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Twenty-Eighth, Annual Report

Bengal Woman's Conference

of the Methodist Episcopal Church

6cA)< :,M41\ovJ v. 2 Q

Calcutta

Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen

Twenty-Eighth Annual Report

OF THE

Bengal Woman's Conference

OF THE

Methodist Episcopal Church

FOR

1915

HELD AT

Calcutta, November 25-30, 1915

ro\2s0re:

PRINTED AT THE WESLEYAN MISSION PRESS.

OFFICERS

President \ -

MISS ELIZABETH MAXEY_

Vice-Presidents

MRS. W. P. BYERS, MISS E~IMA L. KNOWLES.

Secretary

MISS MABEL LOIS EDDY.

Assistant Secretary

MISS KATHARI:\,E ~l. l\.INZLY.

Official Correspondent

MISS KATHERINE A. BLAIR.

Statistical Secreta,:y

MRS. G. SCHANZLI~.

Conference Historian

)'IISS KATHARINE M. KI:\,ZLY.

Conference Treasurer

MIss HILDA SWA:\.

Finance Committee

:'If ISS A\'AIHU\T. MRS. \Y. P. BYERS.

:'IIISS MABEL LOIS EDDY. ::WISS ELIZABETH MAXEY.

MISS JOSEPHI~E STAHL.

Ex-Officio ;-?IISS KATHERINE A. BLAIR, !'IIISS HILDA SWAN.

Alternates :-MRS. J. P. :'IIEIK, :'II ISS EUGENIA NORBERG.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Programme.-Miss Hunt, :\Jiss Eddy, Miss Boyce, Mrs. Swan.

Finance Committee.-Miss Hunt, Miss Eddy, Mrs. Byers, Miss ;Vlaxey, Miss

Stahl.

Ex-Officio: Miss Blair, 11iss Swan.

A ltullates: :\Irs. Meik, Miss "N orberg.

Board of Education and Examiners.-Mrs. l\1eik, :\Iiss Blair, Miss Nor­berg, Mrs. Archibald.

Literature.~ Miss Carpenter, Miss Rei:ey, Mrs. Koch.

Publication.-1Iiss Eddy, :\fiss Kinzly, Miss Tunison.

Auditing.-Miss :\laxey, Miss Hunt, Miss Swan.

Field Property.-Miss Maxey, :'>Ir~. Byers, :vIiss Swan, :\Iiss Stahl.

Temperance.-Mrs. Byork, Mrs. Culshaw, :'>Irs. Schanzlin.

"Woman's Friend. "~YIiss Blair, ::\1iss YIeik, :'Jiss Kinzly.

Furniture.~Miss Grandstrand, Miss ]ohangon.

Auxiliaries.-Mrs. Beeken, "1iss :\1eik.

ROLL OF MEMBERS

Date NAMES LANGFAGE STATION of joining

Conference

1907 Archibald. Mrs. C. H. Bengali Calcutta

1902 .. Beeken. Mrs. Elsie Baliaghata, Calcutta 1888 * Blair. Kate A. Tamluk 1889 Byers. Mrs. W. P. Asansol 1904 Byork. Mrs. John Kidderpore,Calcu tta 1915 Boyce. Florence A. English Calcutta 1910 ~ Carpenter. Mary F. Bengali Calcutta 1909 t Carr. Rachel On furlough 1897 Culshaw. Mrs. Ruth English Darjeeling 1915 Callow. Clara .. Calcutta 1915 Campbell. Mrs. Calcutta 1902 • Eddy, Mabel Lois Bengali Calcutta 1905 Grandstrand. Pauline San tali Pakaur 1910 Hunt. Ava Epglish Calcutta 1915 Johanson. Mary Bengali Asansol 1890 Knowles. lEmma L. English Darjeeling 1907 t Kinzly. Katharine M. Bengali Calcutta 1907 Koch. Mrs. C. H. S. Bengali Calcutta 1894 * Lee. Mrs. D. H. On furlough 1907 Manley. Mrs. D. H. English On furlough 1909 Matheson. Fanny Bengali On furlough 1888 Maxey. Elizabeth English Calcutta .l8SS .. Meik. Mrs. J. P. Bengali Bolpur !l.915 Meik.lsa Bengali Bolpur

1899 .. Moyer. Jennie E. I Bengali 1 Hindustani Calcutta

1907 Norberg. Eugenia Bengali Asansol 1913 Reiley. Marnie B. Bengali Pakaur 1913 Rockey. Lois English Darjeeling 1913 Schanz lin. Mrs. G. Bengali Calcutta 1893 Stahl. C. Josephine English On furlough 1905 .. Swan, Hilda A. Bengali Pakaur 1908 Swan. Mrs. H. M. Bengali Pakaur 1915 Tunison, Bessie English Calcutta 1909 Wood. Daisy Dean English On furlough

The star (') indicates that the prescribed course of language stud), has been completed: the obelisk (i) indicates that one euminatioR has been passed.

MINUTES OF THE

Bengal Woman's Conference

First Session

Calcutta, Thursday,. November 25, 1915.

Opening.-The twenty-eighth annual session of the Bengal \Voman's Conference, convened in the drawing room of the Calcutta Girls' High School, at half-past twelve, Miss Maxey, the Pr.esident, in the chair.

Devotions.--Miss Swan read Luke 9, and gave a helpful message and led in prayer.

Roll Call.-The Secretary called the roll, and the following members responded; Mrs. Archibald, Mrs. Beeken, Miss Blair, Mrs. Byers, Mrs. Byork, Miss Carpenter, Miss Eddy, Miss Grandstrand, :Vliss Hunt, Miss Kinzly, Miss Knowles, Mrs. Manley, Miss Maxey, Mrs. Meik, Miss Norberg, Miss Reiley, :'.frs. Schanzlin, Miss Swan, l'l'1rs. Swan.

Introductions.-The following missionaries were introduced to the. Conference; Miss Meik, l\Iiss Johanson, Miss Tunison, Mi!'s Boyce, Miss Geisenhener. Mrs. Boggs, from Assam, and Mrs. Todman, of Thoburn Church, were also introduced. Miss Norberg ,vas welcomed back to India.

Elections.-It was voted to elect all officers by acclamation, except the Official Correspondent and the Treasurer. The President appointed Miss Meik and Miss Reiley tellers. The following officers wer-e elected: President, Miss Maxey; First Vice-President, Mrs. Byers; Second Vice-President, Miss Knowles; Secretary, Miss Eddy; A.ssistant Secretary, Miss Kinzly; Statistical Secretary, Mrs. Schanz­lin; Conference Historian, Miss Kinzly: Official Correspondent, Miss Blair; Treasurer, Miss Swan.

Temporary Committees. ··-On motion of Mrs. Byer!", the President appointed the following Temporary Committees:

Committee Ort Nominations.-Miss Swan, Miss Hunt, Miss Carpenter.

Committee 011 Resolutions.-Miss Eddy, Mrs. Byers, Miss Grandstrand.

6 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

Conference Name.-On motion of Mrs. Byers, the Conference "oted that from this time forth this body shall be designated as "The Bengal \\Toman's Conference."

Delegates to Central Conference.-The following delegates to Central Conference were elected: Miss Maxey, Mrs. Byers. Alter­nates: Miss Blair, Mrs. Meik.

Miscellaneous.-The Conference was helped by a solo, "Only in Jesus," sung by Mrs. Byers.

-:'Iliss Swan read a letter, stating that on account of ill health Mrs. Blackstock has resigned the position of Treasurer of North- \Vestern Branch, and that now Miss Ella Smith may be addressed as Treasurer.

A beautiful and searching paper was read by Miss Hunt, on .. How Can \Ve Interest Our Girls in English Schools in Missions." ::\Jrs. Byers, Miss Knowles, and :\Tiss Meik took part in the discussion, after which the Conference engaged in a season of earnest prayer.

Adjournment.-After singing the Doxology, the Conference adjourned to meet at half-past ten the following day.

Second Session

Friday, November 26, 1915.

Opening.--The Conference convened at half-pa'st ten, the Presi­dent in the chair.

Devotions.-Mrs. Byers led the devotions, reading the 91st Psalm, and l'.lrs. Boggs offered prayer.

Minutes.-The Minutes of the previous session were read and approved.

Election of Finance Committee.-The Conference "oted to make the election of the Finance Committee the first business of the next session.

Introduction. -The following ladies were introduced to the Con­ference: Miss Long, a Baptist missionary from Assam; Mrs. Benlehr, a Christian missionary; Mrs. Cooper from the Asansol Church, also her daughter.

Salaries of Assistants.--A letter from Miss Montgomery; relating to salaries of assistants, was read. On motion of Miss Swan, the President appointed the following committee to con"ider this question: Miss Swan, Miss Eddy, Mrs. Byers, Mrs. Beeken.

Reports of Committees.-Reports 'were given by the Publication Committee, Building and Field Committee, Furniture Committee, Examining Committee, also by the Conference Historian. _

Auditing of Books.-The roll -was called, and the ladies ha\'ing charge of funds belonging to the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society reported whether or not their books had been audited.

The CJnference was pleased to hear a song-lendered by the girls of the Calcutta Girls' High School.

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 7

Printing of Minutes.-On motion of Miss Swan, it was dacided to print five hundred copies of the Minutes; that the Minutes should again be sent to the Conference Secretaries at home, and that these copie~ be paid for by the missionaries who send them out, unless the cost of the Minutes is covered by a grant from home. The Official Corres­pondent was requested to ask the Branch Secretaries to send lists of the Conference Secretaries. The following members offered to send copies of the Minutes to the Conference Secretaries: New Eng­land-Miss Knowles; :\ew York-Miss Maxey; Philadelphia-Miss Boyce; Baltimore-:\Iiss Eddy; Cincinnati-Miss Blair; North­\\~estern-Miss Reiley; Des Moines-Miss Stahl; Minneapolis­Miss Grandstrand; Topeka-:\liss Johanson; Pacific-Miss Swan; Columbia River-Miss Hunt.

A. most interesting summary of reports was r~ad by Miss Blair. Miss Eddy read a paper on "How Can Vile Get Our \Vorkers to Read," which was discussed by the Conference. A carefully prepared paper, on " Methods of \\lork for Greater Efficiency in Evangelistic \;York," was read by Mrs. Meik and discussed.

Adjournment.-After prayer and the Doxology, the Conference adjourned to meet at ten-thirty the following day.

Third Session

Saturday, November 27, 1915. Opening.-The Conference wa'> called to order by the President

at half-past ten o'clock. Devotions.-After the singing of "Talk with us, Lord," Miss

Stahl read from the fourteen th chapter of John, and led in prayer. Minutes.-The Minutes of the preyious session were read and

approved. . Finance Committee.-The following ladies were elected as mem­

bers of the Finance Committee: Miss .Hunt, Miss Eddy, Mrs. Byers, Miss Maxey, Miss Stahl. Alternates: Mrs. Meik, Miss Norberg.

Reports of Committees.-The report of the Committee on Nominations was ~iven by Miss Swan, and the committees elected. The report of the Evangelistic Committee was gIven by Miss Kinzly. The report of the Committee on Uniform Salary of Assistants was given by Miss Swan. Miss Swan also gave 'her report as Treasurer, and Miss Blair gave her report as Official Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. Meik gave the report of the Auxiliary Committee, and the report of the Educational Committee was read by Miss Hunt.

