Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1900-10-05

Green.
In a cavity under the corner stone was
placed box containing a biographical
sketch of the charter members Of Benton
Lodge, also list Of the grand oflirers
present, each officer having written his
own name. After the corner stone had
been struck thrice the grand master le-
livered charming address, Substantially
rs follows:
LafieS. Gentlemen. aud Br,ikrH: II
is pleasant duty, aud gratifying t"
every member of the Grand Lodge Of
Vermont here assembled, to perform the
little task which calls us together.
Not only are the brethren who form
the nucleus for new masonic lodge ia
this place to he congratulated because OF
the thoughtfulness and liberality of the
donor of this beautiful building and its
contents. but it should be a matter of
rejoicing on the part of all the people of
this place, and up and down this beauti-
full valley.
While we recognize the great benefits
to the present and future generations
which will come from the library, We
must not lose sight of, nor overlook the
results which will follow the institution
of masonic lodge in your midst, for !
am certain that motive which prompts
the organization of such an institution
is not only for the promotion OF good
and prosperity of its members, hut for
the public welfare as well.
The true mason is better man, a
better husband, better father, and
the underlying principles which govern
us promotes good citizenship, and public
prosperity.
Addressing Wor. Bro. Benton he
said: Although mconsciously 1t may
be, yet it is true, nevertheless, that in
the self-sacrifice and liberality which
you have exhibited, monument is be-
ing erected which is more lasting than
chiseled marble. for in the hearts of
your brothers and this people. your
name will be remembered and spoken
as benefactor a philanthropist and
true friend.
can imagine that the unselfShness
of such action on your part, leads you
with another to exclaim, ii would rather
live in the hearts of my friends, would
rather be remembered as having tried to
be a good man and true mason, would
rather have the appreciation of a good
chiseed in marble, or my deeds recorded
on parchment"
Our coming together today in thi,
capacity, is a step in masonic progress
we learn to know each other better, VT
break bread together, and we find i
pays, not only in the money chest, bu
in the treasury-which, empty, God pit!
us,-the treasury of the human heart.
One of the pleasures of existence, an'
among the many bright spots in memory
is the recollections of having been
subject of love and esteem of the littI
ones. To us who are fathers, and VIII
have learned to love the children "A
none others can, any testimonial of thei
regard which they can offer touches tn
finer sensiblities of ones own natur
T. and only such can appreciate it. Th
/ children of this beautiful village as
f testimonial of their regard offer to Bro
o Benton their tribute and will now presel
f it,
g At the conclusion of this address for
: little misses presented their garlands {
:. flowers, placing them at the corner stone
y after which pretty ceremony, hands e,
tended, the grand master made the fo
lowing
I. INVOCATION
t. May the all-bounteous Author of n
ture bless the inhabitants of this plaC
with an abundance of the necessarie'
conveniences, and comforts of life; a
sist in the erection and completion {
this building; protect the workme
against every accident; long preser'
I. the structure from decay; and grant
us all supply Of the CORN of nowis
} ment, the WINE of retreshment, and II
- OIL of joy. Amen.
- To which the officers and brethren 7
), sponded $50 mote it be-"
)" The grand lecturer Walter +. Rang
~ was next introduced, and the IIERAI
. is pleased to present his address almo
~ in full. His subject was:
The Library as a Factor in Education al
e Masonry as a Factor in Civilization.
lie Most WorshiptM Grand Master, Bret
TO rem, and CHssens Of Guildhal: 1t
III seemingly the part of the speaker to t
III in some degree, to voice the essenti
as meaning of this worthy and signica
C. occasion. For Guildhall, one of the oil
III est towns in Vermont, being the seven
ne in the order of settlement, and havil
III many an eventful day in its rich al
U.s. honorable history of 1876 wears. this is