Mrs. Agnes Slack-Saunders

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 4, 1 May 1946, Page 6

Mrs. Agnes Slack-Saunders

In the passing of Mrs. Agnes SlackSaunders, an epoch has been marked in the annals of the World W.C.T.U. As World Secretary for over fifty years, she was one of the group of splendid women whose names will live as long as there is a Temperance worker left. As one of Miss Willard’s earliest fellow-workers, she held a special place in the heart and mind of the army of seekers after the freeing of the nations from the slavery of the drink traffic. Hut, what of the personality of this woman? Was there anything outstanding about her in herself, or was it just that she had the necessary knowledge and ability for the positions she occupied?

There is no doubt that Mrs. SlackSatinders had unique gifts of character, upbringing, education and environment. Horn at Ripley, Derbyshire, into a home rich in the tradition of the finest type of Methodism, every opportunity for the development of natural mental and spiritual powers was present The early consecration of her life to the service of God led her into paths of usefulness in her own neighbourhood, and for the Wesleyan Church. She euited for many years the Sunday School magazine, and prepared the teaching notes for the lessons. Her sturdy comtnonsense, always finding its expression in gracious, pleasant w. ys, soon showed her that by far the greatest force for evil in the world was the Drink Traffic. The story of the gradual concentration of her powers on the fight for the overturn of this enemy of all good is very interesting, and should be read by all W.C.T.U members.

A gifted musician, and yet a clear thinker; a woman who dressed beautifully and who looked beautiful, but whose position in society meant only what it could do for her great work; a magnificent oTganiser, a convincing and even brilliant speaker; educated, travelled, and filled with Christian zeal, her place in the temple of fame was secured many years ago. It was not that she had to wait for the end before she was acclaimed as one of the great leaders of our movement for

Miss Willard recognised her value, and claimed for her world office. A wonderful organising work was carried out by her, which took her mto \frica, Asia, Australia, and* America. Experiences during these periods of travel make delightful reading. Wherever she went, she won the affection and high regard of her hearers, and her work is still remembered with pleasure and admiration.

Her marriage late in life to Mr. Cha.’es Saunders brought her a time of quiet, domestic happiness which was only too soon broken into by the war. Jer house at Golders Green was bombed and she shared in the sufferings of so many in the London area. Her letters were cheery even then; for she was not of the army of self-pitiers. The news of her death has come; and we would join with all those who have done homage to her memory, realising that work such as hers will never die, and pray that we may raise up others of her grand type to carry on our task.