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DEDICATION OF NEW HALL OF HIRAM LODGE, WEST CAMBRIDGE.

THE Brethren of Hiram Lodge having determined that their Hall was not what it should be, began about a year ago to take measures towards having a new Hall. Subscription books were opened, and the Brethren contributed liberally to the project. After some ineffectual endeavors to purchase a desirable location on which to erect a Masonic builing, the Committee finally secured Russel Hall, in the building corner of Main and Medford streets, belonging to the Russel heirs. They have fitted up the Hall in a manner at once beautiful, and worthy the cause. With handsomely carpeted floors, substantially upholstered settees, (sofas they might be called,) and with appropriate decorations in East, West and South, the Hall and its attendant ante-rooms, present an attractive and beautiful appearance. The ceremonies of Dedication were performed by the Grand Lodge, on Wednesday evening, June 15th, and were as impressive and solemn as such services always are. The Dedication proceeded in the following order :Voluntary. Reception of the M. W. Grand Lodge. Prayer. Address of Worshipful Master. Examination of Hall. Music. Hymn

THOU! who art God alone,
Accept before thy throne,
Our fervent prayer!
To fill with light and grace
This house thy dwelling place,
And bless thy chosen race,
O God! draw near.

As through the universe,
All nature's works diverse,

Thy praise accord;

Let Faith upon us shine,

And Charity combine,

With Hope to make us thine,

Jehovah, Lord.

Spirit of Truth and Love,

Descending from above,

Our hearts inflame,

Till Masonry's control

Shall build in one the whole,

A Temple of the soul,

To Thy great name.

Architect's Address. Presentation of Working Tools. March. Selections of
Scriptures. Ceremony of Dedication. Address by M. W. Grand
Master, William Parkman. Closing Hymn-

GREAT ARCHITECT of Heaven and earth,

To whom all nature owes its birth,
Thou spake! and vast creation stood,
Surveyed the work, pronounced it good.

Lord, canst thou deign to own and bless
This humble dome, this sacred place?
O, let thy Spirit's presence shine
Within these walls, this house of thine.

Lord here the wants of all supply,
And fit our souls to dwell on high;
From service in this humble place,

Raise us to praise thee face to face.
Benediction.

The address of M. W. G. M. Parkman was timely and appropriate. He congratulated the Lodge upon their growth in numbers and in Masonic principles, and thought the Hall gave evidence of their progress in the good things of the Fraternity. "These Lodges are the schools in which an universal language is communicated—a language such as needs no interpreter in any land or nation, but which brought friends to the rescue in dangers, Brothers to assist in sickness, and companions in pleasure, whenever it was expressed-the language of symbols and grips, which never failed to elicit the answer required whatever difficulties were connected with the expressing or understanding of the spoken language." He also alluded in fit terms, for which he is somewhat noted, to the duties of the Lodge, both collectively and individually-reminded the Brethren of the old fable of the "Discontented Pendulum," and bade them to remember that it was in proportion to the interest felt and expressed by each, that success and happiness came to them as a Lodge. After reverting to the age of the Lodge, and again congratulating them on their progress, he closed with the following stanzas :—

We ask not golden streams of wealth

Along our path to flow;

We ask not undecaying health,

Nor length of years below;

We ask for Wisdom-Lord impart

The knowledge how to live;

A wise and understanding heart

To all before thee give.

Just after the address of the M. W. G. M. a very pleasing incident occurred, being the presentation, by Brother J. S. Potter, in behalf of the mothers, wives and daughters of the members of the Lodge, of a very elegant Bible, with the inscription contained upon a very tasteful and beautiful design, which clustered to. gether most of the emblems appropriate to the Blue Lodges. The Bible was accompanied by a very handsome book-mark upon which were still other appropriate symbols. These were in silver, as was the design upon the book. In presenting the book Brother Potter spoke as follows:

Most Worshipful Grand Master—

Since this Hall, which you have done us the honor to assist in dedicating tonight, began to approach completion, and our eyes accustomed to observe the freshness of its new habiliments, whatever has remained in it that was old and much used, appears, by contrast, much more dilapidated than before; and it has been a subject of remark among us that the sacred volume which lies upon the

altar before me, after having done long and faithful service, ought to be retired among the treasured. emblems of our Order, and its place supplied by another more in keeping with its modern surroundings. Our Lodge, however, not feeling able to add more to their expenditures, already quite large, concluded to defer their present wishes to a future and more promising period.

