USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Settlement in the West : sketches of Rochester with incidental notices of western New-York > Part 29
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CHARITABLE SOCIETIES.
" Education Societies
Have existed among us for years-some composed of la- dies and others of gentlemen. Several young men have been more or less aided by them in their efforts to fit them- selves for clerical usefulness. But these societies have been lost in the great national societies ; and the contributions of those disposed to give are now taken from time to time by agents or otherwise for the assistance of the cause.
" There have also been and still are among us various so- cieties for the relief and instruction of the poor -- foremost among which is the Female Charitable Society, of which an account will shortly be given.
" The Charity Infant-school
Is designed to take care of and instruct the children of those whose indigent circumstances or necessary labours render them unable to furnish the means or devote their time to this object. It originated in 1831 by the advice and through the instrumentality of the Rev. Doctor Penney and lady, and a Young Ladies' Benevolent Society connected with the first church, who are its patrons and managers, and by the avails of whose industry its expenses are mostly paid, and by some of whom it is visited from week to week. The number of children varies from 80 to 120-some of them very young. Two or more teachers are constantly employ- ed, and its annual expenses are about $400 for tuition, rent, fuel, &c. Clothes are also furnished gratuitously by the married ladies for the destitute ; and many are the children rescued from vice and crime through this instrumentality.
" For several years a similar school has existed in connex- ion with a society of St. Luke's (Episcopal) congregation.
" The Orphan Asylum commenced last year (1837) is re- alizing the warmest wishes entertained at its establishment. An account of it is given hereafter.
" In addition to the institutions already mentioned, several others might be mentioned, some of which still exist, and others, having flourished for a while and effected the de- signed object, or failed to do so, have passed away.
" Almost every moral, religious, or benevolent movement of the last twenty years has had warm and efficient friends and supporters in Rochester.
" It is in these associations and efforts which are here brief- 26*
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ly noticed, as well as in the religious societies, and in the re- flection, discussion, and action consequent upon them, that their friends recognise much of the means which, under God, have made the City of Rochester what it is. We have realized the fulfilment of the promise, 'He that watereth shall himself be watered.' While intellect and physical power have banished the forest, tamed the cataracts, meas- urably diverted the course of the river into canals for hydrau- lic operations, developed the resources of land and water, compelling both to aid in the supply of human wants, the promotion of human happiness, and the upbuilding of our infant city-the philanthropic spirit above-mentioned has contributed largely to tame the heart, to curb the course of pride, passion, and selfishness, and to promote that expan- sive benevolence which seeks to benefit mankind without reference to the distinctions of creed or country. With these feelings, the efforts of many among us have been un- remitted to arouse their fellow-men to consider their immor- tal character and destiny ; the interests which cluster around that immortality ; the relations which they sustain to God, to man, to the universe of mind with which they are sur- rounded ; and to live while they do live, as it becomes be- ings of such important destinies to live. Here is the secret of that elevation of character, that untiring energy, that active benevolence, and those expansive views and hopes which have done so much to render Rochester what it is and its citizens what they are.
" In conclusion, I might regret the length to which these remarks have been extended and the digressions in which I have indulged ; but the magnitude of the interests and the nature of the subjects, together with a wish to trace to their origin some of the philanthropic efforts for which Rochester is distinguished, must be my apology.
. " Truly yours, ******* ** ***** "
Rochester Female Charitable Society.
This institution, which has been productive of incalcu- lable benefit, was founded in February, 1822. It is particu- larly creditable to the sex of which it is constituted, that it has been unsurpassed by any other institution of Western New-York in the excellence of its management and the efficacy of its ministrations.
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FEMALE CHARITABLE SOCIETY.
" This noble institution, embracing in harmonious union all denominations, has been in existence for seventeen years," said the Rev. Mr. Edwards in his Thanksgiving Discourse. " Its objects are the establishment of a charity school, and especially the relief of indigent persons or families in cases of sickness or distress. It divides the entire city into 30 sections, to each of which it assigns a committee of one or more of its members. Each committee is bound by the constitution to visit its section at least once every month, and as much oftener as may be needful, to ascertain the condition of all the poor ; in all cases to see that they are provided with employment or assistance from the proper sources, and, if sick, to supply them with food, and to aid them by the loan of proper clothing, &c. The society also supports one of the three charity schools of the city, gather- ing the pupils by the aid of the visiters from the various sections of visitation, and supplying them with books, sta- tionary, &c. The funds of the society are derived from the contributions of its members, and from a sermon annually preached in its behalf by some one of the ministers of the city."
