The Canton mail. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 18??-1882, 1875-07-03
The Dedication at Jackson.

Last Friday the bustling little city
OF Jackson showed unusual activity.
The streets were actually throngcd
with people, all anxious to partici-
pate in the dedication of the temple
Beth Isl acl,' lately erected by the
lsraelites OF Jackson. A handful
in number, Spartan-like they have
fought the battle, and now point to
their handsome cdificc with pride
rs an evidence of their deserved
success. Tho building is 4 model
of its kind, and 4 monument TO the
untirlng energy and undauntcd per-
severance with which the Israelitcs
of Jackson, assisted by their friends,
have pushed their work since
its incipiency. The dedication,
which took place yesterday, was
attended by complete harmony.
and was assisted by the presence Of
co-religionists from all parts OF our
immed late country.
At half past four the procession
was formed at City Hall, wherein
Joined Rivinac's Band, the children
with their banner, the bearer of tho
key to the Temple, malc members
of the congregation, carriages con-
tanning the bearers Of the Sacred
Scrolls, next invited guests, and
members Of Odd Fellows and Ma
sonic orders, which formed u large
and handsome procession. In this
manner, they marched to the Tenn
pie, whose doors were at an early
hour thronged with eager persons,
anxious to obtain a glimpse of the
solemn and imposing ceremonies.
Hundreds, however, were turned
away from the door, unable to OBJ
tain even standing room, as every
inch of sitting as we'll rs standing
room, was occupied. Tho ceremo-
MES opened with a prayer from the
President of the Congregation, Mr..
/. Strauss, when Miss Matilda Her
rold stepped forward, and in most
excellent manner, combining i'm
pressivcness with clear enumeration
and perfect delivery, in a very neat
and appropriate speech, delivered
the key formally into the possession
Of the President, speaking as TO-!
lows:
"MR. PRESIDENT Il acknowledge |
that this, my first effort to speak be-
fore such a large and brilliant as
embarrasses me; yet having
been chosen for the honor to pre- |
sent you the key to this beautiful
house of worship, feel as though
touch oft, electric like, runs through
my veins, imparting strength and
for the task. feel
as though it were a key entering my
heart to open the portals Of it's holy
animating ME with God
inspired joy, to do homage to the
King of Kings, and to receive the
blessing of Him on High, Us one of
the branches OF Judah's great Tree.
Tor bearing and Offering tho key
with which the gate of an inclosurc
will be opened where the seed of
our religion will be sown which
bas been transplantcd from time
immcmorial by our ancestors, with
out degeneration, regardless of the
many conflicting elements which
have been brought to bear against
it's genial influences Tho perpetui-
ty of our holy religion, depending
much on the present rising genera
ton, here, on behalf Of my juven-
lie companions in faith, and all those
who come here for the guidance of
their tender thoughts, express
to Him, the Great Architect
of tho Universe, that hosse--a
house of God-has arisen here,
wherein our holy faith may be ex-
and where our fellow be-
ings of all creeds may come to lis
ten to the teachings of n Minister,
whose laudable object it will BIO to
instill divine instruction into our
minds, and to Undue us with the
generous principles, the divine and
sublime doctrines of our religion.
Elatcd, therefore, Mr.. President,
with our bright future, l hand you
his key. 1t is placed in your keep
ing with our fervent prayers that,
with it, peace, harmony and pros
pcrity may attend your congrega-
ion, and may this temple proudly
md worthily take its place among
Ill the high and sublime houses of
Iod that have been coEsccrated to
he King of Glory, here in the new
Or yonder in the old W orld."
President Strauss received tho
Key, and in IL dignifed and impress
1--WE manner, made the following
REPLY
AS presiding officer of this con-
it becomes my pleasing
luty to receive this key, and to take :
charge Of the building it secures. /
hall hold it in srcred keeping, and
whilst in office devote my best eff
fo.ts to do all in my power to pro-
moe and support the interest and
woli,ro of Beth Israel congrega- i
ton.
Brethren, we have assembled
here thi. evening tor the purpose
Of dedic,ting this beautiful little
Temple t. the service of tho Great !