Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-24
2sth Annual Report of the

In the Spring oil 1873 we Ind recorded
the FIRST efforts OF an Association termed
the Lynchburg Dorcas Society. composed
Of ladies from several denominations, who
united to entice by kind attentions, the child
of poverty, to an Asylum in the Sabbath
School, to be clothed, instructed and pre-
pared for future usefulness. When this
duty was performed, the destitute Of all
classes, but especially the widow and Or
pllan, received their sympathy and sup
port. The blessed band with but four ex-
ceptons, has passed away. "The vision
is sealed upon our souls, and their mem
cries shrined IN our hearts," How hon.
ored are those who follow in their train
Since that time the Dorcas Society has
hourished, amid all changes, still the same;
always encouraged, and oft-times literally
supported.
When from an exhausted Treasury we
have been unable to accom- Dlish. what libe-
raj hearts had devised, "a friend" has sup
piled the deficiency.
In June 1851, 297 yards of cloth were
distributed to AZ girls and 80 boys. In
November 32I yards to a larger num-
Der than was clothed in the Spring. Many
ofthese children have been raised IN our
midst, same having parents whose condition
would be bettered by absolute Orphan
age-and tie most If these denied the ad-
vantages Of honest labour, or a place in
our day schools, and too meanly clad to
appear in our Sabbath Schools These
have been taught to read, and to write,and
are under the supervision Of those who
watch over their present and future veal,
and to the vigilance Of one, who has been
visitor to the Sabbath School since the for
nation of this Society, are they chiefly in
debted for faithfully searching into and re-
porting their condition The blessed in
fluences descending from those who were
recipients Of your bounty % years ago,
and continuingto flowto those who fill the
seats vacated by them,wilI not be revealed
in this life but will Ell bright page in
the records Of Heaven.
The past year has been one Of mercy 10
us and to the poor; not a member has been
erased from our membership by death
and the winter season, (Which has always
been one Of trial, evento these whom hon
est industry has recommended to char
table notice. has been peculiarly favor
able to their condition. Their expressions
Of gratitude for comparative relief from
hardships, and their ability to supply most
Other wants with the proceeds Of their
own earnings, have spoken well for their
integrity, and moved our hearts in CRATE
ful praise to Him who "Tempers the wind
to the shorn Lamb"
! The visiting committees for the relief Of
thepoor have been industriously employed
since our last Anniversary, and TO some ex-
tent have relieved the suffering and admin
ls;ered to the victims Of neglect and disap-
pointment. Some touching instances Of
woman's sorrow, could be given by those
who have gone on these missions Of mercy
But the vast Aood Of foreign paupers that
have poured in upon us, with our resident
poor, present claims far beyond our ability
to meet. There Is another class, which Of
ten arrests our noticc--miserahly desti-
tute-entliling ignorance, poverty, and
crime upon their offspring, and SO destitute
Of principle, that TO make them sharers Of
your bounty would seem 10 be an abuse
Of public confidence, Ito avoid which shall
ever be our purpose) And yet how diff
cult have your committees found it, to turn
/ deaf car TO the wives and children Of
such husbands, and fathers. Rcliefshould
come-but from what source? To our pat
rons among the gentlemen we look alone
for help. We can appeal to them with
confidence, and leelihat we boast not when
we affirm that the Indies of Lynchburg
have done all that they could. The Fe
male benevolent Institutions of every de-
nomination, have been generously sustained
by the gentlemen and each have contribu-
ted to lessen the quantum Of human suffer
ing. We have all theappTanccs too which
a code Of wholesome laws have provided
70 suppress vice, and prevent want and
misery; and set, ldleness, the parent ofaH,
and lutenpcrancc its handmaid, stalks a
broad in our midst Much as we need,
| and determined as we are 10 have an Asy-
lam for the Orphan, we verify believe "a
ar0rk HoGse' Is as necessary, and as Your
Managers we beg leave in the Lame of the
"Lynchburg Dorcas Society,"" to appeal
to the gentlemen Of this community in this
behalf The growing interests of our town,
and the increase ofits population, prospec-
lively, will we trust commend this subject
to the favorable consideration of those in
whom the power is vested. The very OK
istence of such an Institution, we are per-
suaded. would deter many ofthat class from
seeking home in our midst.
Your managers have not grown weary in
their labor, and trust never to be unwilling
to act as your agents, SO long asyour hearts
are warmed with compassion forthose con
templated by this Association. And again
will we pledge ourselves to exercise all
discretion, in the disposal Of your gifts
BE merciful after thy power. If thou
hast much, give plenteously: If thou hast
little; do thy diligence gladly, to give Of
that little, for so gatherest thou myself
good rcwardn the day Of adversely" You
have our blessing, and the richer gratitude
of the poor, for your patronage in by-gonc
days. And you may be assured, that when
they pray for their beneiactors, he who an
swers paryer viii remember all who cast
even mite into the Treasury of the
"Lynchburg Dorcas Society"
MARY V. BROWN. Sec'y.
TIE Cemmifce appointed 10 eganiac he Secretary,
and Treasures Books of tic Lyach5urg Dorcas
| Society present NE fol2o,riag Rrgori:
Balance in the Treasury. May lSj0--- 80