Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-08
LAY CORNER STONE
OF MASONIC TEMPLE
Continued from Sixth Page.)

VI IuIIlOOUIO ] IlIb1 II
Continued from Sixth Page.)
inception of the project to erect new Ma
sonic temple, which also contains the hoor
plans of the building.
Conclusion Of Masonic Ceremonials.
At the conclusion Of the Masonic cere-
BILE delivered an address behalf of
Grand Master Francis ]. Woodman.
Mr.. Trimble said in part:
Mr.. President, most worshipful grand
master and brethren, ladies and gentlemen:
1T is a special and great honor to be
called upon to represent the grand master
Of Masons. Our fllustrious brother, George
Washington, SO accepted 1t, when, during
his administration as President of the
United States, he acted as grand master
Capitol with Masonic ceremonies September
10. 1893, assisted by Federal Lodge, No. /,
Of this District, which Is still In successful
and prosperous existence, and 1 am glad
occasion. in large numbers. The gavel
that was used in 1898 by President Wash
ington Is the same that was used today
so successfully by Grand Master Wood
man, and is cherished as a sacred trust by
Potomac Lodge. No. 8, of this jurisdiction
Il am also glad to say that Alexandria
Washington Lodge, No. q, Of Virginia, that
participated in the ceremonies of 1898 Is
still in active existence, and as an or
ganizatton Is with US today and has kindly
loaned the trowel that was used on that
occasion. In behalf Of the grand master
! extend to the lodges a most hearty and
fraternal welcome, and tho same to all
other visiting lodges and brethren.
This eighth day Of June, 1907, Will IN
deed be a memorable and proud one Tor
the Masonic fraternity of the District OF
CSol, ~ worthy
cessors In the presidential office being with
us and taking an active part in our cere-
monies-our illusrious brother. Theodore
Roosevelt
.'This day marks the successful begin
ming Of the elimination Of noble and
glorious undertaking which will be splen-
did monument to the earnest devotion OF
loyal men and women who have worked In
season and out Of season for the accom-
plishment OF this purpose. The work. SO
far as 1t has progressed. has been done
with singular unanimity and harmt.ay OF
purpose, and truly exemplifies the t.ach-
ings of our order among its membe. ship.
that no contention should ever exist. save
that noble contention, or rather emulation,
Of who can best work and best agree"
II am not especially optimistic for the
future. and hence do not believe that by
some miracle this proposed edifice will be
erected in the next few weeks or In the next
few months. but here venture the asser-
ton, in the presence Of this assembled null
titude, that before the leaves have made
their annual falling music thrice around us
there will be magnificent, completed tenn
pie on this site. ready for occupancy and
solemnly dedicated to the principles, OBJ
Jects. aims and purposes Of the ancient
order of Freerhasonry."
Mention Of Important Secrets.
If this audience were composed exclu-
sively OF Master Masons it would be super
fuous for me to attempt to say anything
on the general subject of Freemasonry which
Is so familiar to them and has been so
frequently presented to them much better
than I could hope to do. But on an occa-
sion Of this character / do not deem it in
appropriate to take the public into our con-
fdence and tell them. so far as may be
proper. some Of the important secrets Of
our order. The splendid parade which has
been presented to you today Is not done
for the purpose of 1mpressing you with
our Importance and numerical strength as
an organization. but is simply designed as
a public confession Of faith in the princi-
pies of Freemasonry and that we are not
ashamed to acknowledge this fact before
the world
1--WE do not seek popular applause. Free
masonry is too strong and powerful to seek,
solicit beg for public commendation. 1t
needs no defense, because Its foundation is
builded on the eternal rock of truth and
upon the broad platform Of the fatherhood
of God and the brotherhood of man.. 1t is
not a religion, in the usual acceptation Of
that term. but 1t teaches and enforces with
all Its legitimate powers the highest stand
ard of clean morality.
- "Freemasonry has. as 1t Is entitled to
have, a language of Its own, language
known to Masonry alone. It's objects, de-
signs and principles have never been dis
guised from the public. but have always
been open and may be read by ALL And
what are they? Faith. virtue. knowledge.
temperance, patience, brotherly kindness
and charity-that charity the comforting
mantle of whose benevolence is ever thrown
around the widow, the orphan and the dis
tressed. So universal is this charity that
it matters not where dispersed around the
globe the Mason's lonely widow and or
scattering Of the night by the ten thou
sand lights of the armament, Masonic
benevolence is ever dispellng the darkness
Of distress and want and will cheer them
with the confidence that thousands Of loyal
Masonic hearts are continually beating for
their care and in their behalf.
las have already intimated none Of
our principles is withheld from the COM
mon gaze If the public be DESTROYS Of OBJ
tanning knowledge of the secret workings
sincerely wish to be useful to their fellow
creatures. and If not individually disquali-
fled by unworthiness. the door of Free
masonry stands unbarred for their recep-
ton"
President Roosevelt Presented.
President Roosevelt was presented to the
audience after the Marine Band had rem
dered a selection, and he delivered the
principal address Then, following vocal
music by the Masonic choir, District Com
missioner Henry L. West spoke In praise
Of the work Of the Masonic fraternity and
complimented the craft upon the fruition
of its plans for a new and magnificent
temple. which will be an honor and an