The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

Four years ago in the city of Birming-
ham, the Alabama Home of Refuge was
established formally
The need of this institution grew out of
'the girl In court
The unfortunate boy was provided for
amply, the Boys Industrial School and
the Boys club both being open to receive
him, and willing and eager to lend him
a helping hand.
The unfortunate child had a welcome
awaiting at the Mercy Home.
But
The unfortunate girl, with the exception
of the Salvation Army, had no place OF
refuge-no kindly hand held out, no sym
pathetic heart unfolded to her-and real
izing the condition, small band of WON
en-. sweet, loving, gentle Christian women,
conceived the idea of a home for the girl
of the streets and the formal opening OF
the Alabama Home of Refuge took place.
There was no money; no especially
great influence, no backing" as we say
in common parlance. only a ferNent ar
dent desire on the par, of these few good
women to help their unfortunate sisters.
an dwith prayerful hearts they worked
over the matter and finally solved the
problem by renting modest little quarters
and taking under their protection the few
girls that they were able to provide for
in such meager environments.
These good women have seen their
work blossom and grow like a beautiful
flower day by day and month by month.
and when the Alabama Home of Refuge
a year ago became state institution.
Judge Weasiey drawing ZIP The bill and
arranging the details for the board. their
delight was unprecedented.
The state very generously provides $1,000
year for the maintenance of the home.
while the city gives 500 month and the
Board of Revenue sS5.
Mrs S. ID. Weakley is the president of
the Alabama Home of Refuge Mrs. Alice
Johnson. vice president: Mrs. w II. New
ms secretary, and Mrs. NJ w. Searight,
treasurer.
At the thirty -ninth annual convention OF
Nharitles and Corrections, which rec s1tly
met at Cleveland, o.. Mrs. NJ. w. Sea-
right was a delegate from Birmingham.
and her Aong experience in the work and
her beautiful Christian fidelity and love
for a service that has become life work
with her amply fitted her to appreciate
and enjoy the conference as few could.
There is no woman in Birmingham more
splendidly equipped to maintain work
of the kind that Mrs. Searight is engage
in than she; the beauty of her, character
and the sweetness of her purpose, the
| deep underlying love of humanity In her
heart. and above all, the broad human
sympathy that Is hers. endears her to
| every one with whom she comes In con-
tact. and at all times. and by all classes
| is the most sincere homage paid her
| homage that is hers, hers by divine RICH.
| of BIO utiful womanhood and Christian
| loyalty and devotion.
You have asked me to tell you briefly
about the annual convention of Charities
and Corrections at Cleveland said Mrs
| Starlight few days ago. in chatting
about her recent trip, but I'm afraid
| you have requested rather difficult
| thing. for there is much TO tell that
can scarcely do 1t briefly. 1t would fill
volume.
| But about the notable men and women
| you met and some of the subjects that
| were discussed we can find many inter-
esting points, I'm sure, which can be
| told in short order"
Taking the notable people and their
appearance before the convention Mrs
/ Searight replied, II believe after the de-
vot.onal services were conducted the first