The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-09-22

ing their acknowledgements OF this libeT-
atty. IN point Of value OF individual pres
ents, IL the vast numbers OF donations. IL
the fine taste displayed IN their choice,
and IN the care taken that they should
be properly and promptly delivered, the
Masonic Fair has been favored beyond any
enterprise Of the character hitherto pro-
iected in Raleigh. This has enabled
those in charge Of the FAIR TO make the
beautiful display which Will be presented
to arrange booths with some regard for
order, as well a. attractivenesS. and to
leave nothing incomplete or to be hastily
provided at the last moment
Entirely apart from the money value
Of gifts made. they seem to rave been
chosen for their appropriateness, with
rare skill. They could not have been bet
ter selected had the donors met and de-
cided upon their gifts with a view Of Sc
curing variety both as to use and display.
Thus the Fair IS enabled to be organized
on the scale Of a grand bazaar, wherein
color. form, intrinsic work and practical
use of the articles exhibited. all enter IN
to make the mise en- scene effective.
The cordial thanks Of the Fair Associa-
ton are therefore, EXTENDED to the dom
ors for their hberahty and good taste,
and the graciousness which characterized
their offerings. The whole Masonic Fra
ternity Of North Carolina will join in
these acknowledgements, and the Temple
and its fittings Will be to them a constant
reminder of the donors.
SOME OF THE REASONS WHY THE
FAIR IS HELD.
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina has
been considering the proposition to build
a Masonic Temple in this State for a
number of years. At the session of the
Grand Lodge of 1901, a committee was
appointed TO secure options on sites III
the city of Raleigh and obtain estimates
for the building of a Temple. Nothing
definite, however, was done by this COM
mittee. AT the session Of the Grand Lodge
in 1902, General VIM. H. Cox, Past Grand
Master, moved that the number of the
committee be increased and that this com
mittee be instructed to proceed at once
to adopt ways and means for building a
Masonic Temple for the Grand Lodge OF
North Carolina. This committee proceed
ed at once to business, and they asked
for bids from several cities. The bid
made by the city Of Raleigh was by far
the most liberal Of any received by the
committee. Consequently, the Temple was
located at Raleigh.
The question of ways and means fer
DuI1tILS tlC 1N11lpII II Octll VI Eoic
mount Importance, and while discussing
various ways of raising funds, Mr.. John
C. DreWry, Grand Secretary, proposed
having a Masonic Bazaar, as 1t was
thought by this means several thousand
dollars could be raised. This suggestion
was adopted but has been en-
larged upon from time to time,
until 1T was proposed to carry
out this idea, not only IN a local
way, in the city of Raleigh, but to have
the Grand Lodge of North Carolina en-
dorse this scheme and make it a big State
Masonic Fair, instead of a local bazaar.
The idea grew from time to time and be
came so large that it was necessary to
secure the services of some expert to man
age the Fair. After consulting with va
riOuS Masonic authorities throughout the
United States, it was learned that Col.
Noble T. Martin was a genius in this
line. His efforts had always been sue
cesful and he had rendered material ser
vices in building a number of Masonic
Temples throughout the United States. 1t
| was decided to secure his services, if it
could be done on satisfactory terms. This
| was done.