Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-03-22
MASON
The WasoaIe Bear and Fair-A
Grand Success Assured.

Editor NOr7siag Meas: Having perfected
our arrangements for the approaching Bazaar
and Fair, we think few words in relation
thereto would not be amiss at this time.
Masonry in Savannah is co-existent With the
settlement Of the city, the charter having
been brought over by Bro. Gen. Ogle-
thorpe in 1733, the first lodge being opened
by him, In the open air, near what Is now
the intersection Of Bull and Bay streets.
From that time to the present, period Of
nearly century and half, 1t has steadily
gone forward in the good work, aud during
that whole period it has never asked the pub
lie for any assistance. As regards the noble
purposes of Masonry, | need only refer as
evidence of the fact to the long list Of dis
tinguished patrons Of the order In the past
as well as present. While Masonry is q
secret society, yet enough is known to the
public to know that one of its grand char
acteristics is charity. It's purposes are TO
feed the hungry, clothe the naked, succor
the needy, and bind up the wounds Of the
afflicted and while II does not furnish the
luxuries, 40 one, whether Mason or not,
suffering for the necessaries Of life, is ever
refused assistance.
We would say to the citizens OF Savannah
that we have erected q building in your
city which is an ornament to the city.
In doing so we incurred an Indebtedness
which, owing to circumstances over which
we had no control, we have been unable to
pay. We now for the first time call upon
you for contributions aud patronage. To
the merchants and business men Of our city.
that we have made special arrangements by
which we expect to bring more strangers to
our city than was here during our Centen-
NAL, the benefit from which will not be de-
MED, we therefore ask you tor assistance.
To the Masons Of the State, that Masonry
In Savannah is the mother of the order. in
Georgia, and as such Is entitled to your sup
port.
To the Masons of Savannah we would
say this is mutual work In a mutual cause,
for by resolution of solomon's Lodge,
passed some two years ago, when
this Indebtedness shall have been paid.
the upper story of the building Is
TO be used exclusively for Masonic pur-
poses, and each Masonic body now existing
shall have equal right to use the same free
of rent; therefore, all the Masonic bodies
are equally interested In having this debt
removed.
We have obtained the consent OF the
United States Government to use the Ogle-
thorpe Barracks. A building committee
has been appointed, and the work OF erect
ing large and commodious building In the
enclosure will be commenced at once. AS
we will have ample room, we have con-
cluded to add the feature of an exhibition
as well as Bazaar and Fair; that is, parties
donating to the fair pianos, organs, sew
ing machines, etc., etc, will be given the
privilege OF exhibiting the same.
We are pleased to say that we are meet
ing with very liberal encouragement, as
donations are being daily received from
all parts of the country, extending from
Maine to Texas and from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, and as there is still nearly a
month before the opening, IL the merchants
and others will use their influence, much
more can be accomplished.
We propose to make this exhibition,
Bazaar and Fair attractive and entertaining by
having music, dancing and other amuse
ments, and one evening during the contin-
uance of the Fair we propose giving grand
gift concert in aid Of the Fair.
We desire to express our satisfaction at
the encouragement we have received and to
call upon the citizens generally whether
Masons or not, without regard to religious
or political opinions, to assist il the noble
and glorious work.
Respectfully and fraternally yours,
SAMUEL z. HAMILTON,
Chairman Committee.