Places: Laying the Stone

The ceremonies at the Hospital grounds

The Grand Lodge of Masons Perform the Ceremonies--An Eloquent Oration by Mr. William A. Pembrook--Address by Governor Abbott--Fine Music--Honors to Dr. Cannon
(Transcribed from the Elizabeth Daily Journal, May 31, 1892)

The most notable events of the day were in connection with the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the new Hospital building. The prominent part assigned to the Grand Lodge of Masons of New Jersey made the occasion of special interest to the craft, and the result was a demonstration by the fraternity such as was never before witnessed in this city. The Masonic features were novel to most people, and the event so important as marking the beginning of a greatly needed charity, was peculiarly attractive as a spectacle, and was witnessed by thousands of people.

The new Masonic Temple, (the) Kean building on Broad Street, was the place of assembly for the craftsmen, and at quite an early hour in the morn­ing it was a point of attraction for many interested spectators. All the lodges in the city had previously ar­ranged to welcome the Grand Officers, and unite with them in the ceremonies. Governor Abbott was expected a little before eleven o'clock, but his arrival was late, and the procession which escorted him and the Grand Lodge to the hospital grounds was late in moving. Starting from Masonic Temple, the Masonic Lodges, headed by Drake’s band, marched to North Broad Street, where Gov. Abbott and the Grand Officers were received.

The procession was under the command of Mr. Charles Russ, who was the grand marshal. The right of line was given to St. John's Commanders, Knights Templar, and in their handsome uniforms the Sir Knights made a fine appearance. They marched in crosses and squares and their movements elicited the admiration of the spectators. Behind the Knights were the lodges of the City: Essex, Tyrian, Onward, Hermann, Washington and Washington Chapter, R.A.M. The Masons all wore their regalia and aprons, and the officers carried the insignias of their offices. The Sir Knights and local lodges were the escort of the members of the Grand Lodge, who preceded the two carriages containing, in the first, Governor Abbott, Mayor Rankin and Senator Marsh, and in the second Judge Thomas F. McCormick, Mr. William A. Pembrook and President J. Augustus Dix. The Grand Lodge members wore their regalias, and every man in the procession wore the yellow badge of the Hospital.

The members of the Grand Lodge in line were Grand Master Thomas W. Tilden, Deputy Grand Master James H. Durand, of Rahway; Senior Grand Warden Charles Belcher, of Newark; Junior Grand Warden, Alpert F. Randolph, of Bridgeton... [Editor's Note: many people were mentioned here and the full list is contained in the .pdf of this article that is linked on this page.]

The line of march was through Broad Street to East Jersey street and thence down to the hospital grounds. All the civic societies in the city were invited to be at the hospital grounds. Some sent delegations: Opechee, Rahway and Leola tribes of Red Men attended in full numbers and in regalia. They were drawn up in line and exchanged marching salutes with the Masonic lodges.

Several thousand people assembled at the grounds. There was a platform for the speakers, managers of the hospital, medical staff and Ladies' Aid Society. This platform was prettily decorated with American flags and the hospital colors. A canopy covered the place where the speaker took, and in front row below tables and chairs were provided for the press.

When the procession reached the grounds the black clouds hung low over the scene, and a shower was feared before the ceremonies could conclude, but happily the rain did not come to interfere except to hasten the proceedings.

When the procession halted at the grounds Drake's band played a selection, and again at the close of the speaking.

The exercises opened with remarks by President Dix, who was brief because of the threatened rain. He related three object lessons which he experienced as to the necessity of a hospital, years before it was established. The first was an accident on the Central Railroad, and he was called to assist Dr. Crane in caring for the sufferer, whose mangled form was carried from the office of the company. After a long wait Dr. Green made his appearance, and the amputation of the man's leg took place amide the great suffering of the injured man by the (not legible) of the inappropriateness of the place. The second was an accident on the Pennsylvania road, and the sufferer with a crushed head was cared for in an equally unfit, poorly-ventilated room. The third incident was an accident to a well-known citizen, who after a long wait and under conditions bad enough to take life, was conveyed to his home, and amputation of a limb performed under adverse circumstances.

