Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-08-04
Spirit If yeGtrson.
C MISCELLANY,

local columns last week, prevented us from
noticing the very interesting Masonic Cere-
monies incident to the dedication of the new
Temple at Winchester on the ed, From
the very full and complete report of the Times
of last week, we copy the following:
The presiding officer, w. Bro. John r. A.
Redman, having taken the chair, the cere-
monies of dedication proceeded as follows:
LIST. Anthem by the choir.
Sd. Bro. w. Ii. Travers, officiating as Dep
Nty Grand Master, delivered a short address,
In which he alluded to the fact that a little
more than a year ago a like assemblage to
the one before him convened to plant the
cornerstone of the magnificent temple about
to be dedicated to the purposes of Masonry.
What then existed only in design now stood
in the glorious contamination. He referred
Co the unusual interest given to the occasion
by the celebration Of both the completion of
their beautiful Hall and the centennial ami
rersary OF the foundation of their organiza>
ton. -...
Mr.. 7. also hastily glanced at some of the
most prominent events in the history of our
country during the life>time of the Lodge
for whose use this splendid edifce has been
erected.
From feeble and isolated Colonies, strug-
CLING for existence amidst the primeval and
savage wastes, had sprung a nation Ofteemlng
xs;tlions, which had stretched out the arms
of its enterprise from ocean to ocean, and
gathered tesether the mighticst elements of
enduring power.
With a feeling of piaintive depreciation he
spoke of the interruption Ofthe national pros
49,. -. Al. .l-.- ....c, ,vIo-> F,,rr,1
wounds were still unhealed, but congratu-
lated the fraternity upon the fact that with
whatever crimes or wrongs or violence the w.
luminous records Of the past century may be
stained, the fair name of their institution
stands nowhere associated, save with the
blessed work of assuaging the miseries which
the infuriate passions of men have inflicted
on their fellows. He said that the lodge by
whose invitation he and the visiting brethren
were present, were inheritors OF the rich and
enviable legacy of an hundred years Of be-
n~cvOlent deeds telling in sweet voices ofSuu!s
that had been inspired with the uoblest aspi>
ratiOus Of despondinS hearts warmed with
Il faith that cieered aud animated them for
any fate of households filled with the SUM
shine of joy of wan and ashy cheeks of sor-
row Ercatlred in smiles of lustrelcsS eyes
kindled with the flashing fires of hope, and,
i'll the supreme hour, of victories over the
terrors of Death itself!
Nc. Travers closed by saying, that it was
meet that such an organization, of whose Ia
bOrs these were the blessed fruits, should con-
struct for its service Il Temple such as was
nov about to be dedicated, and expressed
the earnest wish that the memory of the deeds
al these who should occupy it would be as
green and fragrant as their ancestors in MI
sonry on whose heads rested crowns of price
less bencdictions.
,. w. Bro. w. r. Denny surrcndcre d up
the building thus appropriately
Most WoRsuIPFUL: Having been en-
trusted with the superintendent and man>
ayement of the workmen engaged in the cons
struction of this + ~lllice, and having accord
ins to the best OF my ability accomplished
the task assigned me-. now return my thanks
for the houJr of this appointment, and beg
leave to surren Ter up the implements which
were committed to nv care, when the fOun-
dltion of this fabric was laid humbly hop
ing, that the excrtions which have been made
on this occasion will be crowned with your
appreciation. and that of the Most Worship
tul Grand Lodge.
18th. w. Brother Redman, as presiding
Object, WlEC Luc UIIOh III ICIIS
BRorHER ARCHITECT: The skill and
fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust
reposcd in you at the commencement Of this
undertaking, have secured the entire approba-
ton of the Presiding Lodge and they sincerely
pray that this cditice may continue Il lasting
III uumcl of the taste, spirit and li5erIlity
Of its founders.
Bro. W. II. Travcrs, acting Deputy Grand
Master, then said
M0sr WoRsHIpFUL: The Hall in which we
are now assembled, and the plan upon which
it has been constructed. having met with your
appreciation. it is the desire of the Fraternity
that it should now be dedicated, according to
ancient form and usage.
9th. Music by the Choir.
The procession was then formed by the
Presiding Lodge, as follows
Julius G. Holmes, Grand Tier.
John Avis, Grand Sword Bearer.
j.. c. Cordell, with a Light.
u. Il. Cooke, carrying the Holy Bible,
Square and Compass.
D. II. Ccckrell and Charlss II. McCGydy,
each with a Light.
+. II. Campbell, Secretary.
VIM. i. Hedges, Treasurer.
Thomas johnson, Junior Warden, with
Pitcher of Corn.
J. W. Taylor, Senior Warden, with Pitcher
of Wine. .- 49,.
w. H. Travers, Deputy Grand Master, with
Pitcher of Oil.
w. Bro. John Il. ~. Rcdman, Acting
Grand Master.
NJ. Behrcnd and j. NJ. Langdon, Stewards.
w. S. Penick, Chaplain.
The presiding Lodge then marched three
times around the Hall, when the dedicatory
ceremonies were conducted by w. Bro j.
r. a. Redman, and the Hall dedicated to
MASONRY, VIRTUE, and to UNIVERSAL
BENEyOLENCE in due and ancient form
according to Masonic usage, the choir singing
with thrilling effect an ode in honor of Ma
sonry, az the procession marched round the
hall, excepting only at the intervals Of the