The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1892-01-30

An Appeal for st. Luke's Hospital.
The lady directors of st. Luke's Hos
pital would respectfully call the attention
of the charitable public to the claims OF the
above named institution upon their active
and material aid.
This appeal, whilst we desire and intend
that it should touch the hearts and open
the hands of those, both at home and abroad
who can reach out to their " neighbor in
distress, yet is particularly intended for
those in adjoining or distant counties in
this state Who do not, perhaps, quite un-
derstand the organization of this institution,
or appreciate the difficulties which have
been encountered in the progress of its de-
velopment; and, likewise, realize the
present drawbacks to its enlarged use
fulness.
St. Luke's Hospital originated several
years ago in the benevolence and active
charity OF three good ladies of Jacksonville.
Commencing as an humble quiet work of
love that sheltered many a sick and needy
sufferer in the one room which at first
served as a hospital, whilst nourishment
and medicines came directly from the
homes and hands of these SISTERS of char
ity." Bye and bye, with the aid of others
who became interested in this good work,
lot was purchased and building erected !;
hospital organization was formed and in.
corporated under the laws of Florida.
We have now a ward capacity of seven
teen beds and eleven rooms, more or less
capacious and comfortable; and we hope
that Providence will supply the means and
point way in the near future for still fur
ther development and an enlarged capac-
ity for doing good.
The benefits of this charity are not con-
fined to Jacksonville or its immediate vi
cinity; large proportion of the patients
admitted beng from more or less distant
points, in and out of the state.
1t has been, and is, our earnest wish and
intention that St. Lukes Hospital should
be more than a local charity, and that our
ability to provide and care for suffering hu-
manity shall be sufficient to respond to all
appeals from the afflicted, whencesoever
they may come to our doors. But more
especially do we desire to have our hos
pital fill some, at least. of the needs Of
state institution; we are constantly being
made to realize the urgent want OF greater
and better provision in Florida for those,
both with and without means, who may re-
quire such medical or surgical aid ss can
not be obtained where they may reside, or
chance to be and who would always be
placed under the best conditions Tor the
recovery of health by seeking and availing
themselves of hospital privileges.
Few counties in Florida have any pro-
vision for this purpose, and we often have
our good will and desire to assist taxed be-
yond the financial ability of the institution
under our charge, by those who come to
us from distance, sometimes by the aid
of scant charity which has barely suf-
feed to transport them from where they
have, perhaps, been burden, to the doors
of St. Luke's.
Again we express our heartfelt desire to
open these doors TO all who need our SYM
pathy and help; but st. Luke's Hospital
has no endowment other than the "bond
of charity" and it is entirely dependent for
support upon the kindly efforts of those
who are charitably disposed, together with
QUILL ICtOI Ao 90 VIC OdA u6v0 1IOIu D6t1oOLS
pecuniarily able to pay, more or less, for
the care and attention bestowed upon
them; and this latter source of revenue
aggregates but a small proportion of our
current expenses.
Numerous kind friends in distant states
have done, and are doing, much TO assist
and develop our work, and we deeply ap-
preciate this warm charity that reaches out
to us from afar. But the people of Florida,
excepting our own city and perhaps q few
individuals outside, have, thus far, contri.
buted little to aid us; and surely they
should do 30, because St. Lukes Bospital
should be and must be for them 90 well as
for %.
On February 23d next we propose to
open our annual fair in this city. and we
would suggest this 40 q fitting time and
opportunity for individuals, communities
and counties to contribute to st. Luke's
Hospital, in such manner 10 may most ac-
cord with their ability and inclination.
More than one Of the Northern cities, a.
likewise majority of the church commu-
mites In Jacksonville, have, from year to
year, provided tables or departments at
these fairs when the contribution of friends
from such city or church arc displayed to.
gether. This plan We would suggest to
those many good people in Florida to
whom, we hope. this appeal will not be
made In vain. We do not ask help for
ourselves, kind friends, but for those who
have claims alike upon you as upon MS.
Give as unto the Lord, money, provisions.
articles of value, anything from which can
be realized means to assist or promote our
work, and we will be your faithful stew.
ards In dispensing your gifts.
The Southern Express company has
kindly consented to transport free from anv
part OF the State articles or packages ad-
dressed to St. Luke's Hospital, Jackson
vile, Florida.
MARTHA MITCHELL,
President.
H P. DANIEL,
Chief Med. and Surg. Staff.
January 10, 1892.