The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-07

OF 81 members attained in the first year
testifes. The early brothers in Provi-
dence, however, appear TO have intro
duced customs that have never been ap-
proved by the society. An Initiation
fee OF ST. besides n monthly assessment
OF % cents. instead OF the secret collec-
tions, indicates that the traditions and
rules governing the society were not
fully understood. hence we find a con-
stitution and bylaws obtained from
Buffalo, from which diocese Bishop
o'Reilly came 10 Providence. were adopt
ed and a subsequent action OF the new
conference providing for the relief of In
digent members was contrary TO all
precedent, an innovation inconsistent
with the wholly unselfish character OF
the society.
RELIEVING THE DESTITUTE.
The principal work OF the society, Civ
ing OF relief 10 the destitute and needy,
was inaugurated early In 1854 The city
was divided into districts. First, North
End. comprising territory now within the
limits of st. Patrick's, Immaculate Com
ception and Holy Name parishes; second,
Eddy's Point. the central and southern
part or the city, now the Cathedral par
ish; third. Fox Point, st. Joscph's; fourth.
Federal Hill. st. Johns and NTH. Olney-
vile. now St Mary's.
Oct IL. 1S55.-The society was invited by
the ecclesiastical authorities TO partici-
pate i'm fair for the benefit OF the or
phans. which was but the beginning of a
long and devoted service to the asylum.
Formerly the orphan asylum was support
ed partially from the proceeds OF an an
nual union fair participated In by all OF
the parishes I'm Providence.
In 1892 the sum OF $21. 600 was appro-
priated by the state OF Rhode Island 10
maintain 150 children at the State Home
and School while at the Rhode Island
Catholic orphan asylum on Prairie ave-
nue. 80 children were we'll cared for az an
expense OF $4,000. In view or this showing
Catholics have no apologies TO make. The
indebtedness OF this community TO those
who. by heroic sacrifices made these
achievements possible, Is indeed great,
for which no adequate compensation Is
granted or even considered
Since 1890 the Society Of Saint Vincent
DE Paul has sent n committee OF it's mem
bers each sunday afternoon 10 teach the
boys OF Sockanosset school their cate
chsm and prepare them for the reception
OF the sacraments. For the celebration OF
mass vestments were furnished. the
chapel ornamented and on several occa
sions since. at Christmas Time the boys
have been made recipients or presents
from the society. Finally. I'm 1899. came
full recognition bf these services I'm the
appointment or n Catholic chaplain with
salary. To secure these advantages was n
work OF patience and perseverance on the
part OF the ecclesiastical authority. and
the part performed by the society in the
struggle Is not the least OF its GOOD
Works"
WON ESTEEM or OUTSIDERS.
In 1872 the Christian Brothers to whom
we are indebted for this place OF meeting
opened this school and I'm the same year
the Particular council Of Providence was
instituted, an event Of no small import |
snce 60 the fortunes OF the society in this !
vicinity From this time on the local
conferences are more I'm accord witl The |
parent body
Under the guidance OF the Particular !
council the society In Providence has ever
been loyal 10 the upper councils and no /
gathering has been held IN the Emitted |