Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/81

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HELPING HALIFAX

first to pass under a badly burned bridge and through the devastated region.

In the cold gray of the morning they went forth, with but little knowledge of the conditions, destruction meeting the eye at every turn; nevertheless the inspiration of Love, of God's ever-presence, so filled their thought that radiant smiles and boundless energy for work were manifested.

The party left the train about seven o'clock and proceeded to the hotel, where they were met by a member of the Halifax church, who gratefully reported that all the Christian Scientists were safe. The goods brought by the Committee were taken to the Masonic Hall, the central relief station for the distribution of all clothing and were immediately distributed to the destitute people who awaited relief. The Christian Science literature they had carried was taken to the Immigration Office from whence it was distributed to hotels, news stands, churches, and the Y. M. C. A. All were eager to receive it, especially the Monitors, as no newspapers had entered Halifax since the morning of the catastrophe.

During their stay our party worked with the general committee at the Masonic Hall in distributing clothing to those who had lost all they possessed. When there came a shortage of particular articles of clothing, some member of the Committee would go to local stores and buy these goods. At other times they took to the stores those individuals who needed special garments and were unable to obtain correct sizes or kinds from the miscellaneous supplies at the relief station. Again, when there appeared a lack of supplies to fill rush orders for the refugees, someone on the Committee completed the order by purchasing the

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