After a solo by Mrs. Swan, " Just for To-day," Miss Callow 'was introduced to the Conference.

Muttra Training School.-Miss Swan told of her visit to the Muttra Training School, and a discussion regarding the school took place. The Secretary was instructed t6 write to the Principal of the Training Schoo], and send to her the suggestions made in the Conference.

8 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

On motion of Mrs. Archibald, a vote of thanks was tendered to all who took part in the Sacred Concert of the previous evening.

An inspiring paper on "Evangelism and the Sunday School" was given by Miss Boyce; a discussion followed, and a little time was spent in prayer.

Articles for the II Woman's Friend."-On motion of Mrs. Byers, Miss Blair was asked to send her Summary of Reports to the editor of the ",Toman's Friend for publication. It was proposed that at least one article a month should be sent from our Conference to the Woman's Friend

Suggestions for Conference Programme.-The following sub­jects were suggested for discussion in the Conference next year: The relation of English work to the native work. Leaving out of account, or rather, taking for granted, the spiritual equipment necessary, what are the things most necessary in the equipment of a missionary; the natural quahties. and the acquired accomplishments which best fit one for that work? Need of deaconess work in Calcutta.

The Conference voted that reports of. work be not read in the Conference next year; and Miss Blair was asked to again prepare a summary of reports and read it to the Conference.

Messages.-The Se:retary was instructed to send messages of greeting from the Conference to the absent members.

Bengal and Assam Representative Council of Missions.-On motion of Miss Blair, the Conference instructed the Treasurer to pay the fee to the Bengal and Assam Representative Council of Missions, taking a proportionate amount from the funds of each lady receiving \V. F. M. S. funds.

Miss Blair was electeri representative on the Council, and Miss Stahl was elected alternate.

Statistical Report.-On motion of Miss Stahl, the report of the Statistical Secretary was accepted.

Resolutions.---The Resolutions were read by Miss Eddy, and accepted.

Minutes and Adjournment.-After the reading of the Minutes, the Conference engaged in a season of prayer, and adjourned.

Fourth Session

Mottday, November 29, 1915.

-Opening. - The President opened the session at half-past teo o'clock, and the Conference joined in singing" Lead, Kint:lly Light." Mrs. Swan led in prayer. _ __-_

New Members.-Miss Moyer was welcomed back to the Con­ference. Miss Boyce, Miss Meik, and Mrs. Beeken were officially made members of the Conference. Miss Hunt was asked to convey

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

to the Cabinet the wish of this Conference regarding these ladies, and also regarding Miss Callow.

Pension for District Conference Members.-As chairman of the Evangelistic Committee, Miss Kinzly was asked to confer with the Bengal Conference and inquire if needy Indian women workers might share in the fund raised for superannuated members of the District Conference.

Adjournment.-After prayer by Miss Hunt and Miss Maxey, the Conference adjourned to meet immediately after the joint !'ession.

Fifth Session

Tuesday, November 30, 7915.

The Conference was called to order by the President, and the following ladies were officially made members of the Conference: Miss Callow, Mrs. Culshaw, Miss Hoskings, Mrs. Campbell. The Secretary was instructed to notify the new members of this action of the Conference.

On motion of Mrs. Byers, Miss Hunt was asked to write a sketch of the Conference for publication in the Indian Wit,wss and the Woman's Friend. Mrs. Byers also moved that Miss Boyce be asked to send her paper, on " Evangelism and the Sunday School, ,. to the Indian Witness.

The Conference was closed with prayer by Mrs. Byers.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Report of Treasurer Vve began this year not knowing what was in store for us. The

Secretaries at home were very anxious about how to send the money, and we were afraid that the war would seriously affect the rate of exchange; but I am glad to report that we have received better rates than we ever anticipated, and the drafts have come through without delay.

I greatly appreciate the help ;\'liss Maxey has given me in selling the drafts. This has often meant going from place to place, but she has been untiring in her re<;olve to get the very best rq.te possible.

The receipts and expenditures have been as follows:-

1st qr.

2nd qr.

3rd qr.

Balance in hand from 1914 Rs. 168-5-10 Receipts Rs. 18,124-8-11 Disbursements Rs. 18,825-1- 3

DeL Balance Rs. 700-8-4 Receipts Rs. 16,633 -- 7-7 Disbursements Rs. 15,365-10-7

Balance in hand Rs. 567-4-5 Receipts Rs. 15,215- 3 - 0 Disbursements Rs. 15,290 -15-9

Balance in hand Rs. 924-15-9

HILDA SWA~, Treasurer.

Blackstone Missionary Institute Training School Report.

Muttra, October, 1915. The Stan.-Miss McKnight, who had been principal of the

training school some years, went on furlough in February, and I took O\'er the work of the institution. Miss McKnight has been greatly missed, for she always seemed ready for any emergency. Her judgment was always keen. She brought the school up to a fine degree of efficiency. Many times this year we have missed her wise counsel.

During the present year, Miss Randall, Miss Boddy and I have been conducting the teaching in the English department.

In the Hindustani department Miss Wells and Miss Atmaram, both graduates of the English department, have been doing excellent work. We are very sorry to say that Miss Atmaram has been \'ery

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSlO!\ARY CO:\FEREKCE 11

ill, and we are praying that she may soon be restored to health and strength. During her absence, Miss Barker, also a graduate of our English department, our zenana assistant, is teaching in the traininf:( school. There are also four other teachers.

Miss Vvise, of the H. M.S., visited us recently and looked into our work. This society is supporting two girls here. Miss \Vise held some very helpful meetings with the girls.

The Students.-The total enrollment for the year is as follows :­

English Department 11 Hindustani 72 Village 11

Total 94

In April, on account of an outbreak of cholera in our school, the ten girls in our Hindustani department, who would have finished their course and received certificates, were prevented from taking their examinations. However, they are finishing their work and we expect to gi ve certificates to all. Some of these girls are married and are doing Bible readers' work, while others are teaching. All are in :\lission service. In the English department, two practically finished their course. One of these is in evangelistic work in Meerut district, and the other is teaching in Hyderabad.

Students have come from the north and from the south, from tbe east and from the west. The girls in the Hindustani department, who have not known Hindustani, get along nicely, for the Bible is taught in Roman-Urdu. This they soon learn. \Ve have one student frOIll

Bombay, three from Vizagapatam, others from the hill regions. Our own Conferences are well represented. The class of student in the Hindustani department is getting better all the time. I believe that many more of our missionaries realize that the work in the training school demands their best girls. Five :\Tissions have been represented, namely, H. M.S., C. M. S., Baptist, \Vesleyan, and Methodist.

This year we planned to gi\'e our English training girls a real definite work in the Sunday school. Some who know Hindustani well are already teachers in the Sunday school, but those who cannot speak fluently have only three or four small girl" in their classes. In order that this work ma'y be carried on successfully, a normal class, conducted by the superintendent of the primary Sunday School, is held. The senior English training girls conduct ser\'ants' prayers, in this way learning bhajans. Our senior Hindustani training girls are taking classes in the summer school, so that they may come into closer relationship with the work of the district.

:\1r. and Mrs. Annett recently spent four days in lVluttra. Their methods in Sunday school work proved yery helpful to our young­people.

Miss McLeavy and Miss vVise have greatly helped the trainilJg­school by visiting schools and speaking to the girls about the trainillg­school.

12 BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

have received so many letters this year asking if we could supply teachers and workers. The demand is much greater than the supply. \Ve ask your prayers that many more young people, both English and Hindustani, may be called to be missionaries. The harvest truly is great, but the labourers indeed are few.

M. A. CLANCY. Principal.

Report of Educational Committee

The educational work of the Conference may be classified as to ~anguage under four heads-English, Bengali, Santali and Hindustani.

There are two English boarding schools, with a combined atten­dance of about four hundred. Some of these, however, are day­scholars. By the action of the Department of Education, the Queen's Hill School has been raised to higher secondary grade.

The Bengali work comprises three boarding schools, with a combined attendance of about four hundred. This includes the lace­making class at Pakaur. The fifteen girls and widows in this class have produced some very beautiful work.

\Ye have also a normal department in connection with the Lee Memorial Mission, which has had an attendance of fifteen this year, the highest attendance it has ever had. About seven hundred and fifty children are on the rolls in the approximately twenty Bengali day schools.

In the Santali work there are about thirty-five girls in the boarding school at Pakaur, about one hundred and twenty-five enrolled as day scholars in the Asansol and Bolpur Districts.

There is one Hindustani day-school with an enrollment of forty. So far as we know this is the only Hindustani school in this large city of Calcutta. H ere, as in the evangelistic work, there is need of a worker who can give her full time to the development of the Hmdu· stani work.

MISS CARPENTER, MISS GRANDSTRAND, MISS HUNT, MISS KNOWLES.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, Tbat we heartily welcome Miss Boyce, Miss Tunison, and Miss Johanson; also Miss Norberg who has returned to her work after furlough, and M iss Callow who has returned to us after three years of study in America; and that we express our appreciation of the work done by Miss Geisenhener in the Calcutta Girls' High School and the Orphanage, and by Miss IVJeik witb Miss Blair in Tamluk.

Resolved, That we assure Mrs. Koch of a hearty welcome upon her arrival in India again, and of our prayers that she may ha\"e many happy, useful years in our midst.

Resolved, That we express our loving sympathy with our sister, Mrs. Culshaw, and our pleasure at having her back m the Bengal Con­ference.

Resolved, That we assure Mrs. Beal, a former member of our Conference, of our tender sympathy and of our prayers at this time.

Resolved, That we voice our sympathy with our sisters, Mrs. Mozumdar and Mrs. Sircar.

Resolved, That we express our regret, that on account of ill healLh it became necessary for Mrs. Goold to lea\-e Bengal to reside in the hills, and our gratitude that she is in so full a measure restored to health.

~esolvcd, That we put on record our appreciation of the many beautiful years of devoted, Christ-like service of our beloved sister, Miss Knowles. Her life bas been as ointment poured forth, and it" fni'grance will neyer lea\"e us.

Resolved, That we thank our Hea\-enly Father for the years of happy, cheerful service that Mrs. Manley has had amongst us, that for another term of years we have had the inspiration of Miss Stahl'" presence and the help of her counsel, and for the devoted service of Miss Bennett in the Orphanage; and wish them all a delightful time in the homeland.

Resolved, That we express our appreciation of Miss Pritchard's yean; of service in the Deaconess Home, and also our sympathy with her in the loss of her highly esteemed and beloved brother.

14 BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

Resolved, That we record our appreciation of our little paper, Mohila Ba11dhab, and assure Miss Blair of our determination to help her in every way possible.

Resolved, That we express our joy tha:?in losing Miss Lee we gained Mrs. Archibald.

Resolved, That we express our hearty thanks to all the kind friends in Calcutta who have' entertained us so royally, and who, in addition to the regular entertaInment, pro\·jded such a delightful Thanksgiving dinner. " "'"'

";., MISS EDDY,'

MRS. BYERS, MISS GRANDSTRAND.

