The Washington herald., 1907-06-12

Are HeId-Exaited Ruler Presides'
Several hundred Elks, their relatives
and friends. attended the laying Of the
corner stone of the new home Of the
Washington Lodge No. i. Benevolent
and Protective order Of Elks. late yester-
day afternoon at 9l9 II street The fact
that a drizzling rain prevailed at the
time. did not hamper the enthusiasm OF
those taking an active part, as well as
those in the audience, IN the least.
The keynote and the sentiments Of the
occasion were sounded when George i.
Wellington. former United States Senator
from Maryland. and an active member OF
the Cumberland lodge. the principal
speaker Of the afternoon, referred TO the
new structure. not as a great temple, nor
as that of a building OF great magnih-
cence. but simply as home-the home OF
the EIks Of Washington and their brother
lodge members Of the whole country.
The purpose Of this gathering to-day
is TO dedicate and lay the foundation Of d
building-a home-that shall be the pride
of Washington and the people Of the
United States, said the former Senator.
Home for All EIks.
There is no word, or words. in the
English language that can properly ex-
press the meaning. the realization, and
the hope of that simple word, home.
Washington is TO be a great city, one OF
the greatest in the world, and the building
that we are here 20 begin to-day shall
stand as a monument, as a pride-as a
home-0f the local lodge men and the
Elkdom Of the country who shall pilgrim
age here from time to time
Senator Wellington was most patriotic
in his address. and referred TO the great
ness Of the nation and its future. This
country now has a population Of some
$1,000 600 Of people. DE said. Within the
next century the United States viii be the
home Of more than 100000 people. And
this building viii always be one Of the
homes of the members of this benevolent
and protective order.
Headed by q section OF the Marine
Band, the members Of the lodge marched
from the headquarters. in E street, 20 the
site Of the new home, only a few blocks
away. IL was nearly 6 o'clock when the
procession arrived and the ceremonies
began.
Opening Of Ceremonies.
The officers gathered on the platform
that had been erected. while in front and
on both sides Of the street were the peo-
pie. who had congregated 10 witness the
depositing of the corner stone Of another
building which is TO be among Washing
tons finest. a prayer by Chaplain War
ren L. Pushaw began the exercises. Fol
lowing. the records to be deposited IN
the stone were read by Secretary Richard
a. O'Buen.
With a short address appropriate to the
occasion. and sprinkling the granite with
drops Of pure water-a custom of years
standing among the Elks-HUgh F. Har
vey. the exalted ruler Of the washington
Lodge, spread the mortar on the fOUnda
ton. the corner stone was lowered by tht
workmen, and the principal piece Of the
new home was laid for the building that
is to be erected over and around it.
There were several selections by The
Elks' choir. accompanied By the Marine
Band. and the address Of Senator Well
ingt0n. To the strains Of the Star
Spangled Banner" the entire audienc,
standing with heads uncovered in spite
of the rain, the exercises were brough
to a close
The corner stone Of the new home o.
the Washington EIks was in its prOpel
place.
Those in Charge.
The building committee is composed o
the following: Richard a. O'Brien. chair
man, NJ G. Mccormick, Lorenzo a
Bailey.
Those who are members Of the commit
tee Of arrangements for the laying Of th'
corner stone were. Richard a. O'BrIen
chairman: Michael G. Mccormick, Loren
20 4 Bailey. Robert NJ McWade. Franz
3. Clarkson. Charles H. Utermehle. P. T
Moran Edward J. Murphy, Edward II
Neumever. jr.. A. =. Marks. and Johi
C. Maxwell.
Ground for the new home was broker
last November. The building is % COS
something more than sl5o9J0, and it Il
expected that if VIII be ready for oc
cupancy early I'm the spring Of next year
The Washington Lodge of Elks was or
ganized in February 1852 Since then tn
order has been growing gradually unit
the increased membership made nev
headquarters a necessity.
Among other things laid away in tn
metal box inclosed in the corner ston
was a medallion of the founder Of tn
order, as well as one Of the first coin
made IN the United States
The other articles were the follow
ing:
Constitution and laws n the Grand Lodge: by
laws 0f Washington Lodge. No. Is. B. z. o. f.
names % o.fceTs Of the Grand Lodges: names Of Of
GERS Of Washington Lodge No. IS. r. T. o Z. ; lis
Of members of Washington Lodge No. Is, b. P. q
Z. historical sketch of Washington Lodge; b-ie
sketch Of the new building its cost, &c; name
Of the President and the Vice President Of Ii
United States names of the members Of the Cab
inst and officials of the District government; COP
q each Of the local newspapers q May II: specme
Of the c5inage Of the United Stses-0ne each Of n
coinage in use as money. or legal tender Of n
county.