The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1907-06-06
Hundreds Attend Interesting and Impressive
Ceremonies at the Laying Of the Corner
Stone of the New Masonic Tenn
pie in This City.
GRAND MASTER HAGERS ADDRESS.

ed in the state. We consider it SO
full of good thoughts that we repro
uuce it in full. 1t follows:
Grand Master Hager's Address.
Upon occasions of this kind it is
laid down in Masonic monitors that the
Grand Master will make suitable ad-
dress. This gives me great latitude
and 1 sincerely wish that were gifted
with the power of oratory that might
properly embrace the opportunity, and
in burning words deliver to the man.
hood of this generation the true mes
sage Of Masonic institution.
In the history of every successful
Lodge there is trinity of epoch-mak-
ing events which marks its growth
and development. The first of these
is when a few worthy and honest
Masons, residing within the influences
of a particular Lodge, yearn for the
companionship of their fellow work
ers and to take the initial step toward
organization. After the petition OF
the Grand Master has been signed, the
work exemplified and other necessary
preliminaries and formalities compli-
ed with, a dispensation is granted.
Under this dispensation the early lodge
history is made, the first warm friend
ships formed.
After demonstrating their ability
to work worthily these Masons are
granted a Charter or warrant by the
Grand Lodge This is the second step
and marks the increasing worth and
Importance of the organization.
The third and last step is not so
eaisly attained. 1t has usually taken
long years after the establishment of
the lodge on a strong foundation; after
those who are instrumental in bring
ing it into existance have laid down
their working tools and gone to the
long sleep. It is the step which stands
for permanence and the widest pos
sible power. 1t is the time when the
lodge has secured a membership and
material prosperity sufficient to war
rant the erection of its new home.
When this step is taken the lodge
enters upon a new lease of life, and
goes forward by leaps and bounds
and bounds in added strength and
influence.
"Star in the West Lodge No. 80"
has reached that happy stage in its
development much earlier in its his
tory than the average Its officers and
members are to be congratulated on
the fruition of their fond hopes, the re
alization of their dreams. On behalf
of the Grand Lodge Of Ancient, Free
and Accepted Masons of the state of
North Dakota, and the whole body Of
Masonry throughout the World, I ex-
tend to the officers and members Of
sStar in the West Lodge" sincere
congratulations upon this suspicious
occasion.
The plans for the temple, the cor
ner stone of which we have just laid
according to all ancient customs of
our craft, slow and ornate, commodi-
Gus, convenient and substantial build
ing, admirably adopted to all the var
ious uses to which it will be put It
has required energy, devotion and en-
thusiasm to bring about this splendid
achievement which insures the erect
ion of this temple. 1t argues we'll for
the future prosperity, permanence
and harmony of Free Masonry in Mi
not, and it reflects the greatest posi-
BILE credit on all those who have taken
part in the undertaking, and given so
generously of their time, talents and
substance.
The boundless prairies upon which
this fine city is builded denote free
dom of action, wide scope of POSSIBLE
tiles and limitless influence. They
stretch away to the North, South
East and West in pillows which
remind us of tossing of waves in the
mighty deep. The fertility of the soil
of this wonderful Mouse River Valley
has spread its name and fame to the
uttermost parts Of our land, and is
attracting to it's broad bosom mighty
throng of sturdy men who come to
share the untold pleanty and prosper
ity of its glowing future.
These new settlers are not greeted
with pioneer conditions of frontier
crudities They will find cultivated
fields, commodious and comfortable
homes, well-stocked barns and gran
aries and finally thriving settlements