WOMAN'S CONFERENCE

Appointments for 1916'

ASANSOL DISTRICT

Asansol English Church and District Work Asansol Eval1gelistic and Zenana \\lork ..\sansol Girls' Boarding School

Asansol Bengali Church Work Bible Training School Medical Work and Village lJay School On Furlough ...

:\Irs. Hyers :'Iliss ~'orberg ?l1rs. Hyers Miss Hosking, .-lssistal/t Mrs. Mondol Miss \100re, Assislallt :'Iris~ Johanson ?lJiss Carr

CALCUTTA DISTRICT

Anglo-Indian Girls' Orphanage Calcutta Boys' School and Orphanage Calcutta Girl< High School

Deaconess Home Kidderpore Seamen's ;\Iission and Hindustani

\\Iork Thoburn Church, Visitor ... Queen's Hill School

On Furlough ...

:'IIiss Hunt, Sllpailltt"lldcllf Mrs. Campbell ?lliss Hunt, Prillcipal ?lliss Callow, Asst. Pril1(1/,lIi Mi~s BOYce ?llis~ Tunison ?lIiss Maxey, SlIpcrllllellrit'1I1

:\Irs. Ihurk 'Iiss :.!axe\' ?lliss Knowies, Prillcipal 'fiss I~ockey, Y-ia-Pril"'ij>al ?llrs. Culshaw :\Jiss Long Miss Bennett ?lfiss Stahl :'IIi,,; Wood

CALCUTTA VERNACULAR DISTRICT

District \\'ork ... CoIlins Institute East Calcutia Circuit ;-

Girls' School and Zenana \\'ork ... Hati Bagan Church

Hindustani Work (Calcutta) Lee Memorial Mission

Baliaghata Woman's Work

Day Schools Evangelistic and Zenana 'Work

Lee Memorial Girls' School ;­Educational Department Boarding Department

Jhanjra famluk On Furlough .. '

?lIrs. Koch ?II rs. Schilnzlin

?lIiss :\Ioyer ?lIrs. :\1 ullick 'Jiss ?II oyer :\irs. Lee, on furlough ?lIiss Katharine :\1. Kinz!\' Mrs. Elsie Beeken . Mrs Elsie Beekell :Vliss l'IIabel L. Eddy

?lfiss :\fary F. Carpenter Mrs, C. H. Archibald Mrs. Hiswas Miss Blair Mrs. ;\1anley .vliss :\Iatheson

16 BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

PAKAUR DISTRICT

District Wark Holpur Circuit Holpur Church Holpur Evangelistic Work . Pakaur Church and Hoys' School

Mrs. Swan Mrs, Meik Mrs. Mendol

.•• Miss Meik Mrs. Sircar

Pakaur Bengali and Santali Evangelistic Work ... Pakaur \I\'idow's HOlT,e

Miss Grandstrand Miss Grandstrand

Pakaur Girls' School Pakaur Medical Work Hampur H:mt

Miss Swan Miss Reiley Mrs. Meik and Mrs. Das

REPORTS OF WORK

ASANSOL DISTRICT

Evangelistic Work and Day Schools

MissiOllal'Y Assistant Bible Womell

Dar SC,'/Oot Teachers

EUGENIA l\ORllERG Miss Mary Moore Apurba Das, Nissi Das, Aljoli Das, Alice Samson, Mrs.

Roy, Rebu Das, Kenta, Kunti, Purine Moharaji Das, Mrs. Shot, Baroda Das. Jessie, Amodinie

After a most delightful visit to my own cO·.mtry and to America, I returned here in May. I was glad to be stationary once more and back at work, after a year of wandering and circling the globe. 'While on furlough one does not spend all the time idly. I had the pleasure of speaking in about se,'enty different churche~, and in one hundred and twenty meetings. I trust not all in Yain, but that f'ome good may result from the same. The gain financially was not great, owing to war conditions and hard times, but the hearts of the peoDle are with us and our work.

\Vhen I come to report the work since I returned, I find, to my shame and sorrow, nothing worthy of report. But as we stand on the threshold of another year, and take a retrospecti,'e \'iew of the work done, ,,'e are sorry that more has not been accomplished, but we are also thankful for the fair degree of success that has been attained. My own duties ha\'e been yarious. Between superintendIng workmen, carIng for cholera patients, and COD\'ention work, I ha,'e managed to keep busy. The Hindu Day School is doing good work under the care of M iss Moore and her staff of teachers. \ \' e are thankful to the Go\'ernment for the grant of Rs. 25 per month, which is a help in our expenses. \\'e haye on our roll about one hundred children; fifty-two of them belong to railwav sen'ants. The East India Railway Company is considering gi,-ing us a monthly grant, which I hope will be forthcoming in due time.

Several new \vidows ha\'e come to us, and while they are taught the Bible and other useful things, suitable work is gi,'en for each one to do.

The \'illage day-school teachers report fair attendance in their schools. I hope some time to have funds and teachers to open more village schools in our district. Four boxes of dolls and other useful articles have come for the Hindu school children's Christmas, and they are eagerly expecting and looking forward to that great day.

\Ve have two girls in training at Bankura. who will return to us for work, and I trust to do as good work as the other teachers are doing \vho were trained there.

.2

18 TWENTY--EIGHTH ANNL:AL REPORT OJ<: THE

Two of the Bible women, who went to Krishnagar during the hot season for special study, have returned better fitted for their work, and the cool season wcrk has begun. I hope to be able soon to go out into the District with them. One of our good workers has been in Muttra for two years' training and she will soon return. As far as I have been able to judge, all have been faithful and tried to accomplish something, and I like to believe that all have done their best.

\Ve are thankful to God for the marvelous help He has given to us, especially during the weeks of anxiety and care. Vve are indeed glad to have with us a new worker, NIiss Johanson, who understands the art of caring for the sick and suffering. VI/ e will put our trust in God for this new year. \Ve have had verified to us this year the truth of the promise, " I will never fail thee nor forsake thee."

Bengali Girls' Boarding School

Missionary MRS. \71/. P. BYERS Assistants '\fiss Hosking, Miss Turton, Miss Sinclair Teachers Babu H. P. Dass, Miss Chowdry, Miss Dey, Miss Dass, Mrs.

Biswas

This has been one of the happiest years of nlY life in India. am beginning to learn that it is perhaps only when an impossible load is ours to carry, that we then begin to really trust in God, and the result to one's heart and life is so joyous and good, that I can better understand whv the Psalmist so often exclaims about th~ the blessedness of tho~e who put their trust in God, and who roll the burdens on Him.

Our dear Miss Carr left us just after Conference in February. She had been down with fever, but managed to be well enough to get to Calcutta in time for her boat. I t was hard for us to let her go, but her ,heering letters from home make us glad for her to have the rest and holiday, and she has daily opportunities to tell of the work in India. Miss Hosking returned to us after her year's holiday, better, but far from strong, after her severe operation. She and I have been doing our best to keep the school going nicely. In March and April we did all the school repairs, as Miss Carr had planned, and by the end of April all was whitewashed, repaired and painted. Two of the dormitory rooms were partitioned off for sick rooms, until we can get the hospital rooms we need so much. The class rooms were cemented and plastered,and the outside of the school building well painted. Brick places wera made under the pipes to carry off the water from the roofs. The Rs. 400 extra grant from Government which came at the end of the year, covered a large part of the cost of the repairs.

Another grant of Rs. 720 for furnishing came just before Miss Carr left, and this enabled us to get some proper desks fo.r the older

ASA:;:-'OL SCHOOL GII~LS ~I.\KI:;G BI<OO~IS TO ':ELI. FOI~ THE

\\'.\ I~ Fl':\»

.. \ YILLAGE SCHOOL-ASA:\SOL DISTRICT

A VILLAGE CONGREGATIOK-ASAKSOL DISTRICT

Hl

19

WASH DAY AT THE BENGALI GmLS' BOARDING SCHOOL,

ASA;-':SOL

CONYENTJO>: Tn-IE AT ASA~SOL.' AND THE TENT WE SEWED

BENGAL WOMAN'S ~llSSIONARY CL)SFEREKCE lY

girls, and also almirahs and chairs. The place looks very clean and nice, and we are glad to have it all done.

In Mav Miss Norberg returned to us, so I was able to get away for a holiday. I need not say how glad we were to have her back, she is so strong and sensible.

Cholera has been raging everywhere in India this year, and iIll July it broke out in our girls'. school and we had thirty cases on the­compound; of these thirteen died. Miss Norberg took it, but God graciously spared her life. It was a yery sad time indeed, and we were thankful when it \\"a-; all over and we were again free of this dread disease.

There has heen the full number of girls in school this year, and more are coming in. The rains failed us in this district and there is no rice crop, and there will be much distress-already people are beginning to desert their children. Two were left us this last week­one, a sweet little girl of two years, by the mmher who was so weak and sick she could not care for her any longer. The other was a baby, of five months, sent to us by the :'Ilagistrate. It was found under a tree on the road side. I t is very thin and miserable-andl the poor mite had been left near a black ants' nest, and they haq come out and had hitten the child all over dreadfully. Many poor children will be left us before the year is over, and we are arranging for a nu'rsery department in connection with the school.

\Ve have had a good many visitors this year to see the school. ~ at long ago the district engineer's wife, Mrs. Young, and Mrs. Dr. Pollock came to see the girls, and expressed themselves as much pleased with everything. The evening they came the older girls were making brooms to sell for the Vvar Fund, and the younger ones were working in the garden. They made in the two months Rs. 25, and were very happy to be able to help in tbis way. They are now going to help "\Irs. Young with sewing for the soldiers.

One little boy who had come with his mother to see the school told the ayah all about his visH when he went home; and he said, " Oh, ayah, you must go and live in that school and learn how to wash your clothes and keep clean."

The teachers and girl!' have been unusually good this year. Miss Hosking was so frail, she felt she could not punish a girl if she were naughty, and she did not wish to trouble me with every case that might come up. So she took each girl definitely to God in prayer, and then talked seriously and kindly with the unruly one. God answered her cry for help and undertook for us. The teachers, too, have talked and prayed with the girls, and God's Spirit has pre· vailed, and there is a good spirit in the school, and a desire among the children to be good and obedient.

Miss Turton as matron, and MISS Smclair as sewing mistress, have done excellent work, and have been ready to help in any and every way. We. are glad to have all trained teachers now in the

. school, and two more of our older girls will go next year for training.

20 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

\Ve were all happy to welcome Miss Johanson, who came to us in October from Sweden. Her first days were spent with an attack of dengue fever, which was rather trying for her, but from which she recovered nicely. She has already begun the study of Bengali, and hopes soon to be able to speak a little to the p.eople.

The English work has been encouraging and the Sunday school and Band of Hope are well attended and full of interest. A number of the older children have given their hearts to Jesus and have begun a Christian life. ] am trying to be more definite in my effort' and prayer for these young lives, and am happy at the result. Packages of good Sunday school papers continue to come from America from the" \Vaste Material" friends, and supply the children from week to -~veek with good reading.

