Evening journal., 1901-05-17
KNIGHTS OBSERVE
ASCENSION DAY
st. Johns COmmandery Holds
Interesting Exercises in
Opera House

Members Of ST. Johns Commandory,
No l. Knights Templar and their friends
filled the Opera House last night in their
observance of Ascension Day. The exer-
ciscs were thoroughly enjoyable
Suspended above the stage were a large
cross and crown. Insignia OF the order
while grouped about were flags and palm
pinr.s Seated upon the stage were Off
GERS OF the commandcry IN uniform, and
those who participated IN the exercises.
The program opened with a selection by
the Philharmonic Band. under the direc-
tion OF Samuel r. Compton. This was
| followed by a. selection by the Temple
Male Quartet, OF Philadelphia. composed
Of Sir Knights T.. A. Murphy, J. r. Moss,
Il. NJ. Murphy and George Ford. Sir
knight Bishop Coleman. past grand pre-
late Of the Grand Encampment OF the
United States, offered prayer. as follows;
o God. the King OF Glory, who didsi
oxah az on this day. Thine only Son, Jesu.
Christ with great triumph unto Thy
Kingdom IN Heaven. grant we beseeci
Thee. that we may steadfnstly lool
thlther ourselves. and. by faith, behol,
Him at the right hand of power an,
majesty. there interceding for us. ant
putting an enemies under His feet. An,
grant we further humbly pray Thee
that while He reigneth there. and hatl
opened the doors OF His Kingdom to al
believers. We may not be bowed down 4
the things of earth. bu; that our heart
may there be lifted up whittier our re
dcmpton IS gone before. that lie ma
ever dwell with ms and we with Him
Bless we bescech Thee. these presen
. exercises, that they may rebound TO Tn.
glory and our own advantage.
Bless the officers and other members o
St Johns Commandery. and OF an o he
communicates throughout the world. that
wherever our valiant and magnanimou
order may be found. there truth an,
righteousness may abound. We rever
the courage and devotion with which ou
3 gallant ancestors defended the Faith. an.
sought to redeem the Holy Land from tn
dehlements Of unbelievers
Give us, we beseoch Thee, like valou
and steadfastness IN maintaining and de
Tending the same unchanged and un
I lchangeable Christian faith to-day. an,
grace whereby IL shall be so manifested fl
our lives and conversation that at lengtl
by the inward transformation OF Tn,
p Holy Spirit. We may attain to thing
heavenly and dwell I'm Thy likeness for
evermore, through our ascended Lord an,
Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
p After more selections by the quartet an,
the band, Sir knight Charles B. Lore. tn
I presiding officer introduced Sir Knigh
Herman A. kretschmar grand sword
, bearer Of the Grand Commandery Of tn
State of New York. the speaker of tn
evening. Sir knight Arthur Macarthur
/, grand recorder OF the Grand Commander,
Of New York, was TO have made fhe ad
dress, but was unable to come here.
Sir Knight Kretschmar's address wa
an interesting and eloquent recital of IN
history Of Masonry. He has pleasan
delivery, and held the undivided attention
Of his hearers from the beginning to tn
close Of his address.
The Masonic order. he said. IS not tn
offspring Of a day II Is Of no moderi
origln. Its furrowed cheek, wrinklod bro,
and gray hairs are evidences Of its an
2 Client origin. Il has given birth 70 mel
] Of eminent minds. Pages Of history ar
iilumincd by its beneficial deeds whicl
} stand out as bright stars. TO enter
Masonic lodge Is 10 enter temple o
truth, virtue and morality.
Selections by the quartet and band con
cluded the exercises.