The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-01-05
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Ministers Daughters.


No one who has read the communication of the
Executive Committee of Susteutation, dated De-
cember l9th can doubt that many Presbyterian
ministers in the South have urgently needed more
assistance than that Committee proposed to give
or was able to give them. 1t was therefore wise
and important to make an effort to assist and re-
lieve them by the present support and instruction
of their daughters who are of suitable age to be
at school. The plan adopted for the accomplish
ment of this object and carried into operation at
Edgeworth Female Seminary, Greensboro, n. O.,
has been repeatedly and extensively published
BY circulars addressed to the Stated Clerks of our
Presbyteries and through all our religious newspa-
pers, information has been sought in regard to the
circumstances of brethren who need the assistance
proposed
After much thought, consultation and cores
pondence, it was obvious that nothing could be
done in the South to give success to this method
of aid and relief. Citizens of the border States
had so frequently and so largely contributed to our
churches and our people, that it was thought to be
unwise to appeal to them for their cooperation
The only prospect of realizing any desirable meas
ure of success was to make known the wants of
our brethren to persons Of wealth and benevolence
in Northern States. This has been done to a
limited extent No suitable agent could be pro.
cured to take charge Of this benevolent enterprise
and hence nothing was done to raise funds until
the summer of 1888. Then, and since that time
as circumstances would permit, we have made
several brief, earnest and aborious visits to the
North, in the interest Of this cause. We sought
to induce individuals, either singly or in union, to
contribute 500 per session or 5000 year for the
support of the daughter Of an INDECENT minister,
whom he or they might select and with whom a
correspondence was to be Immediately opened
We make no charge for the tuition of such pupils
in the literary department Two hundred dollars
was considered very small consideration, as it
was intended to cover all expenses of board and
text books and as there was considerable expense
and unrequited labor in raising the funds 1t is
also worthy of remark that by reason of the pecu-
liar conditions OF the lease of this property we be-
come liable to pay $50 year for each of our
boarders, whether daughter of minister or not
This is work of benevolence, and as such it
wisest and most influential ministers in different
Southern States. We believe that God has given
it his sanction, inasmuch as he has granted us the
visitations of his Spirit and brought some of the
daughters of his prophets with many others, to
Weld themselves unto Him as those who are alive
from the dead. Arrangements have been made
according to this plan for the support Of sixteen
young lades-dqughters of ministers, for one year.
and in few cases for two years. To this number
we hope additions will be made by the agency of
the Rev. S. A. Stanfeld. Two young ladies, Sc
lected by persons willing to support them, have
been hindered by providential circumstances from
the enjoyment of the privileges proposed. A few
individuals have received partial aid.
Thirteen daughters of ministers have been
boarded and instructed either part or the whole
of this year on this fund. One of them is from
Virginia; one is from Tennessee four are from
South Carolina and Seren are from North Caro-
lima. So far as we know at present. eleUen will par
take of its benefits in 1870; one from Virginia
one from Georgia; three from South Carolina and
sac from North Carolina. We hope that additions
will be made to the number before the close of Jan
uary. These young ladies are chiefly from fifteen
to eighteen years of age and it is understood they
are all preparing to teach. A few who have gone
out from us and who were with us prior to this
year, are now teaching Positions of usefulness
will be open for them all, and they may not only
be sefsupporting but render efficient aid to their
parents
As an Illustration Of the necessity of this meth
cd of aid it may be remarked that several of the
brethren whose daughters have been with us, were
not able to replenish their wardrobes nor to pay
their travelling expenses to Edgeworth. This
charity appeals to the best impulses of the Chris
tan heart In view of its results, so far as they
have been developed, we thank God and feel hope
full as to the future.