss Nicholls, lirs. S. \V. Stephens, M.D"

~rs.. :Yl- H. Btephen~ and Miss Williams.

Officers.-The Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows :-

President, Miss Nicholls; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Fox and Miss Williams; Secretary, Miss Lawson; Assistant Secretary, Miss ~lliott; Statistical Secretary, Miss Williams; Auxilliary Treasurer and Conference Organizer, Miss :Miller.

O~ motion it was decided to hold two sessions-, of the Con­ference. on Friday and if. necessary two on Saturday. The morning session to be held from 11-30 A M., to 1-30 P.M. and the afternoo,n session from 2 P.M. to 4, P.M.

6 TENTH ANNUAL REFOItl' OF THE BOMBAY

Committees :-

Resolution and Memorial.-The president appointed the following, Mrs. Hutchings, Miss Robinson and Miss Williams.

Finance and Reference.-On motion it was decided that the Finance and Reference Committee be elected at 3 P.M. on Friday.

The Report of the Programme Committee was milled for and Miss Heafer reported that five Papers had been prepared, and it was then decided by motion to have one subject taken up at each session.

A motion was made to extend the time of this session to 4-30 P.M.

Etcaminations.-The following Committees were appointed fOl' examinations.-Marathi: Miss Nicholls, Mrs. Fox, Miss l\{iUer, and on motion, Miss Lawson's name was added. Gujarati: Mrs. Frease, Miss "Villiams, Mrs. Ward. Hindustani: Miss Hyde, Mrs. Vardon, Mrs. Abbott.

Tempe1'ance.-The chair appointed the following as a Temperance Committee; Mrs. S. W Stephens, Miss Robinson, Miss Heafer, Miss Williams.

Publishing.-On motion it was decided that the secretary and assistant-secretary be the Publishing Committee.

:Miss Hyde moved that we defer taking the number of Minutes reqllired until more members be present. It was carried.

TILe Ma'l'atlti TVonu:n's F~l'iend.-Miss Nicholls reptlrted that the Paper had been published monthly, and that Miss Robinson had made an excellent helper.

n was moved and carried that the Committee on Maratlli Women's Friend remain as it stands.

The chair then appointed the remainder of the Standing Com­mittees except the educational which was postponed until the next session. See page 3.

On motion the Conference adjourned to meet Friday morning.

WOMEN'S MISSIO:\AHY CO~FERENCE

SECOND DAY

MORNING SESSION.

7

FRIDAY, Decem,ve1' 20, 1901

The Conference was called to order at 11-'30 P.M., the presi­dent in the chair. The devotional exercises were conducted by Miss Holmes. After singing and prayer a Bible reading was given on 2 Sam. 23: ] 8, and prayer was offered.

Roll Call.-The secretary called the Holl and the following responded·to their names :-Mrs. A.bbott, Mrs. Clark, Miss Elicker, Miss Elliott, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Hutchings, Miss Heafer, Miss Hyde, Miss Lawson, Miss Miller, Miss Nicholls, Miss Robinson, Mrs. Stephens, M.D" and Miss Williams.

The Minutes were read and approved.

lnt'l'oductions.-Misses Bennett, Holmes and Dunhill were ntroduced to the Conference.

Educational.-The chair appointed the following on the Educa­tional Committee.-Miss Hyde, Miss Elliott, Miss 'Villiams and Miss La "NSOD.

Examinations.-Miss Nicholls reported that Miss Robinson had passed her firs~ year's course in l\{arathi.

Miss Heafer reported that Miss Hyde had passed in the last half of the 3rd reader, thus completing the third year of the Hindustani course, and had also passed the fourth year thereby completing the full course of study.

It was muved that those entering our mission from other missions, take up and complete the course of study of onr mission from the year passed in their own mission. It was carried.

Miss Heafer moved that a book of certificates be printed and as each missionary and other workers pass their examinations a certificate be giv~. It was carried.

8 TEN1'H ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

Special Day P1'og?'amme.-Miss Elliott reported huving pre­pared a programme for Easter, and having sent it to the Editor of the Marathi Women's F'riend. The repqrt was accepted­No report was received from Mrs. Calkins in regard to Children's Day. Miss Porter prepared a Christmas Programme.

Publishing Oommittee.--.:l\iiss Miller reported in ~egard to Minutes of 1900. It was accepted.

It was moved and carried that we listen to the reading of the Papers.

Mrs. Hutchings then reud a helpful Paper, the subject ~f which was, "How can we best train our English Ch~ldren f~r Missionary Service."

Miss l\Hl1@r followed with an interesting Paper on "'llillage and Evangelistic Work," which was followed by a spirited dis­cussion on the difference between city and village work alld was greatly enjoyed by all.

On motion we adjourned to meet at 2 P.IIl.

AFTERNOO~ SESSION.

The Conference was called to order by the president at 2 P.M.

A hymn was sung and prayer was offered.

The Roll-Oall was omitted.

The -Minutes of the last session were read, corre~ted and approved.

Oom.mumcation.-A note frOll the Annual Conference announced that Miss Ada Holmes had been accepted ~s a deacone~s, and her Dume was added to the Roll of the \V omen's Conference.

It was moved and carried that we, take up the subject of the Manual for discussion at the beginning of the morning session, but by common consent it was decided to listen to the Table of Oontt:mts of the Manual, that the Conferellce might ;kno,~ what was before them,

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 9

Finance and RejelJ'ence Cmnmittee.-The following were elected by ballot as members of the Finance and Reference Com­mittee. Miss Williams, Miss Hyde, Miss Lawson, Mrs, Abbott, Mrs. Frease and Mrs. Fox.

A motion was made and carried that two alternates (one W­F. M. S. and one married lady) be chosen from each District if there be any elegible.

On motion it was decided to allow each member of the Com­inittee to nominate her own alternate. It was done and the following were elected as alternates, liiss Robinson, Miss Elioker, Mies Nicholls, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Park.

Mrs. W- H. Stephens was then asked to read her Paper. ~he subject was "The Relation of Missionaries to each other." ~he necessity of remembering each other in prayer was emphasized" and the remaining time was spent in prayer for the school in Jubbulpur.

On motion the Conference adjourned until the next day.

THIRD DAY

MORNING SESSION. December 21st, 1.901.

The ConferellCt3 was called to order by the president. Mrs. Hutchings conducted the devotional exercises. After reading of Scripture, the time was devoted to prayerl especially for the work in Gujarat and also in the ~farathi field.

Roll .. Gall.-The following responded to their names :-Mrs, Clark, Miss Elicker, Miss Elliott, Mrs. Fo~, Mrs. Frease, Mrs. Hutchings, Miss Heafer, Miss Hyde, Miss Lawson" Miss Miller, Miss Nicholls, Miss Robinson, Mrs. Stephens, Dr. Stephens, Miss 'Williams, :Miss Bennett" Miss Holmes,

The Minutes were read, corrected and. approved, Gtt3etings were rect!ived from Mrs. Felt, and the matter

referred to the Resolution Committee.

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10 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

-Manual.-It was -moved that the $ame Publishing Com­mittee on Manual be continued and that the Manual be' printed as soon as. possible;l and be placed in the hands of the Conferenco members. It was carried.

