Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-08
IT'S WORK REVIEWED
ANNUAL MEETING OF WOMAN's
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES REPORTS
These show This Noble Institution
TO he Doing Great Good In Pro-
xt5,nw m Propcr Home for worthy
Young Womeu-0Gccrs Chosen.

The xeath anniversary OF the Woman's
Christian Association was celebrated at
the Franklin-Strcet home OF the institu-
ton yesterday.
Congratulations were received from
many sources, and at the meeting and
entertainment. which took place during
the afternoon. the parlors were fairly
crowded with well wishers and those who
are interested in the work.
The annual meeting OF the Board on
Managers took place at o'clock. Slrs.
Joseph Bryan. the president Of the So
ciety. was unable to be present, on ac-
count OF sickness, and the chair was
occupied by Miss Norwood third vice.
president. Bishop Penick opened the pro-
ceedings with prayer. and Rev. w. H.
Williams read a passage Of Scripture.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
The minutes Of the last annual meet
ing were read. and the report OF the
president was presented and read. Al
ter deploring her inability 70 be pre-
sent. Mrs. Bryan SENDS her greetings
and congratulations to the board she
states that the question is often asked
.sWhat is the Woman's Christian Asso-
ciation?" The only way TO answer the
question so that IL will be UNDERSTOOD
Is TO give a short Sketch Of the work
from its infancy As early as 1870, Mrs.
Rrvan saws. thoughtful Christian women
all over the Union had recognized the
necessity of providing in the large cltles
protection for young women compeIIed
10 leave the shelter Of their homes 10
earn a livelihood. and. as result OF
This recognition. houses We're estapiishe1
in numerous places. No home was pro-
vided for such girls in Richmond uhth
1881 Yet. while these homes were spring
ing up IN all other directions. 'WO white
girls were at work in this city.
Where did they live? From whence ala
they come? Who cared for their well
fare? Who were their companions?
What would their future he? To whom
could they turn in trouble? These were
burning questions pressing night and day
on the heart of that truly consecrated
woman. Mrs. Anna +. r lhm. She called
a number of her friendJ'to meet IN the
parlor of Mrs. +. NJ. Whites residence
ten years ago. Difficulties were present.
ed but they were overcome. a nat OF
six rooms was rented on Main street
friends. while others gave them linen,
china. and other necessaries. a matron
was Installed and one boarder was Sc
cured The association was poor. but
rich in courage and enthusiasm.
SECURED ITS OWN HOME.
BY the next year. the association was
able to rent a whole house, at 6l9 east
Main street. and it was soon filled with
seventy-nine young friends.
The rent was great drain. and soon
proved the need for the association to
own their own home. In 1890 two most
desirable houses-the present home-werc
offered on the most advantageous
terms. The offer was accepted. IL was
a bold thing 10 do. In the spring Of 1891
the association held an entertainment.
styled a carnival of nations. 1t was
under the leadership Of Mrs. j. II.
Capers assisted by Mrs. j. +. Hanson.
BY this means $1,000 was raised, and
with numerous donations from private
sources in three years N55oO-the pur-
chase price-had been paid. The insu-
tuition was free from debt in Octo-
Der. 1892. but they still needed furniture
and alterations, and the people or Kich-
rnond were prompt to supply their ne
cessities and they were nobly aided. The
panic of 1898 and the subsequent busl-
ness depression curtailed the resources
of the home. but it prospered even du-
ring those dark days.
During the ten years just ended 5'9
boarders and % transents have been
admitted TO the benefits OF the home
OF these thirty-seven boarders ana 80
transients came during the past year.
Mrs. Bryan congratulates the asso-
citation on the fact that their parlors
have been used by the Woman's Chris
tian Temperance Union and the King
Daughters. and expresses the nope that
the City Mission and the Needle WORK
Guild will also use the rooms OF the III
stitution for their meetings.
The association includes many depart
ments. continues Mrs Bryan-al full Of
interest She makes allusion 10 the
work accomplished by the Free Sewing
School. which had started with six chill
dren and now had seventy members.
In the fall Of 1890, the report continues.
the Woman's Christian Association
opened on Fourteenth street Free
kindergarten. In 1892, the location was
changed 10 the Old-Market neighborhoou'
lint now the work was so expanded that
new quarters must be sought. The
thanks of the association are due espe-
cially to the City Council for the dona-
tion without which the nursery would
have to be closed.
sympathy is expressed for Mrs. j. Hal
Moore. who has been absent Tor some
months through sickness. touchlht
allusion IS made 10 the death of Mrs
Charles Spence, abe representative OF
Park-Place church and OF Mrs. NJ. Il
Frayser. an indefatigable worker on INT
House Committee, and the report close.
with an earnest and devout wish Tor th'
future welfare of the association. Mrs
Rryan's report was received with mucf
enthusiasm.
THE FINANCIAL EXHIBIT.
Following upon it. the report of tn
treasurer, Mrs. Walliam II. Tyler, was
presented, as follows:
Balance ......... ..............'''''''S ou .
Receipts:
Board ....... ................'''.'''''' Ill =
Lunches ............. .......s.'''s.'' ot' :
Memberships ................'.-''.. 4-9 y
Donations .... ....................f 100 .
Life membership (Mrs. Il. O.
HOlting ..... ..................'. -
Ladies' Guild Of Emanuel church 10
ladies' Aid Society Of Third Pres
byterian church ................ D
Coal and wood furnished board
crs......... .......... ............ II
Collection from fines .......,...
$3.50 0
Payments:
Mrs. Mcknight. house expensesN.5ol Z
Salaries .-......... .............'.'' "a
Bills, per schedule ................ SOl Y
City Gas-Works .................... lV0 .
CITY Water-Wor ................ 80 !
Mutual Assurance Society ........ Az
Mrs. c. Il. Walford. for Day