3-021-207 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Laying the Foundation-Stone of the new Masonic Temple at Shanghai, [China], 1865. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. W. Saunders. '...the procession [was] headed by the consular body, the municipal council, the Custom-house officials, the Shanghai Rangers and rifle volunteers, and the police band...The cement was spread with the trowel of Brother Gould, and, the stone having been lowered, the usual tests were applied with the plumb, level, and square, by the officers thereto appointed; whereupon the Provincial Grand Master, having made the due inquiries and found all quite correct, took his mallet and struck three times on the stone, saying, "May this undertaking be conducted and completed by the craftsmen, according to the grand plan, in peace, harmony, and brotherly love!" The P. G. M. then called for three cheers, which were given with all the hearty enthusiasm...the band meanwhile playing a lively air. The corn, wine, and oil were then poured out, as symbols of plenty, of joy and gladness, of comfort and peace. Two verses of the 100th psalm were sung, after which brief addresses were delivered by the Grand Master and Chaplain; then followed the English National Anthem, by the band of the 67th Regiment'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.