On motion it was decided that the matter of reporting the work of different stations be referred to the Programme Com­mittee.

, Those who had written for the "Women's Missionary Friend" for the past year were Misses Elliott" Benthien, Nicholls, Miller" Robinson, and Mrs. Abbott. The following promised to write for the ensuing year.-January, Miss Elliott; February, Mrs-. Stephens, M.D.; March, Miss Lawson; April, Miss Nicholls; May, Miss Robinson; June, Miss Hyde; July, Mrs. Frease; August, .Miss Bennett; l:3eptember, Miss .Miller; October, Mrs. Hutchings; November;l Miss Williams; December, MTI;. Abbott.

On motion it was decided to print 650 copies of the Minutes.

Miss Heafer read an excellent Paper entitled "Practical Industries for our Girls especially our Famine OIphans.'~ It was moved that the" Paper H especially the portion referring to sending out women dependent upon indu:3trial work for their support at home to teach such industries in the schools in India be sent to the'S Women's Friend" for publication.

It, was moved that the members of th~ Conference hand their statistical reports'to t.he secretary before the Conf~rence c]osM usin g the old blanks. It was carried.

It was moved and carried that the secretary - take the names of those who would volunteer to write for the Marathi "Women's Ffdentl.t' The following volunteered :-January, February" March, Mrs. Stephens, M.D.; April, May, June, Mrs. Hutchings; July .. August, September, Miss Elliott; October, l\.liss Elicker.

On motion we adjonrnedi

-WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONJrERENCE ~11

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The president called the Conference to order at 2 P.M. The hymn, '~Go:i Holds the Key," was suug and two prayers were

offered.

The Roll .. Call.-was omitted. The Minutes of the last session were read, corrected, and approved.

On motion the statistical secretary was authorized to have

100 statistical forms printed.

The report of the Resolution and Memorial Committee was heard and accepted with a motion that the necessary additions be made.

The Finance and Reference Committee reported that the

COll1lnittee met and aoted upon the estimates for 1902. The report was ::rocepted.

The r~port of the Temperance Committee was accepted,- and

Mrs. Stephens gave SOlUe encoura.ging r~ports of work being. done

in Bombay.

\ Miss Dunhill told us of a mistake said to be in the neW revi'.

sion of t·he Roman-Urdu Testament, occurring in the story of the

Cana ,\Yedding, and a motion was made authorizing the Temper­

ance Committee to investigate the matter' and refer to the

Translation Committee of the New Testament for information, and if possible to have the error corrected. It was carried.

The Finance and Reference Oommittee reported that Miss Heafer had been elected Official Ourrespondent. The ~eport was

accepted.

It was moved and carried that the Oonference adjourn after the reading' of the :Minutcs und prayer.

The Doxology was sung.

TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

REPORTS OF WORK·

Bombay District. BOMBAY EDUCATIONAL 'VORR:.

Gi'l'la' Boarding Solwol and Orphanage.

Missiona'I'!J ••• . .• M. J. MILLEn •

Assistant 't, •. , MAny TROY.

Through a chain of providences and entirely without any rore-thought or planning, it plea.sed the Oonference at its last session to appoint me to the Bombay Sohool.

The School opened January 2nd after the Christmas HoU· days, with an enrollment of 154. The girls seemed deeply interested in their work, and all through the school there seemed a spirit of progression and oourage. The plague was at its worst in the city at this time, but our girls showed no evidence of fear. About the middle of January one little girl was attacked with the fearful disease and was at once removed to the Hospital and no more cases developed. The girls quiet confidence in God was shown on one occasion in this way, I spoke to them of the great danger we were in and the great need of being careful.

One girl who had had plague s:;tid, " Vve are llot- afraid now. God has cared for our School all these years, and no one has died of plague and will He not keep us still P "

A number of girls were ill at the beginning of the year. but gradually all recovered except two or tht.ee. One proving to be a leper was sent to the Leper's asylum while two others who were long standing cases died. April 1st, I discontinaed the matron as ,she spoke only Hindustani, and in this way hindered the girls from being fluent in Marathi, especially the famine girls who come from a Hindustani country and had to learn Marathi. During May and June we had no sickness at all, the Hospital being closed for the time. In September an epidemic of dysen­tery eame upon us, also we had several cases of rheumatism, and

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY OONFERENOE 18

two or three cases of consumption developed. The dysentery went through the school some recovering rapidly, and many other cases which it seemed Medicine and nursing oould not reaoh. Oar School physician not seeming to understand the oases, I oalled Dr. Prescott from the J. J. Hospital who came nnd presoribed for those who were ill, and at my request inspected the food, water. building and compound, to try if possible to ascertain the cause of the sickness. He said he saw no feason except that on account of the unusually heavy rains, the dormitories and compound were very damp and also that the dormitories were overcrowded. Oct. 8th being advised by the doctor, I took 50 girls to Telegaon tor a change. Those who had been ill and many who were still ill recovered, while a number who were very weak died" some of dysentery, some of consumption and two or three of rheuma.;. tism. After spending a month at Telegaon, I brought them back to Bombay, much benefited by the change. Our girls who died " died well H leaving bright evidence of being saved thrDugh th~ atonement. Our hearts were crushed but God sustained us and gave us strength in the midst of the trying time. Miss Thoy ~ . acquitted herself nobly this year, being ready to den y herself of any \ privileges, and day and night willingly administering to the sicI~ \ ones and helping me in any way possible. Also the native teachers were most willing at all times for service and lovingly cared Jor the girls when ill.

Our girls did well in their examinations at the Annual Inspec­tion. nearly all who appeared passed and wel'e promoted, our Government grant being considerably increased, and the girls receiving a new impetus for study. At the "All India S S examination," one of our girls was first in the 1st division and two others came 3rdand 4th" many of the Juniors received 100 marks. and on the whole gave great credit to our S. S. Many of the girls have sweet Christian experience, and o~hers are learning and gave evidence of the grace of God in their hearts. . Many stubborn dispositions have been overcome and victories gained. 1 must add a word in regard to the blessing He has given me during the year His grace has been suffioient and He has been near at aU times ~ strengthen and encourage. . " - . .'

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14 TENTH A~NUA~ REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

BOMBA Y.-ZENANA WORK .

Missiona'f'1} •.• ••• MISS E. W. NICHOLLS~

" Let us not be weary in well ~oing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." God's words are a great source of' strength and encouragement; from the beginning of the year untq now we have proved that His, "Lo, I am with you alway" means just that.

Our Marath.i work as usual during the cold season was a little lack in the city on account of the plague, so we embraced the

opportunity of getting out into the villages~ taking the train in the early morning and working the villages between here and Kalyan.

v In February, Miss Miller and I spent some days in Thanna, I ~nd from there working about three or four Yil~ages a day, in this i way we reached many who had never heard the gospel before, in , some places at the time of leaving they would run after US, ask.ing \ us ·torepeat the name of Jesus Christ over and over agaill, ~o that

th~y 'Yould not forget it.

