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see him once - He read chapter, & made remarks as to the occasion very pertinently. Prayer by Mr. Dwight of Portland. Then Prex. made a speech upon Masonic honors, long custom of doing things so, wishes of patrons etc. etc. finally committing the business to the Grand Lodge of Maine.
Then followed the Masonic Ceremonies, which were long, somewhat imposing, some silly too though. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Maine Hon. J.C. Payne presided. Old Gov. Worshipful Dunlap of Brunswick, Grand Master of Ceremonies. The Worshipful Grand Secretary with two great gold goose quill pens crossed on his breast, the worshipful grand Treasurer & grand Chaplain with their various insignia etc. After lots of ceremonies, a box containing Bible, Constitutions of U.S. & Main, Laws of Bowdoin, Catalogues, Society Catalogues etc. and two silver plates, one belonging to the college with a latin inscription and one by the Masons unknown, was placed in a cavity of the important stone, which with various ceremonies was then laid in its place by the united Exertions of the Masons, and Mr. Barney McGuire, the N. Y. Master Workman of the building. It was then measured & tried with much solemnity, and the tools, splendid Level & Square passing through the hands of various functionaries, formally delivered over, with an address & charge, to the Aforesaid B. McGuire, as his part of the spoils. The Grand Treasurer & his assistants then emptied upon the stone, first a golden goblet of Wheat, called the 'corn of nourishment: then a silver one of wine, called the 'wine of refreshment', another of oil called the 'oil of joy'. These with various speeches & ceremonies. Consecrating Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, a Masonic hymn, various beating upon the stone, with various dumb signs & motions of the hands etc. When the Grand Marshall finally made proclamation that the Corner Stone of King Chapel was founded in 'ample form' etc. A first rate Oration address was then then delivered by Hon Charles S. Daveis of Portland the Orator of the Day.