Madison Journal - 1928 Tallulah Masonic Temple Cornerstone Is Laid

Date submitted: January 12, 2014

Submitted by: Richard P. Sevier

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				Tallulah Masonic Temple Cornerstone Is Laid

			LODGE FORTUNATE TO HAVE BENNETT ARCHITECT ON NEW STRUCTURE
					From April 14, 1928 Madison Journal

On Tuesday, April 10, 1928, James H. Rowland, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
Louisiana, Free and Accepted Masons, laid the cornerstone of the new Mas-onic Temple which will be 
the future home of Tallulah Lodge No. 308. Assisting the Grand Master were the Grand Secretary, 
John Davilli, and the Grand Marshall, Brother Winegrun. These two Masons came from the City of 
New Orleans, while Grand Master Rowland came from Shreveport.

The laying of the cornerstone was conducted with ceremonies peculiar to .he Masonic Order, and the 
cornerstone enclosed a soldered copper box containing various deposits of interest in the future.

Among the items were paraffined coins such as a nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar and dollar. 
Also a small copy of the Holy Bible which had been in use in the Lodge for a score of years. Also 
a piece of white stone which was brought from the quarries of King Solomon.

A roll of the members of the Lodge and a short history of the events which preceded the laying of 
the cornerstone were inscribed in india ink upon linen and were then wrapped in paraffined paper 
and inserted in galvanized iron pipe which was capped at both ends tightly with screw thread caps.

Local Masons who took prominent parts in the ceremonies were Francis S. Thomas, Master of Tallulah Lodge, 
J. E. Purr, Past Master, Chas.. A. Bennett, Architect of the Temple, Abe Bloom, R. C. Leeves, William Gilpin, 
Robert Campbell, Dr. Gaines, Edward A. Buckner, James Lee Cason and others.

The Building Committee consists of Messrs, Buckner, Cason,  Sevier and Van Zelfden, under whose  guidance 
Architect Bennett is supervising the erection of the Temple. The Labor Contract is carried on by George Black, 
and the Wiring Contract by J. W. Rogillio, both of whom are known for their high quality of work and carefulness.

As the Temple is being built upon the regular engineering calculations used by the United States Government, 
it is believed that Tallulah will add to its edifices a sturdy building of neat appearance and long life. 
The Madison Journal joins with the citizens of the Parish in congratulating the Building Committee upon its 
good work, and the Lodge upon having such an active Committee and Architecture.