Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-09-07
ORPHANS At THE MAsoNs' HOME.
Seven Being Cared For and Provision
Made for Others.

Made for Others.
The Masonic Home Of Virginia. which
was established o few months ago, has
made good start in the field of charity for
which il was created.
Seven orphans have already found COM
Portable homes there. where they VIII DC
kindly cared for and we'll treated, and
there are accommodations for eleven more.
-Four of the inmates were entered some
time ago and three were received FRIDAY
night. These latter were. Rubie May
Wilder, aged ten years; William II; Wild
err. aged nine years, and Percy ID. Wilder,
AGED five wears, all children of the late
John u. Wilder and wards or Roman
Eagle Lodge, No. 1872, of Danville.
PRETTY PLACE.
The Masonic Home IL about one mile
from Richmond on the Nine-Alile road and
lust opposite the East Richmond post
Office, established not very long ago. The
beauty of the place attracts all who travei
this thoroughfare gong to and from
Seven Pines.
The Home was founded through the mu-
nifcence of Captain A. G.. Babcock, who
first donated $1,000 for its establishment
and then gave the house and 4413 acres OF
land where it ia located,
The management have put the place IN
perfect order. The buildings arc, In an
excellent condition and the whole sur
roundings indicate care and attention.
ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT.
The first active step in the direction of
having such an institution was taken on
the 18th day Of December, 1888, when
Worshipful David J. Weisiger. OF Man.
chester Lodge. No. IA. oiieredln the Grand
Lodge of Virginia resolution, which was
adopted, dire ting the appointment of a
committee of five, to whom should De re-
ferred the question as to the practcabliity
OF establishing Masonic orphan asylum
for the care and maintenance OF orphans
Of deceased Master Masons In good stand
ing in the State of Virginia.
One wear later that committee. which
consisted of Aessrs. A. X. Courtney, ID. ).
Neisiger. William II. Isaacs. !. ,. Tower,
and j. Thompson Brown. reported that ~
was eYpedient to establish a Masonic
Home. and that the work might be com-
menced at once. and recommended that
the Grand Master be authorized TO APP.
point Board of Governors to CONSIST OF
nine Master Masons, who should proceed
10 take tho necessary steps TO have the IN
stltutlon incorporated, and to secure the
necessary funds for establishing and carry
ing on the Home.
ORGANIZATION EFFECTED.
This committee prepared an act OF in
corporation, which was passed by the Le-
pislature ut its last session, and at meet
mo bald In January las: permanent or
gan;zation was effected with the following
officers: President, A. q. Babcock; Vice.
President, A. X. Courtney; Secretary,
William b. Isaacs; Treasurer, John 5. FL
lett.
(president), A. r. Courtney (vice-presi-
dent), b. Il. Wexford, Jr., David j. Welsh
ger, J. Thompson Brown, John ), Elicit,
". Lovenstein. l. S. Tower, and George
II. Ray.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Executive Committee: A. g. Babcock
(president), A. Il. Courtney (vice-presl-
dent, John s. Elicit, ID. j. Weisiger. Isaac
Ways and Means: A. G. Babcock Cpresii-
dent, A. X. Courtney (vice-presldent, >.
Thompson Brown, b. r. Wexford, DR., and
Admission; b. r. Wexford, Jr.. Will
liam Loyenstein, and George IA. Ray.
Entertainment: j. Thompson Brown.
David j. Weisiger, and |. 5. Tower.
THE NATRoY.
Mrs. Lucy I. Acree is matron Of the in
stitution. She is native of King and
Queen county and is the widow OF
Brother of Rev. X. X. AGREE, pastor OF the
First Baptist church in Petersburg.
She is most estImable lady, and before
assuming her present charge was matron
of the Virginia Female Seminary at West
Point. Her family consists of a daughter,
who is attending seminary IN Danville,
and several bright boys, the eldest of
whom is about sixteen years of age.
The PLACE WE'LL ADAPTED.
In their report recommending the adop-
&C OF a
the matter was referred said This pro-
perty is situated not more than two miles
east of the city. consists of torty-tour and
one half acres of excellent farming lands
ON the Nine Mile road, with dwelling of
ten rooms i'll good order. large
barn and stable recently built, and
all the other necessary out-houses:
The dwelling. which is mainly OF
brick. is situated in a beautiful grove OF
cedars and other ornamental trees, on an
eminence that gives O fine view OF the city
and the surrounding country. In addition
to the natural advantages of the property,
the Seven-Pines railroad passes III front OF
it, thereby sffording easy and cheap access
to it from the city.
In all respects we think the property adj
mirably situated for the purposes. of the
" Masonic Home Of Virginia" aside from
the fact that it is offered to us by Captain
A. G.. Babcock without money and without
price-a free-will Offering for the benefit of
the noble charity intrusted to our charge.
For the present only orphans Will be
cared for, but the officers hope III the near
future to have su iiicient funds to accommo-
date the widows of Masons also.