The weekly Columbian. [volume] (Columbia, Tuolumne Co., Cal.) 1856-1???, 1856-06-28
st. Johns Day.

| This day was celebrated by Columbia Lodge
NO. 20 IN due form and in accordance with An
clent Masonic custom. At twelve o'clock, in
company with the Chapter members of the Row
al Arch Masons, they formed in order of process
sion before the Lodge rooms; when dressed in
ali the paraphrenalia of the order, and proceed
ed by an excellent band of music, they marched
to the Presbyterian Church. where they were
joined by the mounted members of the Knights
Tempiars, and again proceeded on their march
| through the principal streets of the town, and
then back to the Church, where they were con-
gregated for the Grafton. After an excellent
prayer by the Chaplain, Hon. James w.
Cofroth, though suffering severely from his
late illness, was announced, and we must
| say, gave one of the most brilliantly eloquent
| addresses to which for the OCCASION we ever
had the pleasure of listening. There were
| about one hundred members of the Fraternity
| present, besides quite number of ladies and
gentlemen, who had assembled to witness the
| ceremonies of the day. Every ear gave atten-
tion and we dare assert that every heart thrill
ed with deep interest, as the orator impressively
demonstrated the virtues of ST. JOHN and the
divine and mysterious character of the Ancient
Brotherhood. After the Grafton was ended
the procession was again formed, when they
marched back through Main street and up Full
ton, to Birds Hotel, where they were provided
with good and substantial repast
After dinner, the following Regular Toasts
were read, and appropriately received:
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE:
Anniversary ef~the hour. when a new
light overspread the slhmbering glory of Jerusa-
lem, and when from the wilderness of Judeah
voice was heard saying, Prepare ye the way of
the Lord"
CHARITY
The most excellent of all gifts, the We
~ bond of peace and virtue, and the beacon
light of our pathway.
WASHINGTON
a true Mason combining the noble
qualities Of the neighbor. the husband, the cti-
zen and the Patriot! While the sun of Liberty
continues to shine on our native land. he will
ever be remembered by all true Americans, as
the Father of his Country,'
MASONRY:
The Key of knowledge-t tie Science of
morality and the Law of Love.
FREE Masonry:
Though prosecuted and threatened by
an Imperial edict-openly assailed by a crewel
and bloody Ferdinand, bcsieged by ignorance
and superstition, the battlements of her fortress
still rear themselves proudly to view, and her
banner floats triumphantly on the breeze.
To THE MEMORY OF WARREN:
Who, on the heights Of Charleston.
gave his life for his country.
FAITH, HoPE AND CHARITY:
Symbols, tokens and pass words. in
which we must be bright to gain admittance in
to the Eternal Lodge above.
FREE MASONRY:
The handmade of virtue and religion
may its enlivening principles expand and be
observed from the rising of the sun, to the 60
ing down of the same.
THE FRATERNITY
True in all lands, to the pure and no
Bile tenets Of their fa:th may they prove on the
Pacific Coast, as they have done on the Allan
tic, q defense and bulwark against vice and
immortality, and against civil or political strife.
A SENTIMENT
May the bright example of cur illustri-
GUS predecessors who framed the first Grand
Council at Jerusalem, stimulate us to the faith
full discharge of our duties, and when the King
of Kings, shall summon us into his immediate
presence, from his hand may we each receive
Grown Of glory which shall never fade away"
Voluntary toasts were next called for, when
the following was offered by Lady, and read
by Hon. Mr.. Peck, Chairman of the Committee
on Toasts:
"The Orator of the day"-Mr Cofforth
May he ever relish the sweets of domestic con-
tentment-and walk by the square and compass
since he has united himself with the Honorable
Fraternity Of Be,aedicts.
Among others the following toasts we're then
given and properly responded to:
COLUMBIA LODGE
A Pacific star, which rising in the East.
will guide the traveller of time, from the dark
ness of earth up to the glorious light of Him.
whomt he Sun, Moon and Stars obey.
THE LADIES:
The light of whose eyes. is as necessa-
~ to the happiness of man, as is the sun to the
full development of heritage and flowers.
Among the guests present we were pleased
to notice several ladies and gentlemen from
Sonora. Altogether the celebration was one
that did honor, not only to Columbia Lodge
and the Fraternity, but also to Columbia itself