Elizabeth daily monitor. [volume] (Elizabeth, N.J.) 1868-1880, 1869-05-06
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORPHAN
ASYLUM.

The 18th anniversary exercises OF the
Elizabeth Orphan Asylum, were held at
the Third Presbyterian Church, last
evening. At half-past seven o'clock
the children of the Asylum entered the
church, and one after another, to the
number of thirty, marched to the ros-
trum (the pastors desk having been re-
moved, where they seating themselves
on two long benches which had been
provided for their use.
At quarter to eight o'clock Dr. M.
w. Woodward called the meeting to or
der, and nominated Rev. j. B. Patter-
son as presiding officer. On motion,
Mr.. Joseph Cross was appointed Secre-
tary.
The chairman made few appropriate
remarks, showing the necessity for our
people to remember these little orphans.
The asylum appeals to all for help. 1t
appeals to lis as men having loving hui
man hearts. He did not believe that
the institution was thought as much of
as it should be- It should be endowed,
and not compelled to come before the
churches every year for help and pecu-
mary aid He hoped it would receive
most liberal assistance, and that the
ladies who have charge of the asylum
should receive still greater encourage
ment in return for their labors.
Rev. William G. Roberts, of West
minister Church, then delivered most
touching prayer.
After the singing of a hymn, (Mr. W.
X Wolverton accompanying on the me-
lodeon, the children were exercised in
Bible recitations-the answers being gi-
ven in chorus in hearty and prompt
manner.
Rev. Mr.. Kempshall, of the First
Presbyterian Church, read the annual
report of the Secretary, as follows
The return of another anniversary
renders it the duty of the Trustees, to
present to the public their accustomed
annual report. The record of events
during the past year, has been of more
than usual change and sorrow. We
had been won't to meet from month to
month, an unbroken circle of managers,
feeling sure of the kindly greetings,
and sympathising efforts of some who
were rarely absent. But in August
last, death surprised us, and we met
for the first time to miss one of our
most active and efficient members The
sudden and unexpected death of Mrs.
Cross, created void in our counsels,
that cannot easily be filled. Placed,
from the commencement of this institu-
ton, on two of the most responsible com.
mittees, she was ever at her post of du-
ty, ia ithful and true. Her opinions
and judgments were safe and reliable,
and no one of our number had the in
terests of the orphan more deeply at
heart. The legacy left by her for theil
use, proves that it was not merely in
words. She took from the Aims House
the little group of children, that first
occupied the home provided for them
by Christian benevolence, and her last
act connected with the asylum, was the
performance of similar duty. We
would heed the lesson intended by Pro
violence in this affective event, and
never forget her dying message "to re-
double our efforts, and work while the
day lasts"
In the latter part of the winter, sick
ness of a very severe character, entered
our family and soon brought low, three
of our number All that could be done
by physicians and others for their re-
covery was of no avail. Delicacies of
the incest kind, and money to procure
suitable food and medicine, were fur
nished by friends, to render them com
Portable, but in few days two of them
died.
The eldest and brightest of the little
band, who had been long with us, and
the youngest, the household pet, were
taken.
Soon after this, we were obliged to
part with our teacher, who had been
with us several years, and we regretted
deeply the necessity that compelled lis
to give her up.
There are at present 30 children in
the Institution, 90 boys and 10 girls.
During the year 7 have been admitted
have died, and II have been dischar-
ed OF these 5 have been returned to
parents or friends, have been adopted,
and are on trial preparatory to being
indentured. We have preferred situa-
tons with farmers for our boys, behev-
ing that occupation more sure of future
support than any other, and fraught
with fewer temptations. Our routine
of school duties is quite UNMARRIED, ow-
ing to the frequent changes in our fami'
ly. The children make but little adj
vance beyond the simple branches, still