The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-30
VIII Be Ready for Occupation About October, 1904 ALL STOCK IS SUBSCRIBED
Grand Rally Held at Masonic Hall. Captain Smith Was Chairman and pr. Cunningham and Others
 Made Speeches.

A Masonic temple, at a cost of s75,oOo' is to be, erected in Birmingham. It is to eclipse in beauty and architectural mag nificance anything of it's kind Tn the south. It will be seven stories high
 At a rally, of the Masonic fraternity at it's hall on the corner of First avenue ana Twentieth street last night the long protected temple was the sole topic or discussion.
 The meeting was largely attended by both local and visiting Masons. and much enthusiasm was in evidence
 Chairman Smith.
 Capt. John G. Smith was chairman or the meeting and in his address announced the fact that the rally had been called for inc purpose of raising s6ooo, the bal- ance of $25, ,OoO subscription stock required by the Birmingham Masonic Temple as- sociation, to commence operations on the projected edifice for this city. Captain Smith briefly reviewed the financial status of the association, stating that a lot, valued at sl5,ooo, had been pur- chased and quoted the assets of the as- sociation as s23, 0D0. He described the loca- tion of the lot on the corner of Nine- teenth street and Sixth avenue as being an ideal one, and in every way sultapie for the purpose for which 1t had been boupht. In making his appeal to the Ma sons for subscriptions, Captain smith dweIt upon the necessity of temple Tn Birmingham and stated that such a building would be a monument to the benovolence and humanitarianism or the fraternity. He said that sl9Ooo had ai- ready been subscribed, leaving a balance of s6ooO which would have to be raised before the adjournment of the meeting
 pr. Cunningham.
 The chairman then introduced pr. d. G Cunningham, past grand master who was the orator of the evening, pr. Cunningham on taking the pat form stated that he was not stock holder in the association, although ne wouldn't say how long 1t would be before he was. He reviewed the condition of the south since the civil war, particularly re- garding Alabama. He said that without any unwonted boastfulness or chauvinlsm Alabama stands without peer. Richest | in natural resources, unparalleled in manufacture, with agricultural districts of unusual fertility this commonwealth was attracting the attention of the whole civilized world.
 The Center.
 Birmingham was characterized as it's brightest center and in his reference to the Magic City, Dr. Cunningham referred to the fact that some few years ago, property was offered to him for s45OO that could hardly he bought today for as many thousands. Every year property in- creased in value and he looked forward to the time when he would see the busi- ness portion of. the town. now concen- trated within few blocks, extend for miles.
 The past grand master in advocating a temple in Birmingham said that as he understood it, its object was to be far reaching and not confined to the local lodges He incidentally mentioned the Masonic buildings at Montgomery, Mo- bile and other places far smaller than Birmingham, contending that such a project as Birmingham Masons had in view would be more than a mere financial enterprise When eliminated it would stand as a fraternal monument or land mark for all time to come.
 Dr. Cunningham's effort was repeatedly interrupted by unstinted applause. his happy remarks regarding Birmingham meeting with a hearty approval.
 Dr. A. J. Dickinson. pastor of the First Baptist church, and D. Ashworth, visit- ing Mason from Pittsburg, Pa, spoke en- couraging words which evoked cheerful apprecia tion. MT Ashworth was consid- cred specially eloquent. his address though of short duration, was commented on freely and appeared to deeply impress his hearers.
 All the Stock Subscribed.
 After the addresses subscriptions were called for and in less than half an hour all the stock was subscribed
 Architects will be asked to submit their plans as early as possible as the asso- citation is anxious to commence work on the building at the earliest practicable moment. The association hopes to have the building erected and ready for dedi-