Bethany Presbyterian Church

Lake Township

Bethany Presbyterian Church

WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY - - BETHANY

by Mrs. Lois North

The first Woman's Missionary Society, of Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was organized February 23, 1896 by Rev. R. C. Byers, pastor. This little band faced duty with six members, and guided by a faithful pastor and wife (to whom this society owes its existence) determined to do what they could to arouse a greater interest in the work, as well as, grow in the spirit themselves. The society held its first meeting at the church, March 7 [1896], and met regularly each month at the church or at the homes of the members. Had it not been for the consecrated, spirit-filled pastor and noble wife, who so helped and enthused us, we might have become discouraged and fainted by the way.

This band of six received no reinforcement until 1898, when its membership was increased to eight and in 1900 was increased to twelve.

We have reasons for feeling encouraged, although ours is but a mite, We believe his is behind it and with his promise, "Lo, I am with you always."

Our society has adopted the united course of study and this year our offering was such as will entitle us to a life membership of the board, which is conferred upon Mrs. Mary Burdette, the oldest, as well as one of the charter members, and who has always been faithful to her trust. In 1899 our society sustained the loss of one of its members by death, viz., Mrs. Sarah Runkle.

Mrs. Mary Burdett was a charter member of the Bethany Church. She was born within a mile of the church in 1835 and died in 1922, living within half a mile from the church. She is pictured in the Woman's Missionary Society photo above. Her son by her first marriage, William Key is also mentioned in the church article. She was the great- grandmother of Norris Burdette, submitter of this material.

While we most sincerely believe in God's almighty power we also believe that we have our full share in the work of giving to the world a knowledge of salvation; and in religious affairs as well as in every-day business, plain business methods must be employed. Every business house studies its markets and signs of the times. This, too, should Christians do in their work for Christ. Why is it Christian people do not put a proper value upon present opportunity? Why can we not see the open door of the ages before us? Let us take courage and press on toward the goal which is nothing short of eternal salvation. We have his gospel to proclaim, his spirit to empower us. We believe a Woman's Missionary Society in any church is one of the broadest fields any woman can have to labor in. Why is it so many of our women are not found therein?

We believe our society to be in a most healthy condition. The best of feeling prevails, and its members are active and willing workers. We are much strengthened by the wise counsel and aid of our good pastor and wife who always meet with us and have the interest of the society as well as all work of the Master at heart.

We are determined to press forward with new zeal and be more consecrated workers, that our society may be a school were the atmosphere of prayer prevails, as we study the needs of our fellowmen. We pray for more workers in the Master's service and our aim is to prompt others to do much for the kingdom of Christ, being careful never to get our minds off the Master on mere methods.

Woman's Missionary Society, 1905

Source: The Fieldview, published monthly in the interest of the work of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Vol. III, No. 6, Brownsville, PA, June 1905 Submitted by Norris Burdette