History of the First Universalist Church in Somerville, Mass. Illustrated; a souvenir of the fiftieth anniversary celebrated February 15-21, 1904

[69] the application of different names, sometimes to designate a special food which would be served, and sometimes to distinguish the character of the entertainment. When the society bought its tables, the report says, ‘Fifty sat at the first table, and forty-eight at the second.’ At the present time it has tables, crockery, and silver for a vestry-full. When the first silver was bought, at a cost of $79.23, a ‘silver supper’ was given, to which no admission was charged, but a ‘silver collection’ was taken at the table. These knives, forks, and spoons were all carried away by burglars, and no trace of them has ever been found.

It therefore became necessary to purchase more, and the society has now more than made up its loss.

A spelling match was held in the vestry, under the auspices of the Sewing Circle. This was between members of the Sabbath School on one side, and any who chose to take part on the other side. The first prize was taken by a member of the Ladies' Sewing Circle. The May-day parties have become a regular feature of the enterprises of this society, and a few years since a very enjoyable entertainment was given of ‘Living Whist.’ At one of the sociables held at a private house, Rev. B. K. Russ christened the infant daughter of one of the families of the parish.

Thus, in a very fragmentary way, has the writer of this article endeavored to give a condensed account of the work of the Ladies' Sewing Circle. It has been attended with many tribulations, as there are no records of the secretary further back than 1871.

The society to-day is, as it has always been, one of the strongest and most efficient organizations in the church. Its monthly suppers and socials are now attended by hundreds, many coming from other churches. On an average, $500 or $600 is raised annually from this source alone. In recent years the men have had charge of one