J'<\- ^5^ ^O
I OCT v^^
THE CHURCH SISTERHOOD,
TORONTO.
The Committee charged with the fuitherance of the
Chinch Sisterhood, desire to bring before the Members of
the Church at hirge, a brief record of its history for the
past — its prospects for tlie future— and woaUl gladly enlist
their sympathies and assistance on behalf of the much-needed
work to which this benevolent community devotes itself.
I. The Committee wish that it should be distinctly un-
dei'stood that the Sisterhood is not a Parochial Institution,
and (as the record hereunto attached, plainly shows,) extends
such good otiices as its Members can fultil to all who stand in
need of help, irrespective of creed, sex, circumstances, or lo-
cality. There is a not unnatural tendency to call the commu-
nity "The Holy Trinity Sisterhood," in consequence of its hav-
ing its houie in that Parish, and the Rector- Assistant there-
of being for the present its Warden and Chaplain. But the
hope is entertained that in course of time it may grow in
strength, numbers, and usefulness, until in future years it
may extend its labors of benevolence far and wide, not
through this Province oidy, but throughout the whole Do-
minion. It would manifestly be better to have one great
Sisterhood for the Church in Canada, than to found a num-
ber of small and feeble communities. A name therefore which
would in some measure indicate this widely extended and
non-parochial cha^ acter would be desirable. Now, certain
names have a national significance : as St. George for Eng- .
land, St. Patrick for Ireland, St. Andrew for Scotland, St.
Denis for France. Canada was discovered on the Festival of
2 (HrRCH hilSTERHOOiJ.
8t. John tlie Baptist, and lienee his name haw in a nu-asure
become simihirly associated, not with any specifil locality,
l)ut with the country at large. Hence it has been suggested
that the community should be known as " The 8isteuii()0]>
OF St. John the Baptist."
II. This Sisterhooil having special duties to peiform, must
have a s}>eciai luiifonn by which both its Members and
others may )je kept mindful of their character and work.
Expeiience has shown that a grave distinctive di-ess is an
absolute necessity, in order to secure for the inmates of the
House that protection and respect which is needful in the
discharge of their work. While this dress is sufficiently
distinctive to secure these ends, it is not such as is likely to
give offence oi" uiuiecessarily to excite j)rejudice.
III. Although counnenced 1)V a lady from En<j;Iand, to
whom we shall always owe a debt of deep gratitude, the
communitv has now become and is intendeil to remain a
purely Canadian Institution. The diffei-ence in ecclesias-
tical, atmosphere, social customs, and conventional habits,
which has in course of time grown up between this and the
mother country, is noAV tcx) strongly marked to render the
employment of English Sisters desirable for anything beyond
the mere initiation of the work, even supposing their ser-
vices cmikl be obtained.
IV. The need of such works of mercv as the ^Members of
this community discharge, is very urgent, and the calls
made upon them have been too numerous for them to re-
spond to fully. The bi-ief notice of their work (heixnnito ap-
pended) for niiu; months of the past year, during a con-
siderable part of which there were but two ladies in the
Home, will show how much may be done by systematic and
devoted woik
V. A (.'anadian ladv, the daughti'r of a ( 'lergvman, well
rHrR«n sisTnTJiioon.
known in this countiy, has consoute«l to tak*> chai-«4e of" the
Home and the work connected with it, aided by a valuaV)]e
jind earnest worker, who lias been with lis for nearly a yeai-.
There are other ladies who have l)ecome " Associates " of the
House, an<l who. though living in their own homes, give a
certain portion of their time to such works of the H>nininnity
;»s they are com]ietent or disposed to undertake.
VI. The rules are of a simple character, always open to
moditication by a vote of the conmuinity, and involriiuj nn
o/digation of a pennnneid charficfer : though of course, should
hwlies wish to sever their comxection with the House, they
would be e.vpected to give such reasonable jiotice :is Mouhi
prevent inconvenience, or confusion in the work.
YII. As regards the future, it is ]>roj>osed to carry on
works similar to those referred to in the recoi-d heieunto at-
tached, as far as the strength, number, and means of the
community will permit. If those nunibers and means could
l)e increased, a Ward for cases re(piiring special Medical and
Surgical treatment would at once be opened ; for this their
is very urgent need. A case recently occulted niieiv u
valuable life was lost, after a successful surgical o])eration,
simply from the want of etficient conscientious nursing. It
is also hoj)ed that ere long " a Eefuge for Destitute Women,"
aftbrding shelter till their circumstances could bt' properlv
investigated, will l>e added to the Institution,
VIII. Thr<mgh the liberality of a gentleman of tliis citv-
land has been given whereon a j»ermanent Home for the
Sisterhood (together with such other buildings as miidit be
requisite for the ctirrying on of their various works of
charity,) can be erected whenever (lod by His (lood Sj)irit
moves the hearts of His peoj)le to add to the small buildiiu;
fund which now exists, sufHciently to warrant the uuder-
takiuir.
4 cm UC'II SISTERHOOD.
