One hundred years ago living was quite different than it is now. As a church family in 1902, the church was then only 39 years old, and yet it had outgrown four church buildings, the first of which was made of logs and was located near Geneva Lake. The church family in 1902 was worshipping in a white frame building located at the cemetery east of Clarks Grove.

At that time there were no cars and to attend church services one had to either walk, ride a bicycle or come by horse drawn wagons. The Danish language was still being used at all church services. There were two missionary organizations within the church; the Ladies Mission Society which had been organized in 1875 and the mission band, which was a missionary organization for children.

Through the constant growth of the church, a large number of young people was found in the membership and the need was felt that they might be trained in the Christian life and spirit of missions.

On Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, 1902, a group of young ladies met at the parsonage, which was then the home of the Rev. Iver Larson family, for the purpose of organizing a young ladies mission society.

Because of the stormy weather only eight ladies were able to attend, but they set up the organization that day. It was decided to meet on the second Saturday of each month, the meetings to be held at the various homes.

At the first regular meeting which was held at the Nels Anderson home and there were 24 ladies present and they became the charter members. The charter members who were still living and active in the program 50 years later (1952) were: Mrs. John (Matilda) Gregerson, Mrs. Alfred (Rebecca) Peterson, Mrs. Norman (Alice) Nelson, Mrs. P. C. (Enola) Sorenson and Mrs. Harry (Adena) Nelson.

The name Farther Lights was chosen for the society. This was truly to be missionary society. It was decided to take an offering at each meeting. One half of this offering was to go to foreign missions and one half to home missionary work. The first offering taken amounted to $3.66, which was very generous offering for girls to give who were working for wages which at that time was about $1 per week.

As the society grew it became more active in serving the church family and missions abroad. A few of the activities of the organization were: sending money to building churches in Denmark and the United States; sending boxes of clothing to home and foreign missions and personal gifts for missionaries; donating to the Red Cross; sending CARE packages; purchasing fuel for older peoples homes; and sending Bibles to missionary projects.

The White Cross has been one of the constants in the 100 years of the society’s existence. The White Cross work has been sent to all parts of the world where Baptist missionaries serve. Home Missions has been the recipient of much needed items and gifts.

Each year a White Cross quota is completed which has included the making or collecting of the following: rolled bandages, bandages of all sizes, gowns, pads, shirts, diapers, many quilts which were made and tied, dresses, used clothing, medical supplies, soap kits of personal items, favor for shut-ins, Bibles, pictures, hospital gowns, wash cloths, bed pads, sheets, pillowcases, pencils, pens, school supplies, sewing supplies, and eyeglasses that were sent to foreign and homes missions.

In 1957, the plan was to divide the society into mission circles, and at the present time there are four circles who are actively engaged in fulfilling the White Cross quota and helping with many church activities. The Dorcas Circle is a quilting circle. The Esther Circle responsibility is visitation and making nursing home favors. Bible study is the assignment for the Hannah Circle and also the Martha Circle.

In honor of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship (also known as the &uot;Farther Lights Society&uot;) celebrated with a special program during the Harvest Festival Services at the First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove on Sunday, Oct. 13 in the church sanctuary. The program included special memories of the past 100 years along with a style show of clothing worn from 1902 to 2002.