The American patriot., 1855-06-30
Masonic Celebration.

The anniversary Of St. John-a reputed pa
tron of ancient Masonry-was celebrated with
appropriate and becoming honors by the fra
ternity of this place, on the 25th inst. Ex-
tensive preparations had been made for the oc-
casion, and general invitation extended to
the members of the Order The weather was
delightful, and every circumstance favorable to
the celebration; A large concourse of the,
brethren having assembled early in the morn
ing at the Lodge-room, an imposing procession
was organized at the hour of eleven, which
moved around the Public Square, and pro
ceeded to the Methodist Church. The services
of an excellent band of music, from New Or
leans, had been engaged for the occasion, whose
animating strains added much to the life and
gayety Of the festival. The Church was crowd
ed to its utmost capacity, and presented most
interesting array of beauty and intelligence.
fervent and impressive prayer having been
offered by the Rev. Mr.. Adams, pastor of the
Clinton Baptist Church, the Rev. James B.
Smith, the orator of the day, was introduced
to the audience. Mr.. Smith abundantly justi-
fled the enviable reputation which he has long
sustained as an eloquent and persuasive speak
er. The responsibility committed to him as
the organ of the Order, could not have been
entrusted to more efficient agent His ad-
dress was an elaborate and finished exposition
of the beautiful and benevolent principles Of
Masonry, showing the divinity of their origin,
and their congeniality, if not identity with the
teachings and principles of the Christian reli-
gion; and breathing, as it did, sentiment Of
the purest philanthropy, it did much credit to
the heart as we'll as the head Of its author.
The address being concluded; the procession
returned to the Lodge, where it was joined by
a number Of ladies--the wives, daughters
mothers and sisters of Masons-all of whom
proceeded in body to the Hotel of Mr. Evans
White, where, we are informed, sumptuous
repast had been prepared by order of the
Lodge, and to which, no doubt, ample justice
was done by the participants. e....s
The festivities Of the day were concluded by
Masonic Ball at the Court House in the even
ing. This was brilliant affair. Indeed, it
has seldom, if ever, been our pleasure to wit
ness so interesting display of the beauty and
chiyalry of East Felciana as was exhibited on
this occasion. The spacious Hall of the Court
House was thronged with the gay devotces Of
the T.rpsichorean Art, and joy and gladness
ruled the hour. "On with the dance, let ioy
be unconfined" seemed to be the prevailing
thought of ALL The band which had attended
the procession in the morning, now inspired
with its minstrelsy, the "poetry of motion,
while I ,7 .-.
! Youth and Pleasure chased
The flying hours with glowing feet"
and whirled the giddy mazes of the merry
dance. From the numerous indications which
we observed, we were led to suspect that moi
only did "Soft eyes look love to eyes which
spake again." but as genial influences stole
away thu hearts control, the lip itself verified
the tender revelations of the eye, and con.
firmed the vow which only the furtiye glance
had made Nothing whatever occurred to maj
the pleasure and the harmony of the evening
The hours fled on feathery feet, until the close
of the entertainment, when all dispersed with
happier and with better hearts. .r, ,,.....