The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-06-04

June 8. 1870.
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Noon......-......". 7S Midnight. 6s
Masonic Dedtcation-Imposi Dis
play I'm New York-Iwenty Thou
sand MasOns i'm Line.
New YORK, June 2-The weather was
brilliant and everything coHduced to foe
display. At 9:22 O'Clock the head of the CO.
lumn began to move. The route was through
Washington Square, south Fifth avenue,
Canal street. up Broadway, and then by O
circuitous route to the vicinity Of Twenty.
third street and Seventh avenue. The pro-
cession was headed by mounted and foot DO
licemen; after which followed in regular
succession the tweDty-six divisions, the
whole line aggregating between 10000 and
$4,000 men, comprising numerous visiting
commauderies and lodges, as we'll as those
from this city, Brooklyn, and Jersey City.
The visiting organizations are from vari-
Gus sections Of the country, and are accom-
panied by many officers of high rank in the
Masonic Order. A platform gaily decorated
with flags was erected in the centre of Wash
ington Square, and from this the Grand
Lodge viewed the procession. Fl. CLAW Pres.
ton was marshal of the day. The Knights
Templar appearance excited general admira-
tioD. They turned out in strong force, and
formed most imposing part of the immense
procession. Sir 4. NJ. L. Eblcre acted as
marshal of the Knights Templar. The pro-
ceSson was tTo hours and fifteen minutes
passing a given point. Along Broadway
every point from which a view Of the line
could be obtained had been turned to ac-
count. People from the country bad come
to the city by tens Of thousands.
TIE VISITING CoMMANDERIEsi
from Philadelphia and Norfolk were repre-
sented by about one hundred men each, and
were equal in appearance and drill to most
Of them iu line. st. Johns Of Philadelphia
carried their banner in the midst of a body
OF men marching in the form of q cross, and
their soldierIy bearing made them the most
conspicuous body in the procession. Colum.
bian Conmandery of Washington, D. g.,
marched eighteen front in splendid order,
and were frequently applauded. In the
twenty filth division s.. johns Lodge, No.
l, which claimed the position of bonor next
to the Grand Lodge, became the object of
much curiosity as the line moved, from the
fact that the Bible on which Washington
took the first oath of office administered to the
President Of the United States was borne in
its midst. 1t was carried by Past Master
Samuel G. Lowndes, escorted by guard of
Knights Templar. The old book was print
ed in 17G7, and has been in the possession Of
St. johns Lodge
MORE THAN HUNDRED YEARS.
It is bound in leather, which is darkened
by age and use. The pages are yellowed by
time, but the print is clear and the pages are
all intact.
4 number of houses along the line of
march were decorated, and all the Com-
manderies received their full share Of appro-
baton from the spectators.
GRAND LODGE.
The Masonic Grand Lodge of this State re-
assembled this morning and proceeded TO
Washington Square to review the great pro-
cession. Many CT their guests accompanied
them to the platform. The procession ar.
rived at the Temple at 1:50 O'Clock.
On arriving at the temple the officers of
the Grand Lodge, accompanied by dstin-
guiShed guests, entered, followed by the
members of the lodge and few holders of
| tickets. The hall in which the ceremonies
were held accommodated about one thousand
| persons. Prayer was offered by the Grand
Chaplain. The choir sung Glory to God"
and a ''Te Deum." Grand Master Thorne
made the opening speech, congratulating the
| brethren on the completion of the great work,
and sunmoning them to assist in
THE CEREMONY OF ITS DEDICATION.
After brief addresses from the architect
and builder, the Grand Master formally re-
ceived the building, when procession, con-
Quoted by the Grand Marshal, started from
the left of the platform, passed down the
aisle, around by The rear Of the audience, and
back to the platform, ascending on the east
side. The Grand Chaplain here offered the
Gonsecration prayer.
The Senior Grand Warden then presented
the vessel of wine 10 the Grand Master,
which he sprinkled on the lodge, saying ::
! IS In the name of the Universal Father, and
| in rememb brance Of His manifold blessings,
| solemny dedicate this hall to virtue"
After the singing of psalm the Deputy
Grand Master presented the vessel OF oil,
which the Grand Master poured on the
lodge. Past Grand Master John l.. Lewis
then delivered the oration OF the day. At
the conclusion of the address the Grand Mar
shal proceeded to the south g..
AND MADE THE PROCLAMATION,
as follows: In the presence of the Supreme
Architect of the Universe, whose unnum-
bered blessings we humbly ackno Wedge, by
order of the NJ. w. Elwood +. Tnorne,
Grand Master of Mssons, under the auspices
of the Grand Lodge Of the most ancient and
honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of New York and the
brethren owing it fealty and allegiance, de-
clare this new Masonic Hall dedicated"
| This was repeated in the west and east, after
which the grand honors were given. The
Grand Stewards were directed to cover the
| lodge. and after a doXology the ceremonies
concluded with Il benedictioD.
The total number of Ma>ons in the pro-
cession to-day by actual count was Ii, 400.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS.
The Masonic cele ebratlon to-day closed WITH
3 large number of banquels and entertain
ments at private houses. That of the Grand
Lodge was given in Irving Hall, where
about three hundred and fifty guests
were seated. Grand Master Thorne pre-
sided. Among other distinguished guests
were ex. Governor Hoffman, Albert Pike, OF
Arkansas; Albert d. Mackey, of South Ca
roIina; Wipslow Lewis, of Massachusetts )
ex.NIayor Vaux, OF Philadelphia, and large
number of members Of the Grand Lodges OIL
other States.
THE Pope AND THE FREEAAs0Ns.-Ihe
Bishop of Orleans has received the following
letter from the Pope coDgrstulating hlm on
his pamphlet against Ffeemasonry s.
Venerable NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and Apos.
toIic benediclon. In this war waged op all