The Portland daily press., 1868-08-28
Masonic Dedic a,lon Of Hall at skow.


We copy from the Star the following ac-
count of the Masonic celebration at Shawhe-
gan.
SKowHEeAN, Aug. 26.
The occasion here to-day, of which I tele-
graphed you some particulars was grand af-
fair and called together vast collection Of
people. The train from Portland, gotten to-
gether by Commander Mitchell was one of the
finest excursion trains ever started out on this
road. 1t consisted of nine first class monitor
cars and the party was taken through in splen-
did shape. enumerated the most of the Ma
sonic bodies which made up the party, and
what were omitted in the despatch will be
found named in the procession.
By the time the train arrived at Kendalls
Mills it was filled to its utmost capacity. There
was halt of some twenty minutes at the lat
ter place and collation. prepared by Major
Claiming was partaken of. We arrived at
Sko ~hegan a little before two O'Clock, and af-
ter the members of the Grand Lodge had been
escorted to the Brewster Hotel, a procession
was formed in the following order and marched
through the principal streets of the town, un-
der the command of Gen. Isaac Dyer, Mar
shall of the day. az. t.-....
Maine Commandery, of Gardiner, with Band
Portland Commandery, with Band Trinity
Commandery, of Augusta, with Band. DeMo-
lay Commaadery, of Skowhegan, with Band
Somerset Chapter, Bethlehem Lodge, Augusta.
Lebanon Lodge, Noridgewock. Northern Star
Lodge, Anson. Vassalboro Lodge, W it'll Band,
Somerset Lodge. 1t was large procession
and very fine display, but it was hot, dusty
march, and lard trial for the men.
A little past three o'clock the members of
the Grand Lodge, with Grand Master Murray,
passed through the open order lines of the
whole Masonic bodies, and took their appoint
ed places in the beautiful new Hall to be dedi-
Gated, and were followed by as many of the
brethren as could find room to sit or stand,
while hundreds upon hundreds scattered about
the town, unable to obtain a glimpse of the
proceedings. The heat was very oppressive ir
the Hall, and it was quickly cleared as soor
as the exercises were through. The new Hal
is a very fine one, and one of the best appoint
ed in the State. 1t comprises, with all ths
other rooms the third story of the elegant and
capacious nsw block, of which Coburn Hall il
the second floor. 1t is most tastefully furnish
ed, and next to the beautiful halls recentl,
fitted up for the Masons of Portland it is tn
finest suit of Masonic rooms in the State.
The dedicatory services were conducted b!
Grand Master I. J. Murray, of Portland, as
sisted by Acting Deputy Grand Master Alber
Moore and Grand Marshal John w. B Ballou
The dedicatorv exercises comprised Introduc
tory Chant, "Oh, Sing unto the Lord new
Song" Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. c. Fulle
of the Methodist Society of Hallowell, Chap
lain of the Grand Lodge.
The following dedicstory hymn was then
sung, interspersng the impressive ceremonies
of the pouring the Corn the Wine and the Oil
upon the altar
| Genius of Masonry, descend, -.s Ft
And with thee bring thy apotless train; E
| Constant sacred rites attend,
| While we adore thy peaceful reign.
- IDEDICATIoN TO FREEMAsoNRY.l
Bring with thee, Virtue, brightest maid
Bring Love, bring Truth bring Friendship here
| While kind Relief will lend her aid,
| To smooth the wrinkled brow of care.
.foa[DEDICATIoN TO VIRTUE
Come, Charity, with goodness crowned,
| Encircled in thy heavenly robe;
| Diffuse thy blessings all around,
| To every corner of the globe. -- -7
% DEDICATION TO UNIVERSAL BENEvoLENcE.
| To Heavens high Architect all praise,
| All prayers, all gratitude be given,
| Who deigned the human soul to raise,
Rx fta fr.,n
/ The dedicatory address by Grand Maste
Murray was impressive and most excellent in
all regards. His allusion to the older worker
in behalf of the Craft, and especially to tn
aged men representing the oldest members o
the Mystic Tie in the State, some of whom
were present, was most happy.
At six o'clock splendid collation., prepared
by Somerset Lodge, aided by many members
of the Chapter, was served in Coburn Hall
and the visitors were most graciously waitet
upon by the fair ladies of the place.
This evening the Hall is crowded to heal
the Grafton by the Rev. Mr.. Bolles. 1t was
like all this gentleman's efforts, most earnes
and eloquent address, and were it not for max
ing tuiS ielteE DevOnu the HlnltS Oh your Spac
I should attempt brief sketch of it. 1t wa
received with many warm tokens of favor
The festivities of the day closed tonight witt
Grand Promenade Concert.
This morning they were taken under escor
by the De Molay Commandery and then tn
two received in due form Grand Commando
Dodge and his staff and escorted them to tn
cars, and the whole visiting party left for hom
on the regular morning train. A delay in tn
transmission of yesterdays proceedings compel
us to cut short this part of the report and W
are obliged to omit some matters of interes
that the general sketch may all appear in thi
edition. All the way Mitchelrs field pec
announced our coming at each station. som
cheering was done, especially at Augusta wher
the Band played "Concert Medleys."
Arriving back at half past two the Com
mandery escorted home Grand Commando
Dodge and the Rev. Mr.. Bolles, the fome
gentleman making handsome little speech
1t has been splendid occasion and in al
regards an undisputed success.