Woman of the Century/Mary J. Crawford

CRAWFORD, Mrs. Mary J., church organizer and worker, born in Great Valley, Cattaraugris MARY J. CRAWFORD. county, N. Y., 15th April. 1843. Her maiden name was Mary Mudgett. She became the wife of William I.. Crawford, 11th June, 1866. His business called him to Florida in 1883, and they built a home on the St. John river, in South Jacksonville, a suburb of Jacksonville. Their family consists of one son. Mrs. Crawford's time and means have been riven to further the work of the Episcopal Church, of which she is a devoted member. As soon as they were settled in their Florida home, the need of a church was forced upon her attention. Services were held in the ferry waiting-room, and later services were held regularly in her home for several months. Mrs. Crawford at once started a project to secure a church. She opened a Sunday-school with six or eight pupils and about as many teachers. In a short time the school grew, and it was necessary to rent a room for the work. Increased attendance followed. Mrs. Crawford circulated a subscription list and personally secured the money needed to erect a new church building. The new building was dedicated as All Saints Episeopal Church on Whitsunday, in 1888. Bishop Weed, of Florida, officiating. In the new and handsome structure the church has prospered greatly, largely through Mrs. Crawford's work. At present her home is in St. Augustine, Fla.. where she is an active member of Trinity Church, and the directress of the Ladies' Auxiliary Society of the parish.