. In looking over the Marathi, Hindoostani, and Guzerati· field, the 'people generally seem to evince a much deeper inte~est in the word and the things of Christianity, than I have ever known them do before, and in their own simple way express faith in Jesus 'Christ; for instance one Marathi woman who has been under instruction for sometime, went to visit some friends on the RHt~agari Coast, it was a ve~y jungli sort of a place, and they had many miles to walk before reaching the house. Just as it was getting dark the awful growl of a wild animal was heard, and on ] ooking up they were stricken with terror by seeing a man being carried off by one of these wild beasts, they all began to cry loudly but Biobai turning to a woman next her saidl "don't be afraid I am going to pray to Jesus Christ, I am sure He will save us and bring us safe home, for the Bible says, He will save those who are in distress." Altho' the others began to mock and say" What God can deliver us out of the clutches of these beasts," Bio~a(

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 15

prayed and then began to sing a "hymn she had learned from the Zenana teacher, immediately the wild beasts who were very near began to slink away, and on turning a corner of the road, they found the house they were looking for. Biobai's faith in Jesus is quite strong, but when asked why she does not come right out she says "wait a little while and you will see," truly in this case the Lord honored her simple faith.

A little while ago a Parsee woman came to see me to inquire into the truths of Christianity,.she is convinced that Jesus only is " the way, the truth, and the life," but the opposition she will ·have to face overcomes her when she thinks of open confession.

In October, we had a most interesting Zenana. party, oUt parlors were crowded to their utmost limit with about two hundred women, about seventy-five of these were purdah ( secluded) ladies, the different kinds of. dress adorned with flashing jewels of every description made a pretty sight, the programme was music, refreshments and a' Magic lantern on the "Life of Christ." One very pleasant feature was that of ayo.ung purdah girl who without any hesitation sang" I am a pilgrim and a stra.nger " in the Urdu language, all who were present were much surprised that she should have ihe courage to sing before such a large gathering. Before leaving, all the guests were presented. with some little gift and the ohildren with dolls.

During the past few weeks, we have received many invita. tions to .dine with the native ladies, many of which we have

accepted, and in every case have spent a most delightful time ; in one house we were entertained in the drawing room and o~ the

verandah until 7-30, then the gentlemen leading the way we were

usher.ed into the ·dining room, where a table was midmost

beautifully for about twenty people, eight courses were served in the 'most dainty way, after dinner the time was spent in mueic and shtging hymns. The ladies of this wealthy Mogul home are

much interested in Christianity and love to have us visit them,

16 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBA.Y

We have between two and three hundred Zenanas which are v~ited every. week, beside a woman who visits among the Gujerati Sweeper caste, she gathers around her two to tJn--ee thousand listeners weekly.

, During this year I have edited the Marathi Women's F'l'ie1Ul. We have a number of subscriptions including Missionaries of other denominations, !Hindoos of out stations and our own Zenana women. .

Bombay City Schools~

MtssionaryJ ••• ... MISS RUTH E. ROBINSON.

A doubtful outlook for the city schools in Bombay confronted us at the beginBing of the year. The appropriations had been cut down one-third, on account of the discouraging interruption~ due to plague during the few previons years. But in response to a special appeal, several Epworth League Chapters and a College mil5sion simdy class in Ameri<!a generously sent the needed funds, by which we were enabled to oontinne onr work.

The low-caste Marathi school has maintained a fairly reguta't attendence during the year, and here the children have been nnusally respOi1i5i1Te to Scripture truth. The teacher, in her weekly visits to the homes of the children is often accompained by the two oldest girls, who read the Bible and sing hymns during the visit.· These two have more than once professed their faith in Christ. The Sunday School, conducted by Miss Thoy, almost alway! includes a large attendance of boye, and el'en men and women.

The tniddle-caste school begun last year in Colaba has mads steady progress. An excellent teacher is in charge, and Mrs. .PaidalDavid conducts the Sunday School. The children passed ~reditably in an examination held a few months ago. By next year we hop.e to be able to draw a Government grant.

,"

I ..

'WOMEN'S :MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 17

The Parsee school in the same locality has 'been taught by one of the Gujarati pupils; from the High School. This work has bp.en least satisfactory, as the suspicion of the people and their drea€!. of Christian influence has caused the withdrawal of pupils fwm time to time, and has prevented us from opening a Sunday School. It seems the best policy to turn the school into one for the children of Mohammedans and Bunniahs, some of whom have already entered, and who have proved themselves much more accessible. It has been my privilege to mal{e frequent visits among the families represented in these Oolaba schools, with the gratifying result of strengthening my hold upon the children through the mothers.

The high caste school in Kalkadevi was very reluctantly closed while the plague was at its hight, as most of the children left the city at that time. T,he regret of one of the parents, a Brahmin was so grea.t that after repeatedly urging Miss Nicholls not to give up the school, he wrote to Miss Lawson then in America, asking her help in the matter. It has been thought best, however, to postpone its re-opening until a mo·re suitable locality can be found by which its usefulness will be trebled, several appeals for 8chools have come from different parts of the city, both from Christian and non-Christian sources, which we hope to supply as soon as we find suitable workers.

The daily Bible instruction and the teaching of Christian hymns are not only printing their lessons indelibly upon these impresi5ionable minds, but making of the children unconsdiOU8 :Missionaries to the homes of the neighbourhood. ~, Of sllch," it has been said" is the kingdom of heaven.'>

POONA. CITY MARATHI CIROUIT

Alissi ona" y, ..• Assi«tants, .• ,

AND ORPHANAGE,

'"

• .. MRS. D. O. Fox. f MRS A OARRLYLE 1. MISS. L. MU.ES.

Had ot1r report been Written two months ago, we should have been able to say that there hadbe81i steady and gratify­ing progress in the attendance and efficiency of our city schools:

1

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18 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

hut, alas I that terrible blight, the plague has once more settled down on our fair city, and its ravages are seen on every hand. Fredrick Rioe Memorial Sohool was the first to suffer. The families to which the children belong moved away to open spaces or to uncontaminated villiages, thus removing nearly all the pupils, until there was only one left. Shortly before this the call woman lost her only son by plague.

The assistant teaoher was suddenly stricken down and· after a v(3ry short illness died Nov. 20th.

The plague has been near all our schools, and taken away several pupils from each, but the teachers have bmvely kept at their posts, until within the past few days, it having become alto­g~ther unsafe to continue longer.

The Government Code has recen'tly been revised and many important changes have been made, one being the introduction of kindergarten methods into the Infant 01ass. This will require a higher standard of efficiency in our teachers and an increase of outlay ill expenditure.

We have secured the services of Miss Miles as an assistant in the city schools, she is thorough and painstaking and there is a marked improvement in the schools.

Bible women's work has been somewhat interrupted, owing to a lack of teacher:!, the need being supplied for the time being, from the ranks of the Bible women.

All our women,excepting two, one of whom had but recently joined our work, passed well in their Conference studies.

Plague has made sad havoc in our Colporteur's family. Two years ago he lost one child from this cause, an:! recently his only remaining child died suddenly of plague. He was taken from the funeral to the Plague Hospital where he still is, a few days later his wife was carried to the. Plague Hospital in an unoonscious state where she ,died in a few,days.