CALCUTTA DISTRICT

Anglo-Indian Girls' Orphanage

:M issiOltal'Y

Miss Bennett went away without writing a report, and though I shall not attempt a report I think this part of our work should not be -overlooked.

It was with a lonely feeling that I came back from the steamer which carried Miss Bennett down the ri\'er. I had learned to depend -on her for so many things, and had always found her ad\"ice valuable. My heart sank, too, as I thought of the new responsibility on my ·shoulders, but I have not borne much of that yet, for Miss Geisenhener . .at once volunteered to go and h\'e there, and has faithfully given of her time and strength for the work. A great deal of thanks is due her for her help.

\Ye want to keep before the minds of e\"ery one that our orphanage is filling a large place of need, and could fill a much larger one if it were better equipped. Any who haye examined into t.he matter know that the present quarters are entirely unfit for an orphanage, and it is only God's Providence and Miss Bennett's watchful care that has made it possible for the orphanage to exist at all under the \"ery unsatisfactory conditions.

Let us all bear in mind and remember in our prayers that We must' ha\'e different quarters for the orphanage. \Ve ought to have a new building. \Ve believe that we might still have had Miss Bennett with us, had she had a more healthful place to live in, but since she bas gone we must pray also for one sent of God to take up this work.

" \\'hatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask, aad ye shaH receiYe, that your joy may be full."

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 21

Calcutta Girls' High School

, Principal Assistant Principal

,\VA HCNT CLARA CALLOW

REPOHT BY ~IlSS Ht:~T

"The Lord, he it is that dvth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed." As we look back over this year we realize that the Lord has truly gone before us, and our hearts are: filled with praise for His faithfulness to us.

In many ways it has been a hard 'year, there have been serious illnesses among teachers, there have been accidents, financial diffi­culties, and many other problems; but in spite of all that, He has brought us to this Conference with rejoicing.

Our thanks are first of all due to Miss Geisenhener, who so willingly left her happy home in the boys' school, and, as vice-principal, under­took with us the burdens of this institution. She has been <:iuch a comfort and has al ways had such a cheerful spirit, that she has found a large place in all our hearts. \ Ye are ,'ery sorry to lose her from our midst, and our prayers are with her as she goes to rake up, mission work in Assam, under her own denomination.

\\'e have rejoiced greatly as we have welcomed. one by one, Miss Bovce, MISS Callow and Miss Tunison. For Miss Bovce we had wait~d a long time, and OIl account of the delay she has had yerr hard work getting her classes ready for their examinations. \1 iss Callow comes back from her three years' college life in ,\merica with renewed enthusiasm, and a greater desire to serve. There was plenty of work waiting for hath, and they have fitted well into their places, Miss Tunison, though arriving late in the year, has already found a place of usefulness.

The results of the Cambridge examinations came in March, and we were greatly disappointed. but many of us learn through failures, and most of the girls at once bravely set to work again, and the girls ha,'e worked well, especially the Senior Cambridge class. If the results are not good this year, 'it will not be becauc;e of lack of work on the part of either the girls or the teachers,

The enrollment has kept up to the usual number, about 260. The kindergarten reached the 100 mark this vear. Manv days there were over 90 present and. the three teachers ilad their ha-nds f~l1.

Instead of giving- prizes for last year's work we ga\'e certificates, and sent our usual prize money to the Imperial Indian Relief Fund. It was a pleasure to the children to do this, and I am sure they wil1 in after years appreciate the beautiful little remembrance mor~ than a prize.

Our Patron's Day exhibition and programme was, we think, a great success. It was very well attended by parents and fnends, and all seemed to enjoy seeing the work of the children.

The silver medal contests were held as usual, and the recita­tions were good. One of our girls won the gold medal, also.

TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL J{EPOJ{T OF THE

As to the spiritual con-dition of our school, we feel that there have been a good many inflaences quietly at work here, and while one can never measure results of this sort, there has been a steady pro­gress toward deeper and broader things. It is our aim to surround our girls constantly by an atmosphere which will tend to develop the best that is in them.

As we close the year we feel that the Lord hath been mindful of us, and that He will bless us.

Deaconess Home

.U issionary ELIZABETH MAXEY

As we count our mercies, none seem more precious than the privilege of one more year of service for the Master in' India. As one turns her face toward the setting sun, the years and days seem to slip past a little more rapidly than when we climbed the eastern slope of life's journey; ,yet there are beauties on the western descent that we do not find elsewhere. So we press joyfully.on, with the thought that we are a part of a great company who are watching for the other shore, where we hope

.. There stand upon the misty shore Faint forms of loved ones gone before

\\'e wait His greeting when we land. We wait the grasp of His loved hand,"

In many ways the past year has been full of delightful sen' ice and association. It has been a pleasure to visit our people with Mrs. Manley, where we always have cordial welcome and go away with the words, "\Vhat delightful people those are," and we realize that the lines of our lives have fallen in pleasant places.

VVe have made new friends, and hope that we have strengthened the bonds that bind us to the old ones. Some have slipped away from us. \Ve miss none more than that Prince of Israel, Brother Pritchard, the loyal friend and wise counsellor. Mrs. Dick Pritch'ird, who for several years was with us, left us last May after a brief illness. \Ve miss her cheery smile and bright witty words. Miss Pritchard, after the death of her brother, decided to make her home with ber 11iece, Mrs. Brown, in Mussoorie. During the year we have bad tlJe help and inspiration of many friends, who have tarried w:th us for a time as they passed through the city. Not long since a lady came for the day; she rested for a time in our Grace Tboburn Guest Room. When she was leaving the next morning she said, " I came in burdened and perplexed over some difficult problems that faced me, but a little text on the wall helped me, and all the problems were made easy; so do not fail to place texts in your rest room." The text was "Fear not, I wiII help thee," done in water colours by a dear· little friend in Scotland. A Russian countess was with us for a month. She and her little son were very pleasant guests. Mrs. Pritchard and dear

QUEE:>:'S HILL SCHOOL'

1IIiSSlO~ARIES' CHII.DHE:-<, ilOAIWEHS 11'\ Ql'EEr-;'" HILL SCHU()L, IJA I<H;J<. Lil\(;

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 23

little Maureen were with us for a fortnight. The memory of their visit lingers like the odour of a precious ointment, for they were a help -and inspiration. I wish to express my grateful 'appreciation of the help Mr. and Mrs. Todman have given me.

\Ve have made 1,021 calls in 193 homes, 50 visits to the hospitals of the city, called on 2,325 people. There have come to us 20 new families.

In health and favour and finallciallines we have been abundantI" ·blessed. "There hath failed not one word of all His good promise.;' We have found that His ways are delightful ways, and all His paths

·are paths of pleasantness. \\'e know not what awaits us iu the new year, but this we do know, that we cannot drift beyond His loving -care.

Queen's Hill School, Darjeeling

Prillcipal Principal Emeritus Assistant Principal

REPORT BY MISS STAHL

EMMA L. KNOWLES JOSEPHINE STAHL LOIS ROCKEY

When in 19lO, in accordance with the new Educational Code for European schools in Bengal, the schools of the province were classed as elementary, secondary and higher secondary, it was decided the number of pupils in Queen's Hill did not warrant its being made a higher secondary school, and it was classed as secondary, which -entitled it to teach to the Junior Cambridge only. The number of pupils has steadily increased, and in 1914 the Inspector of European schools, of his own accord, applied to the Department for the re-classi­fication of the school as higher secondary, which entitles it to prepare pupils for the Senior Cambridge examination. In May, this year, we received from the Syndicate of Local Examinations, Cambridge, England, their sanction of the application. In 1912 the number of boarders was 64, day-pupils 25, total 89. In 1915 the number of buarders was 89, di;l.y-pupils 31, total 120. In these four years twenty-two candidates have been presented for the Cambridge examinations; twenty-one have passed. Eleven are taking the examination this year. The credit for these gratifying results belongs to Miss Rockey, Miss Ochme and Miss Neame, the teachers of these classes. Scripture is a required subjec.t in the Cambridge examinations, the course each year being one of the Gospels and a book of the Old Testament. Miss Lavinia Long, of the Bible Institute, Nyack, New York, has taught the Scripture this year. The girls have not only mastered the text preparatory to passing an examination. The lesson bour has been many times an occasion for deep spiritual teaching that will leave a lasting impression on mind and heart. These are girls who

2+ TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

will fill positions of influence in the European community of India. \Vhen we remember that heathen people look upon all Europeans as Christians, and that one of the greatest hindrances to mission work in India is the inconsistent lives Europeans lead, we can see what far-reaching -effects this school may have on the evangelization of India. A Brahmin once said to a missionary, "Now we are finding you out. You are not as good as your book. I f you were as good as your book, in five years India would be Christian." Vve use every means in Q:.teen's Hill to create an atmosphere favourable to real spiritual growth and the development of Christian character. Last year the girls undertook the support of a girl in a native school; in memory of one of their schoolmates (a missionary's daughter), who­wenno heaven from Queen's Hill early in the year. In 1915, twenty dollars were contributed for this purpose. The contributions of the Sunday school, which consists mostly of Queen's Hill School children, amounted to tw~nty dollars, which was also given to missions.

Mrs. Joseph Cuishaw, after the death of her husband, came to­the school in July with her two children. Mrs. Culshaw is an experienced teacher and at once took charge of Standard VI, where a vacancy had occurred. She is superintendent of the J unior League~ and has taken charge of the primary department in Sunday: school. Her life and influen~e in the school is a distinct gain in many directions. All the older girls regularly teach classes in the primary department of the Sunday School, meeting with Mrs. Culshaw one evening a week to prepare the lesson.

Our whole school girls and teachers are greatly interested in the war. Many of them have relatives at the' front or in training. In October a fancy bazaar was held at the school, from which three hundred and fifty dollars were realized for the benefit of the different motor ambulance funds. The fancy bazaar was especially under the Girl Guides of the st:hool. Queen's Hill has four patrols of Baden Powell Girl Guides, forming Darjeeling Company r. Miss ,Lois Rockey is captain of the company. Under her wise and enthusiastic leadership the girls are inspired to strive for the high ideals of efficiency and honour which this movement holds out.

The year 1915 is the twentieth in the history of Queen's Hill School. On the 10th of March, 1895, the school was opened by Miss Emma Knowles in "Arcadia," a rented building. The anniversary was appropriately observed this year on March 10th by the ceremony of tree planting on the compound. The fact that Miss Knowles was present and is stiIJ a member of the school staff gave added interest to the occasion. During the greater part of tbis peri'Jd Miss Knowles has been principal of the scbool,and its present prosperous condition is a tribute to the efficiency and'devotion with which she bas' guided it during tbese years. Every friend of the scbnol, we are sure, joins. witli tbe managers in hoping that Queen's HilJ Sclioolmay enjoy the benefit of Miss Knowles' influence and work for many years to come.

\/vitb the consciousness of God's guidance and blessing we say,. .. The Lord is my rock; and my fortress, and my deliverer'; my God~ my strength,' in whom' I will trust."

