The extensive scale on which the three last named charities are conducted, and the liberality with which their benefits are dispensed, to the deserving poor, place them among the first charitable institutions which so much distinguish the town of Shrewsbury. Their operations are confined to no sect or party, and they design nothing but the purest philanthropy. Their laudable plans are promoted by the individual exertions and charitable subscriptions of the members, each of whom pay 2s. per quarter and upwards. The number of the members is about 300. No public buildings are connected with these praise-worthy establishments, the present mode of relief being considered superior to those of an hospital.
Shrewsbury General Sunday School
Is held in the large room in the linen manufactory in Coleham. The order and regularity observed in this institution has been noticed by strangers from distant parts of the kingdom. Its numbers according to the last report were boys 215, girls 247. In addition to this, a separate room is allotted to the instruction of Adult scholars, whose number is 44. The whole are taught reading and writing.
Swan Hill Sunday School
Is a similar institution and similarly conducted. The number of scholars are, boys 96, girls 104.
Besides this, St. Chad’s Boys Sunday School, has about 100 boys, under the superintendance of its committee.
St. Mary’s Sunday and Day School
Is held in the chapel of St. Mary’s church. The children are taught reading and writing; their number is about 162.
St. Chad’s Ladies’ School.
This is carried on in that part of St. Chad’s old church which escaped entire destruction. It is a most praise-worthy establishment, and is superintended by many respectable ladies of St. Chad’s parish, who devote a considerable portion of their time in furtherance of this object of their anxious solicitude.