Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-10-02


lections of the stories of social enjoyments
with which we were entertained at our ma.
sonic gatherings soon after had passed the
points OF the mystic triangle, was that of the
dedication of the Temple. Not that beautiful
edifce which was the pride of our ancient
grand master and the glory of his people, but
the new Masonic Temple in yonder city, and,
how when the Sir Knights of Trinity Com
mandery on that occasion, worn with travel
and oppressed with heat, were well nigh ready
to falter, they heard the strains of martial mu-
sic and saw approaching the broad standard
of Hugh De Payen Commandery leading the
way to their asylum, where they made Trinity
their guests, and where the mystic corn
and wine and oil were widely spread, and all
That wisdom and courtesy could select, and
TASTE ana kindness arrange, was done for the
rest ana refreshment of these weary pilgrims.
That story could not fail to be repeated till
even the younger members of our order were
familiar with its details, and anxious to CLASH
the hanos OF the Sir Knights whose fame
had come to us by their good deeds. We
were gladdened especially, therefore, when
we learned that you were coming to Maine.
and Sir knights, when you came, and we saw
the lines of your Commandery, perfect in
drill, sweeping along our streets with the pre-
cision of veterans, listened to your voices in
our asylum as eloquent in speech, as knightly
in bearing, the hearts of our people were TAX
en- captive, and even now and ever since, let
me say to my friend who has so kindly COM
plimented the ladies of our city, there be gem
tie voices that often ask when will the banner
of Hugh DE Payen Commandery and the Sir
Knights who gather under that standard again
be seen in our city? have yesterday for the
first time in my life, set foot in your beautiful
suburban towns, by your courtesy and knight
ly invitation, have visited your homes and
partaken of that unbounded hospitality which
characterizes our order, and has been espec-
tally exemplified on this occasion.
We find you as skilled in defence, as valiant
in attack. for the artillery of bright eyes and
the witchery of the smiles that have greeted
us from the 'home guards of your organiza-
ton, your wives and daughters, who at your
homes have babe us such cordial welcome
that yielding upon our own fields, during your
visit to our state, we find your knightly cour-
tesies and attentions so full and ample t at
with no suspicion of treason or fault of knight
ly valOr, we could not fail to surrender at dis
erection. As passed through your streets and
breathed the cool air that swept along your
tasteful grounds and lifted the foliage as
we passed, while the spires of the city
were still in view, could not fail to mark
how favored was your location for work and
pleasure, situated as you are so close to this
New England metropolis, where dwells SO
much of the wealth and culture of the age;
where the telegraph flashes the news of the
day from the world at once, and the press in
the next hour has placed it broadcast at your
doors. At the same time your homes are so
far removed from the dust and heat, the noise
and hustle of business, that you have there
what that beautiful singer of your state Graves
In his verse, saying,
Bring us the air of hills and forests
The sweet aroma of birch and pine,
Give us wait of the north wind laden
With sweet briar odors and breath of kline
On such soil under such circumstances
we find the love of masonry fourishng in
your hearts, and exemplified in your lives
that true masonry that has existed before the
temple at Jerusalem was builded, or the pill
lars hewH in the quarries, has here its found
atoms laid broad and deep, and on that found
alton you have reared this glorious super
structure Of masonic knghthood, whose
blessings shall not fail, whose history is that
of true chivalry in the world. Every age il
illustrates it. 1t was the spirit that walked the
hearts of Hugh De Payen and his companions
when they stood wall of fire about the holy
city. 1t was the point of mercy with which
its sword was endowed, and the magnanimity
of its teachings that gave foundation for that
tender passage where Bruce when that vail
ent knight DE Argentine, who had been his
Bannockburn, as the poet of Scotland tells
the story, could even then with tenderness
bid farewell
To the courteous men, the noble race
The stainless faith the manly face,
And bid
Ninians courent light their shrine,
For late wa &c of De Argentine.
Because
Der better knight on deaths bier laid
Torch never cleaned nor prayer was said.
1t has not been altogether perfect but has
preserved the better feeling in the shock of
war, and honor and patriotism has lived and
fiourished under its banners even till to- Gay.
In our own land it is no less true and
in the years that are past SO lately of sorrow
and distress, it has prove the richest and
choicest fruit. In numberless instances,
which time would fail me to name, but which
with those who have fraternized as soldiers
have so fully impressed upon their minds that
they may never be .effaced, there is yet an
other tie that binds us together, of which we
could not fail to be reminded in our march
to-day, for we were of Massachusetts when
the brave deeds were done, causing the mon
ument yonder to be erected, and the memories
of those days and the brave deeds that were
done we claim with you as treasures partly
our own. And in the later time while
massachusetts led the van as in the DAYS of yore
And gave her reddest blood to cleanse the streets
of Baltimore"
we came after, well knowing that it is sufi-
cient honor for brave men to follow where
Massachusetts, men lead the way. And should
our mother State ever be called to draw the
sword to secure peace, then would her daugh-
ter be found side by side with her in the de-
fence of a common country and in the knight
ly exercise of lofty and devoted patriotism.
But l must not detain you. We came among
you expecting much of your knightly courtesy
but your attentions from the time you met us
on your borders even till now, and that has
made our progress rather than a visit,
triumplal march of festivities and gladness,
have far exceeded our Hottest antici-
pations, and we have been forced to exclaim
like the queen anciently, who had visited our
ancient Grand Master, ''the half had not been
told u.s." We shall return with the brightest
memories of these happy hours, and we hope
ere long to be gladdened by their renewal, and
the sight of the banners of Hugh DE Payen
encampment in our city, and greet again its
Sir knights at our homes.