The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-03
Flashing Swords, Bright Banners and
Beautiful Regala.
THE SERVICES AT THE EDIFICE.
Orations, Invocations and
Songs Of Praise.
BANQUETS AND COLLATIONS.

Yesterday was indeed gala Gay IN New YORK.
and seldom has the city worn such holiday look
in these the early days or leay June, as IL pre-
sented during the time the great Masonic pageant
movee over its paVements. The sun shone
brightly, yet not too notly, on the moving masses
Of the bro thers OF the Mystic Tie, ana the speca
Gle presented was one only TO be seen IN fe-
time. Twenty-six thousand stalwart, intelligent
and upright men were formed In solid column and
marched steadily forward over the route laid down
for the procession, and as they moved thousands
upon thousands Of Interested spectators lined the
sidewalks aud viewed the scene. There was ample
color aud variety given 10 the column by the
banners, the music and the regalia The hand
some uniforms OF the Knights Templars, their
flashing SWORD blades, glitterlng decorations ana
waving plumes ned the eve and gratiled the in
aerent love or the beautiful that is implanted in
pvery human breast. But It was not the brill
lance of the Knights alone that gave interest to
the OCCASION. for in the solid masses OF Blue Lodge
Aasons, in their simple linen aprons, was mani
tested the strength and importance OF the Order.
No event has occurred IN idasonic history,
either in this or che Ola World, around whica viii
gaGher moro pleasant memories than those which
attach 10 the Rreat procession that yester-
Say marched through the streets OF New
Eorx. The members OF the fraternity
who assembled represented an idea that
Bas not man VINO wore badge but was sw orn
10 obey q law that made him the guardian OF his
brothers. welfare ana the protector OF his widow
ana orphan. There was not maH present VINO
BY oath was not bound TO oppose evil with good.
error with truth, wrong with right and to battle
with vice in every shape. 1t was a vast lrater-
nifty, knowing no sect or section and
guided only by principle, the corner stone
OF which Is Charity. The march was made adm-
rably. The arrangements or the Grand Marshal
and his assistants were In every way successful,
and altogether, the occasion Is one that may wen
be long remembered. Few spec ators who looked
upon the display could fail TO observe not merely
the dignity and decorum that marked the
sntlre proceedings the soudity and strength OF
the several organizations and tho moral power
which they represented; but they must also nave
remarked that many OF the disting uiahed men OF
The country were present, aud that old age, intel-
ect and experience were largely represented
rom the beginning TO the end OF the line.
Ith theme OF general comment that there
never has been occasion o: this character In the
city OF New York when more decorum was ex-
Mbited and more universal admiration expressed.
The Masonic fraternity MAY well feel glad thar the
day had been blessed both by heaven aad by the
eongratuatlons OF their fellow citizens.
The scene was especially attractive to the
ladies, for they turned OUT at an exceptionally
early hour IN immense numbers, ana were, mani
testify, much pleased by what they sac. May
were wives or sisters OF Masons In the lIne and
greeted their friends or relatives as they passed.
The tops were gay VITA nutterng bunting,
and every window ana doorstep along tae route
was alied with It's quota OF beauty. Hotels were
decorated, store wlnaoIs were dressed la Masonic
soiors aud emblems and private residences were
n gaia dress non0r OF the occasion. TIE day was
ieyoted 10 the work OF dedicating a temple " nose
revenues 20 10 the support OF the widow and toe
orphan, and tae caarttahle feature oil Masonry
was dwell upon yes erdly by those who Witnessed
the procession. Toe various events aud scenes
that occurred during the day ale appropriately
described ia the reports tnat follow