Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons, Philadelphia, Pa.
The original constitution was adopted on the 25th day of the tenth month (October), 1864, the preamble of which most clearly reveals the noble impulses and sentiments which burned upon the altar of these noble hearts, and actuated this noble band of true disciples of the blessed Christ to such splendid deeds.
The preamble reads as follows: "For the relief of that worthy class of colored persons who have endeavored through life to maintain themselves, but who from various causes are finally dependent on the charity of others, an association is hereby organized under the name of 'The Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons.'"
The number of persons admitted to the home within the first thirteen months, or up to the twelfth month, 1865, was (21) twenty-one, and all women, representing the States of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, West Indies and far-away Africa; their ages ranging from (70) seventy to (102) one hundred and two years, which clearly indicates how nobly they had struggled on in the race of life against all odds.
The receipts for the establishment and maintenance of the home during the first fiscal year were $6,033.80.
REV. STEPHEN SMITH.
The work of the home was conducted in the house at 340 South Front street until 1871, when, through the munificence of Rev. Stephen Smith and his wife, colored persons of considerable means, one acre of ground on the corner of Girard avenue and Belmont avenue was given the Board, together with a magnificent four-story brick building, valued at $40,000. The inmates of the home on Front street moved to West Philadelphia. This building was opened June 29, 1871, since which time it has stood there as an ornament to the city and an enduring and fitting monument to the memory of its noble donors, and with ever-widening influence, power and helpfulness, standing for and fulfilling all that is involved in the term "Home" for that worthy and deserving class of Aged and Infirm Colored Men and Women.
Mr. Edward T. Parker, of Philadelphia, who died October 3d, 1887, gave $85,000 to the institution for the purpose of erecting the annex to the old building. Additions have been made to the home in recent years at a cost of $85,000, thus making the entire plant cost upward of $150,000, with capacity for the maintenance of a family of near 200 persons, and giving us a home at once the most complete, extensive and far-reaching in its benefits of any institution of its kind in the city, and for the class whom it is designed to bless, possibly in the world. The total number cared for by the home has been: men, 116; women, 427; total, 543, while the present number in the home is 138; or the whole family, help and all, 160; the maintenance of which requires an expenditure monthly of from $1,500 to $1,600, or near $20,000 per annum. With the enlarged facilities come greatly increased demands and largely increased outlays.