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 25

CALCUTTA VERNACULAR DISTRICT

East Calcutta Circuit Jlissionary MRS. D. H. MAl\LEY Bible Women ·Nitamoni Biswas. Elizabeth Das Teachers Kushum Ghosh. Belashinie Ghosh. Rakan P. Naskar. Mary l\Iondol

Beg Bagall.,-The year has been one of quiet steady work. There has been no illness among ,the teachers or Bible women, and \'ery little among the girls.

The attendance is go:)ci. The main body of the school is made up of children under ten years of age, and a great many are mere babies. Our age limit is five years, but we find children who seem so tiny that we can hardly believe that they are fl\'e years old, but their older sisters insist that they are more than five and want to come to school, 'So we submit, hoping that the tiny hearts inay carry home some small truth ,seeds. 'Ye must needs sow the seeds while they are "ery young, because they are married and leave school at a very early, age: Our older classes often contain girls with the red line in the part of the hair which shows that they are married and will soon be sent to their hus­bands' homes, and must then leave school.

Since the war commenced we have all looked forward to Christmas with uncertainty. The habit in India of giving the girls dolls is strong. Some have been so fortunate as to get boxes from home. But these last two years very few boxes have come, and dolls cannot be bought because of the war, S0, long before Christmas, they begin to ask about the dolls.

Bible Women.-The Bible women are faithful in their work. and'sow the seed with gladness.

They have many stories to tell of children rescued from sin and starvation, of homes visited where Jesus does not dwell, of the poor comforted, of the sick in hospitals visited. Many hundreds of tracts and Bible portions have been given away.

Let us pray that these messengers of God may be blessed and strengthened to carry the glad tidings.

Fisher Chapel, Ball~'gallge.-This little school is a joy and a delight. Its very location and surroundings speak of rest and peace.

The teacher, Mary MandaI, is a neat clean little woman, with quiet ways. The attendance is remarkable, not for its numbers but for its regularity. The enrollment is twenty and the daily attendance is eighteen. Day after day and week after week the record stands the same, and the book is so nicely kept and everything is done in such an orderly way that it is a joy to see it all.

These girls asked for jackets for Christmas, and volunteered to make them during their sewing class hours.

Vile are encouraged and our hearts are gladdened because our prayers for a, W. F. M. S. missionary are about to be answered.

26 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

Miss Moyer, who for 50 many years did such good faithful work in Bengal, is about to return and take up the work in East Calcutta Circuit.

May God richly bless her labours, and may both she and her helpers have joy and peace in serving in this needy field.

Kidderpore Seamen's Mission and Hindustani Work

M issiollar}' MRS. JOHN BYORK

\Ve have had a good year in Kidderpore. Our Hindustani school has increased in numbers and efficiency, the children love the school and their teachers. ''ve had our prize distribution on the 22nd, and although the prizes were small the children greatly enjoyed them. I do wish we were able to do more for them.

Miss Graham has worked hard during the year and deserves all credit. We are most urgently in need of a good teacher to take over one of the cla~ses, as we are not able to give all the needed supervision to the smaller children. It seems, however, a most hopeless task to secure anyone, because if one is found there are nofunds~ and by the time funds could be arranged for, the teacher has found a place to suit her convenience. That is my trying experience. I am thankful, however, that the Lord has not disappointed us, but has crowned our weak efforts with considerable success.

Our English work is more prosperous, because in this little place every member is a worker, and what a fellowship, what a joy divine, we have, "leaning on the everlasting arms" !

As we have a new mission house this year we are all yery busy, hE:lping pay for the same, and it may interest you to know our Ladies' Aid has gathered during the year, through various enterprizes, Rs. 1,4-00, and we only have 25 members, but all do their share, and are trying to do more.

As the Conference year was a very short one there is not much more to report. \Ve are plodding on day by day, and thanking the Master for the place He has gi\'en us in His vineyard.

i'H issiouaries

Bible Womell Teachers

Hindustani 'Work ELIZABETH MAXEY MRS. ELSIE BEEKEN

Ellen Michael. Parbuttee Lee. Ladurie Lee. Sekurie Lee Moogdo. Gaklie -Lee

REPORT BY MRS. 'BEEKEN

We have four Hindustani Bible women who, on . .the average, daily visit 9 Mohallas, and 'proclaim the Glad Tidings to 52 women, 26 girls, 17 boys and 11 men.

KIIl\lEI{l'ul{E DUCI\ SCHUlIl.

Hl~1JlJ;;TA~1 BiBLE \\'O}lE"

BENGAL WU:"I.-\N·S MISSIO:-\AH.Y CUNFEl{ENCE 27

Did you ever l.ear the story of little Santi? One of our Bible women went sick \·isiting. In the hospital was a Hindu woman with a babe of ten days beside her. Poor little babe. she was not wanted. "If you give me a betel nut," the mother said, to Parbutte~, "You can have this child." Parbuttee is a childless widO\\, and her heart went Qut to the helpless innocent babe. "I don't eat betel nut," she replied, "but will give you two annas (+ cents) instead," The equivalent of "\Vith plea<;ure" was eagerly said, and the babe changed hands. You should see her now, Such a bright, winsome lassie, and Parbuttee loves her like her own.

The Bible women have been rendering faithful service. They ba\e opened up five new homes at Bagmari. I was with them at the time and was so thankful to see how eagerly the women and children 'listened to the Gospel, and how anxious they were for us to come again.

\\'e have re-opened the school in Emambagh Lane amongst the sweeper caste. \Ve have not been able to secure a rOOI1I, but until we get a suitable place are ha\ ing school in the cemented court-yard out; in the open. \Ve are having an average daily attendance of 20, They are a tousled, dirty, but interesting group of children. \\'hilst school is in ~ession the mothers and neighbours sit around listenin~ to the singing of hymns and the Old, Old Story. \Vho can tell the result of the seed being sown amon~st these poor ignorant ones?

A full-time missionarv is needec1 for the Hindustani work. have Bengalee Hindu day schools to supervise. s() can gi\'e very little time to the Hindustani work, I deem it an honour and a pleasure to help in this department, but for the work.'s sake we need a full-time worker. May the right one hear the Master's call and come.

Lee Memorial Mission

Evangelistic '" ork

.Uissionary MABEL LoIs EVDY

Biblc WomclI Shoroginee Mullick, Bushonto Ghosh. H.hoda Biswas. :\Irinolinie Mondol, Amoola Thomas. Annopurna Singh, Mary Biswas. Ootom Biswas. Shorola Das.

The past year has had its sunshine and shadow, but from begin­ning to end it has been packed with opportunity and privilege, and m}' heart is full of thanksgi ving that the Master has gi ven me th is year of service.

Perhaps the most interesting part of my work has been the trips into the \'illages;-especially out just a little farther than we had been before, and where the people recei\'e little Christian teaching, The last trip was to Kulpi, a \'illage of fi\-e or six hundred inhabitants, which had never before (at least in the day of those who now make up the village) been \'isited by a white woman. From the time we,

28 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

arrived until we left we were literally thronged with people. It was a delight to find in this remote village a flourishing school where over forty little girls are being instructed. \Vhen school was over we went into the ,homes of S::lme of the children. The school girls as well as men and boys followed us. In each house we entered, a large and at­tentive crowd IJstened to our message. In thee\'elling the 'Hindu men and boys of the village came to the service. And outside, close to the tiny window, stood a few Hindu women listening. It has not been my privilege to see a nlore attentive Hindu audience than the one which listened to the Gospel message· that night. The preacher spoke very plainly about Christ, the great Physician. Then we urged the people to accept Him. It was an inspiration to see Hindu people .listening so carefully to the Gospel message. After the long boat. ride, fording streams, and the day's work, it was good to rest in a camp cot on the narrow mud verandah. But ere we fell asleep a little woman slipped to the side of the cot, and she had a long story to tell, which resulted in a boy's being brought to the boarding school at Beliaghata.

As we work in the villages it is a delight to see the fields of waving grain, which will yield an abundant rice crop this year. \Ve lifted our eyes away from it to the other harvest field, those villages, teeming with people who know not the Saviour, and to whom the Gospp.1 message is not ,being given. There is room for the mass movement m Bengal. God give us workers living' holy lh'es and with their hearts on fire for the salvation of souls, who will go out and win the~e villages for Christ.

One of the most interesting people we met' in our touring last cool season was a Brahman widow, who said she had tried all her life long to find rest and peace through Hindu rites; but had utterly failed. She was touched by personal testimony as to what Christ had done for some of us; and she declared she would pray to Jesus three times a day as long as she lived. \\'e have not seen her since but hope to soon; and in the meantime good news .has come from her -that she believes 'in Christ, and is anxious to hear the message again.

Among the interesting visitors to the Lee Memorial this year has been one-a simple, modest village Christian, whom it is a delight to meet. His conversation is so wholesome and refreshing, for all his thought is of the people among whom he lives. His dress seems to be the'" robe of righteousness," "the garment of praise," and the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." One of the missionaries in his district says it is simply wonderful what a hold he has had on his heathen neighbours. "They seem to trust him implicitly. He ic; on the most friendly terms' with the high and low classes. Througb his persistent efforts he has been able to build a good school h(~)Use, with wide verandahs on four sides." His aim is to teach the people to work with their hands, to do thoroughly whatever they do, to educate the boys and girls of the village, and above all to teach the people about Christ. Through his mfluence six village girls have been admitted to the Lee Memorial Girls', School. They are preparing to go back as Bible wo~en and teachers in th~ir own villages.

BENGAL WOMAN'S MI:5SIONARY CONFERENCE 29

A delightful part of the year's service has been the daily Bible class with the Bible women. Seeking prayerfully to understand the Scriptures in order to teach them has made the word glow with truth and new beauty, and has brought much blessing. Then the Sunday school work is a weekly joy.

In July our beloved co-worker, Lillie Lee, became Mrs. Archi­bald; we are thankful that she still remains with us in the work

Life in India grows better every year, and I would rather be just where I am than anywhere else in the world. Each year seems to go faster than the preceding one. God help us to be faithful unto death, that we may receive the crown of life which He has promised.

lHissionary Bible Women

Evangelistic a.nd General 'Work

KATHARINE M. KIl\'ZLY

Lela Tarafdar, Beda MondoI, Bhago Biswas, Toronginee Adhikarie,

At the beginning of the year 1915 a promise was given to me, " And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying this is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left," I sa. 30 : 21.

How often this verse'has been a comfort, how often has it prayed a help to know that He would point out the path, that He would give wisdom and strength sufficient for the day. Each day has been full of service for Him, and although I wonder \\'hat has really been accom­plished, I leave the result with Him.

The Junior League work has been yery interesting, and each Sahbath a happy company of about 50 youngsters ha\'e assembled in a class room, while the older girls are in the church sen'ice. Recently the league was di\'ided, and we now ha,'e two nati\'e girls conducting this league work. There has been a great deal of interest manifested in the Sunday Bible class and Tuesday evening meetings. I am sure many of our girls ha,'e been helped spiritually this year.

