The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-03-05
Most Worshipful @TT. y M N Davis
the Orator for the
Event. 3t
.MAsONs PARADE THR0UG IL
THE WEST END STREETS
Large Attendance Was Present
and the Imposing Ceremony
{. Was Conducted Through
olltWitlloutsa a HitcllThe
Weather Was Fine
But8Vcry Cold.

G Gathered within a gaunt circle Of half
formed walls n congregat ton. represen-
,tative OF the Hebrew population Of Rich
mend and including many others OF
the citizenship as we'll. yesterday after
noon witnessed the laying OF the corne--
stone OF the new Temple Beth Ahabah
In the far West End. II
But for an Intensity OF cold in thee at.
ncspfiere tho weather was perfect. The
sun shone brightly and the fail. skies
spreading above the rooflcss structure, 'l1'
did much to compensate for the fact
that as the evening wore on many shiver-
cd in the chill blasts that whlstledd
through the unfinished walls Assisted
thus auspiciously by the weather. the
ceremonial feature OF the occasion was
conducted without hitch or mar The lay
ing OF tho foundation stone was acrs
complishsd amid all the solemn and itn--sa
Spressiye pageuntry OF the Masonic fra
5te,nIty. and choice, though brief, adj
dress, was delivered by tho grand master
*. Virginia.: Great pomp attended the
entire proceeding, and It was close Upon pl
when Last wnras az ha. e. lnps.
selaire wsre prononnc ed. .5ss gs s,stt
Il Farions circumstances of a8striking ap-
1ocarance and signif fica;it Operated to
render he5occn sion one Ut uncommon IN
lterest. Tho attendance was very large
and the exercises themselves wrc inter
Eestlng to a high degree. The long and
imposing parade of Masons through the
streets $of the West End attracted gen
oral attention to the event Beyond all
OF this It was striking scene and situa-
3tien, commented upon by the grand mas
,er-..that the ancient fraternity should
bc called upon TO perform the ancient
ceremony for the descendants of the an
Client people," A Christian minister as
Chaplain for the lodge, participated in
the service.
Imposing Pageant.
Some small differences from corner
stone laying In general made possible an
unusual perfection of arrangement at
Beth Ahaba. Contrary to what is Usually
the case. the ceremony was delayed until
the walls OF the temple were about hair
up. a temporary floor was laid and seats
we're placed within. giving It almost the
appearance Of a church complete. Upon
what will be the altar In time. the Off
GERS OF tile lodge and a few others sat.
IN the middle of the auditorium tho mem
ibers OF the lodge were stationed while
hacked In on either side was the scongre-.
CATION. Many people stood on tho outside
where they could neither see nor hear.
The walls OF the temple rose far above
the heads OF the crowd but could not
keep out the wind. which stole through
Tho uncovered holes and beat down
through the roofess top.
THE exercises began about $3.50 O'Clock
and were over In something more than
an hour. The parade formed at the Ma
sonic Temple ut 3 o'clock and marched
from there To tho site Of the syna agoguee
q, On FRANKLIN Street facing Ryland. It was $
made up OF tho members Of Fraternal
Lodge. No. 53, A. +. and a. NJ, and the
officers OF the Beth Ahabn ,congrega on. OF