Daily Kennebec journal., 1895-04-19
MASONIC TEMPLE
Dedicated by Grand Lodge
Officers f. and A. M.
Large Number Present to Witness
the Interesting Ceremony.
Grand Master Speaks-Banquet Follows
Eloquent Responses to Toasts.


II. II. Burbank, Saco; D. G. NJ, A. B.
Farnham, Bangor; S. G. WI A. Locke,
Portland; j. G. W, E. B. Mallett, Free
port; G. NJ, Fl R. Millett Gorham; p.
j. G. W., A. NJ. Wetherbee; j. G., D.
Horace Mitchell, Kittery; S., F. NJ. Rich
ards, Camden; G. T., W. o. Carney,
Portland.
Nearly 400 Masons witnessed the exer-
cises, which were strictly confined to mem.
bers of the order, and which were as fol
lows:
Music, Orchestra
Reception OF Most worshipful Grand Lodge
of Maine.
Music, Quartet
Prayer, Grand Chaplain
Address, Architect
Invitation,
Worshipful Master to n. W. Grand Master
| Respons', NJ. w. Grand Master
Ceremonies of Dedic .tion.
Proclamation, Grand Marshal
M"sic, Quartet
Address,
M. w. Horace II. Burbank, Grand Master
Music, Quartet
Prayer, Grand haplain
Music, Orchestra
Grand Master Burbank, is as follows:
Dear Brethren When ten brief moons
ago had the honor to direct the laying
of the cornerstone of this edilice, I surely
did not anticipate that the temple would
be complete, the key stone laid, and we
again assembled during this same mason
ic year for the purpose of its dedication to
Freemasonry. But, if the months have
sped quickly, the sound of the trowel and
hammer have been constant and rapid,
and the labors of the operative masons are
DER.
cordially congratulate the brethren of
Bethlehem and Augusta Lodges upon the
glorious outcome of design and work
upon the magnificent building itself, its
capacious and commodious rooms, its
carefully designed and executed appoint
ments, it's elaborate convcniences and
elegant decorations, each and all SO
adapted to please the eye ard answer the
design of the architect. Surely, wisdom.
strength and beauty seem to have We'd,
each with each, to excel in one or an
other branch of the workmanship, and
yet neither may claim victory.
Each designer, and each master workman
the reward of the faithful craftsman, and
may each welr his we'll earned laurel, de-
| tracing naught from his fellow laboreI
in this temple. / may well and sincerely
felicitate your lodges, and the Grand
Lodge as we'll thaj all has been accom-
plished in such concord. Such harmony
has not only successfully wrought out
this beautiful design, but is indeed sym
bolic of that cement which will be the
best guaranty of the stability and pros
perity of tho future. 1t is one OF the
links of that golden chain which, unbro
ken, can alone insure glorious achieve
ments to the craft in this city.
But, my brethren, to what end have yf
done :his great work? To what purpose
have you erected this masonic altar,
What your motive in the erection OF this
Masonic temple, this magnificent structure
The public, the outside world, inside this
city. are asking Of you these questions
The present age is intensely utilitarian
Every moral work, every philanthropic,
scientific, social or civic organization
must be subjected to the test of utility
And our order, our ceremonial, mus'
abide this common, almost universal test
and be Judged accordingly. Surely, Free
masonry must not shrink from this liv
ing. all-important trial Rather, in the
sunlight of truth and in the faith of our
Masonic fathers, in the faith of our owr
honest convictions, let us challenge sucf
/ - Judgment AS defenders of our systen
! of morals and philosophy. we invite tht
verdict Of enlightened reason. IT this
venerable system cannot successfully NEE
tho scrutiny of unprejudiced, thoughtful
and honest minds, its weakness Is evident
inherent, and we should not expect for Il
an enduring life. In all truth and sober
ness, then, my brethren, let us meet this
question. namely What is to be the
fruition of our Masonic dream? Is thi
mere empty form, ileeting shadow. volo
of.substancc and fruitlcss of every produc
of sound principle and noble character
products which tend to the betterment
our common humanity? We delight te
call this an ancient institution, which ha
suryiyed the wrecks of time and chang
for two centuries. Age, however. in ant
of itself holds not the germ uf life no
Immortality Age alone is evidence
of decay. If for our order wo cal
boast of nothing beyond its ancient orr
pin. its undisputcd antiquity, the pillar
of our temple would long since hav'
crumbled into dust. repeat what l hav
said before, we cannot live upon tn
bread of tho past, nor must we be conten
,, with traditions This dedication cero
monial Is not. must not be, unmeanins
mummery In this solemn service w
recognize O supreme powcr-God. W
here renew sacred obligations, and tn
purpose to disseminate truth and prac
tice moral and social duties. We nc
only dedicate this temple, this altar
these working-tools, but shall
not say, we consecratc anew on
hearts to genuine Masonic work. Shal
: we not, upon the threshold of this ne'
edifice. sincerely inquire whether the pas
has no lessons of wisdom for future Ruie
ance? Listen to the Scripture: "Th
word of the Lord came to Solomon, SO!
ing, concerning this house which tho
] art in building, If thou will walk in III
statutes, and execute my judgments an
|. keep all my commandments to walk
! them; then will perform my word Wit
thee which spake unto David thy father
y Il Kings. 6-12.)
Now, brethren, l would not attempt {
preach sermon to you from the decalosu'
or any other scripture. l would not nay