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Edward Cooney requested the sister workers who had left the UK and Ireland to write these letters to be used in a lawsuit for libel he filed in 1913: Edward Cooney and —List v. William Dennis Wilson. The case was heard in Dublin.
In Alphabetical order by last name……..
Fannie Carroll’s Testimony – 1913
Entered the work in 1904
c/o Mr. C. H. Richter
1603 Fairview Av
Spokane Washington U.S.A.
August 15, 1913
Dear Brother,
Having heard the “Wilson Case,” is soon to come off. I am sending you a few particulars re our work on this side; which may help you to refute the terrible charges this man has brought against us as the Lords servants. And, which has caused so much suffering during the last few years.
How glad we ought to be, however, to know that those whom he has so cruelly libeled in different parts of the world have no other desire than to honour and serve the Lord, and live pure, holy lives before God and men.
I was converted through Mr. Wm. Irvine in Rathmolyon, Co. Meath, Ireland in October, 1897. Spent some years in business with my brother in Dublin before going forth to preach the Gospel. My first field of labour being Suffolk, England. Miss A. Smith who is now in Tasmania was my co-worker. We held Evangelistic meetings in several of the villages and towns. Mr. Wilson’s five children and a number of others were converted as a result of our labours, who can testify of the blessing brought into their lives.
With some others I went to New Zealand in 1905 and returned to visit my friends in Dublin and elsewhere in 1910. And came over to this side of the Atlantic to join my brother and sister that same year. They are both Evangelists and engaged in this work.
The fact that we preach Jesus as the only Example and Pattern as well as the only Saviour and Lord and daily seek to deny ourselves and follow Him in the world ought to make it clear to all honest minds that our standard of morality is the only true standard for all who profess and call themselves christians.
I correspond regularly with my married brother and his wife in the old country, both of whom are in hearty sympathy with our work on this side. We have many christian friends and christian homes to which we are always welcome. Here are a few names and addresses to which any who are interested can refer.
Mr. & Mrs. Julias Richter, Chesaw, Wash.
Mr. & Mrs. J. Ostland, 1201 S. Monroe St., Tacoma, Wash.
Mr. & Mrs. J. Westin, 1219 Sth Wash St., Tacoma, Wash.
Mr. & Mrs. H. Sinclair, 2142 Venable St, Vancouver, B.C.
Of course you know we are quite free to go home to see our friends or leave the work any time we like, and that two sisters always work together. From every standpoint we have proved our methods of work and manner of life are conducive to a healthy life, physically, morally and spiritually and we have the joy of seeing many lives and homes transformed.
I trust the Case will be decided and settled definitely and that this man may be silenced for good. You have our best wishes and sympathy.
Yours sincerely in Christs service
Fannie Carroll
NOTES: “I was converted through Mr. Wm. Irvine in Rathmolyon, Co. Meath, Ireland in October, 1897.”
“ My first field of labour being Suffolk, England. Miss A. Smith who is now in Tasmania was my co-worker… Mr. Wilson’s five children and a number of others were converted as a result of our labours”
Wm D. Wilson’s children professed through the preaching of Fannie Carroll and Annie Smith.
May Carroll’s Testimony – 1913
Entered the work in 1903
Permanent add.
1613 Broadway
Everett, Wash.
Bellingham – Aug 15th [probably 1913]
Dear Brother
We have learned that at last Mr. Wilson is about to face in a court of Justice the false and slanderous accusations brought against the Lord’s Servants and handmaidens.
I sincerely trust that as a result of this Trial we may be allowed to continue the work of the Lord without this malicious persecution which is so annoying to us and our friends in the Gospel.
It may be a help to have my testimony being one of the sisters longest in the work and the first that preached in Suffolk. Also one of the first to come to U.S.A.
In January, 1894 my father died and for the first time in my life I gave serious consideration to eternal things. Tho a nominal member of the Episcopalian Church, I was not satisfied that I was a Christian.
In August 1897, my brother Jack and I attended the meetings held in Nenagh by Mr. Irvine and were impressed from the first by the faithful message and the unselfish life of the Preacher. This caused us to compare our vain selfish lives with that of Christ and His Servant and we both decided to make Jesus Lord and Master and His teaching the rule and guide of our lives from that time forth.
