Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-06-25
ST. JoHN's.DAY.
Dedication of the Masonic Temple.
Address of G. S. w. James d. Richardson

Yesterday morning, with its lowering clouds
and falling rain, looked inauspicious for the as
sembling of a large concourse of Masonic Ylsl-
tors to participate in the dedication ceremonies.
But notwithstanding the unfavorable weather,
a large number were present. representing
nearly score of Lodges, Chapters, etc. AT
the appointed hour, Il P. NJ, the procession was
formed under the direction of Marshsls j. NJ.
Thornburgh, and James b. Pickens,
after the order always observed in Masonic pro-
.cessions, viz: Master Masons, Royal Arch Ma
sons, Knights Templar, all followed by the
Grand Officers. Preceded by the Mechanics
Cornet Band the procession moved down
Clinch street and thence in the order published
in the CHRONICLE of Sunday morning.
Arriving at the Temple, the exercises were
opened with singing Before JehOvah's Awful
Throne, &c, to the tune of "Old Hundred, fol
lowed blythe invocation by Rev. j B. Ford, pas
tor of the First NJ. f. Church. The audience then
united in singing Master Master Supreme Accept
Next came the interesting dedication cere-
monies peculiar to the fraternity, conducted by
citing Grand Master, John w. Paxton, assist
"a by W. II. Lillard as Deputy Grand Master
L, H. Rogan, as Grand Senior Warden, II. NJ.
Aiken, Grand Junior Warden, James Rodgers,
=
err James Cotton and Henry Davis Grand
Sword Bearers, James D. Almond, Grand Tiler,
VIM. Aiken. John H. Morgan and Joseph 81.
Sheppard, Lights, Rev. 4. T. Lyon, Grand
Chaplain, A. G. Bruce, Grand Architect, and
brothers Robert Vestal, John Mccoy and Z. T..
McCroskey. The ceremonies were performed in
an impressive manner, and seemed to be
regarded with interest by the large number of
visitors present. The music which was inter
spersed throughout the ceremonies was led by
Fred II. Page as Organist and by Mr.. and Mrs.
Barton, Mrs. Wicks and other vocalists of the
city.
AT the close of the dedication ceremonies and
after music by the Cornet band, Brother James
d. Richardson, the orator of the day was intro
duced with a graceful little speech by Nat s..
Woodward w. NJ, of Masters Lodge, No 244,
who delivered an Interesting and eloquent
occupying about thirty-fve minutes time, which
was listened to with marked attention. He dwelt
upon the grand achievements of Masonry in all
ages of the world, and upon the conquests in
behalf of the grand principles of the Order.
Its mission is high and divine. 1t has relieved
the suferings of the human race, bad espec-
tally of those Of its own household for many
centuries in the past, and will continue so to do
in all time to come. Love, Charity and Benev-
olence are principles cherished and cultivated
in the fraternity, and such principles give it a
foundation as lasting as the eternal hills.
The speaker answered many of the objections
to Masonry, showing that none of them are
well founded The objection sometimes urged
that women cannot become members of the
Order he answered by saying that women are
MaSons by nature. Wherever suffering or dis
tressed humanity is to be relieved woman is
there, and needs no human obligations to teach
her her duty, As well teach the brook HOY to
murmur as it glideS over the pebbles, or the
stars how to shine from the armament of heav-
en-, as to teach woman how to relieve the suffer-
ing. The speaker was grandly eloquent on this
hinnt and olicitaH hoo nj onnionca A lthOunh
he delivered this address on short notice, we
have heard it highly spoken of by those who
heard it, and it seemed to be entirely satisfactory
to the brethren.
After music by the band, the benedicton was
by Rev. w. J.. Lloyd, and the
large audience dispersed large number of
the ladies of Knoxville and surrounding cOun-
try hOnOred the occasion with their presence.
We have heard the audience within the hall es-
timated at FIVE hundred persons, and there were
a great many who failed to obtain seats, or to
gain an entrance. Many went away sadly dis
appointed. Taking the weather into consdera-
ion, the entire programme was certainly de-
;ided success.
In the evening, notwithstanding the rain was
till falling, large number of persons as
less the installation ceremonies. Before these
commenced. 2. q. NJ. John w. |
Paxton delivered brief but effect |
We address on the subject of Ma
Onry, a subject TO which he has given |
5 much attention as almost any man in the |
'tate. His remarks were well received, at the |
lose of which he proceeded to install the officers,
rst of Masters Lodge, No. pa, the names of
'hom we have heretofore published, and after
Yards of Pearl Chapter, No. "a, whose names
ave likewise been published in the CHRoNI-
LIE.
The large audience remained patiently to the
lose, witnessing the interesting ceremonies at
ending the installation. And so closed the eIer-
ses of day that will long BIO remembered by
re fraternity. Knoxville Masons feel proud
yer the completion of so elegant a hall, and
ley have a right to be. 1t is hall of which
ley may feel proud for years to come 1t is
ow one Of the finest halls in the State, and it
as but few equals in the South.
L. d. o. 4.