There are now enrolled two hundred and sixty members of this association ; and the officers are as follows :- Mrs. William Atkinson, President ; Mrs. Thomas H. Rochester, Vice-president ; Mrs. Charles M. Lee, Treasurer and Secre- tary. 'The directresses for 1838 are Mrs. Orlando Hast- ings, Mrs. Joseph Strong, Mrs. Robert King, Mrs. E. M. Parsons, Mrs. James K. Livingston, Mrs. Harvey Hum- phrey. The class of directresses whose term expired with 1837 consisted of Mrs. David Hoyt, Mrs. Addison Gardi- ner, Mrs. E. West, Mrs. E. Smith Lee, Mrs. Seth Saxton, Mrs. Matthew Mead. The collectors of the society are Mrs. Nathaniel 'T. Rochester, of St. Luke's Church ; Mrs. Daniel Graves, Grace Church ; Mrs. James S. Stone, First Presbyterian Church, east side; and Mrs. Doct. Strong, same church, west side; Mrs. Merrick, Second or Brick Church ; Mrs. Selah Mathews, Third Presbyterian Church ; Mrs. Anson House, Free Church ; Mrs. Oren Sage, First Baptist Church ; Mrs. Galusha, Second Baptist Church ; Miss H. Arnold, First Methodist Episcopal Church; Mrs. Theodore B. Hamilton, Bethel Church. Superintendants of school-Mrs. Silas O. Smith and Mrs. Hestor L. Ste- vens. School Committee-Mrs. Samuel Miller, Mrs. Doc-
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SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
tor Reid, Mrs. Benjamin Campbell, Mrs. Gillies, Mrs. Wil- liam S. Bishop, Mrs. Caleb L. Clark, Mrs. Edwin Pancoast, Mrs. Samuel D. Porter.
The visiters of the 30 districts into which the city is divi- ded by the society are, 1. Mrs. Wm. B. Knox ; 2. Mrs. Merrick ; 3. Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Divoll ; 4. Mrs. Cong- dori ; 5. Miss Hamilton ; 6. Mrs. Dalzell ; 7. Mrs. H. L. Stevens and Mrs. Gay ; 8. Mrs. Doctor Brown ; 9. Mrs. Harvey Lyon ; 10. Mrs. H. B. Sherman ; 11. Mrs. Went- worth ; 12. Mrs. Gillies ; 13. Mrs. Danolds ; 14. Mrs. T. B. Hamilton ; 15. Mrs. J. T. Tallman and Mrs. E. N. Buell ; 16. Mrs. N. T. Rochester and Mrs. Sedgwick ; 17. Mrs. F. Whittlesey and Mrs. Goodman ; 18. Mrs. O. N. Bush ; 19. Mrs. David Scovill ; 20. Mrs. Jacob Graves ; 21. Mrs. J. D. Henry ; 22. Mrs. Levi A. Ward ; 23. Mrs. S. G. Andrews ; 24. Mrs. W. Caldwell ; 25. Miss J. Bard- well ; 26. Mrs. Samuel Hamilton ; 27. Mrs. Israel Smith ; 28. Mrs. Guild ; 29. Mrs. M. Seward ; 30. Mrs. Pitkin. " The visiters will recollect," say the instructions, " that it is important they should inquire as often as once a month into the condition of the poor of their districts ; let the poor know of their names and places of residence ; and make out a full report of the number of families visited, the sums expended, the number of children sent to the school," &c.
Having preserved a copy of one of the hymns composed for the Rochester Female Charitable Society by Harvey Humphrey, Esq. (which was sung on occasion of the dis- course preached for the benefit of the association by the Rev. Joel Parker, then Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church), we may be pardoned for inserting it in connexion with this notice of the association.
HYMN.
All hail to thee, Charity ! daughter of Heaven ! Bless'd, sweetest of mercies to lost mortals given ! Oh, dark were our journey through life's weary day Without thy bright smile to illumine our way.
Like the beautiful bow in the late troubled sky, To the grief-stricken soul is the light of thine eye ! Thou smil'st on the bless'd of this world ; and thy power Lends a holier light to the loveliest hour.
What have we, oh God ! that we did not receive ?
It is bless'd TO RECEIVE, thou hast said-but TO GIVE !-
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ORPIIAN ASYLUM.
