Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-07-05
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From he Free Press, June II.

The anniversary of St John the Bap
list was celebrated on Sunday last, al
Shepherdstown, bv Mount Nebo Lodge
and visiting brethren from Mar'insburg
Boonsborough, Harpers Ferry, Charles
town, and other places CHARLES
HARPER, w. NJ. of Mount Nebo, presi
ded on the occasion. At IL O'clock,
the procession, consisting of about one
hundred members of the fraternity, mov-
ed from the lodge room to the Lutheran
Church. where a sermon was preached
by the Rev. DR.. Matthews, in his usua
impressive and afectionate style. His
discourse Though not member) was
principally in illustration of those three
cardinal virtues reyered by the institu-
ton. Faith, Hope, and Charity. His
exposition of their true meaning was
logical and convincing; and his conclu-
ding admonition to the brethren, was
forclble and appropriate.
During the ceremonies of he day,
the A mateur Musicians of Martinsburg
and Harpers- Ferry play ed several an
thems and other sacred airs, in style
highly exalting 10 tie fee filings of the
auditors. The brethren dined together
at Br. ID. Enter's, and separated in due
time with that harmony and propriety
which are the characteristics OF the Or
der
From the Winchester Republican, June 30.
.Mosonic-The festival of St John
the Baptist was celebrated in this town
on Saturday last, agreeably to an ar
rangement of Hiram and Union Lodges
(Wincbester) and Triluminar Lodge
(Brucetown.) The procession was the
most numerous we have ever seen in
this part of the country. Among the
visitors were the presiding officers of
Charity Lodge Harpers Ferry, and
Equality Lodge (Martinsburg), with
many of the members of each. At IL
o'e lock the procession repaired TO the
new Presby terian church, which had
been politely loaned for the occasion.
preceded by the Winchester band, who
bad kindly volunteered their services
for the day. The exercises were Don,
Quoted throughout by the Rev. .. E
Jackson, rector of Christ church. Win
chester, and past grand high priest of
the grand royal arch chapter Of Mary
land; Introductory 10 which the Har.
monte Society of Winchester. consist
ing Of about 80 ladies and gentleme n.
under the instruction of Mr.. Hunt, from
Pennsylvania, sung highly appropri
ate ode in superior style. After a
prayer composed for the occasion, and
another hymn by the same society, the
reverend speaker commenced his ad-
dress with brief biography of ST John
the Baptist; then defended the order
from the charges which ignorance and
prejudice had cast against it; portray ed
its merits and inspired origin; and con
cluded with an eloquent appeal to his
auditory to initiate the example OF the
patron saint whose birth the brethren,
had that day met to commemorate.
The address was received with the most
marked attention, and added, ii any
thing can add, to the high estimation of
the speaker. After another hymn by
the Harmonic Society, "a collection was
taken up in behalf of the American Co.
lonization Society; and although no
previous notice had been given, the a
mount received was very respectable.
After returning to the Lodge room.
the brethren repaired to Mrs. Sreit's
where dinner was served up IN that
lad>'s hes style. The desert particular
Iy included every delicacy that the most
goluptuous taste could desire
The cloth having been removed. the
following toasts were drank. accompa-
MED with airs of the band:
|. The day,-wnIch gave birth to ou
patron SAINT.