SPECIAL COMMUNICATION JULY 17, A.L. 5915. LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF THE METHO DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT SOUTHAMPTON. THE HE GRAND LODGE was opened in DUE FORM in a room in the Southampton Town Hall at 3 P.M. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the site of the church under escort of Ionic Lodge, of Easthampton. The Corner-stone was laid with full form and ceremonial according to the ancient usages of the Craft. The following articles were placed in a box within the stone: A copy of the Methodist Episcopal Discipline. A copy of the Special Union. Twelve coins dating from 1844 to 1915. The first Class Book used in the Sunday School of the M.E. Church of Southampton. The Corner-stone Album. A picture of the first church. The Deputy Grand Master was assisted in spreading the cement by Rev. Brother H. G. Watling, Pastor of the church, and by Mr. M. C. Sheldon, Mr. H. S. Sheldon and Dr. O. Laintam, the Building Committee. An appropriate address dealing with the significance of the ceremony of Masonic Cornerstone Laying was delivered by the Deputy Grand Master. An address followed, by Rev. Brother Conrad Hooker, District Superintendent of M.E. Churches. Due proclamation having been made by the W. Grand Marshal, the procession was reformed and the Grand Lodge was escorted back to the Town Hall where it was closed in DUE FORM. A true abstract of the Record. Attest: FREDERICK W. HAMILTON, On arriving at Northampton at noon, the members of the Grand Lodge were met by the Easthampton Brethren and entertained at luncheon at the Draper Hotel, after which they were taken in automobiles to Southampton. The townspeople were present at the ceremony in large numbers. After the exercises of the afternoon a bountiful supper was served by the ladies of the church, which was greatly enjoyed by all the Brethren present. There were no speeches. After supper the members of the Grand Lodge were taken back to Northampton in automobiles. |