Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1885-06-25
MASONIC TEMPLE DEDICATION.
A Brilliant Templar Display mt Trenton-Si
teen Communicates In Line.

A Brilliant Templar Display mt TrentOn-SiX-
teen Communicates In Line.
A thousand Knights Templar, with nod
ding white plumes and waving banners, as
sisted Wednesday afternoon at the dedication
of Palestine commandery's asylum, in the
magnificent new Masonic temple in Trenton.
The ceremonies themselves, which were ac-
cording to Grants manual, were conducted
apart from public view, but afterwards there
was parade. Sixteen communicates from
various cities, were in line and each COM
mandery had band among them Lancas-
ter, No. l3, Lancaster, G. A. Fondersmith,
eminent commander; w. o. Marshall, gen.
eralissimo; Joshua l.. Lyte, captain general
and so sir knights. 1t was a question with the
spectators whether Columbia commandery,
of Washington, ID. Cor St Johns, of Phila-
delphia, presented the finest appearance
along the line. Both of them are splendidly
equipped and marched with wonderful pre-
cision. The beautiful banner OF St. Johns
Commandery was an object of general ad-
miration. St Alban's, OF Philadelphia, was
another handsome commandery. All along
the route at parade gorgeous decorations
greeted the sir knights Across State street
from the temple was great arch, bearing on
and on the other side, 'ln Hog Signo
Vinces" Flags 1luttered from public and
private buildings and there was a proiuse
display OF bunting and OF Maltese crosses
parade passed and at many points ladies
waved their handkerchefs to the marchers
At the American hotel there was a review by
Grand Commander Thomas w. Tilden, of
New Jersey, and his stall. The command
cries passed the reviewing stand in double
sections, swords at a carry and officers and
colors saluting. Mayor Donnelly was grand
'~aQarshal of the day.
Alter parade the visiting commentaries
were entertained with lunch at Washington
A then lDmp
being accompanied to the depot by crowds of
people. In the evening a grand reception
to the visiting sir knights was given i'll the
new Masonic hail. The beauty and fashion
of the city were represented From till 10
o'clock Winkler's Seventh Regiment band
discoursed promenade music and at 10 the
grand march took place. Dancing followed.
The hall was beautifully decorated and a
half-dozen electric lights on the sidewalk
outside contributed to the brilliancy of the
occasion.
The project of erecting the temple first
took definite shape in May, 1883, when COM
mittees OF the various Masonic organizations
f6-appointed to confer upon the feasibility
of such scheme. The site was secured in the
following July, at cost of Sos, 900, and in
December, 1888, 1000 of stock having been
subscribed, accompany was organized, the for
NAL purchased made and the work of prepar-
ing Tor the building Immediately begun.
The corner stone was laid on July 10, 1854,
and the building is now complete, except for
some interior decorations.
1t is of pressed brick, trimmed with Nova
Scotia stone, stands on one of the most prom
inent corners of the city, fronting about 40
feet on State and 20 feet on Warren streets,
and Is architecturally very handsome struc-
ture. 1t has cost, including the land, about
100000. Besides accommodations for all
the Masonic bodies of the city, it contains
public hall and stores and offices, the rental
from which already insures profitable re-
turn upon the Investment
Robbed of $500 Worth of Jeweiry.
There were "A great many New York aud
Philadelphia thieves in Trenton, yesterday,
and they reaped rich harvest from the Sir
knights and others The only victim from
this city 50 far reported is Mr.. George w.
Brown, painter, who was robbed of his
watch, chain and Masonic mark while riding
On the platform OF street car between . and