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Superintendent's Notes. CHRISTMAS, 1919 was the happiest and busiest the writer has experienced . As Christian and Social Workers amongst the poor of City slums, we are riot controlled by any Trade Union, nor restricted to an eight-hour day. We were free to work as hard and as long as we liked, and this we did to the full extent tired nature permitted. Our esteemed colleagues, Rev. J. Dobson, Sister Annie, Mr. William Jackson, and Mr. H. E. Kinchin, heartily cooperated in the manifold duties in Whitechapel, and the Matron of the Southend Homes, Mrs. Tyler, and her assistants, Miss Banham, Mrs. Tomson, and Miss Arthur, had a joyous and active time in catering for and entertaining upwards of seventy visitors. We never before received so many expressions of goodwill and appreciation from our supporters as during December last. Our hearts were kept overflowing with gratitude to God and our friends for the many tokens of unabated confidence and sympathy we received. The effect upon the writer of such expressions of interest in his efforts, by his supporters, is to add to his satisfaction in giving his life to slum evangelism; to stimulate him to put forth all possible energy in efforts to rescue the perishing and raise the fallen ; and make the future bright with useful and successful service for the needy and friendless. |
Welcome Cheer Father Christmas did not forget our Whitechapel children. The Cripples, under the charge of Sister Annie, had their tea and presents and spent a happy evening. The Sunday School Children and Waifs, to the number Of 700, had their treat. The Boy Scouts, the Girl Crusaders, the Home Lads, the Institute Members, the Members of the Women's Meetings, the Poor Man's Brotherhood, Old Age Pensioners, the families in needy circumstances, were suitably provided for. Gifts of cash for grocery, also 100 sacks of coal, clothing, and vegetables made scores of families to have a little comfort and cheer during Christmas. The generous gifts of toys from Alderman J. D. Kiley, M.P., Miss Hitchman, and other friends, enabled us to afford delight to the children. The splendid gift of fourteen sacks of vegetables from the Purton C.E. Society and friends enabled us to give upwards Of 200 families welcome help. The gift of £10 from Sir W. P. Hartley and the £10 raised by concerts at Brunswick Hall were applied to specially necessitous cases. Gifts of dried fruit from Mr. C. W. Bosworth, of Southampton, helped to increase the number of plum puddings made and consumed in Whitechapel. While the contributions of cast-off clothing from our friends were much smaller than in some previous years, yet they enabled us to relieve many ill-clad adults and children. The bale of clothing, toys, and grocery, sent by our enthusiastic friend and helper, Mrs. Hook, was also accompanied by a record collection of 2,500 farthings. The Purton Stoke Christian Endeavourers, by a village concert, raised £6. To these, and all our contributors, we tender our sincere thanks for their welcome cheer. |
 A Family Group of Five Penny Dinner Guests. |
illustrates the type of sympathy that
gives practical help to a worthy and hard-working mother, who, under most
difficult and trying conditions, seeks to keep herself and little ones
respectable. We feel a special interest in helping the deserving poor who are
doing their level best to help themselves. Up to February 14th this year the number of Penny Dinners we have supplied during the season is eleven thousand, two hundred and eighteen. The cost per head has been higher than in any previous year, but the standard quality of the dinners has not been lowered. An urgent need has been and is being met; a most humane service rendered to unfortunate and necessitous children, and while clap-trap reformers in our district are throwing mud at the Church, denouncing capitalists, and protesting against the present restrictions upon the sale of drink, we, in common with others who believe in the supremacy of the spiritual over the material, strive to follow in the steps of Him "Who went about doing good." Helpful Week-end Visits In response to very hearty invitations, I visited Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury Circuit, and Pelsall, Bloxwich Circuit, in November last. In each case the object was to hear about our work and render it financial assistance. I received the warmest of welcomes, and had a most successful time. In spite of unfavourable weather we had crowded audiences, and great interest was manifested in Whitechapel Mission. Our funds benefited to the extent of £20 from Ravensthorpe and £10 from Pelsall. Owing to the heavy demands upon my time made by duties in Whitechapel, there are few such invitations as the above that I can accept. When Providence supplies me with a colleague who will anticipate being my successor as Superintendent of Whitechapel Mission, then I shall be free to comply with the wishes of Circuits to visit them. |
