The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-23

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tory exercises OF the Bethany home were
held and we're very largely attended.
Many distinguished citizens were among
The gathering. as we'll as people prominent
in charitable and philant hropic work.
His Excellency. Governor Brown. pre-
aided. After a short musical program,
under the direction OF DR. r. T.. Pierce.
Rev. ii. c. Hay read the scriptures and
Rev. III. l. Cushman offered prayer.
Governor Brown then made the formal
address.
Governor Browns Address.
We are here TO dedicate the Bethany
Home" an institution which should com
maad the interest and support of
every christian man and woman.
AS its sacred and historic name
suggests, IL will be haven
of rest to whose warmth, comfort
and love. will be welcomed the mothers
and sisters who are weary and sore
pressed with the struggle OF life.
AS an officer Of the corporation In
charge of this institution 1 deem this
fitting occasion for referring TO the
success which has blessed this move
ment from inception. Itisamovement of
women, for women, carried TO It's present
prosperous condition by women, and the
men who have been privileged TO associate
in the good work can rightfully claim
very little of the glory or this day.
Three years ago. believe the Women's
Educational and industrial union endeav-
ored to find some work of love or charity
upon which the energy and power OF the
organization might be expended. Into
tue discussion at one meeting was thrown
the suggestion that the union sho uld
work for the establishment OF q home for
respectable, INDECENT young women.
who from general debility or
inability to work are un-
able TO support themselves. A similar
institution knnMn- as the Bethany home
OF Boston was brought forward
as an example by Mrs. M.
Nellie Brown who had been closely
ideutiied with its work. The many
charitable institutions already organized
aud making demands upon the pockets OF
she generous made the scheme seem to
audacious aud 1t was not re-
ceived with particular enthusi-
ssm. But few courageous women
had faith ia their ability TO accomplish,
and in the generosity Of our citizens, TO
subscription list was then started. In the
course Of "a few months it contained
ninety-nine names. Interest in the
uoven eat grew as its purpose became
known, and flnally charter was pro-
cured. adopting the namc Of the Massa-
ckusstts organization SO suggestive aud
appropriate.
Organization under the charter was
perfected on May 3, 1892. At that time
there were only small baud of jealous
workers and the names placed
on the subscription list. Today we are In
this cory home, in lovely Deighborhood,
where the beauties of nature add to the
enjoyment Of the interior homelike COM
forts and conveniencies. Ia this short
period, covering scarcely two years, the
UrRanization has been able to commence
it, blessed work.
Iwish it was not necessary for me to
take you behind the scenes and TO point
out the work and self-sacrihce that will
yet be required before we eau feel
that this institution 10 upon firm and
substantial basis. The lot and the house
wherein we staud is not paid for may, it is
hardly more than leased. The first
subscriptions amounted to S2500, and
they have been devoted TO its payment but
there yet remains over $40, 600 which is
eating mp our donations by its demands
for interest. You will see that it is i'm
portant that subscriptions should come
In without delay. and the sooner they
come, the greater will be the measure of
relief.
have only referred to the cost Of the
property, the support OF the home is
N other consideration. 1t must be re-
membered that ali that Is re quired from
The bene fciary is an entrance fee OF $40.
II she remains in the home one year or
one week. she Is under no further ex-
penses. The problem Of obtaining funds
for the support Of the
homo and at the same time pay
on the debt upon the property
was difficult one. but IL has been sue
csssfully solved / believe by tho plan
suggested by our financial agent. Mrs. NJ.
NellieBrown. and now in partial operation.
The plan covers an organization known
- the Bethany Sisters" Composed of
circles formed Ia each OF the churches OF
the state Each circle consists OF
ten persons who are In charge of
director chosen by the cir
Gle. It Is expected tiat each
member will obtain ten persons. including
herself, who shall be pledged to contribute
i've cents monthly. or will make herself
responsible for that amount Ia addition
10 the foregoing plan OF securing support
theae are life memberships. annual sub
scriptions aud baztars, ali OF which have
been successfully undertaken. BY vote OF
the managers contributions from CIRCLES
are to be used for current expenses, while
the money from other sources must be in
vested 80 that only the interest or income
can be applied 10 ordinary expenses.
The spirit " Kindness aud generosity
displayed toward. the home by our peo-
pie Is very encouraging. Mrs. Brown
has met with rich success wher.
ever she has pleai for the
caus:. and our merchants have
epps ared most happy 10 contribute ne.
cessary articles. The rooms you see 30
tastefuIly furnished have bcsu equipped
without particle OF expense 10
The orsanlzatioD. Some OF them
have ben lovingly dedicated.
and Furnished as memorial 10 dear
ones gone. and societies ana churcacs
have taken care OF others Only oae
DOom Ie1iains uithout n patron