Cottage No. 6

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT

Minnesota Soldiers’ Home, Minnehaha, July 31, ‘1907.
Captain James Compton, Commandant.

Dear Sir:— Another year’s labor calls for an “Account of stewardship,” and happy indeed is the worker who can say with Carlyle, “The true hero is the man who knows his work and does it.” The labor of the year has been abundant, and materially increased by the opening of what is known as the “Woman’s Building, or Cottage No. 6.” It was hoped the coming of the women to our Home would be a help, and our expectations have not been disappointed, for their in fluence has been a reinforcement for good, and the moral condition ‘of the Home has advanced steadily. The object lesson of a venerable centenarian lady, who celebrated with us her 101st birthday, whose life has been spent in upholding righteousness in our land, is .an inspiration to all, and a practical demonstration that it pays to be good. Much also might be said in praise of the earnest men who appreciate an upright life, and who are trying to illustrate it in their own private life. While no one claims absolute perfection, yet the exceptions to good desires, are manifestly few, comparatively, among us. Services have been held regularly every Sunday in the chapel, and Sunday afternoons, with occasional intermissions, in the hospital.

In December last the Woman’s Building was opened for the admission of the mothers, wives and widows of ex-soldiers, sailors and marines. The occupants now are two mothers, twenty-three wives with their husbands and twenty-four widows. wives with their husbands and twenty-four widows. The members of the Home have been orderly and quiet during the past year, and in general an air of contentment prevails.

 

Our Sunday Memorial Services were held in the chapel under the auspices of the Women’s Relief Corps, with Mary L. Stark— weather faithfully directing the order of the program. Too much can hardly be said of their kindly ministration in the Women’s Building, the Hospital and ‘everywhere among the men. Mrs. Cherry has filled her station faithfully as organist, assisted by Mrs. Compton, some of the nurses in the hospital, Dr. Davis and members of the home. During the winter months the Commandant has favored us with his services in conducting the Bible study of the season. Prayer meeting and song services have been held in the hospital on Wednesday evening and Thursday evening in the Women’s Building. I have attended twenty—two funerals during the year. I have continued as guardian of one man during the year, and sincerely wish him well. My relations with the officers and members of the home have been cordial and pleasant.

Respectfully submitted,

LELAND P. SMITH,
Chaplain.