The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-01-12
In MemOriam.

AT late meeting of the Ladies' Foreign Mis-
Sionary Society of the First Presbyterian church
In this city, the following memorial of our la
mented president, Mrs. NJ. R. Lacy, was read
and adopted by the Society
Mrs. Lacy had been the president of our So
cety five years. and from the first day of its or
ganisation to the close of her valuable life
brought to our aid all the resources of her rich
experience and Judgment, and we unanimously
request you to publish in your paper this tes-
timonial of our love and appreciation of our
friend and president
Miss E. V. PENIcK, Secretary.
Raleigh, January Sd, 1881.
MARY Richie RICE was born in the CITY of
Petersburg Va. April 9th, 1916. She was the
daughter of Rev. Benjamin Holt Rice. When
she was l3 years old her father removed to New
York city, where he was for some years pastor
OF the Pearl Street church. From there he re-
moved to Princeton, n. j. where he was for
many years pastor. 1t was in this home of
literary culture that our friend spent the wears
OF her early womanhood. Here she taught tor
time having in charge the daughters of pro-
lessons In the college and seminary some of
these attested by loving words and deeds their
fond remembrance of her so long as she lived
After the death of his wife, DIR. Rice accepteds a
call to the College church, Hampden Sidney.
Va. Here his daughter Mary was married to
Rev. Drury Lacy. November 18TH lS49. she
came Immediately to Raleigh to fill that place
at once so difficult and so responsble-a pastors
wife There are many here who bear witness
to the faithful performance of the new duties de-
volvlng upon her her visits to the sick and
poor; her labors In the Sabbath Schools both
Tor white and colored children her tract distribu
tons; her unceasing prayer for the upbuildng
OF Chrlsts kingdom. She was the best pastors
wife ever knew, said one who was intimately
associated with her in those DAYS, and that was
saying much. In 1855 Dr. and Mrs Lacy re-
moved to Davidson College, where they re-
manned till 80. AT the close of the war thew
returned to Raleigh, where, with the energy
that characterised her always, Mrs. Lacy opened
school in her home, which she carried on with
vlgor and success, till it was merged into Peace
Institute In the autumn of To OF her work in
TINS institution 1T IS unnecessary to speak her
selt-sacrtce; her motherly care for the spiritual
and physical health Of those under her charge
her control, wise in its strength tender ALWAYS
hundreds have gone out from the halls of
Peace who will rise up and call her blessed.
Mrs Lacy possessed in a marked degree the
qualities that 90 to make model Christian
women-a calm sense of right, quick in action,
wonderful power of making in others a re-
spouse to her own enthusiasm, coupled with q
calm and dlgnlhed demeanor in all crcun-
stances. She possessed faith that never faltered
and enabled her constantly to realise the prom
lse " Thou wilt keep him In perfect peace whose
mind Is stayed on Thee, because he trusted in
Thee Mourning for our dear sister, weeping
that we see her more, yet in our hearts we bless
God for HIS grace manifested in her life and in
her death. May He give us grace to be faith
tul, that we may all join her at last in that city
that hath foundations, where there shall be
no more death, neither sorrow, nor CRYING
neither shall there be any more pain :" and in
memory of her love for this mission work we
pledge ourselves to be more faithful, doing what
we can to hasten the day when the heather
shall be gwen to Him for His inheritance and
the uttermost parts of the earth for His posses
sion