A. Royal Arch Masons
Masons Occupy Their Beautiful New Temple on Beltrami Avenue.
The new Masonic Temple at the corner of Beltrami avenue and Fifth street was formally opened for lodge purposes last evening. Grand High Priest Bloom of Woodstock was present and installed the officers of Bemidji Chapter No. 70, Royal Arch Masons, the installation being a public one. Past Grand High Priest Forsyth of Brainerd and High Priest Stowell of Wadena were also present with a number of other out of town visitors. A large number of out of town guests were prevented from coming by reason of the storm. The officers installed were J. A. McConkey, High Priest; H. J. Loud, King; R. H. Shumaker, Scribe; G. E. Carson, Royal Arch Captain; W. B. Stewart. Principal Sojourner; T. J. Andrews, Captain of the Host; A. P. Ritchie, M. of 1st V; and Wm. McCuaig, Sentinel. After the installation dancing was indulged in and at 12 o’clock, a banquet was served by the ladies of the Eastern Star in the first floor of the new block. The banquet room was handsomely decorated in red and white, the Royal Arch colors, and some 75 sat at table. The evening concluded with a number of postprandial speeches. The new temple is very handsome and convenient. It is provided with numerous large ante, toilet and degree rooms while the lodge room is a spacious, handsome hall. Maple floors are laid throughout while the woodwork is of dark oak. The building is a substantial addition to Bemidji, while the hall is one of the most beautiful in the state. (Bemidji Pioneer, Nov 29, 1905)