But some of the ladies of West Cambridge, with a purpose so nobly characteristic of woman, and a thought most opportune to our needs, are here to-night to surprise us with an unexpected, yet timely aid, in the form of a testimonial, made thrice valuable to us because it brings with it the type of their hopes, their wishes and their thoughts.

And now, sir, in behalf of the mothers, wives and daughters, of a large part of its members, I have the honor to present to the Master and Wardens of Hiram Lodge, this magnificent Bible-which, among Masons, is used as a symbol of the Will of God.

It bears upon its cover an enduring silver plate, into which has been skillfully and artistically wrought many of the emblems which so fully illustrate the beautiful system of our Fraternity. And they have been so arranged as to convey to you, through the silent language of these expressive symbols, some of the sentiments which the donors desire to accompany their munificent gift.

Upon the right and left you will notice two Corinthian columns. By Masons, the Corinthian is regarded as the Column of Beauty, that supports the Lodge, and is symbolical of refinement, taste, and high culture, the study and attainment of which enable us to appreciate and enjoy all that is beautiful in life. These are capped with the terrestrial and celestial globes, which are intended to remind us of the extensive claims of that Charity which we are called upon to practice.

Between these two columns are the three steps, which are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life-Youth, Manhood and Age-and these are joined to the base of the columns by the anchor, scythe and hour glass; which, jointly, are symbols of a desire that we should be faithful in the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbor, and ourselves, that we may, at the end of that brittle thread of life, which Time so swiftly spins, enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well spent life, and finally secure that anchor which will safely moor us in a harbor of supreme peace, far beyond the tempestuous sea of trouble, which is ever surging on the shores of mortal existence.

Against the emblematical supports of our Lodge, rests the square and compass the square to remind us, as we look through the vista of the past, how often it becomes necessary to apply a test to our conduct and measure our actions, that we may discover and correct any deviations from the highest rules of rectitude. The compasses are placed before us as symbolical admonitions to circumscribe our evil propensities with a never ending circle of virtuous thoughts and upright deeds.

Over the whole is placed the blazing star, from the centre of which looks down the All seeing Eye; by which it is intended to remind us of that Divine Being who scrutinizes the purposes of our minds and hearts, and that, if we practice the code of virtuous principles embraced by our Fraternity, He will place over our pathway those brighter spots of happiness that will securely guide us across the dark fields of human life.

Supported by the Square and Compass is a shield—not strictly a Masonic emblem-but designed by the donors to symbolize the dangers that environ the human temple so strictly within our own control, and that we should not only seek Divine protection, but also see that it is well guarded by ourselves against the approach of evil tendencies.

Upon this shield you will find the emblem of that pure friendship which accompanies this gift, and are in these words :-

"Presented to the Master and Wardens of Hiram Lodge, of West Cambridge, by the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of its members, 1864."

This splendid volume is one of the best Oxford Bibles ever imported. Besides the emblematical decorations referred to, it is accompanied by an elegant Mark, designed to direct us to the sacred contents within. Attached to it, you will observe several additional silver emblems, among which is the pot of incense. By this it is intended that we should ever remember that this book is to be read with a pure heart and conscientious purpose.

Beneath this beautifully executed design is another, equally well done, the Ark, Anchor, and the Star and Clasped-hands of Brotherly Love. The cable from the Anchor of Hope is wound into a coil which encircles the ocean upon which floats the Ark of safety. These are meant to symbolize the feelings and sentiments of the generous donors, and express to you the hope that those who earnestly discharge the sacred duties of a true Mason, and faithfully fills his great office of Brother and Friend to those in distress and need-may be encircled in the arms of Divine love and safely convoyed across the ocean of life by the light of that untarnished friendship that gives to existence its brightest joys, and takes from death its greatest terrors.

