The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-27
MISSION WORK In The CITY.
Tho objects and Efforts Of tho Old Market
Presbyterian Church
RELDMG-ROOMS And COFFEE HOUSES.
Crime Hns Decrsasea Eighty Per Cent. In the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, Night
and ewing School.

There IL A mission work being done in the
lower part of this city under the auspices OF
a few good people who are imbued with ths
missionary spirit, that. though modest IN us
methods, is accomplishing al amount OF gooo
that is attracting the attention OF not only
active Christian workers. but also the city-au-
thorities,
Il. centre Of operations is the Old Market
and tho chief instruments are the members
of the Old Market Presbyterian churcn' gu
organization which was formed the 2ith Oh
March, 1890. with sixty-fve members, TO
Quilted mostly from other churches oinco
that time. however, il has doubled us menlI
bership. and established q sunday scnooi
which in the winter months numbers roM
100 TO 1870 scholars. The congregation ~
steadily increasing az the morning services.
and holding its own At night. The members
are faithful workers and animated oYa spHi'
Of usefulness. -
Since tho commencement OF this WIZ
the moral tone Of the neighoorhoou mas zee"
elevated. the reputation OF the locahly IN
proved and the record of crime largely re-
| duced. The Judge of the hustings coutt
stated not long ago that since the Oiu
, Market work commenced the commit
| ments from that locality had decreaset o.
| per cent. Chief of Police Poe connms LIE
remarkable condition. saying that crime nss
! decreased rs per cent. to be attributed W 'no
good influences at work there.
WHERE THEY WORSHIP.
Rv tho courtesy of tho city officials The Old
Market church has been using the Market
Hail for q house Of worship; Inc eongtega-
tior however. have in view the Dulldlns OF u
church at some future day, and with that IN
tention have bought a lot at the coingt w
| Franklin and Nineteenth streets. upon WHICH
they will build as soon as money suincient ior
the pnrpose is collected. The congregation IS
| composed largely Of working people, many Oh
whom are aged and dependant. and II VIII DO
difficult for them TO erect such q Duilulhg 10
the real needs Of the work require when IL ID
estimated will cost ten thousand oolats'
They are working. however. with the deter,
minstion not 70 resort to any of the artinclal
/ means of raising money, such as fairs. iesu-
walls. etc. and that they will not occupy Tue
building until paid for.
KINDERGARTEN.
In connection with tho church they propose
10 have A kindergarten, night school ana a
few rooms for the temporary shelter OK nome
less strangers. a reading room ana such con
yeniencss for the comprehensive prosecution
of the work already commenced. The WORK
dining the summer. for natural reasons, has
been susnended. but now that the indoor
seasons are approaching. steps are penn
taken e. actively resume the catnpaign. Inc
old building on the lot purchased Tor th9
church has been used for q kindergarten anu
day nursery 10y the Women's CHRISTIAN Ten,
rsIance Union which they have conducted
very successfully, and a night scnoOl Win
good attendance has been carried on ny the
Members OF the Old Market church. Inc al
tendancs upon all of these institutions mas
been such as to show the great need or sucn
influences on the class Of people who inhaoit
that vicinity.
the congregation. with the aid and assistance
Of Christian workers from all denominations
proved to be an eleyatlng influence and a lac
tor for great good IN the neighborhood. INC
rooms were located At No. llL' east Main
strset. and the effort TO reclaim wanderers
from the street was very successful. Inc
rooms afforded q comfortable refuge TOT the
street Arab at night and a warm welcome
awaited any boy or man VINO hsd no piacs u
spend their evenings. The attraction OF m
nocent and profitable entertainment 10 tns
class seem to DO honestly Appreciated and the
attendance last year was IRON IOrty 10
seysnty-fve nightly. The plans this season
comprise the continuance Of this feature on q
more enlarged and useful schedule.
SEWING SCHOOL.
In addition 10 the helps 10 boys and men
inaugurated last season WAS also "a sewing
school for girls. conducted avery Saturday 10y
friends Of the Old Market congregation
where girls were instructed in the better
aims Of hfe and the useful art Of making their
own clothes. The attendance IN this school
numbered from thirty 70 NIFTY each week
Possibly the best and most effective WORK
dons by the Old Market congregation was the
house to house visitation by faithful workers
who. by personal inquiry. found ont and TO
lieyed tho physical and spiritual wants OF the
lowly population. 90,
Rev. J.. b. Turnbull, the pastor Of the Ole
Market congregation. Is the moving FACTOR u
INA moral Improvement Of that ueighhorhood
and is working with tho true missionary