The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-02-04


Treasurer.
Wilmington, N. c., January 81. 1893.
Having been appointed a committee
to examine the books of the treasurer
of the Seamen's Friend Society, now
report that we have this day done so
and find everything in good shape and
vouchers for all expenditures,
T. E. SPRUNT
JAMES M'DOUGALL
Committee.
To the trustees of the Seamen's Friend
Society OF Wilmington, N. G:
The Undersigned to whom you COM
mitted the execution Of the clause of
the constitution, i'm article No. 2, MAX
ing provisions for the teaching and
administration of the Gospel" respect
fully report: That the same has been
regularly done, according to their abil-
ity on the afternoon of each Lords
Day, during the past ear Constru-
ing the words, "the Gospel" in your
organic instrument, to mean the simple
teaching Of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, apart from all d
perversion or ~sectarian bias, We have
jointly endeavored to hold Him up, as
the only hope set before men for their
guidance in time of their reward in
eternity. In this effort they have been
most admirably assisted by the un-
varying presence, and musical direc-
ton in worship, of Colonel w. J. Wood
ward. Would that each member of
your board evincld the same, or ever
an approximate, zeal in the said "ad-
ministratiOn OF tine Gospel to SUanlen.
Three years ago, we reported TIC you
our estimate of the value of the Read
irg Room (lhen unfartunat 2ly closely
as almost essential to the social, moral
and religious care of IN which
your constitution declares to be the
object (mainly) Of yOur organization.
God be praised that lit has been reopen
ed this fall. The number of sailors
who nave awaited themselves of it's
genial hornelike and beneficial adVan-
tages, is far in excess of amy previous
year; and, consequently, not only has
the attendance on the teachings of the
Gospel been proportionately augment
ed, but the bearing and attention of the
WOrslhippers LAS been most gratifying.
A home without God is no home,
and while We have sought to each
them of the God of the Seamen's
Home, others have not been lacking in
supplying the other elements of home
experience.
On Christmas day 10 sailors partoOk,
at the home, of bountiful cheer, pro-
vided by the ever thoughtful and lib
eral generosity of MT. james SprUnt.
An "old salt" remarked, 81 have sailed
the world around, but l have never
!. touched at a port where the sailor was
altogether cared for as in Wilmington
N. C. We thank God and take cOur-
age.
ISigned] j. CARMICHAEL.
A. D. MCCLURE.
February LIST 1898.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUB
Lie WORSHIP.
During the past year services for
seaman have been held every Sunday
afternoon either in the Bethel or the
Reading Room.
The Chaplain, Rev. DR.. Carmichael,
has conducted the services twenty
three times, the Associate Chaplain,
Rev. A. D. Mcclure twenty six times
Rev. Mr.. Oliver twice, and Rev. Mr..
Morton once. The organist and sing
ance OF their duties.
The attendance has been first quar-
ter $40 persons, second quarted 423 per-
sons, third quarter 357 persons, fourth
quarter 72S persons, total 2,01S persons,
an average of 40 persons each Sunday.
The Bethel is very much in need OF
repairs, the plastring is falling down
rendering it unsafe to hold services in
the building. An estimate OF the cost
of tire work required to be done is
$3.50 TO 5000 which expenditure your
committee does not think necessary for
the present as services can be held in
the Reading Room.
Respectfully Submitted.
JAMES M'DOUGALL
JAMES T. METZ
w. J. WOODWARD
Committee.
COMMITTEE ON RENTALS AND