·01·plw.nage.-On the whole the health of-onr' orphans has been very .satisfactory dnring the past year, and we praise the Lord fQr complete exemption from plague.

I ,

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY- CONFERENCE

Our .latest arrival is a fine little baby boy resoued from the itreet, its mother having suddenly died of plague.

, About sixty of our boys voluntarily gave up half their food

for a certain number of days in order to pay for New . Testaments and Hymn books.

The boys whom we sent to the Industrial school at Ahmed­nagar are doing well a'nd will soon be able to smpport themselves.

Abont a year ago onr valued co-worker, Mrs. Shrimpton left us, ewing to ill health, and for four months we were unable to fill the vacancy satisfactol'ily, bnt since April we have seen happy in having the efficient services of onr esteemed sister, Mrs. Carrlyle.

Weare thankful for the return to Poona of Dr. Stephens.

POONA TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.

: Missiona'i'Y ... MARTELLE ELLIOT.

As we look back over the past year involuntarily .. the question comes to onr minds, " what hath God wrought?" and we are led to praise His holy nnme for His goodness and His continued presence and blessing. fro Him we give all the praise and glory and in Him we trust for the supplying of all our needs for all t.he days to come.

In January I took the Influenza and charge of the sohool and struggled ~lone with both nntil February 1st, when Miss Garth­waite arrived from America to lend a hand in the boardinO' de-

e partment. However, I was evidently not destined to have· her assistance long. for i,n J nne she was married· and Mrs. Grubert came from Igatpuri to help gratuitously until the end of the year. As the number of boarders has increased from seventeen to thirty. five; and ther~ is the prospect of nine more for next month, a good JIlatr"on is a,. uecided necessity, and we are now praying much for the supplyin~.of ~hi~ imperatir~ p~f}d,

iQ TENTH ANNUAL REPORT -OF TREBOMBAY

On the 13th of May, ,the deeds for the property 'weresi-gned, and by October lst We.had increased so much as to need a tbird bungalow'cwhich we ha,.~.ha~ t.o hire until we can get an old stable mad~ ovex intp a habHab,le builUing.

In June a Teachers' Training class was organized and six have entered it" all of. who.m __ expect to. sit next year fDr the GDV­ernment examination fl):r: teachers. Three, girls were sent up fDr MatriculatiDn this year, Dne has been sent to. the M ultra Training SChDDl and thre~ into.-Mission wDrk.

The native branch of the schDol mls been put Dn a gODd fDDt­ing, with its Dwn teachers and ~ gift Df Rs. 150 and ~Dme scholar­ships from hDme. In this and the Teachers' Training class we hope to. fit girls fDr MissiDn"teachers and helpers. One has gone out from this depar~me»t,a1sD as a teacher in a MissiDn SChDD1.

The health of t.he schoDl, tb91!,gh nDt so. firm as last year, has been very good. We have to. recDrd with sadness the death Df on~ of our brightest li,ttlepupils frDm an aUack Df fe:ver w.hidl- was of but eight days dnratiDn~ Our sewing mistress, who., has served us gratuitDubly fDr over two years, was striken with typhDid fever, November lst, and will have to return to America. ~'he stnff has worked t'aithful1y and well, and at the recent annual examination flfty,:"s,ix DUt Df' eighty-five passed' successfully on aD average Df 75 per. cent.

During special Eervices held at Easter time a numbe,r of girls I gave t.hemselves t.D Jesus, and in the weekly meetings of the I King's Daughter's circle each one Df the boarders takes purt i~ l prayer. In the Literary SDcif>ty sDmeexcellent literary work

has been done, and in every department there is evident grDwth and· development, and a desire to. work well for Jesus' sake. All are interested in doing sDmething to help in dispDsing Df the big debt Dn Dur property, and an entertainment given ex pressly for thl}.t:purpDse- cleared Rs. 65, while at anDther Rs. 150 were made. 'rhe·littl~· ,ones are gathering stumps for Flale and Dne is saving up ail the old examinatiDn papers to. sell. If everybody wDrked as well and showed as much inoo'rest as these children who. Qan do

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 21

very little indeed, our ,.debt of Rs. 55,000 would. soon be a thing of the past. Let us bope and pray that it may and also that the money we need for the dormitories for the girls may be forth­coming soon, as well as a consecrated helper in the home.. God who has established the work and sealed it by His continued bless­ings and who has given the precious Souls to be saved for Him, will supply all the needs, "for there failet.h not one word of His

d .. " goo promIses.

POONA.

English Work.

Missionatry •.. ........................ MRS. D. OSBon~E.

The English work in Poona has been faithfully done', and while there have been features of difficulty, proofs 01 the Divine favor have abounded. In a large Pastorate, house to house visit. ing, ministering to the sick in hospital, and giving attention to the many calls of sorrow and trouble, claim not a small 8lmre of timo.

In the Sunday 8choolj have the great joy of teaching a large olass of intelligent and interesting young ladies in whose heads the good seed has been dilligently sown, and in some cases is already bearing fruit. The spirit of' inquiry and intp.l1igent int~rest manifest in these young people gives hopeful promise of more decided results later on.

The work of the J.unior League, numbering 1 i 5 git·]s and boys calls for devout thanksgiving to God. The warm enthusi!l~1l1 with which the children regard their Society, the eng~rne3s \lith w.hich they maintain their attendence, and the simplicity and sincerity with which they pray to their Heavenly Father, areb~th an inspiration and prophesy of .gl'eat~r. things. May God in His mercy bless the interests committed to our hands, and glorify His name exceedingly in their prosperity.

22 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

Poona Medical Work.

MRS. STEPHENS, M.D.

SOONDERBAI

Miasiona1'!1

Compounde1' and Bible-Woman.

It was with pleasant anticipations we bade· farewell to the Annual Conference of 1899 on the eve of our departure to the General Oonference at Chicago. After a brief absence of' three months we returned with as great pleasure to resume work in our small corner, but what was our astonishment and sorrow to receive, almost as soon as we arrived, an order transferrin~ my husband to Rawal Pindi. So, believing our intimate relations with our beloved Bombay Conference were permanently severed, we again said a reluctant farewell. However, God is better than all our fears, so with deep joy and thankfulness I find myself .once more among you, where,--if God so wills,-I hope to remain,

lfhenI left Poona in August of 1900, the drugs were left in oharge of a native compounder, who had instructions to oon­tinue making up such medicines as he was able for the schools .and Ol~phanage children. This he did in a more or less satis­factory manner until my return. By tbis time, however, the stock was pretty well exhausted and· a small debt incurred. Knowing how hard it is to resuscitate a grant once it has lapsed, I was not sure if the ladies in America would be able to again take up the Poona Medical Work. As the Presiding Elder and the heads of the various schools were anxious for me to resume myoId line of work, I sent in my estimates to the Finance Committee, and had the remaining drugs removed to my own honsel I secured the service of myoId compounder, whom 1 had trJline~ years ago,and we have been going on in a sm~ll way ~ince.

