Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/373

 ,<//v/. 365

The Masonic marshals were: Most Worshipful William B. Talia- ferro, P. G. M., Grand Marshal; Worshipful |. Thompson Brown, P. M.. /WUt.int <!. iiul Marshal; Right Worshipful William Gibson. Jr., I). I), G. M., Richmond, Va. ; Worshipful Samuel W. Wil- liams, P. M., Wytheville, Va. ; Worshipful Julius Straus, P. M., Richmond. Va. ; Worshipful Thomas S. Taliaferro, P. M., Glou- <-<-ter county, Va. ; Brother Garrett G. Gooch, Staunton, Virginia; Brother Charles H. Phillips. Richmond, Va.

< irand Chaplain George H. Ray offered prayer.

GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS.

" In confiding the ' implements of operative masonry " to Brother Wilfred E. Cutshaw, the Engineer of the city of Richmond, the Grand Master said :

" Brother Cutshaw, as the Engineer of the city of Richmond, and as a member of the Committee on Designs for this monument, I confide to your hands the implements of operative masonry, that after the designs of this monument are laid down by some dis- tinguished architect yet to be chosen, you may turn them over to him, in full confidence of his skill and ability to erect such a monu- ment as will perpetuate and add new luster to the established glory, liberality, and patriotism of the people of our beloved Southland."

The Grand Master also said: "Most Worshipful Brother, our Grand Marshal, you will take with you Most Worshipful Brother R. E. Withers and inform Brother J. Taylor Ellyson, the President of the Jefferson Davis Monument Association, that the corner-stone of the monument about to be erected to commemorate the virtues of a soldier, statesman, and hero, who was worthy of his times and of the gratitude of a chivalrous people, has now been laid with Masonic honors, and request him to descend and examine our work, and if approved, to receive it from our hands."

Grand Marshal: Most Worshipful Grand Master, that duty has been performed.

Bishop J. C. Cranberry then offered a deeply, impressive prayer.

THE ORATOR PRESENTED.

Hon J. Taylor Ellyson then advanced to the front of the platform, and said:

Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a very high honor for a private in the Army of Northern Virginia in being permitted, as President of the Jefferson Davis Mon-