se has been progressive with
regard to the mode of congregating the women who joined me in working.
At first we merely came together daily from our own homes, as those who
make a business concern do. Then to spare time and money we began to
live together. The next step was to admit useful and devoted women who
had no property, and to form an association with degrees of membership.
When we found ourselves becoming a corporation of importance, and having
combined to acquire property and to found institutions, we invited the
help and counsel of some men of known eminence. Our institutions are all
branches of a parent stock, and are now placed in the charge of these
good men, and we have taken the name of the Church of England Woman's
Missionary Association. I am daily persuaded of the value of such
organizations."

In connection with the London West Central Mission there is an
association of ladies called the Sisters of the People. "They are
expected to be worthy of the beautiful name they bear. They are true
sisters of the unprivileged and the disheartened; as ready to make a
bed, cook a dinner, or nurse a baby as to minister to the higher need of
the immortal spirit. The sisters live together in the neighborhood of
their work, and wear a distinctive dress as a protection and for other
reasons; but they take no vows, and are at liberty to withdraw from the
mission at any time. Their work is directed by Mrs. Hughes. Katherine
House, the residence of the Sisters of the People, was opened early in
November, 1887, and from that day the work of the sisters dates its
commencement. Their daily labors are very similar to those of the
deaconesses of Mildmay, who work among the London parishes. Each sister
has a district allotted to her, which she visits regularly and
systematically. The first object which she sets before herself is to get
to know the people, and to make them feel that she is their true sister
and friend, irrespective of the fact that they are themselves good or
bad, respectable or degraded. When once true friendliness is
established, the way is opened for direct religious influence; and many,
who in the first instance would never pay any attention to religion,
will listen to an appeal from one whom they love and respect."[64]

Katherine House accommodates twelve sisters. A second house is urgently
needed, and a strong plea is made for it in the Report.

There are besides "out sisters," who work with the sisters