The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-04-08
A NURSERY FOR A CHURCH.
The Innovation Proves Successful In
Richmond, Va

RICHMOND Va. April S-A church /
nursery e an innovation which promises |
IN attract unusual attention in religious |
and other circles here. The first step IN |
organizing one Of these was taken by b |
Z Johnson the weII-known publisher of |
this city Mr. Johnson is member Of the |
Broadway Memorial Baptist Church in the |
east end OF the city. The congregation is !
q comparatively new one and Is composed
Of some Of the best people IN the eastern
part of Richmond
Approaching the fact tnat many young
mothers, especially of the poorer classes
are often kept from worship by their Mt
rfe children. Mr Johnson determined TO
remedy this trouble as ia 3s possible lie
knew that the nursery attachment had
been tried in some Of the churcIe' OF the
North and West and even by some OF the
progressive department sores in those sec
lions. He was rot sure, though That con
servative Richmond would take 50 kindly
20 this innovation
He secured neat eight-room brick
bo1se at S1ze East Broad Street, less than
half q block away from the church. which
ne converted into a nursery The building
is admirably suited for the purpose. 1t is
= oriat pleasant appearing little dwelling
of The better sort Mr., Johnson soon In
terested the women Of his church IN ms
uroiect and il was not long before the
nursery was furnished with all or the ar
ticles necessary for the comfort OF the III
tie ones. An appeal to the merchants OF
the city promptly brought such articles as
cribs hobby horses. swings, and other
TOYS with which to amuse the children
during the hours their mothers are IN the
church or attending the Bible class OF
; Rroaddus Memorial Church
Mr. Srea!y. the pastor Of the church,
Who is a Western man, said that he Is
satisfied that the experiment is going TO
r,,-o,.a p success AT first said Mr.
I StaaIv. Il feared that the conservative
/ peopIe Of Richmond, especially the wom-
/ n. would not take kindly to this idea l
/ knew that II had been attempted with
more or less success in the West and
/ North but 1 had some nlsglvIngs about
! how the people here would receiv" it. The
result Of the first days reception, how
eyer. was such as to leave no doubt in
my mind about this matter Not only
. are the members of my congregation
looking upon il with favor. but taose of
other churches are coming to me and e1-
pressing their approval Already some
of the PresbyteriaHs. whom, as you know.
are the most conservative Of our people.
/ are in love with the nursery scheme. They
[ have already told me that il our expert
promised they win adopt it in their
The nursery was opened yesterday
/ morning at $50 o'clock. The little home
was crowded with children OF four year
and younger. They were delighted with
their surroundings, and, as one OF the
managers said, il was with dine Itty that
some OF the mothers could induce their
children 10 return home
The Proaddus Memorial CHI rch viii
soon build substantial edifice at the
+ corner of Thirty-nrst and Broad Streets
Z upon a lot which il has already pUrchas-
ed. The site is one of the pretti@St in
East Richmond 1t is just opposite Chin
{ boraZO Park. one Of the prettiest parks
Z an the city. from which a view is to be
( had OF Jau.es River not ObtaiIiabie. else
( where tn this section IL is the intention
I Of Mr.. Johnson and the other officers Of
the church TO provide nursery for the
new house ~ worship This depart nlent
. VIII be fitted up with all of the comforts
I and accessories needed in such an under
taking II is the intention OF those who
( are behind this movement to have a kin
dergarten in connection with the nurse
! ~, so that not only will the E-tle ones
be amused but instructed in an easy and
/ simple way