St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1885-03-19

terra Gotta, and the groundwork of the
ceiling is light blue. The coving be-
ated in gilt, including representations
on the four sides of the hall respective
| ly, of the rising, mid day and setting
sun, and of the moon. The result ID
very pleasing, and is designed to Sc
cure the best possible effect by gas
| light. A handsome ash wainscotting
with black walnut trimmings, sur
rounds the room. The floor is richly
carpeted in tapestry brussels. All the
/ furniture is of black walnut. At the
east end of the hall is the masters sta
ton, with three massive chairs, uphol-
stored in plush and decorated in gilt
and with various emblems. The up
hOlstering of the chairs and settees is
of handsome garnet color, either in
plush or terry. On the south and west
sides of the hall are the usual stations
for subordinate officers, and in the CEN
tire is the altar, on which is an elegant
Bible, presented by Capt. Pearl d.
Blodgett. Each station has a marble
top pedestal, with tapers standing upon
them. Desks for the secretary and
namental lamp, stand on either side
the masters station. Directly over the
latter is large transparency of color
ed hammered glass, bearing the en-
blcmatical letter &C." which is lighted
by gas-jets that also give "a specially
fine effect to the painting of the sun
rising behind the hill-tOps, just above
it. From the centre of the ceiling
hangs a very beautiful chandelier of
"a burners, arranged in clusters Of
tours, and with light blue and ruby
colored globes. Great pains has been
taken in every detail to secure har-
monious effect, and the result is highly
successful.
Ascending to the upper story, we
come to the armOry of Palestine com
mandery, which includes the two front
rooms on this floor. Though less pre-
tentious than the main hall, (which by
the way is designed for the use of both
the lodge and the commauderyl, it is
equally well adapted for its purpose,
and it would be difficult to find hand
somer or heater armory anywhere. The
carpets are of brussels, with borders,
and the chairs are of black walnut and
plush of neat pattern. Neat cases of
ash, with glass doors, are arranged on
two sides of the armory in which to
keep the uniforms of the gallant
knights. The armory also contains
two noticeably handsome black walnut
tables.
The banquet room occupies the rear
of this fourth floor, and affords from
its eastern windows as fine view as
st. Johnsbury can give. Instead of
black walnut furniture, as in the other
rooms, the chairs and four ten-fOOt
tables are of ash. The windows are
curtained, those in the rooms previous
ly named being provided with Vene-
tian blinds. The floor is of birch
Opening from the banquet room is a
model kitchen, equipped with cup
boards, sink, new stove, crockery, etc.
The wOod-rOOm connects with the
kitchen. For protection against fire, a
water pipe is carried to the head of
each staircase, ready for hose attach
ment. 1t still remains to kalsomine
the walls in the hallway.
This is the largest Masonic jurisdic-
ton in the state, and includes Pas
sumpsic lodge, Haswell chapter and
Palestine commandery. The present
membership of the lodge is about $50.
Masonry i'll this town has grown from
small beginnings to its present pros
pcrity, and will go into its new quar-
tiers, which have been furnished at an
expense of about $500, without debt.
A lease of the new quarters has been
taken for 81 years at $3.50 year. 1t
is little singular that in entering this
81 hdSOHIy VIII
come back to its birthplace, which was
in the old Bingham drug store build
ing, that was moved back and forms
part of the new structure. This week
Monday a picture of Mr.. Palmer, the
first Mason in ST. Johnsbury, was pre-
scented to the order.
At the regular business meeting next
Thursday evening, the rooms will be
formally turned over by the building
committee. Great credit is due this
committee, consisting of Messrs. D. NJ.
Bacon, II. c. Fletcher and O. z. Ben
nett, for the faithfulness and efficiency
with which their duties have been dis
charged. Nothing seems to have es-
capped notice which was needed to per
feet the utility and attractiveness of
the rooms. The formal dedication is
not expected to take place before sum-
mer, but will be made fine affair
when it occurs.