| Those Charming
Dinners. "Those charming dinners," said a lady Borough Councillor, when referring to what Whitechapel Primitive Methodists were doing for helpless and hungry slum children. This was the expression of a prominent representative of the Labour Party, who was indignant at the scurrilous remarks respecting the Churches and parsons, made by certain members of her party, when the question of dealing with slum problems was being discussed. The Whitechapel Herald has no space for party politics, but judging from some of the samples of socialist labour representatives we have in the East End, the writer would despair of getting sixpence from any one of them for charitable and philanthropic objects, but has every confidence in their disposition and ability to appropriate, had they the opportunity, what belongs to other people. The accompanying photo of a family group, who have been guests at our Penny Dinners, |
 Our Institute Boy Scouts. |
Old-Age Pensioners = Thank
Offerings It was a delightful experience to us, the day following that on which the old-age pensioners received their increased allowance, to receive two contributions of half-a-crown each from two veterans who wished to show their gratitude by giving a donation to our work. In each case it involved a bit of self-denial and revealed a most generous spirit. We have given special attention in recent times to this worthy class of state recipients, and have endeavoured in various ways to mitigate the hardships of their lot. It adds to the satisfaction we feel in having rendered such assistance, by receiving tokens of appreciation from those in whom we have taken special interest. This increase in the allowance to old-age pensioners has afforded comfort and occasioned rejoicing to many aged pilgrims. Our holiday and Convalescent homes The photo group on page I will speak for itself as to the class of persons we are able to befriend by means of our Holiday Homes. During this current financial year we have been privileged to give 84 needy and worthy persons a week's free residence at the sea-side. It has been a great pleasure to us to have the opportunity of rendering such welcome help to deserving and respectable people. A Minister |
| Useless Earmarking. Several Ministers have recently had the loan of lantern slides illustrating the work of our Mission for Missionary deputation uses. They have reported successful meetings, and increased revenue as resulting from the exhibition. A Superintendent writes to say that one of his subscribers requested that his donation should be earmarked for Whitechapel when remitted to the Treasurer of the General Missionary Fund. He expressed the hope that I should get it. He can safely dismiss such hope. All contributions intended to assist our work must come direct or they will be lost in transmission if sent via the General Missionary Fund. Whitechapel Mission is an asset but not a liability of the Missionary Committee. I would advise all those who feel disposed to render us financial help to send gifts direct and not earmark them as in the case named. |
| who had sent four of his poor for a free week at the Home, writes
:- "My heartiest thanks for the week of Heaven granted to four of the aged
of this Mission. With one accord they greeted me on their return? Ain't it
foin.' If the Prayers of the Poor are of any value, and they are according to
our Creed, you are wealthy." Another Minister, who applied to us to take
one of his needy members who was in delicate health and had been ordered to get
away to the sea-side, wrote as follows- "It is very good of you to reply so
Promptly and in such generous fashion. It is just like you. We greatly
appreciate your goodness." The question is asked by some as to whether the Homes are available for those who can afford to pay. The answer is - certainly. It is the payments of those able that we mainly rely upon for support and means to enable us to admit free cases and others at reduced charges. But whether visitors pay full charges or nothing no distinction is made in the Homes. All are treated equally and considerately. The morning and evening devotions must be attended by all visitors, unless sickness prevents, and while we aim to promote the health and comfort of all, we seek to prevent any returning from their sojourn in the Homes with less spirituality and religion than they brought. Helping with Littles We have been applied to recently to assist in procuring lodgings and apartments for several provincial Primitives who have come to take situations in London. They had a wish to be associated with us and assist in the work. Our best efforts failed to secure the accommodation desired and the suburbs have benefited. We could a doleful tale unfold, were we disposed, of losses we experience |
