March 18, 2026
PEACEMAKER'S PRAYER
RIGHTS FAMILY WRONGS.
WOMAN'S PETITION KEEPS A
COUPLE FROM SEPARATION.
Unusual Occurrence at Humane So-
ciety Headquarters -- Couple Told
to Think of Child and
Bear and Forebear.
Wives with grievances against their husbands for non-support or for the late hours with "sick friends," generally go to the city hall and tell their troubles to the Humane Society.
The little room at the northwest corner of city hall on the second floor is always crowded with men and women who have come to pour their tales of distress into the patient cares of Mrs. Frank McCrary and W. H. Gibbens, Humane agents. But yesterday, an incident occurred which will long be remembered by the Humane Society.
"You know that you haven't given me a cent in two weeks," exclaimed a woman, as she went through the door with her husband, who was carrying an infant in his arms.
KNEELS AND PRAYS FERVENTLY.
"I do my best," said the man apologetically to Mr. Gibbens, "but she is always picking on me. She won't let me have a minute's rest."
"You don't support me and the children," she retorted angrily.
A neatly dressed woman who was listening to the conversation walked over to the couple.
"I don't want to assume too much interest in your affairs," she said, "but I think you are both wrong. Neither will give in to the other. You owe it to the child there in your lap to live a different life. You owe it to you Maker to be patient with each other. Instead of separation, you should talk about the future. Now let's get down on our knees and ask the Lord to help us."
The man and woman, as their adviser knelt in front of her chair, knelt also. A minute later both were crying softly as she prayed fervently for their happiness.
KISS AND MAKE UP.
The door into the hall was open, and down the corridor several men were waiting till the police board would commence its weekly session. At last the woman's voice became loud enough for the words to be distinguished, and instinctively many of the men removed their hats and stood in silence.
At last the prayer was over, and as the three arose tears of gladness were in the eyes of the man and wife.
They kissed each other and left the room apparently reconciled. Both were weeping.
"It has been a long time since I've heard a prayer up here," said Mr. Gibbens. "If all the domestic troubles were cured that easy, I think we ought to try it."
Out in the hall the crowd of men replaced their hats, but for a long time, a stillness reigned. The prayer in the police station had had its result.
"I was only doing my duty," said the little woman to the Humane officer.
Labels: city hall, Humane Society, marriage, police board
