| OCR Text |
Show Page 11<br><br>Y. P. S. C. E. of Westminster Church. THE second Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in Utah was that organized in Camp Mission, Salt Lake City in March 1895. Mrs. N. H. Newell, through whose efforts organization [PHOTO: PERCY HAVENOR,] was effected, was the first president of this society. In time Camp Mission became the Westminster Presbyterian church and thus the Westminster Y. P. S. C. E is the second Christian Endeavor society organized in Utah. In August, 1890, reorganization was found necessary, and accordingly, on the 24th, at a meeting called by Mrs. Sarah Reed, the society was reorganized. H. N. Tolles was elected president; J. H. Hurley, secretary, and Mrs. Sarah Reed, treasurer. After serving four terms H. N. Tolles was succeeded by C. W. Caffall, J. H. Hurley was then elected, serving two terms, and was succeeded by Harry Tolles. The next presiding officer was Miss Bessie Eurgens, who served two terms. Among committees the Lookout and Prayer Meeting have ever been active in working for the spiritual advancement of the society. Miss Ida Buhring is at present chairman of the Lookout committee, and Mrs. A. F. McMillen of the Prayer Meeting committee. The Social committee, with Miss Anna Reed as chairman, has recently organized a series of free socials, which have been very successful. The Hotel committee has been one of the most efficient in the society, but the organization of the Local Union Hotel committee has rendered its continuance unnecessary. The former Sunday School committee has been succeeded by the Northwest Presbyterian Sunday School committee whose chairman is H. N. Tolles. This committee is in charge of the Mission Sunday school in the northwestern part of the city, which was organized by the Christian Endeavor society about one year and a half ago. This is a very promising field, and the society has accomplished a great deal and has a bright outlook for the future it the work can be maintained. At the last election of officers in this society a new and most successful plan was followed. The most important officers, president and recording secretary, were elected by informal and formal ballots, and were empowered to choose their executive committee. The present corps of officers is as follows: President, W. P. Havenor; vice-president, Miss Bessie Williamson; corresponding secretary, Dr. M. A. Jones; recording secretary, H. H. Holmberg; treasurer, Miss Sara McLeese. The Junior Society of Christian Endeavor was organized by its first superintendent, H. N. Tolles in November 1892. It was reorganized in May, 1894. Mrs. R. B. Quay superintended the work at that time, and was succeeded by Miss Iona Hamilton, she in turn being succeeded by Miss Hattie Strode, and Miss Anna Reed, the present superintendent. The society is now in a very flourishing condition, constantly increasing in membership and attendance. The average attendance at the meetings Sunday afternoons is about twenty. Sewing meetings are held each Wednesday afternoon. They are one of the most attractive features of the society. W. P. H. Northwest Presbyterian Sunday-School. In the summer of 1894, while the Rev. Mr. Hough was engaged in his usual missionary labors and Bible readings in the northwest part of the city, he found a great desire among many of the people to have evangelical ministrations in some more permanent form. Mr. Hough communicated with the Rev. F. L. Arnold and the session of Westminster Presbyterian church; and the Y. P. S. C. E. there having learned of the needs of the district, after great deliberation, decided to take up the work. Good friends in the East sent $20, as a nucleus to commence operations, and a Sunday-school was forthwith established, with Mr. Harry N. Tolles as superintendent, and Miss Hattie Arnold and Mr. S. Williamson as a consultative committee. The good work has been regularly carried on with varying success, but the school appears now to be on a firm basis, with an average attendance of scholars of between 30 and 40. Our great want is more teachers; consecrated and full of enthusiasm, teachers who can give time to visit children and parents in their own homes. There is a great field here ready for occupation, and we pray the Lord of the harvest that he will send laborers into this vineyard. We are now having preaching services on week nights, by the Rev. Mr. Hough. The children of the school are already much enthused in their work, and gladly do their part both in the Sunday exercises and social gatherings at other times. Owing to Miss Hattie Arnold being called to Kansas, her place on the committee is now filled by Mr. H. H. Holmberg, who does most efficient service. We are also much obliged to the president of the Y. P. S. C. E. of Westminster church and other teachers for their faithful work, and can only say that in spite of financial and other difficulties we feel much encouraged to prosecute the campaign in 1896 with increased vigor. THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. During the year 1891 Rev. R. G. McNiece, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, had many conferences with the Presbyterian families living in the vicinity of the Lincoln Park addition relative to the establishment of a Sabbath-school. During December of 1891 Dr. E. V. Silver offered his aid in the establishment of a school at the above-named point. Sabbath, January 3, 1892, Walter C. Lyne and Van H. Brooks, deacons of the First Church, formally opened the school in a four-roomed dwelling-house in Lincoln Park. Thirty-five persons were present at the organization of this school. The following officers were elected: Dr. E. V. Silver, superintendent; William M. Scott, assistant; Mrs. H. Tyler, secretary; Mr. Charles Hoag, treasurer. A prayer meeting was organized and met regularly every Thursday evening. The house used for the services was found soon to be unsatisfactory, and steps were taken looking to the erection of a chapel and the organization of a church. The work of building was taken hold of vigorously, and through donations and subscriptions, a neat little chapel was soon completed. On June 19, 1892, at 3 o'clock p. m. the Church was organized and the building was dedicated. The following persons were the original members: Mr. William M. Scott, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Mrs. Jennie Davis, Miss Elsie E. Davis, Miss Martha B. Levis, Mrs. Josiah McClain, Mr. F. S. Armstrong, Dr. E. V. Silver, Mr. H. F. Provine, Mrs. Phoebe A. Provine, Mrs. Nellie B. Armstrong. Quite out of the usual line, the dedication of a church and the organization of the Church at the same service. With this new house completed and furnished and with preaching services twice a week this work so courageously carried on up to this time seemed to take on new life. The Sabbath-school and prayer meetings have always been the features of this work. Always well attended and always interesting and helpful. The membership of the Church is now forty-four. The Church is thoroughly organized for work, having connected with it a senior Christian Endeavor society, an active Ladies' Missionary society, a Ladies' Aid society. The Church has had many difficulties to contend with, hard times, removals from the neighborhood, etc., but yet the work is moving on quietly but surely. The officers of the Church: Rev. Josiah McClain, stated supply; Mr. William M. Scott, Mr. C. H. Parsons, elders; Mr. William M. Scott, Mrs. Clara Moore, Mr. W. S. Giesy, trustees. [PHOTO: JOSIAH McCLAIN,] Rev. Josiah McClain is the stated supply of the Third Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City. He began his work here June 19, 1892, when the church was organized. In 1874 he passed through Salt Lake City on his way to Eureka, Nevada, to take charge of the work at that point. After remaining there two years, he was called to Carson City, Nevada, where he remained for several years. Then by the appointment of the Board of Home Missions he was put in charge of the work at Ogden, Utah, January, 1885. Since that time he has been identified with the Utah work. For a few months at Nephi, Utah, and for the past three with the Third church as stated above. |
