Birthday Offering, Cookman M. E. Church, Oct. 15, 1912

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1910 (below).

Birthday Offering, will be held in the Social Hall of Cookman M. E. Church, October 15, 1912, by the Epworth League in honor of the 45th birthday of George W. Young.

Upon this card, a little sack,
We give to you with pleasure;
Please either send or bring it back,
Having filled it from your treasure.
To put in pennies were are told,
As many years as you are old;
And if your name in public be read,
We promise the number will never be said.
Refreshments will be served to all,
and we kinly invite you to make a call;
And earnestly pray that the Lord will bless
And crown the work with abundant success.

The proceeds are for the benefit of the society.
If not convenient to attend, please forward sack with your offering.