Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-03
HIS GRACE PRESlDES.
ARCHBISHOP RYAN ATTENDS THE
CLOSING AT ST. EMMNs.
PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR.
4 Observation-Disclosures Booklet In
the Form of u Mitre-SOmcthfng
About the Founding of This Indus
trial school AT BeImead.

The closing exercises at st. Emma's
Industrial School. at Belmead, in Pow
hatan county, which took place on Tues
day and yesterday, formed quite an
epoch in the history of that institution.
Particular interest was taken in the
event, because Of the presence and ac-
tive participation in the exercises of the
most Rev. Archbishop Ryan. Of Phila-
delphla. who IS a close personal friend
OF the foundress and benefactress of the
school.
The Archbishop passed through Rich
mond last Monday on his way to Bel
mead, and returned yesterday on the
early morning train, being unable to
remain to the exercises of the second
day. On both occasions he called at the
Episcopal residence here. lie said he
was delighted with his visit, and spoke
in the highest terms of the institution
and the work being carried on there.
He said he had found many warm
hearts In Virginia, and was always
pleased when the opportunity presented
itself to visit the State. Archbishop
Ryan Is a great admirer and an inti-
mate friend Of Bishop Van de Vyver,
and was much; disappointed at the alb
sence of the latter from the city, the
Bishop being on pastoral visit to seve-
raj churches in the diocese.
PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR.
The feature OF the ceremonies at Bel
mead was the presentation to Arch
bishop Ryan Of a handsome souvenir,
commemorative of the twonty-ffth an
niyersary Of mis- elevation to the Episco-
pate. which he celebrated recently in
Philadelphia.
The souvenir is a full-size reproduce
tion of Bishops mitre in the form of a
ffteen-page booklet 1t Is printed I'm
purple and silver on white satin and is
embellished with allegorical silver bells
running down the sides on a gold cord,
typifying the congratulations of the in
stitution TO the Archbishop on the occa-
sion of his silver jubilee and the hope
that he may live TO celebrate his golden
jubilee
on the cover appears this original
quatrain:
Chime. chime sweetly. joyous bells,
Our Grace's silver jubilee.
Hail. Priest of God, our Father dear,
May they ring in your golden year."
a jubilee song composed for the occa-
sion, was sung, and some felicit0us
speeches were made by the clergy pre-
sent and other prominent guests
A number of selections were given by
the vocal and instrumental organizations
Of the school, which have attained a
high degree Of efficiency. The Arch
| bishop delivered a stirring address, and
the prizes were delivered by Colonel Ed
ward de V. Morrel Other awards were
made yesterday, and the session was
finally closed.
FOUNDED BY DREXEL'S DAUGHTER.
The school is situated on one of the
most picturesque plantations on the up
per James. 1t lies just across the river
from Rock Castle Station, on the Chesa-
| peake and Ohio railroad, and is about
| forty miles from Richmond, on the old
| Allegheny Division. The estate was pur-
chased from General Philip St. George
Cookies estate some years ago by Mrs.
Edward Morrell nee Drexel, Of Philadel-
phia daughter of Mr.. y. j. DreXel, the
wealthy banker of the firm Of Drexel
e Morgan. She and her sister, Miss
Katherine Drexel. became interested in
the elevation and education Of tho In
dian and the negro. Miss Katherine
Drexel founded an industrial school for
Indians I'm the West, and Mrs. MOrrcll
founded St. Emma's School al Belmead,
and placed the institution under the di-
rection Of the Christian brothers.
Brother Joseph is the superior of the
order. and his eminent success in bring
ing the school to such a high standard,
Is recognized on every hand. Rev. Father
Haley is the spiritual director.
MODEL, INSTITUTION
The estate on which the school is built
comprises LOO acres. The buildings are
numerous and most complete, and no
expense is spared to make the institu-
ton a model one, as. indeed it Is.
Miss Katherine Drexel founded the re-
llgious order known as the Confraternity
OF the Blessed Sacrament, of which she
is now Mother Superior, having taken
the veil The novitiate of the order Is
established at Maude, Penn, near the
city of Philadelphia.
The sisters Of this community devote
their lives solely 10 the education Of the
Indian and colored races.
Rev. Mother Katherine has lately pur-
chased the estate adjoining Belmead, and
has erected buildings on it for a colored
girls school, which is shortly to be put
! in operation.