The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-07-06

linps of bounteous Heaven be show
cred upon as and upon all like. patrl-
otto and benevolent undertakings. and
inspire the hearts of the people with
virfue. wisdom aud gratitude
| Grand Senior Warden j. b. Bass,
holding IN his hand the silver vessel
containing wine, poured 1t upon the
corner stone. using these words: Il
pour this wine as an emblem OF JOY
and gladness. May the Great Ruler of
the Universe bless and prosper our
nation. our state and city government,
preserve the union of the states, and
may it be a bond of friendship and
brotherly love that shall endure
through all time
Grand Jnnior Warden R. L. Hill
also holding in his hand the silver ves-
sci containing oil. approached the cor
ner stone, pouring thereon the oil, and
saying, II pour this oil as an emblem
of peace. May its blessing abide with
us continually, and may the Grand
Master of heaven and earth shelter and
protect the widow and orpan. shield
and defend them from trials and vicis-
STUDIES of the world, and so bestow His
mercy upon the bereaved. the affiiet-
ed and the sorrowing, that they may
know sorrow and trouble no more.n
The Grand Master then stepped to
he front of the platform aud after de-
livering an invocation, with gavel in
hand, proceeded TO the corner stone of
the court house and striking il three
times after which the Grand Masonic
Honors were given. At the conclusion
OF which, the Grand Master delivered
to the architect the plans of the new
court house and implements of archi-
lecture, saying.
"Worthy Brother, having thus, as
Grand Master of Masons of the State
of Louisiana. laid the foundation stone
of this structure, now deliver these
implements of your profession into
your hands, intrusting you with the
superiDtendence and direction of the
work, having full confidence in your
skill and capacity TO conduct the samen
Grand Master Cage then delivered
to the assembly an eloquent, beautiful
and impressive address appropriate to
the occasion, at the conclusion of which
he introduced Past Grand Master of
the State of Mississippi, Judge FredeF-
lex Speed, who delivered fine Mason
ic address, holding his audience spell
bound by his eloqueDce, after which
Grand Chaplain G. r. Egelly pro-
nounced the following beBediction
"Glory be to God on high aud ON
earth peace, and good will toward
men; o Lord we most heartily be-
seech Thee with thy favor to behold
and bless this sssemblsge; pour down
thy mercy like the dew that falls upon
the mountains, upon thy servants en-.
gagged in the solemn ceremonies of this
day. Bless, we pray thee, all the
workmep who shall be engaged in the
erection OF this edifice; keep them from
all forms OF accidents and harm, grant
them in health and prosperity to live;
and finally we hope, after this life.
through thy mercy, wisdom and for
giveness, to attain everlasting joy and
felicity in thy bright mansion-in thy
holy temple-not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. Amen"
Grand Marshal Geo. +. Blackburn
then proclaimed the ceremonies Of lay
ing the corner stone of the new court
house of the Parish of East Carroll at
an end in the name of the Grand
Lodge of Louisiana, and the process
sion was again formed in line with
Moser's silver cornet band at the head,
and returned to the Masonic Hall in
the same order In which it proceeded
to the court house grounds. The
other societies following, repaired to
their several lodge rooms, and every
one commenced making preparations
to repair to the Fair Grounds in
order 10 take in the barbecue, with |
which the committee of which Hon.
r. L. Hill was chairman, had devoted
so much time and labor in preparing
for the assemblage.
The day was very hot one indeed, |
the temperature going up 10 almost
100, and especially in The afternoon,
when hot suffo eating wave prevail.
ed, and it is surprising that no SUM-
strokes or prostrations occurred.
The laying of the corner stone for
our new court house will long be re-
membered as an event in the history
of the parish. Everything connected
with it was a success, and the gen.
tlemen who had it In hand should
feel proud of the way in which +
everything was carried out.
Three cheers and tiger for the
Police Jury.