The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1859-07-02
The HsfaIo Of Ffeeoom
LAWRENCE, X. II.
Saturday Morning, July 2, 1859.
Grand Masonic Festival

The anniversary of st. Johns Day,
June Path, 1859, was celebrated under the
auspices of Lawrence Lodge No. 6, A. F.
AN.
The fraternity assembled at Masonic
Hall, at thirty minutes past one, P NJ,
when the procession formed and, preceded
by the lawrence Cornet Band, proceeded
through the principal streets to the Uni
tartan Church, where the exercises were
conducted in the following order:
Music by the Band.
Prayer by Rev. Chas. Reynolds, of the
Episcopal Church Of Lawrence.
Masonic Ode:
Hail, mysterious, glorious science.
Which 10 discOrd bids defiance
Harmony alone reigns here.
Tome, lot us sing to Him that raised US
From The rugged path That maZed us
TO the light thatwe revere.
Sung by Quartette, Of whom Mrs Adams
aud Mrs. Branscomb acquitted themselves
with great credit.
Music by the band.
L. S. CoRSwALL, Esq, Past Grand Mas
ter OF the Grand Lodge of Missouri, then
delivered, in clear voice and chaste
and impressive style, the following
GRAFTON:
WoRsHIPFUL MASTER, BRETHREN, La
DIEsAND GENTLEMEN:-ltis distinguish
ed honor aud high compliment to be called
upon to stand up as the mouth-pie OF
so large and respectable portion of the
Brotherhood as are here assembled, con-
sequcntiy l feel greatly embarrassed in
view of the responsibility resting upon
me.
To entertain an audience of intelligent
ladies and gentlemen, a man must be full
ly conversant with the subject TO be con-
sidered, as also of sufficient address and
h1ency of speech, to entertain and inter-
est in all OF which feel my deficiency.
This being the first time in my life out
side of Lodge room, that have pub
hcly attempted to address an audience
upon this subject, hence my embarrass-
ment, fearing may tread upon forbidden
ground, that | might reveal some of the
hidden things of Masonry.
But believing, as | do, that Freema-
sorry will bear close investigation, not
only its principles as known to the world.
but those taught behind the veil, there
fore, should | hsedlessly communicate
some OF our hidden teachings, l hope my
brethren will throw the mantle of charity
over it, aud attribute it to my zeal in try.
ing to convince the world at least of its
good effects.
Allow me to inquire of my brethren,
why are We assembled here to. day I? Why
leaVe your usual avocation, your families
a %gu hearth stones upon this occasion
why all this assemblsge of the fraternity
" perpetuate an institution whose objects
ana aims should be met by the church Of
the living God ? 1t is solemnly enjoined
upon the church to dispense charities, tc
isneve distress, to comfort the sick and
Tue aniIcted. Pure and undefiled religion
uenned to be, visiting the widow and
tne orphan, and keeping uuspotted
nom the world. All these things are ex
pec'ed Tor the church to accomplish, anc
tue Inference by some might naturally b.
EI i.a,' that Masonry can accomplish bu
"'ue good. This conclusion, however
grows ont of very narrow view of Ma
iSOury. IL is regarded by many, as mere
:! charitable institution ; and while
81 au ready to admit that one great objec
" It's organization is to relieve the dis
"ssSeu' sympathize with their misfortunes
compassionate their miseries and restor
peSce 10 their troubled minds; yet, Ma
Soury was Instituted for higher, noble
, auu more glorious purpose-that o
I TIaIuihs the world to worship instead o
LUIS the one only living and true God
am aware that this is assuming higl
ground but let US for a few moment
tCok at the facts, and trace the finger O
OI y, from its inception to the present day
2; masonry originated with that wis
snlnS OF Israel. at the building of th
lust Jewish Temple at Jerusalem in tn
! " Of the worli 1898, q period whe
a. nations were Idolaters, even the jew
Go peculiar people; "a people for WHOM
e mad wrought SO many wonderful mri