St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-03-01
WOMAN,s CHRISTIAN HOME.
Little Insight Into the Institu-
toms WORKINGS

visitor at the Woman's Christian
Home, the other day, was met at the
door by the matron, Mrs. B. NJ. Rogers.
an elderly lady who has had charge OF
This institution for sixteen wears the
larger part of its existence Seated in
her room, long interesting CONVEX
satlon was enjoyed. The Woman's
CHRISTIAN Home is a charity, under the
charge of the Magdalen society, whose
president is Mrs. A. B. Stickney. and is
principally supported by voluntary
contributions. Aid is solicited from
the dlHerent churches. The building
occupied is rented one situated on
North street, for the old home was too
small, and they have not yet built as
contemplated. Although the society
owns some real estate it's condition is
not so hourishing as that of some other
charitable institutions of st. Paul, to
which more aid has been given There
is more than one way in which larger
resources could be used advantageous
~ here. Carpets. and the means of
heating the building more thoroughly
are some of its wants.
While L wish to express great
thankfulness for favors received" said
the netron, there are some things,
especially more chairs, that are much
needed" To the women who have
charge of this work, the matron's
tribute is that of much present in
terest, working with earnestness and
self-sacrifice. The institution was
founded as a rescue home for fallen
women, though it has somewhat the
character of maternity home. Those
who enter are required to remain six
months but the door is closed to no
one until they can be otherwise pro-
vided for.
This organization is chartered as a.
state institution, but has received no
nf5
vicinity. The girls pay, if they are
able, especially when from a distance,
for it is felt that other communities
should care for those who belong to
them. These women do all the work
of the house, and some laundry work
from outside, being allowed to keep
half of the proceeds of this extra work
for their own use; but as they are not
permitted to go out alone for three
months after coming here it is difficult
to do the carrying.
There are twenty-five in the home at
present, including eight babies, until
the other day, when one of the latter
was carried away by its adopted
parents. Many of the babies are
adopted, but, as seems tosbe invariably
the case, girls are in greater demand
than boys. Yet some will not think
of parting with their children, prefer
ring to work hard to support them.
The matron is one in whom these
girls must find a sympathizing friend,
and they cannot help being drawn to
her. She recently received letter from
one who was in the home" thirteen
years ago. and from whom she had not
heard for long time. After giving a
glowing account of her present happy
life, the woman said: please tell the
ladies Of the home that l am so glad I
ever came to that blessed home, and
a OF xyhn IN
it will think of the good home as
have, to never forget its teachings"
Another has written Mrs. Rogers as
my more than mother" for the girls
own mother did not knew of her fall,
and it was into the matrons ear and not
that of her mother that she poured her
troubles.
With the girls grouped about her, the
matron frequently spends an hour or
two during the evening reading to them.
There have been some so far down
in the depths that 1t was difficult to
lift them up, or even keep them the
requisite length of time in the home.
Rogers, speaking of this class. 'T
haven't the enthusiasm that l once
had; yet I know that they ought to be-
labored with and saved, if possible
In the little talks, holding up a high
standard of purity, she endeavors to
instill into the minds of these poor girls
that which will raise them to self-re-
Specting woman.
Some have gone out from this homo
to hold responsible positions in life, as
teachers, perhaps, and have become re-
spected members of society. Some have
fitted themselves for music. With the
length of time she has been in the work,
Mrs Rogers has been able to follow the
lives of many for years after leaving
the home, and is we'll fitted to judge of
resultS