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Salem Cottage Women's Missionary Society | |
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Salem Cottage Women's Missionary Society is one of the oldest organizations in our church. It was organized through the efforts of Miss Jane Ferrier in 1886. Miss Ferrier, confined to the couch by an accident caused by stepping out of a wagon, gathered about her mothers and children of the congregation to form a mission band. Miss Ferrier, whose father was the Minister of the Presbyterian Church, was greatly interested in Missions. They lived in a brick cottage on what is now Caithness Street. Their home was called Salem Cottage which means House of Peace. Bricks from the same cottage forms a portion of the wall in McMillan Hall. There is a plaque which was donated by the Misses Kathleen & Isobel Moore bearing a picture of Salem Cottage with this inscription: SALEM COTTAGE Occupied by Rev. Andrew Ferrier Founder of Caledonia Presbyterian Church Mrs. Hugh Scott helped the children in choosing the name, Salem Cottage Mission Band. Thus, on May 20th, 1886, Salem Cottage W.M.S. began its ministrations. Miss Jane Ferrier with her sister Miss Marjorie gave active leadership. When due to ill health, Jane was forced to retire, although she remined president until her death, Mrs. Dr. Wallis (the minister's wife at the point) carried on. Every summer picnic was held on the lawn at Salem Cottage. The crafts done by the members were sold to raise money to help lady missionaries and heathen children in India. In 1925, Salem Cottage Auxiliary was reorganized under the able leadership of Miss M.B. Patterson and her sister. These two ladies had the strong foundations at that time in our church history. In a sense they and other chartered members, of which my aunt, Mrs. Harry Crocker was one, passed on to us the inspiration they had received from Jane and her sister Marjorie Ferrier at Salem Cottage. The meetings were in the afternoons at the beginning and held at Salem Cottage. My aunt, Mrs. Harry Crocker (aunt also of Mrs. Margaret McConachie) remembers as a young girl walking the old plank road to Salem Cottage. I feel her guidance and backing has helped both of us (Margaret, who is a life member as well as an Honourary member of Salem Cottage and myself, Jean Beckerson, also a life member of the society), in our Christian endeavours. |
The 60th Anniversary of the W.M.S. was celebrated on November 28th, 1938. Old fashioned dress was worn and Mrs. Crocker (a charter member) spoke out of the wealth of her experience in W.M.S. work. Interesting to note in the W.M.S. history that at their first meeting on December 12th, 1878, a motion was passed that the membership fee be 25 cents. It is still 25 cents in this present year. In November 1947, the W.M.S. afternoon auxiliary amalgamated with the Salem Cottage evening auxiliary with the meeting being held in the evenings at various homes. The 90th Anniversary was held on March 27th, 1969. The speakers were Rev. & Mrs. Karl Hansen from Christ Church, Oshweken, Six Nations Reserve. On April 19th, 1979, the centennial of the W.M.S. was observed at the Spring Offering of the Salem Cottage W.M.S., Western Division of Canada. Our members participated in various functions with the Hamilton Presbyterial and attend the meetings. Salem Cottage W.M.S. continues its work and study under the able leadership of Mrs. Ruby Duns and Mrs. Audry Douglas, well supported by the members. Each fall we hold an "Old Fashioned Bazaar" where our crafts, quilts and baking are sold to further the work of the missions. We meet every 3rd Thursday night of each month and enjoy a worship service, a learning experience and a very warm fellowship. Anyone wishing to join and share their talents will be more than welcome. Today in 2004 the membership is small, the mandate remains the same and the 25 cent membership still applies. All money (less a small expense account) raised by this tiny group of dedicated ladies is sent to the Hamilton Presbyterial for Mission work. The Salem Cottage Auxiliary W.M.S. Mission Sunday is April 25th, 2004, during regular service time of 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Heather Vais is the Guest Preacher. Offering envelopes have been inserted in the pew pockets in the Sanctuary. Please consider making a donation to this, the oldest organization in our church. |
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The Women's Missionary Society is a community of Christians whose purpose, in response to the love of God in Jesus Christ, is to encourage one another and all the people of the church to be involved in local and world mission through prayer, study, service and fellowship. |
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