TWELFTH

ANNUAL REP

. ,

O:B' .THE

BOMBAY

.. ~oments missionar~(tonference'

OF THE

mttbodist €piScopal £burcb

HELD AT

BARODA, December 9-14,~. ,

1903.

PRINTED AT THE METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUS:E •.. . ';''' .... -

1904 . . J

TWELFTH

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

BOMBAY

\Moments mfssfonar~ \tonference

OF THE

mttbodist Episcopal £burcb

FOR

1903.

16omba!1: PRINTED AT THE METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUlE.

1904.

OFFICERS

OF THE

BOMBAY Wom¢nts missionary £onftrtnc¢,

1903.

President:

MRS. S. W. STEPHENS, M. D., Poona.

Vice-Presidents:

MIssA. A. ABBOTT, Godhra. I MISS M. E. WILLIAMS, Baroda.

Secretary:

MISS C. H. LAWSON, Bombay,

Assistant Secretary:

MISS H. E. ROBINSON, Bombay.

Statistical Secrelary :

MISS M. E. WILLIAMS, Baroda.

Auxiliary Treasurer and Conference Organizer:

MISS A. R. ELICKER.

Finance and Reference Committee:

MIss LAWSON, Bombay. I MRS. Fox, Poona. MISS ELICKER, Khundwa. MRS. FELT, Nursingpur. MISS ABBOTT, Godhra. MRS. AYERs, Baroda.

MIss I!EAFER, Official Cm'respondent and T1'eaSU1'e'l' of Conference.

Examination Committee.

Mat'alM-Miss Nicholls, Mrs. Fox, Miss Lawson, Miss Miller. (}zVarati~Miss Williams, Miss Abbott, Miss Holmes.

HiIl4uatani-Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Felt, Miss Heafer.

standing Committees.

Temperance-Mrs. W. H. Stephens, Mrs. Fox, Miss Davis, Mrs. Ayers. Publisliing Minutes-Miss Lawson, Miss Robinson.

Maratlti Women's Friend-Miss Nicholls, Miss Lawson, Miss Robinson, Rev. D. O. Fox and Rev. F. Wood.

JJeaconess TVol'k-Dr. Johnson, Rev. E. F. Frease, Rev. L. E. Linzell, Miss Williams, Miss Davis, Mrs. Fox.

Special Programme-Miss Williams, Miss Da.vis, Miss Elicker.

J!kl,ucationaZ-Dr. Johnson, Rev. E. F. Frease, Rev. D. O. Fox, Rev. Abbott, Rev. W. H. Stephens, Misses Elicker, Williams, La.wson and Mrs. Eddy.

Names and -addresses of Branch Secretaries, Oorresponding.-Mrs. W. B. Thompson, Chariton, Iowa. New England Branl'k.-Miss Mary Holt, 4 Berwick Place, Boston, Mass .

. New Y01'k B1·anok-Mrs. Wm. B. Skidmore, 230 W. 59th St., New York, N. Y. Pkiladelphia B1·anclt-Mrs. S. L. Keen, 1209 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. Baltimore Bl'arw/t-Mrs. E. B. Stevens, 604 Thompson Ave, Baltimore, Md.

a'incinnati Bl'anl'/t.-Mrs. B. R. Cowen, 2406 Highland Ave., Walnut Hills, Cinoin-

nati Ohio.

Nortl/,weste1'n B1·altclt-Mrs. F. P. Crandon, 1414 Forest Ave., Evanailton, Ill.

JJes Moinel Bl'anch,-Mrs. W. B. Thompson, Chariton, Iowa. Mi·nneapolis Branc!t-Mrs. Joyce, Minneapolis, Minn. Topeka B;'anclb-Miss Matilda Watson, 1701 S. 17th, St., Lincoln, Neb. Pacific Bran{!lt-Mrs.Oharlotte O'Neal, Pasadena, Cal.

Oulurnbia River Branch-Mrs. A. N. Fisher, 214 Twelfth St., Portland, Ore,

Roll of Members.

B. Abbott, Mrs. 2 Abbott, Miss

Aldrich, Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. Baksh, Mrs. (M. D.) Benjamin, Mrs. Bennett, Miss Benthien, Miss

'* Bruere, Mrs. Butterfield, Mrs. Bhosle, Prithibai Calkins, Ml'S. Clark, Mrs. Davis, Miss

Eddy, Mrs. 2 Elicker, Miss

Elliott, Miss 2 Felt, Mrs.

Files, Miss 1 Fox, Mrs.

Frease, Mrs. Gungu, Mrs. Grenon, Mrs.

2 Heafer, Miss Hill, Ml's.

2 Holmes, Miss Hutchings, Mrs.

* Hyde, Miss Henry, Mrs.

* Lawson Miss Linzell, Mrs.

• Moore, Mrs. 1 Miller, Miss

* Nicholls, Mi;;s Norton, Dr. Park,~Mrs.

Robbins, Mrs. 1 Robinson Miss

Singh, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. (M. D.,) Stephens, Mrs. W. H. Turner, Miss Tuttle, Miss (M. Do,) Vardon, Mrs. Waller, Mrs. Ward, Mrs.

2 Williams, Miss Wood, Mrs. Yusaf, Mrs.

. .. Evangelistic, ...

... Girls' Orphanage,

.. .Boys' Orphanage, · . Boys' Orphanage, · . Medical Work, • . Women's Work, · . Taylor High Scho01, · .On leave • .On leave · .English Work, · .Women's Work, · .On leave, • • Women's Work, · o Englifh Deaconess Work,

(Bowen Church), •• Taylor High School, .. • . Girls' Boarding School, · .On leave, • . Women's Work, .. Taylor High School, · • English Work,

(Grant Road Church), • .On leave, •. Women's Work, • • English Work ... Girls' School... • .On leave, · • Village Work, · . Anglo-Indian Girls' Home, · .On leave,

• • Khundwa.. ..Godhra. • . N ursingpur. • . Baroda. ..Bombay. · . Burhanpur. ..Poona. • . America. •. America. • . Igatpuri. • . Bombay. · . America. • . Karachi.

.. Bombay.

..Poona . · . Khundwa. · .America.. · . N ursingpur. .. Poona. .

· . Bombay. · .America.

· . Jubbulpur. • . Jubbulpur. · . America · . Nadiad. ..Poona.. · • America.

• . Girls' Boarding School, .. Bombay. · . English Work,(Bowen Church), •. Bombay. • . On leave, •• America. • . Girls' Orphanage and Evangelis-

tic Work, •. Basim. · .On leave, .. America. • .On leave, •. Boys' Orphanage and Industrial

School .. Nadiad . .. Women's Work, •. Ahmedabad, ... Evangelistic Work and Day

Schools, ... Bombay. . .. Women's Work, ... Chindwara. ... On leave, ... America. . .. Marathi City Schools, ... Poona. ... Village Work .. Baroda . .. . District Medical Work, ... Baroda. ...Hindustani Work, ... Poona. ...Evangelistic Work, ... Kampti. ... Village Work, .. Godhra. · . Girls' Boarding School, ... Baroda . ... Vernacular Work, ... Bombay. . .. Training School, .. 0 Baroda..

ill The figures indicate thc ye3f of vernacular passed, the aFterisk indica~s tha.t the vcrnacHlar coqrs~ of stud~ hus been completeil.

MINu':rE8

Ol? THE

FIRST DAY

'WEDNESDAY, D('cember 9,1908. The twelfth annual session of the Bombay Women's Missionary

Conference met in the M. E. Church, Baroda at 3 p. M., the president Mrs. Stephens, M. D., in the chair. Mrs. Eddy conducted the devotional service after which the Roll was called and the following answered to their names:-Mrs. Abbott, Miss Abbott, Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. Butterfield, Miss Davis, Miss Elicker, Mrs. Felt, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Hutchings, Miss Holmes, Miss Lawsoll, Miss Robinson, Mrs. S. W. Stephens, M. D., Mrs. W. H. Stephens, Mrs. Vi ard, Miss '¥illiams.

Otficel's.-The officers for the ensuing year were elected as fol­lows :-President, Mrs. Stephens, M. D.; Vice-Presidents, Misses Abbott and Williams; Secretary, Miss Lawson; Assistant Secre­tary Miss Robinson; Statistical Secretary, Miss Williams; Auxiliary Treasurer and Oonference Organizer, Miss Elicker.