For two years I continued in my Uncle’s business, and on Oct the 10th, 1899, after having spent six weeks at my home then in Meath, I went forth in Christ’s Service. My Mother and brothers were in perfect sympathy with the step I then took.
It was while my companion and I were preaching in Monk Soham, Suffolk that my brother who also decided to spend his life in the service of God wrote me concerning going with him to preach in U.S.A. My sister Fannie took my place in Suffolk and we sailed on the 6th of May, 1903.
Miss Sara Rogers and I worked together in P.A. and saw some souls saved there and friends afield with the Message of Salvation.
I joined my brother in Michigan after he had concluded a series of services in the central Presbyterian Church in Detroit. We continued all summer in a Gospel Tent in City.
I also worked with Miss Annie Edwards in the surrounding counties.
I returned to Ireland from Michigan in January, 1907 and remained in Ireland til August of same year. My brother also having spent some months in Ireland, we decided to return to America this time to work on the Pacific coast.
Miss Florence May of Oshawa, Ontario joined me and we worked together on Vancouver Island also on the Mainland in B.C. and for three years in Washington. Last year my sister Fannie and I worked in Chelan Co. where as the result of our testimony some of the leading fruit growers and members of their families were baptized into fellowship with us.
We have many friends in the cities, towns and country districts where we laboured who would be glad to testify to the purity and sincerity of our lives.
We also study the laws of health and hygiene and comply with God’s condition for having a healthy body soul and spirit. I have been 14 years preaching and have not been off a month through illness.
During my first years in His Service I spent from 4 to 6 weeks at my home: 76 Lr Beechwood Ave Ranelagh each year. Since my mother died, when needing a rest or change, I visit with some of the friends whose names I give you.
At the time of writing we are having well attended services in Gospel Tent in Bellingham. Will enclose our card and announcement in daily paper.
Mr. & Mrs. Larson, Walnut St. will be able to answer to the manner of our lives while working here.
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Simpson, Saanich, Van Isle B.C.
Mr. & Mrs. A. P. McCreight, Clinton, Wash
Mr. & Mrs. John Westin, 1219 S. Wash St, Tacoma, Wash
Mr. & Mrs. Schwab, 1613 Broadway, Everett, Wash
Mr. & Mrs. H. Sinclair, 2142 Vinable St., Van B.C.
These are all property owners and tax payers and our most intimate friends. I can give you hundreds of others in this and other states who rejoice that they know us, the Lord having used us to bless their lives and their homes.
Wishing you true success in confuting the false charges made against His Name.
Yours very truly in Christ’s Service
May Carroll
NOTES:
“In August 1897, my brother Jack and I attended the meetings held in Nenagh by Mr. Irvine… and we both decided to make Jesus Lord and Master and His teaching the rule and guide of our lives from that time forth.”
“It may be a help to have my testimony being one of the sisters longest in the work and the first that preached in Suffolk. Also one of the first to come to U.S.A…we sailed on the 6th of May, 1903.”
Faith Mission records show May joining them on October 11, 1999: “Oct the 10th, 1899, after having spent six weeks at my home then in Meath, I went forth in Christ’s Service.”
May’s Mother’s home, is located on the south side of Dublin, Ireland. May’s Mother died in 1916.
Annie Corcoran’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 190? (not on 1905 Workers Lsit)
c/o Mrs. Nelson Stokes
Sonya P.O.
Victoria Co. Ont.
August 7, 1913
Dear Brother
Am writing to give you my testimony regarding my experience since I first got interested as to my condition before God.
15 years ago last January, 2 evangelists came to the village of Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, Ireland to hold a 7 wks mission in the Methodist Church. My parents, brothers, sisters and myself attended the mtgs. The first night when entering the church that hymn was being sung, “Where will you spent eternity?” It seemed to go home very forcibly to my heart although previous to this I had been brought up by my parents to live a pure moral life. As I continued going to these mtgs God began—
(2) Page 2 is missing
(3) Home address is “Springmount,” Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary Ireland.
