Denaby Main Girls’ Friendly Society

In October last the work of this society was introduced into the Denaby Main district under the Wath-upon-Dearne branch. The local associates (Mrs. Roseveare, Miss Berrington, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Schofield, and Mrs. Taylor), have held fortnightly meetings for girls, who have, until Friday last, been probationers of the society. At these meetings instruction in the work of the society with sewing and games has served to knit together more than 50 girls, and on May 18th a service was held in the School-Church, at which they were admitted as members.

The Rev. R. P. Roseveare conducted the service, briefly addressing the candidates on the work at which the society aims. After their admission an address was given by Miss Bowlby, a lady well known in every diocese of the kingdom as the energetic deputation secretary of the G.F.S. She spoke of the growth of the society during its 19 years’ existence from a small class gathered together by Mrs. Townsend in a country parish in the Midlands to an enormous body numbering 30,000 associates and more than 140,000 members living in all parts of the Kingdom and also in the Colonies, and on the Continent, but united together by mutual prayer and sympathy.

She explained the aims of the society which are briefly to promote purity and true happiness among girls of all ages and all classes whether brought up under Church teaching or not. The methods of working are to invite older Churchwomen to become either honorary or working associates, and to bring together under the special friendly care of each working associate younger unmarried girls as members. A small annual subscription of not less than 1s. admits them to the privilege of membership, the only condition being a virtuous character.

By the widespread influence of the society the girls are assured of an additional lady friend to whom they may confide their troubles and difficulties, who will rejoice in their joys and sympathise in their sorrows. If they move from home into service or any employment their home associate recommends them to the care of another lady friend near their new home and so minimises the dangers of loneliness and strangeness.

She explained how in their seaside homes and in their sick fund and many other organisations members “bear one another’s burdens,” and by classes for candidates who are too young for admission as members train little girls in the principles of the society. Hymns were sung and the address attentively listened to by many mothers and friends, as well as the large body of associates and members.