On December 23d we were very glad to welcome back to America Brother A. E. S. Smythe, of Toronto. Brother Smythe has been for some time in Ireland and brings excellent and most encouraging reports of the work there and in England. Arrangements have been made for him to take a lecturing tour and visit the Universal Brotherhood Lodges, reaching Point Loma at the time of the annual Universal Brotherhood Congress. He will be in New York about January 1st and will stay at Headquarters for a week or so and then start on his tour. Brother Smythe is so well known throughout the country as Editor of the Lamp and by his work in Toronto that he needs no introduction to the members. Many have already heard him lecture and will remember him at the annual conventions. Those Lodges who desire him to visit them should write at once to the central office, so that the route can be laid out and all arrangements made.
It was originally intended and hoped that Bro. D. N. Dunlop would have made a lecture tour, but as he would not be able to start until later, other arrangements had to be made.
Letters from Liverpool report a very large Bazaar being held there by the members. It is confidently expected that it will meet with much success and much interest has been aroused in it. Bro. Herbert Crooke has been indefatigable in pushing forward the preparations and Mrs. A. L. Cleather and Bro. Basil Crump who have just completed their Home Crusade visit to Dublin will be there to help. A very beautiful and attractive programme has been arranged.
Bro. Parsons in Vancouver, B. C., writes that the members are expecting a big step forward for the work as a result of the U. B. Congress at Point Loma next April.
At Buffalo on the occasion of the performance of "Eumenides," some of the Headquarters Staff had the pleasure recently of meeting Dr. and Mrs. McAlpin of Warren, Pa. Their energies and interest in the work are unabated, and on his way back Bro. McAlpin lectured in several places.
The Greek Play "Eumenides" was given in Buffalo in the Music Hall, Dec. 3d, in the afternoon and evening. Both performances were very successful. There were large and very appreciative audiences, many well-known educationalists being present and afterwards expressing their appreciation. After the performance our Leader was waited upon by several prominent people and congratulated on the work of the Isis League of Music and Drama. Since returning to New York our Leader has received a personal letter from one of the Ministers of Buffalo expressing his pleasure at witnessing the performance which he said was characterized by moral uplifting force and of more value than a sermon.
A very interesting letter has been received from Bro. St. Clair of New Zealand in regard to work among the Maories. These people have made a great advance during the past two years. The different tribes have united under their king and are reviving the ancient customs of the race. Many are becoming interested in Brotherhood work and evidence on every hand is perceived that the race is awakening to a new life.
J. H. Fussell.
[4] For further information address F. M. Pierce, Secretary, 144 Madison Avenue, New York.
[5] Address all inquiries to H. T. Patterson, General Superintendent, 144 Madison Avenue, New York.