The Committee therefoi-e would earnestly appeal to their
fellow Members in the Cliurch thronghout the country, for
aid in s\ipport of this good work, either by contributions
towards its ]>resent maintenance or the erection of its per-
manent Home. Ladies who have any idea of devotins:
themselves to such a life, would, with proj)er introfluctions
be gladly received as pro))ationary visitors for a month or
so. They would thus see the working of the House, and ;;ii
parties coul<l judge more correctly regarding the leasil)il!ty
of entenng the community for a longer j)eriod, which, of
coui-se, must be done by mutual consent. Othere who may
be precluded from such a .'ueasuie of pei-sonal service, but
who are nevertheless anxious to assist those who are in dis-
tress, might become ^' Associates " of the House, and under
the direction of the Sister-Su])erioi' give such time as they
can j)roperly sj)are from othei duties to good works among
the })oor and suffering ; thus giving to their benevolent
eflbrts a unity and system which they would otherwise lack.
Others again might assist most materially in alleviating
misery in its miiltitudinous forms by placing in the hands of
those who devote their lives to its investigation and relief,
some measure of those pecuniary means Avliich from want of
knowledge are so often misa})plied, and therafore worse than
wasted.
It may be well to add, that the obligations a sumed by
*' Associates" of the House, are in the main, as follows :
1st. To use at their daily devotions, and when possible
at the Holy Communion (of which they are supposed to be
regular partakers), a short prayei* for the community and
its work.
2nd. To assist in carrying out that work in any neigh-
borhood where they may happen to reside, by devoting to it
such houi-s in the week, as can be properly spared from other
duties. If in Toronto, to do their work in connexion with
(HnRfH SISTERHOOD. 5
the House, and under tlie direction of the SiHter-Su])erior ;
if not resident tliere, to avail themselves of such suggestions
as she m».y offer, concerning its details, as may oe found
applicable to the cir3umstauces and situation. (Note — Asso-
ciates of the, llonse are not required to visit cases of coiUagious
disease ; nor lO sit up at night, unless the latter is done as an
act of i^oluutart/ kiiulness.)
3rd. To endeavour by all lawful means, to interest others
in the woj-k, to make known its existence as widely as they
can, and to obtain from the members of the Church, when-
ever ])ossible, their jirayers, their personal assistance, and
their pecuniary offerings.
4th. Although no obligation of the kind can be laid uj)on
Associates, yet it is much to be desired, that when possible for
thctnsalve:?, and when convenient for the House, they should
pay a short visit for some such pario 1 as Advent or Lent —
Conforming to visitors' rules, and taking part in the regulai-
daily devotions and work. — See last page.
b\A\. Any lady >>ecomiug an " Associate " of the House
and afterward:} removing to another country, and thus pre-
vented by distance or other circumstances, from working for
this House, shall hi at liberty to carry on her work in coa-
nectiou with a.^y religious house in her neighborhood, wdiere
it mav be convenient or advisable for her to do so.
N O T K .
Memorandum of work done by the Church Sisterhoo;!,
Toronto, during the past nine mouths, condensed from the
House Record.
I. Upwards of twenty special cases of extreme sickness,
contagious and otherwise, atteiided till recovery or de:ith,
involving a large amount of toil, danger, and watching —
reaching in one case nineteen nights. (Details entered and
may be referred to in the House Record.
U ( lit j;( II sisTKiinooi).
Til order tliiit [loople iii;iy form some idea of tlicse Ciisos.
the detiiils of a frw of them are suhjoiiuMl.
1. Mrs. — — ■, a i»()or dusorted friendless woman utterly worn out
M'ith niu>ing a sick child, dying <»f c!»ii.suini»tion. One of the (.'(im-
munity sat up with the chiLl, in order to give the mother rest, and
nursed it until its death, attended to the laying-out of the Ixtdy, and
accompanied the inotlier to tlij grave ; securing her m(»st grateful
tlianks for sympathy and aiil given at such a tiuu. Daring tiie ill-
ness of the child, food and medicine were provided from tlie House.
'2. A severe and prot. Ticted case of Tyjdioid Fever. Owing
to the fear of contagion, there was great difficulty in ol)taining helj>
in nursing. One of the (,'ommunity took charge of the case, and
nursed the jiatient until death, <il)taining the approval of the
medical attendant, and the warm acknowledgements of the family
of the sufferer, who ])elonge<l to the higher class of society.
li. Mrs. , a chronic case of a hopelessly inciirahle character.
( 'oustantly visitetl for months, cared for and made as conifortalde as
circumstances would jtennit. It would he difficult to convey any
idea of the niiserj' which unavoidably marked this household. 'J'he
hushand liefore going to his labor, had to provide his own food, and
that for his helpless wife and young children ; after which the house
was left unavoidably to take care of itself, the mother lieing unable to
lift her hand. Dinner was sent fnmi the House, almost daily for
months, and much (h)ne by all the ladies to alleviate the wants of
the poor patient. The husbands w.irk having rendered necessary
their removal to a distant part oi the town, it is no longer possible
to aid them as in the past, and one of the Clergj' having since called
upon the sutierer, she expressed her deep sense of the great loss she
has sustained in no lon^jer having the ctmifort of " the dear Sisters,"
on whose heads she invokes every blessing.
