For some months preparations have been progressing for the establishment of a Helping Hand Mission in this city. In consequence of the stringent regulations of the Central Board of Health, serious difficulties have been encountered; but by determined and united effort they have at last been overcome, and the mission is now an accomplished fact.
HELPING HAND MISSION IN MELBOURNE.
On the evening of September 12, at 6 o’clock, the opening ceremonies took place in the presence of a large gathering of interested friends. Mr. R. Best, M.L.A., occupied the chair, and Dr. Howard, who has kindly consented to act as honorary medical officer, formally declared the mission open. The program was a very pleasing one, consisting of appropriate musical selections, and addresses by the chairman and others interested, including representatives from other similar institutions in the city, who heartily wished the enterprise Godspeed, and promised co-operation in the noble work of rescuing the perishing. The committee of management reported a hearty response on the part of the public. Substantial donations of both money and materials had been willingly given, and the prospects for future success were very encouraging.
The buildings selected for the mission are centrally situated, and are well adapted to the purposes of the institution. A large four-story warehouse is connected by a bridge with a three-story structure at the rear. On the ground floor of the main building is a nicely arranged mission hall, with walls illuminated with appropriate Gospel mottoes and landscape paintings. We trust that this room will be the spiritual birthplace of many a poor soul. The next floor contains the kitchen, lunch counter, and dining tables. The third and fourth stories afford comfortable, clean sleeping accommodation for about sixty men.
The second story of the rear building contains well-appointed baths, lavatory, and consulting and sanitary rooms, and it is intended in the third story to make provision for various industrial occupations for idle men. There is also a wood-yard in connection with the mission for the same purpose, and it is proposed to establish branch wood-yards in the various suburbs of Melbourne.
A little four-page periodical, The Helping Hand, has made its appearance in the interests of the mission enterprises.
An Old People’s Home has also been established, and is progressing very satisfactorily. Efforts are now being made to obtain a suitable location for electric-light baths.
The brethren here are manifesting an active and practical interest in these philanthropic lines of work. It is a glorious privilege to co-operate with God—to assist in the great scheme of redemption; and may He bless our efforts to raise fallen humanity.
