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HISTORY OF KNOX CHURCH.
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while in some cases material is given out to those who have the time and ability to make it up for themselves. The children's ward in the Hospital has been visited twice every month. On Christmas Day one hundred poor children were entertained at tea, with a Christmas tree, in the class-room of the Old Church. This has been the means of inducing a number to join the Sunday School. A party of eight of the society's members visited the Hospital on Christmas Day and gave the patients a little musical treat."—1890: "Although from various causes the attendance at the meetings has often been small, yet a considerable amount of work has been done. During the year 90 garments of different kinds have been made and distributed by members, while 52 yards of material, principally flannel, have been given to mothers who could make it up at home for their children. Two large parcels of new clothing for children were gratefully received from the committee of the Sunday School Gift Festival, the contents of which have nearly all been distributed. Twelve flannel night-dresses were made for Mr Torrance, for the use of the children's ward in the Hospital. We have again to thank Mr Morrison (of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory Company) for a parcel of tweed pieces, which has been most acceptable. Such donations are a great help to the society. A new departure has been made in the formation of a fund for the purchase of boots, the persons receiving them paying one half of the price. This fund is available during the winter months, from the beginning of May until the end of October. Already a goodly number have been helped to get boots. The nucleus of this fund originated in Dr Stuart's famous lecture on his trip to the Home Country. Owing to the Exhibition being open, it was not considered advisable to have a Christmas tree last season, and the only children who received gifts were the little ones at the Hospital, who were delighted with a visit of Santa Claus on Christmas morning. Several members of the society who are visitors of the Hospital sang carols in the hall."


In 1887 another society of an important and useful character was formed in connection with Knox Church, and still continues in operation. This is the "Knox Church Young Men's Fellowship Union." Its object is "the creating and fostering of a warmer and more kindly feeling of Christian fellowship among the young men of the congregation, through devotional meetings, the study of Scripture,