Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-02-08

Territory of Florida
"But we are not assembled here to discuss
the utility and moral tendency of ourorder.-
This would be theme of no ordinary latitude
a theme only commensurate with the generous
impulse and feelings ofthe human heart, which
on proper subjects and proper objects, have no
bounds, and in the breast ofevery true and &C
cepted Mason, "whose mother country is the
world," extends to the verge of the habitabie
globe. No, we are met together as Masons,
to assist in the ancient usage and ceremony OF
laying the foundation stone of public build
ing, and that building is the Capitol OF Florida.
On the importance Of this act, it would be un-
necessary to enlarge to you as brethren OF the
mystic tye; but on the event that led, and the
happy results that are to succeed, the establish
ment Of the Capitol, shall claim the endurance
Of few remarks, from one who not only as
member Of the craft, bu. as citizen oil this
Territory, feels an intense interest IN Whatever
concerns the character, welfare and happiness
of both.
"But few years have passed down the stream
of time, since this Territory was admitted to
the great and exalted privilege ofreclining up
on the strong and protecting arm OF the first
Republic in the world. Ofall the events that
are calculated 10 strike the mind and rivet the
attention Of the political philanthropist, none
afford more animated interest, or claim
more distinct pause, in the course OF his ethnic
observations, than the tlanfer, by the constitu-
ted authorities of nation, OF whole commu-
nity, together with the soil they inhabit, into
the possession of another sovereign and indie
pendent power. 1t is subject replete with IN
terest Of the most intense character-it affords
occasion for the development of those specula-
tive faculties of the soul, which more partcu-
larry distinguish the philanthropic and obsery-
ing mind, But how much more elevated is the
strain the subjec, assumes on the mind OF
Mason, and how much more important were
the results accruing TO large portion OF the
brotherhood, who at the moment the joyful
news was proclaimed, became "heirs and joint
heirs" to all the blessings attendant on purely
free and enlightened government. Nor could
the felicity be less esteemed, by an advertance
to the fact, that the despoti' government under
which the Spanish inhabitants Of this territory
lived, was vitality opposed to the existence OF
any of our Order within its jurisdiction; and
punished the members of the craft, whenever
found 10 be such, with all the terrors Of the In
QUESTION. Yes, my brethren, il is subject OF
high exultation to US as Masons, as well as phi
lanthropists, that we have been permitted by the
Great Architect Of the Universe to extend an o.
pen & undisguised exercise Of the functions OF
the craft to our worthy and prosecuted brethren
of the East and West, and that we are more par
tcularly on this occasion, by the very essence &
spirit Of our free institutions to perform one a
mong the many important usages & ceremonies
of our order. Would ithave been been believed,
five wears since, by the afflicted brethren Of the
mystic tye, then residing within the provinces oil
Florida, (for all are such who dare not exercise
openly the functions Of the craft that not only
the sweets of interchanging the kind and bene-
VIOLENT offices of the brotherhood, and enjoying
the holy communion and fellowship of the mi
tiated, but the precious boon, and still more ex-
allied privilege of PUBLICLY consecrating the Ca
pitohof Florida, by the ancient usage and cere-
mony Of the fraternity, and thereby affording
them an opportunity of expressing their de-
lighlful anticipations Of the rapid increase and
steady march Of this infant territory, TO that
rank amongst the elder Sisters OF the Union,
which she is ere long destined to enjoy?
GA knowledge of the intrinsic properties OF
the soil, and of the still more delicious and
healthfu qualities of the climate of Florida,
is rapidly extending itself in every part OF the
United States, may dissemination OF these facts,
thanks TO the liberality and instrumentality OF
the General Government, (evnced in the dona-
ton to our most worthy and distinguished bro
Their La Fayette, to whom we trust ere long, to
extend the hand of fellowship, on this spot has
extended TO La Grange, and we may reasonably
hold to the opinion, without much fear OF con-
tradc,ion. that portion, at least, OF the French
Nation-so well yersed in culture OF the olive
and the vine-will not long remain ignorant OF
the blessings and enjoymcnts secured by resi-
dence in this charming climate, and most free
and enlightened institutions.
"In tracing the remains, and upturning the
sombrc relics which the irresistible and unre-
lenting hand of time has left every where "a
bounding in this interesting portion of Florida,
the feelings and sympathes of the speculative
mason are suffered to remain in their peaceful
abode in his breast; nor are they elected by the
appearance Of any sign, trace or symbol, how.
ever indistinct Of the existence OF the craft, III
this once populous, and, no doubt, civilized
country. One among the ceremonies OF lay
ing the Foundation Stone of public build
ing is that Of depositing copperplate en-
graved with the year Of Masonry, the name
and style of the master of the lodge and its
officers, and the names Of the constituted au-
,horities at that time presiding over the land
wherein the building is erected. The object
Of this interesting ceremony is to convey 10