4. .Mrs. , a jxior worthy W(mian. trembling on the verge of
<leatli, and placed in cii'cumstances of most bitter trial, mental as
well as ))odily, was nursed l)y two members <if the Community, wlio
sat up, night after night, in a most miserable place, during the most
severe weather, of one of the severest winters we have had for years.
Food, medicine and comforts were sujiplied from the House. She
recovered, beyond expectation, and it is not saying too much, to
affirm that under (Jod, it was in no small measure due to the care
and kindness of the Sisters ; one of whom suffered severely in con-
setjuence of the labor and exposure involved.
."). in a miserable yard, in tlie rear of street, a bad case of
complicated disease was found ; the man old and feel)le, the place
wretched and filthy to an extreme ; the wife of dimlitful steadiness,
and wholly unalde to care for the patient. One of the ladies, resi-
dent in the House, took charge ; did something to make the room
<lecent, sat up Mutli him at night, took him his meals and other com-
forts, ami finally liy great exertions got him into the ?Tos])ital, to
tile saviiiu; of his lift.'.
( III KCII SlSTKKIIOoK. 4
6. A young man without friends ur relatives in tlii.>< country
aiul evidently lielonginj; to the ligher chist^es, met with a severe ac-
citlent when engaged in unaeeuscomed work. Ampntation of a limU
liecame necessary. Moititicati- a set in. Lockjaw Hn{»ervene.l, and
death followeil after nnich sutVering. ( hie of the inmates of the House;
spent the ten days of his illness in constant attendance upon him,
Hitting up at nigiit antl <h)ing all that Christian sympathy and atten-
tion could tlo to alleviate his sufierings, to promote his comfort and
to lessen the feeling of utter loneliness which oppressed him, as a
Htran"er <lying among strangers. The case was one of consitlerahle
interest, and the attention he received has been acknowleilged with
the deepest gr.titutle by his sorrowing friemls in Knghind.
7. Mrs.— , the wife of a laboring man. This was one of the
most trying cases which has come under the care of the community.
'i'he sufferer's malady was well nigh hoijele.'^s, ar.d re(|uireil a good deal
of nerve to manage. One of tlie communitj, who has done much goo«l
work in this wa\', undertook the cavse, and sat up altogether nineteen
nights while in attendance upon her. Though in a very distant
part of the town, the Sister continued her care of the patient until
her death, when she was compelletl to seek a few days t)f well earn-
ed and much needed rest.
8. Mrs. — , a bad case of typhoid fever. During a week of
very severe illness, one of the comnuinity sat u]> with her, getting
some one to take her place while sne got some needful rest. She was
with the patient when she die<l. The fear of infecticm was so great
that no one — not even her own relatives would touch the i. )dy. The
Sister in charge of the case ha<l to arrange matters as tlecently as
.she could, but from causes unnecessary to mention, she was physic-
ally unable to do all that she desired.
II. Niglit Schools, 4 nights in a Mt^ek.
Boys, '2 nights — Nos. 4()
(rirls, -2 uiifhts — Nos. 24
'»■
Total, 70
1 1 J . JXuvas kSociotv — The ladies of the cono;regation met at
the Home and in addition to their work the inuuites collect-
ed mnch cast oft' clothing, and vere enabled to aid in thi.s
way ahout one hnndred persons.
I V . Between two and tliiee hundied diiniers have been
prepared and sent out from the Home to persons in sickness
and distress.
V. A large number of tickets for bread and meat have
been given to peisons in want, to whom other assistance
coidd not ])('- in manv cases — .safelv aiven.
8 CHURCH SISTERHOOD.
VI. A large amount of medicine and medicul cumloits
luive been given, in ciuses of transient sickness.
VII. A. sewing-class for young girls luis met for some time
once a week, and is fairly attended.
VIII. An attempt has l>een made to organize a " Mother's
Meeting," tut the idea is not yet familiar to our jjeoj)le, an<l
it will require another season to secure any gi-eat 'rieasui-e
of success.
IX. Regular distiict visiting, collecting for the clothing
and fuel club, and generally, trying to influence the people
for good.
Among the poor, prejudice has died out, and its place is
taken by respect and gratitude. It is to be hoped that those
to wliom God has given more ample means, will come to our
aid in this good work.
VISITORS' RULES
will be forwarded on application. Additional copies of this Pamph-
let can be furnished to those who will kindly circulate them.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN MONEY,
either for the support of the House, the Building Fund, or the
Poor Fund, may be sent to the Sister Superior, 38 (ierrard Street
West, Toronto ; or the llev. W. Stewart Darling, Holy Trinity
Paraonage.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND:
Cast-oflF clothing, old linen for wounds, or fancy articles to be sold
for the good of the work, will be gratefully received at the Home»
and will be acknowledged by the Sister Superior.
It is suggested that those Congregations who are not much
burthened with poor, might perhaps consent to make a small weekly
allowance from their offertory to the Poor Fund of the House, for
the benefit of the sick and suffering Any sum, from twenty-five
cents upwards, would be gladly received and carefully expended by
the ladies of the Home.
*' He that giveth to tlie Voov Icndeth to the Lord.
J?