Evening star., 1913-11-29
Institution Made Possible by Ma
sonic Fraternity and Members Of
Eastern Star of the District.

the women Of the Order of the Eastern
Star for some years, the Grand Lodge
of Masons for the District was called in
special communication at Masonic Temple
by Grand Master Baldwin at 1890 O'Clock
today.
At o'clock, headed by Minister'S Band.
under the escort Of Columbia Comman-
derry. No. 2, Knights Templar, DIR. Frank
II. Gibson. eminent commander. and ac-
ter MasoHs, past masters and masters of
lodges. the Grand Lodge moved In pro-
cession to the Union station.
The procession was in charge of Acting
Grand Marshal Ralph L. Hall. with Will
liam 8. Quinter. chief of staff, and DIR.
Frank E. Gibson. representing the
knights Templar; Charles S. James,
Charles D. Shackelford, c. Walter
Hoover and Daniel v. Chisholm, repre-
senting the Master Masons; Blair Nc
kenzie and Fred NJ. Book, representing
the Past Masters and c. c. Coombs. rep
resenting the Grand Lodge, as aids. At
the Union station the Masonic fraternity
was joined by perhaps the largest assem-
blase of women of the Order of the East
ern Star that ever appeared in public,
| and the two organizations proceeded to-
gether to the scene Of the dedication
Exercises at the Home.
At the home the exercises were opened
with the raising of flag presented by
Mrs. Emma j. Smith of Temple Chapter
No. 13. 0. E. 8. Past Grand Master L.
Cabell Williamson. who is also past most
worthy grand patron of the Order Of the
Eastern Star Of the United States, made
preliminary address leading UP to the
Introduction of Past Grand Worthy
Matron Mrs. Alcena Lamond, the presi-
dent Of the board Of directors of the
home, who presided.
After an invocation by Mrs. Lillian
CARL. grand chaplain of the Grand Chap
ter, .. E. s.. of the District of Columbia
Mrs. Alcena Lamond delivered an address
reviewing the events from the inception
OF the idea of the home until its compile
uon. She told of the struggles of the
faithful band of women which nothing
had yet been found to discourage in
their aim to obtain a home for INDECENT
Master Masons and for the widows and
orphans Of Masons in the District Due
credit was given all who had co-operated
with those efforts and in an eloquent
note OF joy felt by her organization in it's
ultimate triumph.
After Mrs. Lamond's address, Miss
Viola L. Schippert Sang and an address
was delivered by Mrs. Grace Wilkins
kimn1el. worthy grand matron of the
Grand Chapter. Q. E. S., of the District.
and following solo by Miss Helma
Cheesman, an address was made by Ken
| ton n. Harper, worthy grand patron OF
the Grand Chapter, o. L. $. of the Dis
trict. The Masonic quartet, under the
direction of ]. Walter Humphrey, sang,
and an original poem by Col. John A.
Joyce was read.
The formal exercises of the dedication
by the Grand Lodge of Masons then be-
gan, with an invocation by Rev. Hugh T.
Stevenson, assistant grand chaplain of
the Grand Lodge, followed by the ritual
istic formula prescribed for such occa-
EfOnS including no Of xripa
and Oil and the solemn dedication of the
home to the uses for which it was erected
These ceremonies were performed in large
part by Grand Master Baldwin, assisted
by his Grand Lodge staff.
Appeals to Noblest Instincts.
Grand Master Baldwin, in his address
said in part:
THE purpose that brings us here on
this occasion appeals to the noblest in
stincts of both men and women, and
touches the tenderest chords of human
sympathy.
There is no element in the human
makeup more beautiful or attractive than
unselfish devotion to a cause which, while
II may not result in material good to the
individual himself, will result in ever
lasting benefit to his fellow-man.
This structure is suggestive TO us as
Masons of the fundamental principles for
which our great fraternity stands
charity and brotherly love. The greatest
force In the world is love. and as love for
our more unfortunate brethren has been
the controlling spirit that has led men
and women to devote their services to
this cause, the building will be fully COM
pleted and will be maintained through
all time, and will stand as monument
to them.
1T will symbolic the labor the self
sacrifice, and the contributions of those
ladies of the Order of the Eastern Star
who are responsible for its beginning.
this jurisdiction who have since entered
enthusiastically into the work to bring
the project to a successful conclusion
In the ministrations of this home, the
principles of brotherly love and relief
will find their highest expression. But
this should not be characterized as char
ty In the generally accepted sense. for
it Is no more a char ty than are the acts
of loving and devoted children in caring
for their INDECENT parents in their old age.
The home does not give to the members 4
cod gratuity; it simply ministers to them
that relief and comfort to which they are
entitled as recompense for the service
they have rendered in the past as faith
full and honored members of the order.
care "a Blessed Privilege
'sThe care and maintenance of this in
stitution is not only our respons bility; it
is not only duty incumbent upon US all,
but 1t is a blessed privilege, and it affords
to US a great opportunity for service. No
more worthy object could be presented to
the fraternity to labor for than this, and
none will rebound more to the credit of
its projectors, nor result in greater benefit
to our fellowmen.
Brethren, this home in the future
will be just what we elect to make it.
Its financial betterment and maintenance
will depend upon the generosity Of those
who are interested in it and responsible
for it, If it shall accomplish its full
destiny and result in the greatest good
and comfort to those who are entitled
to it's benefcence, it will be because we
will it so. and work from this time
forward to that end.
Therefore. let as take a broad view
of the possibilities of this splendid en-
terprise, and let US cultivate the most
liberal attitude in the consideration of
its future needs and demands. There
is no question of it's ultimate success
1t does not require prophetic vision to
see into the future. not far distant
when this building will not only be