Galveston County Daily News
Oct. 7, 2007
A replica of an original Rosenberg Fountain recently built at William Temple Episcopal Center, 427 Market St., will be dedicated on Oct. 20 in honor of the late Dr. Maurice Barnes, a 1929 graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch. The reconstruction of this fountain was made possible by a gift from Dr. Warner Barnes, given in memory of his father.
From staff reports
The Daily News
Published October 7, 2007
GALVESTON - On Oct. 20, the replica of an original Rosenberg Fountain recently built at William Temple Episcopal Center, 427 Market St., will be dedicated in honor of the late Dr. Maurice Barnes, a 1929 graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch. The reconstruction of this fountain was made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Warner Barnes, given in memory of his father.
After an internship in Kansas City, Mo., and a residency at Columbia University in New York City, Dr. Maurice Barnes returned to Texas, where he resided until his death in 1988. He practiced medicine in Waco, served on the city council and was mayor of that city in 1962. Very active in the Episcopal Church, he was a member of the standing Committee and Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
The Rev. Dr. Helen Appelberg, executive director of the Center, will officiate at the 11 a.m. dedication. A reception will follow in the Great Hall inside William Temple Center.
Honored guests will include members of the Dr. Maurice Barnes family, historian Charles Meek and his wife, Margaret, city officials, representatives of the Galveston Historical Foundation and Episcopal Clergy.
William Temple Episcopal Center, established in 1963 strives to provide a gathering place for students, faculty and staff from University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M at Galveston, and the Galveston Community.
"It is our hope that everyone will feel welcomed here at William Temple Center and we encourage ownership and understanding of the labyrinth and beautiful gardens, including our new Rosenberg Fountain Garden as a place of healing, meditation and spiritual nourishment," said the Rev. Dr. Appelberg.
The history
The original fountain was one of 20 fountains commissioned by Henry Rosenberg in his will. John Massey Rhind, prominent Scottish-American sculptor, designed the fountains.
There were 12 designs and 20 fountains actually built by 1898. Many of these fountains stood in the center of the street, and as the motor vehicle took the place of the horse and buggy, often impeded city traffic.
The Galveston Daily News reported on Sept. 17, 1932, that fountains were being "taken apart, sent to the rock pile on 30th and Market and chopped up into bits for concrete stones."
At the beginning of 1994, only five fountains were still standing. Since that time, pieces of three fountains were found and reconstructed, two in 1995, and another in 2001.
With only a watercolor drawing of the fountain from the Rosenberg Library files, and one horse basin discovered in the "rock pile," retired teacher and historian Charles Meek of Santa Fe was determined that the last of the remaining fountains be reconstructed. In 2004, even before funding was available he met with center director the Rev. Posy Jackson, and Kay Sandor, a William Temple Board Member and professor at UTMB School of Nursing about the possibility of the Center's participation in this venture. He then set about finding out everything he could concerning the fountain - measuring, and drawing the design and coming up with a 21-step plan for reconstruction, "just in case."
In February 2005, Dr. Warner Barnes of Phoenix, Arizona called The William Temple Episcopal Center. He wanted to donate a fountain to the Center in honor of his father, the late Maurice Barnes. The Rev. Jackson told him of the historic fountain just waiting to be reconstructed, and Dr. Barnes generously agreed to provide the necessary funds.
Construction began in January 2006. Many of the smaller pieces for the fountain were cast by Mr. Meek with assistance from his wife, Margaret.
On Monday, May 8, 2006, the 108-year-old granite horse basin, the only remaining piece of the original Rosenberg Fountain replicated at 427 Market St., was carefully and painstakingly maneuvered into position.
On Tuesday, May 23, the last piece of the fountain was put into place. And today, this historic fountain is once again providing refreshment "for man and beast" as stipulated in the will of the late Henry Rosenberg.
Directly behind the fountain is a brick walk-way of engraved pavers purchased by William Temple supporters honoring various loved ones, some who have played major roles in the history of the center.