In the, three and a ~alf months since .september 1, we have treated, old and new, medical and surgical cases1 l\bout 400.

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WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 23

When the illness among the. children in the schools is simple, as colds, simple diarrhooa, &c., the bottles Ilre sent in and I do not see the children at all. When, however, the child is severely ill, I call. In this way, I have made a good many visits to the various schools, including 3 or 4 visits to Telegaon, w here Miss Miller had her hands full for sometime, of sick girls brought up from Bombay. Excepting these who were brought in ill, I am glad to say the health in our schools and orphan­ages has been excellent. I have also made a nomber of visits to poor people in the bazar, and have resumed my Saturday morning beggar's class. As the grant for Poona Medical Work has been I hear, very kindly granted by the Baltimore and Cincinnati Branches, I trust we shall soon have a new stock of drugs, a room suitable for onr purpose, and having cleaIed off .the old small debt, be in fair working order.

S. W STEPHENS.

Central Provinces District.

REPORT OF W. F. M. S. vVORK-BASIM. MRS. W. A. MOOREl ••• ••• Missiona1'!J,

"HE CARETH FOR Yon."

Truly His care has been over Hif& little flo ok ill Basim the last year. We have seen growth in grace in some of our· girls; and others have, we believe, given themselves to Jesus.

Two have passed in the highest standards, taught in Berar gir1s' schools. Of these two, one has been· sent to Bombay for higher education ; the other is employed as a teacher in . Hie schoo]" or in needle-work for the school as she is· needed. Another g~rl has become 'the happy wife of one of our .orphanage boys who has been trained as a blacksmith.

Numbers of others have been called np higher into ·tha presence of the King. We have been sorely afflicted in the loss of our pupil matron, Herabai, who was called· home in August. Surely her was a beautiful life·called· home at the age <> f 20

24 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

years, she yet had been the means' in God's hands of the s~lvation of more than 20 Boulg. Our precious sister rests from her labours and her works do follow her.

The increasing efficiency of the schooi work is apparent· in that, out of 43 presented for examination, 36 passed, "earning a grant of Rs. 250.

There are at present 85 pnpils in the school, of these two are day scholars. I have been assisted in the care of the school the last year by Miss B. H. Yates. Not knowing Marathi her work was necessarily confined to the care of' the sick, and to needle-work, in which she proved herself most helpful, especial­ly in the former. Alone as I am in the work I know not how I should have gotten on without her.

We close this year of work with deep thankfulness to God

for all lHis abnndantmercie's.

:BiBLE-WOMEN'S WORK, BAsnr.

bf these there are five. Three are emyloyed in Basim and one at each of our out-stations. The number of houses visited is upwards of 800. These Bible Wome)) , being the wives of preachers and pastor-teachers, are not able to give their whole time to the work because of family cares; and are often for two or three months at a time able to do nothing outside of their own homes. One of them has weekly meetings for the poorer class of Christian women of our congregation. A young lady, unpaid by the Mis'3ion, has a weekly children's meeting, 'which is much blessed to the little ones. Thus we close the record for 1901, and on the'eve of our departure to America leave in God's loving hands this part of His vine-yard'resting on His graciou! promise, " I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment lest any hurt it, 1 will keep it night and dllY."

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

JABBULPORE GIRLS' ORPHANAGE

AND BOARDING SCHOOL.

Missiona1'!J

Head Mist1'ess

N. M. HYDE,

MISS DAVID.

25

cFor the first time we have to report a decrease in numbers. We closed last year with 316 girls. Others have come in since that time, but there have been removals by friends and by deaths and we have come to the close of this year with an enrollment of 300.

Throughout almost the entire year, we have had much sick­ness and influenza, consumption, pneumonia, fever, sore eyes, etc., have kept our hospital full. Death has been in our midst and some of our seemingly strongest and brightest girls have been claimed as its victims.

The school work has gone on steadily throughout the year. In April the annual inspection was held, the result of which was very good. The children of'the Second Standard, who numbered eighty-four and were taught by Our own girls, pupil-teachers, all passed but five. All of the other classes did well also, and the total grant earned was Rs. 81l.

In spirituality there has been steady advaucement. During all of the year, the girls have been praying for an outpouring of the Spirit upvn the school, and for some weeks daily prayer-meet­ings were held. A prayer hearing God is answering these petitions, and at the present time we dre in the midst of a revival, in which in nearly every meeting fi number of these deal' children are finding peace in Christ. .

The industrial work has made very little progress during the . year, because of lack of some one to carry it o~, but we now haye hope of seouring some one for this work, and trust that we shall be able to report greater advance next year. In addition to their own sewing and house-keeping the girls do some crocheting, button-making and basket weaving.

26.. TENTH A...~NUA.L REPORT Ol!~ THE BOMBAY

Miss Annie Singh left us in February to be married, und since then our kindergarten work has been supplied by the pupil­teachers, MisF; David aud Miss Alice Sin,gh, continue to do earnest and faithful work in the school-r<?om, a~d sinceAu gust we have had the help of' Miss Grace Singh in caring for the sick girls.

We havebeen without a matron throughout the year, but the coming of Miss Bennett from America to take charge of the boarding department relieves us of much responsibility in that. regard. M'iy much happiness and success be hers in this new: field.

During half the yent', lIiss Heafer, in addition to her other duties helped much in the care of the sick girls.

Ob, blessed work for Jesus ! Oh. rest at Jesus' feet! 'fhere toil seems pleasure, My want~ are treasure And pain for Him is sweet. Lord, if I may, I'll serve another day!

JABBULPUR ZENANA vVORK. MIS':; HEAFER 1I1issionary.

Another year with its responsibilities, sorrows and encourage­ments has gone bJ, and as we take our pen to record the work of the past year, we thank God for the way He has led us, and for the good work He has permitted our faithful Bible women to do. Three tho'usand one hundred and fifty visits have been made to ninety-six houses, several lnolLUllas and villages have been visited an.d .the results are apparerl.t. The women in the houses are cleane~ and more eager to learn, and listen more eagerly to, the Words of)ife than ever befor-e. Une Brahman WOlla,n,' a widow has been converted, and 'loves 11;0 attend our weekly meeting, and also. delightsLo go with Olalia to see her heathen sisters; alwp-ys leaving her testimony that God is the true God.

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENOE 27

There is a subdued f~eling) however, in our rejoicing for our faithful Bible woman Sarah, who had been a teacher in tho Zananas for several yea rs has gone to her reward. She died very suddenly and it seems impossible to realize that she has gOJ}e. Quiet, cheerful, and conscientious, she won all hearts wherever she went. A place is vacant in our hearts and the work in Jabbulpur which will be difficult to fill.

Caroline, a woman of many years experience has taken up the work in Jabimlpur, and we trust she may bo a blessing to many_ We cannot understand why Sarah was taken when she ·.vas so much needed, but " Sometime up there (we'll) understand."

CITY SOHOOLS.

In the city s{lhools good work bas been done, and forty children have been taught of a Saviour's love, and other t.hings besides. "The hope of India. is the children" and with tbis

. thought in mind we press on in spite of many discouragements.

