The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-28
CELEBRATION OF FIRST

CELkInhAlhON UT EAA-i
 ANNIVERSARY OF OPENlN1
 OF ST. MARGARET'S HOSPITAL.
 A brilliant occasion of social pleas ure was the reception given at St. Mar garets Hospital last afternoon ana evenine from 5 to o'clock in celebra- tion of the first anniversary Of thA in- stitution. .,.
 The lawn was aglow with electric lights and Japanese lanterns, ana tapies and chairs were arranged aooue " AA picturesque setting.
 m the spacious veranda a fine band discoursed a program of splendid mu- sic throughout the hours during which thongs of callers came to enjoy tho charming hospitality dispensed by the Sisters of Charity and the Hospital Ala Society. The interior of the masnin- cent buildings was elaborately adorned with palms, ferns and roses in profu' sion and in artistic arrangement.
 On account of the patients now in the hospital. only the lower floors were thrown open to the callers, and through the beautifully kept parlors, reception rooms, halls. dining rooms. bed rooms. offices, kitchens and pantries each one was escorted. The beauty of arrange. . ments and perfect order found brought forth expressions of unbound admira- tion.
 The reception was a birthday affair, and the friends of the institution re. sponded liberally and substantially to the call made for birthday gifts. A goodly sum was added to the funds which are to be used to put steam heat in one of the buildings.
 On the lawn throughout the three hours, dainty refreshments were served and the lawn party was the feature especially enjoyed by the callers after visiting the buildings.
 Just one year ago St. Margaret's Hos- pital was formally thrown open to tho public, and the work done during this twelve months Is a marvellous evidence of industry and executive ability of those at the head of the institution.
 In the, annual announcement recently issued from St. Margarets Hospital! the following statement Is found:
 Statement.
 September, 1903, to September, 1904. Patients received In private rooms .13s Patients received in wards. ...122 Charity patients. .. .. ......... 42
 Total. .. .soa
 Reduced rates were made to many who were not able to pay regular rates.
 These figures, though gratefully re- corded, do not reach the numerical pro- portions to which our ideals aspire, and we look to the citizens of Montgomery to assist us through their loyal pat ronage, in broadening our usefulness until we may more than double our charities for the ensuing year. An in telligent public will know without in- struction that an institution such as ours, must be self-supporring and un- til 1t has a patronage to enable 1t to meet greater obligations, it's works of charity must be limited.
 The Deserving Poor.
 There will be found in every commit nifty a most worthy class, who strain every energy to help themselves, and these through adverse circumstance es become unable to meet the demands imposed by illness.
 Many from neighboring towns apply to us. desiring relief from pain they are unable to procure and which they hope to obtain from our charity and the skill of attending physicians who generous ly give gratuitous care to these needy sufferers.
 An Appeal.
 The Sisters appeal to the generous public to help them extend aid to the suffering poor and with the circulars sent, enclose an envelope for an of- fering to be presented as a birthday present to the hospital If unable to
  needs such as linen, groceries. delica- cies, etc, that would be helpful. The Ladies' Aid Society. The Sisters have received great as- sistance in their work from the Ladies Aid Society by it's contributions and en- tertainments; nearly all linens used in the hospital were furnished through this source.
 To continue this good work and to I,I urged to join the association, so with small membership fee they may sup port a bed for some poor sufferer. thus bringing a blessing upon themselves. Endowed Beds. A bed in the ward may be maintained for $500 year. A private room for $500 a year. Many hospitals of our larger cities are blessed with these endowed beds. maintained by individ- uals or societies and we trust this form of charity may be in the near future a joy to St. Margaret's.
 Nurses.
 The course of training is three years and during this time regular classes are held by Sister who Is a graduate nurse. lectures are given by attending physicians, and practical experience ac- qulred under the supervision of the Sis | ters.
 No nurse receives a diploma without thorough examination as to her re- sponsibility and efficiency. At present there are ten nurses in the hospital and some of them are qualified to take the responsibility of nursing patients out of the institution.
 In conclusion the Sisters wish to as. sure their helpers, of whatever faitt or creed, of their deep Christian grati. tude for every favor extended in the past or which may come to them ir 'Thou hast given thy mite"