owing to slum surroundings. We are not. so disposed,
however. We strive to make the best of what each day brings, and avoid sighing
over the inevitable. Limited as are the financial means of our people, we encourage them to believe they can do great things if they will. That our efforts are not in vain will be seen by what they did in the past year. With the generous gift of Sir W. P. Hartley we were able to send £200 to the Hospital Sunday Fund. For the fund for the children of Blinded Soldiers we raised £16/16/-, and for "Save the Children" Fund £3. On December 13th I was asked to second one of the resolutions at the Annual Meeting of the Hospital Sunday Fund, held at the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor presiding. I reminded the meeting that the poor, who shared largely in the benefits the hospital conferred, were capable of rendering substantial support if they were suitably consulted. I said it ought to make the Bishop of London blush to hear that a Primitive Methodist Mission in Whitechapel, whose members resided chiefly in the notorious Brady Street slum area, had sent £45 more than St. Paul's Cathedral to the Hospital Fund. That must have pleased the City dignitaries present, for it elicited the only cheer given there that afternoon. We encourage the poor to give their pence, the pounds follow. Save the Lads Since April 1st last, eighty homeless lads and first offenders have been admitted to our Institute Home. Mr. H. E. Kinchin is giving special attention to the Prison Gate and Police Court duties, and Mr. William Jackson is devoting his time and attention to the interest and needs of the lads in the Home. The price of clothing and food is adding greatly to our expenditure and giving us cause for uneasiness. This department of our work was never more successful than at present. We are now recognised by the Home Office, and the Metropolitan Free Church Council has appointed me its representative, and requested the Home Secretary to place all offenders who report themselves as Nonconformists under my care. That neither the Conference nor any Connexional Court should have, up to the present, given any intimation to the public authorities that our work has official endorsement is surprising. Perhaps the fault is in our not causing them trouble and expense. |
 The class of Lad we befriend |
Considerable time, too , has been spent in seeking wandering daughters and sons in this great city. Prodigals away from the father's home. To seek and rescue such demands and shall have our very best. We look with considerable pleasure upon 24 lads admitted into the home since October. Rough diamonds, but jewels indeed. Work has been found for them, and their conduct has been most satisfactory both in the Institute and at their work. Employers, in several cases, speak very highly of their services. One lad, received as a wanderer, after having been a bank messenger, solicitor's clerk, &c., was anxious to go to sea. Failing to get him a ship, we induced him to accept work in a saw-mill and timber yard : hard rough work, but it is bringing out a fine manly independence. His employer says he is a capital fellow ; and be cause he has done so well, vacancies have been found for several other men and lads in this firm. The growing self-respect amongst the lads is very Marked. A few months since not a single hat could have been found amongst them, had one been introduced, we | ||
| Our Probation Officers
Report Frequent visits have been made to 25 Police Courts. Many lads handed over to our keeping, and in other cases adult first offenders have been placed under our supervision and care. We have kept in close touch with the prison gate work. Two lads have been received directly into the home, one of whom we have sent away to sea, the other is still with us in good work and doing well, whilst four adult cases have been cared for and employment found for them. |
 Raw Material |
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 Raw material |
fear it would have taken the place of a football. Now, scarce a lad cares to go to the service at Brunswick Hall "without A Trilby," whilst most of the lads have secured a decent suit of clothes, and present quite a respect able appearance. . But above and beyond all is the evidence given of a desire to make good and live straight. This is compensation indeed for | ||
all efforts on their behalf. One of our most recent arrivals is a
little fellow, an orphan, 16 years of age, one of a large family, the eldest of
whom has lost both legs in the war. For this lad we have obtained a situation
where he is to be taught engineering, but this means a very small wage, and
will cost the Home £10 per year above what he can earn to provide food
and clothes. What a fine chance for some of our C.E. Societies! Where is the
Sunshine Committee who will make this charge for "John Fisher " their care? He
