During the last year we have to a considerable extent enlarged the membership of our Society. We presented the matter to a number of our citizens, many of whom had been contributors to our work for some time, who very cordially accepted membership. Seventy-five persons have been added to our membership during the year 1918, and we are deeply gratified to place on our roll the names of so many estimable citizens. The number of members at the present time, including life members, is 252.
Mortuary Notices.
During the last year four of the members of the Acting Committee have been called away by death.
In January our dear friend, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Gormly, who has faithfully visited for many years the prisoners in Pittsburgh, died at an advanced age. She had been a member since 1903. She was also connected with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, being the State Superintendent of Evangelistic Work among Prisoners.
In August, Mrs. Annie Fassitt, of Philadelphia, also of an advanced age, passed from works to rewards. She had been a member from 1896, and had given special assistance to hundreds of prisoners. She was one of the founders of the “Door of Blessing,” and for many years was prominent in the support and management of this effort for the restoration of erring sisters. She was a real “Angel of Mercy.”
John Smallzell, a member since 1905, also passed away in the month of August. His visits to Eastern Penitentiary will long be remembered. Wherever he went, he took a message of good cheer. He was most sincere and devout, and carried with him everywhere the influence of a devoted Christian life.
In April, 1919, our esteemed Vice-President Joseph C. Noblit, in the eighty-sixth year of his life, was called to his everlasting home. He was elected a member of the Society in 1899 and was made a member of the Acting Committee in 1900. In 1916 he was chosen as one of the Vice-Presidents, and on occasion presided at the meetings of the Acting Committee with dignity and a high sense of responsibility. He was a diligent attender of the meetings and his judgment on the many matters coming before the Committee was sound and discreet. He was a faithful visitor to the inmates of our prisons, earnest in the endeavor to bring to them a true gospel message and to induce them to choose the better way of living. He knew the deep principles of experimental religion, and was solicitous that all with whom he came in contact should know for themselves the consolations of a devoted Christian life. “He giveth his beloved sleep.”
On behalf of the Acting Committee,
EDWARD M. WISTAR,
President.
ALBERT H. VOTAW,
Secretary.
| Receipts for the Year 1918. | ||
|---|---|---|
| To | Balance January 1, 1918 | $1,716 94 |
| “ | Contributions | 3,439 00 |
| “ | Dues from Annual Members | 410 00 |
| “ | Life Membership (Edw. M. Wistar) | 50 00 |
| “ | Income from Investments | 2,152 60 |
| “ | Income from I. V. Williamson Charities | 720 00 |
| “ | Income from Anna Blanchard Fund | 220 50 |
| “ | Income from Joshua L. Baily Fund | 157 62 |
| “ | Income from Henry A. Rogers Fund | 25 20 |
| “ | Income from Isaac Barton (Tool Fund) | 80 33 |
| “ | Interest on deposits | 42 05 |
| “ | Sale of Literature | 90 |
| “ | Returned by Discharged Prisoners | 40 25 |
| “ | Refund Account Wardens’ Conference | 129 45 |
| ————— | ||
| Total Receipts | $9,184 84 | |
| Payments. | ||
| For | Aid and Relief Discharged Prisoners | $1,408 34 |
| “ | Journal and other Publications | 650 80 |
| “ | Dues, various affiliated Associations | 11 00 |
| “ | Library, Periodicals | 27 35 |
| “ | Postage, Printing, Stationery | 383 75 |
| “ | Office Expenses, Telephone, Incidentals | 275 89 |
| “ | Traveling Expenses, Secretary and Agent | 98 60 |
| “ | Rent of Office | 480 00 |
| “ | Salaries of Officers | 3,710 00 |
| “ | Life Membership Fee Transferred to Fiscal Agent | 50 00 |
| “ | Balance, December 31, 1918 | 2,089 11 |
| ————— | ||
| Total Payments including balance | $9,184 84 | |
| Report on Funds Held for Home of Industry. | ||
| Receipts on Account of Income | $361 28 | |
| Payments to Home of Industry | 361 28 | |