through the zeal of several female amateurs

In the early part of the last year, a very neat set of communion plate was presented to the Church by the female communicants; and more recently, the liberality of the Congregation has been manifested, in the purchase, at an expense of $800, of a handsome and well-toned organ, which is now, through the zeal of several female amateurs, regularly used in the services of the sanctuary. A Working Society for benevolent and religious purposes has lately been formed by a large number of the ladies of the congregation, which, judging from the industry manifested in its operations, and the success which has thus far attended it, is likely to become available for extensive usefulness.

(Source: The Rev. George W. Freeman, Parochial Report, St. Peter’s Church, Washington, 1828 Journal of Convention, 21-22)