The San Francisco call., 1897-02-24
Theosophists of the World
Dedicate the School of
Mysteries.
Its Corner.Sto a Piece of Onyx
From the Temple of the
Sphynx.
President Hargravs Explains the
Obj ct for Which the College
Was Projected

OhAN DAAOOy OALss ICUs uCoNo5t
February %, 1897, will ever remain great
day in the history OF theosophy. For on
this day, let it be told, IN the park OF lbs
acres recently purchased by the
theosophists on the northern end OF Point
Iona, was laid the cornerstone OF the
temple which is to be built and dedicated
to "the revival of the lost mysteries OF
antiquity"
The ceremonies were announced to take
place at 2 o'clock. but as early as O'Clock
this morning carriages were vending
tkeir way along the road leading to
Point Iona.
Every available wheeled vehicle in the
city has been chartered. By 10 O'Clock a
stream of people was pouring toward
Point Loma-bicyclists, equestrians, men
and women in carriages, road wagons, om-
nibuses aud tally-hos.
The site of the proposed college, or
school as it is called, is a beautiful one
located on the heights on the ocean side
of the point, nearly opposite Roseville
and overlooking the mighty Pacific to the
west.
To the north and east as far as the eve
can reach IS a chain of mountains and
uAIlS W muASA oIICbIn oOubhmdIQ AubO
Mexico, while almost at ones feet reposes
the perfect bay of San Diego, its shore
bordered by the cities of San Diego, Coro-
nado and National City.
On reaching the spot the spc ctators
found every arrangement made for their
comfort and convenience. Seats were ar
ranged in amphitheater style, giving all a
front view of the enclosure con amin 9
the cornerstone, the cap of which was
held in place by derrick, from the top OF
which were gracefully suspended, on ropes
stretching TO the ground, the flags OF all
nations.
Over the entrance to the inclosure was
q large arch OF evergreens supporting a
banner of yellow silk, upon which was
worked in purple silk the motto of the
order, Truth, Light Liberation for Dis
couraged humanity"
Near the inclOsure was pitched small
closed tent, which none but the initiated
were allowed to enter.
At 2:30 o'clock the participants in the
| ceremonies. twelve in number, came out
of the tent, each carrying some symbol
whose meaning was afterward explained
to the company.
Then. standing by the cornerstone.
with Mira. Tingley by his side and the
| others ranged in parallel lines at right
angles to each other, President e. T. Har-
grove of the societies in America, Europe
and Australasia, spoke on the objects o:
| the school.
The cap of the cornerstone. which. is
not really cornerstone, but block OF
San Diego granite, highly polished on its
face. was then lifted, disclosing com.
paIion stone having an orihce for the re-
ceptacle of tin box in its center.
This cap cornerstone, which is engraved
on its fece with the initials of the school
and its date, is inlaid in the center with a
xzfn rs Row mt Ior to- -
Temple of the Sphinx, and which was
presented to the crusaders by n sheik OF
the Bedouins OF that neighborhood
The stone is designed to be subse-
quently removed from its position and
placed in the center of the marble floor OF
the main hall of the temple.
Advancing TO the stone Mrs. Katherin
A. Tingley, who is the directress of the
school and the leader of the theosophical
movement in the world, placed within
the receptacle a square tin box con tain
ing a history of the movement, "Best
Thoughts of Crusaders" ana various par
chments.
The capstone was then lowered and
formally dedicated impressIyely. Mrs.
Tingley said:
81 dedicate this stone, perfect square,
fitting emblem of the perfect work to be
done in the temple for the good OF
humanity and the glory OF the ancient
sages."
Corn, oil and wine were brought in order
by the participants and sprinkled by the
directress upon the stone These were fol-
lowed by earth, emblem of mans body !;
broken bottle of air, EN- bIem of man 8
BREATH water, emblem of mans inner
self, and fire, emblem of mans spiritual
power.
MAY these fires be lighted and may
they burn forever" was the invocation
offered.
Rev. w. Williams of England then
read a portion OF Christ's sermon on
the mount from the orthodox Bible,
to the occasion were reeite1 from Hindoo
scriptures, st. Paul, Hennez. the Bible,
Chinese sages, Confucius, Emerson, the
Persian Bible, Buddhist scriptures. etc.
Following reading by Miss Anna