Introduction-s.-The following were introduced to the Conference: Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Tuttle, Miss Turner, Mrs. Aldrich, Mrs. Morton, Misses McPherson, Nunan and Munro. Mrs. Felt and Mrs. Stephens were welcomed back to India.

On motion it was decided to hold one session of the Conference daily at 3 P. M.

The chair appointed Mrs. Felt, Mrs. Hutchings, and Miss Robinson on the Resolution Oommittee.

On motion it was decided that the Finance and Reference Committee be elected on Saturday at 4 P. M. and the delegates to Central Conference immediately following.

The Temperance Oommittee reported no special work done as a. committee but Mrs. Fox called the attention of the Conference to a. Temperance Catechism published in Marathi by the Poona WeT. U. and requested missionaries in charge of Marathi schools to purchase oopies. The report was accepted, .

6 Women's Missionary Confere7We

Publishing Minutes.-The report on publishing Minutes was given and accepted.

},{arathi Women's Friend.-Miss Robinson gave a very satis­factory report of the Friend which was accepted and the same committee was continued.

Spec·ial Day Programme.-The report of this committee was aocepted and the committee discontinued.

Special P1'ogram.me.-Miss Williams' report was accepted and Miss Williams, Miss Davis and Miss Elicker appointed as Programme Committee for the ensuing year.

On motion the Secretary and Assistant Secretary were appointed to publish the Minutes.

A motion was made and carried that the Bombay \Vomen's Conference memorialize the Central Oonference to add to the statistical form a column to include English deaconess work.

On motion the Conference adjourned.

SECOND DAY.

THURSDAY, December 10, 1903.

The Conference was called to order at 3 P. M. by the president and Miss Turner conducted the opening exercises.

The Minutes were read and corrected.

Introd1tcti.ons.-Miss LaPersonne was introduced to the Conference.

The chairman appointed the .Temperance Oommittee as follows: Mrs. W. H. Stephens, Mrs. Fox, Miqs Davis, Mrs. Ayers.

Educational.-The following were appointed on the Educational Committee: Misses Elicker, Williams, Lawson and Mrs. Eddy.

Examination Cmnmittee.-Mrs. Vardon read a certificate from North India Conference to the effect that Miss Day now Mrs. Abbott ha.d passed the third year of the Hindustani course.

Mrs. W. H. Stephens moved that the report and the certificate be aooepted.

Miss Robinson read an interesting report of her Zenana work in Bombay and tbis was followed by an animated discussion.

The Conference then adjourned to meet the following day at 9 4. II,

for l\ special session.

Twelfth Annual Report of the Bombay 7

THIRD DAY. FRIDAY, December 11, 1903.

MORNING SESSION.

The Conference met at 9 A. M. for a special session to consider the rules regarding assistants and if possible to devise Borne means of providing for any needing long leave of absence from their work on account of their health breaking down after several years of work.

Mrs. Stephens moved that a committee be appointed to draw up a resolution regulating the sick leave and salary of assistants in the Bombay Conference and that these regUlations be forwarded to Central Conference. Mrs. Abbott, Miss Abbott and Miss Lawson were appointed as the committee.

The Conference adjourned to meet again for a special session at the call of the President.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Conferenoe met at 3 P. 1\1. and Mrs. Hutchings conducted the devotional exercises taking a temperance theme.

The Minutes were read and approved. Int1'oduct'ions.-Mrs. Calkins was introduced to the Conference. The assistant secretary took the names of all who would write

for the" 'Women's Friend"; January, Miss Lawson; Pebruary, Mrs. Stephens; Ma.rch, Miss ·Williams ; April, Mrs. Ayers; June, Mrs. Eddy; July, Mrs. Felt; September, Mrs. Morton; October, Mrs. Hutchings; November, Mrs. Abbott; December, Miss Robinson.

The president called for the report of the examination committee which reported as follows:-

Gujarati.-Mrs. Frease reported that Miss Holmes had completed her first year's course and had passed in the Gospels and 3rd Reader of the 2nd year, Miss Williams had passed in the Gospels and 3rd Reader of the 2nd year and Miss Turner in John's Gospel and 1st and 2nd Readers of the first year. On account of illness the examinations had not been completed and she requested that Misses 'Williams, Abbott and Holmes be allowed to complete their 2nd year's examina~ tions within two weeks and that the figure denoting the year passed be placed before their names in the Minutes.

It was moved and carried that they be allowed to do as requested. Hindustani.-Mrs. Abbott made the same request in regard to

Miss Elicker. Mrs. Stephens moved that Miss Elicker be a.llowed to take her examination within two weeks and the results reported in the Minutes.

8. Women's Missio7J;ary Oonference

The Gujarati Committee reported on the changes in their course of study as follows: First year:-Translation of 1st Standard Reader instead of first 44 pages of 1st Royal Reader and Dictation to be added. SeJond year :-Grammar completed, 2nd Standard Reader, leaving out M. E. Discipline. Conversation to be added. Third year :-3rd Standard Reader, Grammar omitted. The as" sistant's course to be the same as missionaries. The report was ac­cepted.

Mrs. Eddy read a most excellent paper on "Educational Work" which called forth strong expressions of thanks.

A motion was made and carried that the paper be printed in the Minutes.

Miss Miller's paper on "The Relation of Teacher to Pupil" was read by Miss Abbott. Many good and helpful points were brought out.

The Conference adjourned to meet at 11-30 A. M. on Saturday.

FOURTH DAY SATURDAY, December 12, 1903,

MORNING SESSION. The special Session of the Conference was called at 11-80 A. M.

the president in the chair. After prayer the special committee presented the following resolution which was accepted.

Resolved, That an assistant having broken down in health after five or more years' service be allowed six months' leave with salary provided she obtain a certificate from a competent physician and with the permission of the Presiding Elder and mis­sionary in charge; the salary to be pro'vided from the local funds if possible, otherwise, to be provided by the Finance Committee.

And, furthermore that after ten consecutive years of faithful service an assistant be allowed six months' rest without regard to her privilege leave, with salary to be provided in the same way and subjeot to the permission of the Presiding Elder and the mis­sionary in charge.

On motion the following definition of " Assistant" was accepted.

By the te1'm "Assistant" is understood English and Anglo­Indian ladies pursuing or having pursued the course of study p~escribed by this body and such others as may be elected to thi~ olass by this- body.

The Conference adjourned.

Twelfth ~!lnnual Rep07't of'the Bontbay 9

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Miss Davis conducted the opening exercises after which the president took the chair. The Minutes were read and approved.

Intl'odllctions.-Mrs. Lynn was introduced to the Conference. Reports from auxiliaries were called for. :Miss Heafer reported

a Standard Bearers'Society of 69 members in the sohool and a. King's Herald Society of 144 members. Miss Elicker reported a Standard Bearers' Society in her school of 50 members, Miss Davis reported that the support of an orphan in the Bombay Girls' School had been transferred to Mrs. Hutchings and that the collections for this purpose were large. Mrs. Hutchings re­ported a Love Band in the orphanage which is entirely managed by the members themselves. At every meeting a collection is taken and often when funds are low given voluntarily to Mrs. Hutchings.

Marathi Examination Committee: Mrs. Fox reported that Miss Ro­binson had passed her first year in Marathi. The report was accepted.

Miss Lawson reported that Miss Thoy had read the Brd year English course with the exc9ption of the History of the early church which could not be obtained. She was allowed to pass.

It was req uested that the committee be allowed during the year to find some suitable substitute for" Elements of Morality" in the Brd year Marathi course for missionaries and report at the next Conference.

On motion the request was granted. Miss Moore of Basim was reported to have passed the first year of the

assistants' course with grammar to bring up. The report was acoepted. The same committee were reappointed.

Misses 'Viliams, Abbott and Holmes were appointed as members of the Gujarati Committee.

Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Felt and Miss Heafer were appointed on the Hindustani Committee.

The Conference on motion took a recess in order that their photo might be taken after which they assembled at the church and resumed business.

The Finance and Heference Committee was elected by ballot as follows: Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Felt, Miss Elicker, Miss Abbott and Miss Lawson.