Oh the dim eye of sorrow shall smile, and thy love Descend on THE GIVER like dews from above !
All praise for Thy goodness, in sunshine and showers-
For friendship and love-for each bliss that is ours :
But oh ! how it brightens each joy of the heart
That joy to the lone child of wo to impart !
The Orphan Asylum.
Among the philanthropic enterprises of the city, the estab- lishment of the asylum for orphans is worthy of particular notice. The institution is managed by a society of ladies, and has already accomplished much good. The number of orphans now in charge is 35, and many have been provided with comfortable homes after having been a while in the institution.
What plan of benevolence is there that calls more strongly than this upon the better feelings of our nature ? Is there man or woman who can hear unmoved the appeals in such a cause ? The vicissitudes of life, of which the history of the orphan inmates furnishes many striking mementoes, should render every parent considerate of the woes which have thrown these young sufferers upon the charities of the world. In no better way can the children of affinence be trained to appreciate the comforts which they enjoy than by being made familiar with the story of the orphans while pre- senting at the asylum the benefactions which the liberality of their parents may enable them to bestow. The parents who nurture children in practical charity towards suffering humanity will realize rich harvests in the blessings which will flow back upon themselves from the exercise of benev- olence in this way towards the unfortunate. Such institu- tions as this asylum are valuable, nor merely for the benefits conferred on the orphans, but for the meliorating influence produced on society within their sphere-as it is an axiom that CHARITY IS TWICE BLESSED-reflecting its benign influ- ence upon the donor as well as the recipient.
The asylum is on South-Sophia-street, Cornhill.
The board of managers are indefatigable in their humane efforts.
The selection of a matron for the asylum has proved for- tunate indeed-as Mrs. Tobey combines all the qualities desirable for the occupant of the responsible station.
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SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
The Mechanics' Literary Association and Apprentices' Library.
The Mechanics' Literary Association was established in the winter of 1835-6 ; and, from the progress already made, no reasonable doubt can be entertained that the society will prove as permanent as it has been beneficial in its opera- tions. Meetings are held frequently for debate and other intellectual purposes ; and the interest awakened among the mechanics and working-men, as well as the citizens gener- ally, indicates that the association will be liberally sustain- ed. Were there no other object to be accomplished by the association, the struggle made to establish and sustain a library for the use of the apprentices should alone ensure the cordial support of every philanthropic citizen. The officers are John E. Stevens, President ; Samuel Bayliss and John Rees, Vice-presidents ; S. W. D. Moore, Recording Secre- tary ; John F. Lovecraft, Corresponding Secretary ; Enos Trayhern, Treasurer ; Thomas Cowles, Librarian ; C. H. Church, Assistant Librarian ; George Arnold, Wm. H. Hatch, Franklin Wooster, James M.Dill, Wm. H. Moore, George Robb, Henry Shears, Directors.
During the past winter lectures on various subjects have been delivered before the Mechanics' Literary Association by Messrs. Andrew Harvie, Samuel Bayliss, John E. Ste- vens, J. B. Stillson, and others.
Young Men's Association.
. After various meetings held by the citizens to devise means for promoting the moral and intellectual improvement of the young men of the city, an association was formed un- der the above name to assist in carrying out the objects. The upper part of Loomis's building, adjoining the south side of the Rochester City Bank, has been fitted up for the purposes of the association, and lectures on various sub- jects by several well-known citizens, as well as debates among the members, are regularly arranged-twice a week during the winter. Reading-rooms form part of the ar- rangement, wherein the principal journals and periodicals are regularly to be found. Arrangements are in progress for the enlargement of the library, and it is believed that, with the feeling now prevalent among the citizens regarding
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YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION.
such institutions, assistance will be afforded to the associa- tion sufficient to aid materially and quickly in forming a nu- cleus for a valuable CITY LIBRARY.
The officers for 1838 are Henry O'Reilly, President ; James R. Doolittle, Vice-president ; Evander S. Warner, Recording Secretary ; Henry A. De Forest, Corresponding Secretary ; Christopher T. Amsden, Treasurer. These constitute the board of directors.
