The History of
The Philathea Class
written by Dr. Raymond VanderWyk
"Philathea" Is a Greek word meaning. "Lover of Truth". As an international organization for women it was known as "The World Wide Philathea Union", and charters of membership were Issued to individual churches, with annual dues of $1.00 per member. Its platform was based on the following description; "young women at work for young women with all standing by the Bible and the Bible School". Our church received a charter in October of 1909, and it has been suitably framed for all to see.
The Intent of Philatheans is to seek out, to study, and to live with the truth. Bertha Temple was elected president, and Lilla Clement (my high school French Teacher in 1932) was elected vice-president. After one year the membership was 69, with an average meeting attendance of 30. The class met on Sunday in the "gallery", which is the location of the present balcony. Dues of 5 cents per week were assessed; most of which were turned over to the Sunday school.
The 1911 Annual Report of the Class stated that Mr. J. Whitfield Peugh, the leader at that time, had taught about "The History of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel", and "The Life of Christ". Twenty members were also serving as teachers in the Sunday school. In 1912, Mr. Peugh, who was also the Clerk of the church, gave up his teaching responsibility to become Superintendent of the Sunday school. Miss Margaret Cummings took his place.
The Class also seems to have become associated with some of the social problems of that time. Sunday meetings were devoted to such topics as: "The Employment of Women In Dangerous and Unhealthful Trades", "The Crime of Child Labor", "Wasteful Expenditures of Human Energy", and "Poverty and Unemployment". The women also became engaged in mission activities with contributions to the District Nursing Association, The Red Cross, church improvements, the church debt, and Christmas gifts for children.
In 1923 and for several years afterwards, the Class met with the Men's Bible Class under the leadership of Dr. Harlan Page. In 1928, monthly meetings replaced the Sunday meetings, and the membership, was 122. During that year, over $500.00 was raised for benevolences, and the name was changed to Philathea Society. Following the disastrous fire of 1925, the Society was one of the leaders in raising funds for restoring the church building and for obtaining a new organ. The Philathea Society lived up to its doctrine for 26 years, and contributed much to the life of the church. It gracefully disbanded in 1935.
Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main
Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002