On motion the committee were allowed to nominate their own alternates which they did as follows :-Mrs. Park, Mrs. W. H. Ste­phens, Mrs. Abbott, Miss Miller, Miss Williams, Miss Robinson. These nominations were confirmed by a vote of the Conference.

The Conference then proceeded to ballot for delegates to Centra.l Conference and the following were elected. Mrs. Fox and Miss Abbott with Miss Williams as alternate.

On motion the Conference adjourned. to meet at 8 A.M. on Monda.y. 2

10 Twelfth Annual Report of the BOinbay

FIFTH DAY ..

MONDAY, December 14, 1903.

MORNING SESSION.

The Conference met in the Church on Monday at 8-15 A. M. After the devotional service conducted by Miss Heafer, the president took the chair.

The Minutes were read and approved. It was moved that this year our delegates' fare to Central Con­

ference be paid accOl'ding to precedent, which is one fare only and that hereafter it be estimated for. Carried.

It was moved and carried that the number of Minutes required be left to the secretary.

On motion the motion in regard to printing Mrs. Eddy's paper was reconsidered.

Mrs. Abbott moved a. substitute to the original motion to the effect that Mrs. Eddy'~ paper be printed in as many papers as possible in this land and also be sent to the home Advocates.

Tbe report of the statistical secretary was heard and accepted. The official correspondent reported the mid-year meeting of t4e

Finance and Reference Committee and that the instructions of the Committee in regard to writing io the Secretaries had been carried out.

It was moved and carried that the Finance and Reference Com­mittee be allowed to mee~ at the close of the Conference to elect their official correspondent and that the report be inserted in the Minutes.

Miss Holmes's paper on "Eva.ngelistic Work" was greatly enjoyed .. by all and several took part in the discussion which followed.

It was moved and carrier:! that Miss Holmes's paper be sent to the 'N orld "Vide Missions for publication.

On motion the time was extended fifteen minutes,

Miss Hea£er asked permission to haye Miss Ram and_ Miss Man­sell accepted as assietantR.

Moved that these two young women be accepted as assistants on condition that they bring up the course of study.

The report of the Resolution Committee was heard and accepted. " See resolutions.

It was moved that after the reading of the Minutes the Confer­(mce adjourn.

The :Minutes were read and corrected, prayer was offered, the, bened~ction pronounced and the Conference stood adjourned. .

W'"07nen J s JJ:lissionnry Conference. 11

RESOLUTIONS.

·WELOOME.

1. Resolved, That we extend a hearty welcome to the new mem­bers of our Oonference: Dr. Tuttle, Mis:::! Turner, !\frs. Eddy and Mrs. Aldrich.

2. Resolved, that we cordially welcome tho returned members: Mrs. Felt and Mrs. \V. H. Btephens.

SY:JIPATHY. 1. Resolved, That we express tender sympathy in the sorrow of

Mrs. Abbott for the loss of her little one.

2. Resolved, that we express our sympathy for Dr. Norton in her suffering and trust she may speedily find health.

GREETING. Resolved, That we express our regret at the absence of all our

members on furlough: Miss Kicholls, Miss Hyde and Mrs. Hill and hope they may soon return to their work.

THANKS. 1. Resolved, That our thanks be given to the ladies who read

papers. 2. Resolved, that we extend a vote of thanks to all our hostesses

for their kind hospitality during the Conference.

CONGRA.TULATIONS. Resolved, That we extend our congratulations to Miss Williams

on tho completion of her magnificent orphanage buildings and to the W. F. M. 8. ladies on the completion of their comfortable home in Baroda.

FARE\VELL.

Resolved, That we extend a regretful farewell to our president Dr. Stephens and trust that the Lord may provide for the work she leaves behind and for her return to India again.

Respectfully submitted,

Committee. I MRS. FELT.

MHS. HUTCHINGS.

MISS ROBINSON,

12 Twelfth .Annual Report of the Bombay

REPORTS OF WORK.

Bombay District.

REPORT OF BOMBAY BOARDING SCHOOL AND

ORPHANAGE. },[issionary ••••••••• ........................... MISS C. H. LAWSON.

This has been a year of peculiar trials but these have been but testings of faith that have driven us nearer to our God so out of them have grown peculiar blessings.

We began the very first day of the year with a case of measles and for four weeks the epidemic lasted. All about us children were dying from this disease but thanks be to God out of our twenty cases only one was fatal.

Hardly had we settled down after this seige than we began to find dead rats on the premises and after nearly a month of anxiety we were obliged to hastily remove the school to segregation camp until we could arrange to sena it to Telegaon where it remained two and a half months. We cannot be thankful enough that during this trying time, our girls were preserved from plague; and their bravery and cheerfulness were also cause for rejoicing. We were however called upon to part with one of our oldest girls who took the disease in her home. Shanti Ramjee was a pupil in the 5th English Standard, a bright student and an earnest Christian girl. Besides the two deaths from measles and plague we have lost six other girls during the year-five from consumption and one a babe so eaten by a foul inherit­ed disease that almost from the first there was no hope. The health of the school has been very good during the past six months and much credit is due to Dr. Norton, who was with us from the latter part of July until Nov. 4th, also our nurse, one of our own girls trained in the Ludhiana Hospital, has been a great comfort and help in careing for the sick. We now number 97 girls and 2 boys.

The girls returned to Bombay in June and began with vigour their studies which had been so seriously interrupted; all worked with So will, teachers and pupils, and the results of the examination were satisfactory, the vernacular school receiving an increase of grant.

Nine of our girls were baptized on Conference Sunday 1902, five by Bishop Warne in July, and on Nov. 29th 1908, sixteen were received into full membership in the church. One girl of thirteen found on the street, was taken into the school a little more than a year ago and a.t once manifested a de8ire to be taught spiritual things. She has h~en truly converted (Lnd has made rapid progress in her spiritual life,

"fJl'o11wn)s Jllissional'Y Conference 13

The girls have taken a great interest in our building schemes and have been trying to earn money.

Though for a time cast down by our many difficulties in regard to shelter and the enhanced ground rent we have been able to cast all care upon Him who careth for us and knowing that "His presence shall go with us" and" He shall choose our inheritance for us" we rejoicingly go forth to our temporary home in the wilderness.

BOMBAY EVANGELISTIC WORK AND CITY SCHOOLS. Missional'y .................................... MISS H. E. ROBINSON.

The Zenana work among high caste women of the past year shows a steady interest on the part of the women visited. The aim has been to provide every home visited with a Bible or Scripture portion and an examination is to be held by Easter, on portions studied. Side by side with this has been the personal application of the truth. But many have heard the truth over and over again. We need the power of the Spirit to make the word sink into soil prepared by the same Spirit, and we resolve not to be weary or faint. The death of one of our Zenana women, this year, who has been known to all our W.F. M. S. ladies since the time of Miss De Line, solemnized us when we remembered that she had had much light, had confessed with her lips that Jesus was her Saviour, yet after all that she had been carried away by reading Annie Besant's lectures and had died without real peace.

At our recent Zenana party for Hindu and Beni-Israelite women, we were encouraged to hear Sonabai read a paper on a subject of her own choosing, the life of Charlotte Elliot, the author of "Just as I am" which she had read in the Marathi 'Vomen's Friend. In the paper she showed such an appreciation of Christian truths as she had learned them from us that we were Imrprised, and since the party when we asked her what she and her husband thought of becoming Christians, she said" we are thinking it over very carefully." .I esodabai who has long since ceased to worship idols through the influence of our Christian teaching, cast her husband's idols into the sea and for refusing to bathe and care for new ones she has had to suffer some pers9cution. Access has been gained to a Hindu lady, president of an Indian Ladies' Club in Bombay. A Mahomedan lady of high rank has reached a crisis by the death of a relative when she will accept Christ now or never.

The districts visited bv our workers include the whole native town of Bombay that is," eighteen of the twenty three districts into which Bombay is divided geographically. In the plague months many leave the city for their residences in the suburbs: Bandora, Santa Cruz and Dadar on the railway line, and some of our friends out there tell us that if we should ever be threatened with plague the, will put up tents for us in their compound.