With these sentiments you are asked to accept this Bible and the Mark ac. companying it, with the hope that it may rest upon your altar a welcome monitor that will often pleasantly recall to the memory of "Hiram Lodge," the affec. tion and esteem which are entertained for it by the Mothers, Wives and Daughters of its Members.

At the close of Brother P.'s presentation remarks, the W. M. arose and turning to the Chaplain, said: "Brother Chaplain, will you please receive the Holy Book in behalf of the Master, Wardens and members of Hiram Lodge." The Chaplain, on rising, said :

My Brother, it affords me great pleasure to accept in the name of the Lodge this beautiful and appropriate gift. Beautiful in external decorations, and with internal truth, and appropriate because although our Order was founded more especially for social purposes, yet have we always welcomed the Bible as the rule and guide of our faith, and as the revealer of those principles upon which all social enjoyments must be based. This gift is appropriate also because it will remind us of the interest with which the ladies who bestow it, regard our welfare, not alone in the present fleeting labors and enjoyments, but also our happiness when we shall enter into the celestial Lodge above. And you will allow me to thank, through you, the Mothers, Wives and Daughters who have thus expressed their interest and good-will-to thank them for the gift so beautiful and needful-to thank them

for the regards thus expressed towards our Fraternity-and for the interest which it manifested towards us as a Lodge. We receive it as a token that prejudices against us are being softened, and now hope by the proper use of the truths it contains to become truer men and more faithful Masons. This gift speaks to us not only of the present, but of the future. Not alone of earth but of Heaven--not of time alone, but also of eternity. And I hope, Brethren of Hiram Lodge, as we from time to time gather here to do the duties of Masonry, that this gift will remind us of other duties than those suggested by social enjoyments. I hope it may remind us that Freemasonry, however good its designs, is not religion, but that deeper than the purposes for which Freemasonry is kept alive, are the principles upon which such purposes are based-that while we here owe duties one to another, there are also duties to God and Heaven important and binding upon us--that while we are here attending to the instruction which our Order can impart, we may not forget those other lessons of true life and love which are contained in this Holy Book. Thus shall this gift, while it makes us acquainted with the good-will of those who present it, make us also to know the way by which to receive the good-will of Him whose book it is. It will tell us that Freemasonry is not religion, however many of religious principles it may illustrate, and teach of those ways and truths which are so essential to our progress towards the heavenly life which is found in the pres ence and love of our God.

And I hope also the bestowal of this gift by our mothers, wives and daughters, may strengthen their regard for our Order. For strange as it may seem, all wives of Masons are not Masonic wives, and some have cherished strong prejudices against us. May this expression of interest deepen into regard, so that they may all be willing to allow us to come together in social harmony, even though we should meet in secret. And when they find that some Masons are unworthy their esteem, let them remember that it would be difficult to get anywhere a body of men, all of whom were perfect. Let them also remember that some of the wisest and best of the world have been members of our Order, and that those whom the world has loved to honor because of their worth, are also honored by us as good and upright Masons.

Again hoping that this gift may strengthen the regard of the ladies for the Masonic Fraternity, and assuring them that this will deepen our affection for them, you will allow me, my Brother, to thank them through you for this expression of their interest, and to assure them that we highly appreciate their gift, and hope to receive great benefit therefrom.

The closing hymn was then sung, the audience joining with the choir, and the benediction being pronounced, the public exercises closed. An occasion of greater interest than was this it is not often our pleasure to attend, and we are sure it will be of great benefit to the Lodge under whose auspices it was conducted, and strengthen through them the whole Fraternity. We must congratulate the Brethren of Hiram Lodge upon their successful furnishing and dedication of their hall, and hope they may continue to progress in all those good works which so distinguish just and faithful Masons. G.

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