USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island, Volume I > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97
The Providence Home for Aged Women is located at the corner of Front and East streets, on a beautiful site, overlooking the harbor and bay. The origin of the institution shows honorable mention of Mrs. Eliza Rogers and Doctors Wayland and Hall, as among its act- ive founders. The association having for its object the providing of such an institution was organized March 19th, 1856. Its first officers were: Mrs. Joseph Rogers, president: Mrs. Matthew Watson, vice- president; Mrs. Amherst Everett, treasurer; Miss Maria M. Benedict, secretary; Reverend Francis Wayland, Amasa Manton, Robert H. Ives and Amos D. Smith, board of advisers. Plans were at once set on foot for purchasing the property and erecting a suitable building. A building already standing upon the lot purchased was temporarily used, while a more commodious one was being provided. The pres-
426
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
ent handsome brick edifice was completed in 1864. It is a four-story building, and was opened for the reception of its guests November 30th of the year mentioned. It is supported mainly by donations, collections and the income from an invested fund. The minimum age for admission to it is 65 years, and the entrance fee is $150. The number of inmates is about 50. The present officers of the institu- tion are: Mrs. Anna E. Nightingale, president; Miss Mary Grinnell and Mrs. T. J. Morgan, secretaries; Mrs. Emma L. Sackett, treasurer.
The Home for Aged Men was established in 1874, at 64 Point street. The first officers of the institution were: Henry J. Steere, president; Mrs. James C. Bucklin and Jarvis E. Gladding, vice-presi- dents; Mrs. John P. Walker, secretary; Daniel A. Taylor, treasurer. Its object was to provide a comfortable home for aged men, such as the Women's Home provided for women. Its founding was the realization of suggestions made by Reverend Edwin M. Stone in his report to the Ministry at Large, about the year 1867. The actual re- sults were largely due to the encouragement and energy of Mrs. Mary A. Holden and Mrs. James C. Bucklin. The house at 64 Point street was rented and furnished, principally by the free-will offerings of friends, and was opened October 21st, 1874. It was only capable of accommodating 12 to 15 persons. An act of assembly incorporated the home in 1875. A lot for a building was donated by Mr. Joseph J. Cooke; a legacy of $25,000 for building purposes was left by Mr. Stephen T. Olney; and contributions were added from different sources-Mrs. Henry Gladding estate, $3,000; Mrs. Frances J. Vin- ton, $1,000; Mrs. George Hall estate, $5,000; Henry L. Kendall estate, $5,000; Joseph A. Barker, $1,000; Smith Owen, $500, and others in smaller amounts. But the most liberal gift of all was the handsome building and grounds at the corner of Chestnut and Clifford streets, which was made by Mr. Henry J. Steere, in which the institution is now pleasantly domiciled. There are usually 15 to 20 inmates. The present officers are: Henry J. Steere, president: James G. Vose, D.D., vice-president; S. C. Day, secretary; William Knight, treasurer; Mrs. Harriet G. Field, superintendent.
The Children's Friend Society was organized in 1835, mainly through the philanthropic efforts of the late Mrs. Harriet Ware. Its object was "to provide for the support and education of indigent children, not otherwise provided for, and who for want of parental care are in a suffering or dangerous condition." The home was for several years established at the corner of Broad and Stewart streets. Mrs. Ware began her philanthropic work for the elevation and care of wretched and neglected children in 1832. Subsequently, with the idea of the present institution in mind, she advised with her friend, Doctor Wayland, who entered into the spirit of the plan with en- couragement, and a subscription of $600 was raised, a small house was rented, and on November 1st, 1835, she opened the house with
427
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
one little boy under her care. The institution prospered, contribu- tions were received and the number of beneficiaries was increased. The home at present occupied was built about the year 1861. It is a commodious brick structure, standing at No. 47 Tobey street. Some 1,600 children have been cared for by the society since its organiza- tion. The usual number in the home is about eight, while some 40 more are placed in homes under the care of the society. Children from two to twelve years of age are eligible for admission. The institution was chartered by the assembly in 1836. The officers are: George I. Chace, president; Mrs. Mary R. Tibbitts, Mrs. Henry G. Russell, Mrs. Benjamin White, Mrs. William C. Chapin, Mrs. Adnah Sackett, vice-presidents; Mrs. M. A. Talbot and Mrs. Arba Dike Smith, secretaries; Mrs. Christopher Lippitt, treasurer; Mrs. C. F. T. Esterbrook, matron.
