, 1875-09-11
TIE CORNER.sTOXE LAID.

OEl Ohnstlu, lol IL was lihuC
the occasion of laying the corner
stone OF the first stone chapel in
Washington Territory, in accord
ance with the rites and ceremo-
nies Of the ancient and honorable ,
Order of Free Masons. The skies,
which until nearly noon, had been
clothed with a drspery Of leadcn
hue,presaging unpropitious wealth
er, were now invested with more
pleasant attire, and ever and anon
the sun would shine forth, as it
were symbolizing the healing in
fluences Of the Sun of Righteous
ness. Long before the hour ap-
pointed the people from far and
near we're verging toward the cen
ter Of attraction-the site Of the
new edi6ce; and when the time had
arrived a large coinpany-the old,
the middle aged and the young.
had assembled to witness the i'm
pressive ceremony. Soon was
heard the roll Of the drum an
nouncing the marshaling Of the
Order for their work, and but a.
few minutes elapsed ere the Ma
sons, escorted by the Chemakum
Tribe of Red Men, appeared upon
the brow of the hill marching in
procession to the scene of interest.
Arrived upon the spot, they were
conducted to the platform erected
for the occasion, upon which
was laid a neat carpet and on
the same chairs were placed to be
occupied by the fraternity; also
an organ surrounded by the Sun
day school scholars and teachers,
constituting the choir. The hymn
commencing
nAn hail tho power of jesus name,"
was lung, the whole assemblagc
joining. Then followed a brief
prayer, delivered by Rev. P. E.
HylaDd, Grand Chaplain; then
q few remarks were made by the
pastor, Rev. r.-Rea, in substance,
as follows:
It is not necessary for me to
say much. Those of you my
townspeople, who have seen the
work 20 on, know how hard have
labored for it, and It is not worth
while for me to tell you that it
gives me unspeakable pleasure to
Be able to show you the work
so far advanced. The labor has
been principally with friends at a
distance, resulting in contributions
amounting to over 81, 500 in gold,
from abroad.
! commit the work to God,
10 truth and to the hest interests
Of our city. ! am not ashamed off
Christ; He will keep it, further it.
Thanks to ALTO Masons and
others; and, without further re.
mark, / commit the ceremony ofl
the laying Of the cornerstone to
those who are, / know, well able
TO complete it.
A hymn was sung, when the
Acting Grand Master, T. NJ. Gran
ney, announced by his gaveI the
commencement Of work: The Of
6cers were assigned their respec-
tive duties with the implements of
Masonery. The casket, contain
ing the documents and articles to
be placed underneath the stone
was then brought forward and
opened. It contained
1. History Of the Church with All the
statistics and.datss up 10 the prssent;l
the names Of the architects, masons,
carpenter and helpers.
4 Copies Of the WEEKLY ARGUS.
the Seattle Dispatch, the San Francis
co Occident, the sabbath School Visit
or and the Sunbeam.
3. Records Of the following orpani-
Eafions: st. Paul's Episcopal Chdn.h.
Port Townsend Presbytsry Of Ore
gon with which this mission Is con-
nected; the various Lodges Of Masons
Culture Society; Red Men; Good
Templars the Grand Lodge Of Masons,
witha LIST OF the officers taking part N
the ceremony Of laying the corner
stone.
4. Business carlls Of various business
houses, with list ofall our nerchants
hotels and physicians.
5. Lists Of an the town officers. Su-
perintendent Of Schools, County Com
missloners.
6. A history Of Port Townsend from
It's earliest settlement with a record OIL
the first white birth, first wedding and I
first building. The first child was Ce-
ia A., daughter Of J. G.. Ginger, born
October 24 1854, and was Ms. {.
Blake at the time other decease. The
first wedding was Mf. A. A. Plummer
and wife Ii
Z. A full statement Of the Revenue
service, IA this District, with names Ofl
all customs officers, lighthouse keepers,
and officers OF Revenue Cutter Oliver
WolcOtt.
g. A record OF the establishment OF
the L. s Coast Survey, tide station at
Port Townsend, with Interesting fact.
regarding the bu.iness ofthe Office. !