Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-04-27
The Celebration ofEriday last.


We have. been expecting that some spectator
would hand in for publication full and glowing &c
count Of this OCCASION and have consequently delayed
noticing it, until We have barely time enough left
before going 10 press. TO give a rapid and meagre
sketch of the days occurences.s
The morning beamed brightly, giving golden prom,
ise Of brilliant noon. The mir was balmy. Nature.
sweetest and sofes zephyfs sprang up 10 connterac
the somewhat glowing -nys of the midday sun
Evening came, and still the skies clear and beau.
tiul. The day ended, and at its close hundreds
marked that peasaner one had seldom before passed
over our village But we must be more minute in our
description.
By 10 O'Clock, A. NJ, of the day we celebrated u
hundreds Of our good people from country and town
were collected in and around our public grounds.
Precisely at that hour, seven gentlemen amateurs took
their position in the pOrlco of Court House, and
performed three beautiful pieces in handsome style.
The whole community were at once enlivenet, and
all turned uul to witness the further proceedings of
the celebration.
The Cornerstone of the Odd Fellows and Masonic
Building was to be laid. At the sound Of in
spring music the two Orders issued from their respec
live halls, and having formed in line, marched in
procession around our spacious square. Their splen-
did regalia and significant embems impressvely
displayed. Having reached the site Of the building,
the Masons proceeded lay the CornerStone accord
ing 10 their singular but striking formula. Grand
Secretary MACKEY, oficialed in chief and every
thing was done decently and in order A, the lower.
ing Of the Stone, the hand performed German An
dante, While the very large crowd Of spectators wit
messed with solemny The imposing ceremony it was
intended to accompany. After ibis, the finishing touch
WIS given by The High Priest Of the occasion, when
the whole was concluded by benedction
The entire assembly then repaired 10 the Baptist
Church 10 hear Mr.. MAcKEYs address. The services
there were opened by brief and appropriate prayer
from the Rev. Mr. PUcKETr, OF The Methodist en"mi.
nation. Mr.. ABEEY then introduced the orator of the
day in becoming style.-We have not time 10 do any
degree of justice 10 Mr.. MAcKRrs excellent address.
He revealed in choice terms the meaning ol the mys'
tic forms which had Just heen used al The laying of
the Stone. He made some very happy nllusions TO
The fact that this building, temple Of peace and
philanthropy, was to arise nponihe very spot where
lately stood iron barred prison house. lie ndrer,ed
his several visits Town and drew pleas
ing contrasts. And lastly, he spoke of the lovely day
"hCH 'du siieu upon us, anu eSpeCWiy VI 'he 'n"J
bright eyes and dimpIed cheeks which there to
grace and hallow the occasion. The address was an
exceedingly appropriate one, ard %as we'll received
by all.
After the oraiion, the company soon thronged the
way to our pleasant Academic grove, where a picnic
and barbecue Dinner was spread upon long tables be-
meath the shadowy uaks The festive scene then eI.
hbited was animaring and joyous in the extreme.
Abundance crowned the hour, and, far as we know,
each and every one present (ana there at least
seven hundredl supplied TO the verge of safety
Dinner over, ice lemonade passed around 10 the
ladies in profusion, and the gentlemen hidden to
go forward and help themselves which they doubtless
did in an ample manner. After lemonade, one porliun
Of the company repaired to the large room of the
Academy and proceeded "te IMP the light fantastic
toe" while another and more sidid set seated them.
selves on comfortable benches al distance from the
tramp of the dancers to enjoy thespirited performance
of our kind and accommodating friends Of the ANA
teur Brass Band. = III
In conclusion, we may rcmnrk;iha, the entire day
passed of speedily and joyuusty, without a whisper
of dissatisfaction, or the slightest accident of any
kind, TO mar its varied pleasuPts.f,