Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-20
Address of Grand Master.
and Master Coolidge said:

Address of Grand Master.
Grand Master Coolidge said:
With these ceremonies peculiar to our
ancient order, we dedicate tonight this
beautiful temple.
More than a century ago. when our
country was young and when the Federal
city was little more than hope. this
gavel was first used by the immortal
Washington. Since that time the nation
which he loved and for which he fought
has grown 10 be a world power, and the
Federal city which he conceived and
which bears his name has become a
model municipality rivaiing in attractive
ness the most renowned cities of the
world.
1t Is not too much 10 say that in this
growth and position Masonry has been a
material factor. To the architectural
beauty of the capital it is now con-
triDuting this building.
This is not to be simply home for the
''~ait- II IL q monument to Masonry. 1t
stands as an evidence of the influence of
s;, teachings II axis for the power
If - principles it incu!Cates.
1T has cost Observation-Disclosures of
tuCtstt--us OF dollars. 1t has cost labor
and sacrifice on the part OF the member
snip.
The world will never know. and few
o. US fully realize, how much we owe to
those who have had the enterprise in
charge particularly the president and ex-
Ccutlve committee of the Masonic Temple
Association. To the careful thought and
planning, the patient and untiring effort s
OF these brethren. to their abiding faith
In the face of unforeseen obstacles, to the
enthusiasm they have been able to in
spire, is due in large measure the con-
summation OF our hopes.
Temple Is Worthy.
To-day We can have a Masonic Temple
OF which we may we'll be proud artistic
in design. commodious in construction,
commensurate with the dignity and
standing of our time-honored institution
The same loyalty and love for the order
Ire same pride in it's reputation and well
fare which has rendered the erection of
.hlS building possible will insure its pres
ervatiOn and VIII prove an impregnable
guard against injury in the future.
Ihlrty-eight years ago the temple we
are about TO vacate was dedicated. The
brethren were then rejoicing that a build
ing had been provided adequate to their
needs.
Masonry has kept pace with the
growth and advancement of the capital
since the jurisdiction has quadrupled in
membership. Tonight we have reason to
teel that our ambition regarding a temple
has been realized
1t will be matter for congratulation.
however, II the coming years shall show
that growth and that advancement which
may prove this magnificent edifice insult
able. and if within the lifetime of some Of
US the Grand Lodge may dedicate an
otner Masonic Temple. a grander and
even more imposing structure to our
use.
May Masonry in the District of Column
MA continue 10 grow, not only in num-
oers but in strength. May it's influence
Tor all that is elevating and ennobling he
more and more recognized. May Masonic
ideals be here taught and here cherished
and may the virtue and benevolence. the
uprlghtness of character of its members
be as conspicuous in the community a : il
this beautiful temple we dedicate to.
night
Following the Grafton during which the
speaker was frequently greeted with ap-
plause, the vast audience was called to
its feet by the grand master. America
was sung by the octet and the audi
cnce. accompanied by the orchestra, under
the direction of Sol Minister.
The benediction, closing the exercises,
was pronounced by Rev. L. G. b. Pierce.
Mr.. Nelms' Address.
Rev. ]. Henning helms said in part:
Tonight tells of the time when an
other temple was dedicated. That tenn
pie stood on the top of Mount Morah. in
the city of Jerusalem. Its architectural
beauty was the wonder of the ancient
world Its history is the story of human
life Its influence has been a gulf stream
in the tide of human affairs.
Planned by David. second King OF Is
raeI, built by Solomon, in an age OF splen-
dor and magnificence. il became the CEN
ter of Worship for the greatest race the
world has ever known-great IN the past
by accomplishment, great in the present
in endurance. great in the future 10 make
good the promise Of God.
In the centuries that followed. that
temple was sacked and pillaged and plum
dered. 1t was destroyed and rebuilt again