The first term of lectures in this institution commenced in February, and will terminate in May, 1838. The course embraced various subjects, and enlisted the talents of some gentlemen whose names are sufficient guarantees for the character of their productions. The Rev. Dr. Whitehouse, rector of St Luke's, who lately returned from his second tour in Europe, delivered the introductory discourse. He was followed by Myron Holley, whose writings in the service of the state are elsewhere mentioned in this volume as distin- guished for their ability. The Rev. Chester Dewey, for- merly a Professor in the Berkshire Medical Institution, and now principal of the Rochester High School, has de- livered a course of lectures on geology, which have ex- cited much attention to that subject. The Rev. Tryon Ed- wards, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church (from the Appendix to whose published discourse on the "Reasons for Thankfulness" we have quoted some tabular statements of the churches and Sabbath-schools of Rochester), lectured before this institution on the " Progress of Science, and its Influence on Revealed Truth." Dr. William W. Reid and Dr. A. G. Bristol delivered several discourses on Anatomy and Physiology. (To Dr. Reid we are indebted for some interesting remarks quoted in the article on " Medical To- pography" in this volume. Dr. Bristol formerly lectured be- fore a similar institution at Canandaigua, where he then re- sided.) Professor Sweet treated in one lecture on the subject of Elocution. Dr. J. B. Peckham furnished a discourse on Light and Vision. The Rev. Pharcellus Church, pastor of the First Baptist congregation and author of two works lately issued from the New-York press (the " Philosophy of Be- nevolence," and the prize essay on the " Cause and Cure of Religious Dissensions"), delivered a lecture on the " Immor- tality of Thought." The disappointment occasioned to a large number of persons, members and others, who were unable to obtain access to the hall owing to the crowd when
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SKETCHIES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
Dr. Whitehouse delivered the Introductory Discourse, caused an urgent request from the association and its patrons that the discourse should be repeated ; and the request was com- plied with by Dr. W., who, however, declined to permit a publication of the production, notwithstanding the solicitation of the directors of the association. Those who have heard the discourse will doubtless cordially concur with us in say- ing that its publication would be a valuable auxiliary in sus- tenance of the efforts now making by several institutions among us to promote literary and scientific improvement.
The lectures are delivered regularly every Tuesday and Friday evening. With lecturers of such ability voluntarily exerting themselves thus in the cause of improvement, can we be deemed visionary if, with what else we know of Roch- ester, we feel assured that the day is not far distant when the correct feeling and enlightened liberality of our citizens will cause the erection and endowment of an edifice for literary and scientific pursuits, which shall reflect credit on their taste and munificence, and form a happy substitute for thea- tre, and circus, and other means of amusement which would cost more without raising the standard of intellectual and moral character ? Those of our citizens who are blessed with abundant means cannot and will not be backward in such enterprises when men like the above named manifest such readiness to devote their time and talents in the glo- rious cause of mental improvement.
Rochester Atheneum.
This is a literary institution which has been incorporated for several years, and has a library and some other prop- erty. It is at present without suitable rooms ; but its or- ganization is kept up as usual. The officers are Levi Ward, Jr., President; Walter S. Griffith, Alex. Kelsey, L. B. Swan, Henry E. Rochester, Vice-presidents ; N. T. Ro- chester, Corresponding Secretary ; L. A. Ward, Recording Secretary ; E. Peck, A. Samson, S. O. Smith, O. N. Bush, Hervey Ely, John F. Bush, Geo. A. Avery, L. Brooks, S. D. Porter, Directors.
Pi Beta Gamma.
An association with this name is maintained by a consid- erable number of young gentleman, chiefly students at law.
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LITERARY EXERTIONS.
Its chief object is to promote improvement in oratory ; and for this purpose debates are frequently held. The president is John C. Chumasero, and the secretary Volney French.
In connexion with the foregoing notices of the different literary associations of the city of Rochester, we may point to the practical example furnished by a friend of such insti- tutions, with the simple remark that those who cannot fully "do likewise" in establishing, should not be discouraged from doing what they can towards sustaining, such valuable institutions for the improvement of the condition of their fellow-men. The unostentatious philanthropy of WILLIAM WOOD, of Canandaigua, is better entitled to the notice of His- tory than the conduct of many who figure in its pages : it should not be overlooked among the notices of Men and Things in Western New-York :-
" We have been requested to publish the following notice from the Knickerbocker Magazine, which we do with great pleasure," says the editor of the New-York Express. "The only fault is that it does not tell half the story, nor does it do but faint credit to this extraordinary individual. It is with- in our knowledge that Mr. Wood conceived the plan of form- ing the society, and put it in execution without concert with any other individual. He called the meeting through the columns of the newspapers ; procured the chairman, officers, and speakers to attend; drew the resolutions ; selected the committees, and solicited the first subscriptions. After toil- ing with success, and having placed it in a condition to sus- tain itself, he repaired to Philadelphia, and got up a similar institution. His active benevolence did not stop here. To him more than to any other individual is the Apprentices' Library of New-York indebted for its early existence. Avoiding all show, and even the introduction of his name, he performed wonders. He has retired to Canandaigua, where, we are persuaded, his active mind is still employed to benefit his fellow-men." 'The extract to which these re- marks of the Express were introductory is as follows :
" We hear with sincere pleasure of the continued success and improvement of this widely-useful institution," remarks the Knickerbocker, with reference to the Mercantile Library Association. " A large increase of its already-extended list of members-additions of new and valuable books-acces- sions of magazines and the higher order of periodicals-and
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SKETCHES OF ROCHESTER, ETC.
