The Newtown bee., 1903-05-22
Ten Pages.
COUNTY
WEST CORNWALL.
THE MASONIC HALL DEDICATED.

WEST CORNWALL.
 THE MASONIC HALL DEDICATED.
 The most notable Masonic gathering ever held in town took place on Friday afternoon, when the handsome and attractive hall erected by Blazing Star lodge, No. B, F. & A. M., was dedica- ted to the interests of Masonry by the officers of the most worshipful grand lodge of the state of Connecticut. The new hall is a we'll proportioned build- ing with banquet hall and stage on the first floor, with kitchen, etc., while on the second floor is the handsome Masonic hall, with ante-rooms, etc. Over the masters chair on the wall was the name of the lodge, "Blazing Star," in floral letters and star in bright flowers. On the arrival of the noon train the grand officers and visit ing brethren were very handsomely entertained at dinner by the members of Blazing Star lodge. After all had gathered about the tables the blessing was asked by Grand Chaplain Buckley The dedicatOry exercises opened at , p. m., when the good officers marched in, headed by Grand Marshal w. G. GranniSs of Litchtield, followed by four brethren Of Blazing Star bearing the charter of the lodge. After the beautiful dedicatory exercises by the grand officers, Hon l.. J. Nickerson, the efficient and popular worshipful master of Blazing Star lodge, arose and in his customary fclicitous manner ad- dressed the most WOrShipful grand master, Leon M. Woodford, of Nauga- tuck. Among other things he said: BlazingStarlodge has been the recipient of many gifts and considerations from Masons, and even from those who are not Masons. Even the masters chair was gift. In 1928 number of Ma sons in Cornwall were granted a char ter for Blazing Star lodge. Ten years later it went out of existence. In 1899 the grand lodge granted a charter to Blazing Star lodge, the youngest child of the order, but staunch and true to it's principles and tenents.
 Grand Master Leon M. Woodford of Naugatuck was next introduced. He said in part: I could have no greater pleasure than coming here to dedicate this Masonic hall. congratulate you on this beautiful hall. We thank you sincerely for this warm and cordial re- ception. I trust you may live many years to enjoy your beautiful new home. It is not the quantity but the quality which counts in Masonry. In joining this order we should become better men. In Masonic lodge men of high and low degree as to wealth get to- gether, but here one man is as good as another. We should be better men for belonging to this order.
 Grand Chaplain F. D. Buckley of Waterbury was next called on and made most eloquent speech. I want to congratulate the people who know nothing about Free Masonry. To plant church of the Living God is good for morality, and there is no in. stitution that can be planted side by side with the church with more benefi- cial results than Free Mason's lodge. It is the office of Free Masonry to stand for those things which are high and uplifting. l believe if this lodge stands here and does it's work it must stand for good citizenship. It is to stand for thp DOrfV and Df .uox.. Throw about the lodge, then, your best wishes and into it your noblest young men. l am ip Masonry because I be- lieve as the result of it we shall have purer homes, nobler citizenship.
 Deputy Grand Master Parsons thought it matter for congratulation that the town has here Masonic lodge so strong and full of enthusiasm, and believe you are at the beginning of your prosperity.
 Grand Senior Warden Fitch offered word of cOngratula LiOn to the yOung- est and smallest of the Masonic bodies of Connecticut.
 Grand Junior Warden Turner spoke Of the hills of Cornwall and thought Blazing Star lodge had solved the prob lem of going up hill successfully.
 Grand Secretary John H. Barlow spoke briefly and was enthusiastically | greeted
 Brief speeches were also made by a number of the visiting bre thren and local citizens, including Rev MT Stack man, pastor of the Congregational church.
 The visiting brethren from other | lodges included: W. G. Granniss, w. T. Marsh, James Campbell, E. T. | Wedge, George Peck, Louis Hotchkiss, John Hard, Arthur Marcy, James Doyle and Hugh Mcintyre of St Paul's lodge of Litchfield.
 Allison P. Smith of Hiram lodge, No. IS, Sandy Hook.
 Two VTNrDxy Ink