Medical Missionary Work in New York City and Boston by George B. Starr; Mrs. G. B. Starr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1910

Medical Missionary Work in New York City and Boston

By George B. Starr; Mrs. G. B. Starr

We are happy to report that the small beginnings already made in these two largest cities of the East to organize and definitely introduce the medical missionary phase of the message, have met with a hearty response upon the part of societies, churches, and individuals, and have brought us into close and friendly relationship with many of the most earnest and refined men and women.

As we looked at New York City from its harbor, and traveled its miles of streets by train, and car, and carriage, and as we viewed Boston from the heights of Melrose and other points, and thought of its hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, strangers, with whom God's workers must come in close touch, the task looked herculean, and the obstacles loomed mountain high. But word from God had come to us that if we would move forward, and put to the front the medical missionary work, mountains of difficulties would be moved out of the way; and so we are finding it.

Here at Boston we have begun in the simplest manner. We have called at homes of the best class of people. We have introduced ourselves as representatives of the medical missionary work for which the Melrose Sanitarium stood as one of a sisterhood of eighty-one institutions. We stated that these institutions existed not only for the purpose of demonstrating to those who became their guests the virtues of dietetic and kindred reforms, but that these institutions were regarded by their managers as educational centers from which workers and publications were to carry light and blessings to the people. As we state that this is to be accomplished through parlor talks and demonstrations, through co-operation

with existing societies, such as church and women's clubs, and W. C. T. U. societies, all these avenues have been thrown open to us. Ladies have offered their parlors, and given us a list of the names of their neighbors, with permission for us to invite them to their homes certain afternoons, usually once a week.

One lady gave us the names of fifty-four ladies residing in the best part of Melrose, representing several churches. As a result of visiting these persons, health talks and demonstrations have been held in private homes and before the W. C. T. U. in the Congregational church in Melrose. Arrangements are also completed for a luncheon and lecture to be provided by us for the members of the Congregational Ladies' Union, they meeting all expenses. About eighty guests are expected.

At the W. C. T. U. meeting we formed the acquaintance of between eighty and ninety persons, and the interest manifested was truly gratifying.

At Roxbury, a suburb of Boston, we co-operated with a public effort made by the Central New England Conference workers, and held a health institute for a period of six afternoons, one each week. This class was attended by from fifty to ninety ladies. These ladies came through snow and rain in order not to miss a single demonstration. At one afternoon meeting we secured seventy names and addresses, accompanied by cordial invitations to call. In all we have secured over one hundred fifty addresses in about eight weeks, and made as many or more calls.

In this work the Melrose Sanitarium and the Central New England Conference are co-operating in the most cordial manner. At the largest demonstrations we are aided by our intelligent sanitarium chef, Mr. George Cornforth, and at these and others we have the assistance of Miss Stone, a trained nurse, with the promise of one or two more as the increasing interest may demand.

Dr. D. H. Kress has assisted by lecture at each of the larger demonstrations mentioned. Dr. W. E. Bliss and Dr. Estella Houser have also co-operated, answering the many questions propounded.

MR. AND MRS. G. B. STARR.