Mite Society Of M.E. Church Had Own Paper In 1868

Women of Rushville have always been ardent workers in church affairs. This was true back in 1868 as shown by a special little four-page publication entitled "The Mite Record, " published December 23, 1868, by the Mite Society of the Methodist Episcopal church. Copy of this publication was loaned to The Times for reference by Miss Emma Parrotte.

This publication was evidently made to help raise money for the new church being built at that time, and single copies were sold for 10 cents.

The little paper contained a description of the new church, a history of the old church built in 1835, general news items, poetry, and even recipes for the women.

Of special interest was a story telling of the history and work of the "Mite Society" that was organized in the spring of 1866, and which had been holding fairs to raise money. After paying off a $500 indebtedness on the parsonage as their first good act in the fall of 1866, the society held their first fair, from which they netted $925. In August, 1867, they circulated a subscription paper pledging 25 cents a week for 12 months, and another for children at five cents a week. A total of $745 was raised by this process. The paper states that from other sources the society raised about $2,300, so it was evident that ladies of that time were real boosters.

Officers of the society at the time this little paper was published were: Mrs. George Little, President; Mrs. A. L. Noble, vice-president; Mrs. G. W. Scripps, Secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Martin Ryan, Mrs. Joshua Sweeney, Mrs. R. R. Randall, Mrs. A. B. Clarke, and Mrs. John Irvin, members of the business committee.

The paper was labeled Vol. I, and was probably the only publication made.

The Rushville Times, October 7, 1948
The Rushville Times by permission.

Copyright 1999, 2000 Robin L. W. Petersen; all rights reserved. For personal use only. Commercial use of the information contained in these pages is strictly prohibited without prior permission. If copied, this copyright must appear with the information.

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