Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-10-03
The formal Dedication of the MA
sonic Temple.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept 26.-One of the
grandest sights of modern times was to-day
witnessed in our streets, upon the formal
dedication of the now Masonic Temple.
The grand army of Masons that threaded
our greatest thoroughares, the unparalleled
crush of thousands and tens of thousands
of lockers on, The crash music all conspir-
ed to make a scene that will live lOng.in the
memories of those who beheld it. For
months the most extensive preparations
were made for the event whose denounce-
1nent has been 50 glorious and complete.
Not less than ten thousand men, blended
together in fraternity where social differ
ences are forgot, composed the civic pa
geant, and participated, in various capaci-
| ties, in the solemn setting apart OF the mag
niiicent Temple toits proper use.
THE APPEARANCE ON BROAD STREET
DURING THE PARADE.
The line coming around tho corner of
Broad and Filbert streets, moved up the
street in sections d six, at distance of six
feet apart, pursuait to orders, and when
Just above Arch hited to await the coming
up of divisions, which had formed some
distance off,
As soon as the Inc was intact the COM
mand to move wB again given, and the
Allentown Cornet Band, at the head, struck
up a march. Thelodges all presented an
imposing appearance, and one seemed to
vie with the other In their black suits,
with ''silk tiles,n hey truly made a host
of accomplished gmteman credit to any
organization. They trud like soldiers,
never once breaking Iteps aud i'll their uni
r...--itJ Of motion. looked like huge ma
chine moving uEder the guidance of single
band. At every point they were hailed by
the waving of hankerchiefs and raising of
hats, all Of which were gracefully acknow-
lodged by he individual participants. The
entire city was out chaperoning it's guests,
and no ones view was intercepted. 1t was
intended tc march to Columbia avenue,
and then retlrn on the cast side, but the
extended length Of the line rendered it ne
cessary to continue up above Diamond
street. 1t was here that the procession
retrograded and marched down. The time
taken up in passing given point was at
least two hours md half. An occasional
halt was rendered necessary, but with this
exception, the line moved without single
interruption.
Spectators kept clear of the street, by
which means view of the entire process
sion was easily had. and when it was con-
cluded, people returned to their homes to
talk over the events of the morning, and
await the return Tome OF their Masonic re-
latives and friends.
After the grandpublic display on Broad
street the ceremonies of dedication proper
took place, and they commenced as soon as
all those who were entitled 10 the privilege
had entered the Tsmple.
In strict accordance with Masonic rites,
the dedication should have commenced at
high noon, but owing to the immensely OF
| thp affair and the vo st crowd who were by
right privileged to be present was after the
legal hour when the Right Worshipful
Grand Master used his gavel, or Tongue
of the Lodge in token that the dedication
was about to commence.
AS soon as all were in their places and
silence prevailed, the ceremonies were pro-
ceeded with.
After the ceremonies, the Grand Master
formed the procession of the Grand Lodge
and it moved three times around the room
and then retired from the building.