Out of these incidents was established a building on Broad street, where temporary help could be given in cases of accident. Then followed the hospital, and how different are the circumstances now? When an accident occurs the ambulance is dispatched to the scene, in charge of competent surgeons, the sufferer placed on a suitable bed, and conveyed rapidly, safely and tenderly to the hospital, where the surgeons are in waiting, and where the injuries are immediately and skillfully cared for. Then the sufferer is removed to a ward supplied with bed and all appliances to make him comfortable.

Mr. Dix concluded by introducing Judge Thomas F. McCormick to preside over the ceremonies. In accepting the honor, Judge McCormick was very brief in his remarks, simply speaking of the fitness of selecting the day commemorative of the memories of the men who had sacrificed their lives on the alters of their country, as the occasion to lay the corner stone of an institution which is to be for the alleviation of the pain of sufferers, and the soothing of the pillows of sorrow toward the end of life.

The Stone Laid

He then announced that the corner stone would be laid by the Grand Lodge of Masons of New Jersey. All eyes were turned in direction of the stone, which was suspended from a crane over the place where it was to be depicted in the northwest corner of the foundation, a short distance from the right of the speakers' stand. The Grand Lodge members and others of the craft were assembled about the stone. Grand Master Thomas W. Tilden presided over the ceremony, which was purely Masonic and very impressive.

Grand Master Tilden made the declaration and prayer was offered by Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain Rev. Dr. C.H.W. Stocking, of Orange. Deputy Grand Secretary Wm. D. Rutan, of Newark, from the platform read the following list of articles were made the contents of the box:

• One copy of each annual report of the Hospital Association.
• Programmer of the first entertainment in aid of a ward, called the "Daisy Ward," which led to the organization of the Ladies' Aid Society.
• Extract from the minutes of the Board of Managers, being a tribute to the memory of Mrs Eliza G. Halsey, organizer of the Ladies' Aid Society.
• One copy of each of the three editions of the paper "The Ladies Bazaar," (not legible) giving an account of the first grand fair under and (unintelligible) of the Ladies' Aid Society. Net receipts (not legible)
• The reports of the Kirmess and (not legible) Thursday and Dreamland Tree, and proceeds therefrom.


Kirmess Fundraising Event

• Organization of the Ladies' Aid Society.
• (not legible) and by-laws of the Training School for Nurses.
• Names of officers of the Training School and of the committees for furnishing the house.
• Constitution and by-laws of the Flower Mission of the Elizabeth General Hospital.
• Papers and forms used by the Finance Committee of the Board of Managers, (not legible) and wording of monthly subscriptions.
• Coins of the United States--Gold dollar, silver dollar, silver half dollar, silver quarter dollar, silver ten cent piece, nickel five cent piece, nickel three cent piece, copper two cent, copper one cent.
• Photographs of old Hospital building and surgical pavilion.


Original hospital and dispensary on Jaques St.

• Elizabeth newspapers of several (not legible) containing articles pertaining to Hospital affairs, as follows: Elizabeth Daily Journal, Central N.J. Herald, Daily Leader, Free Press and Town Tattle.
• New York papers of May (not legible), Herald, Times, World, Tribune, (not legible).
• Programme of entertainment by Miss (not legible) O'Neill Potter, being the last benefit prior to this date.
• Card of Washington, showing crest, from President Dix.
• Invitation badge and facts relating to ceremony of the laying of the corner stones.
• Impression of the Seal of the Hospital Association.


Ribbon worn at the event

The box containing these things were deposited by R.W. Grand Treasurer Charles Bechtel of Trenton. Then Deputy Grand Master James H. Durand applied the square, and the stone was lowered in its place.

Grand Master Tilden placed the capstone over the opening, and conducted the beautiful ceremonies with the use of the emblems of plenty, prosperity, gladness, joy and peace.