St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum was founded in the year 1851. It occupied a small wooden building now standing in Winslow place, but then standing on the site now occupied by the brick building on Claverack street. At first children were received from neighboring cities into the institution. The asylum was moved into the convent building in 1856, and in 1858 the fine brick structure in which it is now domiciled was completed. The left wing of the building was added in 1865, making the building as it now stands. The institu- tion is under the charge of the sisters of mercy, and is supported by contributions from the various churches and individuals of the Roman Catholic denomination. About 250 children of both sexes are cared for in it. The handsome brick structure on Prairie avenue, in South Providence, was begun in 1860, and the children were moved into it at Easter, in 1861.
The Association for the Benefit of Colored Children was organized in 1838, and incorporated in 1846. The late Mrs. Anna A. Jenkins was prominent in its organization. In 1847 a lot and $500 were pre- sented to the society on condition that a building should be erected upon it within two years. A subscription was opened and about $2,000 was raised. The institution was then known as the "Shelter." and occupied temporarily a building at 57 Wickenden street. The advisers to the board at that time were Reverend T. C. Jameson, Reverend Francis Smith, Samuel B. Tobey, M.D., David Andrews, Charles H. Dabney and Benjamin Dyer. In 1849 the building was erected on land given by Mrs. Jenkins, at No. 20 Olive street. This is still the location of the Shelter. It receives colored children be- tween the ages of three and twelve, who are neglected, and provides for them or places them in good homes, as far as practicable. The officers of the society in 1889 were: Mrs. Frank E. Richmond, presi- dent; Mrs. H. N. Lathrop, and Miss Caroline B. Weeden, secretaries; Mrs. Samuel H. Tingley, treasurer. Mrs. H. B. Buffington is matron.
The Female Charitable Society, formerly called the Providence
428
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Female Society for the Relief of Indigent Women and Children, had its origin as early as the year 1800. It was organized in April of that year, and in October, 1802, received a charter from the general assembly. Its object is to aid women, taking care of them when sick and finding employment for them when able to work, also to assist them in clothing and educating their children. Nearly five thousand individuals and families have been assisted by the society. The present secretary is Mrs. William Ames.
The Providence Nursery is a recently organized society, having for its object the appropriate care and nourishment of sick infants, and its base of operations at 204 William street. It was organized about 1871.
The Rhode Island Homeopathic Hospital is the outgrowth of efforts made by the Ladies' Homeopathic Aid Association, which was organized in 1874. In the course of several years a considerable fund was raised, which was largely augmented by the proceeds of a very successful state festival held in January, 1882. Thus the fund amounted to about $10,000. The hospital corporation was chartered in 1882, and in 1884 negotiations were begun looking toward the purchase of the Nichols house and grounds, at 151 Olney street. The house and barn are of granite, and are said to have originally cost about $100,000, but were sold to the hospital corporation for $30,000. The site is a pleasant one, the grounds sloping gradually to their limits on the hillside and comprise about 103 acres. Beauti- ful views of the surroundings may be obtained from the upper floors, which are occupied by beds for patients. The officers of the hospital corporation in 1889 were: Charles E. Carpenter, president; Mrs. Mary H. B. von Gottschalk, secretary; George W. R. Matteson, treasurer: George B. Wilcox, consulting physician: George B. Peck, admitting physician: Waldo H. Stone, assistant physician; Miss Sarah W. McNamara, matron.
The Irrepressible Society is situated in leased apartments at No. Si North Main street, having for its object the supplying needy and competent sewing women with work. Clothing is made by this means and the manufactured work is sold at yearly auction sales. The enterprise is in charge of a society of young ladies, which is regularly incorporated. One hundred or more women are thus given employment. The enterprise was started in 1861. The present offi- cers are: Miss C. Hartshorn, president; Miss H. H. Tyler, Miss E. A. Hoppin, vice-presidents; Miss Brownell, secretary; Miss J. W. Bucklin, treasurer; Rufus Waterman, auditor; Miss K. C. Greene, agent.
