Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-07-07

Exposition. The Importance of Masonry
and It's direct bearing on the progress of
the world is recognized by he Commits
sioners, and Masonic Day" will be one
of the great events of the hundred
days. And to the elect pilgrimage
to this temple at this time will be
pleasure never to be forgotten. 1t has
been claimed by many who have visited
all of the principal Masonic fanes that
this Scottish Rite Cathedral at Cincin-
natl, with its richly decorated audience
room, luxurious parlors, commodious
banquet halls and its various sacred
chambers, is unexcelled throughout the
world. And if the inner precincts, from
which the ''vulgus profanum" are ex-
Guided, bear out the same air of oriental
splendor and pomp that one sees in the
more open courts and corridors, the claim
Of pre-eminence for it is well taken
This remarkable edifice is situated
upon Broadway, between Fourth and
Fifth streets and was formerly occupied
by the First Presbyterian Society, as
their church building. IT was purchased
Of that society some three or more years
ago. and its interior refitted and embel-
lished in the most sumptuous manner.
The exterior is Of stone, the claustral
architecture is maintained, with minar-
cts and spire, and over the central doors
in gilt romaic letters, arched, one reads
SCOTTISH RITE, a A, CATHEDRAL.
To the right of the church, facing the
street, has been constructed wing,
which extends the whole length of the
building, aud serves as the main en-
trance and corridor; over this like the
historic injunction, ''know thyself" over
the ancient temple of the Delphian
Oracle, is written in no uncertain senti-
ment: "Procul, o Procul Este, Profani."
But let US enter The door opens into u
long corridor, with brightly frescoed
walls and ceilings and handsome tile
flooring. Light is admitted through
richly stained cathedral glass windows
reaching from the ceiling to the VAIN
soothing. This corridor connects with
the audience hall by four double doors.
There is also main exit from the hall
through the large front doors.
The great audience hall, under the
sombrous light that penetrates the
stained glass windows, like dim shadows
through banks of dense tinted fog, is
marvellous study in interior art decora-
ton, Walking over the rich dark Grim
son moquette carpet, the impression of
reverence and awe siezes upon one as he
gazes up and around; the hall, the gal
leries, the organ in the loft and the stage,
gorgeous in it's decorations, and complete
in all its appoints, make up rare syn
thesis of those imposing sentiments,
holiness, melody and histrionism. The
ceiling is prime specimen of fresco art;
there are four groups of allegorical char
acters in the different corners, and one
elegantly wrought center piece. These
groups each have symbolic meaning,
representing the arts and the sciences,
all eliminating in religion and the de-
vine principle of faith. The galleries
are commodious, extending around three
sides to the stage, and have been highly
decorated in tints and gilt by the fresco-
list. The stage is one of the main fea-
lures of the Temple. Upon either side
are two tiers of privates boxes, upper
ana lower, surmounted by mosque-like
roofs, as the SUBMITS Of which are two
gilded double-headed eagles, with ex-
tended pinions. The set and shifting
sceneries provided with all the accom-
paniments are sufficient to represent any
land, sea, palace, temple or site which
may be required in the varied ceremon-
les of masonry. And the elaboration of
these scenes, the scenic artist has made
no unworthy effort.
The advantage, therefore, which this
hall possesses for the observances of the
several rites of the order can be under
stood by the initiated; and both In re-
spect to convenience and economy of