Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tidings From The Craft In The United States.
TIDINGS FEOM THE CEAFT IN THE UNITED STATES .
[ Prepared for the Freemasons Magazine by the B . W . Bro . Hob Moreis , of Lodgeton > Kentucky ] Parlcersburg , Virginia , May 20 , l % 5 % . The proposed purchase _ nf Mount Yernon the former residence of George Washington , by the Masonic fraternity , is the most interesting event of the month . Heretofore the proprietor of that Mecca of American patriotism has declined to dispose of it to any but the goveriimeht of the
United States or that of the state of Virginia , neither of which would take the initiative step towards the purchase . About a year since Mr . Edward Everett , favourably known in England as well as America , commenced a tour of visits to the larger towns throughout the nation , and delivered lectures upon the Life and Character of Washington , ¦ the proceeds of whixih were to be devoted to the purchase ¦' of Mount Vernon , under the auspices of " The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association , " organized for that purpose . By Mr . Everett ' s labours some 50 , 000 dollars , or one fourth of the requisite sum , has been obtained .
Latterly the proprietor , Mr . John A . Washington , a descendant of the herd and patriot , has relaxed in his views , and now offers the Association the property for 200 , 000 dollars , to be paid in four instalments . Towards this the first payment has already been made , and funds are in haiLcl to make the second ; and it is now proposed by the Grand Lodge of Virginia , seconded by the Grand Lodges of District Columbia and Maryland , that the Masonic fraternity raise this sum by individual contributions of one dollar each . In a circular before me , dated April , 1858 , bearing
the signature of John Dove , Grand Secretary of the various grand bodies in Virginia , this proposition is enforced by a variety of arguments , with marked eloquence and ability . It is justly said that the passage of this hallowed possession from the hand of its present owner to that of the Association will constitute an epoch through all recorded time , which will challenge history for its parallel ; and to make the occasion as impressive as possible it is proposed that this transition shall be accomplished on the next anniversary of Washington ' s natal day , February 22 , 1859 .
Are there not many in Great Britain who would wish to unite in such a glorious purpose?—the opportunity is fraternally tendered , and a hearty welcome is extended to such . All contributions should be sent to John Dove , M . D ., Richmond , Virginia , and it is desirable that the names of the donors accompain ^ their contributions , that they may be recorded in a
book kept by the Association for that purpose . I submit that this is no every-day subject . The debt due to George Washington ' s memory as a Mason has been but poorly acknowledged heretofore by the fraternity Let us become the keepers of his dwelling , his homestead , and his tomb . Around that sacred spot it is proposed , once in each year , to assemble in
our character of Masons , as a band of brothers , from every part of the land , to exchange personal salutations , cheer , encourage , and take sweet counsel in the high and ennobling occupation of our time-honoured institution , in building up and perpetuating the moral temple founded upon the immutable principles of truth and justice , which have characterized it through all ages and in all civilized nations . Surely no proposal has been made to Freemasons , as such , which promises such ennobling results as this ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tidings From The Craft In The United States.
TIDINGS FEOM THE CEAFT IN THE UNITED STATES .
[ Prepared for the Freemasons Magazine by the B . W . Bro . Hob Moreis , of Lodgeton > Kentucky ] Parlcersburg , Virginia , May 20 , l % 5 % . The proposed purchase _ nf Mount Yernon the former residence of George Washington , by the Masonic fraternity , is the most interesting event of the month . Heretofore the proprietor of that Mecca of American patriotism has declined to dispose of it to any but the goveriimeht of the
United States or that of the state of Virginia , neither of which would take the initiative step towards the purchase . About a year since Mr . Edward Everett , favourably known in England as well as America , commenced a tour of visits to the larger towns throughout the nation , and delivered lectures upon the Life and Character of Washington , ¦ the proceeds of whixih were to be devoted to the purchase ¦' of Mount Vernon , under the auspices of " The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association , " organized for that purpose . By Mr . Everett ' s labours some 50 , 000 dollars , or one fourth of the requisite sum , has been obtained .
Latterly the proprietor , Mr . John A . Washington , a descendant of the herd and patriot , has relaxed in his views , and now offers the Association the property for 200 , 000 dollars , to be paid in four instalments . Towards this the first payment has already been made , and funds are in haiLcl to make the second ; and it is now proposed by the Grand Lodge of Virginia , seconded by the Grand Lodges of District Columbia and Maryland , that the Masonic fraternity raise this sum by individual contributions of one dollar each . In a circular before me , dated April , 1858 , bearing
the signature of John Dove , Grand Secretary of the various grand bodies in Virginia , this proposition is enforced by a variety of arguments , with marked eloquence and ability . It is justly said that the passage of this hallowed possession from the hand of its present owner to that of the Association will constitute an epoch through all recorded time , which will challenge history for its parallel ; and to make the occasion as impressive as possible it is proposed that this transition shall be accomplished on the next anniversary of Washington ' s natal day , February 22 , 1859 .
Are there not many in Great Britain who would wish to unite in such a glorious purpose?—the opportunity is fraternally tendered , and a hearty welcome is extended to such . All contributions should be sent to John Dove , M . D ., Richmond , Virginia , and it is desirable that the names of the donors accompain ^ their contributions , that they may be recorded in a
book kept by the Association for that purpose . I submit that this is no every-day subject . The debt due to George Washington ' s memory as a Mason has been but poorly acknowledged heretofore by the fraternity Let us become the keepers of his dwelling , his homestead , and his tomb . Around that sacred spot it is proposed , once in each year , to assemble in
our character of Masons , as a band of brothers , from every part of the land , to exchange personal salutations , cheer , encourage , and take sweet counsel in the high and ennobling occupation of our time-honoured institution , in building up and perpetuating the moral temple founded upon the immutable principles of truth and justice , which have characterized it through all ages and in all civilized nations . Surely no proposal has been made to Freemasons , as such , which promises such ennobling results as this ,