THE CHICAGO MEDICAL MISSION.
By John Harvey Kellogg
It is more than eight years since the work of the Chicago Medical Mission began in a miserable little basement on Custom House Place. The work has steadily grown until it is now represented by a branch sanitarium at No. 28 Thirty-third Place, with Dr. Paulson and more than twenty nurses in charge; a medical college near by, with a corps of physicians and one hundred and twenty students; a home for friendless working men, which lodges between two hundred and fifty and three hundred men every night, furnishing facilities for baths and laundry, and a hygienic lunch counter, at which hundreds are fed every day; the Life Boat Mission, where hundreds listen to the gospel every night of the year, and from which many hundreds have gone out with a saving knowledge of the gospel; the Life Boat Rest, on Clark Street, which holds out a helping hand to erring women; and a splendidly equipped dispensary on Halstead Street, where clinics are held daily for the benefit of the poor. A dispensary is also being fitted up at the Working Men's Home, and several hospital wards are maintained at the medical college building at 28 Thirty-third Place. I may also mention the Hygeia Dining Rooms, near the Chicago University, where several scores of professors and students daily enjoy the hygienic fare which is spread for them, which is one of the legitimate outgrowths of the beginning made in the spring of 1883. Lying-in wards, visiting nurses' work, cottage meeting work, and various other lines of missionary effort are being conducted in connection with the Chicago Medical Mission, which has steadily grown from a small beginning in 1883 to its present proportions. This work is attracting an increasing measure of attention from all quarters. It has come to be one of the established and reliable philanthropic enterprises of the Western metropolis. Police officials, officers of charitable associations, clergymen of all denominations, social reformers, physicians, and people of all classes who deal with reforms and social questions, are well acquainted with the work, and co-operate with it in a most encouraging way. The development of this work in Chicago has been a continued expression of providential care and guidance. Many doors have been opened in most unexpected ways. There have been times when the way looked very dark and discouraging, but the clouds have all cleared away, and the prospect before the work is in every way most encouraging. In my weekly visits to Chicago, I am glad to note a steady gain in interest and enthusiasm. There is a spirit of earnestness on the part of the students, and push and energy on the part of both teachers and students, which is most commendable. There seems to be a seeking after truth, and a desire to stand firmly for every principle of truth and righteousness, and a disposition to labor diligently for the promulgation of the glorious principles of truth which Providence has given to us for the world. For several years past, a considerable part of the work has been carried on in a building located at 1926 Wabash Ave. The building they had was very old, dark, and gloomy, and while favorably situated, was by no means a desirable place to live in. Recently, however, new, healthful, and pleasantly located quarters have been secured, which is a great boon to the workers. Many most excellent improvements have been made in the work recently, and others are in progress. At the present time there is no place on earth where young men and women who desire a preparation for work in behalf of their fellow men can find the conditions more favorable for training, and especially for obtaining a varied and profitable experience, than in connection with the Chicago Medical Mission. Dr. Paulson is permanently located in connection with the school. Instruction is also given by Dr. Holden, Dr. Mary Paulson, Dr. Elmer Otis, and others. All the different phases of our work are represented—sanitarium work, visiting nurses' work, city mission work, cottage meetings, various kinds of rescue work, schools of health, etc. Those who are anxious to obtain a preparation for work in any of these lines may address the undersigned, or Dr. David Paulson, 28 Thirty-third Place, Chicago, Ill.