34 A HALF CENTURY. 



By its well-directed, systematic efforts, its persevering dili- 

 gence and watchful attention to the needs of others, it has not. 

 only in a large degree ministered to the needy, and relieved 

 distress in the home parish, but it has become an efficient aid 

 in redeeming our whole country to Christ by its cooperation 

 with State and National societies, in its contributions to their 

 treasuries, and in ministrations to their missionaries and fam- 

 ilies. This Society has a board of directresses who have charge 

 of boxes sent to home missionaries, a committee on missionary 

 intelligence, an entertainment committee, a flower committee,^ 

 and a committee of welcome. It contributes one hundred dol- 

 lars annually toward the yearly expenses of the parish chapel, 

 and its contributions in cash and boxes to Home missionaries 

 amount to several hundred dollars annually. For several years 

 this Society has been auxiliary to the Woman's Home Mission- 

 ary Union of Connecticut. 



Maternal Association. — The first Maternal Association in 

 New Britain was held at the house of Samuel Hart, M.D., 

 March 30, 1836, when a few ladies of the Church, upon the in- 

 vitation of Mrs. Hart, met to consider the matter of forming an 

 association. At the next meeting held April 17th of the same 

 year, a constitution was adopted and a complete organization 

 effected. The constitution provided for two officers, a direct- 

 ress and a secretary. Mrs. L. H. Seward, the wife of the pas- 

 tor, was appointed directress, and Mrs. N. Stanley, secretary. 

 Meetings were held by the members monthly, quarterly, and 

 annually. At the annual and quarterly meetings the pastor, or 

 some other gentleman, frequently made an address. After the 

 division of the Church, the members of this Society continued 

 to meet together as before for several years, until a division of 

 the Association was deemed wise. 



The first meeting of the Maternal Association of the South 

 Church was held at the house of Kev. Samuel Rockwell, July 

 2, 1846. Mrs. Rockwell was chosen directress at this meeting, 

 and held the office until her death, June 2, 1887. The meetings 

 were held at her house for more than thirty-five years, when, on 

 account of her illness, they were transferred to the Church par- 



