Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1913-07-24
Cornerstone Iayif q.

Cornerstone LayiF e.
The cornerstone of the new Masonic
building being erected by Mt. Nebo
Lodge, No. 81, Ancient, Free and Accept
ed MaSonS, of Shepherdstown, was laid
with appropriate exercises yesterday.
The ceremonies were in charge of Most
Wofshipful Grand Master c. w. Lynch
of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, as
sisted by the following grand officers:
B. D. Gibson, R. w. Deputy Grand
Master; Milton Burr, r. w. Senior Grand
Warden; Joseph Cockrell, R. w. Junior
Grand Warden; E. Rush Turner, r. w.
Grand Treasurer; d. E. McQuilkin, r.
w. Grand Secretary; w, E. Osbourn,
R. w. Grand Marshal Rev. c. F. Free
man, R. w. Grand Chaplain; Geo. c.
Link, R. w. Grand Senior Deacon; w.
c. Geetings, r. w. Grand Junior Dea-
con; Jacob McGraw, r. w. Grand Pur-
suivant Lester Staley and Edward Barn.
hart, r. w. Grand Stewards; James M.
Myers, r. w. Grand Tyler.
A large number of Masons from ad-
joining towns fraternized with Mt. Nebo
Lodge, and Potomac Commandery, No.
So Knights Templar, of Charles Town,
attended also and acted as escort TO the
Grand Lodge, with J.. L. WelShans as
Eminent Commander and ThoS. c. Bowl
ing as aptain-General. Past Grand
Commander c. w. Brown was among
those present.
The procession formed in front OF the
old college building shortly after II
o'clock, and after parading several OF the
principal streets proceeded 10 the new
building, where the cornerstone was
laid in accordance with the ancient rites
of the order AT the conclusion OF the
formal ceremony Judge Lynch made a
very pleasing address, in which he made
graceful reference 10 the courtesy and
hospitality of the people OF this section
and the historic associations OF the place.
He spoke also of the symbols OF Masonry
used in the laying OF the cornerstone
and expressed his sincere good wishes
for the welfare of the enterprise and those
who promotedit. Hon. Tracy L. JeffordS
of Washington also made brief speech,
in which he dwelt upon the principles OF
Free Masonry. Hon. George M. Beltz-
hoover, OF this place, then made an in
tereSting and impressive address, in which
he made historical illusions to Mt. Nebo
Lodge and earnestly urged that the prin-
ciples OF the order be practically exem-
plified in the lives OF its members, show
ing that a good Mason must OF necessity
be a good citizen. His applications OF
the truths taught by Masonry TO right
living were impressive and eloquent.
The ceremonies were then concluded by
Chaplain Freeman.
The following articles were deposited
in the cornerstone: The Holy Bible; the
town papers names OF grand officers !;
proceedings Of Grand Lodge for 1912 /;
brief history of Mt. Nebo Lodge names
of committees; name OF Commandery
proceedings of Grand Royal Arch Chap
ter; name OF contractor; record OF the
dinner served by ladies' /; photographs Of
churches and other prominent buildings
in Shepherdstowns names OF all visiting
Masons; copper and silver coins given
by John Henry Cookus.
After the official exercises were over
the Masons anc their friends repaired TO
the town hall, where the ladies had pre-
pared SumptuouS dinner. Spring chick
en-, country ham and other good things
were served beautifully by corps Of
pretty girls. The occasion was one OF
pleasure and profit also, as the sum OF
$l45 was realized. The MaSons are
very grateful to the ladies who managed
the dinner and 10 those who contributed
toward it.