Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-04-21
ST. JOseph's Academy, Washington,
Georgia.

Washington. Wilkes county. Georgia. is a
beautiful little town situated about sever
ty-five miles from Augusta 1t is famed
as the residence of Georgia's iIlustr;ous
statesman. General Toombs; for its fine.
stately dwellings, wealthy and courteous
citizens. But, aside from the aristo-
cratic celebrity attached to Washington, there
is another notable feature which is deserving
of lau6able attention. II is the location Of
the asylum for the Catholic orphan boys Of
the diocese of GeorgIa, and the heroic efforts
made for the comfort and happiness of these
poor little waits calls for more than a passing
word of commentator. The truly charitable
ever sympathize with the destitute, and the
word orphan is potent sesame to open the
heart and purse strings to provide them with
the necessaries Oflife But ''out of sight, out of
mind" aud we too often forget the poor little
children thzt are so dear to their Father in
Heaven.
Four years ago business called me to Wash
ingtOn, and while there friends informed me
Of the orphanage established the previous
wear in their city. The asylum had been trans
ferred tn ther from Savannah. and was in its
infancy as regards new location. DESTROYS OF
leaving no object of interest unseen [ visited
the asylum. To me--''a ioOker-on in Nienna''-
it's condition very deplOrable. an old
house, which seemed merely a shelter, was the
habifatlOn OF the orphans The good Fathers
and Sisters in charge shared their poverty but
cheerfully sacrificed their own comfort in be
half of the needy children Pity saddenei my
spirit generS SHY animated NV heart. snd
fam would have possessed The purse OF Fortu-
natus TO alleviate the wants Of the orphan
boys.
Washington AS l neared the depot a large,
prepOssessing building, white, with green
blinds attracted my attention. TIE gilded
cross SurmOuJ ting the cupOla seemed to indi-
cate q Catholic institution. and on inquiry [
was surprised to learn it was the new orphan
asylum lately erected under the supervision Of
the present director. Rev. Father O'Brien
vision Of the dlapidated building formerly &C
cuptad by the orphans flashed across my mfn5.
ands curiosity determined visit ere my depart
ure TO the new structure IL the absence Of
the reverend pastor. l was conducted
in charge and shown over the various
attractions of this praiseworthy charity.
All was innoc nee and happiness, aud now
far from plying tue orphan boys of Georgia,
almost wish / could lay aside the wear and tear
OF business and be a gay and light hearted boy
under the pateTnal care or such a true, noble
gent,ema as Father o. Brien-
The cnange in the boys abode and surround
ings is almost marvellous, and when the mind
duy considers how this change was made-not
bF private income. not hv great eDdOwments,
but bY the energetic efforts OF this devoted
friend Of the orphan bOys-it il fitting that a
slight tribute be paid to his uutiring energy ia
their behalf IL il no slight task to provide
fool and clothing for eighty boys, and vet to Ob
tain a home-nay. a home with home comforts
lis certsiniy work that requires heart of
great courage and devotetnessi in Gods service
Patrons of this institution have tod me that
this reverend gentleman left anintelectuil Il and
refined congregation to toll and struggle
for the homeless and fatherless. No earthly
reward can attend such a renunci8tion, ana he
doubtless looks for none, content that the
eiiver of all good be hOnOre ard gl0rifed by
the little ones OF RarTn. The orphan boys OF
Georgia Will never know the worth Of their
kind foster father; bat with uch q bright
example of goodness and integrity. may they
appreciate the sterling merit of true manli
ness. aud thus stimulated. strive to initiate the
virtues that characterize this noble, self sacri-
ticiug priest OF the living Col RAMBLER