The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-01-13
The Nagdalen Home.

The following is the eighth annual re-
port OF the Board Of Directors OF the Mag
daen Home:
In rendering the eighth annual report OF
the work and condition OF our institution
we will endeayor to he brief, hoping there
by to engage your attention for few mo-
ments, and revive an interest which has
seemed to flag OF late. We began the last
year in much depression, and we deter
mined to organize prayer-meeting, and
appeal for help to Him who "is very pre-
sent help in every time OF trouble" We
held weekly meeting for prayer in one OF
the rooms OF the Christian Association,
and we are encouraged to believe that God
heard and blessed us. One girl that we
feared was lost soon returned, begging for
giveness; and others became interested,
seeking admlttance TO the Home; and the
cloud OF pecuniary difficulty that hung
over It's was happily lifted by the gene
rosity Of gentleman, an entire stranger
10 us. DIR. ID. III. Gregg, OF King William
county, Va, who, hearing Of our needy
circumstances and Sympatmzing in our
arduous work, was prompted to purchase
and present TO us the house we now 0c-
cupy, to be used for all future time as a
Magdalen Home. We are most profound
" grateful to the liberal donor, and
to our Heavenly Father for inclining his
heart to our help. We feel encouraged to
renewed efforts for the salvation OF the
poor degraded creatures who look to us to
extend them helping hand-to WOO them
back to life Of virtue and respectebility.
We have received during the past year
thirteen women. One came to us almost
in dying condition, for four week hover
ing between life and death; but her life
was spared, and she is now strong, well
woman. One girl has been sent home to
her family, and we constantly receive let
tiers from her mother expressing her sim
cere gratitude Tor all we had done for her
daughter, and that cher child who was
lost il found again." Five, after very
short soiourn, left the Home, and we fear
have returned to life OF shame in their
old hauntS. Two have been put in SER
vice in good homes, and we have favorable
accounts OF them from their employers.
Seven still remain in the IIome-all promis-
Ing cases. Two are ready for service. and
will be sent out as soon Us suitable homes
can be procured for them.
Our treasurer reports that the cOntribu-
tions from the churches OF our city, from
the aid societies OF Norfolk, staunton, and
Wilmington, with few voluntary
offerings from friends and the appro-
priatien OF our City Council, have
enabled US 10 meet the current expenses OF
the Home without the embarrassment to
which we have been subjected heretofore.
We hope this year to add some articles Of
furniture necessary for the comfort OF the
inmates, and to make some repairs TO the
house. The Sewing Committee report 299
pieces OF clothing made up by the women,
mostly for their own use. There have
been but few orders from outside. Some
OF the women sew very neatly, though
more know nothing about the use OF the
needle, bat they try to learn and do the
best they can. The receipts OF the year
have been: From our city churches,
9393.59; from our City Council, Sl00;
from the AID Society OF Norfolk, S333.50;
from Wilmington, $40; from Staunton,
s3S; donations, S52-making total Of
S9J7.O9. We have expended SSi1.S4, show
ing a balance IN hand Of Sll5.25.
Our Sunday afternoon services have been
kept up by the ladies OF the different de-
nominations, and we trust that much good
NAV result from the good seed we endeavor
to drop into these callouS, hardened hearts.
Respectfully submitted on behalf Of the
Board OF Managers.
Mrs. B. c. GRAY, President.
Dr.W. w. Parker, president OF the Board
OF Directors Of the Association, submits
more detailed report, but the main features
OF it are embodied in the above. lie states
that "since the opening OF the Home
twenty of the former inmates have mar
ried. some dong WELL" The death OF
Judge Ould, "one Of the originators OF the
asylum" is feelingly referred to.