The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-10-09
pE.T,.EIllR:,sRrIRG.

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LAYING THE CORNERSTONE OLA NEW METHo-
DfsTs CHUgCH-IMPGs1EG MASONIC DEMON
81 RATro N-INrEREsTING CEREMONIES
ADDRESS BY GRAND hAsTE R WE'LL
FORD, OF RICHMOND CORDIAL REcEP-
/ TIoS TO VISITING GRAND oFFfCERs-lN-
TEREsTING HISTORICAL Ass0CIATIOS-THE'
FIRST METHODIST CONFERENCE IN PETERS
BURG-ISCREASE OF TAXABLE VALUES, &c
ICorresponlrnce of the Richmond DsDatch.1
OCTOBER 8, 1870.
The laying OF the cornerstone OF tue
new Wesley Methodist Episcopal church,
at the corner OF Halifax and Hickory streets,
IN this city, this afternoon, was attcnded
with ceremonies oin most imposing ana
Interesting character, and the occasion VIII
long be remembered by all who witnessed
it. The ceremonies were in charge OF
Blandford Lodge, No. 8, but the four Ma
sonic lodges of the city participated, ana
many members OF the order elsewhere in
this district were present. The lodges all
met at Masonic Hall at 81 O'Clock and
formed in procession under marshals ap-
pointed for the occasion, and, headed
by a band OF music, marched TO the
spot where the ceremonies were 10
take place. At their respective sta
lions in the line were the Tllers OF the
several lodges, with drawn swords, Stew
ards with white rods. Master Masons, Dea-
cons, Secretaries, and Treasures, Waruens
with their jewels, Past Masters, present
Masters with their jewels; officers bearing
the golden vessel containing corn, and sill
yer vessels with oil aud wine; others with
the Square. the Level, and Plumb; others
bearing the Holy Writings, the Five Orders
OF Architecture, the Book OF Constitutions,
Lights, &c. Last came the Chaplains, Right
Worshipful Deputy District Grand Masters
John G.. Armistead and W. F. Drinkard,
and Past Deputy District Grand Master II.
FL. Jones, Jr., followed by William 3.
Isaacs, Grand Secretary. and Most " orship-
full Beverly R. Wexford, Grand Master, es-
corted by various officers OF the order The
procession was very long and imposing
one.
A large number OF people assembled about
the church site, including many ladies. The
ceremonies Of laying the cornerstone COM
menced about ) O'Clock, GraDd-Master
Wexford, of Richmond, officiating, and
were conducted in accordance with the
rites and custom OF the Masonic order.
They were witnessed with close interest by
all present. Reys. Joseph Ii. Riddick and
F. j. Boggs, chaplainS, conducted the re-
ligious part of the exercises. At the con-
cusion OF the ceremonies, Judge Wexford,
who bad been selected as the orator OF the
day, delivered an address highly appro-
pirate 10 the occasion, and rich and beautl-
full in thought and language.
The following inscription appears upon
the stone: "This stone was laid October
Sth. A. L. 1919, under tho auspices OF
Bandford Lodge, No. ,, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons. The ceremony WAS
conducted by Most WorsGipfui Beverly r.
Wexford, Jr., Grand Master Of the Grand
Lodge of Virginia. Also. Officers Of the
Grand Lodge and State Lodge: the names
OF the President Of the United states and
of the Governor of Virginia.
The contents OF the box were Bible and
hylnn-book ; roll, containing names OF local
preachers, stewards, trustees, clasS-IcaderS,
pastor, members OF the church, building
committee. Sunday-School Board, officers,
teachers, and scholars; copies OF Peter>-
burg and Richmond papers; American and
foreign coins; Confederate notes; Bylaws
Of Masonic Lodge, No. 3: programme OF
arrangements OF laying the cornerstone.
The present Wesley chapel was erected
in 1885 by the PresbyterianS for Sunday
school purposes. Some years later it was
transferred to the Mcthodists for the same
purpose, and was subsequently converted
by them into mission church.
The new building is to be OF brick. and
will cost between $4,000 and $1,000. It
will be thirty-tivc feet wide by tiity-hrc
feet deep, with twenty-five feet pitch in
the audience-room. The lot on which it Is
situated is the gift OF Mr.. W. {. Wyatt. On
this lot. stands the residence OF Mr.. GriSsby
Davis, in which the seventh Methodist Con-
u Il fi,nf
ginia, met in 1892, presided over by Bishop
Ashury. 1t has, therefore, al interesting
historical as ocation. The new building will
be pushed forward to completion a. rapidly
as possible. 1t has long been the wish OF
the congregation to have new and larger
house OF worship. and their wishes and
prayers seem at last about to bc realized.
Rev. R. N. Chandler is the pastor.
Grand Master Wexford, Grand Secretary
Isaacs, and District Deputy Grand Master
William T. Drinkard, were met at the depot
on their arrival in this city by members OF
the Masonic order, and taken 10 Masonic
Hall, where reception was held in their
honor. A great many MasonS called to pay
their respects, and the judges and members
OF the bar all waited upon Judge Wexford.
The welcome extended the visitors by the
fraternity was very cordial. Tonight L
banquet will be given them by the Ma>onS.
The commissioner OF the revenue has
completed books for the year 1879. They
show an increase in taxable values OF about
$50, 900 over last years report.
The race to take place tomorrow after
ternoon at the FAIRGROUNDS is exciting a
great deal OF interest. The entries are lay
lor's gray horse Hilbert and Snyder'S sorrcl
horse SUNDAY Sam. The stakes arc 5000 4
side. Outside, however, the amount bet on
the result will aggregate fully $1,000. 1t is
expected that the crowd TO witness the race
will be quite large. II is announced that
the race will be fair, square contest OF
speed, and that there will be no iockeylng.
ROBIN ADAIR.