Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-03-29
The Masonic Bazaar and Fair-An
Explanatory Circular.


The following circular, from Mr.. Samuel
P. Hamilton, Chairman of the Executive
Committee of Masonic Lodges, IN reference
to the approaching Bazar and Fair, is pub
llshed by request of many who desire to
send copies of the paper containing 1t to
their friends:
Editor Morning Mas: 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 1853, 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, a period of
nearly century and half, it has steadily
gone forward in the good work, and during
that whole period it has never asked the
public for any assistance. AS regards the
noble purposes of Masonry, / need only
refer as evidence of the fact to the long list
OF the distinguished patrons of the order in
the past as well as present. While Masonry
is a secret society, yet enough is known to
the public to know that one of its grand
characteristics is charity. Its purposes are
to "feed the hungry, clothe the naked, sue
cor the needy, and bind up the wounds of
the sffi cted;" and while it does not furnish
the Injuries, no one, whether Mason or not,
suffering for the necessaries of life, is ever
refused assistance.
We would say to the citizens of Savan-
nah that we have erected 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 and 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-
nial the benefit from which will not be de-
MED, we therefore ask you for 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 q 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 purposes, 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 erecting
large and commodious building in the en-
closure has been commenced. As we will
have ample room, we have concluded to
add tie feature of an exhibition as well as
Bazaar and Fair; that Is, parties donating to
the Fair pianos, organs, sewing machines,
etc, ETC., will be given the privilege OF eX-
hibiting the same.
We are pleased to say that we are meeting
with very liberal encouragement, as dona-
ti0ns are being daily received from all parts
of the country, exten1sn9 from Maine to
Texas and from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
and, IS there is stsll nearly q month before
the opening, IL the merchants ana 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 continu-
ance of the Fair we propose giving grand
gift eonceTt In aid Of the Fair
We desire to express our satisfaction at
the encouragement we have received ana to
call upon the citizens generally, whether
Masons or not, without regard to religious
or political opinions, to assist in the noble
and glorious work.
Respectfully and fraternally yours,
SAMUEL 2. HAMILTON,
Chairman Committee.