7 years ago in the month of September I joined my companion in Belfast (Sarah McClung). We then crossed to England and had our first mission I the City of Bedford. I preached for 3 years I England. Always having my sister worker with me. When working a mission we read the Scriptures together, waited on God in prayer in the forenoon, allowing God to do a work in our own hearts, so that as we came in contact with people we might be able to speak the words of God effectively. In the afternoon we visited the people, finding it very beneficial physically and spiritually.
After spending 3 years in England we then went to Scotland, spent 3 years there working exactly along same lines as when in England. A year ago in the month of August we came to Canada.
(4) For those 7 years, I have had different sister workers with me, all of which had the marks of uprightness, morality and sincerity in the Master’s work. When coming to Canada we came to Toronto, from there to Georgetown a distance of about 30 miles where we had a weeks meetings. We than went up to Bruce Col, Ontario to hold several missions. Extreme kindness had been shown us when there.
Several homes to which we are heartily welcome, a few of which I’ll mention.
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Scott, Spry, Bruce Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Jas. Fowlie (Senior)
Mr. & Mrs. Jas. Fowlie (Junior), Spry PO
Mr. & Mrs. Boyle Dyers, Bay, Bruce Co.
Mr. & Mrs. H. Pettigrew, Tobermory, Bruce Co.
Also several homes in Toronto to whom we are in fellowship with.
Mr. & Mrs. R. Hallowell, 133 Cooper Ave, Toronto
Mr. & Mrs. W. Stinson, 15 Foxley St, Toronto
Mr. & Mrs. T. Pringle, 3 Cooper Avenue, Toronto
(5) We spent 9 months in Bruce Co. preaching in churches and halls. After which I came to Victoria Co., Ontario to take the place of another sister worker who was going home to Scotland to see her friends. When working in England and Scotland I was home every year to see my parents quite at liberty to stay at home if I desired to do so. I have the very same liberty today to return home at any time. My reason for coming to Canada has been that the Gospel might reach other lands. Jesus command to His disciples is seen in Mark 16:15. Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
I hear regularly from my parents and friends. No compulsion whatever connected to the life I’m living.
Missing: last page w/signature
NOTES:
15 years ago last January, 2 evangelists came to the village of Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. Letter dated August 7, 1913 minus 15 years= 1898.
Annie is not a sister to Sarah Corcoran. Sara’s home was: “Springmount,” Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary Ireland.
Sarah Corcoran’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1905
Sams Valley
Jackson Co., Oregon U.S.A.
August 12, 1913
Mr. E. Cooney
Dear Brother
In reply to yours of July 21st will give you an outline of my life and work since my conversion.
My home address is Finnoe, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
Fourteen years ago I decided for the Lord at some Gospel meetings held in Borrisokane. I lived at home with my parents for six years after that time. Then in the year 1905 I decided to go forth and spend my life in the service of God.
My first experience in the work was at Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, where Miss J. Allan and I held meetings for several weeks. We then crossed to England and worked in Lincolnshire. I remained in England about 4 years and during that time I had several companions. Miss Humphries, Miss McCance, Miss Reid and Miss Minnie Wilson.
In November 1909, I crossed to Canada where I visited my Uncle Jonathan Atkinson at Souris, Manitoba and then my brother in Vancouver, British Columbia (who is also a worker.)
I afterwards crossed to United States and worked in Washington State with Miss Emily Wilson, then went to Alaska where I worked with my brother for several months. Returned again to the United States and have been working in Southern Oregon for the past 2 ½ years. I am at present working in Medford, Oregon with a Miss Howard.
My permanent address is Sams Valley, Jackson Co., Oregon. Some of my particular friends are:
Mrs. M. E. Gardner, Postmistress, Sams Valley
Mrs. C. Pipes, Gold Hill, Oregon
Mrs. D. M. Taylor, Phoenix, Oregon
Miss Mabel Kiumau, Yoncalla, Oregon
We often go to their homes to visit and when needing a rest.
In this country while we differ in religious views with the denominations, yet we feel the need of uniting our forces with them against all forms of immorality, and seek by our own lives and testimony to raise high the true standard of Christianity.