This finished the Masonic ceremonies and the anthem "The Day of the Lord" was sung by the United Singing Societies, Turnveria Verwaerts, Tentonia Singing Society, Arbeiter (not legible), Oaeian Singing Society. The singing was a find feature of the exercises, the many voices blending in grand harmony.

The Oration

Judge McCormick then introduced the orator, Mr. William A. Pembrook, as one of Elizabeth's most favored sons. Mr. Pembrook was received with applause.

It was an eloquent and instructive oration, and ably delivered.

As an introductory Mr. Pembrook said that in a recent conversation with one of the most distinguished members of the Hospital Board, in reference to the address he was to make, he was asked whether or not he would accept a few suggestions. His reply was that he would be happy for any suggestions. The member of the Board said: "In the first place give us the history of FreeMasonry from the Garden of Eden to the present time; then (not legible) of hospitals throughout the world, including Elizabeth, and in the third place a history of Elizabeth from the Revolutionary was down." Then he smiled and said: "It's easy enough, you can do it." He didn't include New Jersey probably on account of the expected presence of Governor Abbott.

[Editor's Note: Mr. Pembrook then spoke. He provided a lot of information on the history of the Masonic order and the various civic endeavors sponsored over centuries that is in the .pdf but left out here for brevity.]. His remarks continued here:

The nucleus of the present Hospital was formed by Dr. James S. Green, with the co-operation of Doctors Alonzo Pettit, Thomas N. McLean and J. O. Pinneo, on April 17, 1877, and was from its inception attended with remarkable success.

Urged by increased demand for greater facilities for the proper performance of the work, which had so rapidly assumed proportions far beyond their most sanguine expectations, and encouraged by many friends, the founders were induced to make an extra effort to procure greater and more ample accommodation for the successful continuance of the work, which was daily becoming manifestly more and more important. Accordingly on the 9th of May, 1879, a little over two years later, the Elizabeth General Hospital and Dispensary was founded. The incorporators and first directors were: Dr. James S. Green, Dr. Alonso Pettit, Dr. J. Otis Pinneo, Dr. Thomas N. McLean, N.C.J. English, William T. Day, Lebbeus B. Miller, J. Augustus Dix, Albert B. Hazard, Russell W. Woodward, William W. Stearns, Isaac E. Gates, Charles B. Place, Charles H. Rollinson and Charles W. Van Horne. On October 11, 1880, the present building was opened. It was originally a dwelling house, which had been remodeled to meet the requirements of hospital work. In a few years, however, it became clearly evident that the capacity of this building was totally inadequate to the still pressing and constantly enlarging requirements of the work; and a new and more commodious building--one thoroughly adapted in its construction to hospital purposes--had become an absolute necessity. A public meeting was, therefore, held on May 22, 1888, presided over by Gov. Robert S. Green, at which money was raised to purchase a site for a new building; and the site on which this foundation is being laid was the result. Prompt measures were at the same time adopted for securing subscriptions and donations for the further prosecution of the work.

