The Louisville Baptist Orphans' Home, 1885 The Louisville Baptist Orphans' Home, was put in operation, in 1869, and has, from the first excited the tenderest sympathies and the warmest support of the Baptists in the State. The institution was originated by some benevolent Baptist women in Louisville, who rented a room for the reception of orphan children, at the date above specified. The next year a comfortable house was erected for the accommodation of such orphans as should be committed to the institution. The object of the Home is to care for the children committed to its charge from all parts of the State, teaching them the elements of an English education, instructing them in useful occupations, and training them in Christian morals, until it can secure suitable homes for them, in private families. The institution is supported by the voluntary contributions of the Baptists of the State, and such other benevolent persons as choose to aid in the good work, at a cost of about $5,000 a year. It has generally received from 40 to 50 orphans a year, and succeeded in putting about as many in homes, in private families.
Mary Hollingsworth, a native of Todd county, Ky., has been the matron and internal manager of the Orphans' Home, from near the period of its establishment. She is a woman of fine culture, eminent piety, and excellent business qualities, and the Home owes much of its prospe/ity to her indefatigable energy. The name of this noble maiden will be held in affectionate remembrance by very many who never knew a mother's love, or a father's protection.
J. Lawrence Smith, the renowned scientist, and his excellent Christian wife were the most liberal patrons of the Orphans' home. Dr. Smith was a native of South Carolina, and was born Dec. 16, 18 18. He finished his literary education at the University of Virginia, graduated in medicine in his native State, and studied the sciences under different teachers in Europe. After his return to America, he hmrried a daughter of Hon. James Guthrie of Louisville, Ky. , and settled in that city. Possessing a larg^e fortune, he was able to pursue the study of science, which he did, with tireless zeal and unflagging enthusiasm, not to the exclusion, however, of the practical pursuits of life. He was professor of Chemistry in the University of Virginia, and, afterwards, filled the same chair in the University of Louisville. Subsequently he was president of the Louisville Gas Works.
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His extensive researches in the various departments of science, made his name famihar to the scientists of America and Europe.Soon after his settlement in Louisville, he professed conversion, and united with the Walnut Street Baptist church. His orderly Christian walk, his devotion to the cause of Christ, and his calm, rational benevolence proved the sincerity of his profession, and demonstrated the fact that a man may be a profound scientist and a devout, sincere christian. He devoted no inconsiderable proportion of his fortune to the establishment of the Louisville Baptist Orphans' Home, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and other benevolent institutions. He was called to his final reward, in 1884.
Mrs. J. Lawrence Smith deserves to beheld in cherished remembrance by the beneficiaries of the Baptist Orphans' Home, and many other benevolent institutions. She is a native of Louisville, and a daughter of Hon. James Guthrie of that city. Without ostentation, she has devoted her influence and possessions to the cause of the Redeemer. In early life, she gave her heart to the Savior, and united with the Walnut Street Baptist church, in her native city. Heiring an ample fortune from her distinguished father, she entered heartily into the benevolent schemes of her illustrious husband, and was a joint contributor, with him, to the various charitable institutions he aided in building up. She servives her husband, and represents his charities, as well as continues her own.
======================== From J. H. Spencer, History of Kentucky Baptists, volume I., 1885, pp. 752-3. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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