The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-09
THE MIDNIGHT MISSION.

On the LIST Of February, 1867, the Midnight Mission,
organized for the reclamation Of fallen women held
its first reception In the then occupied by the
society, on the corner OF Twelfth street and Broad
way. Since that date the members OF the mission
have persuaded and assisted large number Of un.
fortunates to abandon the fearful calling which in
the majority Of instances necessity had compelled
them to resort to as q means OF obtaining o hveli-
hood. The society commenced operations by dis
trtbutng printed cards to the girls who were walk
ing the streets, inviting them to the receptions,
which were held each Friday night The first of the
errng who accepted the invitation hesitated as
they approached the door, but before shame could so
far overcome their good resolutions as to cause them
TO fly from their would be benefactors kindly
hands were extended towards them, kind voices
babe them welcome, and so the RubicOn OF repent
ance was crossed. number OF Christian ladies at
tended the midnight receptions and their presence
and conversation had a most beneficial effect upon
their unfortunate sisters. II was soon apparent
however, that but little good would result from the
midnight mission unless they were prepared to afford
material aid to their penitents. However satisfac-
tory IL might be to members OF the mission to see
tears OF repentance in the eyes OF their guests
very distressing to think that the poor creatures
withdrawn for the honr from the hauns OF shy had
no choice between starvation and the continuance OF
their shameful trade. Finding that strong preju-
dice existed against such establishments as tue
Houston Street Home, st. Darnabas House and the
House OF Mercy, partly because OF their being
public institutions and party because they We're
regarded as penitentaries, the good shepherds of
the mission determined to provide an asylum which
should be free from all such objections Relying
upon the contributions OF the charitable to sustain
them in doing what they found was imperatively
necessary to the full success OF the good work they
had so noby undertaken, the members OF the
Midnight Mission rented a large and commodious
house, % Amity street, as a temporary refuge for
ouch as were DESTROYS OF reforming
The Midnight Mission Society offer refuge and as
sstance to ALTO the most hardened and debased
as well as those to whom the WAYS OF sin are new.
'Come for night, or a week, or month, or a
longer time If you DESIRE" is the wording OF their
invitation, and those WHO avail themselves of it are
Tree to leave whenever they feel SO disposed. Since
the Mission House was opened on the 1st Of May last
seventy-seyen pentents have been admitted.
Some only remained few days, some for
weeks and Others for months. or the
seventy-seven, forty-six have abandoned street
llife, fourteen have obtained respectable homes
seven have been restored to their friends,
seventeen are now In the house and eight in other
kindred institutions. or the sad remainder twenty
two have returned to their EVIL courses and nine are
lost sight Of.
The results thus far accomplished by the limited
means at the disposal OF the Midnight Mission
have exceeded the hopes OF the most sanguipe; but
had only one poor sinner been reclaimed out Of the
seventy seven, those who are laborng in this holy
cause would be equally deserving OF the thanks and
support OF the community. Alas '.fOr the rarity OF
Christian charity" however, the secretary of this
noble institution advertises that there Is not single
dollar remaining in the treasury.