is a bright intelligent little chap. Shall we
The Lads had a very fine time at their Christmas festival. After a good dinner of roast beef and vegetables, with pies and pudding, a jolly evening was spent, during which the presentation of a Morocco note wallet was made to Mr. Jackson, as a token of goodwill at the festive season. Gather up the fragments Many of our kind helpers have sent their contributions, but there are several hundreds on our Subscribers' list from whom we have not heard as yet. As our financial year ends on the 31st Of March when our books close for audit, I would earnestly appeal to those |
The late Rev. James Travis Full of years, and beloved by a wide circle of friends, the venerable James Travis passed to the Homeland in November last. For half a century he was in labours more abundant. He attained a front rank position as a preacher and platform speaker, and filled with distinction the highest positions the Primitive Methodist Connexion and the National Free Church Council could confer. His 'abilities and character won the esteem and love of a host of friends, who have felt his death as a great personal loss. As preacher and speaker, as Church legislator and administrator, he held a distinguished position in our Church. His loss to Primitive Methodism is great, and we realise that a "Prince has fallen in our Israel." While |
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| we deeply sympathise with his bereaved family, yet we
rejoice that they have the record of so noble a life as an abiding and
inspiring legacy. To me, personally, he was one of my dearest friends. Our
relations during the years he was General Missionary Secretary were of the
happiest nature. I well remember his first official visit to my home at
Clapton. When he saw the eight rooms we had had to furnish with a grant Of
£49 from the Missionary Committee, his feelings were very much stirred.
If I had consented, he would have had the house replenished at once and the
cost charged to the Missionary Committee. I informed him that as that was the
first house furnished for me by the Missionary Committee, I intended it also to
be the last. The effect upon my wife, children, and self of that first visit of
James Travis was to endear him to us all, and through subsequent years it was
our pleasure and honour to have him as our welcome guest. He was to all the
Home Missionaries, who were doing their best, a most brotherly colleague and
considerate superintendent Whenever he visited my Mission to preach or to take
part in public meetings, he declined taking even the cost 'Of his travelling
expenses, and he treated many other missions upon similar terms. We admired,
esteemed, and loved him. We cherish the remembrance of James
Travis. The late George Nokes What a different East End of London it is now that George Nokes has passed away. His unique gifts, as preacher and public speaker, had been exercised over a varied and wide area in London for nearly half a century. He was a man of great physical strength and endurance ; had a tender and big philanthropic heart; was for many years the most |
popular temperance speaker in the East End; and was
beloved by the poor and destitute, who knew they had a real friend in George
Nokes. When theatres and music halls were engaged by the London City Mission
for Sunday evening services, the preacher who drew the largest audiences was
George Nokes. The Pavilion Theatre, Whitechapel, was his favourite. Three
thousand persons, chiefly from the slums and common lodging houses, flocked to
hear him tell- "The old, old story, Of Jesus and His love," and remarkable conversions followed. He was locally designated "the Bishop of Whitechapel." For the long period of thirty-five years I had the privilege of having him as my friend and, as he defined it, unpaid curate. In all the developments of the work following the opening of the Clapton Mission he took a great interest ; rejoiced in the progress recorded; and gave of his best to help me, without the slightest monetary remuneration. In thieves' kitchens, common lodging houses, mid-night meetings for the homeless, we have been together seeking by song and speech to ,,pluck brands from the burning." In some instances we incurred no small risk to life and limb, but like the Apostle we were able to say "out of them all the Lord delivered us." Now that he is gone, I confess to feeling a kind of lonely sense of impoverishment. In September last he visited our Home No. 2. As we sat together in the beautiful grounds he remarked, "Friend Jackson, the Lord has enabled you to do some remarkable things, but I think this last is the most remarkable of all." On New Year's Day he was not, for God had taken him. His widow and family have our tenderest sympathy. We thank God for raising up such friends. We hope to meet them again and "part no more." THOMAS JACKSON. |