The school at Chhoti Chindwara (Cotegaon) has been kept

. up all the year, and we hope for good results from the work done in it.

WIDOWS' HOME.

Ten women ha"e been sheltered in the Home during the past . year. Four have been baptised, one has gone to a home of h~r own, and one has found employment in the home of a Christian family. The other women have found work near the Home from time t.o time. No help has come from America for this worlt, and it has been impossible to get t.he women started in any regular employment. During the past two mont.hs Mis:3 Hyde has been looking after the interests of the women, and has given them employment for seyeral hours Jaily in the school ~arden.

This work has been partly supported by the Des Moines and . Philadelphia Branches.

28- TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

KAMPTI.

Missiong,ry ••• MRS. W. L. CLARK.

Once mor6 at the close of another year, do we record our thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for the many mercies and blessings vouchsafed to us.

Every department of work has been not only maintained but pushed forward. Especial mention might be made of the very untiring efforts of the assistant, Mrs. Butterfield- to carry the "Good News" to the many homes. The number of homes has been increased, and the deep interest shown by the women in many of the Zenanas has been most encouraging.

Among the houses is!one of a Jewess. The eldest girl of the family recently has been coming to our public services, and we are hoping and praying that the whole family win be shortly converted to Jesus Christ.

The day school has had a slight increase, and we have moved it into a far more comfortable and roomy house, and expect a larger attendence this year.

The village work is hopeful. In one of them a woman was baptized last year and others are feeling their way.

In January next one of our young women will enter the hospital of the United Free Ohurch at Nagpur for training as a nurse. This is a new departure, and from which we hope to benefit greatly in the future.

Confident that the Lord is with ns, and that His word is accomplishing a great deal more than we see, we go forward in His grace.

KBANDWA GIRLS' SCHOOL.

)fISS ELICKER ••• ••• ltfissionary.

With good health and plenty to do the year has passed very

rapidly.

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WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CO.NFERENCE 29

At the close of our Ohristmas holidays a number of girls did not return, but their places were soon filled by others and our school now numbers one hundred and thirty-two. Of these three are babies,-one is one year old ; one eight months old ; and one, four months old. TheBe are both a care and a comfort. We have had a great deal of sickness but very few deaths.

The girls have made steady advancement in alllinos of work. The' older girls are particularly interested in their Bible studies. Many of them have bought themselves Bibles with their lace money. The majority of the girls have eagerly taken hold of the Twentieth Oentury Thank Offering. They have spent many ot' their play hours making cloth buttons to earn pice to pay their pledges. Many have come voluntarily asking if they might learn to make the buttons to earn pice for the offering. l\lost 6f the girls have paid their pledges for the two years, even little six­year .. old Deborah. They have handed in ~upees thirty:-four, Spiritually the girls are growing. Many of our famine girls are developing into earnest Christians,

KHANDW A EVANGELISTIC "rORK.

MRS. MARTHA DAY ABBOTT •.•

MRS. CRAGGS •••

111 issional'Y.

Assistant.

Early in the year we made a tour through some of the villages where there are Christian women and children. We found there a class of people who had heard and seen something of Christians, and believed it would be of some benefit to them to become Ohristians: they had been baptized and therefore con­sidered themselves entitled to the name Christian. In practice they are little, if any, removed from the heathen about them. In­sufficiency of workers and seasons of famine have thus far render .. ed it impossible to reach these people with necessary teaching. M~st of them have be~n visited monthly by a native pastot."-teacher who, spending a few hours on the occasion of each visit, has DO

(

TENTH A..~NUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

doubt sowed good seeds but we are not realizing much 'harvest from this method of instruction. All, the ye'ar 1 have been tryin'g to secure helpers who, as teachers living in the midst of those they instruct, may teach them by precept and example,-the latter will doubtless be most effectual. The District Oonference, that has just closed its session, has made the appointment of preachers iii our circuit such as to open the way for me to secure the help of twu preohers' wives to live among village Ohristians the coming year. May their labours be blessed of the Lord f

Mrs. Oraggs, who for several years visited Zenanas, in N ar~ singpur has lived in our station this year, and finds rea~y listener's in some of the most respectable Hindu families of Khandwa.

J uliabai has oontinued her labours in the houses adjacent to the Mission.

Satyawatya (Mrs. Hacket), wife of the preacher at Harsud, has access to the best families of that place, and enjoys the friend­ship of the women she teaches.

On the whole, the prospect for the new year is more hopeful than that of last year.

NARSINGPUR EVANGELISTIC WORK.

MRS., CARDrs

In c7~a'l'ge.

Assistallt.

Thewol'k of the past year has been faithfully performed. Early in the year M.rs. Craggs was transferred from the station -with her husband, but we were soon able to get the able assistance 'of Mrs. Cardis and the work has been kept up. Many of the -houses that had been closed against us at the beginning of the 'year have been re-opened, and in these we seem to have in a great _measure regained the lost ground. There is a very promising . spirit of inquiry both in the Mohullas and the villages visited. (Our workers are importuued to come oftener to remain longer,

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WOMEN'S MISSIONARY COK1!'ERENCE 31

etc. Many 'of the Zenana women join in the singing of ·our hymns, have their favourite songs and know a great deal about the Bible and Christianity. Some have given up idolatrous worship and seem to have accepted Christ, although none h:lve come out yet. for baptism. Our workers have been called to pray with the sick in some of these homes. In Gadanvara, Phulibai has beeu working faithfully, and has seen many enco;raging thing8. A family baptized some time ago went back to the Hindu faith and did much damage there to our work. These DOW seem to be repentant and it may be that part of' the injury can be remedied. A new work has been opened in Khairwa by the wife of one of oar Exhort~rs. She has begun with a great deal of zeal and already has a number of houses. Although not from a high caste she has been able to get into the Government Girls' School taught by a Brahman woman" and there at regular times teaches the girls the Bible and hymns. A small class of women is being prepared for village work with their husbands. They have made great progress in their studies during the few months they have been with us and all show much promise. Although there have been no baptisms, we cannot say our work has not been successful. Baptisms are not the only standard by which to reckon success. We have been getting these Zenana and Mohul1a women ready to intelligently a~cept Christ) when there shall come a break in some of the castes. That time must and will come, and we shall then find that many of these who are now secret disciples will be ready to help others into the light.

Gujarat District, BARODA.

Jfissioncwy ...

A8Iistants •••

Educational,

... MISS W ILLI.AMs.

{MISS MCPHERSOY.

... MIsS NUNAN.

The year 1901 with 1\li of its privileges and opportunities has gone quickly by and carried us with it. As one day has followed another in quick succession we fain would have called

/ i

32 : TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

a halt, for, at tim~s the work has crowded upon us untii it seemed quite impossible to stay the tide or to allow it to gain more momentum, lest we should be carried off our feet. At the beginning of the year we were sorry to loose our beloved, fa.ithful and experienced co-labourer, Miss Spears, and I took up the work assigned me wondering how I could carry it through

I to the end. Fears and crosses far out-weighed hopes and joys, but some one has so beautifully said, by looking on the white side of the crosses and by taking them up bravely, we find them

\ only such burdens as wings are to birds and such they have L proved themselves to be.

