Evening star., 1902-02-11
NEW MASONIC TEMPLE
PRELIMINARY STEPS TAKEN TO
INCREASE THE FUND.
Scope Of the Building Explained by
General Secretary Ryder-Mr.
Speed-Smith Presides.

Was on Centennial Lodge, F. A. A.
NJ, la .ight set on foot the preliminary
plans for a great Masonic fair and exposi-
ton, which it is planned to hold in Conven-
tion Hall some time in April, for the benefit
OF the new Masonic Temple fund. The ban
quet at which Centennial Lodge announced
these plans was arranged for the particular
purpose Of bringing together the Masons
from whom most help is expected. In en-
thusiasm and active interest the meeting
was an unqualified success
Mr. John Speed Smith, an official of the
pension bureau, as master of the lodge
made the explanatory statement with
which last nights speechmaking was be-
gun. For many years Mr. Speed d-Smith has
been prominent in Kentucky Masonry and
he felt justified accordingly in bespeaking
the support and interest Of the Masons of
that state in establishing here a monument
to the order as it now f1ourishes in America.
He then introduced Mr.. 8. NJ. Ryder, gen.
eral secretary Of the committee in charge
OF the exposition.
Mr.. Ryder's Remarks.
Mr.. Ryder covered the. whole ground Of
the temple project. It was proposed, he
said, to construct here a temple OF Free
Masonry which should grace the national
capital. To this end fair had been held
in 1898, which was the greatest undertake
ing of the sort ever conducted by District
or Columbia lodges, and which was, in the
speakers mind, not less remarkable for
the spirit of fraternity which sprang from
the associated labors involved. as 1t was
noted for the fund realized. The proceeds
were $4,000. That sum came within $50, 600
of paying for the site chosen for the hall
several lots in the square bounded by New
York avenue, H, 18th and 18th streets. 1t
was the purpose Of this second exposition
70 hot n hole rko1>I Isrl,
a nucleus for the building fund needed to
erect the temple This temple was de-
signed to be the headquarters for all
Masonic bodies in the United States the
quarters of all the lodges in the District
of Columbia which were centrally located,
and a convenient place for national conven-
tions, meetings of the Grand Lodge and
such other general assemblies as the gen
eral bodies of the order might deem wise
to convene.
The building would be Of handsome archi-
tectural proportions and design. he said 1t
would be finished elegantly and 1t would be
one OF the most ornamental structures in
the entire city. Several hundred thousand
dollars would be required. This second fair
was, consequently, only step toward the
completed result. But 1t was confidently
expected to give the Masonic fraternity
clear title to the ground and start on
the building When the committee had con-
cluded its labors and the funds had been
audited 1t was hoped the various Masonic
bodies of the nation would support and CO.
operate with the Masons Of the District Of
Columbia.
The Goat Escapes.
Many ladies attended the meeting. Just
as Mr. Ryder concluded a big billy goat,
with gilded horns and waving streamers of
red and blue ribbon, charged down the
aisle toward the stage Master Speed
Smith at once directed some Of his subordi-
rates to return the animal to it's proper
quarters, and, mounting to the stage
gravely assured the ladies that the goat
had broken away from an initiation cere-
mony. The feminine portion of the audi
ence went home firmly convinced it had
been let into the secret Of one Of the mys-
terious rites of Masonic lodges
Among the Masons who attended were
many of the most prominent members Of
District of Columbia lodges, most Of whom
expressed a deep personal interest in the
temple project and promise it support. The
whole number of those who attended was
about 500. all of whom were entertained at
supper by Centennial Lodge