Evening star., 1923-03-25
COMPETITION KEEN
IN BRICK CONTEST
Twenty-Five Teams Vieing
for H0norS in Union
Mission Drive.

Keen competition exists between
the twenty-five teams OF women ana
the same number of teams or men
engaged in the brick selling contest
being conducted by the Central Union
Mission for the purpose or raising
$35, 900 to complete a fund of SloV'ooo'
so that work can start on the pur-
posed new building on the site of the
present structure at 622 louisiana
avenue AS the result of this compe-
tition hundreds Of bricks are belns
sold daily by the two sets or Teams
and although incomplete reports from
the teams make 1t impossible to state
the exact number Of bricks sold 10
date, IL is believed that the number is
now we'll over 1000.
VIII Sell 1000.
The mission is endeavoring TO sell
1000 bricks at IS each, which VIII
raise the amount necessary to start
the new building. One does not re-
ceive an actual brick, of course. put
upon making a purchase a coupon
representing brick is given as re-
ceipt. In many instances buyers are
taking two or more bricks, and in
some cases whole books. containing
twenty bricks, are being bought
only the oldest mission of its kind in
Washington but it is one of the
pioneer missions in this country II
was established thirty -nine years ago.
and after occupying temporary quar-
terS on Pennsylvania avenue for a
few years it moved to its present ad-
dress on Louisiana avenue, which had
formerly been the site of the city
post office. During the period Of its
existence it has fed. lodged and
clother thousands of men, many OF
whom have been given new start
on a useful and honorable career.
Some of these men are in Washington
today, and are occupying positions of
responsibility and trust. Many of
them are ardent workers in the activ-
tiles Of the mission at this time.
Prnises The Stnr.
On the eighth anniversary of the
mission. held October 16, thirty one
years ago. a report of the work made
TO the board of directors at that time
carried an editorial published in The
Star. Commenting on the editorial,
the report says:
The Star probably voiced the al
most universal opinion about the mis-
sion in the following editorial note.
which we quote because 1t comes from
an entirely diSinterested source and
is undoubtedly d candid expression Of
opinion"
Since this editorial was written.
nearly thirty-one years ago. the work
of the Central Union Mission has ex-
panded a hundred fold. The mission
has enlarged its activities along every
line, and the demands upon il today.
according to John 5. Bennett. super
lntendent. are greater than they ever
have been. The mission, In its appeal
for funds through a brick selling
contest" boasts of the fact that il
has never made a public appeal for
funds to carry on its work. When
ever an appeal has been made 1t has
been done for the purpose of enlarg-
ing its facilities.
Establish Emergency Home.
After the mission had been in exist
ence little more than thirty years
the childrens emergency home was
esta blished. 1t is now located at 1907
1st street northwest, and is under the
direct management of Mrs. Bennett,
wife of the superintendent Of the mis-
sion. The home has a capacity of
thlrty-three children, but its facili-
ties are greatly inadequate for the
demands made upon it, At the time
of its establishment there was ro
temporary home for children in this
city and the need for one was press
ing. Today it stands as the only in
stltution of its kind in the city.
one wing of the new building. when
completed, will be devoted to the use
of children and their mothers. There
Will be no connection, except by way
of the main lobby. with the mems
building. The main entrance will be
on Louisiana avenue, but the entrance
to the children's building will be on G
street. The roof will be made into a
children's playground, glassed in
closed, where, high up in the sunshine
and fresh air. away from the dangers
OF the streets, the children may safely
ENJOY themselves in ali kinds OF
weather.