During the year we have had over 275 girls in the Orphanage over three-fourths of whom are famine waifs. At several seasons of the year we have had much sickness, and quite a number of the girls have died.

In school the girls have made steady progress and improve .. ments in all departments. The Annual Examination took place in December and the resu1ts ,vere on the whole satisfactory. The Kindergarten work; songs and drills were especially praised by the Inspectors. In June we reluctantly accepted the resigna­tion of Miss Annie }lcPherson, who for four years had loyally and devotedly served in the school.

The girls do all of their work e~cept a part of t.heir washing. They grind, cook, carry water, care for their rooms, nurse the sick and are learning that honest toil is a privilege not a. burden. All of the girls are learning to sew and the older ones make their own clothing. The needle work of all the standards was especially praised by the Inspector.

Three Epworth League meetings, the Epworth, Intermediate and Jnnior are held each Sabbath afternoon, of which the boys of the Boys; Orphanage a!) well as the girl! are members. Our greatest desire is that the ·children obtain spiritual bleSsing, and we 'praise the Lord for the evidence shown by sonie of them t~at the Holy Spirit is at wQrk in our midst. While we have had

\

j

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERNCEE 33

discouragements, in some cases, we have had signs oJ spiritual growth in many, and we feel that God is setting His seal on t~e work that has been begun in their hearts.

With thankful hearts we close the volumes of the old year, and as we open the new, pledge our whole-hea'l'ted service in a deeper, truer sense than ever before.

DISTRICT WORK.

Mrs. FREASE jfissiona1'!J.

JIVIBAI YUSAF Teache1'.

District Training School :-Owing to the famine the Train­ing School did not open this year until the middle of March, but from that time continued without intermission until the District Conference, which convened the 4th of December.

Twelve women were in attendance during all of that time and fourteen during part of it. Five of this number were con .. sidered capable and worthy of entering the work, and were appointed as Evangelistic teachers at the District Conference. One woman did not make enough progress to warrant keeping her longer in the school so was discontinued. The remaining six continue in the school, and fourteen others were appointed at the recent District Conference making twenty for the coming year.

During seven months of this year I was obliged to be away from the work on account of my husband's sickness, and the remaining months have been ~ very busy time getting the school, as well as five large Circuits in hand again. The absence of Mrs. Hudson threw a great deal of extra work upon me, and I was not able to give any part of the work the attention it needed.,

The teacher of the Training School, Jivibai Yusaf, whose' husband is now a member of Annual Conference, deserves great credit, for the way she conducted the school with so l~ttle

. direction. All the women show a marked improvement in every . way. Three of the five, .who were appointed to the work made

34 TENTH ANNUA.L REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

remarkably rapid advance. The five will be greatly looked up to by the other village women, because they know how to read and write. We trust that they win also be looked up to on account of their pure lives and be examples for Christ.

Weare looking forward wit,h great expectations to the work in the school during the coming year, and trust that we may have yonr prayers for the women in the school, while we are teaching them about the Christ who died for us all.

District Summe1' School :-The District Summer School was held in N adiad this year during the month of August. Only women who needed it the very most were called in. Some twenty-five attended. No appropriation was granted for the Summer School this year, but we are rejoiced to learn that the amount asked for has been granted for the coming year. These schools are both supported by the Philadelphia Branch.

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

Mrs. PARK, )

", WARD, J ... " FREASE.

.•• .Missiona1:ies.

Thirty-five women workers have been at work in the villages during the year" five Bible women and thirty Evangelistic­Teachers. The Bible women have gone from village t.o village in the Circuits in which they are stationed, explaining and teaching the Bible to the Christian women and girls, and looking after the work of the Evangelistic Teachers. The Evangelistic Teachers have taught the schools in their respectivo villages and held mefltings with the women.

The writer has made seven trips among the villages sinoe returning to the work in July. The £rst viilit accompanying 13ishop Warne and the Presiding Elder ( Frease) around the district, when the ~i!,3l;t.op visited the district jmit before the Finance.Committ~,eM~,~g, and the Presiding Elder madQhis first visit to most of the people after his long and almost fatal

"\

WOMEN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 85

illness. It was very touching to see with what tenderness they welcomed us back, and how they lov~d him who had almost lost his life in laboring for them. Godhra, N ndiad, Vaso, Od and Baroda were visited. Large crowds of the Christian people assembled to welcome us at each place and to attend the services. Some walking as far as twenty miles. During the trip 1,330 people were baptised. About half of the adults were women· In this and subsequent trips the work was found to be in remark .. ably goof! order considering the trials it has gone through.

The Christian population in the District has increased to over 10,000 this year, of whom between 4,000 and 5,000 are women and girls. More than 3,000 are ready and waiting for baptism, ot' whom about half are women and girls.

The responsibility of training for Christ these great number is overwhelming, and we feel that we need a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit before venturing to tue work for the coming year. We trust that we may be kept in health and strength to carry out our plans, and that God may guide us in all things so that His kingdom may be advanced as He would have it, and that all may be done for His glory. ",Ve continue to pray, as Jesus taught" that the Lord of the harvest may send more laborers into His vineyard" in Gujarat. The harvest truly is great there but the laborers are few.

District COnfe?1ence.-A word here, I trust, will not be out of place about the District Conference. There the work of the year is reviewed, examinations held and plans and appoint­ments made for the coming year.

This year the Conference was held at Godhra. Nearly 300 men and women were present. Forty-two women appeared for examinations, and sixty-five received appointments to different parts of the work in the District. Evangelistic services were held each morning and evening during the five days of the Con­ference and on Sabbath three services. Bro. Buck, Presiding Elder of the Meerut District, of the N orth-Vi est India Con­ference,gave a series of talks on the Holy Spirit. :Many of tqe

TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOMBAY

workers were deeply touched and blessed as was shown by their earnest prayers and testimonies. All gathered about the altar to receive a deeper blessing of the Holy' Spirit. There was a rea1 work of grace in their hearts, und probably more heartfelt prayers or more real testimonies were never uttered in any

service.

The Lord l'eigneth. All praise be to His name.

Resolutions. WELCOME.

Resolved.-That we extend a cordial welcome to Miss Bennet~ and Miss Holmes.

SYMPATIIY.

Resolved.-That we extend to Mrs. Parker our loving sym­pathy in her recent heavy sorrow by the.translation of our beloved Bishop to his Heavenly Home.

Resolved.-That our deep sympathy be also extended to JUrs. Dowling in the bereavement through which she has lately been called to pass, and pray that the same comfort may be hers •.

GREETING.

Resolved.-That we send hearty greeting to Mrs. Thoburn expressing our pleasure at the hopeful report of her health" and pray that the improvement may be steadily maintained.

Resolved.-That greetings be sent to Mrs. Felt expressing regret at her continued absence, and praying for her speedy

recovery.

REGRETS.

Resolved.-That we regret the loss of Miss Spears fr~m the Mission to which she gave faithful and efficient work, and extend to her our wishes for her happiness asd welfare in her.ne~ ,Sphere.

