“This is our only stipulation—that it be administered prudently, scientifically, but with mercy and in the spirit of Christian charity.
“We have no fear, Bishop, that the money which we have given to the Nazareth Home will ever be diverted from the purpose for which we intend it. We require no bonds from you, for your high standing makes the ordinary safeguard of business in this case unnecessary. Into whatever hands you entrust it, we feel certain that they will execute what we plan.
“You, ladies of the Queen’s Daughters, honor us with your presence here today. You have presided at the formation of this work; your ideas are here incorporated and you have pledged yourselves to its support; therefore, may I be the first to welcome you to its hospitality.
“Let me then, Bishop Harkins, in closing, hand over to you these evidences that the building so happily completed is entirely unencumbered; and let me assure you that while in doing so I now resign the responsibility which has been my preoccupation and pleasure for several months, still, while either Mrs. Carter or myself live, our hearts are in this building, both for the name it bears and for the work which we have confidence it will never fail to do in our community.”
RESPONSE OF BISHOP.
In response Bishop Harkins said in part: “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, I receive very willingly and gratefully these evidences of your generosity. I express to you my thanks and those of the entire community. There may have been other cases in the United States like this, but this is the first case that has come to my knowledge where a memorial of this kind has been reared to an apparently lost, but not really lost, son.
“This is a very special, a very peculiar case. It shows not only a very strong affection, but a very lively faith. It is that faith that is necessary, a faith in the future, a realization that death does not end all.
“Your son was a Cathedral boy, and when I say that I speak with a considerable degree of pride. He was one of us and we knew him and loved him. You determined that he should live on in a certain way and live just about where he lived when he was here. So you have made your boy to live; you have given him a kind of earthly immortality, if I may use that term.
“He will live in the persons of the poor children who will be cared for here. They will have the uplifting influence of the good sisters, the Queen’s Daughters, the clergy, and all who can help them in any way. Yet it will be he who will be living here.
“I thank you in my own name and in the name of the diocese of Providence. I am sure that all those here present agree that no better example can be given a community than that given here today. There is gratitude in the hearts of all the citizens of Providence for this gift.