I hear from my Mother, brothers, sisters and home friends regularly and I expect to return home to see them sometime in the near future.
Wishing you much success in your work on that side.
Yours in the Service of Jesus,
Sara Corcoran
NOTES: "Fourteen years ago I decided for the Lord at some Gospel meetings held in Borrisokane."
1913 – 14 yrs = 1899
Sarah aka Sally had 3 brothers who also went in the work also: Jack, Bill and Jim.
Sally (Corcoran) McCoy was born in Co. Tipperary, Ireland on Jan. 2, 1878 and died in California. She married Ray McCoy. 1901 Irish census shows Sarah Jane (not "Sally"), which is probably a nickname for Sarah. Her letter is signed Sara—without the “h”.
Sarah’s mother Jane Ann Corcoran professed at Borrisokane in 1898 thru Wm Irvine.
Read Corcoran’s story: http://www.tellingthetruth.info/workers_early/corcorans.php
Sarah is not a sister to Annie. Sara’s home was "Finnoe House," Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
Emma Gill’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1900
c/o Mr H. J. Frendsen
3716 – 19th Ave So
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.
August 11th [1913]
Dear Mr. Cooney,
Will try to tell you in as short a space as possible a little of my experience, both before and after I yielded to the message of God.
As a family we were brought up with a high standard of morality, but were taught that that in itself was not sufficient.
Over 16 years ago while I was absent from my home, my brothers and sisters attended some Gospel Meetings where they were converted. On my return I too had the privilege of listening to the same preacher. The words he spoke, and the life manifested by him, combined with the change in the lives of my friends caused me to feel my need of God. At the end of another year I yielded to Him and found what it meant to be born of God.
At that time I held First-class Diplomas from the Liverpool School of Cookery and Laundry, and had already done some work as a Technical Teacher. After my conversion I decided to give my life to preaching the Gospel. This I did of my own free will, not as the result of any outside pressure being brought to bear upon me.
For a few years I conducted meetings in different parts of Ireland accompanied by a lady companion. In 1904 I spent a few months in eastern part of England helping there in meetings.
In the end of November of that year I came to America and after spending a few weeks with friends in the east, came to the home of my sister and her husband who lived near Cando, North Dakota. Joined there by another lady who had given her life to the Gospel we conducted meetings. Our object in these meetings is to impress upon the people their need of being born again and living up to the Standard of righteousness spoken of by Jesus and his Apostles.
For the last 8 years we have spent most of our time in the Dakotas, with the exception of a few months spent in visiting my home in Ireland.
In both Dakotas there are many homes where we are welcome. I have already mentioned my sister, Mrs. Hughes, Cando, North Dakota. In S. Dakota I frequently stay with Mr. & Mrs. McMullen, Lyndall, S.D. also with Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Schmidt, Springfield, S.D., as well as several others. The address given above is our permanent address and when in Minneapolis we stay with Mr. and Mrs. Frendsen.
We frequently receive letters from those who have accepted the message we brought, expressing thankfulness for having learned how they could get the power, not only to live a moral life, but also a spiritual one. We find the life we live helpful to our life morally, spiritually and physically. The regular exercise in open air keeping us in a better condition physically than many of the ladies we work amongst.
I may mention that since starting in this work I carry on a regular correspondence with my relatives in Ireland and am free to return there whenever I choose. The address of my home there is: Dalystown, Castlerickard, Moyvalley, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
I am Faithfully yrs
Emma Gill
NOTES: “Over 16 years ago while I was absent from my home, my brothers and sisters attended some Gospel Meetings where they were converted. On my return I too had the privilege of listening to the same preacher.” ~~1913 minus 16 years = 1897. The preacher was Wm Irvine.
Sarah Rogers Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1900
c/o Wm Koeniger
Pendleton, Indiana U.S.A.
August 28, 1913
My Dear Bro. Cooney
You will likely be enjoying your work these days on the Irish side. We hope you have a year of blessing. We are certainly enjoying preaching the word over in the United States. It often makes my heart glad for the privileges we each have of being God’s Messengers and having ever heard ourselves.
