Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-19

though planned with reference to needs
more modest and more primitive, still
have q lesson for us in their embodi-
ment of grace which Is permanent.
Among these latter are certain of
the early churches of Virginia. And
Mr.. Wigmore, with an enthusiasm
which counted no cost of his own time
nor outlay upon the necessary appa-
ratus and auxiliary service, has gath
them as they now stand and impress
the beholder.
His purpose Is not only to enable
the impression to reach those who can
not take 1t direct but also to arouse
an interest in the whole group and
direct attention to the need of efforts
for its further presentation, since many
of the buildings are in peril of decay.
1t Is a laudable and public-spirtted pur-
pose, which should have every SYM
pathy and encouragement. And not
merely for this reason, but because the
views he has secured are so charming
and the accompanying explanations so
informing the library has welcomed
the opportunity to exhibit them"
\ X
MIR. WIGMORE'S specific external
influence and inspiration in the
preparation of this work was undoubt-
edly old Pohick Church.
1t was his privilege, he says, ''to be
actively and intimately associated with
the problems of this old landmark and
heritage of latter Colonial days. and
the realization was borne in upon him
that number of the other old churches
were still battling against time and the
Clements losing fight in many cases.
Thus was fused desire to aid them
to win this battle and to assist in put
ting them in the way of perpetuating
their existence down through the gen.
erations of the present and the future.
Else, be this not done, they must sue
cumb and be added to the long list of
tragedies marking the passing OF many
of their sister churches and of the
homes and courthouSes and other build
ings Of Colonial times. now but mem
DRY or disheveled pile of debris.
las we now visit each church in per-
son or by this pictorial journey we feel
that inexplicable sense of contact with
the past, and the more so II the past
is faithfully portrayed in form and sur
roundings. These churches need help
for restoration of the parts which have
succumbed to the injuries of time
reservations which should be made with
fidelity and exceeding care. They need
help to adjust themselves to modern
times without one whit destroying their
original look. They should breathe
upon us the spirit Of the past and be
seen as our forefatherS say them, as
nearly as may be. II ~ the authors
hope that through this picturing Of the
old churches there may grow in the
homes of our people the thoughts that
will generate help to preserve the
ancient landmarks"
The collection, which consists OF AZ
colored photographs and one map, and
in addition an album of $50 photo
graphs in black and white, is on ex-
hibit in the print division in South Ex-
hibition Hall on the second floor of the
library, and will be open to the public
until the first of October. After this
date the collection will be exhibited
in various cities in Virginia and at the
principal colleges of the State.
Mr.. Wigmore is now making plans to
prepare a similar collection of the old
churches of Maryland and when this
has been completed he will make a third
collection of the churches of New
England.
Valuable historic data has been COL
lected by Mr.. Wigmore in preparing
the legends and description of the old
parish churches Of Virginia. Space does
not permit full description Of each
of the churches here, but, the stories Of