The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-05-10

TIE MONUMENTAL CHURCH FAIR-AN
APPEAL TO THE BENEvoLENT.-The Monu-
mental Church, the Oldest Episcopal
church in this city with the exception of
St. Johns, has not, unhappily, passed un-
Scathcd through the war; and it would
seem sad coincidence that that venera-
bic building which owed its existence
to the calamitous fire of December 26,
1911, should now be laboring under pecu-
mary difficulties and embarraSsmentS ariS-
ing out of the great fire Of April 2, 1865.
Under the charter, the Monumental
| Church must be maintained in perpetuity
as an Episcopal church, and, as it was in
tended as a lasting memorial of those who
lost their lives at the burning of the Rich
mond Theatre, upon the site of which 1t
stands, il cannot be sold, leased, or other
wise disposed of for any purpose other
than for which it is now used. In these
Prospects the charter is peculiar, and the
only one resembling it in this State, OF
which we have knowledge, is that of one
of the Episcopal churches at Norfolk.
In consequence Of the great fire " and
the general destitution of the people, the
revenue of the Monumental Church was
largely diminished, and at this time
arrears of debt have accumulated which
require to be Immediately liquidated.
The congregation have done all that was
in their power, but they are compelled to
rely upon the cooperation and aid of their
Christian brethren and friends in this city
for some part of the sum required to re-
lieve their beloved church from its present
unfortunate condition.
tl,, haX-a nnnpfinnnl thn
ladies of the Monumental Church have or
ganized fair, which will be opened at 5
o'clock on Monday evening next, and will
continue open during the week. Some
difficulty was met with in obtaining suit
able rooms, but through the kindness and
generosity Of Mr.. Charles Purcell, the use
of the handsome store, just completed,
opposite to the post-ottice, has been Sc
cured. This building is one Of the most
attractive and commodious in the city, and
its central position makes it we'll adapted
TO the requirements of a fair. 1t is need
less to say that the fair will be supplied
with every description of articles of use or
ornament; but their beauty and tasteful
arrangement cannot be appreciated or de-
scribed until the fair opens.
a
the Monumental Fair, large number OF
young ladies who have volunteered their
services will hold Floral Festival; tickets
of admission to which can be obtained at
the Fair. The hall will be decorated with
flowers and garlands, and we fear to excite
public curiosity over much by stating how
many interesting and amusing ceremonies
will take place. Mrs. Hannah More's
drama, "a Search After Happiness" will,
amongst other things, be represented, and
there will be number of recitations,
which will gain additional grace and force
from the vivacity and intelligence of the
young ladies who will deliver them.
Altogether, the Fair and Floral Festival
for the Monumental Church will be such
as are seldom seen in poor southern city
and every one who has at heart the pros
perity of the Monumental Church and the
general advancement of the "good cause"
is invited and requested to attend.