Again I turn my face to the work at Baliaghata, and am glad for tbe pri vilege of sen'ice in so delightful a spot. \\' e had not been here long before a delegation of women from a nearby dllOby para came to see us, and begged of us to visit them. It was late in the afternoon and one of the women said, "You will come to-night, won't you? I- am going away to my "iIlage to-morrow, and may not return, and I want ,to hear of this religion." \Ve were hindered, and 50 told them to return to their home, but it was not long before they returned, and insisted on waiting until we could go with them. \tVe were touched by their earnestness, and when we finally reached their home about 40 'p~ple 'bad gathered:·' One' of our Beble" women told 'tliem, the simple, Gospel story, and we were urged again and again to' sing the

30 TWENTY-EIGHTH :\~~UAL I~EPOI{T OF THE

Gospel message_ I presume this is but one of " the many opportunitie's for service which shall be ours during the coming months. . May He give us heavenly wisdom! 'Ve covet your prayers.

Lee Memorial Girls' School

Educational Department Boarding Department

MARY F. CARPENTER

MRS. C. H. ARCHIBALD Teachers Shoroginee Biswas, Shorojockee Mullick, Mary Biswas; Labonga

Mondol, Probashinee Biswas, Ashalotta Mondol, Topobala Pal. Lela Biswas, Joshoda Biswas, Rahil Biswas, Paulina Mondol. Kashurie Lee, Charushila Biswas.

HEPORT BY :\IlSS CARPENTER

()ur attendance this year has been as usual, as many as our build­ing can accommodate, or rather more than it ought to accommodate. but so many needy cases come to us which we feel we cannot turn away. One who has come to us this year was a convert from Hin­duism, who had been deserted by her husband while still a Hindu. and in her extremity turned to Christian relatives. . She is an earnest girl, and we trust may soon realize that she is saved to serve.

One of our newest comers is a young girl from a Muhammadan home. The story which her cousin, the young man who brought her to us and who is a Christian, told us is, that her parents wished to marry her to a Muhammadan, to which she objected and finally made her escape from her home. The sister of the young man who brought her to us is a student in our normal department, and a winsome Christian girl. She was the companion of the Muhammadan girl during her holidays at home, and it seems that her life was used of God to show to this poor girl something of what Christianity means, and to awaken in her heart a desire to be a Christian. She says she never wishes to return home again. Her parents do not know where she is, but are searching for her. We tremble for her should they be able to get her under their control again. We ask your prayers for her, that she may be kept from all the power of the evil one and may soon learn to know Christ as her personal Saviour. _

We have been trying to get our older girls more interested in outdoor games. The generosity of a friend enabled us to obtain a Badminton set, and some interest was aroused in it before the rains compelled us to postpone such sports for a while.

Cupid got us into some perplexities in regard to our teaching 'staff this year, but with some rearrangements for awhile we ·are ready again to start in a new year with a ftill staff. One who was married during the year was our head kindergarten teacher, who had been with'us forthirteen'vears. Two other of 'our older teachers are to leave us at the close of the year for homes of their own. Weare ,glad that one of them,at"least; is stilJ:to cO'ntinue in mission work as' the wife

BENGAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 31

of one of our Methodist workers at Bolpur. She has heen faithful m her work with us, and I trust may do much good in her new field of service.

The normal department has had a. good year, with a class of fifteen, the largest we have ever had. Examination reports are not yet out, but more important than passes is the realization that some good hard work bas been done. It has been a joy to watch some of the girls grow. All of the work in the training department has heen a joy, but especially has the daily Bible hour been a time of blessing to teacher and pupils alike, for earnest faces· lighting up as some new truth shown into the heart, or some old one suddenly shown forth with a new meaning, has day by day been a reminder that His Spirit has been at work.

This year we !Iad again the class in Filst Aid to the Injured, under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association. \Ve are plan­ning to have next year the course in Home Nursing, so that the normal students shall be able to take both courses during their two years of training.

Another class which has been much enjoyed has been that for Sunday school teachers, using the translation of Mr. Annett's book on " Our Indian Sunday Schools" as a text. We have taken this· up at the Bible hour once a week, having separate classes for our teachers and normal students, who have all been required to take it. Altogether we have had twenty-three enrolled.

In closing, I should just like to record my appreciation of the help which the yearly convention at Asansol has been to our girls and teachers. Vve were able to take a larger number this year than in previous years, and I believe coming years will show that the days spent there, with time and quiet to think of the deep things of God, giving His Spirit an opportunity to speak to them of better things, have not been spent in vain.

Missionary Teachers

Day Schools

MRS. ELSIE BEEKEN Keronbala Biswas, Rahil Biswas. Charu Lee, Beraj Mea. Jolosh

Mullick, Priscilla Das, Benodinee Mondol. Sara Biswas, Shorola Mondol. Anushila Mondol, Shukoda Bagh. Promodinee Makhal

" Everywhere the school is the point of the missionary spear that is piercing the tough hide of paganism."-D. W. Adeney.

If the above be true, and we believe it is, what a responsibility is ours and what a privilege! That the point is piercing slowly, but surely, is illustrated by an incident tbat bappened in one of our schools during the year. A young widow of about 14, very tall for her age, bad been attending school regularly. It was a pleasure ~9 see her in her place so clean and bright. Qne'day I noticed· she looked sad. On epquiring if anything ailed h~r, she burst out with the story that some young men of the neighbourhood had. been· passing insulting remarks

32 TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

whene\'er she passed on her way to school. They ridiculed her coming to school at her age, and said many hurtful things. I soothed her as best I could, and told her to take no notice of them. A few weeks after, whilst at dinner, I was told that the mother of the girl wanted to see me. J found her in great distress. Profulla, the daughter, had -taken opium and was in the hospital. She was calling for me. T went. The girl had .been grossly insulted again, and in her anger had taken opium to end her life. I called to see her many times in hospital, and finally went with her before the Commissioner of Police, who .discharged her with a warning. The girl and her mother were most grateful for my help. Profulla attended school, and then there was a break again. I found out that her mother and a doctor were trying to persuade her to take up nursing. This would mean Profulla's ruination. For some time, owing to opposition, she was absent from school, but in the- end had her way and is now a regular attendant once more. She might as well have taken the easier course and obeyed her mother, for I left her to decide for her­self, but she preferred to come to us. Is it not the point of the missionary spear working in the heart of this Hindu girl? \ Ve are praying that in God's good time she may come out for Christ and be accepted for H is service.

The a\'erage roll number in the nine schools for the past year is 450. The average daily attendance, 340. Narkeldanga school takes the lead with an average attendance of 70.

We do not, as a rule, like mO\ ing our schools, but in the case of Bagmari, for health reasons it was necessary, After a search, in which the jhee was most helpful, we obtained a small house in a most healthful locality surrounded by a garden and clean walks. Here we are able to drill our girls and have games. Skipping has formed one of our out-door pastimes, and much amusement has been gi,'en to both performers and lookers-on,

In the middle of the year we had two great disappointments. \ \' e had hopes of sending a ,'ery bright I II Standard girl for the GO\'­ernment Scholarship Examination, to be held in December, from our Narkeldanga school. Her parents were compelled to remove from that locality to Howrah, much to our sorrow and the girl's. The second case was in our Bagmari school, from which a promisng Second Standard pupil was married. \Ve gave her a Bible as a wedding gift, with which she was delighted. -

During the year we ha\'e had two visits from the Government assistant inspectress of schools. In her reports she has praised as well as pointed out defects.

\Ve ask for special prayer for our Shitala \ illage school. During the year our teacher there received the Master's call. Her husband is doing his best for the school, as well as looking after their two little children; but a woman is needed at Shitala. May we know our Father's plan for that school. Pray for all concerned.

\Ve know not of the trials apd difficulties that await us in the New Year, but we mean to do our be!>t. The rest-we can safely leave in the hands of the King of kings.

TRAI:"ED TO TEACH-LEE MEMORIAL

\ ~IIS~IO:-; HOl'SE YOI':-;GSTER, TA~U.t'K

AT THE" GHAT," TAMLUK

33

BENGAL WOMAK'S MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 33

Missionaries

Bible Women Teachers

School Work

Tamluk

KATHERINE BLAm, Superilltelldent ISA MEIK

Promobala Bodya. Noloda Biswas, Nirmala Biswas Giribala Biswas. Santosila Biswas. Promilla Mundol

KATHERINE BLAIR

.In March, nine months ago, Miss Meik came to Tamluk, and in the latter part of April Miss Matheson went. on furlough. Since the May holidays Miss Meik has taken over the zenana work, and has carried it on with an efficiency which shows that she has mad~ no mistake in choosing the native work.

Our schools have gone on much as usual; I am glad to report that we have now a trained teacher in the school at the Mission House. Miss Eddy kindly sent me Prom ilia early in the year, and under her charge the school has been much built up. The children seem thoroughly to enjoy their work, and one holiday they came as usual, though the other schools had to be closed. \lVhen it was remarked that they had come in spite of the puja, Promilla exclaimed, "Yes, they've come! Do my girls ever give me a holiday?" But she was not altogether grieved because of that.

Early in the year we put up a building for our carts, straw, etc., and at one end added a room which could be used, according to need, for a school or for a living room. The school was moved into it, and this has added much to the comfort and convenience of teacher and pupils, as it is light and airy and has a cemented floor.

Among the pupils of this school are our two widows, one of whom is making good progress. She came to us of her own accord in February from a Hindu home, a child widow, now grown to womanhood, and we hope much for her in the future. She believes that she was cor. verted a short time ago, and is asking for baptism. There are also four children. Kiron, and our engaging small boy, Abdul, are promising children. Little Kusham, poor mite, has not made much progress in her lessons, but she is bfjginning to develop in many ways. Sosi has been with us but a short time. We cannot tell yet what she may become. These have all been given into the care of Nirmala, one of our Bible , ... "omen, who lives with them, though of course taking her meals with the other workers. They are housed in one of the lower rooms of the Mission House. \lVe have thought that the scarcity in certain parts of the district might send us more children, but none have come as yet.

The older of our schools, held nearer the bazar, has had some things to contend with this year. To begin with, either by reason of removals or on account of marriages, we have lost nearly the entire upper class. So thorough a clearing out left the teacher with no class, and to provide one she promoted several girls who were not really ready for it; hence trouble when the inspectress came. How­ever, we sent up three gids for the lower examination from the two schools. I t is too soon to report results.

3

34 TWENTY-EIGHTH AN~UAL REPORT OF THE

To add to this, the teacher of the upper class was kept from school by illness for about two months, and though as soon as she could, and before she was able to sit up much, she had the girls come to her room, still not very good work could be done in that way.

The work has, I think, been very thorough along Bible teaching and training in spiritual things. One day Miss Meik kindly undertook the school in the absence of the teacher. She took along her beautiful Copping Bible, and showed the pictures to the larger girls. "I was amazed," she said afterwards, "at the way the girls recognised the pictures and could ten the stories. They seemed to know nearly all of them." One day, when I was at school, but had stepped out for a moment, 1 overheard the teacher exhorting the girls concerning their private prayers, and asking who among them had faithfully offered her prayer before retiring. Several of them had.

Connected with both schools are Sunday Schools. Miss Meik -accompanies the te::...cher to this school, while I remain at the home school. There is much to encourage in both of them.

