New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-04
THE GRAND MASTER on STATEN ISLAND.

Saturday last great day with the Free
u1asons Of Staten Island, the occasion being the
laying Of the cornerstone for the Masonic Temple
corner of Richmond-ave. and Bennett-st., In Port
Richmond which is to be the future home Of Rich
mend Lodge No. Go
The Most Worshpful Grand Master, William a.
Sutherland. and staH arrived at the West New
brighton Depot ar o'clock and, escorted by York
Commandery proceeded 10 Richmond Lodge, on
Harrison-ave Port Richmond. whore the dis
tingu.shea guests were received with the honors
due 10 their exalted station.
The Grand Maste- made en- impressive address
TO the lodge. and congratulated It upon its pros
porous condition and bright prospects.
The ceremony was performed IL accordance win
the ancient and beautiful ritual. and wit
ressed by between three and four thousand people
thousand Of whom We're Free and Accepted
Nasors. After the ceremony was over the Grand
Master made an eloqucn. and timely address.
In the course OF his remarks he spoke OF the ad-
vartaees which Masons possess over their unin-
i,iaied neghbors. and impressed upon their minds
the important duties they owe 10 the community in
the performance Of upright and manly conduct
Masons should be examples to the people around
them. and should help the world 10 be better and
truer to God and humari'r.
Il sometimes hear it remarked by Masons
said the Grand Master that they are Masors.
and therefore. have use for any other religion.
There is but one answer to such remark The
man who utters It knows nothing about religion
and very little about Freemasoury. While they
are separate and distinct. each can help the other
to make the world better"
At the close Of tho Grand Masters address Bro.
Ira X Morris. historian Of Richmond Lodge. gave
p brief sketch Of the ORGANIZATION. lie began py
saving that the history OF Richmond Lodge began
almost with the century, although the introduction
of l'reeInascnry on Staten Island must date back
10 that eyeutfu day when the Wild dcnlZen OF the
forest first behcld the approach OF CIVILIZED man
IL IS known that beyond the possibility OF doubt,
I'm the brave little band OF men tndt cautiously
entered the Kills the third day OF September,
I609 there were those who wore the square ana
compass and in whose faithful breasts were safely
lodged the secrets OF the craft In every ep0cn
marking the advancement OF civilization since mat
day, Freemasonry has left It's indellble impress
upon the annals of Staten Island
The speaker then alluded to the early struggles
OF Richmond Lodge. formerly No. 3si. which after
the union OF the,twO Grand Lodges became No 50.
He then gave account OF the lodge up 10 the
present time. reciiing the many interesting Incl
were the commence ment OF the movement which
ultima ely led 10 the removal OF the Quarantine
HOSPITAL and the dedication Of the Sailors snug
Uarbor and many other public events In all Of
which the brethren, as pubc-sprited citizens took
The affair was a brilliant success and marks
new epoch in the history Of Masonry on Staten
Island Many prominent brethren were present as
we'll as the resident Grand Chapter officers. York
Commandery No. 80. headed hy its Commando;
Eminent Sir George knipe. acted as guard or
honor 10 the Grand Lodge. and escorted them and
the brethren on the march. The command en-
over two hundred strong The Sir knights were
much admired. -. -,
NJ W Sutherland was presented with hand
some silver trowel concentrating the event ny
pirate address to which the Grand Master most
felicitOusly replied