Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-10-12
Brother Lafayette, supported by the Right
Worshipful Grandmaster and the Right
WOrshlpIul Deputy Grandmasirr.


Worshipful Deputy Grandmast-r.
Among the disting uisheG guests, were bro
ther George Washington Lafayette, brother
LA Vasseur, secretary TO General Lafay cite,
most worshipful past grandmother Jones Of
Georgia, Elias Hicks, most worshipful grand
secretary Of the grand lodge of New York,
Com. Stewart of the U. S. Navy, Mai WIN.
Gamble, John NJ. Gamble, NJ. Texier de Ia
Pommeraye, Motion c. Rogers, secretary of
the commonwealth, George b. Porter, adju-
tant general Of Pennsylvania, and colonel VIC
tor Dupont Of Delaware, ci-devant aid to gen
eral Lafayette.
The decorations had been prepared under
the gratuitous direction ofbrother b. Hayand,
To whose refined taste and superior skill the
fraternity were under great obligations.
The beautiful saloon and banquetting room
of the Masonic Hall never appeared before to
so great an advantage; they both together
form the figure ola =. The canopy under
which the srandmaster. General Lafay cite and
SUITE sat, was slm-circular, raised upon plat
form at the principal entrance, commanding
every part of the assembly; six light columns
of the iasces bound with silver bands support
ed a broad frieze, beautifully charged with
medallion between each column, representing
the masonic arms as centre, with tcisdom,
sfreng.h ard beauty on its western side, aud
Ja'h, hope and charity ON its eastern surface,
me whole crowned with an azure dome siud-
oru with silver stars, and surmOunted with a
iestooa of red, blue and white drapery, held
up by the American eagle at the summit, with
the words rirtue. liberty and independence,
praying gracefully around il ON blue ribbon
rms gave life and a pleasing Jeliefto the termi-
nation oil the design, and screened from view
me band of music, which heightened the scene.
The ceiling of the canopy was also of blue,
bespangled with silver stars.
The happy form and disposition Of the IA.
oles were one of the most pleasing features in
the scene, as they afforded from their shane,
easy access To every part of the extensive area,
occupied by the seats there appeared TO be
no cholce; every one could see and be seen !;
the whole well calculated To shew the decora-
IONS oil the luxurious banquet TO The best adj
vantage. The external tables at the eastern
and western extremiiies ofthe saloon termina-
ted In simicircular form, with concentric
table to each, Of comm0dous diam eter, ON
which was placed on either centre circular
temple oil liberty, formed ofchrystalzed azure,
composed of thirteen columns, iguraiiye of the
Onted States resting upon seren steps, and
supporting JUST proportiOned entatlature, sur
and Terminating with dome ofsym-
mrtrical contour. The Genius of The Fabric.
beautifully formed figure of aIabasier, from
The chisel of an Italian master of reputation.
enriched the centre between the columns, and
gave TO the " hole chaste and magic effect.
assisted by the play of light which sparkIed
n various hues from the different surfaces.
all description.
On either side of the wall next the CANOPY.
were tastetully hung, entwined, the American
ana French coiors. Directly opposite the
principal seat of the General, were suspended
Iuii length portraits of Washington and Lafay-
fue between which was suspended the origi,
nnl apron worn by that bright ornament of the
craft.
The eastern and western extremties of the
saloon were enriched with tw O large mirrors.
which multiplied, with extreme beauty, the
perspective of the whole scene, which will APP
pear like the magic of Aladdin's lamp, when
the fact is known that two days previous TO
It's completion, the materials that formed the
temple canopy, and other FEATURES of the de-
coratIODS were IN a crude state.
The feelings of hilarity, mirth and masonic
brotherhood prevailed at the festive board.
After the removal Of the CLOTH the follow
ing toasts were given, each being succeeded |
by 40 appropriate air from the excellent band
Of unsic, politely furnished by brother Major
Gamble Of the United States Marine corps:
/. The universal language of freemasonry
ajay It's soft and cheering voice win the kind
ness offs enemies.
9. The memory of our deceased brother
George Washington While we honor the illus
tr'ous lITIng, LET us not forget the mighty dead
monument for our beloved Washington.
8. The primitive beauty and simplicity of
Ancient York Masonry Unchanging and un-
changed
a. Liberty: The reward of the enlightened
5. hlasons of every tongue, kindred and ma
ton Their language is universal, and their
bond at unien the best feelings of the heart.
6. The mystic signal The last appeal oil
a mason to the first duty of his brother.
Z. Our iliustrious Guest and Brother He
has animated the patriotism of the nation, and
the hearts and the lodges Of his brethren open
at his approach to honor him.
Alter the seventh toast, General Lafayette
rose, thanked his brethren for the kindness
md affection with which they had received
Iim, and proposed the following sentiment
The yeas and nays upon our masonic iost-
utions: Wo-Francis the Second of Austria
md Ferdinand the Seventh Of Spain Yes
and FRANKLIN
The effect Ofthis toast was electric; the ap-
,lause ofthe company instantaneous, universal,
heartfelt and enthusiastic.
a oriniani display OF the power and beauty |
Of the gas lights was exhibited Immediately
liter the blessing was invoked at the banquet
~ the Grand Chaplain, and while brother La |
ayette was in the act of taking his seat at the |
able: The Saloon bad till that moment been |
,ut partially illuminated and dim: An addi-
ional quantity of gas being turned into the
the effect was instantaneous and
almost overwhelming A food of splendid
lght was suddenly poured, as by magic, into
he room, producing sensations of astonish- |
NJ ent, mingled with admiration in all. The in |