14 TweZfth AnnuaZ Report of the Bombay

A Gujarati Bible woman and a Marathi girl fmm Miss Lawson's School have opened up low caste work, side by side in different sections of the city. In some places they have eighty listeners at one time. Our programme for the coming year if plague does not interfere, is to open a Sunday School in the different centers where our native Ohris­tians live. One was opened this year at the door of Sarahbai's hut who had plague and recovered through prayer.

Besides Sunday Schools, Day Schoois are urgently needed espe­cially for the low caste children. There is opening also for a Khoja School and Mrs. Nikambe urges us to take up a school of 150 Jains and Hindus, in the heart of the native city. For all this we ask God's guidance and pray that Miss Nicholls' health may be fully restored for the great city of which we have barely touched the outer fringe.

TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.

J'Jiissionary ......... .............................. MRS. S .. ,\V. EDDY,

It is with much freedom that I write the report of 1903, because it is largely the record of others' deeds.

One year ago the superintendency of the School . became vacant by-the sudden home-going of Miss Elliot, and for the third time in the history of the School, Mrs. Fox was called to add that arduous task to her many others.

It seems but just to our many friends to state frankly, without going into detail, that the School was in great financial embarrass­ment. Indeed, the conditions that had brought about such a state of affairs, were such as to haye baffled a less courageous spirit. By instituting a close system of economy, and adhering to painstaking attention to details, she was able to see daylight in the distance on the date of handing over the management to the new Principal, Sept. 1st. In bringing about this gratifying result much assistance was rendered by Miss Files.

During the year the teaching was ably conducted by the efficient staff of nine teachers. Miss Oarey, because of her long connection with the School, was able to ta.ke large responsibilities in the daily routine of class work. The efforts of all the workers were well rewarded by the resuUs of the annual examinations, upon which 90% of· our pupils received promotion. The Government inspection was also very gratifying, the unsolicited statement of the Inspector being that he noted very marked improvement in the character of the work done.

We regret that the attendance has not been greater, but this feature is not so discouraging as it seems. While the numbers have been less, yet the terms of admittance of those now in attendance bav~ be~n so rearranged that the fina.nces are in a much better

TV O1nen's .;lIi,ssionary Conference. 15 ~~----.-----------

relative condition. It is our firm belief that the boarding depart­ment must be placed upon a strictly self-supporting basis and maintained there, and we feel highly pleased that even with our present numbers, this is so nearly accomplished.

We do wish it understood, howeyer, that a larger number of scholarships could be used to great advantage. Children of Methodist and other protestant families will be lost to us, unless we are fible to give them financial aid, especially as there are Catholic schools into which they will be taken at reduced rates.

In bringing about our present financial state in the boarding department great credit is due to Miss Bennett. She came to the School in August by transfer from Jabalpore, where she had found it physically impossible to remain longer. Our warmest thanks are due to the Bishops and ,Vomen's Foreign Missionary Society for this valuable addition to our force of workers.

'Ve are happy to report that with the opening of .the new school year in Oct., twelve new pupils presented themselves for admission. The term just closing has been characterized by close application to studies, and a most wholesome tone pervades all the classes. \Ve have three teachers in training for the Government examination in August next, and one in training for Kindergarten. Three pupils were sent up for Matriculation, results of which are not yet known.

The spiritual condition of the girls, while not what we are working and praying for, is giving evidence of real and wholesome growth, and this we shall earnestly endeavor to make the basis of all their training.

POONA CITY MARATHI CIRCUIT AND ORPHANAGE.

Missionary MRS. D. O. Fox. A.'!sistant MISS HARRISON.

Early in the year, for the seventh time since 1896, our day schools were broken up by the plague, some for two months, and others three. For some time previously, the attendance dwindled, owing to the removal of many families from the city. Many of our pupils died, and in some cases, whole familieB were wiped onto One little girl, shortly before her death, said to her mother, "Do not cry, mother; I am not yours now; I belong to Jesus and am going to Him." \Ve rejoice that we have been able to tell these little ones of Jesus' love. -

Our Sunday Schools give us great encouragement. Indian chil­dren memorize readily, and even when quite young they commit to memory the Golden Texts and other Bible verses. Not long ago, when the G olden Text was, "The Lord is my Shepherd," I was pleased to hear one of our largest Sunday Schools repeat in concert the whole

16 Twelfth Annual Report of the Bonllbay

of the Twenty-third Psalm. At the close of each quader, many of these children repeat the twelve Golden Texts of the quarter without prompting or mistake, and each one who does so for the four quarters, receives a pice Gospel, or some Bible story book. In this way, the word of God is finding an entrance into the homes of our pupils, and who can tell what fruit may be reaped from all this sowing of the precious seed?

As illustrations of the superstition and ignorance of the people, I will give two instances that recently came under my notice when a photograph of one of our schools was being taken, I observed that some of the pupils were absent, and on inquiring, was told that they were afraid. The idea was that after taking their pictures, we would send them to America. At another school, on speaking to the call woman of the small attendance, I was informed that the parents objected to the calisthenic exercises. They are suspicious of any thing new.

We have a bright new place for the Frederick Rice Memorial School, but the rent is considerably higher than we were paying for the other, which, however, had become really unfit for our purpose.

The Bible women have worked faithfully, and not without results, though they can not aU be tabulated. One woman, a Brahmin widow, and her little boy, have been baptised, and since then, her son has been attending one of our low caste schools.

In the past year, there has been only one death in our Orphanage­little Tom, one of our babies.

Many of our boys belong to the International Bible Reading Associa­tion and faithfully read the assigned portions of Scripture daily. At the India Sunday School Union Examination held in July, seventeen passed and received certificates.

Mr. Duthie, who joined us in March, has proved a most efficient Missionary among the boys.

Dr. Stephens who expects to leave India for a time1 will be greatly missed by our Indian Christian Community in Poona.

POONA MEDICAL WORK. Mi,'1s'iona1·y ........................... MRs. S. ,V. STEPHENS, M. D. Compounder and Bible Woman ..........••...... SOONDERBAI.

The work in the Poona Medical Disl-ensary has gone steadily and regularly forwal'd during the year, with little to distinguish it from other years. 'Ve have attended, from December 1st 1902 to November 30th 1903, 3,002 new cases, and 3,030 return visits: as compared with 3,058 new and 4,252 old last year. The slight decrease is probably due to the fact that I was away in the Hills for three months, when the attendance was naturally smaller.

Twelfth Annual Report of the Bontbay 17

Contrary to other years, the plague, which has this year been bad in the Sholapur Bazaar, just near the Dispensary, has not caused any falling off in the attendance. We have had a few cases brought to us for treatment, and the friends of others have come for advice and medicines, but as I have no means of segregation, it did not seem wise to allow them to come among the other patients, so I sent them to the hospital.

The health of the children in our various schools has been good, so I have not had to make many visits to these institutions.

I have had two girls under training for compounders, one Chum­pabai, from Soonderbai Powar's Training Home has been recently married and the other Lilly Fiar, from Mrs. Hutching's Home. This latter we hope to send to Ludhiana for further training a little later on.

Ramabai whom I sent last year to Ludhiana to complete her compounding and learn nursing is doing well and I hear excellent accounts of her from the Principal of the Institution. She is &upport­ed by the Baltimore Branch.

The three girls on scholarships, also feOll1 the Baltimore Branch, in training for Bible women are doing well and one ought to complete her course next year.

The drugs and advice are entirely free but as the money supplied is not quite sufficient to meet the expenses I have raised Rs. 180. locally.

My Beggars' cl!tss has been continued and has been a constant source of joy and spiritual strengthening to me. One oIU woman, a sort of Priestess has been baptized. I can't tell yet just what sort of Christian she will make, but she has made a brQak in the ranks and now a poor, miserable leper is asking for baptism and we believe he is really seeking Salvation. To Jesus be all the glory.

POONA ANGLO-INDIAN HOME.

]!lissional'Y MRS. E. H. HUTCHINGS.

In reporting of our work for another year we have as usual to start with a note of praise to our Heavenly Father for his continued care, provision and guidance.

Our numbers are girls 56, boy 23, total 79. During the year we have had 58 girls, 2 having recently left. This is the largest number we have ever had and it has taxed our accommodation to the utmost. We should be very glad to add to the size of our present buildings.

