New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-02
THE SEVENTH DISTRICT.

prrrpTrOX OF THE LODGES OF THE SEVENTH
MASONIC DISTRICT TO THE GRAND MASTER.
The Grand Master. NJ. W John Stewart. accom-
panied by his associate grand officers made an OIL
cal visit 10 the lodges of the Seventh District last
Wednesday evening The reception was held in the
Grand Lodge Hall, which was handsomely deco
rated with flowers and palms. When The Grahd
Marshal r. w. James 6. Manning. announced the
Grand Master over 200 brethren arose 10 receive
the chief Of the craft in the Empire State. The
Rev Bro James A. O'Connor invoked divine bless
iry and r. w William J. Matthews received the
Grand Master in a neat address Of welcome. lie
said: I'VE greet you not only as G. NJ we nave
known you az d. D.. trustee, as d. g. NJ and we
know that every prlsat.on Of your heart beats IN
unison with the great heart Of Masonry. The SeN-
cath District = ever loyal 10 The Grand Lodge and
its standard bearers. How much more SO now. when
we have ct the head OF the craft one Of our own
peoplc one who has risen from step TO step who
has worked In the Quarres been with the rank ana
file and to-day as Grand Master Is still with us
with all his heart" The ". W replied n touching
terms lie said: In looking your faces.
know and feel that in the Seventh District.
the electric current pulsates from heart TO heart
You are rugged. but you are strong and
sturdy: you energetic. ana with your work ana
our teaching 1t Is well TO transform the rough
ASHER TO the perfect Asher " The G. NJ. then
spoke upon Ma sonic topics ana made some Use
suggestions: Il feel that | with friends.
with true Masons ana brothers, and on behalf 81
my associate grand officers. on behalf Of very
Stepped forward ana said The seventh District
have turned strong to show their respect you
but they have not forgotten your better half, for
though you c. II. there Is a better half at home
waiting and watching for YOU and for her Wa
beg you 10 accept this slight remembrance OF your
good Wife (Here a magnificent floral piece
brought in. which was sent TO Mrs. SicwartD
Grand Secretary Ehers also spoke in earnest terms
MY message TO YOU" he said is good will to
each other. Speak kindly OF each other: the true
Mason will speak no ev.l. will spread no evil report
about his brother. Learn to know each other and
you will learn TO love one another" etc The prin
cipal address. the feature of the evening was the
Stephen S. Wise. which was a marvel Of study and
rhetoric. and II is exceedingly 10 be regretted that
mits few short extracts from this masterpiece.
Even God IS older than the Universe. wrought
by his wish, so are the fundamental principles Of
Masonry older than the institution which is pill
Jared and pivoted upon them. Truth is older
than the Bible. sin older than Asam. religion older
than Abraham tyranny older than Pharaoh. wis
sonry is concrete embodiment Of ancient age
eternal principles. coeval with time itself.
dained from on high shelter for the snlcss a
refuge for the guiltless. Masonry asp.res
TO Divine and eternal perfection OF ne heavens on
earth, TO make of earth another Heaven. Babel
would degrade and disgrace the Heavens 20 earth,
Masonry olevates and exalts the earth to Heaven.
. 1t teaches the duty of man 10 God, duty
the everywhere reaching radiant The infntude-
inclosing circle Of the compass This is the mes
message for the life beyond" The speaker
loudly and enthusiastically applauded. The Kin
some good selections and the entire audience joined
them az the close in singing the Doxology. Thus
passed the reception Of the Seventh into Masonic
history. and may be credited successful one.
thanks TO the graceful efforts OF the ID. D.. X. W.
William j. Matthews. and thanks TO the L. p. d s.
as well as TO the devotion and zeal OF the members