The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-05-22
Elks Dedicate Their Home
for Infirm Members.
AN INSPIRING CEREMONIAL
Governor Montague, Senator Daniel
Tragedian Frederick Warde, and
Chairman Detweiler the Speak
ers- Richmonders Happy.
fstan corresnondenne.l

(Staf Correspondence.)
BEDFORD CITY, VA, May 21.-In the
presence of a notable gathering of Elks,
with beautiful rustic surroundings and
with sweet strains from the splendid
Roanoke band, the work Of Ave years
deliberatlon at as many annual grand
lodge meetings of the Elks was consu-
mated and the magnificent Elks' Ma
'tional Home was to-day dedicated to the
purpose OF which it was designed
Elks from all parts Of the country we're
present and many hundreds OF people
not afllliat!ng with the order were there
to SEQ and hear.
The Richmond party, embracing forty.
we'll known citizens and prominent nlein-
bers OF Richmond Lodge, No. 45, which
left Richmond last night at 1880, reached
Bedford City about 10 o'clock
The trip was not without incident. After
waiting two hours In Petersburg for
the Norfolk and Newport News contin-i
gent. and just as tho train reached the
nve-mile crossing of Petersburg on Its
way to Bedford City the truck on the
tender Of tho engine jumped the track
Fortunately high rate OF speed had
not been reached. and by quick work on
the part OF the engineer. what might have
been most serious accident was avert
ed
1T took over an hour to get the engine
back on the track. when another ono was
brought from Petersburg, and then some
of the lost time was gained.
THE GANG ALL THERE.
Governor Montague who was ono of
the Richmond party. being member
Of No. As. enjoyed a good nights rest
but no was about the only one who did.
for the jolly members of the party kept
things busy all night with song and Jest,
the favorite song being the old familiar
oP al al tho CIanp'a All
Here" led by Captain Cunningham and
Mr.. Tom Hicks.
Mr. Phil G.. Kelly of Richmond, dis
trict deputy Of the order for Virginia,
was master OF ceremonies at the dedca-
tlon ceremonies.
The scene in and around the beautiful.
building was inspiring. The Blue Ridge
Mountains and the Peaks of Otter In the
background with beautiful green fields
and groves Intervening, made a picture
never to be forgotten, with the general
surroundings of rustic simplicity and
calmness that will lend charm to the
declining days Of the old Elks as they
stroll among the flowers and trees, and
meet In the shade Of broad verandas and
repose In the seclusion of their own
sumptuously furnished apartments.
There is not a hotel In the State that
can boast OF finer decorations, fixtures or
furnishings. Heavy brussels. mats and
carpets cover the halls, waitng-rooms
and parlors Electric lights hang from
every room, and all the rooms claim
fine views of the surrounding country
with the pretty little town Of Bedford
City nesting down behind the hill in
the foreground.
TETD CEREMONIES.
When the ceremonies began, the halls
and lawns OF the big buildings wero pack
ed densely with men, women and children
and when District Deputy Phil C, Kelly
arose to Introduce the first speaker, he
was faced by several thousand people.
An invocation was offered by Rev.
Dallas Tucker. member Of Lodge No. 145,
Portsmouth. O., now rector of st. Johns
ing this. Mayor ]. Lawrence Campbell
of Bedford City, welcomed the visitors in
n brief speech, lie referred to the pleas
ure 1t gave him to speak on @uch an
occasion In view of the fact that the
home came hero In the face Of desire
from all other sections of the country.
for the location Of the home His re-
marks were pllnotuated with applause.
Then Chairman Kelly introduced Gov
ernor Montague, the next speaker. Cheers
rang through tho grove for several min
utes as the Governor arose and extended
n welcome to the visitors in behalf of the
State.
THE GOVERNORS SPEECH.
Flo said in part: ut Is difficult to give
expression OF welcome to so notable an
assemblage for the mission OF your pres
ence works the silent rapture of hospital-
ity AS distant as may be Your homes
and as varied as may be SNur occupa-
tlons. still you come in response to
common purpose--chaiity. that radiant
virtue of humanity.
"But If the people Of any State can
welcome the people Of other States of