Knoxville Weekly Chronicle

Dedication of the Masonic Temple.
Address of G. S. W. James D. Richardson

Yesterday morning, with its lowering clouds and falling rain, looked inauspicious for the assembling of a large concourse of Masonic visitors to participate in the dedication ceremonies.

But notwithstanding the unfavorable weather, a large number were present, representing nearly a score of Lodges, Chapters, etc. At the appointed hour, (1 P. M.), the procession was formed under the direction of Marshals J. M. Thornburgh, and James B. Pickens,
after the order always observed in Masonic processions, viz: Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, all followed by the Grand Officers. Preceded by the Mechanics' Cornet Band the procession moved down Clinch street and thence in the order published in the Chronicle of Sunday morning.

Arriving at the Temple, the exercises were opened with singing "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne," &c., to the tune of "Old Hundred," followed by the invocation by Rev. J B. Ford, pastor of the First M. E. Church. The audience then united in singing "Master Supreme! Accept our praise," &c., to "Duke Street."

Next came the interesting dedication ceremonies peculiar to the fraternity, conducted by Acting Grand Master, John W. Paxton, assisted by W. I. Lillard as Deputy Grand Master L. H. Rogan, as Grand Senior Warden. H. M. Aiken, Grand Junior Warden, James Rodgers, Grand Secretary, J. A. Mabry, Grand Treasurer, James Cotton and Henry Davis, Grand Sword Bearers, James D' Armond, Grand Tiler, Wm. Aiken, John H. Morgan and Joseph H. Sheppard, Lights. Rev. E. F. Lyon, Grand Chaplain, A. C. Bruce, Grand Architect, and brothers Robert Vestal, John McCoy and E E. McCroskey. The ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner, and seemed to be regarded with interest by the large number of visitors present. The music which was interspersed throughout the ceremonies was led by Fred H. Page as organist and by Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Wicks and other vocalists of the city.

At the close of the dedication ceremonies and after music by the Cornet band, Brother James D. Richardson, the orator of the day was introduced with a graceful little speech by Nat S. Woodward, W. M., of Masters' Lodge, No. 244.

who delivered an interesting and eloquent address occupying about thirty-five minutes' time, which was listened to with marked attention, He dwelt upon the grand achievements of Masonry in all ages of the world, and upon the conquests in behalf of the grand principles of the Order.

Its mission is high and divine. It has relieved the sufferings of the human race, had especially of those of its own household for many centuries in the past, and will continue so to do in all time to come. Love, Charity and Benevolence are principles cherished and cultivated in the fraternity, and such principles give it a foundation as lasting as the eternal hills.

The speaker answered many of the objections to Masonry, showing that none of them are well founded. The objection sometimes urged that women cannot become members of the order he answered by saying that women are Masons by nature. Wherever suffering or distressed humanity is to be relieved, woman is there, and needs no human obligations to teach her her duty. As well teach the brook how to murmur as it glides over the pebbles, or the stars how to shine from the firmament of heaven, as to teach woman how to relieve the suffering. The speaker was grandly eloquent on this subject and elicited hearty applause. Although he delivered this address on short notice, we have heard it highly spoken of by those who heard it, and it seemed to be entirely satisfactory to the brethren.

After music by the band, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. L. Lloyd, and the large audience dispersed. A large number of the ladies of Knoxville and surrounding country honored the occasion with their presence.

We have heard the audience within the hall estimated at five hundred persons, and there were a great many who failed to obtain seats, or to gain an entrance. Many went away sadly disappointed. Taking the weather into consideration, the entire programme was certainly a decided success.

In the evening, notwithstanding the rain was still falling, a large number of persons assembled at the Hall to participate in and witness the installation ceremonies. Before these ceremonies commenced, P. G. M. John W. Paxton delivered a brief but effective address on the subject of Masonry, a subject to which he has given as much attention as almost any man in the State. His remarks were well received, at the close of which he proceeded to install the officers, first of Masters' Lodge, No. 244, the names of whom we have heretofore published, and afterwards of Pearl Chapter, No. 24, whose names have likewise been published in the Chronicle.

The large audience remained patiently to the close, witnessing the interesting ceremonies attending the installation. And so closed the exercises of a day that will long be remembered by the fraternity. Knoxville Masons feel proud over the completion of so elegant a hall, and they have a right to be. It is a hall of which they may feel proud for years to come. It is now one of the finest halls in the State, and it has but few equals in the South.