Chapter XI: The Almshouses

Chapter XI.
The Almshouses WHEN we built the Tabernacle we looked upon New Park Street Chapel as a property which we would endeavour to retain for the Baptist denomination, and we desired if possible to make it the abode of another church. For some years preaching was carried on, a brother supported, and considerable expenses incurred, but it was clear that a self-sustaining interest was not to be gathered in the neighbourhood. Mr. J. Collins, now of Penge, worked very hard, and enjoyed much of the divine blessing, but those who were converted under him had a pardonable tendency to gravitate towards the mother church at the Tabernacle, and it became evident beyond all question that it was useless for us to retain so large a building in such a situation and so near our own. The property consisted of the chapel, schools, and almsrooms, and it was agreed, and arranged with the Charity Commissioners, that it should be sold, and the proceeds used for new schools and almsrooms. The inmates of the rooms greatly rejoiced at the prospect of coming nearer the Tabernacle and dwelling in a place where fresh air would be obtainable. A site was purchased near the Elephant and Castle Railway Station,—the buildings can be seen when the train stops at the station. The first stone was laid by Deacon Thomas Olney, May 6th, 1867, and the friends were requested to contribute about £1,000, which would be needed over and above the moneys in hand. This they did very promptly, but when the buildings were finished it was found that some £750 more would be needed to cover the extras which had been found necessary during the progress of the works. The pastor announced this fact one Sabbath morning, and also his determination that the institution should remain unoccupied till all was paid for; he also mentioned donations which would be given by himself, Deacons Olney and Higgs, and a friend, whereupon the congregation by collections that day made up the rest, so that no debt came upon the new establishment. This cardinal rule of avoiding all debt has been the means of great strength to us. People do not pay for things after they have them with half the readiness with which they subscribe to purchase them. Besides, the scriptural rule is "Owe no man anything."

There are seventeen almsrooms, two schoolrooms, and a classroom, which are occupied by 380 children on weekdays, and there is also a house for the schoolmaster. At the present time a Sabbath school, special children's service, and an evangelistic meeting, with many other good works are in earnest operation at the place, including most of the usual machinery connected with places of worship.

Members of the church, being women above the age of sixty, and needing support, are eligible to become occupants of the rooms. They are generally chosen according to their number on the church-book and the urgency of the case. One of the inmates, Miss Fanny Gay, is in her 87th year, and has been a member of the church 69 years. She is an eminently devout, prudent, godly woman, and in past years rendered eminent service by her conversations with young women who needed instruction or comfort. It is a joy to provide a resting place for her and the other aged sisters. The original endowments, after the payment of repairs, do not suffice wholly to provide for six inmates, and there are now seventeen; the support of the remaining eleven involves a heavy draught upon the communion fund of our church, which is already fully weighted with poor members. We greatly need at least £5000 to endow THE ALMHOUSES, AND PLACE THE INSTITUTION UPON A PROPER FOOTING. Already C. H. Spurgeon, Thomas Olney, and Thomas Greenwood have contributed £200 each towards the fund, and we earnestly trust that either by donations or legacies the rest of the £5000 will be forthcoming. This would only provide five shillings per week for each poor woman, which is little enough. If more could be raised it would be so much the better for the pensioners. The Pastors are anxious to see this matter put into proper order; they confess that the responsibility of having increased the number of rooms and almswomen rests mainly with them, and, therefore, they feel that their work is not done till at least five shillings per week shall have been provided for their poor sisters: if it could be double that amount they would be glad. We wish to leave the Tabernacle in good working order when our work is done; but the present burden might prove far too heavy for our successors, indeed, they ought not to be saddled with it. In future years the church may find itself barely able to support its own expenses, and we do not think that we are justified in leaving it the legacy of so heavy a charge. Our present anxiety is to get the ship tight and trim, and this is one of the matters which is not in a satisfactory condition. Brethren, let us set it straight. Our aged sisters are worthy of all that we can do for them, and their grateful faces often make our heart glad. We should like to see more almsrooms, and we hope someone will build and endow a row for aged men. We have had a hint that this project is taking shape in the mind of a generous friend: we hope he will carry it out in his own lifetime, rather than wait to have it done by a legacy.

Over the door of the girls' school is the following inscription:—"These Buildings are connected with the ancient church now worshipping in the metropolitan tabernacle. Six of the almshouses, together with a schoolroom, were built and ENDOWED UNDER THE PASTORATE OF Dr. John Rippon, AT New Park Street, Southwark. The present structures were completes March, 1868. C. H. and J. A. Spurgeon, Pastors." In our engraving the schoolrooms are on the right, and the master's house is on the left; the almsrooms are in the houses between. The day schools are self-supporting, but there are no funds to pay the expenses of the other operations here carried on. The pastor generally has to pay for the gas, firing, &c. from his own pocket, as the endowments are so scanty.

METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE ALMSHOUSES. The investments now belonging to the almshouse trustees are, £2950 reduced Consols, standing in different names; £400 Great Western Guaranteed 5 per cent. Stock, presented by Mr. T. Olney and Mr. C. H. Spurgeon; and £200 Buenos Ayres Stock given by Mr. Greenwood: they receive also £20 per annum as the rent of a small piece of ground and a hoarding for advertisements. Part of the principal endowment was left for repairs. We hope that in later editions of this history we shall be able to cancel this page, and announce that the almshouses are amply provided for.