The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-23
PORTRAIT OF THE FOUNDER
OF The Masonic Home Presented yesterday
Afternoon.
THE PRESENTATION SPEECH AND REPLY.
Features of the Interesting Ceremony-Many
People Present-Condition ofthe
Institution.


with representative Masons and their families
en- route for the Masonic Home
The occasion was, the presentation by the
various lodges of Richmond of the portrait of
Captain A. q. Babcock the founder Of the
Home, to the board of governors.
The short run was made in only a few min
utes Leaving the train at the pretty little
depot, walk of about hundred yards
brought the party to the Home number
had already arrived by private con-
veyances and there everything looked
cool and beautiful The house il sur
rounded by green lawn and well shaded by
large trees, and those who had come from the
heated city were not long in making them
selves.comfOrtable, protected as they were from
the scorching sun and enjoying the full bene-
mt of the cool breezes.
INSPECTING THE PREMISES.
Mrs AGREE. the matron, met the guests at
the door and gave all hearty welcome, and
they were shown over the Home. A large
two-story building with basement and obser-
vatory, and with wide. cool porches running
around. seemed a model of a country resi-
dence The inside presented a beautiful ap-
pearance. and was arranged in style
even beyond that of the average
country home. The parlor and dining-room
were handsomely furnished. In one of the
rooms was cabinet organ besides many other
evidences Of home-life and comfort. The
sleeping apartments were models OF neatness
each snowy cot presented a most in
vitinC appearance. There are now IN
the Home eight boys and one little
girl Each of the little fellows was clad in
uniform of Confederate gray. with brass but
tons.
large new house has just been completed:
and near il is tall windmill, which IS used
for pumping water.
PRESENTATION CEREMONIES
About o'clock preparations were made for
the presentation ceremonies. Seats were ar
ranged for the visitors under the shade of the
trees. while those taking part in the exercises
were seated in the side veranda.
The large oil painting carefully veiled was
placed in full view and at the proper time the
cloth was removed by two of the little boys.
The painting was an excellent likeness and
splendid piece of workmanship.
The meeting was called to order by Major
A. r. Courtney lie said that they had as
sembed TO give expression TO an event winch
was the greatest in the history of the instltu-
ton and which would serve TO perpetuate the
memory of the founder of the Home As
Masons never take any step with
out asking divine blessing, he re-
quested Rev. Mr.. Ray to offer
prayer. At the conclusion OF most elo-
quent petition and expression OF thanks by
Mr. Raw for blessings SO apparent, Major
Courtney introduced Worshipful ID. G. Rich
ardson, who made the presentation speech.
PRESENTATION.
He said in beginning that he could but
reiterate the remarks Of Major Courtney:
In this money making age the Importance OF
this event may not be fully appreciated.
Selfshness forms no part whatever in this
assembly. We have gathered here to give eX-
preston to the full net of that philanthropy
which is seen here so clearly.
We have come here 10 show TO the people
that we love the brother who has so molly
founded this institution.
There is no institution on earth which re-
ceives more love and affection from its men,
bers than the Masonic fraternity, and 1t IS
worthy of all
1t is the Oldest humane institution in the
world 1t has come down TO us through the
ages and through fire and persecution. but II
has emerged in brightness.
He then spoke in eloquent words OF the or
iein and progress OF the order, but said that
they did not love il only for its antiquity. lie
said only few years ago the announcement
that their beloved brother Babcock had de-
termined TO erect here Masonic
orphans home was received with
enthusiasm and JOY. He mentioned the great
work he had done, and said. speaking for the
Mnsons of Richmond, that they would sus-
tain it and let the world see what
Masons could do. Il have been COM
missioned by the lodges of Richmond TO pre-
sent this portrait of the man who through
many years will be hailed as the orphans
friend to the board of hangers of this insti-
tuition Nav the richest blessings rest upon
Brother Babcock, and when at last he may
lay aside his staff, may he sweetly rest.
'lnasmuch as We have done 1t unto one of the
least of these, We have done 1t unto me-"
MASONIC SECRET.
When Mr.. Richardson lad finished Major
Courtney stated that the board Of governors
were represented by the grand senior war
den, Worshipful Mann Page, who commenced
his talk. he said, by telling a Ma
sonic secret. That was that when
Mason was summoned he must obey.
He said he was summoned to appear
there and he obeyad it with pride and
pleasure. He felt it was his duty TO come
though engaged in Petersburg at the Episco--
pal Council 'Nr. Chairman" he said. Il
cannot say anything that would describe what
the Masons of Richmond have done in pre-
senting this picture" He spoke feeilngiy of
the work done at the Home, of the children
sheltered and of those who but for the Home,
might be waits upon the streets.
He said it would be great solace TO all
brethren of the craft TO know that should
misfortune overtake them their children
would never suffer. If there Is spare
dollar in the pockets of any Mason
in the State. he said that should
be donated TO this Home. " In receiving this
picture of our beloved brother. | can only
say. may God bless him and keep him from
all want"
After his talk the gathering was dispersed,
and all went up and viewed the picture.
The arrangements were in charge of the
committee from the various lodges, AS follows
j. S. Moore, chairman; Alex w. Archer, treas
urer: b. II. August. secretary; Fred Peasants,
John }. Crutchfeld. w. g. Allen, Louis Mach
man and A. Il. Micou.
Among those present were d. c. Richard
son and wife. W. f. Drinkard, William
Walker W. d. Sutherland, A. L. Courtney
ID. f. Weiseger. William Ryan, Captain Hulce
and wife. William Lovenstein, j. Thompson
Brown. julius Straus. Philip Whitlock. w;
Fred Richardson w. Fletcher Richardson and
wife, w. j. Hechler. John I. Hughes and
wife J. II. Capers, George G. jefferson. Judge
Wexford. J. l.. Rohleder, G. j. Billups, w. N:
Williams and wife j. S. Moore and wife and
DAUGHTER, Miss Belle Farrar, William j. lsaacs.
J. j Crutchfeld and wife. i. G. Garrison. Il.
l.. Hechler and wife, and A. 0. Burch, wife
and mother
Death of Mr.. Cole.