Evening journal., 1912-10-03
LAUD MASONRY AT
DEDICATION OF HOME
FrafernaI Spirit of Order Emphasized by Distinguish
ed Lodgemen as Building is Dedicated TO Real
ChariiyDr Hill Tells of Sociefy's High Ideals

There were no prouder men in the
country than the members of the Ma
sonic fraternity of Delaware, when
the new Masonic Home on the Lam
caster turnpike, about one mile west
of the city line, was dedicated with
all the ritualistic ceremony of the
order yesterday afternoon. It marked
the elimination of several years of
discussion and but two years of ac-
tual effort, indicating what the mem
bers can do If they seriously deter
mine to do it.
Two years ago, when DR.. G. Layton
Grier, of Milford. was grand master
OF the fraternity in Delaware, COM
mittee Of which DR.. j. Paul Lukens
is chairman, was appointed to pur-
chase a suitable property for a home
and to establish the institution in a
beftting manner. This committee
not only bought the beautiful Butler
property along the Lancaster turn
pike, but has improved and fur
nished 1t completely and transformed
it into a Masonic Home that is mod
ell in every way. That the project
had the hearty support Of members Of
the fraternity is indicated by the
fact that they have contributed the
$17 900 necessary to pay for the prop
erty, all improvements and the fur
nishings.
Standing in the center OF a sloping
lawn with its majestic tree1 is the
big stone dwelling house. three stor-
les high, that has been transferred
into the home.
The house lone cost more than
$4,000 to erect. yet the Masons
bought the entire property, including
ten and one-half acres Of choice land
and a stone barn and other outbuild'
ings for $40 500 They were offered a
considerably higher sum for the prop
erty within a month after It was
bought by them.
Everybody seemed to be delighted
with the home, its location and the
furnishings. The name Of the COM
mandery or lodge that furnished each
hall and each room is placed on a
/ brass plate on the door Of the hall OF
room. The home is lighted with cleo
tricity. The stable and storage build
ing Of stone is built in such a manner
that it can be transformed into dor
mitory for men if it ever become:
necessary. Eventually. it is hoped tG
have cottages erected all over the
lawn. should the population Of th'
home grow to such an extent as Z
require such buildings
Many at Ceremonies.
More than two thousand persons
( attended the dedication ceremonies
the porch being used as platform
and the members the order an'
their guests, including hundreds o
women, gathering Oh the slopinl
lawn. AT least one hundred automo
biles took the Masons end their guest
from the Masonic Temple out to tn
Home and returned with them to thi
CITY after the ceremony. These auto
mobiles we're donated for the occa
sion and they we're under the direc
ton of Harry w Lowe, member o
the order, who through his years o
experience into service in handling
the big crowd without hitch or acci
dent. The smoothness with which tn
hun ,reds of persons were transporter
10 dlL from lI iNilN " tto AhNoN A''~-
ably commented on.
Prior to and after the dedication
/ ceremonies the home with its splendi'
appointments and comfortable furnish
ings was inspected by hundreds o
persons. and words of praise of VIVA
had been accomplished were heard ol
all sides. Even the orchard was Wis
tied and many p rsons muncne'
choice apples knocked from the tree
there. Sentiment seemed to be un
animous that the Masons had acquire'
a splendid property at a wonderfuli'
low price.
Impressive Exercises.
II certainly was an imposing sigh
as the officers of the Grand Lodge
wearing the insignia Of the order tn
aprons of working Masons and IN
silk hats dignifying their high sta
tions in the fraternity went throug
the dedicatory ceremony as prescrlp