,Resolved.-.:.That we regret the illness of Miss Porter ,which

· WOMEN'S MIS'SIONA'B'Y CONll'RRENCE

mS':niade necessary her. return to' America this' 'year, and hope that her health 'may soon' be. fully resto~ed so as -to. permit· her being with us :again in the Dear iutl:lre. . •

Resolved.-That we -regret the absence of Mrs. 'Osborne ,,on account of illness, which we hope will not prove serious but .end in her .speedy recovery.

Resolved.-That we extend our heart-felt regret and sym .. pathy' to Mrs. Ward 'and Mrs. ,V ood, in the severe illness, :which has 'visited members of their respective families, aITd assnre them of onr pray.ers on their behalf.

THANKS.

Resolvea.-That we extend our hearty thanks to the ladies for their interesting, instrnctiveand helpful papers.

Resolved.-That we extend to onr friends in Jubbalpnr and especially to the Misses Hyde, Heafer and Bennett, onr hearty thanks for their untiring efforts and generous hospitality in entertaining us.

MEMOIRS.

Again our ranks have been broken and Mrs. T. S. Johnson one of our eldest mission!l'ries has been called up higher.

Ooming to the land, in 1862 wi,th her husband, after a long, tedious voyage around the Oap~ -she had her first glimpse of Indian life when the poorn~i~esJcrowded upon the deck of the steamer. Her heart was touched ''With compassion and a mis­sionary zeal and interest was kindled, which during her long term of service only deepened, her heart going out especially to the women and girls of India whom she sought to win as trophies for her Master.

She served for many years with her husband in North India, and when upon her return from furlough in 1892, they were transferred to the Bombay Conference and took up their residence in Jubbulpur, she opened a school for girls upon her verandah

38 TENTH ANNUAL BEPORT OF THE BOMBAY

·~th only a handful of girls. This school grew until in 1895-, it was turned over to the W. F. M. S. ,,!:ith 20 or 30 ,pupils.

Mrs. Johnson was naturally of a cheerfnl and happy disposi­tion, and her pleasantries often brightened the lives of her fel­.low-workers. Especially did the younger missionaries appreciate her motherly advise and sympathy. But best of all she lived the ,life .hidden with Christ in God.

We bow in submission to the Divine will,and pray that the God of all comfort who comforteth us in all onr tribulation may vouchsafe to our bereaved brother and his family the ministrations ,of His wondrous grace. '

{

Mrs. E. H. HUTCHINGS, Committee ... MISS WILLIAMS,

MISS ROBINSON.

Workers.

112 I 3 I 4

Baroda 1 2 1

EnO'lish Sc1~ols.

o z

ci Z

FOR}I OF GENERAL STATISTICS Of the W F. M. Society jor Soutllern A.~ia .

Vernacular Schools.

8 I 9 1 10 /11 112

o Z

2 260 •.•

.hlvange-Training Schools. listie Day Scboo1s. Sunday Schools

Schools. City and Village Works.

13 114 113 I 16 17 f 18 19 j 20 I 21 22 \23/24

Medical Work.

Baroda Circllitl ••• .. ~ I ::: ." , " .

"'1'" ... ... . ..

Vasad ... ... 1 ...

Od ~ ... , ...

Vaso ••• ••• J •••

Bassim ••• 1

Bombay ... 3

1

... I ...

... . .. 1

1

3

5 5

85

121

3

2

9

3

9 35* •.•

••• • •• I ...

4 80 2 4

'0'

53 2

5

4

• •• t300 .•.

190 10

... ... . .. 2

8 ::: ::: I ::: !

Godhra Circuit... • •• 1 ... ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• • .. I ••• ... 4 4 100 4 4 80 i ... ... ••• ••• to. ••• 15 35 ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ... ... I ... I

Jabalpur ..•

Kampti •.•

Khandwa

Ahmedabad

Nadiad

Kapadvaj

N ursingbpur

Poona. •••

~ I ::: I' ::: ::: .. ~ 1: ~~ 28: : I ::: : ::: I"~ ::: ::: : : ::1: 1: :~:i .. ~ : ::: .~ :: 1: : 1"~51'~ ::: ::::.: ::: ::: II ::: I ~: ••. 1 ... 1 ... .., ... ... 1 3 29 89... ... ... ...1... ... ... ... .., ... ... ... ... .., 3 ... '" 48 ••• 1 1357\' 1 ... ... ... ..• . .• 1... . ..

"'1 ::: ::: .. ~ ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ... ... ... _. .~ ::: .~ .~ ::: .~ .. ~ ::: ::: .. ~ ::: ::: :::. .:: ::: I ::: := ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: I ::: :::

:::1 ... ... ... ... ... .., ... ... ... ... ... ... ::: \ ::: ::: ::: .. , ... I ••• ... ••• ... .., ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. '1'" ... ...

::: .. ~ .~ ::: ::: I:: I ~~ ~~ ::: ::: ::: ::. ::: ::: .. ~ ::: I ::: ::: ::: ::: j ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: I .. ~ .. ~ ::: ::: .. ~o ~.~ .. ~ I ::: ::: :::

2 1

1

Poona Circuit .., '.' •.• 1 •.• ••• ••• •.• ••• ••• ••• ,.. ••. ••• ••• ... ••. ••• •.• 8 9 242 8 I 9 260 ••• 2 8 1 ••• 35... ... 1 ... ... ..• ... •.• ••• ... ••• . ..

Talegnon ... -+~ .: j~ :~ .~; ~~ 1-+13: I~: 9::i~1 :::-\~;-I ::: .. ~ :::~: ~~ ~~ ~~2 3: \ 4: 10:: ": ~~ \ .. ~ ~ ~~9\ ~~ I ~~\ ~~7 ~~ -=;- ::: ::: 1 ::: I ::: ::: ::: t Average listener per week, 3,000. '* Tbe region covered by these fip-Itres bein~ almost de!;imatcd by famine and c1olcl'a, the fiZUl'OS a.n: only appro~iDla-ted.

AMOUNT RECEIVED IN SOUTHEHN ASIA FOR THE WORK OF THE W F. M. S.

NAME OF STATION OR

DlSTRla:I'.

Baroda

1

Rs.

Bombay '''1 75,000

Poona

Bassim

Jabalpur

Xhandwa

••. 36,000

2

Rs. a. p.

206 ° ° 450 ° ° 840 0 0

171 0 ° 811 0 0

Rs. a. p.

14,550 ° 0

3,750 0 ° 110 (I 0

5,991 6 9*

4

Rs. Rs. n. p. Rs.

200 0 °

146 4 0

9 10 11

REMARKS.

Rs. Rs. Rs. a. p. Rs. R. p.

••• 14,756 0 0 14,756 0

650 0 O} 5,240 0

4,590 0 0

o * Amount 1'0·, cei ved beyoRd a p propria-

o tions from fa. mine funds,­W. F. M. S. and otherwise~ 171 0 O}

1,067 4 0 7,229 10 9

5,991 6 9

111,000 2,:-:-;124.40;~ -.. -. -346 -:-: - •• -. - -=- -=- 27,225 ~ 27,225 10 9

~--.

111I~11!!rminlllllm~~II~111 3 9002 05441 0817