BY ANTHONY R. DEES

Archdiocesan Archivist

A Christmas collection in every parish of the archdiocese is taken up for St. Joseph's Village, a residential treatment center for children. The Village is a modern descendant of a Catholic orphanage heralded for its care of children that was called St. Joseph's Home, run by Sisters of St. Joseph and located in Washington, Ga. This true story recalls a touching gift given to the home many years ago.

ATLANTA--In May 1962, the Archdiocese of Atlanta received notice of a bequest to the St. Joseph's Home for Boys. The donor was unknown and the bequest was unexpected.

The trust officer of the bank named executor of the estate provided some information. James Reid was an itinerant salesman who claimed Athens and Clarke County as his legal residence. Reid, a crippled man, sold pencils on street corners in various towns. At the time of his death he had resided for several months in Griffin at an inexpensive hotel. The manager cared for Reid during his final illness.

After his death the manager inventoried and packed his meager personal effects consisting of a few articles of clothing, toilet articles, pencils and a pair of wooden crutches. These were shipped to the executor.

Reid's will, dated April 6, 1956, stated that he was to be buried in the cemetery of the town in which he died. It further stated: "I have no known relatives, and I direct that the rest and residue of the property, both real and personal that I die possessed of, shall be turned over to the St. Joseph's Catholic Home in Washington..."

On Oct. 30, 1963, a check for $4,284.34 was mailed to St. Joseph's Home. The sisters and children remembered their benefactor in prayer.