This Hospital also possesses thoroughly efficient and most valuable assistance in its auxiliary agencies, conspicuous among which is the Ladies' Aid Society, which has ever been constant in its devotion to the work, and unfaltering in its loyalty to its interests. No extravagant expressions of approval or lavish words of praise can exaggerate or overestimate the high appreciation in which the work of women in deeds of charity and works of benevolence should ever be held. Everywhere throughout the civilized world we hear of touching examples of her sympathy for suffering humanity, and see tangible evidences of her noble deeds of philanthropy. Many of the largest and most thriving hospitals in existence have been founded by the generosity, and fostered by the unremitting exertion and care of woman. Modern history furnished no instance of greater devotion or truer consecration to the cause of the relief for the suffering, than the record of the woman who, during the Crimean war, headed a band of nurses, and bravely led them on their mission of compassion and mercy to the sick and wounded during that terrible conflict; and by her marvelous energy and wonderful ability so distinguished herself, that a grateful public gave to Florence Nightingale the handsome testimonial of 50,000 pounds sterling, in recognition of her valuable services. This sum she laid upon the altar--not of sacrifice, but of true womanly devotes--for the founding of a training school for nurses. The fame of Florence Nightingale is imperishable; and there is in the very name itself a rhythm of sound that is filled with the sweetest harmony and purest sentiment. It is also with feelings of the greatest pride and profound satisfaction that I am permitted, in further confirmation of my statement with reference to woman's interest in charitable work, to present a noble example of generosity in the munificent gift from a lady of our own city, Mrs. F. Blake, of an entire building which is to be devoted exclusively to the treatment of special diseases, and is to be located near the main hospital building. The steady progress of the work has gradually developed the necessity for addition agencies for its more thorough accomplishment; and the liberal gives, to which allusion has just been made, has, to an ample extent, supplied on of great importance. Another, which has for some time seemed to be a vital necessity, has also recently been furnished in the establishment of a Training School for Nurses. This should, in the nature and character of its work, soon become self-sustaining and, while materially aiding in the efficiency of the chief enterprise, will, like the little streams that flow from the spring on the mountain side, beautifying the valley below, dispense its blessings in caring for the sick in the many homes throughout the land. The very large amount of work that has been done, and the results that have been accomplished reflects great credit, not only on President Dix and the Board of Directors in their thoroughly efficient management of its affairs, but also upon those who originated the idea and had the courage, at their own expense, to execute their plans. It is always easy when some pressing need of the community presents itself, to make suggestions and profess good intentions and yet never have the pluck to crystallize those intentions and thereby put them in tangible shape. The greatest credit, therefore, is due these gentlemen, who, I believe, with one exception, are still actively engaged in hospital work; and it must be with pride and supreme satisfaction that they look upon the grand results of their small beginning.

A new era has dawned upon the future of our city of Elizabeth. After years of desperate struggle for even our very existence, continually menaced by threats, and harassed by legal proceedings, we have by the persistent efforts and indomitable perseverance of a Rankin, a Carlton and a Bergen, supported by their co-workers in City Council and aided by loyal citizens, finally placed this city on a sound financial basis; and these gentlemen deserve and doubtless have the heartfelt appreciation of a grateful community; it being a well known fact that it was through their energies that the plan was conceived, which, when perfected, made a rift in the clouds of darkness and despair that hung like a pall over the city, threatening its destruction, and let in the first ray of light that gladdened the heart of every citizen. There was another who in the days of the dire necessities of the city came to its aid, and Elizabeth has among its staunchest and best friends Governor Leon Abbott.

Everywhere about us are the unmistakable evidences of renewed life and vigor. Scores and hundreds of new buildings are in process of erection. Manufacturers beginning to realize and appreciate the rare privileges we are able to offer, are appearing in our midst; and the railroads--those great arteries of commerce, with which the city has for so long time held reciprocal relations, have, after a series of negotiations, finally consummated an arrangement with the city whereby millions of money will be expended in improvements, which will not only facilitate the travel of the railroads, but decrease to a very marked extent the possibility of accidents that have been the constant dread of our citizens for the last quarter century. These improvements should enhance the value of property and will beautify the appearance of the city in a locality that has heretofore been a by-ward and reproach in the neglected and shameful appearance it has so long presented.

With these evidences of unusual prosperity all around us, is it not an opportune time for us to make a determined effort, even though it may be at some sacrifice, to place this glorious institution in the forefront of our enterprises? There is a plan--the feasibility of which might be questioned, but which, if adopted, would produce marvelous results, and readily accomplish the desired end. Any person who occupies a place of distinction that has been fairly won, deserves the honor of promotion. The beneficiary members should, therefore, if properly qualified, be made life beneficiary members; the annual members, life members; the contributors, annual members; and those who have never given should become contributors. And, then, in addition, should be created a new grade of membership for the life beneficiaries, with the privilege of promotion upon payment of $1,000, making the hospital privileges extremely liberal, and also limiting the membership; as the dignitaries occupying this exalted position might wish to be exclusive, and they certainly be entitled to that distinction. This plan, then, is simple enough, and if carried into effect would place this new building in the hands of the managers in the very near future, free from debt, and would produce a handsome fund for its support. Is it not worth trying? Let us make the effort, and make this 30th day of May, 1892, a red-letter day in the Hospital's history. Make the effort, and see the smile of gratitude on the face of the sick and wounded as they wearily turn their aching heads on the pillow of suffering. Let us make the effort, and be a credit to ourselves and the good old city in which we live, and whose every interest we love so well. In the language of the poet, give!

