New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-29
FOR ST. Marks PARISH.
CIubTomen to Engage Deaconess to
Visit Stricken Homes.

The idea Of opening Settlement house in the dis
trict affected by the Slocum disaster, which was
preached at a meeting OF clubwomen held in the
Academy Of Medicine last week. was abandoned
a similar meeting held yesterday IN favor
OF another plan, suggested by the pastor OF
St Marks Church. who believes that the services
Of q deaconess would be Of greater benefit 70 his
people at the present time than anything else the
women could provide.
Dr. Haas was represented by DR.. George H
semken who pointed out that, through the practi-
cal obliteration Of the Ladies Aid Society the
backbone of the church.. in the Slocum disaster
the services OF a deaconess had become urgently
necessary.
'NSinery-hve per cent of the members Of the La
dies Aid Society are gone" he said only those
ere left who. through illness. were unable TO go 10
the excursion OF forty-eight Sunday school
teachers only six are left The members of our
Young Peoples Society almost all gone There
are scarcely any left OF those upon whom the
church has been in the habit Of depending what
need most, therefore. is deaconess VINO can
comfort the mourners. take care OF sick chlldren
and in general take the place OF the workers the
church has lost. until the congregation has been
built up again
Relief for individuals and families is not needed
That work has been done so thoroughly and in so
C,,r;s+,ao a manner by the citizens relief com
rnittee that we Of the auxiliary relief committee
are perfectly willing TO leave it to them IN the
future"
The Settlement idea Dr. semken characterized as
a thoroughly bad plan
THE reonle of this district are not given 10
taking aid from any one" he said. and would
assuredly take it from strangers. a oe''ie
rnent such as is proposed would certainly BE con-
strued as an interference. A deaconess gould De
secured for about $50 year. and if you want a
working suggestion. this is the best can give you
Or. semken spoke with deep emotion. and after
mentioning the loss OF the teachers OF the Sun
CAV school he unable TO proceed for several
minutes His remarks were Endorsed by the secre-
farv OF the citizens relief committee. A. A Hill,
who said that the great problem in the district
now did not individual sufferers but the
whole community, and that help to the community
could best be given through ST Marks Church.
which had been minstering the people OF the
district for forty-six years.
by acceding TO the request Of DR. Haas" Mr.
Hil said you viii be doing the greatest possible
service TO the community, and giving the greatest
brave hearted man"
For direct service the survivors Of the disaster
Mr. Hill said that there little need. There
was not SO much to be done had been expected,
because so few had escaped There was not much
call FOR nurses TO 60 into the homes. and such ser
vice was required could be had for the asking
Doctors too, had volunteered their services and if
IN homes, instead Of twenty-five they could easily
aged reiat yes left dependent by the disaster
not 50 numerous had been expected, and ar
little ones would remain under the guardianship OF
The city as long as they nigh require 1t ,.,-.
dome said MIR Hin but there rs much that It
cannot do Before such cases as those Of the men
helpless Only their closest friends and rela-
their own tongue and in the language of their
Church the message Of eternal comfort can be OF
Mr.. Hili paid warm tribute to the courage
with which the decimated congregation is facing
me results OF the disaster. They had hardly
buried their dead peiore lIle ta ~ S3i g
their church, ready 10 begln the work OF ouluIns
up again. Mr.. Hin mentioned the case OF a man
aud after the latter had told his story, said that
he had been caring for the man IN ms OWL nome;
AR Hill. and only then did IL transpire mat the
employer had lost his wife and four chldren IN
Mr. Hill also spoke ~ the unparalleled generos-
v OF The city 20 The survivors Of the disaster as
70 great that II rad beer necessary 10 issue d
we sometimes feel like calling New-Hor cola
aad unfeeIing" said Mr.. Hill hut never again WIZ
only bv money but by thoughtfulness that people
have shown their sympathy 4 large amount OF
none, came from who could give only . OF %
cents and one hoy brought TWO cents; Many OF
fcred their services. and letters are plea nlgn on
my desk from those who wish 10 adopt chiioreh
TIE suggestion OF DR.. Haas was adopted witnout
discussion except as 70 ways AND meaIsi As ne
OF them felt tinid about making proinises ~
Mrs. Clark Bell. who was presiding. saio sne
She money. a., .,ar,.s NJ
II would be afraid to promise the eesed
she declared One woman suggested a cluD Gunner
q means OF raising the money, put SUCH -. 10
Of mo. no. nos" greeted the proposiuoh 'i'@' '
Il move that committee Of fifteen BE appointed
70 receive subscr1p tions" said MIS- Mars "~f'
4 viii give SO year long as it is required
And vii give sso' said Mrs Harriet A
Ostrom .s.,or
Other subscriptions followed r. quck ssccesseaa
ard in little while upward Of 400 had been rL hsI
Mr. Frank stewart Osborne was appointed cnsar-