About 14 years ago in the town of Marysboro, Queens CO., Ireland, I first heard Wm Irvine. He held meetings there which I attended and for the first time saw who Jesus was and purposed to follow Him.
Almost 2 years afterwards I had the joy of going forth to preach. Went to Scotland to begin and travelled to various parts there with a sister worker where our labours were blessed in some measure.
Crossed over to United States about 10 years ago with some others who also came to sound out the Gospel. Have worked in P.A., Ill, S. and Indiana. Glad we ever came because of those whom God has given us in the Gospel.
It is not compulsory at all that we should remain on the field or even away from our relatives, as every worker is at perfect liberty to cease preaching when they desire to and go to their friends.
My Mother, Mrs. Rogers, Tulnyoan, near Derrygonnelly, Ireland still lives, from whom I hear regularly and always have since leaving. She never has in any way hindered me from going forth as a preacher. Have been home once since coming to this country, but have learned to feel at home amongst the Lord’s friends here who have been friends indeed to us.
I have trained a sister worker on the field each year. Sometimes an Irish girl. Sometimes an American, as they were anxious to go.
Have always found the strictest moral teaching observed in the Testimony amongst workers on the field and saints in the home and have indeed seen lived all our ideas of purity as taught from childhood.
Was brought up in the Methodist Church, Church Hill near Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh. At present my address is c/o Wm Koeniger, Pendleton, Ind., U.S.A., our standing address. On looking back today, it’s a cause for praise that God ever sent His messengers to show me His lowly path when busy seeking the world ___? in Maryboro while in Mrs. Buckley’s store there as Milliner and Saleswoman.
The homes welcome us today are many in Indiana. Might give a few names, such as:
George Helms & wife,
Martin Schulze & wife. Ad of both: Flat Rock, Ind U.S.A.
Frank Gesher & wife, Bluffton, R2 Ind US
Frank Barrick, Uniondale, Ind US
And many others.
The health of each worker is our first consideration. Each sister has been well cared for and always can rest when over tired or not strong. Our work is a delight, not a compulsory thing.
Trust you keep well yourself and being much used.
Your sister in Christ
Sarah Rogers
NOTES: About 14 years ago in the town of Marysboro, Queens CO., Ireland, I first heard Wm Irvine. He held meetings there which I attended and for the first time saw who Jesus was and purposed to follow Him.
~~1913 minus 14 years = year 1899.
Helen Harrison’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1905
Miss Helen Harrison
c/o Mrs. W. Ripley
Salem, Cumb[erland] Co[unty] N.S. [Nova Scotia]
August 27, 1913
Dear Sir.
Regarding the much trouble caused by W. D. Wilson near Suffolk England. Writing and sending circulars containing all manner of falsehoods and misrepresentations against us as preachers.
Certain editors willingly published and circulated broadcasts without any foundation as living facts. But the meaness of. It is supposed [“—Lie–?]. Tis reported.
Our lives have been well watched wherever we have laboured and the people have had every possible chance of discovering whether we are good or bad. And during all the years we have been preaching we can defy anyone to put a finger on any inconsistency. And rejoicing is this. With all good conscience in all simplicity in Godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdom but by Grace of God we have our [conviction?] in the world. Seeking to teach men and women to live according to the Word of God.
We believe in practicing what we preach. Which is so much needed. Our faith is in the living God. Who has promised that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness our food and clothing will be added. This we have proved and found the Lord to be a never failing Friend.
I might say I belong to England. Home address: Miss Helen Harrison, Manor Farm, Fotherby, Eng. Since in March 1904 our home was open to receive two lady preachers which I proved were pract[ic]ing what they preached as taught in the word of God (living to preach) “and was won by loving choice took my stand by God and His truth.
About twelve months after I heard the call of God and by pure choice I gave my whole life to be used by God in His service to win precious souls to live and practice as becometh Christians as it is written. And it has resulted in many hearts lives and homes being opened by the Lord.
Where I am welcome at any time and any others in fellowship…I have been preaching for over eight years. Laboured two years in England. Two years in Ireland. Then by choice came over to Canada. Laboured two years in Prince Ed[ward] Island. Many there in fellowship. Mr. and Mrs. John Martin, Wood Island, Prince Ed. Island. This last two years laboured in Cumb. Co., NS. Mr. & Mrs. Ed Carter Salem Cumb. Co. NS. You may use any of these addresses if they will benefit.