The Home School has made encouraging progress during the year. We have taught up to the 5th standard, those in higher classes attending the Taylor High Schools.

S

18 Women's Missionary Confere~e.

The Inspector gave a good report and -expressed himself as being very pleased with the work of the year.

Of the girls who have attended the Taylor High School for girls two went up for the Matriculation Examination in November and we hope soon to hear that they have both passed.

In spiritual things there has been much 10 praise the Lord for in the steady growth of the Christian children, and the conversion of those who had been prayed for for many months. The special services held by our Pastor in September last were very helpful; the elder girls received a great spiritual uplift and several others were brought to decision for Christ. The Camp Meeting which followed at Lan'ouli, was also a time of real enjoyment and spiritual blessing. Owing to the kindness of Mr. E. 'V. Fritchleyof Bombay, we were able to take a large number of the children to the Camp, and very much they appreciated it.

Six of our girls were received as Church Members on prob:ttion on Sunday evening last, and we trust that this will be a step that will greatly strengthen them in their Christian life.

Only two girls have left this year and not any boys. Of the two girls one has gone as nurse to Mrs. Drummond of the Christian Mission, Harda. The other is not yet settled.

Of those who left previously 5 are in direct Mission \Vork ; 2 at the Medical School, Ludhiana, one receiving medical training and the other nurse's. One other is a probationer in the J. J. Hospital Bombay, and another has finished her training in the same; another is housekeeper in -a family at Poona. We have received 10 new children during the year, 9 girls and 1 boy; of these 7 have fathers who drink, one a mother, and one is a complete orphan.

Weare glad to report that within a few days the boys will take possession of a new house which we have succeeded in renting; it has a very large compound which will be greatly appreciated.

The health of the children has been remarkably good, until about five weeks ago we had a case of plague. A dear little girl 9 years of age was attacked, but in answer to prayer she has been raised up and we have not had another attack.

'Ve have to acknowledge the efficient help received from our teachers Miss Thoy and Miss George, and the matrons of both homes.

Miss George who has been with us nearly five years, is leaving on account of her removal to Bombay; we part with her, with great sorrow a.nd feel that as a teacher and worker she will not easily be replaced.

Twelfth .!lnntfJal Report of the Bombay 19

We have much cause for gratitude when we remember the many friends the Lord has raised up for us, as will be seen by the fact that we have received during the year nearly Rs. 9,000; besides this our good friend, H. Cross, Esq., made us a present of a piano which has been a source of great pleasure. Then we have again to thank our dear friend Mrs. Stephens for her medical aid and when I think how soon we shall be deprived of this, it fills me with dismay. I only hope that when she reaches America, India will pull so hard at her heart strings that she will have to come back very soon.

We haye to praise the Lord for the way in which our needs have been supplied during the year. Our faith is constantly being tested and strengthened.

A few months ago we had three striking instances of our Father's care which greatly helped us. \Ve were very short of money, in fact, were without any. We were praying definitely about it. One after­noon a letter came enclosing Rs. 10 from a gentleman in the station who is not in the habit of contributing anything, but just then sent it for the work of the Home. A few days later we had a similar gift from a lady, a Jewess, who sent it as a thank-offering because her two little girls had just recovered from typhoid fever. Another day, the Rev. C. B, Hill put int9 my hand a Rs. 10 note that had been given to him for us by a young soldier, who had been converted a few months before. The Lord had led him to give up smoking, and he had saved the money he would have spent on tobacco and cigars that he might thus give it to the Lord's work.

These instances may seem only trifles to the world, but to ns they mean a great deal, as we see in them proofs of the love and care of our Heavenly Father and in closing our report we would again offer our tribute of praise, for we can truly say "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.'

POONA HINDUS'l'ANI MISSION.

1IIi.'3sionary ... ............................................. MRS. VARDON.

I praise God for the glorious privilege of carrying the gospel of His word, and with it light and gladness into the joyless homes and hearts of Zenana Women.

"Dying without Jesus." This sad condition is true to-day in these times of plague.

We visit in over 42 houses now, and could enter many more but with just two workers time will not permit.

Our teachings though given to women only oUen reach the men, an old man who when I first visited his house, absolutely refused to allow me to mention anything which touched on Christianity, grad'lally !ielded to all my re~uests.

Women's Missionary Oonference.

One day being very sick he sent for me and said he had listened to what I had said in an adjoining room, and wished to confess he believed in Christ; he said he had no fear of death and begged of me to go on teaching his wife and daughters, so that they too may have the peace he enjoyed. On my next 'visit I learned he had died praising God. This has been of great sen-ice to the women, they express a desire for this peace which calms the dying ·bed, and I trust many will join with me in prayer for them.

Did space permit we might tell of many cases which gladden and encourage OUI' hearts.

'Ve know some seed falls on stony ground but through the infalli­ble support of prayer we tr11st God to break up the stony hearts and hasten his kindom.

And shall others sit in darkness. Shall it still of them be tI'ue Dying, and they know not Jesus? Stay the answer rests with you.

Central Provinces District. BASIM GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL AND ORPHANAGE.

JJ1issionary .............. ................ .-~fIss M. J. MILLER.

Assistant ..................... ...................... MISS MOORE.

In giving a report of the Basim WQL'k, this year we have much to draw out our hearts in praise and thankfulness. During the summer vacation the Lord especially blessed the girls in the school by giving them a gracious revival. They began little prayer meetings among themselves in companies, where the Lord met with them in convicting and converting power. Many of the older girls took advance ground in Christian experience and altogether the vacation time was spiritually most profitable. Much hard work has been done during the year,the girls doing all the home work (including washing and grinding) and making rapid strides in needle and crochet work and at the same time keeping up their school work so th~.t out of seventy girls who appeared for examination, sixty-four passeCi, earning a grant of Rs. 452 As. 8, of this Rs. 50 was a special grant for needle work. A more jolly industrious and promising lot of girls than the Basim girls will be hard to find. Our hearts are saddened as we remember that six have left us during the year for th Mansions above, but our loss is their gain. Of these three died o{ lingering diseases, one whooping cough, one of an acute attack of convulsions and the last of " Plague." All the girls and workers were inoculated, the case of plague being caused by undue exposure after inoculation. "VIle thank God for all His mercies, take courage and press forward to another year of glad ser~ic~ for our :r.I~st~~ ~ -

Twelfth Annual Report of the Bombay ~1

EVANGELISTIC WORK. At the beginning of the year six: Bible women were at work.

Of these only four remain, one having passed triumphantly into her eternal rest in August, and one other resigning on account of family cares. Four have worked faithfully during the year and we have seen many encouraging features in the work. In August on account of plague breaking out, the work was somewhat hindered, but the segre­gation and other camps have been visited, the Bible women often walking several miles to reach the people. I have also done some touring in the villages and have found many who gladly left any other work to come and listen to the gospel. This work (the village work) is greatly hindered for want of a tent and some one to accompany me as a helper.

JABALPUR GIRLS' ORPHANAGE. Missionary MISS L. HEAFER.

With a feeling of deep thanks-giving to our Heavenly Father for all His mercies to us, we attempt to give some account of the year's record.

It sfilell1ed that Miss Hyde's departure for America on the first of April was but the beginning of partings for in less than six weeks, from that time the two head teachers had to leave, one to take up the Medical Work in Ludhiana and the other one on a.ccount of ill health to go to her people. Dr. Norton who had been suffering from rheumatism for some time decided that she must leave Jabalpur immediately, and Miss Bennett who had a severe attack of influenza was obliged to go to the Hills. In the midst of the changeH the Annual School Inspection took place and on the whole was very satisfactory.

Early in July a class of thirty-seven girls were received into full membership. It was a solemn occasion and as our Presiding Elder, Dr. Johnson extended the right hand of fellowship to these young Christians not one was there who did not realize to soma extent the importance of the step she was taking. A month later a revival broke out which swept through the school. Dozens were converted and scores have been helped. Some of the worst girls in t.he school have been so changed that one finds it difficult to realize that they are the same girls. One of the results of the revival, il3 a new probationer's class numbering fifty-four, a copy of the Methodist Discipline is put into the hands of each child who can read and the doctrine and rules of the church form the subject matter of the Thursday night class meetings.

