THE PAPER MISSION, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
BY MISS NANCY MARSH, PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Since we commenced our mission, May, 1880, we have received many letters asking “What can I do?” To such we have made various suggestions.
In Stoneham, Mass., the ladies felt they could not send boxes, but wished to do something, so organized the “Stevens Home Missionary Society,” and have sent to various places 779 papers and pamphlets, and 7 Sunday-school books. They have basted 1,465 blocks of patch-work and sent to seven teachers in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Ladies Island; have basted also 49 handkerchiefs “from pieces of cloth, to teach the children to sew, and give them what they needed.” Postage $5.22. They have also corresponded with several pastors and teachers. The Secretary says; “I am delighted with some of the correspondence, and enjoy the work very much; am so glad to help even a little in this good work. I love some of the dear teachers very much, and it has all come through their dear letters, heart touching heart, and all for Jesus. Thank you for all the interest you have taken to help us get started, and for your aid right along; we have had no names except what you have given us.” This society has proved very efficient, and they have been so grateful for the privilege of working, it has been a pleasure to find them opportunities; it has done them good as well as others. Some of these letters have been read in their missionary concerts, and awakened an increasing interest in the community.
A lady in Chesterfield, Ill., formerly a teacher in Utah, and some young friends have basted 300 blocks of patch-work for teachers in Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee, feeling, she says, “that our greatest privilege is to work for the Lord.”
A letter came to us from Middleboro, Mass., saying, “I am very anxious to do something for the missionaries, and, as I am an invalid, and unable to give money, I thought I could cut and baste patch-work if nothing more.” Recently we received a card stating “I have sent 600 blocks to Chattanooga, Tenn., I would be glad to do more, but am now unable to do any kind of work, but hope to sometime, if ever so little.” In answer to inquiries, this lady says: “The work I sent Mrs. S—— I did lying on my reclining chair nearly as flat as a bed; but have been confined to my bed many weeks at a time, and suffering more than words can tell.” Surely this service performed for the Master, in such weariness and pain, shall not lose its reward.
From Claremont, N.H., the question came: “What can a mission circle do for Christmas?” We suggested a place as affording ample scope for their ingenuity and generosity; so “the Sunbeams” (the mission circle) 25 in number, from six to fourteen years, sent rays of light and gladness to cheer the hearts of these desolate people in the shape of picture-frames, book-marks, work and scrap-bags, mittens, pin-balls, spectacle-cases for the old ladies, etc. The ladies of this place also sent a box of second-hand clothing, which was greatly needed.
There has been much labor in corresponding with so many persons: 69 letters and postals have been written. This includes work only among the Freedmen, yet we have rejoiced in the interest awakened in various places by this means, and are glad to help this good cause in every way in our power. Aid has been given in various ways and different places, which, including postage, makes $37.24. This patch-work has become quite an institution, 2,504 blocks have been sent, greatly helping the teachers in their work, saving their time and strength, and helping to form habits of industry which are so essential to the well-being of these women and young girls, thus fitting them for usefulness in the future. One old lady, who is much interested in the young, and fond of patch-work, gave us 78 blocks very nicely basted, which were sent to Ladies Island, so meeting the needs of a young girl whose quilt had come to a standstill for want of materials.
In 1882, in order to enlarge our field of operations, we sent to Dr. Strieby for new names of pastors and teachers among the Freedmen, and are now able to report that we have forwarded to the Southern States 1,021 papers and pamphlets, 339 lesson papers, 122 tracts, 74 Scripture cards and 103 Christmas cards; postage $5.72. Besides these, papers have been sent by several persons in different States. A teacher in Texas writes, “I should like Sunday-school papers, temperance, and other tracts, to distribute as I visit among the people.” “Can make use of the patch-work and any other sewing prepared; thanks for encouraging words, and sympathy, we need your constant and earnest prayers.”
From N.C.—“Your Christmas cards reached us safely; the children enjoyed their gifts, and received them gratefully. My field is not an easy one, but I am endeavoring with the Master’s help to plant and replant fruitful seed. Any good reading matter is acceptable. I need material for my sewing school (one dozen spools of cotton and six crochet needles, were sent to this school by two young ladies). Your letter was full of encouragement and good advice, and strengthened me much. My work is chiefly among the children, have 50 or 60 in Sunday-school in the morning, and about the same number attend the Band of Hope every Sabbath afternoon. We have prayer-meetings every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. I have also a Bible-class for adults, which I teach an hour and a half every Wednesday evening. Have received the patch-work from Mrs. M., it is indeed a great help to have it basted, my time is so occupied.”
Ga.—The teacher writes: “Thanks for your interest in us, we pay for our Sunday school papers, for we think the people prize them more when they pay for them; but I can send what I receive into the country, where they are very glad of them; sent your roll last night out twenty-five miles to a place where they have nothing to help them; have several places to which I can send, and profitably use all I receive. We are trying to give the people a little instruction in mission work; and take up a collection once in three months; this people need nothing more than to understand that there are others as poor as themselves, and they certainly are very poor, but, as they receive, they must also give; true growth comes from looking out. Our day school has over 100, and our Sunday school nearly as many more, some coming four or five miles, and have been very enthusiastic in their work. My scholars are looking forward to teaching. Last summer 14 were out, and more will probably go this summer. We are hoping to give them better ideas of religion, that they may help to change the character of the coming generation. We have organized a “Woman’s Missionary Society.” They are to meet from house to house, taking their supper with them; think it will go far toward making them better housekeepers, as well as teaching them to make things, which they will sell, and so get a little money into their treasury, then they can send a dollar to some cause in which they are interested. Pray for the success of this society for through it, I hope to reach the homes, and there is so much to be done in the homes before there can be much improvement.”
We have had cheering words from pastors in Arkansas and Kentucky, telling of souls converted, Christians revived and children gathered into Sunday schools. Our papers have been given where there is great destitution of reading matter.
At Christmas a few cards and papers were sent to a pastor in Childersburg, Ala. He writes: “I want to thank your class for their gifts to the children, who are destitute of such things. Our church was burned a year ago, after a temperance lecture, but the people are building better than before. We held services in our church last winter without a stove, and the house all open, yet we trust the Lord was with us; our school numbered 30 or 40 during the cold weather and a larger number when pleasant. There are many who cannot read, and many who can have no Bibles.”
We have been much interested in these pastors and teachers, some of them have made great sacrifices, and though not appreciated by those who should sustain and encourage them, future generations will rise up and call them blessed. We are very grateful to all the kind friends who have helped us in our work by papers, postage, patch-work, and in various ways and places, especially for the Christian sympathy extended to these pastors and teachers. It has been duly appreciated, and lightened many a burdened heart; so we trust our “Paper Mission” has not been a failure in the Southern States.