University of Virginia Library

Churches and Charities

Within the corporate limits of Roanoke are twenty-seven
churches for the accommodation of the white
population and ten churches for the colored people.

The white churches are composed of the following
denominations:—Presbyterian, four; Methodist, seven;
Baptist, five; United Brethren, two; Christian, two;
Lutheran, one; Roman Catholic, one, Reformed, one.

The ten colored churches are divided among the
Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian denominations.

Some of the buildings are among the handsomest and
most commodious in the State.

A strong spirit of coöperation exists among the
pastors of the several churches, who meet in a Minister's
Conference at regular stated periods, for the purpose of
divising such plans as will tend to the advancement of
the spiritual welfare of the community.

A like broad spirit is manifested by the membership
of the various churches, the supreme desire being that
of rendering mutual assistance and carrying on in the
best possible manner the noble work in which they are
engaged.

The Young Men's Christian Association has a large
and energetic membership, composed of representative
young men.

Its directory comprises many of the leading business
and professional men of the city.

The building occupied is one of the best appointed
and equipped of its kind in the State, centrally located,
and easily accessible to the young men who form so
large a part of Roanoke's population.

The people of Roanoke are noted for charity, benevolence
and care of the afflicted.

It is only necessary that a case of need be made known

to awaken sympathy and enlist substantial aid. In addition
to the care which cach church gives its needy and
helpless members, the work of the churches has crystallized
in a body known as the Charity Organization
Society, the Superintendent of which is supported by
the churches; its work being managed