THE FEDERATION JOURNAL
"Listen to 07ir Clarion Watchtvord—We are Lifting As We Climb”
VOLUME 10
MAY, 1953
NUMBER 3
A Tribute to Mothers
By
MRS. O. R. POPE
One characteristic of the American peo
ple is the disposition to celebrate and
commemorate certain days and weeks.
The total number of days for observance
exceeds the days in the calendar year, it
is said. The range is all the way from
neighborhood events to those of a national
character, and include men, women, chil
dren and events of every kind. There is
hero worship, religious and historic com
memorations, social recognitions of every
aspect of our national life and culture.
But out of all of these there are only
seven great days, and Mother’s Day is
one. It is the latest of these, and was
given official recognition by the United
States Congress in 1914.
But mother worship as a ceremonial
festival dates back to ancient times with
Grecian civilization. It wais later observed
in the mid-lenten Sunday with the spread
of Christianity. As a symbol of devotion,
love and protection it is older than spoken
or written language in any form.
More than fifty thousand years ago a
Neanderthal mother put her mouth to
that of her crying infant to smother the
sound from the ferocious beasts of the
forest, and thus was born the kiss—the
original symbol of love and protection.
The first kiss was a mother’s kiss.
We can easily imagine that the first tear
was that of a mother as she watched the
ebbing away of her child’s mortal life, or
wept for its pain, or agonized for the safe
ty of her boy when he did not return
from the hunt in the forest.
The first prayer was that of a mother.
Perhaps it was only a gasp as she knelt
before a rough hewn image and asked
for guidance for her infant, or out of
sheer joy of living to hold and fondle it.
We also think of mother as a symbol
of unmeasured and unlimited power and
influence down through the ages, through
countless generations. Every epoch in the
history of the world began in a mother’s
arms where the leaders of thought and
action began their training.
When great events are pending, when
the scales of human destiny are suspended
in the heavens and men grow dizzy as
they watch the doubtful balances, it is a
mother that has prepared some leader for
the solemn emergency, and the history of
the world is changed. Sometimes the clock
is moved forward, sometimes backwards.
Good mothers make good men, and by
Continued on Page 4
The Elizabeth
City Clubs
By
MRS. E. M. SPELLMAN
The Elizabeth City Federation of Clubs
was organized February 12, 1951. During
the first year there was great enthusiasm
among the members although the number
was small. A Fellowship Tea in July and
the presentation of Miss Ruth Rush, State
President, as guest speaker constituted
the high lights of the year.
At the close of the first year an anni
versary program at the Olive Branch Bap
tist Church brought together eleven clubs
contributing to a very enjoyable program
which was followed by a delightful recep
tion in the church annex.
The activities of the second year were
interesting, although they were more diffi-
igir-Tii
I ■' ^
MRS. E. C. MITCHELL
President of City Federation
fult; however, the group was able to move
forward. Another fellowship hour held in
the summer was greatly enjoyed.
In the fall the ladies held a public pro
gram featuring a Popularity Contest for
the benefit of the Federation and the Club
House of the Negro Women’s Community
Club. A stereoptical lecture on “Impres
sions of European Travel’’ given by Mrs.
E. A. Esten of the Social Studies Depart
ment of Teachers’ College was most inter
esting and highly informative.
Another anniversary program and re
ception held at the Corner Stone Baptist
Church marked the end of the second
Continued on Page 2
Among Our Clubs
Elizabeth City
Members of Boys’ and Girls’
Club Attended Inaugural
Parade
For months members of the Boys’ and
Girls’ Club planned their trip to Washing
ton for observing the Inaugural Parade.
When the eventful day came, the number
present far exceeded the expectation of
Mrs. S. O. Griffin, the director. One bus
CAROL RESPASS
Age 14
Secretary of Junior Girls’ Club
had been chartered, and was filled so
quickly that a second bus had to be se
cured.
The early morning arrival in Washing
ton afforded the boys and girls an oppor
tunity to stand in weU chosen places
where they were able to get a good view
of the parade. Such a trip will live long
in their memories.
The Junior Matrons’ Club with Mrs.
C. H. Morgan as President and qualified
Librarian still does its part in supporting
the Cole Memorial Library, although
some state, city and county aid is given.
Bookmobile service has greatly increased
the circulation. Reading clubs are being
planned for the summer. Because of great
interest and largest number of readers,
twenty-five of the Pear Tree Road chil-
Continued on Page 3