Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-30
A NOBLE IDEA.
Knights 7empIar Contemplate Erec-
ton of a Great National University
For the Education Of Masons Children
Endowment to Be $4,000 900.

Boston, Aug. 29.-ln their pursuit OF
the methods for putting into practical
effect the principles of their order-E ra-
ternity. Fidelity, Charity-some of the
prominent members of the knights Tenn
plar are developing project which, if
realized according to the ideas OF its
origlnators, will prove to be one Of the
grandest and most commendable out
growths of the closing years of this cen
tury.
They are planning the establishment of
great national university for both sexes,
to be controlled by and in the interest OF
all Masons, with permanent endowment
of not less than $50, 600, 900, at which the
children of all Master Masons, whatever
their means, can secure complete educa
ton from the age of 10 years and up
wards, along any line of instruction
which they may desire
The scheme contemplates the erection
of sufficient number of fire proof uni
versity buildings, to accommodate 10, 000
students, specially designed for the pur-
pose and equipped with every facility and
appliance known TO be necessary or de-
sirable for tho pleasure, exercise or educa-
ton of the same, including its own cleo
WhbCI NOThS cue.
The establishment aud maintenance
under the most competent instructors is
to be secured of preparatory or academic
department, and departments of liberal
arts, law, medicine, science, theology and
technology, also an industrial school, thus
being "a true university in which the
student can secure an education and
training along any line which he may
desire to pursue in after years.
In other words, it will seek to prepare
its students for practical life in all depart
ments, and whatever special departments
or courses of instruction the times may
demand or social evolution make neces-
sary will be provided for in the endow.
ment
While the child of no living or dead
Master Mason will be refused admission
to the institution on account of lack of
MEANS it will be in no sense home or
charitable institution, but Is expected to
be self-supporting after the first construc-
ton, from tuition fees, the products of
industrial workshop and other revenues.
The plan contemplates further, the uni
forming of all students, the boarding
and rooming of them within the uni
versity grounds, and the leasing of
grounds for nominal sum fer the
erection of houses to such parents as are
not willing to be separated from their chill
dren during the term of their education;
such houses to be transferred to other
parents when no longer needed.
The location agreed upon for the inst-
tuition is a beautiful tract of elevated
land on the Ohio river near the West Vir-
ginia line, facing the river for three
miles, possessing healthful and invig-
Grating climate and commanding an ex-
tended view of great natural beauty
The projectors anticipate no difficulty
in securing the necessary endowment in
fact, they assert that the idea has met
with such an enthusiastic reception from
all Knights who have been consulted
that four times the amount necessary
could be secured
1t is expected that active operations for
putting the plan into execution will begin
by Sept. Is. 1t Is stated that all Masons
through their Blue lodges will be fully in
formed relative to the standing of It's pro
iectors, both as men and Masons, and that
the catalogue will explain all details.