Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-09-22
In Its 10 Years,of Existence 1t Has Shei
tered 1888 Orphan Boys.

In Its 10 Years.of Existence It Has Shell
tered 1888 Orphan Boys.
Communicated. #
The founding OF st. James' Pro-
factory dates from September 2sth,
Becker, Bishor OF Wilmington. Tue
special residence attached to ST.
James, Church, lowering avenue and
du Pout street, was selected as the
place adaptsd for such an asylum.
Thrss Sisters OF st. Fraucis took up
their abode here and etrove to piepure
home for the orphan boys who would
SOM be entrusted TO their ears. The
number Of children increased and in
the following year, three more sisters
came tn assist In the noble work. The
work continued there for about seven
years.
As the number Of orphHns increased.
| it was impossible to accommodate all,
and 1t soon became evident that more
| extensive accommodations had to be
provided. The guod BiHhop Curtis
fully realized this, and In the year
| 1888, eslected as the ats OF the new
homo, pleasant spot about two and a
| half miles from tho Delaware River,
near Delaware City. On account Of
its high situation, pure air and Sc
clullai position, this place seemed ad-
| mirably adapted to the purpose.
| During thu last 10 years the number
of orphans has continued to increase
/ and the building la now altogether in
lNadeuuate. The children are very muon
crowded in the dormiiories and class
\ rooms, aud the sisters find themselves
obliged to huili an addition for the
health and comfort OF the poor chill
dren. \
the follow ing ia the daily routine
observed in the Protectory: at
o'clock the l,oys rise. and after the
half hour allowed for dressing, ms.
semble to say In common their. murn-
ind prayer to God. After this. they
retire to the refectory for breakfast.
At 7 o'clock, they attend the Holy
Sacritice of the Mass In the chapel
here their childish vnices ascend in
hymns OF love and praise to God, the
Father and Friend Of the orphans.
From to $50 and also at various
hours during the school session, the
boys are employed in studying. From
8. 30 to IL. the tins is spent in school.
At IL dinner is served and is followed
by free time until 1.30 p. m. At this
latter hour, the prayers ara said By the
orphaus for the benefactors of the in
stitution. From 2 to 4.30, the after
noon session of the school Ia held, and
this 10 followed by recreation time till
5 o'clock, when they assemble in the
refractory for supper 10 the summer
they retire at 8 O'Clock, p. M, and 10
winter at 7.
On Saturdays, the. boys are occupied
in working 10 the house and garden.
On Sundays, the time is PASSED in
prayer, religious Instruction and in.
noeent recreation. 80
When the boys reach the age OF IA OF
10 years, homeH in good families are
provided for them, aud they are ther
required to work for the family. Sc
far, the boys thus employed have
ehown themselves obedient and In
Trajectory as their home. Quite {
number Of our buys from the first years
are now following honorable trades and
, take deep interest in the Proteutory.
| Tn to the present time, 238 boy.
have buen sheltered 10 the protectory
and during all this time there wore bu
three deaths in the institution.
There are now Gl orphans at ST.
james Proteutory under the cara Of
the sisters. During the entire 10 year
Of its existence, the institution has
been carefully fostered by the bishop
: OF the diocese.
The institution is supported entirel,
, By the voluntary contributions of tn,
friends of the orphans, and an annua
, collection is ordered by the Right Rev
, Bishop and ia taken up in all thu
parishes Of the diocese. "A
| The sisters are most anxious to adt
to the building tho new wing which il
{ SO much needed, and will be mos
) grateful for any contributions whiul
] may be sent either 10 the Proteotcry o
J the to Right Rev. Bishop Monaghan,
) sThe work is already begun and tn
i walls, have reached the second floor
. and il is hoped that the new building
' will be ready for the orphan hoy
) before the cold weather sets in.