New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-01
MEMORIALS OF MR.. BEECHRR.
THE BRONZE STATUE OF THE GREAT PREACHER
FOR PROSPECT PARK-woRK on THE MODEL
NEARLY CoMPLETED-Two FINE
PORTR ATS.

PORTRAITS.
Tie clay model of the statue Of Mr. Beecher which
is 10 be erected In Prospect Park memorial of the
great preacher by his fellow citizens Of Brooklyn, Is
| approaching completion in the hands OF John =. A
Ward, the sculptor who took death mask of Mr..
| Beechers features before his burial. The figure IS
Of heroic sze and the artist has aimed TO reproduce
life like pose and the expression Of countcnance Mr.
Deecher habltualy wore The lines of the face have
been wrought out In the clay with much success, and
It only needs sight in the eyes say that Mr. Beecher
| himself stands upon the pedestal In the details of
the costume and attitude the sculptor has been aided
| by numerous photographs and suit of clothing Mr.
| Beecher wore. Tho figure is relieved from cOnven-
tonslity and picturesque effect has been secured
| by presenting 1t in the cape overcoat which Mr.
Beecher was accustomed 10 in winter, while In
the hand is represented the familiar black SLOUGH felt
hat which was equally well known part of his
costume, and which he used to throw upon the floor
Of the platform he entered his pulpit to preach
The figure is about nine feet In height, to
proper effect upon the pedestal, which
Will be some thirty feet In height.
If sufficient funds secured it is proposed to
place on each side Of Mr. Beecher the figure Of child
representing the boy and girl whom he led out of Ply
mouth Church the night of his last sermon there
after they had crept in to hear the music. At his
feet will be negro child scattering flowers, typical Of
recognition Of the great work Of Mr. Beeches earlier
manhood for freedom for the slave.
Mr. Ward has two years in which to complete the
bronze figure, for which he Is making the model the
main figure Of which will soon be exhibited In his
studio. The completion Of the other details of the
clay model will take year at least, the artist having
already spent that much time upon 1t since be 10
ceived his commission
The site finally selected for the statue is the spot
now occupied by tue bust Of Washington irving In the
East Drive, opposite the Flower Garden, In Prospect
Park The Irving bust, which tie late Demas
Barnes presented TO the Park, VIII DC removed
to another site, which will be as suitable Tor IL Ihe
position chosen for the Beecher statue equally ue
sga5!e whether it is to be by persons on ioot OF
those who drive From the pedestal the figure Will
lool Tho drive the open plaza surrounding
the Flower Garden, where crowds OF persons 10"
gather at the seats to watch the driving. From the
driveway .tsci the statue can be equally wei sesn'
and Il persons desire stop ana View bclosey there
aHd rad the inscription and study ,ihe features no
Otner equally advantageous POINT eoiio W iouDu.
Tor me Flower Garden Is the most Iequensce spy'
IN the PaEA, be.ag near the music stana' inc poa'.
house and tie Caslno. The spot Is also eonVeueDs
or memorial exercises at the statue, as great cfo"u
0I lersoIs can gather ia sight OF H.
me iund Tor the erection Of tc statue now aniouhH
sSos 81 CVo and is IN tie hands Of Rpey .@Pes
ueasUrer oil tAs statue Fund Committee, of EL.cs
Dr' Charles II. Han is chairman. II was contributed
~ sn@li amounts Wy large number OF persons u tae
80 - nokeu 10 Increase the amount to $4,000, 50 as
70 provide tbe snaer figures and suitable pedestal
90 ~ S~geo,el uiat the additional sum VII! be iott2
o.i'ne a sooh as the model Of gho statue is eXhi0
yea an4 mo need Of more funds Is made known
soe ronca proposed memorial Of mr Beeeher + the
nno Poi RAJ. VI him by A. J. Conant, which IT Is de-
s:red 70 hang upon the walls OF plymouth Church II
Sv 1oHoy % purchase 1t IS forthcoming THIS Is
moral tablet Of bronze or marble upon the wall OF
ss ,hu W. a. Voed By the year ago. The
s cruz, ,o , 'n1 portrait for $1,000 WHICH Is said 10
DO bVt hyIc tbah half what il IS worth from the
arMts POINT Of Wow; 1t represent, Mr.. Deecher
stanainS ~ 10 qiq before his audiences and al the
piht "a oPeIip h.s ps % speak The artist has sue
eeeaea N emooayihS upon The canvas the expression
a. Nh d. oAt,S' ikenes, Of the features and the
I anlilS, pp'sv, HI Sonant also painted Tie hne
g99rnira' o. mr. heceher owned by cx-conglesspan
white whIca aeplcts him In a fur.llncd overcoa',
seated In careless attitude In an easy chair. Tho
Two hie-sne portraits portray the public man aud The
puIpt orator aha the preacher at ease In tho homo
circle. These Two paintings ard Mr. Wards bronze |
WI serve 10 convey " future generations adequate
iaea OF the gfea preacher j. IS no that Bfoohyn,
his home for forty years should possess such suitable
memorials