To quote the preamble of our founding document from February 15th, 1819:
"The dictates of humanity, as well as the principles of our holy religion, teach us to contribute, according to our ability, to the relief of our fellow creatures, whom Providence has placed in circumstances of sickness, poverty and distress, and it is no less the privilege than it is the duty of those who are blessed with a competency of this world's goods to impart a portion of their substance to mitigate the sorrows and to promote the comfort and happiness of the distressed among whom their lot is cast.
Impressed with these sentiments, and knowing that many around us from time to time are brought into circumstances of suffering and want, who are either entirely overlooked or are not sufficiently provided for, at the public expense, this Society has been formed for the purpose of searching out and relieving as far as it's funds will permit, such person, as are deprived of health, and others who may be destitute of the necessaries and comforts of life."