The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1882-07-06
Judge leagues Address to the Masons at
Kaufman

|
KAUFMAN, June 81, 1SS2.-The Masonic
order celebrated the oath of June here by
| laying the cornerstone of their new lodge,
building with the usual ceremonies. Capt
| u. 7. ADAMS, by special dispensation from
the grand master, OBLIGATED on the occa-
sion. Although the heat was quite OPP
pressive, large concourse, of citizens as
| sembled to witness the exercises.
The deposits In the cornerstone consisted
| of various coins list of the members of
the lodge, date OF the charter, names of the
| charter members and copies of the Kaut-
man Sun, Dallas Times, Dallas HERALD,
Galveston News and copy of the ordi-
nances of Kaufman.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies Capt
Adams read an eloquent extract from the
early history of Masonry in Texas, after
which Judge III. Z. league delivered a
short address in substance as follows:
Brethren and Friends:
This suspicious and interesting occasion
is suggestive of the early history of this,
the oldest Masonic organization ia Kaufman
county.
In the year 1853 few noble men aud Ma
sons applied for aud obtained the charter of
Bloomfield lodge No. III, to be held at
kaufman, Texas. With their own hands
and from the native timber surrounding
| the town, they erected their lodge building
on beautiful lot near the public square,
and placed within its sacred walls the Holy
Altar. and the great lights of theu beloved
! institution True even in that early day,
to The teachings of the order, they dedi-
Gated the lower story OF The rude editce TO
| the cause of education, and for many years
it constituted the only school-roon IL tee
| place.
Time in his ceasoless march at
length touched with his ruthless
hand this fIail monument of their Masonic
! labor and the venerable old structure hall
! lowed with so many sacred memories and
associations, crumbled into ruins and is re-
| membered among the things that were
Pleasing would be our reflections to-day if
we could even pause here IN our retrospec-
tive view; but IL cannot be. Most, IL not
all, of the charter members of the lodge
have long since joined the silent majority.
One by one the Supreme Grand Master has
called them with his gavel. aud they have
assembled on nigh. No more shall we see
their big hearts swell with fraternal emo
ton as they clasped hands around our holy
altar. Old Brothers Nash, Gibbs, Crouch,
Below, Tinnin, Terrell, aud many of the
dear boys, friends of our youthful days.
We look in vain for your familiar faces in
the old hall. Your seats are vacant for
ever, but your names and virtues shall not
fail while old Bloomfield lodge survives.
Brethren, we are here to-day to lay anew
the foundations of our lodge. The rubbish
of the old temple has been cleared away
and we come as the descendants OF our
faithful fathers 10 rebuild it without the
hope of fee or re- ward. =
Let us hope that this cornerstone,
squared, piumbed and leyeled by master
hands, mBy prove a sure foundation upon
which the massive walls of this edifice shall
safely rest and that the whole building
contrived in wisdom, may be supported by
strength and adorned with beauty. =
4 al. A..
we may exchange fraternal greetings within
these peaceful walls now being reared, and
that our children and our cbildreais child
ren may here bow before the holy altar Of
Masonry when tine with Us shall be no
more.
B.ethren. we begin our Sbors at an
on a new and hopeful csrrer: hand
some and stately buildings are 60
ing up in every part Of our toFn;
new enterprises are sgnuCing up
ia our midst. The prospects all around US
arr bright and cheering.
Wonld IL not be vel for Us TO take Ad-
m0niiiOn from the spirit o; the times and
start upon new aud upward growth IN
Masonry May we not today lay aside our
faults, stand here at the northeast corner Of
orr lodge, - upright men and Maslns,
snd determine, hencef0rfh, 20 walk end
act as such? Let rs take a step toward the
ul-u tlhularl 81 our p-oltt-l0u. LII y. -
ACT that the world may see that MasOns
love one another: that when q man Il
known TO be a Mason be may also be known
to be one 70 whom the burdened heart can
pour ont its s0rrOws; 10 whom distress can,
in confidence, prefer its suit.
One more thought Is suggested By the oc-
casiOn. After all, 20 whom shall We be IN
debted for this handsome building Whence
came these well-proporiioned walls and
c0mmodious chambers7 The answer IL be
fore US Behold the master builder as he
spreads the cement which unites the build
ing in one common macs. See his wnrdens
with plumb, line and Level. imparting
20 It symmetry and strength. Look
II the bearers Of burden IN
the midst Of their busy labors. I
The industry and honest toll Of these men
furnish Ne with this beautiful structure.
In the name Of this LODGE and Of Nas0ns
everrwhers ! nov tender fhern thnnka and I
gratitude. aDd sincerely hope that al their
laudable undertakings may Be crowned
With snccess-
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