The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-02

her not this marble becomes henceforth the visible symbol of her immortality. But for those who have been associated with her in her work better monument stands yonder-the Powell sehool-where for so many years she wrought with faith and power and developed those qualities of worth and greatness we this day com memorate. An institution of learning is the best earthly type of immortality A school is a creature of deathless function and endless usefulness; it is the peren- nial fount of hope and joy and aspiration. As it's first principal, Mary A. Cahalan made the Powell school immortal.
 But her imperishable monument is not this marble statue we dedicate today, nor yet the school she consecrated by her loving work, but the faith and hope and love she planted in human hearts. These will live immortal, when brick and stone shall perish and marble crumble into dust.
 She sleeps today, but every footprint she has made in the pathway of life, every flower that her hand now pulseless, has planted to cheer the world every shadow She has lifted from the heart of childhood speaks to us now with an eloquence no orator can command, and with a charm no chisel or brush in an artists hand can ever create.
 She sleeps today, but all of her life has not faded into the night of endless sleep. The lights and shadows of her soul, it's sweetness and nobility, it's power and it's purity, still pass before us like swiftly moving panorama.
 She sleeps today, her mortal eyes are sightless and no sound can penetrate her ears and yet we almost fancy while we tell the simple story of her worth, that between her heart and ours there stlll must flow the two beautiful streams Of affection, going and coming, laughing and glowing, with brightness and fresh- ness that always betoken the sweetness, the gentleness and the divinity of love.
 The Eye of Faith.
 But while her mortal body sleeps, the eye of faith will penetrate the gloom and read in letters of light above her silent tomb: Though dead she yet liveth. She lives today, not in this work of art we raise to tell the story of her life to generations yet unborn, nor yet within yon sacred walls. wherein still fingers the echo of her voice. She lives today; aye, and will continue to live through all the cycles of the future years in those ever widening circles of love and aspiration that shall forever radiate from her life.
 She lives today; in this breathing world of strife and struggle she lives, not only in the vague spiritual sense or
 'The choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live, again, In minds made better by their presence" but vital, free and pure, her noble spirit lives somewhere upon some holy mount of faith, at work no doubt, with what spiritual faculties we cannot tell, to lift this world of darkness into light
 "So to i've in heaven;
 To make undying music in the world '
 And now, Mr. Mayor, on behalf of the board of directors of the Mary A. Caha- Ian Monument association, l have the honor to present to you for the city or Birmingham this completed work of art. to be by you forever dedicated to the loving remembrance of Mary A. Cahalan, the noble woman and devoted teacher whose services to our city and state dur ing life entitle her to an exalted place among those whom the people delight to honor.
 The Mayors Acceptance.
 Mayor Ward said:
 In the history of every city there ever stands forth from time to time some man or woman whose life is an inspira- ton and benediction to its people.
 In the history of the city of Birming ham such a life was Mary A. Cahalan' 5, or more sweetly known to all as Miss Mary
 Thousands and thousands of boys and girls of this community, many of whom have now grown to manhood and woman- hood, still feel the guiding strength of her gentle example, and splendid teach ings
 It was my privilege to study under her for more than 10 years, and it is with a sad heart and yet feeling of pride that along with hundreds of others l now have an opportunity of paying some tribute to her worth.
 MT. Chairman, l now accept this beau- tful work of art on behalf of our munich pality, and I know of no greater honor that could be conferred on the city of Birmingham than the privilege of caring forever for such a monument to one of it's noblest women.
 MT. Rhodes Speaks.
 The Mayor speech being concluded, the band played march, and then Rufus N. Rhodes made a short address in behalf of the citizens. He began by saying that ne thought the noblest creation of AL mighty God was a devout woman. After paying a glowing tribute to the memory of her in whose honor the monument was erected the speaker said that with the inspiration of such a life 1t might be possible for this city to have 12, or 20, or even 50 woman, who, following her ex- ample would become leaders and spiritual forces in this community.
 Dr. Phillips requested the assemblage to unite in singing with band accompani- ment, My Country, 'Tis of Thee" As this spirited ode was being sung the veil which had covered tha mnDl1n1eut loosed, and the statue of Miss Cahaldn, in sitting posture, was discovered to the expectant multitude. There was sup pressed applause, but in a moment the crowd was silent. A feeling of deep solemnity seemed to pervade all present. The Rev. Dr. l.. S. Handley, pastor of the Central Presbyterian church, closed the ceremonies by pronouncing the bene- diction. The band then played Dixie.
 The exercises lasted just 30 minutes, and it was felt that no unveiling ceremonies could have been more auspiciously carried out. Everything was marked by refined taste and each address was regarded us chaste and fitting.
 The monument, including a marble fountain in front of it, but de- tached and separated by 10 or 12 feet, was executed by Moretti, the sculptor whose studio IS Tn Talladega. It is a handsome work of art characterized by graceful I lines, poetic treatment and noble dignity. The sculptor was present at the unveil- ing.
 Hundreds fingered to inspect the monu- ment, and expressions of admiration were very general.
 Personal Notes.
 The children who performed the gentle and loving service of removing the veil