Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-05-23

,eIisent audience. Mr.. Faulkner sdverted to the
fac, that Genl. Washington bad some &c years ago
presided over Lodge Of Masons in the Cave to
which the Fraternity had this day made a visit
He dwelt sPon it as fact founded on authentic
tradition which often carries with it all the force
of recorded truth. and which doubtless would have
been recorded but for the ,hen coalition Of the
try snd hs fsct too tia, the life and character ~bch
has since burst upon the world 10 much splendor,
not then developed, and the "ine;oent" con.
necied with an Institution which seldom obtrudes
itself on the gaze Of the world. Mr. Faulkner d.
rected the attention Of his audience to Washington
at this period of his life, acting then Surveyor
in locating the lards in that neighborho cd then
leased from all difficulty by the decision between
the State Of Virginia and Lord Fairfax. This
seemed TO US, as we listened to the orator, the
commencement Of Wsshiugton's greatness-the
dawn Of the day was beautiful as the meridian
was afterwards splendid. The orator took occa-
sion also 10 open up TO the view Of his hearers a
interesting and graphic history Of this besut
ful valley, porttsying its infant struggles, ustrat
ing its early enterprises, and paying the cncomi-
ums Of his praise upon its rapid adyancements TO
maturity. Those Who reside in that Elysi-
UNI of the Agricsturalist," Jefferson County, and
heard Mr.. Faukner's address, VIII never forget
the happy manner 10 which he lifted the veil which
hung over the past, nor the feeling Of establishment
which crossed their minds, that the eye Of early
adventure should ever have passed over their rich
soil as barren waste" and followed the sun Of
his course to the Mountains of Western Virginia as
holding out the prospect Of more congenial and
prosperous homes.
The orator then pissed to the subject Of Mason.
~, and delivered an ardent defence Of the insiu-
tion its true ends and aims, and exhorted the MEM
bers to walk uprghtly 10 the light which its unob
trusive and peaceful ordinances inculcate and shed
upon the mind and heart He pointed out and Gu
forced with great earnestness the duties Of Ma
their God, their Country, to society, and to
one another. He exhor,ed them, one of their
first duties, to educate their children, and we can
truly say that we have never heard appeal which
went more deeply to our hearts, which was
more appropriately and forcibly made. We are
now but cbroniclers of the passing events of the
day. and the opinions of the day, and we therefore
here record the opinions Of those with whom we
have conversed, and many of them gentlemen OF
cultivated intellects and extensive learning, who
have pronounced this effoit OF Mr.. Faulkner wor
thy ofhs past fame, and betokening for him still
more brilliant future. After the exercises were
closed at the church, the Masonic fraternity re-
turned to the Lodge in the Courthouse, where a
most animated scene occurred. Levi L. Steven
son. the Grand Lecturer of Virginia, took the chair
when Anthony Kimmel, ESQ., Deputy Grand Mas
ter of Mary land, gentleman of fine intellect and
literary requirements. came forward and address,
ed the Brethren present 10 a short and enthusias
tic speech, passing bis highest encomiums upon
"the able, satisfactory, and eloquent speech this
day delivered to u.s." and closed with resolution
for the appointment ola Committee to request Mr..
Faulkner to furnish a copy of his Address for pub
LEGATION. and that it be published in every Masonic
newspaper and periodical in the United States,
and that copy be sent to each of the Grand LODI
ges of the U. States Mr.. Faulkner, we are hap
py learn, will consent to the publication of his
speech, for which he no doubt will receive the
thanks OF the Masonic Fraternity throughout the
Uuion as every incident in the life of ilustrious
man, and so great Benefactor of his Country as
Washington, must be received with the deepest in
teres,. The Masonic Fraternity dned at "AbelI's
Hotel" where an excellent dinner had been pre-
pared by Mr.. Abel in his usual STYLE and after
dinner they in body visited the Cave.