The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-03-21
Oh Quarries Have Been For
gotten for Ages, the Gov
eminent Official States in
Making Report.
MASONIC ORDER WAS
ORIGINATED THERE
Charter Of the Mother Lodge,
However, Has Been Lost
Description Given Of Histor-
jc Cave.

lace, American consul at Jerusalem
Syvia, discusses the Masonic lodge al
Jerusalem and the ancient quarry be-
meath the city known to tourists as Sol
eGaon's Quarries."
M. Wallace Says:
A OF interest in connection with the
so-called Chamber of Brotherly Cove
rant" in the quarries under the city Of
Jerusalem, Instituted In 1887, by Rob.
srt Morris. l would say that to the best
0f my knowledge the quarries we're dis
covered by DIR. Barclay in 1852. or fiji
teen years later than the date you give
am informed by Rolla Floyd. one
Of the oldest American residents of this
country, that Robert Morris Of the
United States. brought out a charter
from the Grand Lodge OF Canada, and
With Henry Mondsley. an English en-
einesr, Charles Hetter. a French Jew,
and others, founded the Royal Solomon
Mother Lodge. No. 293. August Z. 1879
Mr.. Floyd was senior warden at that
time. and later became the first mas.
ter of the lodge. Mr.. Flood has not
heard of the name OF the lodge you
give.
This lodge had the charter taken
away a few years ago on account OF
bad management. Several attempts
have been made to procure new char
ter, all of which failed.
These Quarries, known as King Sol
omon's have no seating or other con-
vsnieuces. Still Masons meet there
from time to time. notably during the
travelling season and especially when
the Clark cruise Is here.
The quarries are municipal property,
and an admission Of one franc, which
equals 20 cents, is charged. Masonic
meetings can be held at any time. The
last one was held less tEan year ago.
I have been able to count up only
seventeen members here of the Mason
ic fraternity. though doubtless there
are quite few more.
How QuarrIes Were Found.
Reference is made to the discovery
Of the uuarries. 1t is of interest to
note that all records concerning them
seem to have been lost. Their re-dis-
covery was by pure accident.
The story is that q certain DIR. Bar
clay was out hunting. and his dog dis
appeared in a hole under the north
wall Of the city. AS he failed to re-
appear the physician tore away the
weeds and earth covering the oriffce
until the hole was sufficiently enlarg-
ed for him to enter in search of his
dog. Thus the quarries were discov-
cred
II was supposed to be a large cavern
Il first. but investigation proved 1t to
be an immense quarry from which the
rock had been quarried beneath the
ground. The character OF the work
and method used to separate the rock
indicated the same had been done ages
30. The name Of .Solomon's Quar-
ries'' has been applied.
These quarries are mentioned in 10
sephus a. the Royal Ouarries." But
little attention IL given them by arch
eolo6ists and writer's or recent years.
The only interest melted by them
among tourists and Investigators who
visit the city is with the members OF
tho various Masonic bodies. who usur
ally visit the place. especially when
their attention II called to the matter,
ana to the old legend related 10 them
OF the ancient master who first organ
isea the Masonic lodge.
First Masonic Chamber.
A chamber is pointed out in the
quarry where the first meetings were
held. It is q small semi-circular place
with what might be construed as seats
surrounding It. That is. there are pro-
jecting shelves Of stone around the
walls OF this circular pit. and among
the debris that partially fills this
chamber is pillar OF stone. said to
have hAen the chapel.
This doubtless Is the so-called
"Chamber of Brotherly Covenant you
mention. although have not been able
to learn that name has been given ii
here. It has not been used rs . regu-
lar meeting place for lodge.
II Is In the same condition at pres
emit ~ when the quarry was first dis
covered. 1t would at best, accommodate
but small number for lodge work.
understand that some large circular
areas. common in the quarry. are used
by visiting Masons for lodge purposes.
The length OF time the quarry has
been lost is matter OF conjecture
Probably the entrance was closed at
the time OF the destruction Of the city
by the Romans. or from constant &C.
cumulation of debris or dumpings car
ried out from the city, as this vicinity
has been used as common dumping
ground. They. at least, have been
lost sight Of for ages past.
Forgotten for Ages.
As an Indication of the length oi
time the quarry has been closed. at.
tenti0n is called to find made by Mr..
Page Of the American colony at Jeru'
salem. IN the quarry. many years ago
A small pottery lamp was discov.
eFed by him. filled with dust composed
a .the dust particles that dQat in the
air. These particles would remain IN