CHAPTER XIV
THE REV. HARRY WILSON, M.A.
Vicar of St Augustine’s, Stepney, E.
AMONG THE EAST END SLUMS.
“’Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
But to support him after.”—Timon of Athens.
Bishop of London and Rev. Harry Wilson in the Work—Mid-Century Attitude towards the East End—A Pluralist in Oxfordshire—Petitions Bishop Walsham How for Work among the Masses—Exchange of Livings—Financial Difficulties to start with—Callousness and Indifference of East Enders—Lack of Housing Accommodation a Big Social Evil—Small Incomes and Improvidence—Rescue Work among the Hooligans—Gangs, turned into Social and Football Clubs, win Moral Victories—Novel Use of German Band: Paves the Way for the Preacher in the Slums—Unique Working Class Congregation—A Good Story: Cheap Beer expected through the School Board—Curing Drunkenness, especially among Women—Encouraging Providence and Thrift—Penny Banks and Sharing Clubs—The “Red House”: “A Good Pull-up for Bishops”—“Blue House” for Women in Contemplation.
Not long ago, two laymen were discussing the need of lay help in London. One was keen on the work in the East End and, in this respect, differed from his companion. “We ought to be careful,” observed this second party, “not to fly too readily
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