COATHAM – Convalescent Home New Wing.

Accreditation the Redcar and Saltburn by the sea Gazette 16/07/1869.

COATHAM CONVALESCENT HOME

            On Saturday (10/07) inst., the new wing of this building was opened for use. There was a special service on the occasion in the temporary Chapel of the Institution, at 3 PM., Consisting of Evening Prayer and Sermon, and a goodly number of subscribers and friends of the Home were present, notwithstanding the comparatively short notice given in consequence of the uncertainty when the contractors would finish their work, for as usual, the compilation of the building was delayed much beyond the stipulated time. The opening prayers were said by the Rev J. Postlethwaite and the first lesson was read by the Rev R. L. page, Vicar of Courtroom, and the second lesson by the reverend Wm. Milburn, Vicar of Redcar; the Rev W. R. Churton, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, finishing the prayers. An appropriate and able sermon was preached by the reverend James Bell, vicar of Brockman, from St. Matthew, chapter 4th and first 23, in which the preacher dwelt, especially on that feature of our blessing to Lord’s ministry in healing the sick, and on the example and command given to His Church to preach the gospel and heal the sick, tracing throughout the Christian history. The obedience and love which was ever manifested by the Christian Church for the sick and suffering, in fulfilling this portion of her mission to the bodies of men as well, as the higher ministry of souls. We should be glad to see the sermon printed that a large number might be benefited by it than it was possible to admit to the temporary Chapel. After the service, offerings to the amount of £80 were received towards the expense of the Home. Visitors will notice how much the additional wing has added to the external appearance of the building, giving it a completeness and proportion the want of which, though unnoticed before would seem to be necessary to the perfection of the whole. The plans for the enlargement were drawn so asked to harmonise with the original building, designed by Mr Goodman, of London, and have been carried out under the superintendence of Mr Clapham, of Stockton, by the contractors Mr Kidd, of Saltburn, and Mr Cormack, of Darlington. The first building was capable of receiving 50 patients, and as the domestic part of the original Home is sufficient for the requirements of the whole, nearly the whole of the new wing consists of increased accommodation for patients so that 100 can now be received. So great is the demand for admission that every bed is at present films and patients are still waiting for admission. The remarkable success which, from the beginning has attended this Christian effort to meet the wants of the sick colour is worthy of special notice, and it shows that the Home meets an acknowledged want, which is the wealthier portion of the public have not been slow to appreciate.