The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1909-06-25

struggling for the accumulation o
money and wealth. Masonry is ha
ven of rest from this struggle. The
rush for gold is there forgotten in
| the development of the mind, the
| sweetening of life, the sharing of joy
and sorrow, the happiness of adding
! to the comfort and happiness of fel
low man and in appreciaung and
enjoying the benefcence of the Grand
Creator
THE study of truth was the avow
ed object in the first formation of Ma
sonry. The search for truth has even
since been one of its prime objects
If a man gives time to study Masonry
he is bound TO lbe a better man. for
he will know himself and all mankind
better
Masonry inspires the same ideals
of life. duty and morality as does
religion, but 1t does not tolerate reIlg-
ious dogmas. In Masonry all worship
the one true and living God, but leave
out all the little differences that
bring ON disputes dn religion.
THE symbols adopted in Masonry
In the years of old were the tools up
on which the strength and durability
of a building depend. With them
are linked the characteristics in man
that make his life and actions worth
while. The architecture of old was
proven with these tools, just as the
Great Architect today proves men
with the principles which these Sym
bols represent in Masonry.
'tThis temple will lbe thing of ma
terial beauty, useful and an object of
pride and admiration; lbut it Will be
no more than other buildings unless
good deeds e1ninate from it."
The address was hut twenty min
utes in duration, but each point was
well covered, and the speakers effort
was enjoyed and appreciated by all.
especially by the members of the Ma
sonic lodge.
The ceremony concluded with the
benedictfon by the Grand Chaplain.
Mr.. Gray. after which the entire pro-
cession followed the band to the pres
ent Masonic Hall, where che Grand
Lodge was closed
After an hours rest the Masons
and their families went out to the
Slaughter grove, two miles east Of
town, and had very pleasant basket
picnic. About two hundred people
were in attendance. There was a
bounteous supper and all enjoyed the
happy conclusion of the day.
-
The four principal .oficers In the
ceremonies, John w. Poe, E. A. Ca
= \
are all Past Grand Masters of the Ma
sons of New Mexico. Supporting them
was Judge Leroy B. Valiant, Past
Grand Master of the Masons of Mis-
souri,.
The only living charter members OF
Roswell Lodge No. 18 were present
yesterday and took an active part in
the days work. They are w. S. Pra-
ger, John w. Poe, ]. P. White, of Ros-
well and A. w. johnson of Hope.
The gavel and trowel used at the
corner stone laying were of special in
tefest, being gifts from three men who
were the first three stationed officers
Of Roswell Lodge at the time of its
organization twenty years ago yester-
day. At that time Ihey were w. S.
Prayer. Worshipful Master: Jefn w.
Poe, Senior Warden, and L.P. White
Junior Warden. The gayel is made of
ivory. ebony and silver. and Is engrav-
ed with the Masonic emblem and the
dates 1S89-1909. The trowel has sol
id silver blade and ebony handle. On
the blade is engraved the following:
"This trowel and gavel presented to
Roswell Lodge A. F. & "a. M, by its
first principal officers: w IS. Prayer,
w. M; John w. Poe, IS. W.; J.. P.
White, J. w, on the goth anniversary
of it's organization at the laying of the
corner stone of its new temple, June
"a, 1907