The Cornerstone of Charity: Grace Hospital Rises Above the Sound
On an elevated plateau overlooking the water, Seattle's Masonic orders join the clergy to dedicate a new hospital dedicated to all, regardless of creed.
Yesterday afternoon St. John and Eureka Lodges of Masonry, acting under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory, laid the corner stone of Grace Hospital. Acting Grand Master Colonel G. U. Haller conducted the ceremonies of dedication. The procession formed in front of the Masonic Hall, including Chief Justice Greene, ex-Chief Justice Jacobs, and ex-Mayor Leary. By 4 o'clock, they reached the hospital grounds, where the members of the lodges opened ranks, and allowed the band and invited guests to pass through a triumphal arch of evergreen. The building, which is all framed and in position, is in the shape of a cross, and fronts toward the west, overlooking the Sound and Lake Union. It is located on an elevated plateau, on what will be Twelfth and Pike streets, when the latter street is extended through. The main building is 30x40 feet, two stories high. The corner stone, cut from sandstone by Wm. Carkeck, rested upon a foundation of brick. Acting Grand Master Haller remarked: 'The object for which this edifice is being erected—an eleemosynary hospital—accords so perfectly with Masonic charity, that we esteem it a pleasure, as well as a duty, to contribute our moral, if not pecuniary, aid in rearing and maintaining this building.' The Masons then sealed a metallic box within the stone containing lists of subscribers, newspapers of the day, and the constitution of the Ladies' Relief Society. A collection was taken up, and $70 was given for the benefit of the new hospital.
“It is of less importance to Masons now as to where the foundation stone is laid, if, only, we have a corner in our hearts, on which is founded loyalty to Masonic principles and Masonic charity.”
Grace Hospital was an early predecessor to Seattle's robust medical infrastructure. Today, the intersection of 12th and Pike on First Hill is the heart of Seattle's 'Pill Hill,' housing major medical centers that still grapple with the century-old question posed by the hospital's founders: how to provide care for those who cannot afford it.
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