onducted by the "Ladies'
Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church," and as has
been stated, occupies the site of the "Old Brewery." I have already
described the "Old Brewery" as it existed twenty years ago. Few decent
people ever ventured near it at that time, and even the missionaries felt
that they were incurring a risk in venturing into it.

A number of Christian women of position and means, who knew the locality
only by reputation, determined, with a courage peculiar to their sex, to
break up this den, and make it a stronghold of religion and virtue.
Their plan was regarded by the public as chimerical, but they persevered
in its execution, trusting in the help of Him in whose cause they were
laboring. A school was opened in Park street, immediately facing the
"Old Brewery," and was placed in charge of the Rev. L. M. Pease, of the
Methodist Church. This school at once gathered in the ragged and dirty
children of the neighborhood, and at first it seemed impossible to do
anything with them. Patience and energy triumphed at last. The school
became a success, and the ladies who had projected it resolved to enlarge
it. In 1852 the "Old Brewery" building was purchased and pulled down,
and in June, 1853, the present commodious and handsome Mission building
was opened. Since then constant success has crowned the efforts of the
Ladies' Society. Their property is now valued at $100,000.

[Picture: THE LADIES' FIVE POINTS MISSION.]

The Mission is at present in charge of the Rev. James N. Shaffer. It
receives a small appropriation from the State for the support of its
day-school, but is mainly dependent upon voluntary contributions for its
support. Food, clothing, money, in short, everything that can be useful
in the establishment, are given it. Donations come to it from all parts
of the country, for the Mission is widely known, and thousands of
Christian people give it their assistance. The railroad and express
companies forward, without charge, all packages designed for it.

Children are the chief care of the Mission. Those in charge of it
believe that first impressions are the strongest and most lasting. They
take young children away from the haunts of vice and crime, and clothe
and care for them. They are regularly and carefully instructed in the
rudiments of an English education, and are trained to serve the Lord. At
a proper age they are provided with homes, or with respe