arding-school for girls. In 1873 there were five
deaconesses, one probationer, and two resident associates.[83]

In the Church Home all of the work is done by the inmates. As in the
foreign Homes, the deaconesses are provided with food and raiment, and
during sickness or old age they are cared for at the expense of the
order. They are forbidden to receive fee or compensation for their
services. Any remuneration that is made is paid to the order. In one
feature, however, the deaconesses of Alabama differ from either their
German or English sisters, and that is in the care of their individual
means. The "Constitution and Rules" says: "The private funds of
deaconesses shall not be expended without the approval of the chief
deaconess or the bishop."[84] This usage prevails in sisterhoods, but,
outside of this instance, so far as the author has been able to learn is
not known in deaconess institutions.

The rules for the associates in connection with the order are given
somewhat at length, from which the following are taken. After defining
an associate as a Christian woman desiring to aid the work of the
deaconesses, and admonishing her that, although not bound by the rules
of the Community, yet she must be careful to lead such a life as is
becoming one associated in a work of religion and charity, she is
requested "to state what kind of work she will undertake, under the
direction of the chief deaconess, and to report the result to her at
such intervals as may be agreed upon." The following modes of assistance
are suggested as most useful; namely, "to provide and make clothing for
the poor; to collect alms; to procure work, or promote its sale; to
teach in the school; to assist in music or other classes; to relieve the
destitute; to minister to the sick; to visit and instruct the ignorant;
to attend the funeral arrangements for the poor; and to take charge of
or assist in the decoration of the church."

The feature of the union of the associates with the deaconesses is one
whose importance can scarcely be exaggerated. There are many who would
be able to serve for a short time in this relation whose valuable aid
would be entirely lost if none but deaconesses who give all their time
and strength could work in the order.

In the Diocese of Long Island Bishop Littlejohn instituted an
association of deaconesses by publicly admitting six women to the office
of deaconess in St. Mary's Church, Brooklyn, February 11, 1872. The
a