Dr. Alice B. Condict, an independent missionary has relieved us of the Medical Work since the first of July and is trairi.ing a class of girls to care for the sick. W e have a good staff of teachers and the girls are ~rogressing 8S well as can be exrected considering their inher~tance!

-Women's Missionary Oonference.

A company of Standard Bearers numbering 69 and a Band of King's Herald numbering 144 have been organized an,d a very pleasant rivalry exists between the two societies.

We cannot close our report without referring to the excellent work .done among the girls by Miss Mansell, a former pupil of our lamented .Miss Thoburn. She has proved herself to be a true assistant.

ZENANA WORK.

·While we were at Conference last year the plague broke out in Jabalpur and for months no regular work could be carried on. 'Vhen at last it was safe for the women to venture into the city the condition of things was sickening. In some places whole families had been wiped out, others had fled and although the women have done their work as faithfully as possible, it is impossible to give any definite results of the work done.

With the charge of the Orphanage added to other work it has been impossible for the Supterintendent to pay any personal visits to the Zananas but Miss Fanny Harvey a young lady of this country has gone with the women and together they have done what they could.

A weekly meeting is held at the Orphanage in which the Bible women and teachers meet to talk on the work, study the 'Vord and pray; a number of the older girls from the school attend this meeting.

The women who \Vere formerly in the Widows' Home were sent by Miss Hyde to Aligarh where better opportunities for earning a livelihood are offered than m Ja.bu,]pul'.

KAMPTEE ltiissionary ............................................. ]\lRS. CLARKE.

Assistant ............................................. MRS. BUTTERFIELD.

On looking back over the year now closing, the care of our Heavenly Father for His children, is indeed the cause of great gratitude.

Twice during the year have we had an epidemic of plague, which in a great measure broke up the regular work, as most of the families left the city, and amongst those who remained, death claimed many victims.

It was painful to witness the despair of the women, where after having gone to great expense in arranging for and celebrating most elaborate ceremonies to propitiate their deities to find that it was of no avail, so that in bitterness of soul they cried "False, false indeed are our gods." We pray that the vail may speedily be removed and that these poor deluded sisters may see the Sun' of Righteousness~ ~ ~ .

Twelfth Annual Report of tj~e B01nbay 23

From among the \~ctims claimed by death, many were ready and eager listeners to the" Old old story."

The Day School is in a far more prosperous condition that it has been for the past three years, and now ther~ is every hope that the school will advance to the position it held a few years back.

The Bible women in the various villages are greatly encouraged in their work.

KHAND,VA GIRLS' SCHOOL.

JJlissional'y .••.••..• '.0 ........................ ~iISS A. R. ELICKER.

It is with grateful hearts that we close this year. All our girls with the exception of the small ones have given their hearts to the Lord. They all seem happy in the consciousness of sins forgiven. We have had considerable sickness among the girls but fewer deaths than last year. Two of our most promising girls have been called up higher and, although, we sorrow for them we also rejoice that they were ready to go.

The land for which we have been praying and waiting so long has at last come into our possession and the buildings are going up. 'Ve hope that before next rains enough buildings will be ready, so the girls can be removed from their present quarters.

The girls are not doing so well in their school work as we could wi~h but it ie not entirely their fault. With the new building3 will be accommodations so we can provide for efficient teachers. The Bible classes are all doing good work. The girls are "hiding the 'Vord in their heart" and our prayer is that it may be a "lamp unto their feet."

The Mission Band girls are interested in their work and have Rupees ten annas ten to report this year. They have decided to use it to help to relieve the sick and suffering in the district.

A probationers' class of fifty-six is being prepared for admission into the church as full members.

KHAND\VA ·WOMEN'S \VORK. JJiissional'Y MRS. ABBOTT.

For two reasons work in the high caste zenanas of the city has been closed a greater part of the year; first, a woman fitted to the work was not found, then when the worker was at hand plague pre­vented. 'Vhcm plague appears in our city the people flee out of it.

Mohulla work in the police lines continues. Four Bible women have been engagE-d in village work, and this number was doubled at the District Conference in November. Some opposition has been en­countered; one of the teachers has not had ready access to high castel

Women's Missionary Conference~

zenanas because husbands feared the wives and daughter would be­come Christians if they heard the gospel; another has been hindered because the" Patel" or head-man had influenced the people to prevent the entrance of Christianity into their community. The present out­look is that the Christians are on the winning sides and again have we not the promises of the Word?

In number of workers we are better equipped for the coming year's advance, and we are looking to him who says" Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit." We are expecting the leadership of that Spirit.

NARSINGPUR ZENANA AND EVANGELISTIC WORK.

·U.. . , MRS. FELT, .J..u'lSB'W1Wl'W8 ••• ) lVIRs. ALDRICH.

During the past year tbe work in the Narsinghpur Circuit has suffered many hindrances. In February the plague came and N ar­singhpur was deserted, making it necessary to discontinue zenana visiting there, for two or three months. Mrs. Aldrich has been greatly interested in the work and has given it all the time and attention possible but in September a little missionary came to stay with them and her services were required at home.

Three little Bible women have brought joy to the homes of as many workers and while their coming has not helped out a great deal in the work this year; we look upon them as recruits for the future and give them a hearty welcome.

During the summer months nine Bible women visited regularly in one hundred and twenty-two houses, three mohullahs and eight villages.

The women look eagerly for the visits of the Bible women. Some have their own Bibles and hymn books and nearly all join in the singing and listen attentively to the Scripture lessons. In a number of places more than usual interest is being manifested and most of the workers feel that the Lord is touching the hearts of the people and that we soon shall see many of them turning to him. Ummedibai has been the training class teacher and has done good work.

Three women have been appointed, with their husbands to village work, who two years ago were unable to read and were as ignorant of the first prin~iples of Christianity.

For more than a month now our work has again been discontinu­ed on account of plague and this time the whole circuit with the exception of the villages of Trudukara, Khairwa and Imjhira, are involved and only two of our women are able to continue their work. Weare praying that the people, out of their affliction may call upon God who will have mercy; to our God who will abundantly pardon.

Twelfth Annual Report of the Bombay

GUJARAT DISTRICT.

BARODA GIRLS' ORPHANAGE.

]Ij,ssionary •••.•••••••••••.• 0 ......... , ••••••••••••••••• )fISS WILLIAMS.

Assistants ............................................. { ~!ISS MMcPHERSON, luISS ONROE.

"Thine, 0 Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory and the majesty. Now, therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. All things coma of thee, and of thine own havp. given we thee,"

With this song of praise and thanks-giving does the Baroda Orphanage render its report for this year of grace, 1903.

Many of YOll have followed with interest onr difficulties in secnring land in the Baroda state for our proposed new buildings and will rejoice with us to know that at last we have been victorions and that ill February fifteen acres of choice land in a most beautiful and desirable location were procnred. Our Presiding Elder, Rev. Frease, with his uSllal tact, wisdom and good judgment, together with Re\'. Ayers most faithfully carried our canse to the end; nor did they leave us to ourselves after securing land but Rev. Ayers, with the cunsent of the Presiding Elder, decided to snperintend the constrnction of the buildings. Thus, throughout the year, he has planned wisely, labored faithfully and sympathetically helped us, We wish to tender hilll onr hearty thanks and may the Father's blessing be npon him.

The foundation of the building was laid, March 12th, and realizing the importance of onr occupying the Boardine: befOl'e the monsoon, the build. ing was pushed as fa8t as possible uut 011 aecouut oj' several unayoid­able delays we were not able to move before the 1st or Septembel', thus we were compelled to stay ill our old quarters during the rains and as a result many of our girls, two of our as::;lstants and two of lllissionaries were seriously ill. Only those who have known some thing of Ollr trials, difficulties, labour and sickness in the old quarters can appreciate our joy and thanks-giving as we took possession of the new. May God bless d.ll those who gave it to us. The plant consists of the mIssionaries' bU1lgalows and dormitories, dining room, store rooms, bath and wash rooms, infirmary, teachers' and helpers' quarters to accommodate three hundred girls, making the most complete set of buildings of the kind to be fuund ill this part of India.

