Women’s Lives at STH around 1910

Boston University School of Theology was not completely devoid of women. On the contrary, many of the young men brought their wives along with them. This group of future minister’s wives gathered together to discuss what life as the pastor’s spouse would entail. A list of the topics covered and social gatherings gives one a sense of what they were talking about. 

The Edith Buell Club of Boston University School of Theology

President, Irma (Keene) Roadman

Vice-President, Inez (Gardiner) Scully

Secretary, Helen (Lane) Giesey

Treasurer, Myrtle (Bowers) Proper

The Edith Buell Club, composed of the wives of the Theological students of Boston University, was organized some ten years ago. The one who have the inspiration for such an organization was (Mrs.) Edith Houghton Buell, wife of Prof. Marcus D. Buell, who was then Dean of the School of Theology. Not only in its beginning but through the succeeding years of its development, Mrs. Buell has been its true mother; inspiring the members to a life of active service and usefulness. The purpose of the organization is threefold: religious, social, and educational.

This year, largely though the influence of Mrs. Buell and Mrs. Birney the following program was arranged:

Dec. 14.        A Medical Talk, Miss Frances M. Morris, M.D.
The Grace of Inspiration, Rev. George S. Butters, D.D.

Jan. 11.        The Minister’s Wife from a Laywoman’s Standpoint, Mrs. A. E. Bradley.
A Heart to Heart Talk from a Minister’s Wife, Mrs. Arthur Page Sharp.

Feb. 8.         Social Work, (Mrs.) Margaret Deland.

Mar. 14.      The Woman in the Parsonage, Mrs. Lauress J. Birney.
Making a Minister, Dean Lauress J. Birney, D.D.

Mar. 25.       Social evening at Mrs. Dr. Kepler’s home.

Apr. 11.        Travel Talks, Mrs. Lemuel H. Murlin.

Mrs. Birney kindly permitted the club to hold its meeting in the Dean’s parlors.

Already plans are being made for next year’s program, and the prospects are most encouraging.