Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-23
CAPTAIN BAecock,s poRrRAIT.:u
Many Ladies' and Gentlemen Attend the
Presentation Ceremonies.

Presentation Ceremonies.
large party of ladies and gentlemen
(nearly $50 in number) visited the Masonic
Home yesterday.
The occasion for this unusual gathering
was the presentation 10 this institution OF
handsome portrait of its generous found
er, Captain A. q. Babcock.
The party left Richmond at quarter to 3
o'clock in the afternoon rid the Seven
Pines railroad and reached their destIna-
ton in few minutes. after pleasant
ride.
Tho building used for the Home having been
Inspected, Major Courtney called the assemblage
20 order, stating that the event which called them
together was one Of the most important In the
history OF Masonry In this vicinity. 1.-The lodges
he said, "for the purpose Of showing their inte-
rest and recognition OF the magnificent charity
OF the founder Of the Home have had made
splendid portrait Of CAPTAIN Babcock, 80 that his
memory may be perpetuated. As MasOns never
commence any great undertaking" concluded
the speaker, without asking the blessing OF
God, We viii call upon the Rev. Mr.. Ray for a
prayer"
Mr.. Ray then offered a fervent and earnest APP
peal for the home and it's prosperity in future
ages.
Major Courtney then introduced worshipful
d. {. Richardson, who made the presentation
speech:
THE FERMENTATION SPEECH.
He said that the occasion marked one Of the
most important events IN the history OF tue lh-
stitution-an occasion, however, which might not
be fully appreciated. The object Of the gather
ing was not o selfish one; they had assent ied
for the purpose Of giving expression 10 thcir fnil
appreciation Of that noble act OF philanthropy
which exhibits the bright side Of human nature
which makes the pilgrimage Of life more plea
SAINT in IT. onward journey.
ave are come" continued the speaker, "to
show 90 the people Of this State that We appre-
ciate the work Of the noble member who has
founded this institution. We come as Masons
and as citizens. We think there Is no institu-
ton which receives from It's members more Of
reverence and love than the Masonic order,
Though many are lukewarm the man who ~
thoroughly imbued with the tenets Of Masonry Il
necessarily good. When our brJther determined
20 found an orphans homo the proposition was
received with delight. The three words, Ma
sonic Orphans Home, thrills the heart OF every
truo Mason. They gladly accepted HIS proposal
This house. these grounds are the result Of his
bencfcenCe.
"The Masons Of Virginia gladly accept It, and
we, the Richmond Masons, say that we viii, 80
long az we exist, maintain and support It"
THE PORTRAIT UNCOVERED.
The veil from the portrait Was then withdrlwn
By two bright little orphan boys, and Mr.. Rich-
ardsOn continuing, said: "Here let II hang 20
that In future ages IL will be hailed with pleasure
a. tho picture OF the orphans friend-Captain A.
q. BabcOck. would humbly ask that Heavens
richest blessings may rest upon this Home. May
God and the angels ever hover around II May
Brother BabcOck !"
MAJOR PAGES ACCEPTANCE.
Worshipful Grand Senior Warden Mann s.
Page was next introduced by Major Courtney.
He said in accepting the portrait for the IN
stitution that he would commence by telling
Masonic secret-viz.. when summons was sent
TO them it was their duty 20 obey. He found It a
pleasant duty 10 obey the summons TO be pres
ont on this OCCASION.
"Whon ] thought added he, "what this man
CO... In lan1
understood the teachings Of Masonry, which
teaches charity, I felt that though husily
engaged In other matters In Petersburg II was my
duty TO proceed here 20 meet the Masonso OF Elch-
mOnd who have acted their part 80 well in show
ing their appreciation Of their generous brother
The speaker then referred in complimentary
language 20 the address Of Mr.. Richardson, and
alluded 10 Captain BabcOck, whose portrait was
before tho gaze Of the audience and who would
DO remembered IN future years for his gene
rosity and magnanlmity.
DELIGHTPCL PLACE FOR CHILDREN.
The homo Is beautifully situated IN n large
grove Of cedars, which furnish abundant
shade and render the surroundings pleasant AZ
all hours. The house itself il as comfortably
fixed as possible ana az neat az pin. IL Is tho
roughly hOme-like in every respect, and the ma
tron, Mrs. AGREE, f. indeed a mother for each oil
the little ones, who seem "a happy ns possible
There are now nine eight boys ana
one girl When the visitors arrived yesterday
the little boys all appeared In neat, cadet-gray
suits, with brass buttons and caps. OniOrtu-
nately one OF the merry urchlns lot out the Sc
cret that they had on their SUNDAY clothes,
but this did not by any means mar the good inl-
preston they made
SOME WHO WENT.
Tho company, after spending delightful
afternoon, returned TO the city about o'clock.
The Ladies' Auxiliary Board Of tho Home wore
nearly all present.
Some Of the guests present were Messrs.
James II. Capers land wiie), j. Thompson Brown,
William Walker, John j. Crutchheld and wife,
w. Dellie Sutherland, ". +. Drinkard, d. {.
Richardson and wife, =. WhitOck, Hon. William
Lovensten, julius Strains, George G. jefferson,
A. Il. Holderby, Captain +. p. liulce, B. 4.
August and wife, Fred. Peasants and Colonel
Alexander Archer.
The portrait, which Is an excellent likeness OF
Captain Babcock. was painted by Mr.. Cox, Of this
city.
The committee on arrangements Tor tic Pie
ture was composed Of the following gentlemen
j. S. Moore, chairman; Alexander W. Archer,
treasurer; Il. r. August, secretary; Fred.
Peasants, John j. Crutchheld, Louis Nachman,
W. T. Allen. and A. X. MicOu.
Captain BabcOck reached the home aftar the
presentation and was very cordially greeted by
the members Of the craft.