ye who are yet on the shores of time, still diligent in saving deeds and holy charities; or, ye more lofty ones, reaping the fruition of your goodly service for men on the far-off shores of blessedness and glory; we hail and salute you as among the Lest benefactors of your kind, as the faithful ministers of grace and restoration to afflicted men!
With this goodly company we are happy to associate this day our reverend brother[1] who projected this work, and who, by God's favor and the aid of generous friends, has been enabled to bring it to this favorable point. We thank God for the grace thus freely given him for us; "for He loveth our nation and builds" us an hospital. Other things add to the gladness of this ceremony. We are happy in the occasion which assembles us together. This is St. Mark's day, and our Church calls upon us to commemorate that eminent evangelist and saint, who laid the first foundations of the Church in Africa, and who is believed to have moistened its soil with a martyr's blood. In what more befitting manner could we keep the day than this?
We are happy in the selection of the spot from which, in fair proportions, is to rise this house of healing and of mercy. Here, amid pure, untainted, and healthful breezes, the invalid mav uain strength to his body and revive hope to his sinking heart.
- ↑ St. Mark's Hospital was planned and projected by the Rev. C.C. Hoffman, of New York City, missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Cape Palnas, Libera, and the building lias been carried on, and approaches completion, under his superintendence, and through his zeal and labors.