Trusting this will in some degree counteract the misrepresentations circulated and make clear our standing and relation to the word of God.
Yours Truly
In Christ’s Service and Fellowship
Helen Harrison
NOTES: Helen Harrison was born November 8, 1866 and was 38 years old when she met the workers in 1904. She entered work in 1905. For many years, it was said that she was the oldest worker on earth. She was 104 years old when she died in 1970.
Dora Holland’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1902
c/o A. A. Rhinehart
Oslo, Minnesota U.S.A.
Aug. 11th, 1913
Dear Brother,
Yours of July 21st just to hand, I herewith reply, and give you all the information you desire. My home address in Ireland was Annaville, Woodlawn, Co. Galway, Ireland. That is where I was born and brought up. My father’s name is Philip Holland. He has since come out to live in Canada.
I was educated at home for first years and finished in a school in Dublin, conducted by Miss Jones, 119 Leinster Sq, Rathmines. Afterwards I followed the occupation of teaching for some years, was a governess and lived with a lady in Kilrush, Co. Clare, a Mrs. Wm. Peacocke. It was while I was there that two preachers came along and held meetings in the town. I attended the services. They were held by a Mr. Wm Irvine from Scotland, and his companion. It was at that time that I made the choice I would yield my life fully to God’s control and have reason to believe that God through the instrumentality of His Messengers wrought a change in my heart and mind, and gave me new desires and purposes. I decided then that I would give my life to gospel work sometime, but continued teaching for a few years.
It was eleven years ago the 24th day of May last since I went forth to preach in the way the New Testament teaches. No person asked me to go. It was a matter of my own choice and discussion and the outcome of God moving on my mind and heart to do so, as I got to see the need of the world and felt a personal responsibility in the matter. My father and other friends did not seek to prohibit me taking this step as he and they are glad to see me choose the highest calling, viz to be of use to people to help them in the things and ways of God. I went out with a Miss Janet Gill from Co. Meath. She had previously been a schoolmate in Dublin and an intimate friend. We labored for awhile in Berwickshire, Scotland.
Two lady preachers always go together, and I can say that after being over seventeen years in touch with the work and now over eleven years out preaching in fellowship with all in it that I have always found that everything in connection with it is in keeping with the highest conceptions of morality, and in accordance with the views held by the leading Evangelical sects regarding such.
I preached for the first few years in Scotland, England and Ireland, came out to Western Canada on Aug. 5th, 1905 on the Virginian-Allan Line. My brother had come out to the West a few years previously to farm and my father and family anticipated doing so. This helped to cause me to have a desire to come to Canada. I preached in Manitoba and Saskatchewan for first few years and enclose you the addresses of friends there that are in fellowship with me and in whose homes I am welcome, and also some addresses on this side of the line. My father and family came out to Emo, Western Ontario, Canada eight years ago, and five years ago I went to visit my people and spent a couple of years preaching in and round that part of Western Ontario where my people live.
I am always at liberty to go home anytime I wish to do so. I spent a month there last fall taking a holiday and anticipate doing so next month. Most of my family are in fellowship with the testimony and all believe in the work as they have seen practical results in the lives of those who have been influenced by the teaching we have given them.
Having had eleven years experience preaching in this way, I can say that the life we sisters live is in keeping with our welfare physically, morally and spiritually. I enjoy the best of health and prove that our temporal needs are in every way provided as we go along.
We meet with many kind friends who consider it a privilege to receive us as the Messengers of God and show us hospitality and kindness and as a result we have the joy of seeing some nearly every place we work in yield their lives to God.
I have been working here in Northern Minnesota for over eighteen months, mostly Scandinavian people, and get large and interested attendance at our meetings all the time. I have always been treated with respect and courtesy every place I have preached in and I prove that walking this pathway enables me to enjoy more fellowship with God than I did even when I was teaching, as my whole mind and life is abandoned to the one purpose, viz to learn His will and ways and seek to tell others to do the same.
