b'A Assssoocciiaatitoion nH iHstiosrtyorySamaritan Mission (Newark), 1916Childrens program at Good Waiting for a meal at McAuley Mission (New York City), 1913The Early Years O ne person who was very instrumental in the founding andstabilization of the IUGM was Clemme Ellis White. At the age of 17, she moved from her familys farm, upstate along the HudsonRiver, and made New York City her home. She went to teach school and study for a medical career.Clemme Ellis became friends with Sidney and Emma Whittemore andsoon started preaching the gospel one night a week at the Door of HopeMission. While doing this, she heard the voice ofGod, gave up her plans for a medical career, and took charge of the West Side Gospel Mission inManhattans Theater District. She conducted open-airstreet meetings and preached the gospel in themissions chapel services, all at a time when mostyoung girls were steered away from that kind ofChristian service.One night, in a street meeting, her speakingattracted the attention of Harry C. White, asalesman who had strayed from God. He followed Clemme back to the mission. He made a commitment to Christ and eventually becamethe assistant superintendent of the mission. Clemme Ellis WhiteSomewhere along the way, he married Clemme.Clemme Ellis White was elected secretary of the IUGM in 1919 and servedas the only woman on the executive committee for thirty years. Eventhough there was an elected president of the association, some wouldargue that Clemme functioned as the first executive director. One early5'