The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-06-15
The Address of Welcome by Richard Vnux, ESQ.

The Chairman OF the Reception Committee Sir
Jeremiah l.. Hutchinson, then introduced the Right
Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, Sir Richard VauX, who extended a
welcome to the visiting Knights, speaking as fol-
lows:-
Most Eminent Grand Master-Brethren and Sir
Knights I'm the outer world among the prOfane
other great public occasions convene large numbers
OF citizens from various parts OF common country
custom and prOpriety permit, in the arrangements
for their coming together, that welcome should be
expressed to them from those whose guests they are
This is proper-eminently proper-tor those who
are cropping their way in darkness-lookng for an
asylum and lodge for their protection and for their
comfort. But with us and with you, this form and
ceremony is unnecessary.
Most Eminent Grand Master and Sir Knights -
On behalf of that Masonic organization which is the
supreme sovereign Masonic power IN every Com
monwealth or State where it exists, take occasion
to say to yOu sir, and to these Sir Knights whom
you represent, that the door of the Temple OF Ma
sonry has been opened to you once; 1t never can be
shut against you. Come in and go out as brethren
that is the welcome which is your right and | take
great pleasure now and here to remind you OF 1t.
The Response, by William =. Gardner, Esq.
This was responded to by the Most Eminent Grand
Master OF the Grand Encampment of the United
States, Sir William Sewell Gardner, OF Boston,
Most Worshipful Sir:-In behalf Of the Knights
assembled here desire TO thank you for the cordial
welcome which you have extended to us. Knight
hood has been established in the State of Pennsylya-
mia since 1891, when Grand Encampment was placed
other more recently; but during all these years
while Masonry has been strengthening and flourish
ing, IL never mas occurred Wltnln Jne COnuneS OF
Pennsylvania that procession OF Templars has
taken place. And, Most Worshipful Grand
Master, this in the first time in all its
history that it has received the right hand OF wei
come from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. And
although we might not consider 1t necessary to re-
ceiye that welcome, it is certainly one OF the most
agreeable and pleasant features of this occasion,
one which know has afforded great pleasure TO US
and the gallant Knights of Pennsylvania, that a
Grand Master OF this State has considered 1t to be
his duty to set aside the traditional policy OF his
Grand Lodge and welcome us here. Therefore IL IS
that we all thank him with more earnestness than Is
usual on occasions OF this nature.
DO not desire to detain you any longer from the
exercises TO take place. Your march has been long
and weary, and know that you do not care TO listen
to anything further from me.
The Grafton by william III. Allen, LID.
After the performance OF a piece OF music, Sir
Charles L. Hale, the Eminent Commander OF 81
Johns COmmandery, introduced to the assemDlage
the orator OF the day, Sir William ii. Alien, LID,
President OF Girard College, Past Eminent HTala
Commander OF the Grand Commandery OF IehnsYl-
yania, who thereupon delivered the following ora
tion:-
Most Eminent Grand Master, Right Eminent Grand
Commanders, Eminent Commanders, OUtcerSi ana
SIR knights Of the Temple
the n1uetn anniversary OF st. JOhns CoInIahueIyl
No. 4, OF the city OF Philadelphia, has been deemed
an appropriate occasion for the public demonstration
in which you have done us the honor 10 unite fer-
init me, honored guests most cordially 10 endorse
the welcome which the Right WOrshlplul Grana
Master OF the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has eX-
tended 10 you. We greet you as Brothers OF the
mystic tie, as Companions Of the Royal Arel, as
valiant ana magnanimous soldiers OF Jne Gross.
Philadelphia, so long the Mecca Of the pilgrims OF
liberty is this day the Palestine OF the Chrlstlan
ChlVarY OF America The city IN Whlch IDerty was
proclaimed throughout all the land 10 all the IN
habtants thereof" on the birthday of independence,
tenders It's Inequalities TO its distinguished visitors
from the NORTH the South, the East, ana Ihe Mesl,
who proclaim the almighty force OF TRUTH and whose
watchwOTd Is liberty.
On the 18TH OF June, 1s1s st. Johns Commandery,
No. 4, Waa constituted with twelve members. Like