New-York tribune., 1897-08-29
HIS FIRST VISIT TO THE HOME.

There are many Masons in New-York State who,
no doubt read with interest the annual report OF
the Masonic Home at Utica, and who may also be
interested in the impressions formed by the writer
on his first visit to the institution. the occasion
OF the annual inspection by the Grand Master Satur-
day, August p.
After delightful drive OF two miles over fine
asphalt roadway entered the home grounds. The
full beauty Of the magnificent location is seen as
we approach the front of the building: situated on
an elevated plateau and surrounded by well-kept
lawns and fowerbeds. this structure stands out In
bold relief. Away of to the north rise the erraced
foo hills OF the Adirondacks. with the beautiful Mo-
hawk Valley in the foreground the blue sky and
Gods sunshine over all, making scene OF rare
beauty
AS we entered the handsomely appointed hall the
vague idea OF a charitable institution which had un-
consciously pervaded our minds disappeared en-
tirely and permanently for this is home in its
broades; sense. and from which all feeling of de-
pcndence has been eliminated. After listening TO
kindly and feeling addresses from the Most Wor
shipful Grand Master. the Deputy Grand Master
and other notable craftsmen, We stroed through
the buildings inspecting in detail the many and ad-
mrable arrangements for the comfort OF the in
mates: The rooms are ali pleasantly situated ana
in their furnishing show evidence OF a cultured and
refined taste. As passed through the corridor
connecting the main building with the chdren's
building, the little folk were standing In line walt
ing for the dinnor-bel, and lot Of healthy hearty
youngsters they were. too. Passing through to the
the floors and stairs shining with cleanliness | no.
ticed very touching incident while walking by the
rows OF little white beds. on the head of one,
suspended by string, was cheaply framed pho-
tograph of a kindly faced man of about thirty,
which afterward ascertained was the picture of
the little lads father, dead but forgotten and
] felt then : never did before what this home
means 10 every Mason throughout the State-an alb
solu,e certainty OF protection for the fatherless
Musing upon the impressions of the day the domi-
nant idea regarding the home in my mind seemed
10 be this:
1t is a well-known fact in chemistry that during
the process OF capitalization there must first be
evolved a central atom around which others form
TO completion. This natural law finds parallel
In the relationship OF the home 10 the entire Ma
sonic fraternity of the Empire State. The exist
ence OF this institution is TO me an embodiment or
c.ystail.zation If you WILL of the essence of ideal
Masonry-charty in its fullest sense-and is a
eTlendid demons iration of the true Masonic spirit
which rnds abiding place in the faithful breast
OF every Master Mason.
Al fonor those in whose minds the idea of
This Institution frs; originated and who builded
better than they knew. All honor TO those brethren
who by purse and tongue. by influence and exam
pie. have made possible the evolution OF ab
etract idea into existing structure. within whose
walls gathered the old and young and for
which nnety-;hr thousand craftsmen OF New
York State sponsors. The lasting impressions
which have been formed by my visit to the home
OF such exceedingly pleasant character that they
can never he effacei from my memory. The rec
ollecton Of them will be a Joy forever, and the
knowledge that Ihave the honor to be member of
this fraternity will increase in value with the pas
Of time. r. +. ;.