JOURNAL OF THE FORTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS WOMAN'S Relief Corps AUXILIARY TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC SHAWMUT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 AND 9, 1919 CAMBRIDGE: CAUSTIC-CLAFLIN COMPANY, 32 BRATTLE STREET 1919 1 OF THE Fortieth Annual Convention OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS AUXILIARY TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC T HE opening session of the Fortieth Annual Convention of the Department of Massachusetts Woman's Relief Corps was called to order by Mrs. Flora S. Chapin, Department President, in the Shawmut Congregational Church, corner Tremont and West Brookline Streets, Boston, Tuesday, April 8, at 10 o'clock A.M. Mrs. Mabelle H. Smith, Department Senior Aide, escorted the Department Officers to the platform, the Color Bearers leading. Mrs. Smith introduced the Department President in a complimentary manner and Mrs. Chapin appropriately responded. She welcomed the delegates and members and expressed the hope that when the sessions closed all would feel that this had been a Victory convention. She said that she already felt the inspiration of this large gathering. Mrs. Eliza Brown Daggett, National President, Mrs. Elizabeth Robbins Berry, National Press Correspondent, Miss Nellie A. Tracy, National Publicity Committee, were announced in waiting. They were introduced by the Committee on Courtesies and officially greeted by the Department President. Mrs. Emma A. Henry, Department Chaplain, was introduced and requested all to "bow in silent prayer in memory of the members who have died during the year." The Lord's Prayer was repeated in unison, and after the singing of "The Star-spangled Banner" and the Flag Salute, an address of welcome was given by Rev. Mark Wayne Williams, pastor of the Shawmut Church, who said in part: "Mrs. President and Members of the Woman's Relief Corps: This is the third time I have welcomed this |