Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-19

Masonic Sunday was observed at the
Universalist church Sunday morning,
members of Kennebec Lodge, F. and A.
NJ. and members Of Queen Esther Chap
ter, o. E. S., attending the services in
body. The special music by the choir
was Of a most pleasing nature and was
enjoyed by all. The musical program
opened with a trombone solo by Robert
Sager Of Gardiner, which was excellently
played. Two anthems were finely rem
dered by the quartet. Mrs. Trafton sang
a solo in her usual pleasing manner The
selection sung by Mr.. Black was a Ma
sonic solo which called forth many words
of praise from the Masons. The sermon
by the pastor, Rev. E. W. Weber, was
most interesting and greatly enjoyed by
everyone present. The pastor took as his
subject Masonry and the Command
ments." He spoke direct to the Masons.
his address in part being as follows: IF
we would see the Christian character and
influence of Masonry it is necessary that
we should glance at its history for mo-
ment and ask ourselves when and in what
ways Christian teachings and the Chris
tan spirit came to find a place within
Tie HlySllC VI L Ice NdSoAiS' lie
spoke of the building Of Solomon's tenn
pie and stated sit was doubtless true
that King Solomon found it necessary to
organize the vast multitude under his di-
rection into some sort of society. Natu-
rally he would gather about him the most
skilful workers in wood, metal and stone.
In working upon structure of such vast
proportions and in the direction Of such
varied labor frequent meetings Of skilled
workmen would be necessary. solomon
was the master of Masons, indeed the
grand master; but masons were builders
and the masonry of his time was what
is now known as operative masonry, and
speculative masonry was thing I'M
known. When Christianity had gained
the day in Europe and Western Asia. and
when the passion for great churches or
cathedrals took possession of all classes
of society, the architects and masons
were in great demand, as were sculptors
and painters, after the completion of some
of the great and now famous cathedrals
Of Christendom.
The builders and painters were
everywhere honored and so as these
grew in number and influence 1t pc
came the ambition of many youth to
ioin the company of those who built
and decorated the temples of the Sa-
yiour of mankind. 1t was a beautllui
custom of the now triumphant church
to assign patron saints to the various
occupations and by a great good for
tune they almost seemed special
providence. ST. John the evangelist and
the apostle Of a practical piety and a
heartfelt love was made the protect
ing. guiding Saint of the now highly
esteemed Masons and church builders.
Most fitting therefore is the custom OF
many Masonic Lodges to repair IN
body to some church on the Sunday or,
or the Sunday before or after the day
sacred to the memory of the Patron
Saint Of the fraternity" The pastor
spoke at length as to the history OF
chivalry and what it means to Mason
ry Continuing he said:
1T is not surprising that there are
chapters of the Eastern Star where the
wives and mothers, daughters. sisters
and widows are a great host, quite as
enthusiastic in their love for and devo-
ton to Masonry, as those who meet
in our Blue Lodge and the many other
bodies Of the great fraternity. Ii Ma
sons we're true to Masonry it would
as effectually stop evil speaking from
weeks beginning to weeks end, as IL
an angels heart had been put into
every Mason's breast" He closed with
two beautiful Masonic legends