Yours in Christ’s Service
Dora Holland
NOTES: “I attended the services. They were held by a Mr. Wm Irvine from Scotland, and his companion. It was at that time that I made the choice I would yield my life fully to God’s control”
“…after being over seventeen years in touch with the work”
~~1913 minus 17 years = 1896 Dora heard Wm Irvine preach in Kilrush, Co. Clare Ireland.
“and now over eleven years out preaching in fellowship”
~~1913 minus 11 years = 1902 when Dora entered the work (1902 is also the year shown on the 1905 workers list for when Dora entered the work)
Alice Pipe’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1903
Permanent Address:
c/o Mrs. Gill
Dobb Brow
Charnock Richard?
W Charley Lanes
Present add: 28 High Street, Belmont, W Bolton Lancs
October 19, 1913
My dear Brother,
I got yours yesterday and sorry I cannot tell much that might help you about the Wilson Case. Mr. List of Deben House, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk would be able to tell you some things.
1. All I know of a Messenger calling at Belfast 9 years ago was a man, a Schoolmaster, called to see Edith Easey, who had been teaching in a School in Br—dish, and I saw her speak to him inside the building and someone said his wife was somewhere nearby but I did not see her nor did Edith.
2. When Wilson McClung was preaching in Ipswich, Louie detectives came and asked us several questions. We were all called out one by one and we answered all his questions. We were having Louie Special Meetings.
3. The only loss I know about was he came along to a village in which we were preaching and after using very bad language he took a stone and broke our windows. We had to pay £6 to get them repaired. He broke Sam Coles windows and damaged the wooden hall belonging to W. McClung, but both was taken before the Magistrates and he had to make right.
4. I only know of one village where his literature is believed in and forgot the name of it. We were followed a mile by an angry mob and were clodded all the way. It was through the clergymans advise (sic) that we were put out. I cannot remember his name. Very few of the people believed in him in Suffolk or Norfolk.
This is all I can tell you. Hope it will be useful. Let us know how all goes on.
Yours truly
Alice Pipe
NOTES: Alice Pipe is shown on the 1905 Workers List as entering the work in 1903. She is mentioned in several newspaper articles:
June 9, 1906, Morning Leader: “A great stir has been created recently in East Anglia by a body of "No Sect" people whose preachers have been holding meetings in that part of rural England for several years past. This sect, if we may call it a sect, was started in Scotland by a William Irvine, seven or eight years ago. It has grown gradually. Fifty men or women missionaries connected with it are now working in England. There are as many in Scotland and more in Ireland. The headquarters are now in Belfast. "We have no name," said one of the preachers, "but some call us Cooneyites, Tramps, Faith Missioners, No Secters, and so on." Alice Pipe, a pretty girl missioner, was the first of the sect to visit East Anglia. She was followed by William Irvine, the founder. Recently a Mr. McClung, one of the leaders – Mr. Cooney is now the other leader – has been holding meetings in Framlingham, Cretingham, Debenham, Needham, Stow Upland, Stowmarket, and Ipswich. These meetings have caused many people to leave their different churches and chapels, and to identify themselves with the new sect. This has created some opposition and much hard feeling, and all manner of stories are told against the "Tramp Preachers."
June 28, 1906, Impartial Reporter: Alice Pipe, a pretty girl missioner, was the first of the sect to visit East Anglia. She was followed by William Irwin, the founder. Recently a Mr. M’Clung, one of the leaders–Mr. Cooney is now the other leader–has been holding meetings in Framlingham, Cretingham, Debenham, Needham, Stow, Upland, Stowmarket and Ipswich.
January 27, 1907, Lloyd’s Weekly: " About two years ago the village of Brundish, in Suffolk, was visited by a couple of women missioners, named Alice Pipe and Lily Reid. On an agricultural community, glad, perhaps, of a little colour in the monotony of life, they appear to have made a great impression."
Feb 3, 1907, Lloyd’s Weekly: "…the Preachers were first brought under Mr. Wilson’s notice by a Miss Pipe, who wrote to Mr. Wilson in March, 1904, asking for the loan of the Cretingham school room.
