The History of
Benevolences and Missions
written by Dr. Raymond VanderWyk
Although a zealous missionary spirit had characterized our church from its inception, and much effort had been put forth in helping the needy, it was not until 1876 that the first organized missionary body was formed. It was the Auxiliary to the Women's Board of Foreign Missions, which was associated with auxiliary boards in other churches.
Our Women's Foreign Auxiliary Board was organized with 39 members at that time. Its motto was, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature". In 1890 it withdrew from the national organization, and two societies were formed in our church. They were: "The Women's Foreign Missionary Society", and "The Women's Missionary Society", both of which were active until 1929, when they disbanded to unite with the Ladies Benevolent Society. A typical Annual Report of The Women's Foreign Missionary Society stated, "This Society has 68 members, and has held ten meetings this year. We have studied the 'Light of the World', and have supported the work of missionaries in Turkey, and in Africa, and have given gifts of $40.00 to the Girls School in Trebizond, Turkey, and $50.00 for the salary of Miss Daniels in Harpoot, India."
The "Altrurian Class" with its "12 young ladies" was formed in 1914. It endeavored to deal truly with God and man, to promote good fellowship, to help the: poor, and to visit and comfort the sick. The "World Outlook Club", with 26 members was organized in1917. Its object was to promote the missionary spirit among the women of the church and to send the Gospel to the women and children of our own and non-Christian lands. It was disbanded in 1932.
Even the young boys of the church were introduced to missionary endeavors. In 1890, "The-Carrier Pigeons", a group of children was organized by the pastor's wife, Mrs. Bradford Fullerton. Its Annual Report of 1892 indicated that $15.00 had been raised, and given to the Swedish Society. This was a group of Swedish people living in Waltham, who wished to build a church of their own. Our Church helped them for several years by permitting them to worship in our Chapel until their church could be finished, and by helping them financially. As a result they named the Church, "The Covenant Congregational Church of Waltham" in gratitude for our support. Other typical missions included money for a free bed at the new Waltham Hospital, church flowers, and a handiwork gift of skirts, aprons, patchwork, nightgowns, and dresses. It raised money through dues, annual fairs, and sales. The Carrier Pigeons carried on their work until 1902. It left no report on the significance of the name which it bore, but perhaps it can be surmised that its work carried the message of hope to others, and that the rewards of its work always came back
The "Kenlworth Castle Knights of King Arthur" was an organization for boys from 12 to 14 years old. It experienced a great degree of success among the churches of several denominations in the United States. Dr. Page had wished to have a "Castle" for our boys, but there had been no leader available until 1914, when a student from Newton Andover Theological School was obtained to teach a class of boys in the Sunday school. He was Merril Gaunt, and with a nucleus of boys from the Sunday school, the Knights of King Arthur was formed with 13 members. It aspired to give boys true Christian training, to develop courteous, positive, intelligent, and loyal Christians. It was missionary minded, especially in raising money for a Parish House. Unfortunately, Merrill Gaunt died in France during World War I, while serving for volunteer ambulance duty. The Annual Report of the Knights of the Knights in 1916, reported that, "he paid the last full measure devotion to duty that man can pay. At Bar-Le-Duc, in France he sleeps in peace midst the awful carnage of war. Although he has left us, his influence, and the noble example he set, remains with us as a sacred memory and a constant source of inspiration." With their Leader or Merlin as he was called no longer with them, the Knights disbanded after two more years of activity.
The "Bykota Club", composed of young girls was formed in 1921. A typical missionary contribution was described as sending 20 pounds of hard candy to the Cotton Valley School in Alabama. One year they made 18 quarts of mincemeat, which was sold at Christmas time to raise money. In 1926, a group of ladies over 25 years of age formed "The Friendship Circle". It raised money by putting on plays, bridge parties, and treasure hunts. It gave principally toward Church needs, especially to pay our debts following the disastrous fire in 1925; and also to local benevolences until 1931, when it disbanded.
Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main
Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002
