Newspaper Clippings for
September, 1955
26 September 1955
MASONS LAY CORNERSTONE AT MILLBURN
Former Governor Green Joins in Ceremonies
For New Temple Planned By 100-Year-Old Lodge.
MILLBURN - With all the dignity and ceremony of the fraternity
which dates back to the seventeenth century, the cornerstone of
the new temple of Millburn's lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons was laid Saturday afternoon.
Serving as most worshipful grand master in charge of services was
Milton L. Sonntag, Plainfield, Ill., who in the next two weeks
will officially take that office in the grand lodge.
A crowd that filled the Millburn Congregational Church heard a
preliminary program in which former governor Dwight H. Green was
the principal speaker.
"This lodge, organized and brought into being 100 years ago next
Oct. 3, and its intervening history, is typical of and
exemplified the growth and progress of Masonry," Green told
members of both the lodge and its associate organization Order of
the Eastern Star, Chapter 570, and guests from surrounding
communities.
TIRELESS EFFORTS
"The cornerstone being laid today represents the tireless and
continued efforts of men and women of the region in assuming and
discharging their share of the responsibilities of life that
should be borne by all. It reflects the contributions made by
this fraternity to the education, enlightenment, refinements and
advancements of the people of this whole area.
Discussing as principles, Green said:
"Masonry, as we all know, is essentially the pursuit of wisdom.
From the tools of our craft, and from the ancient traditions and
teachings of the order, we learn a way of life, to fit ourselves
for service in the great purposes of God moving through men.
"I am not suggesting any detailed program of public service to
you," he told his audience, "Yet I am suggesting that it is the
duty of every American, and the particular duty of every Mason,
to concern himself with the great problem of helping our American
youth.
MUST HELP CHILDREN
"We shall not insure the future of America by peace treaties or
acts of Congress, unless we solve the problem of helping the
children, reared in the confinements and the complexities of our
modern economic life, to achieve the normal living and the
genuine opportunity which is their American birthright. . ."
Green said the service of Masonry embraces the schools,
recreation centers and particularly churches . . .
"I know of no way which the layman can do more to preserve the
moral stability of American life than by bull participation in
the activities of his church, and particularly its young people's
organizations."
After presenting fundamental ideals of the pioneers, Green said
that these could be applied today through realization of the need
of a sense of inter-dependence and mutual responsibility . . . a
need for a new respect for law and order, and respect for the
laws of men which begins with respect for the laws of God.
He said that it behoves Masons to take up the battle against
Godless forces and that they must meet the challenge of Communism
fully and frankly, defend the constitution, American liberties
and churches.
GREEN INTRODUCED
Green was introduced by Fred Swanson, Antioch, past potentate of
Mizpah Temple, Mystic Shrine, and a thirty-third degree Mason,
who served as master of ceremonies.
Swanson introduced, the Rev. L. H. Messersmith, pastor of the
church in which the service was held, and who gave the
invocation.
Miss Sue Weber of Lake Villa, sand, "Bless This House," and James
F. Stiles III, sang "The Lord's Prayer."
Swanson recited "Verse to the Flag" which was immediately
followed by portions of "My Country `Tis of Thee."
Further introductions included Phillip Anderson, past master of
the Millburn Lodge and chairman of the Temple committee which
through tireless efforts and the aid of the Eastern Star over
many years made the new building possible.
"This event brings joy to everyone," said Anderson. "It was only
brought about through the cooperation of the people."
District Deputy Marshall Erickson, Waukegan, praised the Millburn
lodge for its accomplishment.
Deputy Grand Master Sonntag delivered his address at the church.
He expressed admiration for a community as small as Millburn that
could erect such a fine building.
He called for the fostering of ideals that respect the dignity of
the home and mutual respect declaring that successful living
comes first in the home, then in the church and thereafter can be
found in Masonry.
Sonntag then called for the formation of the processions from the
church to the new building 200 feet south on Route 45. The
procession line included Harold R. Kopfmen, Grand Senior Warden,
and James Green, grand treasurer, both of Chicago, and Dwight H.
Green, grand orator.
Others appointed by the grand lodge to act for the occasion were
Charles W. Smith, deputy grand master; Clarence Schwartz, junior
warden; Theodore Engh, secretary; Thomas J. Negahay, chaplain;
Allan Johnson, master of the Millburn lodge, pursuivant; William
Peters, marshal; Louis L. Craver, standard bearer; Herbert P.
Sargeant, sword bearer; Marshall Erickson, senior deacon; Harold
Ross, junior deacon; Lloyd Graham, Carsten Hansen, Floyd Brokaw,
stewards, Philip Anderson, master of the oldest lodge; Benjamin
Cribb, principal architect, and Lawrence R. Gelman, tyler.
Honored through their participation in the ceremony of the laying
of the cornerstone were Edward Martin, and James Reeves, fifty
year members of the Millburn lodge.
Ideal weather conditions added to the success of the outdoor
service.
Placed in the stone were the bylaws and history of the lodge and
the Temple Association, lists of officials, past masters, and
members, post matrons and patrons and members, of the Eastern
Star, which was chartered April 26, 1906.
Following the service refreshments were served at the church.
