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June 25, 1874 Ashland Press
"The Masonic Dedication"
As had been announced in the Press of the last 3 issues, the dedication of the new Masonic Hall took place yesterday, the 24th inst., with imposing ceremonies. The average wants for this had been of the most complete character, and invitations were to sent to all different lodges, chapters, commanderies in this portion of the state.
With the majority of those, not previously engaged, this invitation met with a hearty response. At an early hour in the morning guests began to arrive from all directions to participate in the pleasures of the occasion. These were met by the various members of the committees of reception, and escorted to the different halls prepared for their stay, according to their rank on the rolls of the craft.
Thus, Master Masons repaired to the hall formerly occupied by the Ashland lodge; Royal Arch Masons, to Odd Fellows Hall, placed at their service through the courtesy of that order; and Knight Templars to the City Hall.
The order of exercises had set forth the dedication ceremonies to commence at the hour of 11, but the constant arrival of members of the craft, singly, or in bodies, rending its postponement necessary until after the dinner hour. Among the first to arrive by rail was a strong delegation of the fraternity from the lodge and chapter of West Salem, together with brethren from Seville, Wadsworth, Akron, etc.
These were received and escorted with bands playing, to the different halls, as mentioned above. At 10 o'clock a special train from Crestline, Galion and Mansfield arrived, bringing a large delegation of the craft, composed for the greater part of Knight Templars, commanded by Sir Knight, J. W. Holmes. These were met at the depot by all the Sir Knights of the town, and in full uniform, brilliant with color, and with banners flying, were marched to city hall, their place of rendezvous.
From balconies, crowded with ladies in holiday attire, waving handkerchiefs and glances of eager interest, indicated their delight at each new phase of the proceedings; while upon the streets below men tramped nervously about in their desire to miss nothing that might prove of interest.
By noon the greater portion of the guests and sightseers had arrived and were comfortably settled in their different apartments awaiting the serving of the banquets prepared for their refreshment by the hosts of the McNulty and Miller Houses. Everything in season to tempt the appetite was there in abundance, and that it was thoroughly appreciated needed only a glance at the satisfied faces of the diners as they emerged radiant, and cheerful, to prove.
Half past one o'clock was the hour named for the street parade and as that time drew nigh, the throng upon the streets drew more dense and the balconies and windows were crowded to obtain good views of the glittering and imposing spectacle to be enacted below. Promptly at that hour, the crafts assembled in their halls to prepare for the full dress parade. After a short time, passed in properly clothing, each body marched to rendezvous in Main Street, at the corner of Orange, and formed the general procession.
Just here let us pause to recount an incident which is an exhibition of the finest feeling, as well as the most delicate courtesy, and was perhaps the most striking we remember having experienced. The body of Knights Templar, the last in the procession - when passing the residence of Mr. S. W. Beer, a member of their own body, discovered that gentleman, just recovering from a protracted and severe illness, sitting propped up upon the veranda. As soon as they arrived, opposite his dwelling, the entire corps was brought to full halt, faced about, and gave a full salute to their suffering brother, in token of their sympathy in his affliction, then recovering their order, marched away.
We mention this because it is Masonry exemplified.
The Masonic hall had been filled to overflowing by visitors from towns in the vicinity, and with those from abroad, and with the accession of the body of Masons from the procession, the jam became rather oppressive. However, the large doors leading to the banquet rooms of the hall were thrown open, and by their occupancy, sufficient room was obtained for the performance of the ceremonies and dedication.
The hall was then dedicated by the Grand Lodge of the state of Ohio; J. W. Holmes officiating as Grand Master. The ceremonies were of the usual character such as anyone conversant with Masonic customs would readily understand; the pouring on of corn, wine and oil, etc.
Upon its conclusion the assembly dispersed, the visiting members of the craft made preparations for departure, and the residents to enjoy a social intermingling, and to discuss the events of the day.
The three bands in attendance discoursed some excellent music upon the streets, and here we take pleasure in returning our thanks to the Crestline band especially, for some excellent music to which this office was pointedly treated; and further, to return out thanks for the craft generally for their untiring efforts to please. Thanks are also due to the Jeromesville and Rowsburg bands, who arrived at an early hour, and bore the heat and burden of the day to the full satisfaction of all who heard them.
Their courtesy in supplying music will long be remembered with gratitude by the craft here.
The departing bodies of guests were duly escorted to the trains. All expressed their pleasurable satisfaction with the proceedings of the day, and were bidden farewell with thanks for the visit. Taken all in all, it was a pleasant occasion as Ashland may expect to experience for sometime to come.
Thus began the new home of the Lodge. And for the next 51 years, the Lodge prospered within its walls.
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