Besides these there are in the city a large number of societies for the advancement of the material comfort of the poor, dependent, neglected or helpless classes. The more prominent of these we may give a passing notice. The Providence Lying-in Hospital was organ-
429
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
ized October 14th, 1884. It is situated on State and Field streets. Its present officers are: Oliver C. Wiggin, M.D., president; William M. Bailey, vice-president; D. Russell Brown, secretary; Charles C. Harrington, treasurer. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was organized in 1883. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized October 29th, 1870. A Ladies' Auxiliary to this society was organized in 1872, and aids in various enterprises for raising funds. Its office is in room 23, 55 Westmins- ter street. The annual meeting is held the second Tuesday in April. Officers at present are: Christopher Blanding, secretary; Charles H. Thurber, general agent; Charles W. Bowen, treasurer. Mr. Thurber is also secretary and agent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which has its headquarters in Room 32, in the same building. The Montefiore Benevolent Association, a charitable organization, formerly known as the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Association, was started in 1880, and has for its object the relief of all persons who are in distress. It was founded by Reverend Jacob Varsonger. The Rhode Island Indian Aid Association, having for its object the removal of oppression from the neck of the Indian and the aiding of missionary work among them, was organized in Febru- ary, 1884. The Society for Ministry to the Sick was organized by a company of ladies wlio gave much time to this benevolent work, in 1880.
The Women's Christian Association was organized in April, 1867. It has a boarding house for young women at 66 Fountain street, a branch home at 96 Mathewson street, and seaside cottages at Conani- cut Park, on the north end of the island of that name, which is com- prised in the town of Jamestown, a few miles from Newport. The association was incorporated by the general assembly in January, 1870. It provides comfortable board and lodging for young working women whose earnings are small and who are in need of a Christian home. The house was purchased in 1873, and enlarged to meet the requirements of the enterprise, so as to be sufficient to accommodate 45 boarders, at a cost of $31,000. In 1884 a legacy of $10,000 was left it by Mr. Henry L. Kendall, by which the debt remaining on the property was extinguished. The Conanicut Park cottages were pur- chased in 1882, and the Mathewson street branch was purchased in 1884. An act of the assembly, passed in 1877, exempts the property of the association from taxation so long as it is used for the benevo- lent purposes mentioned in the charter. The present officers are: Mrs. J. L. Lincoln, president; Mrs. Elizabeth E. Andrews, Mrs. Royal C. Taft, Mrs. Thomas Lincoln, Mrs. John W. Danielson, vice-presi- dents; Mrs. Elizabeth B. S. Brown, treasurer; Mrs. Emory Lyon, secretary.
The Women's City Missionary Society, an important local charity, was organized in 1867, "to assist the poor in efforts to help them-
430
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 1
selves, and to engage in general missionary work in the city." To prevent imposture and misdirected charity careful investigations are made by committees in the different wards upon every case that comes before the society for help. The work of the society is sup- ported by annual subscriptions and donations. The principal offi- cers in 1889 were: Miss S. C. Durfee, president; Mrs. Charles F. Hull, Mrs. Gorham Thurber, Mrs. M. B. I. Goddard, Mrs. George I. Chace, vice-presidents; Mrs. Thomas J. Morgan, secretary; Mrs. Christopher Lippitt, treasurer.
The Little Sisters of the Poor, a branch of the French order by that designation, was started here in 1881, by five " Little Sisters" from the mother house in Brooklyn. Its object is to receive and care for destitute persons of good character and above 60 years of age, without regard to nationality or creed. The General James mansion on Slocum street was at first obtained, and this was opened March 23d, 1881. The number of inmates soon increased to 45, and with this the limits of the capacity of the house was reached. Mr. Joseph Banigan, seeing the restricted condition of the enterprise on account of this limitation, with philanthropic zeal came to the rescue, and at his own expense erected a suitable and commodious building. This was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies May 29th, 1884, at which time the keys of the building, deeds for the land and insurance policies to the amount of $80,000 were formally presented by Mr. Banigan to the sisters. The building, situated on Main street, Wood- lawn, is four stories high above the basement, and is supplied with every improvement and convenience for the requirements of the institution. At the opening of the new home there were 64 inmates, 24 men and 40 women. It now contains over 200 inmates, and is in charge of 14 of the little sisters and a mother superior.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic society, the head- quarters of the order being in Paris. Branches of it, composed of the young and married men of each congregation, are organized in nearly or quite every Catholic church in the city. At the weekly meetings of the local conference of each church cases of sickness or destitution within their borders are reported by the pastor, and mem- bers are delegated to investigate and afford relief. Funds to carry on the work are obtained by church collections, entertainments, a few subscribing members and general subscriptions. There are about three hundred members in the city, and under their direction there are made annually from two to three thousand visits, and some- thing like three thousand dollars are expended in relief of the poor. As many as 35 families are sometimes on the roll for support during the winter.
