The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-02-23
STATUE WAS UNVEILED.


TEMPLER's PREsBNTATIoN.-Y esterday
morning, despite the inclemency of the weather
the Richmond Commandery, attended by invited
Sir Knights from other parts Of the State. assem-
bIed Mt BOsher's Hall and proceeded to the resi-
dence of L. IL GILL, Esq near the corner of 9Th
and Cary, where the C0mmandery formed into
line, and presented with a beautiful hag
bearing the Insignia Of the order the cross star
and serpent.
Sir Knight WN. B. ISAAcs. attended BY the fair
donor, made the presentation in the following
manner:
SIR KNIGHTS This is the proudest moment OF
my existence 0nr firm friend aud ally-who
stands on my left-has chosen me as her organ OF
communication on this most Interesting occasion
She might have found a more elOqueut tongue
but she could not have selected one more ready or
willing To obey her bchests, because they are al
ways right.
IL may hot be known to some who surround me-
that order is founded on the Christian religion
This beautiful banner bears that sacred impress
There il the !HGr-an emblem Of peace on earth
and good will towards en'-that Star which led
the wise men OF the West to the stable in Bethle-
ham. where they found the infant Saw UT of man
kind smiling in His iDnocency and surrounded
18th the halo of its glory.
There is the SrpeH AN emblem of eternity
whose subtlety poisoned the minds of the peculiar
people of God 30 whom He more directly COM
missioned and through whose fundamentally He
might live.
And there is the Cross that ingenious exhibition
of mans ability to construct instruments Of tor
ture t. the flesh, but which has become the Chris
tians hope and comfort, 20 accompany him ..thro
the dark valley of the shadow of DEATH" into TIE
ocean Of eternity.
Then, Sir knights behold the Sar the .Grnent
aud the Cross, aud your eyes rest these sacred
memoUtos of tbs birth the lifs and he deaH OF our
saviour, tnay they stimulate yoG TO the performance
of dHties worthy Of your high ana noble calling
TO You. Sir knights. Standard Bearer and your
associates Of the Grand Comma ndery Of Virginia
! now entrust this beautiful banner. which is pre-
sented by one whose deeds Of charity and pure
beuefceuce justly entitle her to a front rank in
y0nr memories and affections, and whenever il
shall futter il the breeze, when, as on occasions
OF tais kind, participating in the august ceremo.
MES of cOnsecrating n monument to the memory
of the greatest man that ever lived: who. thong b
not of ourparticuar order, but was with us III
heart, body and soul in all professions: OF
whether some gala occasion, when mirth aud
Joy suited to the display; whether on the
tented field, (Which God forbid,) may Knightiy
honor and courtesy characterize you, ever remnm.
csncs your protection, but the Christian religion,
claims your sympathy, your protection, your de
fence aud support. May it never he unfurled in
an unworthy cause, and 10 all future time be- your
constant care as tee oriflamme OF the Grand Com.
maadery If knights Templar of the State of Yir.
ginia.
Sir Knight JAMES A. sCOrr on theTpart of the
Conmandery received the flag in q neat little al.
dress. which We subjoin
Mrs. GILL:-As the Grand Standard Bearer {
the Grand CommaDdery of Knights Templar of
the State of Virginia, the pleasing duty devoIves
upon me OF accepting, in their name, your beauti-
ful and appropriate gift.
As look upon this banner and recognize upon
it's folds the timehonord emtlems of our ancient
order, and remember how glorously il is liaked
with the past, feel that no other incentive is
needed, to draw from me the solemn vow. ever TO
protect and defend it. whenever and wherever
unfariod assured that none but those engaged il.
a Just aud righteous cause will ever successfu Iy
seek its protection But did l need such an in
centye would have it in the fact that this sigma!
mark OF favor and affection from no stranger
TO our order, but from the wife of one whose deep
devotion to, aud untring efforts in behalf of Tenn
plar Masonry, this scene most touchingy dis
plays.
In the early history of tho Christian Church.
when religious enthusiasm led thousands of pinus
pilgrims to brave the dangers of long and peril
Ous Journey, that they might worship at the "a.
viour's tomb, they often fell victims to the wild
and cruel Arab and the cry for mercy wrung from
the poor, way-w0rn deyoteos was answered by a
yell of dirision fran the relentless foe Then IL
was that our order sprung into being, and those
demons OF the desert were taught the mighty
power that lay couched in Templar's lance
Then it was that this banner drew around it a host
of heroic spirits whose deeds of noble daring and
humble selfsacrihce have rendered Palestine a
''storied spot" and their exsloits--embalned in
the heart OF nlankind-will linger in memory .stil
the last syllable Of recorded time"
But we gather around cur banner TODAY for a
far different purpose No cry of persecution calls
for redress No naughty infidei wages war upen the
followers Of the Cross, and under the benign influ-
ence of their principles which teach ..peace on
earth, the Holy City" is open to all. But IS an
escort of our brethren of the Mystic Tie we so
to another sacred spot spot set aside and forever
eOasecrated To him. who FIRST in war; was also
first IN peace" and himst one of the craft first
in the hearts of all Stree and accepted Mason.
We go to mingle our glad hosanuas with that
mighty shout which. ON this, the anniversary of
his nativity, will burst from that vast thronr as
the life-like image of the Father of his country is
revealed to their uplifted gaze
And, Sir Knights as we look upon our banner
emblszoned with the in hoe signo riacss'' of our
iIlustrious order, "the ~proudest motto that ever
blazed upon warriors shield or decked nations
arms" let US remember, that though we are not
warriors upon the battle field 'yet that peace hath
her victims no less renowned than war; and let us
never forget that these words imply lessons Of
truth aud wisdom which should urge eyery true
Templar never TO disregard the sacred obligation.
of his profession.
/ call upon you, therefore, Sir Knights of thi,
Grand Comnandery, and every Sir Knight, hailin,
from the broai mgis of it's fostering care TO bear
witness to, and join me in, my pledge Of fidelity
to our banner.
Permit me, Madam, 20 thank you again for thi
evidence of your appreciation Of our order nd /,
wish you all the happiness this world can give an,
At the end Of life's pilgrimage may you ami yours
and ell Of as, be admitted to that Grand Asylum o.
hi9h WHARF, the hammer over Us viii he Iowa star