Throughout the year there has been progress in every department of work. The girls have grown in stature, knowledge and grace. ThE'y ha.ve faithfully been instructed in the Sunday School, in the Rpworth League, atchurch services and at class meeting. The required ·Bible lessons have been taught ill the school and many girls are rejoicing over certificates granted by the India S. S. Union. ,

Women's Missionary Conference.

In school work they have done well considering the sickness with which we have had to contend. Our Inspe~tor and his Assistant expressed himself as highly pleased with each department of the school. They too ,,,ere gratified to see the new buildings and in the course of conversation the Inspector, a Hindu remarked, .. This is a noble work. You may well be encouraged and happy in the thought that yOU are doing so much for the rescued ones of India." Many of Ollr girls are good teachers and workers and we hope to see them become trusted servants in the vineyard of the Lord.

At the beginnin~ of the year, we were delighted to w..:lcome Dr. Tuttle and Miss Turner to our midst. Their arrival greatly encouraged our hearts aud cur prayer is that God may give them many years of fruitful service in this field, while already unto the harvest. We, also, have gladly wp-Icomed to our number, Miss LaPersonne, Miss Monroe and Mrs. McPherEloOn all of whom are proving themselves faithful and efficient workers in His cause,

A nd so grateful for all the mercies of the past year we enter the year to come taking as our motto the injnnction of our beloved ~lrs. Nind, "Plan great things for God, expect great things from God and go forward."

WOMEN'S GUJARAT DISTRICT TRAINING SCHOOL.

]lissiona1''!1 ................................. MRS, FREASE.

Head ]listress ........................... JIYIBAI YUSAF.

Assistant TeachM' ............... " ....... PHULMANIBAI KALlDAS.

There has been during the year a total attendance of 41 women in the Training School The first fiye months of t.he year 19 were in at­tendance. Then three of them were appoillted to the work and two were sent out unappointed. After a vacation of two weeks the school reopen­ed with 21 in attendance, 14 of the former pupils and 7 new ones. It continued so until onr District Conference in October, where 15 were appointed to the work and 15 new pupils were appointed to the school making a total of 21 women ill the present school. Many are desirous of coming to the school although from the beginning of 1902, a rule was made requiring students attending the Training School to repay one half of the amount expended on them.

Jivibai Ynsaf, the Head Mistress, has done as usual excellent \York. Sarabai Ootalldas was the Assistaut Teacher in the schuol until District Conference in October when she and her husband were appoint~d to District work and Phnlmanibai Kalidas and her hJlsband were appointed to the school. SUl'8bai did good work and we are sorry to lose her from the school but Phulmanibai is a bright intelligent young woman and no doubt she will fill the place well.

Twelfth .f./.·1bnual Report of the B(}mbay

Weare rejoicing in t.he generous gift of Mr. George E. Nicholson, of lola, Kansas, of an amouut sufficient to erect buildings to accom­mcdate 40 more families, a suitable school building and also teachers' houses. Mr. Nicholson also intends providing the passage and salary of a married missionary for the school. Architects planli! have been prepared for the buildings and it is hoped they may soon be ill course of erection. When this large institution is erected the plan is to divide the entire working staff of certain grades into four sections, each of which will be brought in for three months each year.

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

Padm Oil'cuit.

1JiissionaTY ............................. 0 ... MRS. FREASE.

Padra Circnit is the old Baroda Circuit with its name changed to save confusion. It has had six women workers all the past year and at District Oonference one more was added to its list. This cil'cllit has grown so during the year that it was found necesli!ary at District Con­ference time to divide it. A new circuit was formed from part of it called the Warnama Oircuit. Six women workers remained in Padra Oircuit and only one is in Warnama Circuit. The Christian commnnity of Padro. and Warnama Circuits llUrilbers 1998. Thirty-five Sunday Schools have been held in the circuit attended by 800 women and girls and there are 95 girl!; enrolled in th~ day schools.

EV ANGELISTIO WORK.

Savali Ch·cuit.

Mlssionary MRS. FREASE

Savali Circuit had fOl' the first six months of the Jear only one woman worker. Then three others were appointed there fr('m the Train­ing Sehool and at our District Conference in October, five others were appointed making a total of nine women workers there now. The work has grown and spread so in that circuit thatthisnumber of women workers and more are needed. The Christian community numbers 1,105 of whom 480 are women and girls. 33 Sunday Schools have been held in the circuit including four conducted by women workers attended by 290 women and girls and there are 93 girls enrolled in the day schools.

GODHRA GIRLS' ORPHANAGE.

Missionary ... ANNA AGNES ABBOTT.

Assistant ... :MISS.:M. V BAILEY.

It is with profound gratitude that we come to the close of this year. It has broug.ht with it many blessings as well as many hard tasks.

!d8 Women's Missionary Oonfere'nce.

The number of girls is a little less than last year at this time due to some removals, some deaths and some marriages. Four girls have been married to Christian workers in the villages, but the number in the school iR still about th!'ee hundred.

Our accommodations have been greatly increased by the erection through the help of the Famine COlllmittee of two large dormitories. This gives us ample room for the entire llli mber together with plenty of store­room. The value of the property has thereby been increa~ed nearly $1,000.

We ha~ e been able to do a little along industrial lines. At the be­ginning of the year we E:€nt two girls to Aligarh to learn lace-making and we hope to have them home in a short time and to push that department. One class of girls is doing drawn-work aud is making excellent progress in that branch. 'Veavillg was begun some months ago under the direc­tion of a Christian teacher and the girls are taking hold of it very well indeed. Some of the girls come from the caste in which weaving is the chief industry therefore they are not wholly unfamiliar with it. It is our purpose to make industrial work one of the principal features aud although the beginnings are small as yet, we hope another year to report an ad vance.

One of the strong features of the educational department has been, as heretofore, the Bible. In this 'the girls have made excellent progress. Over one hundred passed the examination of the all India Sunday School Union, and tbey are getting a very thorough foundation in the Scriptures.

During the rainy season this Y(lar we had an epidemic of dysentery which caused us to lose some of our very best little girls but aside from that we had very little illness.

We were greatly blessed during the month of March by the presence of Bishop Thoburn who baptized ninety-five of the girls, nearly all on profession of faith.

We are hoping in the near future to secure a Humber of higher grade teachers and to get the 8chool on a better educational basis and to get it registered by Goverument and eventually to secure Government aid.

Weare deeply grateful to God for some very special blessings during this year and we look forward confidently and hopefully to the future for we know that although we are weak yet our God is strong and he is with us.

WOMEN'S WORK.

Godhra Circ·uit. ·j1issionw·y MRS. WARD.

I am very glad to say that the work has not gOl1(~ back but forward. During the visit last March, of Bishop Thoburn we had a powerful proof of this. I had :previously been over the ~round and !;eeJl my seven

TweZfth Annll,al Report of the B07nbay 29

women workers, nnd had also written them expressly that they should bring with them as many candidates for baptism as they could.~..; When I say " for baptism" I mean, of course the pulJlic renouncing of heathenism, idol worship aud all that these things entail.

When the day of the Bishop's visit came, the meeting at Thasra which is in our circuit, was a glOl'ions snccess, scoring the greatest number of baptisms, eight-hundred and tbirty-seYen, of whom abont one fourth were women!

This is manifested by the photograph which was taken by Mr. Ward at the time, praise God. I remember that in the former years we would some­times have several hundred of men candidates but hardly any WO'11en. 'Vhat a grand 'lnd inspiring change 1

It is vet-y difficult to tabu]pte the work of each particular woman here. Things are not done so regularly or so formally as in the home lands, and olle has to crellte an atmosphere ill a town or village for quite a long time before a visible effect takes place. Bnt it comes nevertheless.

I think that at presellt one of the must promising of my workers is Mithibai Bhaiji whose husband is in charge of the Kalsor sub-circuit. She works intelligently and regularly among the women of the place who go to work in the stone quarries. The temptations which these women have to face are acute and such as can best be llllderstood and dealt with by godly women on the spot.

