صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني

FIRST

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE PHILADELPHIA

Female Seamen's Friend Society.

The first Anniversary of "The Female Seamen's Friend Society," Auxilliary to the "Seamen's Friend Society of Philadelphia," was held on the 18th of 12th month (December) 1834, in the Sansom street Baptist Meeting House.Captain Sherman in the chair. The services were opened with prayer by Abraham D. Gillett from Schenectady, N. Y. The Annual Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were read by A. S. Langley. Addresses were delivered by Robert W. Cushman and George Bethune of this city, and William Hamet of Virginia. The exercises of the evening were closed by singing a Hymn written for the occasion by R. W. Cushman, and a blessing was pronounced by George Bethune.

After the public services, the Society proceeded to the election of Officers and Managers for the ensuing year.

A

[ocr errors][merged small]
[blocks in formation]

It is our privilege this evening, whilst assembled in this House of Prayer, to commemorate the First Anniversary of "The Female Seamen's Friend Society," Auxiliary to "The Seamen's Friend Society of Philadelphia.”—And although the Managers feel, in making their first Report, that they have nothing to boast of, yet are they truly thankful for the existence of such an Institution; beleiving that if it is strengthend to live through its infantile state, it will one day become as great a blessing to the world, as any of all those noble institutions which are now our "crown of rejoicing" as a city. They desire not to give you a varnished account of their proceedings, but simply to state facts; and leave an enlightened christian audience to judge how far they have redeemed their pledge, and to what extent

[ocr errors]

1

they merit that generosity and confidence with which the public have favoured them.

[ocr errors]

Early in the second month, (Febuary,) a few females met to consider "the practicability of their being able to assist The Philadelphia Seamen's Friend Society,'" in carrying into effect, the desirable object of establishing a respectable "Temperance Boarding House for Sailors:" when they resolved to offer their services to the Board of Directors, and to hold another meeting the ensuing week, to which it was agreed that every female present should invite her friends. This meeting was attended by a large number of the most respectable females of Philadelphia, who organized themselves into "The Female Seamen's Friend Society," Auxiliary to The Philadelphia Seamen's Friend Society, and adopted a Constitution, based on that of "The Female Seamen's Friend Society" of Charleston, South Carolina, which, it is believed, was the first association of this kind in the United States. At an adjourned meeting held on the 21st of the same month, they proceeded to elect Managers and Officers; the former of whom divided the city into sections, and subsequently evinced a lively zeal in the cause they had espoused, by the exertions they made to interest the public in its behalf; and we would embrace this opportunity of thanking that public which has so far encouraged and supported us in "this work of faith and labour of love."

About 130 annual subscribers have been procured and donations obtained to a considerable amount, in sums varying from 25 cents to 25 dollars.

From the Managers a House Committee of ten was chosen, whose duty is to visit the House by sub-committees for one month at a time, and report monthly to the Board of Managers. At another meeting held on the 28th, a Code of By-Laws was presented, considered and adopted; and from this time, the Board began to hold regular monthly meetings.

Since our existence as a Society, we have endeavored to sympathize in the trials encountered by the Society, to which we are auxiliary, and to aid them in some of their difficulties. That part of the responsibility which

has rested entirely upon us, has been to furnish the house and provide it with beds, bedding, carpeting, toweling, crockery, kitchen furniture &c. &c., and to see that the rooms were kept in nice order, and the Boarders rendered comfortable.

Several letters received by the Agent of "The Seamen's Friend Society," from Seamen who had boarded at the "Girard House, or Sailors' Home," (the Temperance Boarding house now under our united care,) not only express much satisfaction with the management of the House, but also a lively sense of gratitude to the Managers of these Institutions, for the respectable asylum they have provided for every Sailor who is willing to take advantage of it. Fearing lest some who now hear this Report, may never have an opportunity of seeing these letters, a few extracts are subjoined to show in what manner such an establishment is regarded by those for whose special benefit it is intended.

11

In a letter, dated "May 24th." the writer says, "The plan upon which this house is conducted, I am free to say, meets with my entire approbation; and nothing should ever induce me to live in a boarding house of the common order, so long as one conducted upon the principles of the "Girard House" was to be found. I am convinced that my brother seamen who are of a sound mind and good understanding, would, were they once to make a trial of the above establishment, give it a de cided preference."

M

In another letter, dated "June 21st." W remarks, "The gratification I feel from the establishment of such a well conducted, and truly much wanted asy+ lum as the "Sailors' Home," induces me to come forward, disinterested as I must be, otherwise than for the general welfare of seamen, strenously to recommend to that class of long-neglected persons, the advantages to be derived from such a residence. The perfect order in which every thing is conducted throughout the "Home," reflects the highest credit upon the Superintendant and his amiable companion: regularity, sobriety, and cleanliness; health, peace, and social intercourse, all tend to render this place a desirable home for seamen."

1

In another, dated "July 2d. Sailor's Home," from the Mate of the British barque Emerald, which was wrecked last summer, he says, "I cannot express my feelings on our arrival in Philadelphia, to be conducted to a place that afforded me every comfort I could wish; and to see the Sailors living in the house, so comfortably sitting at their meals, afforded me much pleasure—a class of people, who, I am sorry to say, have been too much neglected. For the kind attention I have received at the "Sailor's Home," I shall not forget to make it known to those who sail upon the tempestuous wave; and I hope and trust that you and your friends, may succeed in your intention towards the welfare of our brother seamen.

"

Two of the Managers of this Society, having made up a small sum and presented it to a Captain who had been shipwrecked, and thereby reduced to distress, received a very grateful note from him, of which the following is an extract: "He feels most grateful for their kindness and good wishes, which help to soothe the mind of one, who has met with misfortune far distant from home; which he never will forget, and will ever pray for their happiness and prosperity in this world." This captain and his mate spent an evening at one of the manager's houses, where they were hospitably welcomed:When the former embarked for Liverpool, he sent a letter to captain Tubbs from the Capes, in which he says: "I have once more to return you all my thanks for your kindness to me in the distressed state I was in, which I never will forget;" and desires to be remembered to the two managers who had been so kind to him. Another letter was recevied from him, dated "Liverpool Sept. 2d." in which he informs of his having been appointed to the command of a very fine vessel of 385 tons, and adds, "I feel myself very grateful to you and your worthy people that form your establishment, for the kind and hospitable manner in which you and them behaved to me in Philadelphia, in a time of need, and a perfect stranger. I sincerely hope your concern may prosper and all its supporters.”

These extracts, we trust, will be sufficient to show

2 A

« السابقةمتابعة »