Part 3. INSTITUTIONS

2. Benevolent Institutions

AGANISM is selfish; heathenism is selfish; the human being is selfish. All of the religions of ancient or modern times failed to make men care for those outside the circle of their own families and friends. Christianity is the one exception. The Christian religion is a religion of missions and altruism. As Christ went everywhere healing lame feet, opening blind eyes and ministering to all who had need He was expressing God’s “good will toward men.”

     Now throughout the civilized world are the institutions for the relief of human suffering, the feeding of the hungry, and the ministry to the unfortunate, to dependent children and the aged, though all these be poor and helpless—yea, because they are poor and unable to do for themselves. So a by-product of our blessed religion has been this kindly ministry, begun by Christ and promoted by His followers everywhere.

     The Free Methodist Church during the first two or three decades had a great task in evangelism and in carrying the banner of Bible holiness into regions beyond. Second to this and as what seemed a necessary part of the program, several of the Christian schools were established. The strain in caring for and financing these made other Christian enterprise seem quite impossible. However, as time passed the conviction upon some persons that the church should do more for the unfortunate deepened.

     In a small way missions have sprung up in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, and several other cities. Some of these have been conducted with more or less official sanction; some have been to some extent sponsored by-conferences; and some by the general church. Perhaps more have been carried on by Free Methodist ministers and laymen (women have had a prominent part) without official connection with the church, but on friendly relations with it. This work has usually been a mixture of evangelism and benevolence. The intention has been to reform, minister to physical needs, and evangelize.

     The Gerry Orphanage and Home at Gerry, New York, six miles from Jamestown, was originated by Mrs. Ann Chesbrough, wife of S. K. J. Chesbrough. Rev. Henry Hornsby gave his advice and encouragement. Rev. Walter A. Sellew presented resolutions to the Genesee Conference in 1885. In 1889 at Gerry the first building received its first inmate. At the end of the first year there were in the institution seven aged people and ten children.

     As time has passed there has been a considerable material growth by the purchase of additional land and the erection of additional buildings. During the years about two thousand children have passed under the strong spiritual influences of the corps of workers. This while they have had food, clothing, shelter and medicine. Hundreds of old people have spent pleasantly here their declining years.

     It should be noted that for many years Bishop W. A. Sellew bore the burden of this institution. He is worthy of rich reward.

     Rev. T. B. Arnold of the Illinois Conference for years took children into his home, cared for them, and found them homes. Out of his activities grew the Wood-stock Home for Children and Old People’s Rest Home, located at Woodstock, Illinois. The work increased beyond the founder’s resources. At his suggestion a corporation was formed. The present location is on a farm, where may be produced many of the necessities of the institution.

     The corporation began its work in 1889. However, T. B. Arnold continued as superintendent until 1913. There has been considerable material help from outside the Free Methodist Church. The assets have grown. The great good which has been and continues to be done to the children and the aged is beyond calculation. In this fine institution is one of the monuments to T. B. Arnold. Others have carried on.

     The Life Line Rescue Mission was organized at Kansas City, Kansas, in 1908, by Rev, and Mrs. S. V. Coe for the care of unfortunate girls and their children. Later this “Rescue Home” was discontinued and the Life Line Orphan Home has carried on. The institution has grown from very small beginnings until now the property consists of a very commodious stone building which cost $60,000, located on twenty acres of land in the suburbs of Kansas City, Kansas. The property is deeded to the Free Methodist Church.

     Through this institution have passed 2,150 children, most of whom have been placed in good private homes. The present family consists of fifty-two children and twelve workers. The children attend Free Methodist services. Rev. S. V. Coe died soon after the institution was moved to its new quarters. Mrs. Coe and her son-in-law and daughter, Rev, and Mrs. H. J. Hardie, are in charge.

     At Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is located the Home of Redeeming Love for unfortunate girls, and with this institution is conducted the Wesley-Roberts Deaconess School. For many years the home has met a great need. The training school is favorably associated for the preparation of those who would minister to human need. Miss Anna L. Witteman is the present capable superintendent of the institution. The property consists of a hospital and two twenty-four-room brick veneer buildings located on an eighty-acre farm just out of the city.

     Since 1901 care has been given to 4,893 girls and women and 4,030 babies, making a total of 8,923 individuals. The average family is eighty-nine.