The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-06-19
UNIQUE IMPROMPTU CEREMONY
LAYING OF THE FIRST BRICK FOR HAND
SOME NEW eLKS' HOME.
Bottle of Nuns Extra Dry Broken
Over the Brick by Mr.. James w.
Monroe-The Ceremoney arranged
ON the Spur ofthe Moment by Exalted
Ruler III. G.. X

An impromptu but very unique and
appropriate ceremony attended the
laying of the first brick for the new
Elks' Home, being erected by Whining
ton lodge of Elks on Front strict, be-
tween Chestnut and Grace streets. yes
terday about l o'clock. The first brick
was laid by Exalted Ruler Gerken and
& bottle of NUNS extra dry broken
over it by Mr.. James w. Monroe.
The morning was well advanced
when Exalted Ruler H. ]. Gerken
learned Unexpectedly from the con-
tractor that he would be ready to be-
gin laying brick within an hour or two
and on the spur of the minute he con-
ceived the idea Of celebrating the event
with as appropriate a ceremony as
could be arranged for within the linn
tied time. So he hurriedly consulted as
many Elks as he could find and dis
patched Messrs. w. T. Robertson, ]. D.
Bellamy, Jr., Bird, and G.. c. Chadbourn
as a special committee to procure a
carriage and bring Mr.. James W. Mon
roe, whose general and ~commendable
enthusiasm for secret orders in general
n Elkhood in particular, is well
known, as is the fact of his sad affic-
ton with paralysis. 1t was the desire Of
Mr.. Gerken and the Elks generally
that the christening of the new Home
should be done by Mr.. Monroe. Hap
PLY, he was we'll enough to accept the
invitation, n gladly came with the
committee.
When the carriage bearing the COM
mite n Mr.. Monroe arrived at the
site for the Elks' building, quite a num-
Der of Elks had assembled anu they
gathered about the carriage Of their
afflicted brother. Owing to his par
alytic affliction Mr.. Monroe cannot
speak, except to answer yes or mo-"
and he only has the use of one hand.
However, despite his affection, he was
looking bright and happy and the ex-
pressions which lighted his countenance
spoke in terms more eloquent han
words. Mr.. Gerken a selected the
brick which was to be used for the
ceremony and provided a bottle of
extra dry, which was to be broken over
it. In a few we'll chosen words he
announced the object for which the
company lac assembled-that of lay
ing the first brick from which should
be reared the -four walls of the new
Home in which the lodge should meet
for many years to ONE, and practice
the Fundamental principles of the Or
der, charity, justice, brotherly love and
fidelity.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Gerken's
remarks, ne held the Dr1ck at the door
of the carriage, from which Mr.. Mon
roe leaned, and with one vigorous blow
shattered the bottle of champagne, al
lowing the effervescent fluid to baptize
the brick, the fervent prayer God
Bless Our Home" going up from the
heart of every Elk the while.
w. j. Bellamy, Esq, was then called
upon to make a few remarks, which he
did very appropriately, and Mr.. Ger
ken then took the brick Inc placed it
in the southeast corner of the eXcava-
tions made for the foundation of the
e. Home.
The neck of the champagne bottle
was preserved by Mr.. Gerken and will
eithed be deposited in the cornerstone
or decorated in an attractive way
and conspicuously placed in the lodge
apartments of the new Home.
1t is estimated hat within a month
or less time the walls of the building
will be sufficiently advanced for the
cornerstone to be laid, and a committee
will be appointed within the next few
days to prepare for the ceremony,
which is prescribed in the lodge ritual.
An orator will be secured for the occa-
sion and special music prepared.