As snperintendent of the Godhra Sabbath School most of the members of which are from the Orphanage, I ca.rry on regular Scripture lessons and teach the Gospel hymns which my husband from time to time translates. Some of these hymns are popnlar here as in America or Europe, as for instance "Bringing in the sheaves i" " Blessed assurance Jesns is mille;" "The Cburch's one foundation j" "Art thou weary, Art thou languid" and others.

The dreaded plague has been, and still is, slaying the people and one of the wOl'kers-:Mithibai Bhaiji was attacked. I am thankful to say she recovered. Three additional workers have been started in the work. The number of women and girls baptized this year is 398.

The Godhra Sabbath School still keeps up its high grade in Scrip ture knowledge a.nd it is expected that next year the girls will be able to take their annual International S. S. examination in writing.

EVANGELISTIC \VORK. Deaconess .•••...•. ............ .••.•. •••... .••.•• ••• MISS HOLMES.

Our progress in the Evangelistic work for the past year has been manifested in variolls ways. The evangelistic teachers have done mnch better school work and the spiritual condition of the women and girls is more satisfactory. Having so many baptised people as we have in the Gujarat District you can ullderstand some thing of our difficulty in deal­ing personally with all. To try and accomplish t.his, we have instituted house to house visitlltiop in each village and pers(,nal dealing where possible.

30 Women's Missionary Oonjerenoe.

In January, Miss l'lunroe came to· help me in the village work. We made several trips together conducting meeting~ and examining the day schools. Miss Nicholls of Bombay paid us a brief visit about this time. We were able to take her out to Vaso, where we held a meet­ing f01' women and girls. In February I was, owing to an ill­ness, obliged to spend a few days in hospital but during my absence Miss ~l11nroe carried on the work. Jamnabai Alia, who is really gifted to speak the gospel message went with Miss Munroe on her tours.

Out of hospital in time fOf what we all called" The Bishop's trip" and what heart moving things we saw in those seven days. How the people, who had been prepared for baptiem, were happy to own their faith in a risen Saviour. But remember dear reader those sonls have to be followed up, taught yet more and more of the Lord they so dimly see a·s yet. When some day, perhaps by hard following of our Lord or may be. by gentle faith and trnst, they will be led to cry in delight of soul" My Lord and my God" Holy l'ealization, blessed fulfilment of n steady faith in the unseen. May this experience come to all of our people.

To return again to onr own little plot, we are seeking to do work in one hundred and eight villages. Many of these villages I have visited personally and all have been visited by the evangelistic teachers. We did itinerating up till the month of May when it was necessary for me to take a long rest on account of heart tl'ouble I was, at the time, snfiering from.

Onr District Conference was a real success. We held separate ses­sions for the women and the reports written and read by all workers in the -District were interesting and told of real faithful service given dur­ing the year. We have quite a number of new workers this year and this means added responsibility. If we had time, much work might be done among the high caste people of the villages. They ask us to go and visit them. The other day the headman of a village asked ns to go and pay him a visit. After conducting our own meeting in which we had an interesting number of musicians who looked about as vile as any thing on the earth, we went to see our ft'ienJ, found he had gathered a number of his own caste })eople together and we were able to conduct a meeting. It is truly a sowing of the seed beside all waters. But the Holy Spirit Who goes before us in our work, will cause life to spring out of death. Last year I was appointed to live at N adiad. By the kindness of the Rev. E.F. Frease and Rev. G. W. Park, part of the bnilding in connection with the Boys' Orphanage was so fitted up as to enable me to live very comfortably. And my work being near Nadiad, I have been ahle to do it with Jess wear and teal' of travelling. As we had not estimated for house rent they have alJowed llS to live rent free for the whole year. A numbel' of women and girls have this year receiv­ed. baptism and on the Gutal circuit a number are now ready to be baptised. Praise God for all His love to us during another year. 4; This onr song of victory, .Jesus saves, Jesns saves,"

Twelfth Annual Repo1't of the Bombay 31

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

ltlissionary ....................................... MISS S. B. TURNER.

J lIst ten months ago, lacking one week, I hnded in India as a "new missionary." To-day my heart is filled with joy and thanks­giving to God, because Be has called me to such a great work. Before I left America, I thought that I was interested in missions; but I know now that one must actually see the conditions on the field, before the need can be fnlly realized. My greatest desire is, that. God may so purge me from sin, may so humble me before Himself-that He can llse me in winning many, many souls from darkness into the glorious light and liberty of Christ.

Mr. Frease has given me charge of fOUl' circnits: Wasad, Od, rmreth and Kapadvanj, containing in all over 150 villages, and almost 3,000 Christian women, all these women must be strengthened, enconraged, and upheld, to keep them from slipping back into heathenism. I have 23 native helpers, who, almost without exception, are conscientious and faithful workers.

My assistant, Miss LaPersonne and I visit the yillages, hold evangelistic services with the people, call on the women in their homes see that the day schools are kept up, etc, So far, the meetings have been conducted by one of the native pastors, neither Miss La Personne nor myself being far enough along in the language fm' that, as yet.

Last week, in our five days of itinerating, we drove more than 100 miles. In many places, the road was so bad, we. had to get out and walk through heavy sands in t.he heat of the day while the driver pulled the horses along by their heads" In every village we visited, I Wail the fh"st white woman who had ever set foot inside their walls. OJ COU1"Se we were royally welcomeJ, and the people crowded around and gazed, as though they had never seen anything so curious before! My hair, arranged in a pompadour, seemed lilre 8n eighth wonder of the world to them.

I do wish you could attend one of om little meetings! I am sure it would be an inspiration to you to Eee the 1'el)erence of thes·e poor village people during prayer, and to hear them ringing out our dear old Gospel hymns! One, they are especially fond of just now is, "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus," and I cannot tell you how blessedly real this dear Fdend is to ns at these meetings, and in all our work. I do praise him for the mimcles He is daily working among these people.

We have received a box of beautiful Christmas gifts from the Broddock, Penn'a. U. S. A" 'N F. M. Society, to be distributed through the villages, we were 80 glad to get it, for many of these pOQr people have never known what it means to receive a Christmas gift. I am looking forward with great joy to distributing them, and can hardly wait until the time comes.

Illlil~!llrIWlln~IIIIJli~111 illl~111 3 9002 05441 0833

32 Women"s Missionary Conference.

After Christmas, I want to start sewing classes among the village women, as they do not know the first thing about using a needle. All thdir work of this kind has been given to the village "derzy," and is quite expensive.

Just here, I want to say that my as~istant Miss LaPer8onne, is doing splendidly. She bears cheerfully with me the hardships and inconveniences which necessarily COllle with itinerating, ani is a great help to me in every way.

We ask your prayers for both of us this coming year, that God may fill us with His spirit, and use us in hastening the coming of that glorious time when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

GUJARAT MEDICAL WORK. Missiona7·y ................................. MISS M. B. TUTTLE, ~1. D. Assistant ................................. MISS NUN AN.

St. Paul says there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit. To one is given wisdom, to another faith, to another the gifts of healing. I am glad with an ever increasing gladness that I have the privilege of using this gift of healing in the Master's service.

My work will be partly in Baroda but chiefly among the village people where my heart lies. These people have so little in their lives and they come to you with perfect faith that you can do all things for them. They win your sympathy at once, for they are so needy and apparently so helpless,

Along with their need of medicine, physical and spiritual, I hope to wage warfare against dirt, and to preach t,he doctrine that cleanliness is next to godliness." I was exceedingly fortunate in having a trained assistant ready for my work; one familiar with the language, with the people and with their diseases. Miss Nunan was an inheritance from Dr. Hodge with whom she worked a number of years.

The present plan for the medical work is to have centres, to which the people of that and neighbouring villages can come. We have selected two that are easily accessible to large numbers of our Christian people but all come regardless of religion, Hindu, lVIohamedans and ont-cast.

U mreth is a town of abont 15,000 people in which no European resides. We feel they welcome our coming as several buildings have been offered us for our di5pensary. The one selected is ideal-a large room surrounded by a fine open court; here the sick can wait in quiet away from the noise and dirt of the streets.

Nadiad onr other:centre presents a contrast. While a native town we are welcome to the pleasant rooms of Miss Holmes, and Mr. and Mrs. Park's large bungalow.

We hope in the not distant future to have a dispensary in Nadiad with several beds where patients can remain a few days.

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

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