Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1885-10-08

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10 love, prejudice to charity and
spite to benevolence. Freedom has
made us citizens of one common coun.
try. 1t transformed US from chattels
into soldiers and sailors, lawyers and
I physicians, congressman and Senators,
Governors and Foreign Ministers, and
last of all, it has made US Christians
and philanthropists. 1t has given us
our schools, our churches, our acade-
mics, our colleges and universities.
It has educated our children and
made our homes beautiful and happy.
II has enlightened our race and driv-
en- superstition from the field. 1t 10
the great corner stone land by the inn
mortal Lincoln, cemented to its foun-
dation by the willing hands and low
ing hearts of all the citizens Of our
now glorious country. Yes,
Freedom came with silent tread
And whispered in our ears,
Be brave of heart, hold up your head,
Be calm sad dry your tears.
The Herald shouted as he passed,
Freedom to-day has come,
And Afrfc's sons are free at last
To bid II welcome home.
The aged mother raised her head,
Says, dear son, how can this bep
He whispered softly In her ears,
There's no slaves In the land Of the free.
Yes, there are no slaves All are
free, aud we thank God for it |
Knights Of st. Jerome, this Temple
that you have erected should always
beuppermost in your mind. Itshould
be revered as the corner stone for the
advancement Of the Negro in old St.
Mary's. 1t should be reyerenced as
the great lever that will press you to
be self-reliant, self-sustaining and
self-conhdent. How beautiful it must
be TO you when you look upon this
noble edi6ce. You can exclaim like
Payne, BE it ever 50 humble, there
Is no place like home" Yes, there is
no place like home, for here under
your own vine and fig tree where none
dare to modest or make you afraid,
you have this home erected by your
own hands. The land was bought,
the trees were felled, the design was
made, the draught was drawn, the
stills were laid, the building erected,
everything done by the members Of
the Knights of st. Jerome. Yes,
here under the branches of these
spreading oaks, sheltered by their
leaves from the rays Of Summer sun,
we stand upon free soil in our Mary
land, our Maryland. Incorporated
into the grand body Of progressive
Americans we fall into line and march
on with mother time to battle for
life and the pursuit Of happiness, In
after years when the veil is drawn
over these scenes and those that are
yet to come, our posterity will reap
the benefit Of the work of the knights
Of ST. jerome. The bright Aurora in
its resplendent glory now pursuing its
daily course in the Heavens, sheds
its bright rays upon us. The birds
carol their sweet songs through these
woods; the wind with its gentle zeph-
ers making music among the leaves of
these majestic oaks, join in the chorus
in paying homage to Us on this occa-
sion. What beautiful picture is
here represented? The aged negro
Of ye olden times, the young men of
the present, backed up by the law
makers Of our land, standing here be-
meath the flag Of their country, speak
volumes for you and your noble effort
to-day. In after years when your
locks have become hoary with age,
and your frame has become feeble and
old, and you have passed from life to
mother earth, the children will take |
up the requiem and sing their praises
for the good work you have left be-
hind. Now, let us draw veil over
the scene. Let US with clasped hands
and quivering lips give thanks to the
Giver Of all Good for his assistance,
Then let the noble work go on
Let our labor never cease
Until we reach the golden shore
or bright celestial peace.
Mr.. Daniel o. Barnes, Secretary Of
The Order, then read the Certificate of
Incorporation, after which, the mem
bers adjourned to their Hall where
bountiiul repast was served.
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