Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-04-30
Newell ami Impressive Ceremony.

Douglass, Han, Smith, Stiekney and Thomp-
son. No quorum being present. the Council adj
iOurned until to- morrow at O'Clock p. m
Newell ami Impressive Ceremony.
MASONIC baptism oF TWO CHLDRES.
The first public Masonic baptism OF children
which has ever taken place in the District vas
performed last night in the Chapter chamber,
Masonic Temple, in tie presence Of a large
number OF Mssons, their wives and daughters.
The children were an infant son OF DR. Joseph
W. Naifn, 32d degree, and a son OF Mt. r. b.
MSeGTotty, 18th degree. who were baptized in
Mithras Lodge of Perfection Ancient Scottish
Rite. which is the Cousistory of this Masonic
jurisdiction. The rite was performed o. Thrice
IllustIious p. G.. NJ. Albert Pike, assisted by
Illustri2ns j. o. Sinclair, $. e. w; Illustrious
l.. III. Pike. j. g. w; G. W. Bennett grand
orator; W. VI. Ireland, master of ceremonies;
b r. Hedrich, senior deacon; G.. L. Mute, iu-
Nor deacon; Rev. Mr.. Harris, chaplain; Fl. j.
Martin, secretary, and l.. Stoddard, tiler. The
ceremony OF Masonic baptism has ALWAYS been
celeb.ated in the ancient and accepted Scottish
oTCeT- IL has been censured by many ir-
Teverent imitation of the Christian rite of bap-
tism; but well-infOTmed Masons know that pu-
rHicatiOn by wa-hing was used in all the
mysteries thousands of wears before our era
Afttr the assembly had been seated, Grand
Master Pike gave a short history of the cere-
mOny, saying that il tasght neither hatred,
Intolerance or revenge. After q voluntary on
the osgan by Bro. Servoss, a rap was heard az
the door, and Information given that two chill
dTCn, with their parents, desired admission, the
parents praying that their children might be
baptized, when the Master directed the master
az ceremonies and his aids 70 bring the children,
their parents and sponsors into the Lodge. Soon
after the master of cere monies returned followed
by ore OF his assistants bearing candleStick
with three lighted candles-one " bite one black
and one red-fOrmng a triangle. Following
were two assistants, one carving the child of
DR.. Marin. Robert Brice Marin, upon a cushion
covered with light blue silk, the other leading
the child of MIR. MacGTotty, Edwin Albert
MaCGrOtty; and behind these came the
parents OF the children and the sponsors
The sponsors tor the SON Of DIR. Marin were
DT. j. Ii. Gibbs, sd degree, and Caroline
Il. Davis; for Master MacGrotty, Jerome
Z. Davis, 32d degree, and Mrs. NJ. Walker.
After the third circuit of the room the procession
halted and the candle-stick was placed before
the altar and the children returned to their
mothers, who witn the sponsors took seats in the
center OF the room. The Masonic choir then
sang my soul doth magnify the Lord" After
an Grafton by the Master, in which he explained
the duties and responsibilities which the Lodge
was about 10 assume in comforting the rite, be
thSn asked the fathers Are you willing that we
should accept these duties." An affirmative
resi- onse being given the Master called upon the
Chaplain 10 invoke the favor and assistance of
God, which was done, the brethren ali kneeliny.
The choir then sang the ode, 'Rejocc, rejoice,
fond mothers" The sponsors then took seats
near tho parents, when the NJ aster addressed them
IN relation TO the duties they we're taking upon
themselves. After an invocation to the Deity and
music. the children, parents and sponsorssgere
then conducted forward 10 the altar, on which
wafer, OIL and salt were placed. The Master
theh called the Lodge up, descended from his
throne, and, after few words addressed to tue
group. lighted the inst nee on the altar After
a chant by the choir the Master took the chill
dIen severaliy in his arms. dipped their left
bands IN basin OF peTfumed water. and said:
by this symbol devote thee lin each easel 10
the service OF Virtue and Truth. Nav oUr
Father who is in Heaven keep thee innocent
ard pure OF heart all the DAYS of thy life"
During this ceremony the choir sang an appro-
PIRATE ode. The Master then took the vessel of
Fertumed oil, dipped the little finger OF his
IIsn !, hahd iherein: ard marked il with delta
on the forehead Of each child, saving: 81 set
upon thy forehead the symbol of wisdom mower
and love OF God. May He protect and guide
thee IN right courses all the days of thy life,"
the choir singing mt anw lille the chant " Blessed
are the undehled iii the way" The Master then
replaced the vessel on the altar, and, stretching
out his hands towards the children, invoked a
blessing upon them. The children and those in
charge Of them were conducted to their seats
and the choir sang an appropriate ode The
god mothers then placed them at the altar OF
obligation; the brethren present formed in a
circle around them, each with his left hand
on his heart and his light hand raised toward
Heaven; all tfen kneeled and r. peatad after the
Master TIE sole mn VOW to protect the children
iTCm All danger and temptation until their
arrival at maturity. After rising, the Master
taking the vessel OF salt in his hand reDeated
the Arab VOW which sanctiiies the enemy witt,
Nfom be has tasted salt, and placing n portion
OF the salt on his tongue said: with this salt I
seal my VOW" The kersel was then passed 10
each brother, who in turn repeated the vow
The children were then invested with lamb
skin aIrons, and each was presented with a
Masonic jewel, the Master saying:-"ln tho
name and under the auspices OF the Supreme
Council, DO proclaim these children cOnSe-
Grated TO the service of truth and virtue by Ma
sonic baptism, and amounting after the ancient
custom OF Masonry, TO be wards OF Mithra,
Lodge OF Perfection" This was repeated in
tuIh by the venerable Grand and Senior War
Gems. After more music, the orator delivered a
brief lecture, after which, two young ladies, in
conformity with law Of the Scottish rite,
uibutoIs from all who chose TO give, the same
SO cole cted to be given by the grand almoner
20 The most needy person or persons known to
him, the source from which il comes in pursu-
ance OF inviolable custom, not to be made
known. closing chaunt concluded the cere-
monies.