times are progressing, and we must progress with them

After dinner Dr. Speight with his daughter Agnes drove Mr. Eborn, Miss Sarah Eborn and me in his automobile to Creswell, a beautiful and inspiring ride. This is the second travel this fall by automobile: times are progressing, and we must progress with them. We had a hearty service that night in Creswell, led by the good surpliced choir, which Miss Sarah Eborn, with patience and skill, has been training for the past five years. Miss Sarah and her guild of about ten young ladies are buying, by their own efforts, an organ costing $800.00. They deserve praise for their pluck and energy.

(Source: Bishop Robert Strange in “The Bishop’s Letter,” The Carolina Churchman, January 1910, p. 10)

We must not confine our Christian thoughts, labors and sympathy to ourselves, our own Parishes.

I am glad to mention that there has been a revival of interest in the Ladies’ Benevolent Society, and that they have resolved to work more zealously for Parochial objects; and also, to unite, without change of organization, with the Woman’s Auxiliary Society of the General Church. Though the material result of this may not be very considerable, perhaps, yet the moral result will be good. What we most need in our Church, I think, is active parochial work in connection with the recognized institutions of the General Church. We must not confine our Christian thoughts, labors and sympathy to ourselves, our own Parishes.

(Source: The Rev. Joseph C. Huske, Parochial Report, St. John’s, Fayetteville, 1882 Journal of Convention, 134)

chiefly by the help of the bishop, the Woman's Auxiliary and generous friends of other Dioceses

During the past year (chiefly by the help of the bishop, the Woman’s Auxiliary and generous friends of other Dioceses) a new Church fifty by twenty-four feet, has been put under roof, and all the debt paid except $60, and so soon as this is paid a floor will be laid, window sashes procured and services at once begun in this new house of God.

(Source: The Rev. J. H. Williams, Parochial Report, Emmanuel Church, Stoneville, 1899 Journal of Convention, 105)

Thinking about war and derangement of personal lives

This year in which I have served as your President has seen such great changes in the life of our people that it seems much longer than twelve months since we met together in Tarboro. At that time our country had been at war for almost six months but we had not begun to suffer the derangement of our personal lives which has come increasingly upon us. Today as we meet together in Raleigh our bodies are disciplined by many material restrictions which the war has brought, but much more important than that, our souls have been and are being disciplined and tried by separation from loved ones. The thoughts of many here today will wander I am sure from time to time to far away places, be it Africa or Australia or the seven seas. Some of our members have suffered the loss of a loved one in the armed services and for them our hearts yearn and our prayers are offered.

(Source:

Margaret G. Holmes [Mrs. Urban T. Holmes], President’s Address to the Woman’s Auxiliary, 1943 Annual Report, pp. 8-9)

Have we advanced, held our ground or retreated?

During this period of change and trial how has our Auxiliary fared? Have we advanced, held our ground, or retreated? My answer to this must be based on your reports to me and to your Diocesan Officers, and on my contacts with you at District Meetings and through your letters… . I can report a ten per cent increase in membership… . On the financial side in a year that has confronted us with appeals from our country and our Allies both voluntary and compulsory, our Auxiliary members have still shown their faith in the cause we serve by not only meeting our Budget of $7400 but giving $684 above it plus specials to the amount of $822.55, and an increase in the United Thank Offering… .

(Source: Margaret G. Holmes (Mrs. Urban T. Holmes), President’s Address to the Woman’s Auxiliary, 1943 Annual Report, pp. 8-9)

Since the Church has been lighted up, our evening services have been well attended

The ladies of the Church in Enfield have recently raised money enough to light it up beautifully; so that hereafter we shall be enabled to hold evening as well as morning services in it. Since the Church has been lighted up, our evening services have been well attended.

(Source: A. S. Smith, Parochial Report, Church of the Advent, Enfield, 1885 Journal of Convention, 81)

the Rector's heart has been cheered and he feels encouraged

The church building has been much improved and now presents a neat and attractive appearance inside. A beautiful memorial window, of stained cathedral glass, circular in form, has been presented to the Parish by Mrs. P. B. Key, “in memoriam” of a deceased relative; its place is in the end of the Chancel. A “Church Guild” has recently been organized with the promise, under God, of much usefulness, and the Rector’s heart has been cheered and he feels encouraged. Monthly services were held at Troutman’s Station and at the Alms-house when the roads and weather would permit; also in the county jail several times.

(Source: The Rev. Edward Wootten, Trinity Church, Statesville, Parochial Report, 1884 Journal of Convention, 106)

Church of the Good Shepherd: a band of faithful women, who by their earnest work...

The Rector desires to make special mention of the constant and faithful work of ‘St. Mary’s Guild,’ – a band of faithful women within the Parish, who, by their good earnest work, have contributed greatly to the beauty of God’s house, and the prosperity of the parish. Within the past year the Church has, by their efforts, been handsomely recarpeted, and the Society has now a goodly sum in hand towards the payment of the Church debt. All praise be to them for their generous and kindly support of the work which they have so thoroughly aided. In addition to the above they gave their constant attention to the Bazaar, held during the North Carolina Exposition, for the benefit of the Bishop Atkinson Memorial Cot, in St. John’s Hospital. They were assisted by several ladies from other Churches, and netted from that work over $246 for the Cot.

(Source: The Rev. Edward R. Rich, Parochial Report, Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh, NC, 1885 Journal of Convention, 80)

a memorial of their dear little daughter in Paradise

This building was consecrated May 3rd of this year. The congregation is small and weak as yet.  The work is in its infancy.  St. Agnes’, however, is to be the center of a large and important missionary work. To kind friends outside of the Diocese, and a few within, we are indebted for this beautiful building, chiefly to Mr. and Mrs. Bell, of New York, who donated bell, windows, etc., as well as a large contribution towards the building. It is, therefore, a memorial of their dear little daughter in Paradise.

(Source: The Rev. John A. Deal, Parochial Report, St. Agnes’, Franklin, 1888 Journal of Convention, 86-87)

The ladies, earnest and untiring in work

The Ladies Aid Society organized last year is a great success. The ladies, earnest and untiring in work, by their example, have greatly increased the interest of all in the Church, cheered and upheld the Rector and drawn the thoughtful attention of others to our Communion… . the ladies Lent work – a new carpet for the Church.

(Source: The Rev. Gilbert Higgs, Parochial Report, Church of the Saviour, Jackson, 1884 Journal of Convention, 81-82)