New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-27
AN IMPOSING CEREMONY.
THE GRAND MASTER LAYS. A CORNERSTONE.

THE GRAND MASTER LAYS CoHNEnoio"Hs
The Grand Master some time ago accepted an ins
vItation from the Erie Railroad people to lay INC
cornerstone Of new depot at Middieto"h VIZ"
Masonic ceremony and last Thursday this waS
contaminated with great eclat and the ceremonies
took place in the presence of very large coh-
course OF the citizens Of Middletown as well as Oh
the surrounding country A special car was pe
at the disposal Of the Grand Master and associate
Grand officers. and large party OF distihsosneu
brethren accompanied them to Middletown' INC
Grand Lodge made up as follows: John e'e"
art Grand Master; Robert J. Kenworthy, deputy
Grand Master: William II. Andrews, u . W.
Frederick j. Brown J. G. W.; william D. McDoi
ald Grand Treasurer; f. NJ. l.. Ehers, Glaho oes'
rotary; Henry b. Pruser. Grand Marshal; James d.
Gillie G. s. B.; August Frech g. 8. b.; ROBERT
Rocker Mathew Taylor, Cord X. Hinken ana joseph
l.. Scherer Grand Stewards; William Il. Gomersan'
G. s. D.. Robert NJ. H. Dickinson, j. u. d. JONI
r. Pope, Grand Lecturer; L. Loewenstein' uiA"~
Librarian; George Skinner. q. r., and Ahore"
Ferguson, Grand Tier. When the Grand omce''
arrived at Middletown a committee OF HOFFMAN
Lodge No. 49, together with the officials OF tne
Erie Railroad, received them and escorted them 70
the Russell House. where, after a short rest ana
mutual introductions. banquet was served In the
large dning-roJ The brethren then reassemoeo
In the lodgeroom OF Hoffman Lodge, where the
Master W. Bro Corwn, babe them welcome IN
very neat and appropriate address, ordered the
Marshal Bro. +. A. r. Pronk. TO form the pro-
cession Fully 1000 people were In line, ABOUT Two
hundred members of Hoffman Lodge and every
lodge Of the Tenth Masonic District was repre-
scented. Past District Deputy Combs. as wei as
the present District Deputy, George w. Peck, was
very active in assisting the brethren OF HOFFMAN
Lodge.
AT the cornerstone laying the usual Masonic ser
vices were performed. The Rev. F. A. Heath onereo
prayer. after which w Edward II. Barto, Master
of Cornucopia Lodge No. 5S3 and Division Passen-
ger Agent of the Erie, presented to Grand Master
Stewart handsome silver trowel with which 10
spread the cement on the cornerstone OF the new
building. He said that the Erie Railroad corpora
ton requests the acceptance Of this trowel In
token OF their appreciation OF the great and valu-
able service, and the speaker hopes that among
the many pleasing memories the Grand Master
will carry with him. this moment and this day
Will be, one The Grand Master In , accepting:
ceremonies were then proceeded With After TINS
very fe eli address, also
w. Peck. w. William A. Parshall. Master Oh f0r.
the Grand Master and the brethren. as well as the
citizens, of Mddletown. for this large turn-9Hs
beauty sSd an sGes Value 81 and
added churches. schoolhouses and shops 10 the Guy,
etc. The singing OF the "Doxology" ended the cere-
hospitable roof of Hoffman Lodge where bcunti s
full banquet was spread. Here again the Grand
wy 20
large numbers tc lay the cornerstone or new
gressive age and must keep In line with progress
and advancement as matter OF duty depot Is
in measure exchange; II is commercial as
well railroad depot, and 1t exerts an influence
in the city. and We must ever bear in mind to do
our duty citizens well as Masons, etc
r. w. William II. Andrews, Rufus L. Griggs,
James b. Gillie and William J. Mcdonald also
spoke
The brethren returned to NewYork in good sea-
son after thanking w. Master Corwin and the
brethren of Hoffman Lodge for courteses extended.
OF the many distinguished brethren present
space permits the mention of only few, such as
W. Harry B: Roome, of Cornwall James r Chap
man Past Master of Cornucopa; DR.; F. M. Cum
nings, T. w. Howard of Jerusalem Temple Lodge
md its active secretary, G. w. Roome. Hudson
River Commandery was also well represented and
formed an escort to the brethren. From Goshen,
Acting Master Henry o'NeIll Past Master Null
eux and c. +. Wright: W. II. NJ Moorehouse.
Master of Standard Lodge No. I'll
The Erie Railroad was well represented by c. r.
Fitch. general superln tendent George Van Keuren.
NJ. W Mcclure w; r. ,Loughlin I. T Dougherty
md +. II. Barto. The latter was especially active
n arranging for this event and deserves well OF
he brethren and the company for the very able
md efficient manner with which he conducted the
,ntire affair. 1t was undoubtedly a great day for
he brethren and citizens Of Middetown and one
ong to be remembered.