Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-28
local ann State Mems.
North Observation-Disclosures of Masonic Hall
Manufacturing.

North ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Of Masonic Hal
Manufacturing.
Vassalboro' Lodge, No. "a, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, having established their place
of meeting at North Fassalboro', have been
led by their devotion to the cause and zeal for
the institution of Masonry to erect the past
season a beautiful and tastefully arranged
lodge room, which was dedicated on Thursday
afternoon, according to the ancient rites of
Masonry. The dedcatory services WERE per-
formed by the Grand Lodge of Maine, under
the direction of Deputy Grand Master David
Cargill, and witnessed by the members of the
resident Lodge, numbering about one hundred,
nearly one hundred visiting brethren from ad-
joining towns, and large number of ladies'
The new hall was completely filled. There
was the utmost interest manifested in the SIM
pie but impressive rites of dedication, and I'M
divided attention given to the brief remarks
that followed. The words of congratulation
and advice from the Deputy Grand Master
were appropriate and to the point. He was
followed by George wilkins, Esq. liberal
and kind-hearted patron of Masonry, Warren
Colby, Esq, one of the fathers in the Masonic
Israel, Rev. c. c. Mason of Skowhegan, who
made Mason in 1916, and others. The
sentiments offered by each ofthe speakers were
very kindly received. Fine vocal and instru-
mental music interspersed and gave pleasing
variety to the exercises. 1t was the privilege
ofabout fifty of the brethren from this city to be
present and rejoice with their brethren of No
A. Al.
they will long have reason to remember the
courtesies extended to them on the occasion.
Sleighs with feet-footed horses were in wait
ing at the depot at Getchell's corner, to con-
vey the Augusta brethren, about fifty in num-
Der, to North Vassalboro', and the kindness
was repeated on their return in the evening,
by special train from the corner.
At Murray's hotel, tables were spread for a
large number, where the ladies and gentlemen
sat down to a substantial and bountiful sup
per. This disposed of, the company repaired
to Union church, to listen to an address by
Rev. Mr.. Mason. The nice and comfortable
little church was filed at an early hour. TWAS
the aim of Mr.. Mason in his address to show
what Masonry is, and refute the objections
brought against it. He would tell all he
could of the secrets, but not all he might. In
doing this, he considered the subject in its
moral and mutual relations, and as means
to private knowledge As moral light,
Christianity had ever found in Masonry its
warmest ally; through years Of persecution
they had stood side by side, aiding and up
holding each other. While Masonry holds to
no particular creeds or dogmas, the Word of
God is the corner stone upon which the struct-
ure rests. The blasts of persecution that had
swept over the institution had only blown
away the chaff it could not destroy or inval-
idate the great secrets of Masonry-they
were lodged in faithful breasts. Secondly, in
its mutual relations, Masonry is confined TO
no particular country, but is dfiused over the
whole globe. In thess ymbolical language of
Masonry, all nations hold converse. Charity,
the brightest, purest round in its ladder of
faith, is not blazoned abroad to the world, but
many are the beneficiaries upon which it be-
slows its blessings as silently as the gentle
snow flakes fall. Masonry was considered, in
the third place, as a means of private knowl-
edge. Secrecy is not its peculiar feature
every family has its secrets that are not to be
looked into by the prying eyes of the world; the
church has its private conferences; the gov
eminent its private councils. The knowledge
obtained by the private study of the various
symbols, and the lectures, is the grand reser-
voir from which every intelligent brother is to
draw his strength. The speaker then pro-
ceeded to answer the various objections that
had from time to time been brought against
N ,onry, which might be put in the form of
questions. Such as IF Masonry is good, why
not bestow its benefits on all?" ''Can Mason
~ be more pure and comprehensive than the
church," "Is not Masonry too exclusive?"
"Why not admit ladies to fellowship" All
these questions and others, were answered
with ability and in manner that convinced
the audience that Masonry has in the speaker
most efficient champion. The entire address
is worthy of place among the best efforts of
the many writer's on the subject of Free Ma
sonry. After the address, which completed
the public exercises of the day, the young
people of the village had social dance at
q
very pleasant affair.
Not only are the members of Vassalboro'
Lodge to be congratulated on the completion
of their new Masonic home but every intelli-
gent citizen has cause to feel just pride in
the finished structure. 'The building is sit.
uated in the central position of the village,
and great care has been taken to combine
taste and stability in its construction. The
furniture and adornments of the lodge are an
honor to the craft. The carpet was woven
expressly for the lodge, and the various and
suggestive emblems of Masonry are repre-
scented in the figures. A very handsome
chandelier has been donated by George Will
kins, Esq, who is always ready to assist in
every good work. The large and attractive