How to Organize a Mothers’ Association by MRS. MARY H. MOORE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1915

How to Organize a Mothers’ Association

By MRS. MARY H. MOORE

MRS. MARY H. MOORE

ONE pleasant afternoon three or four mothers, near neighbors, met at the home of one of their number for an informal social visit. As each busied herself with her needlework, the conversation flowed on in the usual channels of common interest—health of families, achievements in household duty, neighborhood news (not scandal), and discussions of some of the many problems which daily confronted them as wives, housekeepers, home makers, and mothers. As each related experiences, offered suggestions, or chronicled successes or failures, all felt interested and encouraged. Of all the problems that arose in their daily lives, they agreed that none were more grave, more difficult of solution, or more far-reaching in their results, than those concerning the rearing and training of their children.

As they seriously considered some of these questions suggested by an incident related by one of their number, the lady at whose home they met, a woman of deep Christian experience, whose children were all grown and walking in the way they should go, remarked: “I have found great help in my experience from studying the writings of godly men and women, and in prayer, and I think I can find something just to the point now.” She brought out a volume of the Testimonies, and turning to a well-thumbed place, read aloud. Sure enough, the instruction there given exactly fitted the case in question. When the reading was finished, moved by a common impulse, all knelt, and voice after voice poured out a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

When they rose, it was time to leave, and the circle broke up, each one saying, “It has been good to be here,” “I have been greatly helped,” “Let us meet again next week.” This they did, and thus the Mothers’ Association of Ocean View was begun; for as they met, and prayed, and studied, there grew up a simple organization, with a leader, or president, and a secretary-treasurer.

Other mothers, and some who were not mothers but were interested in the subjects discussed, soon joined the circle; for the welfare of the whole community is involved in the welfare of its children. The teachers of both Sabbath and day schools became interested and helpful auxiliaries; for they are, in one sense, substitute mothers. As the circle grew, and wider interests became involved, various committees were appointed; and the chairmen of these, with the president and the secretary, formed an executive committee to arrange for meetings, programs, and the various activities of the association.

But as at the beginning, so through all their proceedings, like a thread of gold, giving beauty and value to the whole, ran the constant study of the spirit of prophecy, combined with earnest prayer, both in the general meetings and in the private observance of the prayer hour at home.

Wherever there are earnest Christian mothers who feel the need of help and guidance in the training of the children intrusted to their care, there can and should be regular meetings for study and prayer concerning the subjects involved in this the “nicest of all work given to the human hand to do.” Let a call be issued for such a gathering, and see how quickly mothers will respond. At the first meeting, let the elder’s wife or the deaconess preside, and then steps can be taken to perfect a formal organization. In some places, it may be better that there be no formal organization, but the leading sisters in the church can

take charge, and arrange plans for study and practical work. In such a case, the mothers’ meeting would be a part of the deaconess’ work of the church, and it can be thus carried on profitably and successfully.

But the utmost care and pains must be taken to secure the interest and attendance of those mothers who have young children. They are the ones who need the meetings most. They are in the midst of the conflict, and need the wisdom and strength to be thus gained. Those mothers whose children are already grown, and therefore beyond the formative age, can advise and warn and help, by reason of experience of success or failure, but they should not so control the meeting as to give reason for its being called a grandmothers’ rather than a mothers’ association. Yet grandmothers who are intimately associated with their children’s families exert a strong influence for good or ill on the grandchildren they love so well.

When to Meet

Once a week is not too often to meet, if it is possible, but semimonthly or even monthly meetings are better than none at all. It is well, too, unless the number is too great, to meet at the homes of the members, as that secures a feeling of ease and familiarity that encourages those more backward and timid, to attend and take part in the exercises.

The Testimonies are full of precious instruction and counsel for fathers, mothers, and all who have the care of the young. In regard to helping our sisters feel their individual responsibility, we read in Volume VI, page 114, that “if we can arrange to have regular, organized companies instructed intelligently in regard to the part they should act as servants of the Master, our churches will have a vitality that they have long needed.”

Mothers’ meetings at camp meeting give our isolated sisters much instruction and encouragement. They stimulate action and awaken renewed energy in the discouraged. We often know better than we do, and we need the awakening power of social contact and the testimony of others to stir us to action. One mother, whose children were notoriously ill cared for, remarked, when invited to a mothers’ meeting, “I don’t need to go. I know all I need to know about training children now.” Perhaps she did; but she needed to realize her shortcomings, and be encouraged and stimulated to put in practice what she already knew.

Do not be afraid to begin mothers’ meetings. You may be laughed at. It is part of Satan’s program to put down by ridicule what he cannot rule. Begin with what is in your hand, even though it be only a shepherd’s rod, or a widow’s pot of oil, or the one talent. Use what you have; and by the blessing of God, the rod will bud and blossom and bear fruit to the glory of God; the pot of oil will multiply until your own and your neighbors’ vessels are full, and your children are delivered from the bondage of sin; and your one talent will gain ten in the Master’s service. Thus will you gain the welcome plaudit, “Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Chicago, Ill.