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{"newspaper_name": "Mobile register and journal.", "edition": "01", "page": "p2", "byline": ""}
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MASONIC CEREMONY.-Ih he corner stone or an edifce designed for the joint occupancy of the Me- sonic Fraternity and Franklin Society of this city, was laid on Thursday evening, the 9th inst with all the imposing ceremonies peculiar to the ancient and honorable order of free and accepted masons. We have dehyed d notice of this interesting affair | until the present time, in order that might pre- sent somewhat in deail the order of ceremonies and accompanying exercises.

 At about o'clock PM, the procession was form ed at the of Royal and Dauphn streets. under the direction of Maj. w. w. ALLEN, who discharg- ed, in admirable manner, the aduous duties Of marshal of the day. The procession consisted Of Mobile Lodge No. 40, Royal Arch Chapter No. 2l, l the Mobile Franklin Society, the Corporate Author ites of the City, and citizens and strangers; and proceeded up Royal To St. Francia-st up St. Fran cis .o St. Joseph-st., and down St. Joseph to the site for the new edifce. the side of St. Jc selh street, opposite the public square-a location peculiarly appropriate to the objects for which the building is designed On arriving at the spot desg 1 naied, SO great was the crowd of spectators, all pressing with enger curiosity to witness the proceed ! ings, that minutes elapsed before sufficient room could be secured for those who were to take part in the exercises. This difficulty having been at length overcome, the stone was laid in due and an cent form, by RUFUS GREENE, Esq, Master of Mobile Lodge No. 40, who ofiiciated n the absence of the M. E. Grand Master, in manner that rem dered the solemn ceremonies of the order in the highest degree interesting and imposing. The brel remarks with which Mir Greene accompanied the different parts of the ceremonies have been much and justly extalled for their beauty and proprety. We were forcibly impressed with remark made by thus gentleman, that among the documents deposited

 m the corner stone, were statistics of nearly seUenty associations, civil, religious literary. military, uer- cante and benevolent, existing in this city. We must rot omn in this place to notice the very solemn and impressive manner in which the Rev. $. S. LEWIS, of the Episcopal Church, Chaplain of the Lodge, discharged the duties of the R. w. Grand Chaplain. The introductory prayer. offered up in those deep and solemn tones and that distinct aricu-

 aton characteristic of this gentleman, appeared to us peculiarly appropriate.

 After the lormalities of laying the stone, the pro- cession was again formed. and crossed the street

 into the public square, to stand erected for the caslon, when an address was delivered by the Hon Judge CUTHBERT. We are sensible of our Inabili- ty, in bref notice like this to convey any thing like just impression ofths very eloquent and able address. The vast concourse of ladies and gentle men present, listened with profound attention, and evidently with deep interest, to every word; and so strong seemed to be the spell by which they were encained to the spot, that after the exercises were closed. the crowd still fingered if unwilling | Ia,y tha Inc alfe bre ly alluding to the ceremonies of the day, gave a succinc history ofthe Mob,le Frenkhn Society, and urged in most earnest and convincing manner, its vast importance in public point of view, its infu- ence in forming the character, developing the mental resources of it's members, and It's utility in improy- | ing the minds of both old and young; and from these promises he argued it, high claims to the generous support of the public. The then ad- verted to the Masomc Fraternity, of which he has long been an honoured member; and on this subject, he expatated more at length. His yindicatIon of | the ancient and honorable order from the calumniea and the Iberal surmises of its enemies, was ample 1 and triumphant. The testimony which he bore to

 its noble character, it's benfcent designs and favor | able tendencies, was given in language, at once l pure, chasie and eloquent; and was uttered with I

 feeling and earnestness which left doubt of its deep sincerity.

 | But the address should have been hard to be ap- precated. A copy, We understand, has been soli' cited for publication, and sincerely hope the re- quest may be granted.

 The exercises al the stand were introduced with appr orriale prayer by ihe Rev. Mr. Dorman, and 1 closed with benedicton by the Rev. Mr. Heard, both of the Nj. E Church.

 | The procession was then reformed and proceeded

 through several of most public streets to the cor | ner of Royal and Dauphn streets when it was dis | banded.

 Notwithstanding our efforts to the contrary, we have been qu,e lengthy in our notice of these inter eslng proceedings But forming, as they do, some- thing of an epoch in history, and making, as they have done, deep impression upon the public mind, we could hardly say less in justice to the occasion, | and might have said much more without exhauslng

 the subject, or even stepping over our sense of pro- prety, for take it all in a the day and the occasion will be long and favorably remembered by our cti-