The Mena weekly star., 1908-10-08
TO RAISE FUND
 FOR ORPHANAGE
Methodists of Arkansas Will Set Out to Raise $30,000 and Put up Building to House
 100 Children.
Little Rock, Oct. 5, 1908.

ted by the Methodist Episcopal curch, South. at the corner of Fifteenth and Commerce streets, at a cost of S30,000.
 At a meeting of the laymen from all portions of the state, held yesterday at the Masonic Temple, : .this decision was reached, and plans were perfected for raising the fund, which is to be collected by subscription with iu period of 90 days.
 Rev. M. B. Umstead Of Beebe was appointed to have charge for raising the funds, but 1t was de- cided that one layman Tn each of the 21 districts in the state would be appointed to have charge of the work in his par ticular district. The church has 
 had the plans of rebuilding the ofphauage under consideration for some time, and those who at tended the meeting yesterday were enthusiastic in their support of the project.
 The church owns three lots on Fifteenth and Commerce streets, upon which is a large wooden structure used for the home. The orphanage is in charge of a matron and one assistant, and they are aided in caring for the inmates by the older girls in the home.
 The meeting yesterday was presided over by Georgh H. Thornburgh and G. H. Kimball was appointed temporary secre- tary. Rev. s. H. Werelein and J. A. Anderson delivered short addresses, and Mir. Thornburgh gave a short history of the pres eut home.
 The institution known as the Arkansas Methodist Orphanage was founded six years ago, and quarters were secured at Eff. teenth and Commerce Streets for the purpose of housing and find- ing homes for orphan children in Arkansas. To place children in childless homes is the prime ob- feet of this charity. Since its inception, homes have been found for 95 children, aud in only few instances has 1t been necessary to remove a child from a home, once it has been installed therein.
 A well-defined plan is adhered to ill providing homes for the unfortunate who are thrown up. on the world early in life. Be- fore child is given for adoption, a committee appointed for tbe purpose makes thorough inspec- tion of the conditions ia the home, and a favorable report must be received before the asso' citation surrenders the child. II there is already child In the home the association will no' place an orphan there.
 After children have been fount homes the ministers in that par ticular district are charged witt the duty of watching the future conduct of the foster parents {, the child and exercises a sort O protecting guardianship.
 l The home is supported by th' three conferences Tn the state the expenses being prorated ac cording to the membership il each conference, and the con ferences are pledged to pa, their proportionate share of th' expense. Heretofore about $3, 500 per year has been required to maintain the institution, bu the plans for the new building will admit a greater number o children being cared for at ou time, and the expense will b somewhat greater. However, nj difficulty is expected in maintain ing the running expenses.
 Plans have not been preparet for the construction of the neV building, but 1t was stated yes terday that as soon as the fund $s0 1000 is raised. an architec will be hired 10 make them au' the work will proceed as rapldl. as possible.