St. Elizabeth's Home is located at the corner of Atlantic and Mel- rose streets. It was established in April, 1882, for the purpose of providing a home for women incurably sick or convalescent. Its
431
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
aim is to meet the wants of a class for whom the hospitals do not provide, and who are unable to pay for necessary care and medical attendance. Though its objects are charitable those who are able are expected to pay .. It was established under the auspices of Grace church. Officers for 1889 were: Right Reverend Thomas M. Clarke, president; Miss N. A. Greene, treasurer; Mrs. J. H. Coggeshall, sec- retary.
With all the numerous institutions and societies for the care of the poor, the sick and the unfortunate, supported by private or indi- vidual contributions, there remains but a light burden on the city corporation for the care of the poor. The last report of the overseer of the poor shows that during 1888 2,107 persons were assisted, more than half of whom were children. The number during the last seven years has increased only about two hundred. The entire ex- penses of the city for the care of the poor, under official recognition, during the year was $12,526.04, of which $5,702.28 was for out-door relief and $2,630.84 for maintaining the charity building and wood yard.
In closing this chapter it may be well to look back to the condi- tion of public charities in the earlier years. We shall see that the town corporation as such bore a heavier proportionate burden when the poor were cared for, and if the burden was lighter the attention that the poor received was a cold comfort. We gather from "Staples' Annals" the following facts. In 1738 the plan of establishing a county work house was discussed and some steps were taken in that direction. The design, however, was not carried out. The project was renewed by a number of the towns in 1753. The assembly authorized these towns to erect such a one as they desired, and to appoint one man from each town to have the oversight and manage- ment of it. If this was ever established it continued as a joint con- cern but a short time. Out of it, in all probability, arose the "old work house," which formerly stood on the corner of Smith and Charles streets. That was a long, low, brick building, which offered little attraction or comfort to the unfortunate beings who were com- pelled to inhabit it. Its appointments and management were not at all likely to inspire feelings of pride for the provision made for the poor, or fear that it would increase the evils of pauperism. Some of the paupers of Providence continued to exist in it until the erection of Dexter Asylum in 1828. Long before that it had become a place rather of punishment than relief. In the rear of it, in 1796, the town erected their Bridewell. This was a small stone building, 32 feet by 14, and ten feet high, intended for the detention and punishment of the lowest order of petty criminals. In 1803 it appears there were 41 persons, of whom 26 were children, wholly dependent on the town. The most of these were boarded out. The support of these persons, with the partial supplies furnished to others, cost the town, during
432
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
the year ending June, 1803, $3,660. The committee, appointed then to consider the condition of the poor, recommended that, until an alms house for the poor, and a house of labor for the idle, the in- temperate and the disorderly should be erected, the overseers should continue the ordinary course of providing for the poor. They were directed to purchase a lot for a work house. This was done, and the "Sessions lot," so called, near the north end of the town, was pur- chased for that purpose. No alteration was made in the mode of sup- porting the poor until long after this. A few were consigned to the old work house, but the greater part were boarded out.
CHAPTER XVI.
CHURCHES OF PROVIDENCE CITY.
