Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/107



The Wardens Pew is marked by small plates giving the names of the early Church officers, one of which bears the name of Baldwin Matthews, 1695, grandson of Governor Matthews, the great great grandfather of Rev. John Matthews, of Essex County. On a larger tablet is inscribed:

This memorial has been erected by Mrs. LeRoy Sunderland Smith, President, and the New York State Chapter of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, May 13, 1907.

Each pew stands a memorial "To Great Virginians." The church has been most appropriately styled The Colonial Abbey of our country, making the memorial not only a Mecca but a shrine of America.

King Edward VII has presented a Bible, and President Roosevelt a reading desk, "In Memorium." The Bible given by Governor Matthews, I am told, is still extant "a holy of holy relic."

The Restoration of Old Bruton Church, under the direction of the Rector, W. A. R. Goodwin, is one of the most pleasing tributes to the