Evening journal., 1896-09-03
CONTEMPORARY OPINION.
ME RUFFALO Diam

What is known as "The Buffalo
Plan for the relief and general over
sight of INDECENT or struggling fam
lilies was developed shortly after the
social settlement idea obtained a foot
hold in that city, and is receiving the
attention Of those who are making
study Of social problems. It is claimed
that the Buffalo plan is the result of
establishing in Buffalo two institutions
known as Westminster House and
Welcome Hall Two churches. the
Westminster and First Presbyterian,
undertook these experiments in the
line Of social settlements upon the
theory that they would prove more eff
fective if they were to confine their
charitable and philanthropic work to
certain districts of the city, instead of
scattering IL in many directions That
the plan was a success appears from a
resolution adopted by the local Char
ity Organization Society, which stated
that the experiment being tried by
those two churches of being respon-
slble for the relief and elevation of a
special district of the city appeared
to be of great value and promise" A
committee was appointed to consider
the feasibility of extending the system
to the whole city, so that all parts of
it would be provided for.
But the idea did not meet with i'm
mediate general approval. Il encour-
aged opposition, as all plans of relief
and missionary work to do. II is ex-
tremely difficult for feformers to
agree upon practical methods of work.
Many doubted whether parishes of
different denominations could be in
duced to cooperate. But the advo-
Gates OF the plan eventually succeeded
In clearing away the difficulties and
the plan is now in successful opera
tion, over seventy churches having
taken districts. The denominations
represented include Presbyterian,
Episcopal, Congregational, Roman
Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran,
Hebrew, Unitarian, and other church
es. Difficulties that naturally would
arise and prevent harmony are avoided
by the manner of working. No church
is asked to interrupt any spiritual re-
lation 1t may have with ANY poor fam
lilies in the city The church which is
assigned to a district undertakes to
look after all needy persons in it who
are not otherwise helped and to aid
them in any way possible, and in con-
nection with the Charity Organization
Society to keep close watch as to the
condition of the people in the district.
Sometimes the district assigned to a
church is that in its immediate vicin-
lty; but if it is a strong church and To-
Gated In well-to-do quarter it is more
likely to receive a district in a poorer
portion OF the city.
There are two features of this plan
that commend il. One is the system
observed. Il does away with indis-
criminate charity and puts the over
sight OF the needy on a practical basis.
II is organized work, proceeding with
system, in a business-like way. The
second good feature of the plan is that
it brings different denominations to-
gether for practical Christian work.
This union of effort will be felt in
other ways and its wholesome influ-
ence cannot fail to be seen in the life
of the city As the Buffalo plan" isat-
tracing much favorable comment it is
likely to be adopted in many other
places and with generally good results.
Hartford Post.