The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-09-26
GRAND MASONIC DISPLAY.
Great Gathering Of Masons in Philadelphia
Over $50, 900 Strangers Fresent-9rilliant
Scene CT the Academy Of Music Drill
and Review of Knights Tenn
plars-A Splendid Ball.


1t seems as II the entire country had poured out
its population and the mass had become centred in
Philadelphia. Tonight the Quaker City shelters at
least $780, strangers who have arrived since
Tuesday, to be present at the grand ceremonies oil
the dedication OF the Masonic Temple tomorrow.
Not only is every hotel taxed to its utmost capacity
but private residences are invaded. 1t Is doubtful
whether the coming Centennial will call together
al one particular period such vast multitude as is
mere at present. As a beginning to the coming
ceremonies r. W. Samuel G. Perkins, Grand Master
OF Masons in Pennsylvania, held q levee
in the Grand Lodge room at the old
Masonic Temple, where he received the
visiting members OF adjacent Grand Lodges. Among
those VINO attended the levee were r. ". Ewood
Z. Thorne, Deputy Grand Master of New York; r.
w. John W. simons, Grand treasurer; r. w. DR..
James NJ. Austin, Grand Secretary, all OF New York
William Z. Pine Grand Master Of New Jersey,
and officers; John Nichols, Grand Master OF
North Carolina; J. D. Nickerson, Grand Master
of Massachusetts,; Asa II. Battn, Grand Master
OF Ohio; Joseph w. Underhill, G. s.. Grand Chapter
OF OHIO; William Taylor, Deputy Grand
Master of Nova Scotia; John H. B..
Satiole Grand Master OF Maryland; Fran
els Burns, Deputy Grand Master of Missouri;
James Jinkinson, Past Grand Master OF New
York; samuel d. Irwin, Grand Master OF Georgia {;
John Collins McCabe, Grand Master of Delaware;
Thomas H. Logan, Grand Master Of West Virginia,
and several hundred others.
THE GREAT FEATURE
of the evening was the grand ball at the Academy
OF Music and Horticultural Hall. styled the
Grand Tourney Of Knights Templars. The
Grand Opera House, decked in It's holiday attire,
was in perfect blaze OF glory and gaslight. At
least $1,000 people attended this monster fste. The
Academy and Horticultural Hall we're connected by
covered avenue leading from the former to
the latter. The decorations OF this covered
way were gorgeous and imposing. The floor was
carpeted and the walls either side hung with the
escutcheons OF all nations The parquette OF the
Academy was noored over. The background OF
the stage was formed of a tented field scene with
all the war implements as relief Five elabo-
rately embroidered banners OF local Communicates
were suspended from the nies and a banner, with
hung from the centre OF the dome. rhe brilliant
uniform OF the Knights Templars and elegant at
tires OF the ladies formed q highly pleasing con.
trast to the scene. AS Tor dancing that was
simply an impossibility. The jam was
thorough, and locomotion to be accomplished
so mus
Cal lorse was stationed at horticultural Hall.
of the Sir Knanss sAf ina pSl the evening
festivities during which the most intri.
cate evolutions peculiar TO this mystic order were
Past Grand Commander Of the State. and reviewed
by Il. E. Grand Commander Chant Weidman, OF
Pennsylvania. Among the pictures formed by the
processi0nists during the march were the passion
Cross the patriarchal Cross, the Cross OF Salem
and triangle. Another feature OF the decorations
was
A PICTURE OF THE NEW TEMPLE,
made altogether OF pearl, and which IL val
ued at about $4,000. The banquet was
on the European plan, ready ana patron
lied at all hours. Sir Knight Henry
Clark, Fire Marshal OF Philadelphia, was the general
Manager OF the entire AFFAIR, and proved himself
very efficient.
AT the hour this despatch leaves the ball is in
full progress, and the indications are that the
break OF day will overtake the merry dancers.
PROCESSION.
The various lodges OF Philadelphia and visiting
brethren Will form In procession at eight O'Clock
tomorrow morning. 1t promises to be grand
AFFAIR As great as the crowd WAS inside the scene
outside beggars all description. Broad street for
four blocks rom the Academy was one sea OF heads
which required the constant efforts oil battalion
OF policemen to keep In check. With great
dficulty an avenue for the ball goers was kept
clear. A powerful calcium light on the balcony OF
the Academy shed rag oflight on Broad street as
FAR north as the La Pierre House, and added largely
In enhancing the animating scene on the street.
The Jehus Of Philadelphia reap a fine harvest from
the ball.