Religious Matters in the Settlement .- First Baptist Church .- Friends' Society and Meeting House .- First Congregational Church .- St. John's Episcopal Church .- Beneficent Congregational Church .- Richmond Street Congregational Church .- High Street Congregational Church .- Pilgrim Congregational Church .- Begin- nings of Methodism in Providence .- The Pine Street or Central Baptist Church .- Third Baptist Church .- Brown Street Baptist Church .- Union Baptist Church .- Fourth Baptist Church .- First Universalist Society .- Church of Sts. Peter and Paul .- Westminster Congregational Society .- Olney Street Congregational Church. -Grace Church .- Roger Williams Free Baptist Church .- Pawtuxet Street Christian Society .- Meeting Street Baptist Church .- Congdon Street Baptist Church .- Hope Street M. E. Church .- New Jerusalem Church .- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church .- Fifth, South and Friendship Street Baptist Churches .- Wesleyan Society .- St. Patrick's Church .- Seamen's Bethel .- Church of the Mediator .- Second Free-will Baptist .- Zion M. E. Church .- Bethel Methodist .- Jefferson Street Baptist .- Stew- art Street Baptist .- Free Evangelical Congregational .- Church of the Yahveh .- All Saints' Memorial Church .- Mathewson Street M. E. Church .- First United Presbyterian .- Broadway Methodist Episcopal .- Central Congregational .- Park Street Free Baptist Church .- St. Mary's R. C. Church .- St. Joseph's R. C. Church. -Church of the Messiah, Episcopal .- Trinity M. E. Church .- Church of the Im- maculate Conception .- Jewish Congregation .- Church of the Redeemer .- Christ Church .- Church of the Epiphany .- Saint Paul's Episcopal Church .- Greenwich Street Free Baptist .- St. Michael's R. C .- Church of the Saviour .- Sea and Land Mission .- North Congregational Church .- St. James' Episcopal Church .- Broad- way Baptist Church .- South Baptist .- Elmwood Congregational .- African Union Methodist .- Asbury Methodist Episcopal .- Mt. Zion M. E. Church .- St. Paul's M. E. Church .- Cranston Street Baptist .- St. Charles', French, R. C., Church .- Union Congregational .- Academy Avenue Congregational Church .- Advent Christian Church .- Plymouth Congregational .- Church of the Assumption, R. C .- First Presbyterian .- Roger Williams Baptist .- St. Edward's, R. C .- Arlington Free Baptist .- St. Thomas', Episcopal .- Allen Mission .--- Free Religious Society .- Latter Day Saints .- Union Am. M. E. Church .- Mount Pleasant Baptist .- Branch Avenue Baptist .- St. John's R. C. Church .- St. Theresa's R. C. Church .- Church of the Holy Name .- Our Lady of the Rosary .- Cranston Street M. E. Church .- Harris Avenue M. E. Church .- Ebenezer Baptist .- Swedish Mission .- Church of the Blessed Sacrament .- Ballou Universalist.
T' HE religious element was in the settlement of Providence, as in that of every other New England colony, the ruling motive and most important factor. But in Providence this element assumed a phase which in all subsequent history has given it a posi- tion at once unique and conspicuous. There can be little doubt as to what were in general the religious tenets of the first settlers, or at least what had been their status before coming hither. At the time of their removal they were members of Plymouth and Massachusetts churches, which were Congregational in government, moderately
28
434
HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Calvinistic in doctrine, and pedobaptist in ceremonial practice. The settlers did not cease to be members of those churches by their re- moval hither, nor did they in removing hither constitute a church. They doubtless were early in the habit of assembling for public wor- ship, but there appears to have been no effort to form a church pre- vious to March, 1639. Among the first thirteen settlers were two ordained ministers, Roger Williams and Thomas James. Cotton Mather, whom we must regard as viewing the matter through some- what prejudiced Congregational eyes, says of the religious condition of the settlements of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: "I cannot learn that the first planters of this colony were agreed in any one principle so much as this, that they were to give one another no disturbance in the exercise of religion; and, though they have some- times had some difference among them as to the exercise of that principle also, I believe there never was held such a variety of reli- gions together on so small a spot of ground as have been in that col- ony. It has been a colluvies of Antinomians, Familists, Anabaptists, Anti-Sabbatarians, Armenians, Socinians, Quakers, Ranters-every- thing in the world but Roman Catholics and real Christians, though of the latter I hope there have been more than of the former among them; so that if a man had lost his religion he might find it at the general muster of opinionists."
Two years or more after Williams came to Providence he received baptism by immersion at the hands of Ezekiel Holyman, and then administered the rite to Holyman himself and to ten others of his associates. This constituted the beginning of a church of the Bap- tist order, from which beginning has descended the First Baptist church of Providence, which to-day holds so conspicuous and honored a position among the institutions of the city. For a while Roger Williams was a pastor and leader of this early church, the exact date of whose organization is unknown, but is well authenticated as hav- ing been a short time-perhaps a few months-prior to March 16th, 1639. Very little is known of the previous religious history of the twelve persons constituting this church. They had come over as a part in the Puritan immigration, and probably were like the rest. Most, and perhaps all, had been members of churches in Massachu- setts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.