Clippings: Four Generations Join in Baptismal Ceremony

From The Independent, Northfield, Minnesota, 1909

On last Sunday afternoon four generations in the Richardson family met in a unique and impressive service. A few weeks ago The Independent mentioned the arrival in the city of Rev. G. W. Richardson and daughter, Miss Emma Richardson, from Colorado, who came for a visit with relatives. Mrs. Claude Street and son also came from Montana a short time ago and a week ago last Saturday Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Street and Claude arrived from Deer Lodge Mont., to spend the summer vacation with relatives in this city. This brought together four generations in the Richardson family, and made possible the culmination of a cherished plan conceived by the eldest member of the family.

Last Sunday afternoon the members of the four generations met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Richardson, when the sacrament of baptism was administered to his little great-grandsons by Rev. G. W. Richardson. The grandparents on the fathers’ side, Mr. and Mrs. John Street, were also present with the other members of their family, also relatives of the Richardson family, to the number of thirty-three.

Rev. G. W. Richardson spoke earnestly of the touching ceremony, the good old hymn beginning, “Faith of our fathers living still,” was sung by the gathered company, when the venerable great-grandfather administered the sacrament of baptism to Paul Richardson Street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Street, and also to Harold Richardson Street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Street.

Several days previous members of the four generations interested has gotten together at Mehlin’s studio, where a photograph was taken from one of which The Independent has had the cut made that is shown above.

Four generations of Richardsons

This visit is also recorded by Emma Richardson in her journal:

“Father’s health is good, for his age, but each year he grew frailer… We spent the month of June 1909 visiting at Northfield Minnesota. Ella and Florence, daughters of my brother David had come home for a vacation visit, from Montana; each bringing a fine baby boy. And Father simply had to go see his first great-grandchildren. During this visit, he had the great pleasure of baptizing these precious infants, viz: Paul Richardson Street, and Harold Richardson Street.”

Back to Table of Contents