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E. H. ADDINGTON

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OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA. 67<br />

TEMPLE PROPERTY.<br />

The Grand Secretary's report and the report of the Special<br />

Temple Committee relative to the Temple property are before<br />

me and will be presented to you at the proper time. I demand<br />

especially for the latter your earnest consideration, as it embodies<br />

the conclusions arrived at by men whose experience gives<br />

weight to their opinion. The Committee have worked conscientiously<br />

to guard the interests of the Craft; they are unanimous<br />

only upon one conclusion, namely, that the Temple has outlived<br />

its usefulness, is inadequate both for Masonic and commercial<br />

purposes, and that a new building is needed. As there<br />

is no unanimity in regard to the character of the building best<br />

suited to our needs, they suggest and submit several plans for<br />

your choice and approval.<br />

In frankness, I must admit that my own views upon this<br />

question have materially changed. While it seemed to me last<br />

year proper to consider the erection of a building of a mixed<br />

character, that is, Masonic and commercial, I am now wedded<br />

to the idea of a purely Masonic edifice, one devoted exclusively<br />

to the purposes of Masonry. It is inexpedient to venture in<br />

speculation; a modern office structure erected to compete with<br />

buildings of that character in our immediate vicinity would entail<br />

an outlay out of proportion to the revenue we might expect<br />

from the same. There is the further sentimental objection, more<br />

forceful, perhaps, against an office building as it introduces<br />

and fosters the spirit of commercialism in our Masonic bodies.<br />

This spirit, unfortunately, prevails everywhere. It is paramount<br />

in everything, its influence is felt in every act of our<br />

material life; let us not permeate our Masonic system with it.<br />

All ovqr our State, Masonic Lodges are building for themselves<br />

exclusive homes, gems of Masonic Architecture; why should not<br />

the same spirit which has breathed the things of beauty in the<br />

country not bring forth a like treasure in this great City? We<br />

need a Temple, that is unquestionable, but if we do decide, let<br />

it be one for Masonry, and let commercialism provide elsewhere<br />

its needs.<br />

The Temple property can be sold for a sum sufficient to build<br />

in an advantageous location. The^'Craft should not hesitate

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