The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-30

and her life tho almost unreasonable
words we have just penned. She came 10
this city nearly half a century ago. with
her husband, who. early In 1872 succeed
ed Rev. DR.. Stiles as pastor Of what was
then known as the "Shockoe Hi Pres
byterian church." situated at the corner
OF Franklin and Eighth streets. This
building was burned at the evacuation or
the city IN 1855. and through the deter
mined efforts OF DR.. and Mrs. Read and
their devoted people. aided by the ltberal-
ity OF Christians all over the land, tho
handsome church at the corner OF Fourth
and Grace streets was finally erected. No
one who took part in the prolonged and
tremendous struggle Of that noble oongre-
cation can ever forget It, and wherever
and whenever 1T is remembered. there
will be recalled the pale, sweet, resolute
face, the Impressive, inspiring, all-com-
pelling will--the dauntless. deathless
courage-the superhuman contagious en-
erry OF this marvellous little woman.
But her work was not alone In build
ing churches: she filled them with people
as well. The Sunday school, the Dorcas
Society. the poor. the outcast the wan
dering the tempted. the afficted-all re-
cognized her as their leader and guide,
their helper and comforter and friend.
II Is questioned whether there have ever
been lived in Richmond fifty years OF
grander, sweeter service than these. Two
features specially marked them. One
was that Mrs. Read not only thus herself
worked tlrelessly for God and man. but
she had the faculty Of setting other
souls on fire with the same unselhsh,
consuming devotion.
The other feature Of her life and char
acter which deserves special mention in
this connection IL. that she was far from
that type OF religious devotee who is
interested IN everything except her own
household. No, indeed. this many-sided
little woman was as supreme and as SUI
prcmaly devoted within her home as
without IT, She was an exquisite house,
keeper. Her house was always n model
of neatness and comfort. and as tasteful
" adorned as the moderate means Of a
Christian minister would allow. She was
the soul OF hospitality. Her attractive
home was often the home Of the home
less. always the home OF her friends.
Busy as she was. she was never too busy
10 minister to their comfort or enjoy their
society
She was a peerless wife. a matchless
mother, a wise. sympathetic faithful
friend. Her soul was as unselhsh, as
sincere. as guiloess. as artless as the
soul OF a lovely infant yet she was as
wise. as sweet. as strong as woman ever
was.
Il Is sad beyond expression that the
law of life here below is the law Of de-
cav and death. Such a soul does not die
II does not even grow old: but IT must
eventually wear out the body. as hers
did. To the very last. however. her intel
lect and will and affections were what
they had ever been: and. even after hei
physical vitality seemed utterly exhaust
cd her unselfish anxiety for the comfort
and well-being of her husabnd and every
member of her family, and even FOL
every interest OF her every friend. sur
vived up TO the very hour of her de
parture. undiminished.
She did not die-she only ceased 10 live
here. on Friday evening. after frml!
and wisely disposing of a matter of som'
difficulty and complexity she took he
nouishment and medicine for the las
time-closed her eyes. and clasping ne
daughters hand. gently and sweetiy wen
| 10 sleep: and, behold when they awoke
the daughter was here-but the mother
| was There.
80. He giveth His beloved. sleep
The funeral services will be held at Tho
Grace-Street Presbyterian church, corner
| Fourth and Grace streets, Monday after
| noon, at $3.50 o'clock.