*Excerpt from Reuban Butchart's "The Disciples of Christ in Canada Since 1830", Chapter 11*
In 1891, Mr. and Mrs. J. Eustace Barnes visited the Toronto convention and reported to their home folk that the women of Ontario were desirous of sending forth a missionary to China. This stirred the minds of the sisters and led by Mrs. J. S. Flaglor, a provincial organization was later developed, at Westport, N.S. The first officers chosen were: Mrs. J. M. Ford, president; Mrs. J. E. Barnes and Mrs. H. Murray, vice presidents. In 1892 Miss Mary Rioch of Hamilton, Ontario was chosen as [203] the missionary to represent both boards. Together they shared in the real inspiration that Miss Rioch's work brought. Miss Rioch had been appointed to Japan where she established a Girls school at Tokyo (two in fact); bought property and built; had the thrill of losing it by fire; but the women stood by her, and together their co-operation did much to inspire other work for the kingdom. Miss Emma Christie, of St. John, was also an early leader, and the local pastor, Henry Stewart, aided and encouraged the women's efforts. The women were cheered in their annual conventions by visiting speakers from Indianapolis and many ties bound the women of both countries together by so doing.
In the Canadian Disciple for March, 1937, a full report of their work was given by Mrs. W. J. Johnston, regional worker for the W.M.S. in the Maritimes. Some striking facts are here excerpted: in 1892 Port Williams organized as a W.M.S., the women being deeply moved by the address of Mary Graybiel, of India. Of that group Bessie Kidston (later Mrs. Robert Wilson) went with her husband to Africa and served on the Congo. In 1897, Douglas Avenue, St. John, organized for missions and home work together, with eighteen charter members. In 1903 at Westport, a W.M.S. was organized by Mrs. Darst, of Everett, Mass. Cobourg St. St. John organized in 1905, with a membership of fifty-seven; in 1917, Danvers mission was organized, under the consecrated leadership of Mrs. Henry Lewis. In 1928, a Mission Society was organized at Southville with twenty members. It held its meetings at night so that men could attend. Mrs. Johnston organized Dorne Ridge as a W.M.S. in 1930, giving to both home and foreign missions; and a group at Burtts Corner began to give a monthly offering for foreign work. Lord's Cove Society has been active for many years, with leadership by Mrs. J. S. Lord and Mrs. Frank Richardson. River John, N.S. also responded to the call to organize a W.M.S. with twelve members. Milton, N.S. was organized in 1890 by Mrs. Darst, with twelve members and later began a Mission Band for juniors. Halifax has an active W.M.S. and the work is being further opened up elsewhere. In addition to the foregoing W.M..S. organizations, various groups were organized as Circles, Triangle Clubs, mission bands at the following points; Douglas Ave., St. John, W. Gore, Riverdale, Burtt's Corner, Lord's Cove, Leonardville and River John.
In the Maritimes, as in Ontario, there has been at times a linking up of the women's and Provincial societies to aid in evangelism and church welfare. They gave from $75. to $450. a year to this cause. Mrs. Johnston, [204] who served as regional worker for several years, was linked also with her husband's oversight in the Home field. Her loss by death was a great blow. She was a deeply consecrated woman and both she and her husband are mentioned elsewhere.
A long list of personnel follows to reveal the loyal workers through many years. It is hoped no omissions of leading workers occur. It is to be noted that as far back as 1899, Miss Carrie Payson and Mrs. Frank Richardson were to the fore; others named are Mrs. Alex Murray, Mrs. O. Wallace, Mrs. H. B. Ford, Miss Lillie Jackson, Mrs. S. F. Stevens, Mrs. Olive Wallace, Miss A. Freeman, Miss Clara Wood, Mrs. L. A. Miles, Mrs. A. A. Stuart, Mrs. Geo. B. Stuart, Miss Susie Ford, Mrs. J. M. Ford, Mrs. D. A. Murray, Mrs. J. S. Flaglor, Miss M. E. Tulloch, Mrs. H. Wallace, Mrs. Leith Wright, Miss Margaret Roberts, Mrs. M. C. Phillips, Mrs. Fred W. Wallace, Mrs. Fred Welsford.