Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-25
IMPRESSIVE CEREMoNIAIs.

Clifford p McCalla, Right Worshipful
Grand Master of Masons of Pennsylvania read:
In the name of the Supreme and Eternal God,
the Grand Architect of heaven and earth, to
whom be all honor and glory, dedicate this hall
to Freem soErv.
This was followed by the strewing of corn:
In the name of the Supreme and Eternal God,
the Grand Architect Of heaven and earth, to
whom be all honor and glory dedicate this hall
to virtue and science.
Then followed sprinkling of wine:
In the name of the Supreme and Eternal God,
the Grand Architect OF heaven and earth. to
whom be all honor and glory, dedicate this hall
to universal benevolence.
Then followed pouring of wine, and the
dedieatory ceremonies of high noon were
complete. They were most impressive, and
such as will be long remembered BY partici-
pants and spectators.
Though the interior is only partly finished
the Masonic hall and banquet board were a,
dream of beauty embellished by exquisite
floral display and admirable decorative taste
last night
Prior TO the banquet reception was given
in the lower hall by the Pittsburg Masons, at
which impromptu talks were numerous. Their
substance consisted of hearty welcome to all
visiting brothers, and Masonry references
which the reporter was not familiar with.
After the early reception. the Masons as
cended to the large banquet hall where 300
to be put down to accommodate the lodge and
its fraternal guests.
A menu of mammoth proportions was set.
interspersed with bright responses to the num-
erous toasts by Masons of high degree.
R. c. Patterson superintended the floral
decora tion both in the reception and banquet
hall
MANY WERE CALLED.
Beside the regular responses to the toasts on
the programme the older members of the lodge
were called upon to say word or two appro-
pirate to the occasion. The venerable Dr.
Pollock, whose identity with the MasoIs ex-
tends back almost half century, arose feebly,
but with smile of welcome. heartfelt and
loyal love to the many members assembled
about the festal board He did not attempt to
saw much but his remarks were filled with en-
dearing words which marked the occasion with
much sentiment and mutual feeling of regard
for every one present.
Ex-Mayor Fox, of Philadelphia, followed
him in few fitting remarks, in which he CON-
plimented the Pittsburg lodge for their energy
and success in raising such building the
present one as a monument TO the Grand Lodge.
Artistic souvenirs were presented by the Ma
sonic Fund Committee to each one present con.
tanning pictures of the old and new editices.
Several other members made short addresses,
which were in the same vein of brotherly feel
ing as the preceding ones. Toerge's Orchestra
furnished the music during the banquet and
exercises.
Lodge IS rendered the reception, and nearly
all the sister lodges of the two cities were
represented and many from this section of the
State.
The vocal music was under the direction of
Prof. William II. Slack, and was of very
high order.
a B. Rutledee, W. NJ, of Lodge As, delivered
the address of welcome as follows:
rnr zFA co1rc wrrCONsr
Right worshipful Grand Master:
need not assure you that 1t is with deep sense
Of the high honor you have conferred on the fra
ternity here represented, that extend to you and
your officers in their behalf most cordial well
come and frsternal greeting. Following our an
cient customs with mystic rites and ceremonies,
you have this day dedicated this hall 70 the honor
of Freemasonry.
How many thoughts throng the mind and seek
utterance on this occasion. Here, secure from the
turmoil and rush of this busy, everyday world. we
meet for the first time as lodge of Freemasons to
tender to grand officers such marks of
spect aud esteem as are eminently their due to re-
ceive and ours to pay.
Noother Institution is bound together by such
sacred ties and fTaternal regards. None other
has SO long withsIood the rayages Of time or the
s'Founded upon Iiberaiity, brotherly love and
charity, - 1t has remained immovable and un-
years.
Kingdoms and empires have arisen, reached the
zenith of their glory and then passed away: re-
publics have prospered for a time then, corrupted
by some hidden or inherent defect. have gone to
swell the record of the departed: kings and
priests. philosophers and sages. citizens, peas
ants, bond and free, generation after generation
since solomon laid the. first foundation stone on
Mt Moriah have played their part on life's stage
and then left il forever. But from the small
stream Of sacrtfcial blood that trickled from the
wounds of the slain martyr in the first temple,
behold how vast torrent has spread throughout
the world. Not a devastating Hood; bearing de-
river, flowing on and on through the ages, ever
widening Its banks and carrying peace and good
will wherever il flows.
Here, worshipful sir, is the charter of this |
lodge, yellow with age and scanned and scared, |
with names almost ileoihle. it is of little vnlue
perchance in the eyes Of the profane but to it
Is more precious than gold. The hands that |