Scripture teaching has been given in the subsidized schools by our Bengali preacher. ~andakumar is counted as one of our Mission schools by those who carry it on, though they ar€" by necessity Hindus. Our girls' school there keeps about the same number of pupils. It is small, but in these outside village place" it is exceedingly difficult to get girls into schools at all, so we feel that we are doing something in holding even so few a nun; ber. In the other direction is a second school, which is calling upon us to take them in in a similar way.

Of necessity a considerable part of my time has this year been taken in work upon my vernacular papers-the four outside of Bengal having been supplied with matter for translation, and each has its own editor. The Ber.gali edition has been mine. I enjoy t!':e work, but it sometimes seems like working in the dark, so little response comes back out of the silence. However, I feel that the work cannot be fruitless.

I cannot close without speaking of the great help it has been to have Miss Meik with me this year. Her knowledge of the language, her intelligent and sympathetic grasp of the needs of the work, and the hold she has gained upon the workers and the people of the place, have shown her to be a true missionary. I tru'>t she may yet have many years of work in Bengal.

Evangelistic lVork ISA MEIK

Nine happy, interesting, eventful months in Tamluk! It is just nine months since I went down there to take charge of the school work. ·1 had not been in Tamluk many weeks, when I saw that the place where I could make myself of the greatest use was the evangelistic work, so for the past seven months I have been working with my three faithful Bible women in and around our little station.

Most of our work this year has been in the homes of Tamluk town itself, and it h~s been a JOY to see how the women enjoy our visits

BENGAL WO~JAX'S M):O;SI():\ARY CUNFERE)";CE 35

and look out for us. To them we are not just teachers, but real and dear friends, to whom they can tell their sorrows and anxieties as well as their joys. Many have favourite hymns which we are always asked to sing, some who can read and write copy ('Iut some of the hymns and learn them, but of course it is impossible to get them to sing. There are only two W0'11en in all the homes we visit who join with us in singing our hymns.

In one home there are four pretty, attracti ve girls, all married. The youngest, who is about 17 years old, lost her little baby girl a few months ago, and the first day I saw her, struck with the sadness of her face and the hopelesfmess of her grief, I sang to her " Nearer my God to thee." Her eyes never left my face, and when I had finished she said, " That is beautiful." It is seldom now that T visit that home without singing that hymn by special request.

Lately we have been going out to some of the villages, and here I have met women who had never seen a European lady before. There are so many places we want to go to, so many new homes open up all the time, but we have not the workers to cope with the work. Truly "the harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few." Thank God that the few are faithful. To me the children are a great joy. The little ones in our own home, who gather in my room each evening for prayers, who appear first thing in the morning with their little offerings of flowers, who trot up at all times of the day for a romp in their "little Auntie's" room, and who, I must confess, are sometimes brought up for a spanking, form a great part of my life and work in Tamluk.

This is the first report I have ever written, and I do not seem to have said half of what I want to say, but I cannot close without a word of appreciation. The grand work Miss Matheson had done for five years in Tamluk made it easy for me to make friends and win my way into tbe homes. The people are all waiting and longing for he'r to come back.

Miss Blair's unfailing sympathy, care and thoughtfulness have made this first year of missionary service a very bappy one, and she has helped me over many of tbe periods of ' growing pains," from which all new TJ'Iissionaries suffer.

PAKAUR DISTRICT

Bolpur and Rampur Haut Work

Missionary MRS. J. P- MEIK

The school in our compound has progressed by leaps and bounds, so that we have had to appoint a second teacher this year, and steady

36 T\\'E~TY-EIGHTH A:\:\L-\L REPOl{T OF THE

progress has been made by each pupil, which is gratifying, since many of them are so extremely dull, I suppose from the generations of illiteracy behind them. The children now know a great number of the stories from the life of Christ, and make their own quaint remarks. on the same.

For some months past we have had a Christian Santal woman teaching the girls, and doing evangelistic work out in one of the villages, and now another has just started work in anotber \·illage. The"e two little families being the only Christians among the Santals in those places. we trust that they will bear faithful witness for Christ in the midst of gross heathen darkness. \Ve hope to have other worker here soon.

The Bible has been taught regularly in the eight subsidIsed \'illage schools,

Bolpur Bazar and tbe nearer villages have been regularlv worked by the Bible women, they have been well received, and i~ many places their visits are looked forward to with eagerness. The following are interesting incidents they have met with.

In one of the bazar bomes we came across a Hindustani woman who was hawking stoneware plates, cups, etc. She listened to the Bible story, and pretty soon showed that she" knew all about it:' She had been in scbool at J ubbulpore as a child, later on had taught in a day school. She said, in the presence of the assembled women, that she had come to Bolpur with her busband. Later on, when they met again in the street, she said that about ber hushand was not true, for long ago her husband had turned her out because she pers'isted in reading Christian books. \Vhen a woman tells one lie we may expect her to tell more, so that just how much of her story to belie\'e we know not, but this is certain, she has had some education which is unusual for women of her class, sbe is well versed in the Scriptures, but she has sinned against the Light and bas chosen the broad way which leadeth to destruction. She was urged to give up her sin and follow tbe Lord Jesus. She went on her way, her home now being in Gaya, and we may never see her again, but who knows but that this little reminder of the Truth may reawaken her soul, and that she may have one more opportunity of turning to the Lord .

..\. large family of the carpenter class listened to tbe word as sung and taught by the Bible women. They always gave us such a warm welcome, and expressed such wonder and joy at our message, and said they thought it must be true. The last time the Bible women were in, though they were as well recei ved as ever, a mes­senger was sent after tbem as they were leaving the village to entreat them not to be angry, but please not to come again, as they were in trouble with their caste people, who threatened to boycott them if they listened to the Christians' teaching. Of course one who knows the Hindus knows to what fearful lengths this ostracism is carried, so we were not surprised that they should feel compelled to listen to the voice of man, rather than to that of the Son of God.

A Hindu mother, who had lost her dear little baby, had received us before, but seemed very indifferent. Now she begged that we

EENG.\L \\"O~IA:\'S :\1 lSS]O:\Al{Y C(}~FEHE~CE 37

would come oftener, for the Bible stories were so beautiful, so unlike anything she had heard before, they comforted her" aching heart," and then she confessed that she was reading" The \\'onderful Story" of the Life (f Christ. Though her husband did not approve of it, she was convinced that it was true. This is a mother with six young children. \Vhat is she to do when she COllIes to see that her religion is false?

Rail/pur Haut.·-I visited Rampur Haut and found quite an in­teresting work being carried on by our \ \". F 1\1. S. agents there. It is partly zenana teaching, but for the most part purely evangelical work. I had a happy time telling the Old, Old Story, which is true, .and was rather surprised to find so many 1\'luhammadan women who were anxious to be taught to read and sew, and listen to the Gospel, though there was generally an old crone whose duty it seemed to argue and interrupt as we offered them the Bread of Life.

\VF. have also sch00l and evangelistic work in the villages of l~ampur Haut.

Evangelistic Work and Widows' Home, Pakaur

Missiollary Asslstallt

Matron Bible Women

Viliage reachers

:\Ii~,; l(;li Chowdhury

::\'Jrs. Biswa"

P.H'LINE Gl{A~DSTRAND

Jessie Soren, Koruni Kisku, Roadine Soren, Jatili Hembrone, Parboti Soren, Karunie, Biswas, Jennath Biswas. Jolop Biswas. Shobean Katwar, Chaudrie Mitro. Krepa Mondol, Shornpati Biswas .

:\loina Hiswas, Shudebe Dutt, Ramaboti Singh

\ \' e greatly rejoice over the success God has gi ven us this year. He has in a special way been with us in the work, and we praise Him for it. It has been a great joy to see so many new baptisms. There have been more baptisms this year than any pre\'ious year.

Out in the villages the work has never heen so encouraging as this year. New doors have been thrown open, with hearty invitations to come and teach and help them, so they also may learn to know Christ. There are such golden opportunities, and our prayers are that we may always be ready to serve, that these opportunities may not be lost.

In our Santali services there has been great change. How well I refTlember, ten years ago, when we first .hegan our Santali ser­vice, how few we were and how our Santali preacher urged us to pray that in years to come we migbt see at least a hundred present. This year this prayer has been answered. Many of these people came from long distances to take part in this service .

.'\. very interesting work has been going on among the Hindus and Muhammadans. Miss Rai Chowdhury reports a good work among the zenana women. Several of them ha\'e learnt to pray, and

38 T\\'E:\TY·EIGHTH A.'\NUAL 1<EP01<T OF THE

bri~t-i daily e\'erything to God in prayer. Surely the kingdom is coming.

One of our Santali workers has passed away during the year. She was converted ten years ago, and after she was baptized her only aim was to learn, and then teach others. One da~' she came and asked if she could not work as a Bible woman, and I asked her what her message would be. She answered very bra\'ely, "I will tell my people how Christ came into my life." She was a very busy mother, but she tried to spend from four to fi \'e hours daily with the Bible women. Her message was filled with joy, and' her prayers were for the salvation of her people. Her true Christian life had a great influence upon the village women. She was a simple village woman, who had been lifted up out of heathelllsm into God's man'ellous light, and now she has been lifted up to higher service.

The Bible women have been faithful in their work. On account cf my health, I ha\'e been compelled to stay away from Pakaur for sflveral months, but the work has gone on just the same. Miss Rai Chowdhury has carefully carried the burden and arranged the work for the Bible women.

The work among the widows is truly growing. In the month of August we had the great joy in seeing seven new widows and thirteen little childIen baptized, all from the \\'idows' Home. These women and children have come to us poor and needy, and our prayers are that they may grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Biswas has been with us again this year, and has done a good work among the widows.

The women are all kept busy, which is the only thing which makes them happy and keeps them out of mischief. Some one has said, an idle woman will always gi\re trouble: this statement holds true with my women,

It is with deep gratitude that we close this year's work, and while we lay our sen'ice at His feet we pray that we may be better fitted for the \vork of the coming year.

Missiollary Assistallt,~

Teacher.,

Pandit

Girls' School,Pakaur

HILDA M. SWAN

Miss Das GUPt?!-. Miss Ardwise KushlJrn Kurnari Mondol. Shorogene Hiswas, Ganoda Datta,

Kalon Mo\'ee Bis\\'a~. Am\', Biswas, Tola Blswa,,;. Lilmon Biswas. Ampi Saren "

Parboty Charari Monderl Lace Clal>s Teacher Subashinee Biswas

We have had a very good year on the whole. The usual fe ... er epidemic has not made its appearance as yet, and for this we feel truly thankful.

THE WIDO\\'S' \IITES, I'Ah.\1'1'

A Place of

Worship among the

Santals

39

HEi\GAL WU~I.-\~'~ Mb::;IU:\,AI{Y CO:-\FEI-{)':!'iCE 39

In April one little girl was stricken with cholera. :h soon as possible all the girls were sent away, but three others were taken ill in their homes, and all four died. \\'e have had no other deaths in the schoo!.

Many new girls have come in, among them nine little motherless tots, ranging from two to six ye3.rs. The youngest of these was found in a hauf (bazar) beside the dead bod,' of her mother. She wac;; !'ent to the magistrate, and his wife cared for the little one for some time before sending ber to U!'. But she was still in a bad condition when she came to us-famine stricken and covered with sores-but after a couple of monthE here sbe has improved greatly, and we hope she will li,'e.

