[[81]] The dates of papers in most of these offices commence from 1668, after Antigua was restored by the French, and Lord W. Willoughby settled in the government by his majesty Charles the Second.
[[82]] Mr. Baxter gave up his situation in the dock-yard after the erection of the chapel in St. John’s, and removed to a small house erected in the chapel-yard, and continued to fill the office of the established minister until his death.
[[83]] This is a misinformation. There is no seraphine in the chapel, but a small but very sweet-toned organ in the school-room. Upon a late visit to the chapel, however, I find that the congregation is very much improved in their style of singing.
CHAPTER XXI.
Morning—Institutions—Daily Meal Society—Its rise and progress—Lazaretto—Destitute Females’ Friend Society—Its origin and purpose—Friendly societies—Bible Society—Missionary associations—Temperance Society—Juvenile Association—Ladies’ Clothing Society &c.—Banks—Library Society.
Another morning is come—a bright glorious morning: the sky is as deeply blue as the breast of the kingfisher, except where here and there a snowy pyramid of clouds mounts slowly up the heavens. Through the open windows of my apartments, a rich flood of sunshine pours in, and plays upon the floor in many a fanciful chequer. The bright red flowers of the “Scarlet Cordia” hang in tasteful branches from among their broad green leaves, and attract the attention of the little humming-bird, who, in their changeful plumage, flit around, and rob the flowers of their liquid sweets. The breeze is as gentle as an infant’s sigh, a dreamy stillness is abroad, and—but what was that?—rain, I declare! A gloom has silently and suddenly overspread the sky; the late white-robed clouds have become covered with a darkened hue; the wind has raised its pipe; the rain comes pouring down, and chases away my feathered favourites. I can write no more of bright skies and glowing sunbeams, and therefore I must proceed in my task, which the beauty of the morning drove from my thoughts; and having already attempted a description of the buildings of St. John’s, I shall now endeavour to give some account of its institutions.
The first to be placed upon the list, not from the number of years it has been established, but from its extent, is the Daily Meal Society, for information respecting which I am indebted to the Rev. Robert Holberton. This society, intended for the purpose of “supplying the sick and needy, of St. John’s and its neighbourhood with a daily meal,“ was established in the year 1828, the management of its affairs being “undertaken by a committee of seven gentlemen in the town, (the present Speaker of the House of Assembly being the treasurer;) three of the clergy, (the Rev. Robt. Holberton being the secretary;) and five of the medical gentlemen.” They hold their meetings in the churchwarden’s office, and on the 18th of June, 1828, a female superintendent was appointed at a salary of 50l. currency per annum. A “soup-house” was erected in the yard attached to the superintendent’s dwelling to the east of the church, the land being allowed to the society, free of rent, for the space of seven years by the heirs of “Donovan’s Estate.” A ship’s boiler having been presented to the society, it was immediately put into requisition, and the first meal distributed the 2nd of August, 1828, to thirty-six persons.
Up to that time there was no parochial relief for any black or coloured person; and consequently, when the establishment of such a society became known, the sick and aged among those classes eagerly sought for shelter, and an alleviation of their distresses. The medical gentlemen of St. John’s having offered to attend gratuitously, in monthly rotation, the cry of these unfortunate people was responded to; and five small houses, adjoining the “soup-house,” having been first rented, and afterwards purchased by the society, fourteen of these afflicted ones were received and succoured. Many a poor outcast found his throbbing heart at rest when possessed of these humble accommodations; many a sufferer had his pains alleviated, and the oil of mercy poured into his wounds. Five or six successful amputations were also performed there during that early period.
The rise and progress of this institution is so interesting, that I think I cannot do better than follow up the account of it, in the words of the Rev. Mr. Holberton, published in a “Brief Review:” “After the destructive hurricane of 1835, (when this society was found signally useful in furnishing a comfortable meal daily to the houseless poor,) the unappropriated residue of a grant from the legislature, for restoring some of the damaged houses of the poor of St. John’s, was handed over to the committee of the Daily Meal Society, with the understanding that shelter should be given to those whose houses were considered past repairing. This testimony of public confidence, together with a handsome private donation of 90l. sterling, occurring at the very time when the land on which the institution had stood for seven years was required by the owner, stimulated the committee to attempt to re-establish it on a more extensive scale.”
Mr. Holberton proceeds to pass some high encomiums upon the Very Rev. the Archdeacon Parry (late of Antigua) for the great interest felt by him in the success of the society—encomiums, no doubt, richly his due; but the rector was necessitated to forego mentioning what it is in my power to do, that it was principally through his own kind heart, and from his deep Christian principles, which led him to exert every energy in its behalf, that the Daily Meal Society had its origin, and is in its present flourishing condition.