Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-26
WITH THE LADIES
or the First Presbyterian Chureh-An
Hours Pleasant Chat Over an
Excellent Dinner.
They are Satisfied with Their Work and
Feel Sure Of Being Able to BE.
build the Church.

"Dinners by the Ladies OF the First Pres
byterian Church" is the sign over No. 302
Main street. Now, as a general thing,
church dinners do not have much attraction
for the pre-Raphaelite reporter of the APPEAL,
and he was rather inclined not to stop in his
afternoon constitutional; but the view from
the street was 80 inviting that he finally
overcame his natural timidity, and made
bold to open the door and walk in, thinking
he might be able to do some coed. and at the
same time refresh the inner man and con-
tribute something toward earning his weekly
stipend. He found the large store filled
with tables, at which were seated some 200
or 300 people being served with all the deli
cacies of the season by number of pretty
young ladies. The reporter was some
what embarrassed st fret, but finally
managed TO make it known that
he would like TO see Mrs. NJ. Burke, the
secretary and treasurer OF the institution.
The lady was found, and the reporter made
known his iendish mission; that is to say,
thai he would like 10 interview her as to the
said dinners, what encouragement she was
receiving from the public, and, in fact, to
say anything she wanted published Mrs.
Burke said she was willing, for the sake Of
the good cause, TO be interviewed, and, by
way getting a start, the pre-Rsphselite
asked how the dinners were coming on
whether they were q success or not.
"Oh, yes" replied Mrs. Burke, 1--WE are
doing splendidly. We were very much
crowded yesterday and the day before, and
had some trouble in seating and serving our
guests; bat to-day we have increased our
facilities, and will hereafter be able to serve
all who may come in"
"How long will yoar dinners be con-
tinued?" asked the reporter.
aIVa u,.H a. atr =.
We have supplies on hand to run through
the week, and if the patronage continues as
good IS it has been we will certainly go
through. The public have treated US very
handsomely, and have contributed literally.
The members of the churh, too, are doing
everything In their power TO make the din
ners success; SO that We are bound to
succeed"
about what are your receipts per day,
Mrs. Burkew asked the reporter, giancin z
over the well-filled room.
"We have averaged about $3.50 so far, but
with our increased facilities we hope TO do
better from this on. We may make $1,000 to
$500, but ii we clear $1,000 we will be salts
fed. By the way, we have several handsome
cakes on hand which have be-rAcontributed,
and which we would like TO dispose of. Could
you suggest good plan"
The reporter thought while, and then
suggested rattle or LOTTERY. This was
promptly vetoed, and in lieu OF that plan he
was requested TO announce that they were for
sale, which, as this paragraph shows, he has
done.
Talk then reverted back to the dinners.
and Mrs. Burke stated that the money raised
was for the furnishing OF the new church,
which matter the ladies have taken under
their especial charge. In answer 10 other
questions, the reporter learned that the sum
of $4,000 was needed 10 rebuild the church,
which will have to be done from the ground
up, the walls having been condemned, and
which will be pulled down. Of the money
required, $4,000 has already been subscribed,
leaving Sic, 900 yet 10 be raised.
After some further conversation the re-
porter was invited to take dinner, which in
vitation was accepted. The dinner was superb,
his reception cordial, and the young man
@as sent on his way highly pleased. as
there anything can say, further?" he asked.
"No," replied Mrs. Burke, "only that we
thank the APPEAL for iis many kindnesses,
and will be glad to see any who may choose
to patronize us. Come again."