The New York herald., 1873-08-22
MASONIC CELEBRATION.
Dedication Of the Great Temple in Philadel-
phia-An Immense Gathering Expected
Preparations for the Tournoi Of
the Knights Templars-Im-
posing Ceremonies.

throughout the country by the Grand Commander
OF this state give evidence that the dedication OF
the great Temple on Broad street will witness the
gathering OF one OF the largest bodies OF Masons
that ever assembled together at one time In the
history OF the Order Responses have been received
from upwards Of two Thousand lodges
the Union and the Continent
,of Europe, each pedging the attendance of full
delegations in this city on the 25th Of September,
and many are yet to be heard from. Preparations
are now being made for the reception and accom-
modaton Of 900 visiting brethren, and it is con-
ndently expected that the crowd VIII be as great
Is upon the opening Of the Centennial buildings
workmen are now busily employed In giving the
finishing touches to the various chambers OF this
immense structure and it is anticipated that every
thing will be completed by the lst or 10th OF Sep
tember. The grand banquet hall is being put in
trim for the dedicatory feast and the Norman,
Ionic and Egyptian halls are each ready for inspec-
ton. The other apartments will be thrown open
In O few days, when visitors viii be admitted.
THE T0URNoI OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARs,
on the 25th ofSeptember, will be Of the grandest
and most imposing Masonic displays ever witnessed
in America, as 1t Is expected that the picked men
out of the great army OF Sir Knights will undergo
competitive evoutons The project Of gath
ering Of Knights Templars and grand
tournoi by them belongs to one OF
the city Communicates, where 1t was first brooched
in May last. 1t grew into such universal favor
that hattering responses were received from the
several commanderies, and committees were ap-
pointed for the furtherance Of the object.
meeting was subsequently held in the Asylum,
Chestnut street, above Seven th and the following
Sir Knights were authorized to represent their
several Communicates:
Sirs Ellsworth IL Uuts william r. McCullv and
William d. Kendrick of Philadelphia No. l.
Slrs John Thomly jeremiah L. Hutchinson and
sirs Harrison E: CLARK, Comfy j. Mather and G.
Sirs william J. Kelley, Charles E. Mayer and Will
liam II. Heck, OF Mary No. 81.
SirS Horace +. Bum, Richard G. Oelers and II.
Lloyd Lee, OF st. Adams. No. Al.
After the appointments were confirmed Sir
Knight Kelley introduced the following
which were passed.
That The Ss mn , t. be given aS be g
the % the the
ton of the new Masonic Temple.
AS there was but one obstacle in the wav, the
Right Eminent Grand Commander Of the State OF
Pennsylvania, since without his sanction the busl-
ness could not proceed, and on motion OF the same
Knight II was
procure from the r. T. Grand Commander of the State
dspensaton. to allow the holding OF the tourno
This sanction was received, as will appear by
the following communication received from that
eminent Of1cial:-
GRAND COMMANDING KNIGHTS TEMPLARs OF EyNsY-l
vANLA.
OrrcE OF THE r. E. GRAND COMMANDER,
To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN -
Whereas application has been made to me by the Com
manderies OF philadelphia, through their several ccm-
mittees dispensaion TO celebrate the dedication
their new Masonic Temple Broad street rect PhiaaeIgha M
appear In full Templar uniform And whereas 1t has
Sr re%Rs display panS tnSw ys taa
Knights Templars of Pennsylvania, by virtue
oarmon to the Knight. %empars in fhadepkis to
appear in full Tempar uniform at the above mentioned
toirno, care being had that nothing occur which
GRANT wEIDMAN, X. f. Grand Commander.
THE EXHIBITION DRILL
of the Sir Knights will be striking feature Of the
tOurnoi. 1t will commence at halfpaAt eight p. M.
and terminate at quarter TO ten p. NJ, each COM
mandery being allowed fifteen minutes for their
drill.
but are to be procured only through subscription.
They were issued but yesterday and Will be speed j
lily delivered The following order recently issued
In relation to the event, Will explain ITSELF
HEADQUARTERS THE UNITED COMMANDMENTS stationed
Philadelphia, Masonic Hall, Chestnut above Seventh.
Parties accepting tickets to the Grand Iournoi Of
rules The House Committee reserve the right to refuse
the admission Of person bearing ticket The repu
s and Seeors tie scrutiny Viii be
observed.
Several OF the finest bands OF music in the United
States will be present at the dedication ceremonies.
Among the number will be Glmore's OF Boston
Hassler's, of this city; DodwOrth's, OF New York;
the Marine Band OF Washington, and the Garrison
Band from Governors Island.