The Washington times., 1908-09-20
MASONS DEDICATE
THEIR NEW TEMPLE
Structure at New
York Avenue and Thir-
teenth Street Open.

With the strains Of sweet music from
stringed instruments lingering in the
air. ringing eloQuence stirring en-
thdsiasm, and fervent prayer touching
all hearts, the new temple of the Ma
sonic order in this city was dedicated
last evening.
The ceremonies were simple but I'm
pressive, and were attended by about
two thousand Masons. most OF them
residents Of this city. but some repre-
senung cities Of all parts of this coun-
try and some parts Of other countries
The dedication Of the beautiful struc-
ture which. in its classic and aIIegorical
architecture, of itself tells the world its
purpose, marks a new epoch in Masonry
by establishing another Masonic Temple
I'm one of the worlds great cities. this
time IN the capital Of a nation
The program included, besides the
instrumental and vocal music, an in
vocation by the Rev. Abram Simon.
an address by Matthew ~rimble, vice
president Of the Masonic Temple As
sociation; dedication services and ad-
dress by Grand Master Augustus B.
Coolidge and officers Of Grand Lodge,
F. A. A. NJ; an Grafton by the Rev
J. Henning Nelms, rector Of the
Church Of the Ascension; singing Of
America" by the audience. accompan-
ted by an octet and orchestra. and
the benediction by the Rev. L. G. B.
Pierce. At its conclusion those present
Inspected the various parts Of the new
building.
Rabbi Simon Speaks.
l The invocation by Rabbi Abram ST.
mon, Of the Washington Hebrew con-
gregation. gave thanks that in the sue
cessfuI completion OF the temple the
ambitious dreams OF patient waiting.
hoping, and sacrificing had been full
filed.
Vice President Trimble. in his address.
expressed deep regret that Illness had
necessitated the absence Of j. Henry
Small. jr.. president of the Masonic
Temple Association. He said that to
no one was the success Of the building
more due than to Mr.. Smairs executive
and mastery management In presid-
ing he used the gavel used by George
Washington at the laying Of the corner
stone Of the Capitol. with Masonic cele-
bration ceremonies, on September IS.
1893. At the conclusion Of his address
Mr.. Trimble passed the gavel to Grand
Master Augustus B. Coolidge.
The Kew. NeImS SPEAKS.
The Grafton Of the occasion was de-
livered by the Rev. ]. Henning Nelms.
He began by referring to that temple
which was built or the top Of Mt.
Moriah. in the city of Jerusalem. It's
architectural beauty. he said, was the
wonder Of the ancient world; its history
the story Of human life. Planned by
David. second King Of Israel; built by
Solomon, in an age of splendor and
magnihcence, it became the center Of
worship for the greatest race the world
has ever known.
America was sung at the conclusion |
Of Dr. Nelms' Grafton, and benedictioa |
was then pronounced in silence deeo
and absolute. Slowly the audience broke
it's formal ranks. forming groups which
finally began the tour OF the great build
ing which is TO be the home Of their
order heIC until time, perhaps a cen
tury, shall find It too small. as the last
temple finally proved inadequate for the
growing order.
Inauguration Of Move.
1t was as far back as 1897 that the F,
initiatory step looking to the building |
of this new Masonic Temple was taken. !
in Columbia Commandery, No. ?, |
Knights Templar, of this jurisdiction |
A special cOnclave was called to con-
slider a proposition to build a new tenI- !
pie. Other Masonic bodies OF this iuris- |
ciction Joined in the move. and on |
April 10, 1888 the act Of Congress in
CONTINUED on Fifth Page1
Moses 18th Annual September salA