The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-09-20

10 joln in our deliberations as director.
and we pray that he may long continue
so 20 serve this institution"
While yet the historic Providence Ma
tional bank was known as the Providence
bank. In iSi9 William Goddard was
elected director OF H. In 1869 he was
elected president. holding the office by
uninterrupted elections until he resigned
in 1906 Since then he has continued 20
/ hold a dlrectorship
The directors OF this bank placed tho
| following on It's records:
For hfty-aye years Mr.. Goddard has
I served the bank as one OF It's directors.
( and for thirty-six OF those years he has
I been its president. Such a period OF SER
/ vice is unparalleled IN the history OF this
/ institution. and Il Is doubtful II II can DC
I equalled by any hank officer In the land.
While we part with our president. Il Is a
source OF profound satisfaction that Mr..
Goddard remains upon our board and that
we can thus continue 20 avail OF his wise
president. William Goddard. this board
counsel and experience. 20 its retiring
desires 10 express its heartfelt thanks for
his indefatigable services FOR period OF
thrty-six years. Today the prosperity OF
this institution stands as a monument to
his ndelity. sagacity and wise manage
ment"
In 1850 he was elected a director OF the
Providence Gas company. succeeding his
brother-in-law. the late Thomas r. Shep-
ard, resigned He was constantly re-elect-
ed from that date until the present time,
and I'm 1875. the office OF vice president !
having been created. he was chosen to It
and held IT during the remainder OF his |
life
william Goddard's father was one OF |
the founders OF Butler hospital. This son |
was elected a member OF the corporation |
in 1880 and a trustee In 1875. In 1894 he was |
made president The Goddard family was |
much Interested I'm the hospital and freely /
contributed 20 its financial resources and l
10 its Accommodations.
In 1903 President Goddard announced his
wish TO construct at his own expense
suitable gateway to the hospital grounds,
stipulating that the structure should be |
known as the Brown memorial gates
The gateway was accepted and Is now
one OF the ornaments OF the institution
and OF the city.
ALDRICHs TRIBUTE.
Col Goddard's connection as an official
with Brown university was due in part TO
his sense OF duty TO his Alma Mater and
in part 10 his conception of his responsi-
bilty as n trustee to the world for the
wealth which he possessed and controlled.
Becoming chancellor In 1889. after having
long been a trustee. his tenure OF his
post enhanced and strength
on Commencement day. 1904. a portrait
Of Col Goddard In his chancellor's gown
was unveiled I'm Sayles Memorial hall dur
ing the alumni banquet President Faunce
made the address, Col Goddard feelingly
acknowledging the tribute 10 his services.
At that time Senator Aldrich said In part
If were asked TO select a man who
in my opinion throughout his life had y
the community in which ne
lived the most valuable and conspicuous
service. should name your honored
chancellor William Goddard, the first
citizen of Rhode Island
He became a member OF the Rhode
Island Historical society In SJJ lie was
a director IN the Providence Athenacum
for years and he was member or the
Providence Art club.
Col Goddard in 1853 was APPOINTED by
President Lincoln member OF the board
of visitors at the United Statss Military
academy at West Point. and IN 1853 |
President Harrison named n,u for the {
board of visitors TO the Naval acadtny
IT Annapolis.
Another official service rendered BY him
was OF singular character, and rs re-
ferred to especially because IL illustrates
ais accomplishments as an educated man
He spoke several of the European iCh-
guages fiuently Being In Paris during
The Revolution OF lS4S. he was called upon
10 carry secret dispatches from Paris 10
Rome. He acquitted himself OF nis re-
sponslbity with signal success, though
only after an exciting journey.
For many years society I'm Providence
looked on Col Goddard as its most con-
spicuous and hosptabe leader. lie was q
member OF the Agawam Hunt, Hope ana
University clubs and most gracious
host TO many distinguished visitors lie
was a member OF st. Johns Episcopal |
church. was for years a vestrynian, and
during his entire adult life took IA special
interest In it's music. occasionally being a
OF it's choir. He was also deeply
interested IN the Arion club and for
many years took part In Its rehearsals
and concerts.