Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-07-02
MASONIC PROCESSION.

Weooco4y me Stth uh, me Anniversary
Of 81 John The Baptist, vas honored II iar-
lPers-Ferry BY the Masonic Fraternity. AZ an
early hour, stranger began TO pour into the
village from every ssarier-sone Of then,
coming by the old-fa.hiooed method Of horse
back, stages, gigs, hacks, barouches, &c. and
Others by the more novel instruments of con-
veyance, the canal boats and rail road carr.
Abolt the middle Of the day, Capt. Ham
tramcks Potomac Ri6emen," having come
from shePherdstown in the packet boat, re-
paired to the Masonic Hall, where they united
with The Masons- Here the procession com
mcnced. IL moved up to Camp Hill; thence
down to the Ferry; and, after passing through
some OF the streets, repaired to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, where q large crowd wa.
waiting. The Rev. J. E JACKSON delivered
n sermon from this text: "Let your light 70
shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and gloufy your Father which is i'm
Heaven; and c. J. fArLxsEs, Esq pro-
nounced an Grafton. The exercises at the
church were commenced and concluded with
prayer by Mr.. Jackson, and they we're inter
spersed with several anthems, sung in superior
style, by an excellent choir Alter the exer-
cises were concluded, the procession returned
to the Hall, where the Masons and the Military
separated.
The shepherds,own and Harpcrs-rerry A.
nateur Bands were both in attendance, giving
additional zest 10 the ceremonies-tl.e former
having accompanied the RiAcmen to the Ferry,
and the latter having performed in the process
sion Col. HESRr WAND was Marshal Of the
day.
The sermon OF Mr.. Jackson was remarkable
for the lively zeal with which il advocated the
cause Of Masonry; and Mr.. Fauikners ora
ton was, in every respect, an exceedingly ere
ditablc roductioo--creditable alike for the
literary taste exhibited, and for the earnestness
with which he discharged the duties assigned
him. The conclusion we consider very happy.
II Is as follows:
Ny BrstAys~ Of Charity and Uaioa Lodge.
To rou am indebted for the honor Of ad-
dressing this enlightened and respectable audi
cnce this day. And while to me, il has been a
source OF deep regret, that causes have existed
toprevent the discharge Of that duty more sati.-
factorily, am sure cannot at this time, bet
ter repay the obligation, than by expressing,
on behalf Of my masonic friends generally,
their high appreciation Of the zeal with which
| Ensth h.. 49, ftrxx... - la
welfare Of this ancient and noble order. In
no portion Of this extended commonwealth
have the honors Of the craft been better SUD
ported. Where, indeed, could Masonry cree,
her altar, IL not amidst the awful and sublime
scenery Of this wonderful and attractive .pot
II Il be true tIe: the mind receives the impress
OF its character from the objects around Il; II
II was amidst lofty and inaccessible mountains
that the first founders Of our Institution dis
seminated Its principles; il il was. beside the
murmuring waters Of the Jordan, and amids,
the rugged caveIns OF Judea, that the lllustri-
Gus patron Of our order caught the inspiration
Of those masonic virtues " more fragrant than
Arabian Cassia, more precious than the gold
OF Ophir," why may not the eternal rocks and
awful eminences around stimulate the mind
here into that deep and holy channel OF though,
90 suspicious TO the true perception Of the su-
bhme mysteries Of our order? Distinguished,
too, as the seat Of mechanical skill and enter
prise; animated by 4 busy and thriving popu-
lation convened from remote regions of the
earth, all looking 10 their honest tolls for the
sources Of enjoyment; surrounded by splendid
monuments Of operative masonry, bearing up
on their bosom the rich commerce Of our pros
porous Valley, where ought Masonry to -four
lsh II not IN soil 80 congeDial to is growth
Generous village! high destiny awaits thee
Nature, whep she crowned thee IN the riches
OF her sublimest livery; Art, when she con
verted the angry foods into one OF the ele-
ments OF Thy prosperity, did not reveal one
bali OF the treasures which our growing popu-
lation and awakening enterprise are destined
TO pour into thy bosom! Go ont Prosper
And when thy cup Of enjoyment Is full-when
all around thee shall be strewcd the evidences
OF wealth, opulence and successful enterprise
remember, that amongst those who gave the
most efficient impulse 20 thy advancement,
we're Hsay who wor1hipped At the shrine, and
hOuored the principles Of FREE MAsoxaTi