Governor Abbott's Address

Judge McCormick then introduced Governor Abbott, who, when the applause had ended, said in substance: "The orator whose sweet voice has just ceased has obeyed the distinguished friend who suggested to him what to say, because he has covered the entire history of Masonry and of hospitals for twenty centuries. He has (not legible). New Jersey today needs no eulogy. Her history covers hardly three centuries, yet there is not a man or woman who would not rather live today then to have been the most eminent person of twenty centuries ago." (Laughter)

Governor Abbott then beautifully referred to the day as being "appropriate for the event." A day when the patriotic living was filling into the cemeteries of the land to bear testimony of gratitude to the heroic dead, and the patriotism which takes new inspiration at the grave of the soldier could have no better companion than the living charity which is to stand at the bed of the suffering.

A charity like this appeals to the finest sentiments of the heart, and it only wants a public occasion in order to inspire all to assist in the great enterprise. He spoke of Elizabeth as the pleasantest city in the state, and said it as it is now on the threshold of prosperity, it was the proper occasion to begin a hospital that would be equal to the needs and represent fully the charitable disposition of the people.

The hospital enterprise has not only the men of influence and wealth, and the municipality to back it, but it has something better--the Ladies' Aid Society. He did not care whether men flag or not, if their wives and daughters made it unpleasant for them at home, they would take an interest in the Hospital. In the distractions of public life he some times forgot charities, but the women at home would not let him forget. When women take an interest in a charity it stands on a base of success. Their fondness and energy sweeps away all obstacles, and men follow them, as they have followed them since Eve was created."

Gov. Abbott said he was glad to see a hospital in a community for the reason that it marks a new era in the community. When the church and school house are erected it is evident a moral influence is at work. When the charitable are found giving to build a hospital it is evident the finer instincts of humanity are being developed. It is a step in advance in civilization and good works.

He was present as the governor of (not legible) ...by an appeal for all people to aid, reminding them that the Hospital could not stand on municipal and state aid, but must depend on the will and generosity of the people.

His remarks were loudly applauded. Judge McCormick then introduced Mr. Calvin B. Orcutt, who as the representative of the Finance Committee, made an earnest appeal to the spectators for contributions, concluding by announcing the members of the Board would pass through the crowd with boxes to receive the gifts.

While the collectors were busy the United Singing Societies sang beautifully another ode.

President Dix then held high, in view of all, a box containing the cash offerings from Opechee and Rahway Tribes of Red Men, and incident which was applauded.

Mr. Dix then said that the man who conceived the idea of the Elizabeth Hospital was present, and he proposed three cheers for Dr. James S. Green. There was a hearty response to this suggestion, and calls for Dr. Green, who was occupying a chair on the platform.

He rose and made an appropriate reply to the honor, and excused himself from a lengthy address on account of his ill health. He said it was the happiest day of his life, now that the great work had been started.

The ceremonies were then ended with the benediction by Rev. Dr. Stocking, the grand chaplain of the Grand Lodge.

The procession was reformed, and in marching back to the Masonic hall, passed through Lafayette street in compliment to Dr. Henry R. Cannon, who is now convalescent, and who greeted the members of the craft from his piazza, responding to the salutations by bowing and removing his hat. It was a very beautiful incident, and a well deserved honor to a distinguished Mason.

The total amount of the collection received at the scene of the ceremonies was $479.

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