The First Annual Report of the Managers of the "Lincoln Institution"

Read at the Annual Meeting, January 17, 1867

Location, 308 South Eleventh St.

Annual Report

The Board of Managers of the "Lincoln Institution," in presenting this their first annual report to their friends and contributors, desire to give a short sketch of the work in which they are engaged, and of the motives which led to their entering into it.

About a year since a communication was received by the Managers of the "Church Home for Children," in this city, from Mr. Burrowes, the State Superintendent of Soldiers Orphans, asking them if they could receive in their institution a few of those orphans, and especially desiring to place under their care the children of Episcopalians. In answer to this appeal, the Managers consented to receive into the “Home” ten children, regretting that it was not in their power to accommodate a larger number. In another communication, Mr. Burrowes stated that he would gladly place under the care of the Managers of the “Home” or in a like institution, should it be established, one hundred boys. Children for the most part of Episcopalians, and which he was anxious should be trained in the faith of their fathers insuring for their support $110 per annum for each child, until he arrived at the age of sixteen years.

Out of this proposition on the part of Mr. Burrowes grew the "Lincoln Institution." A few of the Managers, who had long been anxious to establish another "Home," like the one they already had in character and training, exclusively for boys, determined that with God's help these orphans of our brothers should not ask in vain. With untiring zeal they labored and their labors were blessed with an abundant success. The hearts of those to whom they appealed were touched with tender pity for the orphaned little ones. The story of the fearful battles in which their brave fathers had fought, bled and died was still in their ears, the awful records of those dens of cruelty, Libby and Andersonville, were fresh in their memories, and with willing hearts and liberal hands they contributed to rear this memorial, to the honor of their brave defenders.

An institution, under the care of the Episcopal Church, to shelter and train these orphan boys, was the first object of the few who had undertaken this work, and when this need should have passed away, as it must of necessity do in a few years, to continuea home to the boys here reared when apprentices and clerks, and under the sheltering arms of our Church's care, to shield them, and others like them, from the temptations of this evil world, during the years of early manhood. So that from our institution for the orphan boys of our brave soldiers we hope to see an Apprentices' Home result, where for the payment of a moderate board, the young mechanic or clerk can find all the comforts of a true home. We all know what tender associations cluster around the name of home, but we do not realize to what fearful temptations the young men who come to our city, strangers and alone, are subjected. Such as these we wish to gather into the "Lincoln Institution," to provide for their temporal wants, to give them such amusements and entertaining occupations as will endear them to its walls, and rob sinful pleasures of their attractiveness, and above all, by the influences of religion, to point them to the only true guide of temporal and eternal happiness, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Those who originated this work saw the necessity of forming themselves into a corporate body for its better development. Other ladies were associated with them, and a Board of Managers appointed. The advice and assistance of many leading gentlemen were asked and obtained. Those gentlemen formed a Board of Council. A Constitution was framed and a Charter obtained from the Legislature of our State. The question of erecting or purchasing a suitable building was discussed at the time when the property which we now occupy was offered for sale. After thorough examination, it was found that with a few alterations and repairs the building would be admirably adapted for the purposes of a Home, and it was accordingly purchased for $22,500. The entire purchase-money was paid in cash. Afterwards a mortgage of $6,000 was obtained upon the building, inasmuch as the funds in hand after completing the purchase were insufficient for the necessary repairs, for purchasing furniture, and providing the clothing, bedding, necessary for a family of one hundred boys. This mortgage is still unpaid, and is the only incumbrance against the property, and one which we are very anxious to see removed.

The "Lincoln Institution" was opened for the reception of inmates April 17th, 1866, and on that occasion services appropriate to its dedication were held. These were of a most interesting character, and were participated in by several of our clergy, councilmen and others. General Grant kindly came from Washington to be present. It would require much time to dwell upon all the subjects of interest which clustered upon us at this period, nor can we enumerate the many acts of noble generosity shown to the cause for which we were laboring, from the rich man's liberal gift to the poor man's offering of a day's work.

On the day of the dedication, Mr. Burrowes placed with us two boys. From that time our number has been gradually increasing, until we now have seventy-five boys, all but two orphans of our soldiers. Very soon we expect to have our quota of one hundred complete. Nearly all the children are under twelve years of age, and regularly in attendance at school. Six or eight are over that age, and have positions in stores and offices, where they are giving general satisfaction. We find already that our plan of putting boys to work when sufficiently advanced is good; it teaches them habits of industry and self-reliance, which could not be attained in any other way.

It will be seen by reference to a former part of this report, that the provision made for each child by the State is $110 per annum. This sum is found to be insufficient, owing to the present high prices of all the necessaries of life. With the greatest economy consistent with proper food and clothing the average annual cost of maintaining each child will be at least $130. This difference of $20 making $2,000 for the one hundred boys we can accommodate, it is to be hoped will be made up by the free will offerings of the friends of the institution. Subscriptions or donations will be gladly received by any of the Managers.

As a Board of Managers, we would express our thanks to all who have assisted in this noble work from its inception to the present time; we include not only those who aided us by contributions of money, materials, labor or assistance in various forms, but also the kind services of the clergy and physicians, who have freely given their time and abilities to this cause of humanity and patriotism.

It is unnecessary in conclusion to state that the "Lincoln Institution" will continue to need the aid of all who have hitherto befriended it, as well as of all those who may in the future become interested in its welfare. Especially would we call the attention of its friends to the fact that a mortgage of $6,000 is still upon its building. Shall not this year see the extinction of this debt? What it now is, is the result of free offerings, and let us hope and pray that the same charitable spirit which prompted the undertaking will sustain it and increase its usefulness and power.

Acknowledgements

The original document is held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and we are grateful that the Society allowed us to copy the report.

Document History

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