Weekly Arizona journal-miner., 1904-04-06
CORNER STONE OF ELKS' BUILDING
 LAID WITH IMPOSING CEREMONY
Witnessed by Large Concourse of Citizens of Prescott of Elks From Phenix
 Lodge in Attendance.

The officers elected at the annual election held on March 30, 1904, are as follows:
 1 Exalted Ruler-John c. Forest.
 Esteemed Leading Knight-Henry NJ. Maus.
 Esteemed Loyal Knight-Archie Grant
 Esteemed Lecturing Knight-Rich- ard E. Butler.
 Secretary-Andrew J. Herndon.
 Treasurer NJ. Belcher.
 Tyler-t'rank B. MuIrein.
 Representative to Grand Lodge Andrew J. Herndon.
 Trustees-John J. Jaeger, James J. Storm, Jake Marks.
 Since the organization of the lodge there has been sixteen deaths, two in 1897. two in 1898, three in 1899, none in 1900, one in 1901, six in 1902, none in 1903, and two during the present year.
 The ritualistic ceremony of laying the corner stone was pronounced by officers of the lodge when Hen. T. G. Norris was introduced ana delivered the address on behalf of Prescott lodge, which follows:
 Exalted Ruler, Brother EIks, Ladies
 and Gentlemen =
 This day marks the beginning of an era filled with hope and promise for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Prescott Lodge No. 33O.
 On the occasion of laying the corner stone of a substantial structure for the accommodation and home of the Lodge and its members, sufficient req son exists for reviving sacred mem ories of its growth and achievements in the past and indulging hope and sentiment for the expanding future.
 This benevolent order, though young, is mighty.
 With only 36 years of fraternal exist euce, it comprebends the wEole prob lem of social life and brotherly love.
 Though its jurisdiction is limited by the boundaries of our national fab ric, it embodies the Golden Rule and permeates the heart of humanity.
 Known in 1868 as the "Vivian So- cial Club" it now marches in a mar vicious procession of over 900 lodges and more than 200, COG brothers in the ranks.
 No time in the history of humanity has the spirit of fraternal brotherhood fiourished with greater numerical ex- pression or moral fruition.
 It is DO longer a mere sentiment, it is real power deeply enshrined in the hearts of men, manifesting itself in bonds of affection and deeds of love and charity.
 It finds its way through the ranks of the meek and IowlY; it vibrates and throbs in the heart of power and wealth.
 It has its source in the hidden re- cesses of manhood.
 By its responsive touch it brings the common music of brotherly love and mutual fellowship into the spirit and lives of those otherwise far re- moved and made strangers by birth and habits.
 It recognizes and embraces the four cardinal virtues: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
 It deepens and quickens the roots of Charity in the living breast, to lead us beyond the mere gift of this worlds goods to the needy, even unto withholding the evil speech that wounds a brother or fellow man in the least degree.
 It clears and sharpens the eye of Justice to see and forgive the faults of our brothers and correct our own.
 It emphasizes Brotherly Love, that electric current which unites the hearts of men. and makes the misfor- tunes of che the sorrow of all.
 It adorns Fidelity, that crowning virtue whose perfect practice is to span the chasm 'twixt time and eter- nifty, and free the world from the hos tile winds of diversity and malice.
 From the services of his hour let us gather inspiration and courage. By the light of Hopes throbbing star let us view the expanding future.
 Over the fresh ashes of a ruined city in 1900 hung a low cloud of diversity and destruction. Quickly rallying from the stun of the sudden shock our hope inspired people removed the ruins, and that shadow faded before their common spirit as they built anew, like the mists of the morning before the rising sun.
 Upon tbat waste we now have exten- give commercial blocks, and substan- tial bauks. Her diversity is forgot ten in the transcendent beauty of her new structures, and Prescott is today city of risen homes, modern school houses, and fiourishing churches.
 Blessed is the man who makes two blades of grass grow where only one formerly grew; doubly blessed is the home builder; and thrice blessed is the order who prepares a home for its lodge and the cultivation of its vir- tues.
 Years ago in this little village nest ling mid the clustering hill that bare their summits meath a western sky, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows built a house for its comfort and growth. During a later and more in- spring year of progress and hope it removed the old and built anew in unadorned grandeur, while other and older orders are still without a home.
 Be congratulated, Brother Elks, that although one of the youngest or. ders of this city you are among the first to start a home.
 Upon this site you are now sur rounded by these new structures of durable beauty. Their example you