*Excerpt from Reuban Butchart's "The Disciples of Christ in Canada Since 1830", Chapter 11*
Aggressive leadership in Prince Edward Island began to promote the idea of a Women's missionary board, as early as 1909. Conservative influence there, as in other provinces, caused hesitancy. But, as elsewhere, when an opportunity came for participation in a Women's Christian effort, the call did not sound in vain and, indeed, it is believed to have been everywhere welcome.
Such documents as may be consulted affirm that the first auxiliary was formed in Summerside church in July, 1909. By July, 1912, also in Summerside, a provincial society was formed, with the following officers: president, Mrs. W. H. Harding; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. C. E. Armstrong; recording secretary, Miss Ada Stevenson. By 1912, the two societies of S. Lake and Greenmount had been founded; and in 1913, Charlottetown had a society and of this group Mrs. Louise Henry was treasurer for twenty-three years. In 1913, the leaders were: president, Mrs. M. F. Schurman; vice-president, Mrs. E. F. Rayner; secretary treasurer, Mrs. MacArthur; recording secretary, Miss Eva Stevenson; treasurer, Mrs. C. E. Armstrong. That year they raised $265.89.
As a concession to some who asked a definite objective rather than giving to one treasury which may be drawn from as planning directs, the idea of supporting a native evangelist in Mexico was agreed upon; and Isaac Uranga was selected, in the year 1915. At that time there were five societies, a membership of 103 and a total of money raised $444. That was at the Montague convention. Officers available for 1914 were: [205] president, Mrs. M. F. Schurman; vice-president, Mrs. W. H. Harding; corresponding secretary, Mrs. MacArthur; recording secretary, Miss Ada Stevenson; treasurer, Mrs. C. E. Armstrong. Thus the sisters named seem to have carried the early formative burdens of office. In 1918, 'Mother Ross' was one of the welcomed workers from Indianapolis. She organized the New Glasgow society. That year Murray Harbor co-operated with a special gift, though probably not then organized. Life memberships were largely used and honored by aiding gifts.
The development of missionary principles in the young was furthered by the formation of Mission Bands and Circles at Summerside, Montague, Greenmount, Charlottetown, with much heart participation therein. We may expect this to tell in the next generation.
For some years up to 1935, the regional worker was Mrs. M. F. Schurman, to whom the Island owes much for her faithful career in this and other church fields of labor. She was president for some years and always a leading spirit. Mrs. Leith Wright, of Charlottetown, and Miss Agnes Williams, were also named as regional workers and they made an undoubted contribution, upon which, like others, it would be agreeable to enlarge, were the facts available to the writer. Mrs. Leith Wright began her work as field secretary for All-Canada in 1946. She visits, organizes, and inspires workers in the local groups.
From such records as the compiler has seen it is apparent that Headquarters at Indianapolis sent responsible workers many times to the Island conventions, where they were welcomed by those who viewed them as major leaders in the great cause of the world wide Missions. It was a joy to meet and hear such as Dr. W. E. Macklin, of China, and Walter G. Menzies, of India. The widely-known Mattie Pounds was visiting organizer in 1909. Executives such as Mrs. J. M. Stearns, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Ora L. Shepherd stirred loving enthusiasm. Mrs. M. A. Baughman as field lecturer was a visitor in 1917. Mrs. Maria H. Ford, who had been a missionary in Mexico, was an executive visitor about that date.
This commemorative sketch should not conclude without the mention of other Island sisters who must be named. The compiler has just these--there may be others, and so apologies. Mrs. E. F. Rayner, Mrs. J. H. Baker, Mrs. Lester Mellish, Mrs. Frank Stewart, Mrs. G. Ballingnal, Mrs. Fred Rose comprise the roster. It is not easy to conceive, and impossible briefly to record, what has been accomplished for the kingdom of Christ [206] our Master owing to the efforts of this group. They all doubtless would say 'Thine be the glory'. It is measured in terms of spirit, not money.