After Billy Sunday concluded his meetings in Springfield, Illinois in 1909 several concerned businessmen desired to meet the needs of the needy in the city. The following year the Washington Street Mission was founded and provided a variety of social and spiritual services to individuals and families as well. The doors of the Mission were never closed day or night. The orphaned, run-away child, serior citizen, non-American families, alcoholics, transients, unemployed and single men and women without families found their needs met at the Mission. For more information on the Mission and what materials the Archives has see the guide to the Collectiion 193 - Records of the Washington Street Mission.