The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1863-09-05

ftLl9lo Citizens, Laaies and Gaaitmen
We find ourselves surrounded this after
noon by q large .ccncourse, composed Of
the beauty he piety, the patriotism, the
Intelligence, and the representatives OF the
wealth Of this thriving city, and its pros
ferrous and eiterhrising .tlrrcIndings
And last, though not least, ! see good!y
array of that ancient and honorable fra
ternity, clad in the appropriate regalia of
their orGer, badges which sages and patri-
otS, kings and eInperors have been proud
to wear
\ passing stranger would eagerly inquire.
what can be the occasion OF such con
course? What has brought this assembly
together In the open air, with noucht
but the blue canopy of heaven for a pros
lection?
Have the disorders of state or the raw
ages of civil war. brought the people to-
sether for mutual counsel, or for mutual
protection? Nay: but, abstracting our
scives, for the moment, from the agitation
and turmoil now going Oh in the great
world around US, we are met to lay the
corner stone of an humble temple to be
erectt u 10 the glory of the great Architect
of the universe. Christian Church, in
which the rites of our holy religion are to
be administered, and where the great and
commanding truths OF the everlasting
Gospel are to be proclaimed for the en-
iightenment Of this and succeeding geGe~
rdtlons.
The occasion, then, is one of no ordinary
moment. 1t may well cOmr!idnd the IN
! terest of this whole community-nay the
interest of angels. Surely God himself
must be we'll pleased with our humble
work. Though marred with mperfection,
may he graciously deign to accept this our
pious effort and offering
And now allow me to congratulate the
| friends Of the church in this city on the
progress thus far reached In the prosecu-
! ton of long cherished enterprise.
| Allow me also to congratulate you on
| the excellent programme which your good
| sense and good taste have arranged for
, the occasion.
| 1t is meet and right that the descend
| ants of those noble architects ana artit
! GERS who laid the foundations aud reared
| the sublime STRUCTURE. the temple OF Solo
mon, one Of the seven wonders of the
world should be called to assist on this
occasion, and perform the architectural
work connected with these solemnities.
Though now speculative, they are archi-
| tects aad artiiicers by profession, geometry
CelnS tHe great Scltuce DI tue oictF
To some, their presence and office here
may seem inappropriate and inconsruons
But whoever is posted in the history of
| the past, or even the passing events
of the present days will perceive that
this is no novelty. 1t is g case of common
occurrence. :
The foundations Of public monuments,
national structures, and christian temples,
have from time imnte:horial been laid by
this ancient order.
There IS something beautifully beftting
in the union and joint efforts OF the clergy
and laity on an occasion like this.
The clergy to offer the sacrifices of prayer
and pl aise, and to lift up "hoiy hands in
blessing, and the skilled laymen to apply
the line, the level and the gavel, thus
performing the physical and more sturdy
part of the work; while each, though
separate in their Offices, concur, and bring
together those elements, physical and
moral, which are necessary for the consum-
nation of the great enterprise.
1t strikes me that the line, the level,
and the gavel, would appear Sc in6ongru-
Gus in the hands of the priesthood, a.
would the wearing Of sacerdotal robes and