The Board is divided into Finance, Visiting, Flower, Linen, Ward Supplies, House Supplies and Sewing Committee.  The chairman of these committees, together with the five officers, constitute the Executive Committee, and meet with the trustees at their regular monthly meetings.

In addition to paying the housekeeping bills, the board has come many times to the assistance of the trustees, and by giving entertainments, holding sales, teas, receptions, has raised large sums of money for special purposes.  In connection with this Board is the Samaritan Aid Society which annually contributes about three hundred new articles of clothing and bedding.

The Board of Trustees is composed of able, experienced business men who apply their knowledge of business affairs to the conduct of the hospital.  It means a sacrifice of much time on their part, but it is cheerfully given.

The hospital is non-sectarian.  Suffering and need are the only requisites for admission.  During the past year among those who were cared for were: 

Catholic 284
Baptist 134
Methodist 141
Episcopalian 112
Lutheran 97
Presbyterian 96
Hebrew 89
Protestant 54
Reformed 25
Friends 12
Confucianism 5
Congregational 4
United Brethren 3
Evangelist 3
Christian 2
Not recorded 60
              ——­
              1141

[Illustration:  Attending service in bed]

The nativity of the patients showed that nearly all countries were represented—­Russia, Poland, Italy, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, England, Germany, Ireland, China, Hungary, Australia, Switzerland, Jerusalem, Roumania and Armenia.

Never was the worth of its work better shown than in the terrible Ball Park accident, which happened in Philadelphia in 1904, when by the collapsing of the grandstand hundreds were killed and injured.  Without a moment’s notice, more than a hundred patients were rushed to the hospital and cared for.  When the wards were filled, cots were placed in the halls, in the offices, wherever there was room, and the injured tenderly treated.

Thus from small beginnings and a great need it has steadily grown, supported by contributions and upheld by the faithful work of those who labor for the love of the Master.  Sacrifices of time and money have been freely made for it, for the people who have worked to support it are few of them rich.  It still needs help, for “the poor ye have always with you.”  And while there are poor people and sick people, Samaritan Hospital will always need the help of the more fortunate to aid it in its great work of relieving pain.

CHAPTER XXX

THE MANNER OF THE MAN

Boundless Love for Men.  Utter Humility.  His Simplicity and Informality.  Keen Sense of Humor.  His Unconventional Methods of Work.  Power as a Leader.  His Tremendous Faith.