ORPHANS PRAY DURING FIRE.

152 March in Squads from Burning House of Providence.

Special to The New York Times.

SYRACUSE, N. Y., Dec. 8.---One hundred and fifty-two orphan boys from 4 to 8 o'clock this morning by the burning of the House of Providence, an institution conducted by the Sisters of Charity, just west of the city.

Just as the boys were leaving the dining hall after breakfast the housekeeper announced to the sister in charge that she detected an odor of smoke. While an investigation was being made the orphans were collected in the playroom and at the same time a wall in the back end of the building fell in.

The children and sisters immediately marched out of the building in squads. In a few seconds the whole structure was in flames.

On the grounds the orphans began praying and singing and many of them were restrained with difficulty from rushing back into the building for their clothing.

The Syracuse Fire Department responded to an alarm, but owing to lack of facilities could do nothing.

The boys, hatless and coatless, were brought to the city and taken temporarily to St. Vincent's Asylum, a girl's institution. At the same time plans were made to have them housed in the old Country Clerk's office until a new orphanage can be erected. The House of Providence was erected fourteen years ago. It was a three-story brick structure, valued at $90,000. The origin of the fire is not known.

The New York Times, New York, NY 9 Dec 1907
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!