Emily Malbone Morgan facts for kids

Emily Malbone Morgan (December 10, 1862 – February 27, 1937) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church in the United States. She helped start two important groups: the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross and the Colonel Daniel Putnam Association. Emily Morgan dedicated her life to helping others and promoting social justice.

Early Life and Education

Emily Malbone Morgan was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on December 10, 1862. She was the youngest child and only daughter of Henry Kirke Morgan and Emily Malbone Brinley. Her family had deep roots in American history.

Emily was mostly taught at home by her mother. She also traveled to Europe as part of her education. Even though she had many health issues and operations throughout her life, she was known for her cheerful attitude and great organizing skills. Her family attended Trinity Church in Hartford.

Helping Others: A Special Calling

In 1883, Emily's friend, Adelyn Howard, became very sick. Adelyn felt lonely because she had no family or friends nearby. This inspired Emily to create a special group.

Founding the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross

In 1884, Emily Morgan, along with Adelyn Howard and Harriet Hastings, started the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. This group was for religious women who wanted to pray and work for fairness in society. They focused on being thankful, praying for others, and living simply.

Emily was very good at making people feel welcome and comfortable. She often said her biggest wish was "to make tired people rested and happy." The Society helped women who worked in textile factories nearby. They set up special houses where these working women and their children could go for vacations. These homes were in different parts of the northeastern United States.

Writing and Retreat Centers

In 1889, Emily Morgan started writing. She published a book called A Little White Shadow. She used the money from her book to create more vacation homes. That same year, she opened the first of these homes, called Heartsease, in Saybrook, Connecticut. It was a place for "tired women, girls and children."

Emily was part of a movement where many Protestant women, called Deaconesses, helped people in need. In 1901, Emily bought a building in Byfield, Massachusetts. This building became the Society's main office and a place for spiritual retreats. After being updated in 1915, it was named Adelynrood. This name honored Adelyn Howard, who had passed away, and an old word for "cross." Another home, called Beulahland, offered daily religious services. People of different faiths, including Protestants, Jews, and Catholics, attended these services.

Preserving History

In 1906, Emily bought a historic home called Putnam Elms. This house in Windham County, Connecticut, had belonged to her great-grandfather, Colonel Daniel Putnam. He lived there from 1791 until his death in 1831. Emily also helped create the Colonel Daniel Putnam Association in 1910. This group worked to preserve the history of Colonel Daniel Putnam. In her later years, Emily taught a Sunday School class at Trinity Church, Boston.

Legacy and Remembrance

Emily Malbone Morgan was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Hartford.

The Episcopal Church (USA) remembers Emily Malbone Morgan on February 25 each year. This is a special day to honor her contributions.

Her cousin, Daniel Putnam Brinley, became a famous artist who painted murals. He was also an important member of the Episcopal Church. Emily's biographer, Vida Dutton Scudder, is also honored by the Episcopal Church. The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross continues its work today. It has about eight hundred members and still holds retreats.