July 14, 1912, The People: "Among the Cooneyite female preachers was one Alice Pipe, a pretty girl with a sweet voice. Under a species of hypnotic influence she falls into a sort of trance and repeats words that might be any language. It is gravely announced that she speaks by the Spirit, and many have been converted through her."
Edie Weir’s Testimony Letter
Entered the work in 1905
c/o Mr. J. A. Hill
Paso Robles, California
August 26, 1913
Dear Brother
In reply to yours. My parents live at 21 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin where I lived from about 7 years of age until I went forth to preach, nearly 8 years ago. I was brought up to live a moral and religious life, and was employed as my Father’s book-keeper previous to going forth to preach.
About 18 years ago I first met Brother Irvine, and from time to time I had the privilege of meeting him, and others with him, and hearing them preach occasionally; during which time I was convinced by what I saw in their lives, of the lack in mine, of what would please God; and with the desire to come up to the standard I saw represented in them. I yielded my heart and will to be taught by God through them.
Two years later I started forth to give my life to preaching the gospel, as I believed God was encouraging me to go. Many times I had longed to have Brother Irvine’s encouragement along those lines, but it did not come until I made the move in that direction.
The 1st year I spent in Scotland, with Lizzie Jamieson as companion, and then with Annie Dodds. August 11, 1906 I set sail for U.S.A. with Lizzie Jamieson. On landing (Aug. 18th) Mrs. McIntyre met us at the boat and brought us to her home for a few days rest after our journey. We also spent a day or so with Mrs. Wilson, Philadelphia, and about 3 weeks with Mrs. Hawkins, Baltimore, Maryland, while waiting for the cheaper rates across the Continent
We arrived in California about Sept 22, was met by my Brother [Irvine Weir] and with him visited some homes from Frisco to Los Angeles, which had been made homes to us, as God’s servants, during his 3 years preaching and ministry in California.
My first Companion here was Esther Hanson, who is now preaching in Sweden. We worked outside Los Angeles, then in Oxnard, Ventura Co. until after Xmas time, when Jenny Butler became my companion, working in several small towns in Ventura, Co.
Next year Bessie Dunkin was my companion working all year in and around Bakersfield (San Joaquin Valley), removing to work in the mountains around Deer Creek Springs during the hottest part of the year, for our health sake.
Next year I was my Brother’s companion around Santa Rosa, Calistoga and the mountains there, and the following year in Napa, Petaluma and Watsonville districts.
The following year, he and I preached in Arizona and Texas on our way home, where we spent a few months, returning to California [in] October. The little while away, and the welcome at both sides proved to us, we not only had one home and parents, but many more added, where we are always welcome.
Next year Florence Langworthy was again my companion in Beaumont and Corona districts, then I had Alma Loitz as companion in Riverside, after which I again joined my Brother in Hollister, Gilroy and San Juan.
This year I have been with my Brother in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Green Valley and Corralitos. I go with him as companion when we have not a sufficient number of sisters, so as to go by twos, but my choice would always be to have a sister companion, as two sisters can be so much more together, than even a natural brother and his sister.
I hear regularly from home, and keep up a steady correspondence with Father and Mother and occasionally write to and hear from my Brothers and Sisters, most of them now scattered from home.
A letter addressed to c/o J. A. Hill, Paso Robles or c/o C. H. Skinner, 1522 Allesandro Street, Los Angeles will always find me. I am always welcome at these homes, as well as many others, such as:
Mrs. E. Ritzman, Route 1, Fillmore
Mrs. M. Brown, 6th Street, Bakersfield
Mrs. Denio, Rosedale Route, Bakersfield
Mrs. Engle, Route 3, Watsonville
Mrs. Wiebe, R. Route, Hollister
We keep in touch with these and others letting them know our moves.
Yours in Christ’s Service,
Edie Weir
NOTES: "My parents live at 21 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin." This is the location of the very first fellowship meeting. View Photo in TTT Photo Gallery
"About 18 years ago I first met Brother Irvine, and from time to time I had the privilege of meeting him, and others with him, and hearing them preach occasionally;"
~~1913 minus 18 years = 1895 – when Wm Irvine first came to Ireland with Faith Mission.