One little girl was found on a railway bridge, not far from here, by some men who came to work on the compound. They said it was impossible for the little one about three years to crawl up on the bridge alone, as the sleepers are so far apart, and they thought she had been left there to be killed by a train. She was quite a talkative little youngster, but could not tell us who she was or where .. he lived. \Ve took her in and sent word around that a little· girl had been found. I n the evening her mother came, she was a widow and said she lived in a village some distance away. She had left the little girl at home when she went away to work, and when she carne back she found her gone. She did not know how she had gone or what had become of her, but finally heard that we had her. The mother, tOf), wished to come and stay here, so mother and daughter are both in the \Yidows' Home.

Many girls ha\'e come in from Muhammadan homes. The parents do not seem to object to their Ii ving with the Christian girls. One reason for this, I presume, is their great po\'erty, and they ha \·e nothing to feed their girls at home so they let them come to us, During the year a Muhammadan man. and his wife were baptised. Their girls have been In the school for many years, and had already been baptised. We hope and pray that many more families may be reached in this wav.

Five girls were selected as candidates for the scholarship exami· nations this year. Many of the girls appeared for the Sunday School examination in July, but as yet the results are .not known.

In June, Miss Daniel found it necessary to leave on account of the ill health of her mother. Having been ass~ciated with the work here for seven years it was hard to let her go, but as.her mother needed her we could not keep her. Miss Dass Gupta came in August to take her place, and has already won a place for herself.

Miss Ardwise is still witb us, and is kept busy seeing to the outward and inward (i.e., clothes and food) needs of the hundred girls, which is no small task.

Kushum, one of the teachers, bas been ill a long time, and bas not been able to work for some months. Although she has suffered greatly she has been very patient through it all.

Rev. A. A. Par1{er spent two days with us early in October. His talks to Sunday School teachers and worker::. were \·ery helpful, anq­greatly enjoyed by all who attended,

T"'E~TY-EIGHTH AN:\CAL I{EPUl{T OF THE

Several girls and teachers attended the Asansol can vention. Thev were greatly blessed. I hope many more can attend next year.

The Lace Class has not been idle. There are now seventeen making lace. There has been some delay in getting thread, so some of the work has been stopped on this account. Vile have taken in more from sales this year than any previous year, but one reason for this is that money ha<; come in for lace sent to America last year \Ve are now receiving a lace grant of Rs. 30 per month. The inspectress of schools has taken great interest in this department. Our great need is a building oUb;;ide of the girls' school, where this class could meet.

Government would give two·thirds of the cost of this building if we could raise the other third.

Two Christmas boxes have been received this year. \Ve wish to thank our friends for these also, and all of the patrons for their support.

Missionary Medical Assistallt Nurses Bible ~TolI/an

Pakaur Medical Work

Susan Alley Rahal Patra, Champa Hajion Biswas

?\J..I,.RNIE B. REILEY

To an outsider it may look like an easy task to put a year's medical work into a report-simply so many patients, so many calls, so many operations, so many rupees in fees and donations, etc. But to us who have lived the year among the 3,000 patients; have washed and dressed their wounds; have listened not only to stories of physical pain, but to the deepest heart aches of many of these women; have had them fall down at our feet in gratitude for some little relief Iti ven ; verily a report is no easy task.

The patients this year have been Hindus from the highest to the lowest caste, Muhammadans, Santhal demon worshippers, and Chris­tians who are con verts from all these.

A few months ago a dai (native midwife) was brought to us very badly burned. Her clothing had caught in the vessel of fire that is aiways kept smoking'in the room of a mother and new-born baby. This class of women, because of their ignorance of cleanliness, are responsible for the death of thousands of mothers and new-born babies each year. After this patient's wounds bad begun to heal, ,and we had gained ber confidence, we were able to teach her and her co-wives (also of the dai class) many things about cleanliness in their work, and now she with her dai friends often come to ask advice. This has opened the way, and we hope to start regular classes to instruct these women.

As we look down the pages of the daily register, we read malaria fever on nearly every other line, and in between measles, typhoid.

hlE~GAL WO~fAN'S ~IISSIONARY CONFERE:-':CE 4 J

small-pox, various skin diseases, cholera, leprosy, in fact almost every thing that flesh is heir to.

The medical staff has changed during the year. 11 iss _\lIey taking Miss Dutta's place as medical assistant, another pupil nurse has been added to assist Rahal-our ever cheerful, and faithful, the over­worked nurse.

Hajion, the faithful Bible woman, around whom the patients gather as they wait their turn to see the doctor, and hear from her the story of the Great Physican, has had her duties increased, not only by more patients, but by the birth of a son. The young man lies quietly on a bench at her side, while she goes on with her work.

Malaria fever has been very much less among our people on the compound than for several years. But we have had cholera twice and the "widows' mites" at the home have had measles, and we have had much more than the usual amount of dysentery.

\i\/e are truly thankful for the growth of confidence the non­Christians are showing in us, and are eagerly looking forward to the time when we will have a hospital and can do more for them.

\i\/e ha\'e not seen great spiritual re:;ults from the medical work yet, but we do believe that it is a part of God's great plan, and we go into the new year again with the constant prayer that it may, in some way, be used to bring precious souls to our Master.

STATISTICS

Statistics of the Work of the Women's Foreign Missionary Soelety of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Benglll Conference for the year ending June 30, IIJI5

____ -'---'-==.;-::c:-c::.--=-=--:c=_-_--_--_~_;:=_c,_:__-_--_-_c=--------

~A.MES OF STA.TION:;'

OR DISTRICTS

Asansol District­Asansol

Calcutta District-Calcutta Girls' High Sehoul /~nglo"India Orphanage Kidderpore Darjeeling

Calcutta Vernacular District­Hati Bagan

1 * 1

SUMMARY

I:

.~ ~ til

::l ... W

Q)

~ ... 0 0 ;:: I: ~ I: .~ cd

0 :0 ~ .5

17

I 17

I

''-'OMEN IN THE I CHURCH

rn ... til Q) ... .c Q)

E I: Q) .9

::E 'iii .D

= 0

;... ~

76 2H <J 33

6

6

::.=:....;:;::==== _._--_ .. ----:------: EVANGELISTIC

WORK

40 I H5

15

75 112 2() ~O()

25 1000 12 4

I .. • 13IHLE iSCHOOLS FOR TKAINING

,INSrI1Vl~ESOI< TRAINING, BIBLE WOMEN

rn Q)

.~

.5 '0 ci z

CLASSES.

IH

12

rn

g ..c u rfJ

ci Z

til <l)

.~

c o .~

~ ci Z

Lee Memorial Mission Hindustani Work ... Tamluk Diamond Harbour District

l'akaur District-Pakaur

~ I i I': I ~ : ()()() 3 6 .iO 20 3

Bolpur Rampur Haut Deacone~s Home

3' !t: Il:~ I 37 l~ i ,,~ "

~T=o=ta=l~_' I: t ~,*i~tI5:L7~~~i_~;--h;,- ~_12:~~ 1~1~~~:::5_:~ _ :~o _~~ ~ ~2-d-= * 2 American Contract Teachers. t HOlloes visited, 369. Calls made. 1.02'1. People called 111)011. 1,037. Deaconness Home-Vallie, 75.000; Debt. 33.000.

Statilth:s of tbe Work of tbe Women's Foreign Missionary Society of tbe Metbodlst Episcopal Cburcb In tbe Bengal Conference for tbe year ending June 30, 1915

2

~AMES OF STATIONS

OR DISTRICTS

Asansol District­Asansol

Calcutta District-Calcutta Girls' High School Anglo-India Orphanage Kidderpore Darjeeling

Calcutta Vernacular District Hati Bagan Lee Memorial: Mission Hindustani \Vork ... Tamluk Diamond Harhour District

Pakaur District Pakaur Bolpur Rampur Haut Deaconess Home

Total

i SCHOOLS OF COLLEGE (;HAIlE ENG1.I';H H(HI~IlIN(; SCHOOLS

\'EHNACI'J.AH AND ANGLO­

VERNACI'I.AI~ ROAROING SCHOOl.S

StlltlStiCII 'I' tbe Work 01 the Women's Forelln MllIslonary Society 0' tbe Methodist Eplscop'll Church In the Benglll Conference for

the year ending June 30, 1915

~AMES OF STATIONS

OR DISTRICTS

Asansol District~ Asansol ...

Calcutta District-Calcutta Girls High School ... Anglo-India Orphanage Kidderpore Darjeeling ... . ..

Calcutta Vernacular District­Hati Bagan Lee Memorial Mission Hindustani Work .. . Tamluk ... .. . Diamond Harbour District

Pakaur District­Pakaur Bolpur Rampur Haut Deaconess Home

Total

--~-- ---- - ~-----~---

ORPHANAGES

HOMES FOR WIDOWS AND

HmlELESS \\'OMEN DAY SCHOOLS KINDERGARTENS

............... ~ .. ~"I'" "·!·"I"·I .. ·I·~·I "i"j ::: ::: 3'510'080'01::: :::1:::1::: :::,1:::1 ........................... · .. 1 .... ·· ..

............... ... ... , ...... "'1'" ..... . 1 I

::::::::::::::: :::'::::::::::::::r: :::::::::::: ::: ::: .:: ::: .:: ::: :::1:::

)31 5'

1 I I

1"'1'" I z' I'" ...

'214

915

"jl"4 3 4

100

50

130 440

80 90

35

93 355

60 70 .. · .. · .. l .... · ... '",''' .. ·· .. · .... ·· .. 1

............... '''1 ... 11 I ... 135fJ03332 33 75 75 ......... 1...... .. .. + ........ " ... ... 7 8 160 140

I: ~ ~~ ::: 3:' d;l~~I~; ~ ~ ~ ~ ;:~ 3L21~;1 ;. -~~

66 31.33 440

8 136 50

i

1

I

.-e <Il > o

Cj ~~ --~. ~-~~~--$$-

to 10

14 86 9 '413

••. • ••••••••• 0' ••• ••• ••• • •••••

I I I,,·.. \ ...

... ..0 ... ... ... ..• .•. ... . •••.. --I--~---------- -54.331792 1 I 4 14 103 96 ~

Statistics of the Work of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church In the Bengal Conference for the year ending June 30, 1915

NAMES OF STATIONS

OR DISTRICTS

Asansol District-­Asansol

Calcutta District-Calcutta Girls High School .. , Anglo-Indian Orphanage Kidderpore Darjeeling

Calcutta Vernacular District­Hati Bagan Lee Memorial Mission Hindustani 'lIJ'ork .. , Tamluk Diamond Harbour District

Pakaur District -Pakaur Bolpur Rampur Haut Deaconess Home

···i·" '''II''~''I :::1::: ::: ·:::::1 .0 •••••••• t •• , •

... ···I········· j

............... '0- •••.•••••.••

0 ••••••••••••••

I 1 .,. 1... I

11

"'1 160

100

4 140 9 400 1 25 3 60

MEDICAL WORK

11

~ L Y ALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

mll~II~III~IIIII~IUII~IIUIIIII 3 9002 10638 7807

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