ample preparations for a series of lectures from some of the best minds of the country, are some of the more prominent indications of the ' high and palmy state' to which we have alluded. Let but party disaffections be religiously avoided ; let the members but strengthen each other's hands in the ad- vancement of the great interests of the association, and the institution, for whose original foundation we are mainly in- debted to the benevolent efforts of William Wood, of Canan- daigua, will become one of which both our city and state may be equally proud."
May his example be properly appreciated. The great results of his labours furnish cheering encouragement to those who are disposed to pursue a similar course.
The Rochester Academy of Sacred Music
Was organized in October, 1835. The object of this asso- ciation is the cultivation of sacred music generally, but more particularly the improvement of the music in churches and for charitable purposes.
The officers of the academy are a president, two vice- presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, a librarian, and three managers. The board of officers appoint annually from their own number a committee of three, who are styled " Music Committee." They have also the power to appoint a professor to the academy, to hold his office during the pleasure of the board.
Regular meetings of the academy for practice are held on Thursday evening of each week at their hall in " CHILD's BUILDINGS," Exchange-street.
The officers for 1837-8 are Addison Gardiner, President ; Frederic F. Backus, First Vice-president ; Mortimer F. De- lano, Second Vice-president ; James M. Fish, Secretary ; Hiram Wright, Treasurer ; L. B. Swan, Librarian ; Moses Long, N. T. Rochester, B. C. Brown, Directors ; Music Committee, Frederic F. Backus, L. B. Swan, and Moses Long ; Professor, Edward R. Walker. Members are ad- mitted on application to the Music Committee.
In music, the good taste manifested by the citizens of Rochester has been frequently complimented on recent oc- casions. In expressing his astonishment at the prosperity of this city, Major Noah, of the New-York Star, says that, " As an evidence of refined taste among the inhabitants, it may be mentioned that it was through their discrimination
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TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
and liberality that the distinguished vocalist Russell, whose unrivalled barytone has recently produced such a sensation in our Atlantic cities, was first. brought into notice."
The Rochester Academy of Sacred Music has established for itself a highly respectable character by the exertion it has successfully used in attracting attention to the cultiva- tion of Musical Science.
Mechanics' Musical Association.
This society was organized in 1837, with objects similar to those of the Rochester Academy of Sacred Music. Its members manifest such spirit in its support, that it will prob- ably be well sustained. The officers are Nathaniel Bingham, President ; Jason Bassett, Vice-president ; James M.Dill, Recording Secretary ; T. A. Sharpe, Corresponding Secre- tary ; Daniel Graves, Jr., Treasurer ; Jason Bassett, S. G. Crane, Charles Dutton, Orrin Morse, Alexander Sian, Charles Guild, James Turpin, Elisha 'T. Bowles, Directors ; S. G. Crane, E. T. Bowles, J. F. Lovecraft, Music Com- mittee ; Trowbridge A. Sharpe, Leader.
Rochester City Temperance Society.
This association is formed on the principle of TOTAL AB- STINENCE from everything that can intoxicate.
The officers for 1838 are James Seymour, President ; L. M. Moore, Seth C. Jones, William S. Griffith, A. W. Riley, and David Scoville, Vice-presidents ; Moses Chapin, Treas- urer : Erasmus D. Smith, Corresponding Secretary ; Wil- liam M. Reed, Recording Secretary.
Hibernian Temperance Society.
This society is exercising a cheering influence, and may be made productive of still more flattering results.
The present clergyman of the Roman Catholic congrega- tion was one of the principal agents in founding this institu- tion, and we believe he is now president of it. The secre- tary is James M' Mullen.
Monroe County Total Abstinence Temperance Society.
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