The Shasta courier., 1860-06-30
Masonic Celebration.

Monday last, the 25th inst, was great day
in Shasta. Being the anniversary of the birth
day of ST. John, the Evangelist, and patron Saint
of the Masonic order, the Shasta members Of
this ancient order had made every arrangement
to commemorate it in becoming manner, by
an oration, pic mic and ball.
AT II o'clock the procession was formed at
the Masonic Hall, and thence marched to the
grounds, about a mile below town, where the
ceremonies of the day were to take place. Here
had been erected extensive brush-covered pa
yilions, large and comfortable, affording ample
accommodations for the crowd present, number
ing from six to eight hundred, as we'll as for
two tables amply loaded with eatabes
The exercises of the day at the grounds COM
menced with music by the band, followed thus
song, by the Shasta Glee Club prayer, by Mr.
Parker; oration, by Hon. Humphrey Griffith
song, by Glee Club; music by the Band
The Glee Club, composed of Messrs. Weston,
Pierson, Carlson and Wade, sang in admirable
style, and won the plaudits of all present capa-
bic of appreciating good singing.
The band was from Red Bluff, and executed
admirably. Indeed their skill has created a
determination on the part of certain amateur
musicians of Shasta to organize similar in
stitution for the benefit of our own town.
The oration delivered by Mr. Griffith was ad-
mirable all that his most ardent admirer could
wish. 1t was an effort happily conceived, ad-
mirably expressed, and eloquently delivered.
The entire audience appeared delighted with
it. We understand Shasta Lodge has formally
solicited it for publication, 5ut as yet have not
been Informed whether the distinguished author
has consented thereto or not
AT half past two o'clock, at the conclusion of
the exercises as before given, the ladies, ac-
companied by their attendants, repaired to the
tables, which were dressed off with exceeding
taste, and superabundantly supplied with cold
meats, bread, vegetables, all manner of cake,
&c. All seemed " eager for the fray" and each
seemed bent on doing execution-and they did
it. We do not think we ever before witnessed
a party of this kind, where every body appeared
to enter into this part of the exercises" with
such delightful gusto. But there was a super
abundance, and all eat, drank and made them
selves merry. Speaking of drinking, we are
reminded to mention that considerably over one
hundred gallons of lager were quaffed. to say
nothing of many dozens of soda and sundry
bucketfuls of lemonade, &C., the &c. here, as in
the case of those so frequently used by famous
old law writer, Coke we believe, meaning a
great deal more than it expressed in words. At
the conclusion of this part of the programme,
tho seats in part of the pavilion having been
removed in the meantime, the music struck up
and many ladies and gentlemen delighted them
selves and the spectators with the elegant ex-
ercise of tripping it upon the light fantastic toe.
Towards the cool Of the evening, after de-
lightful days enjoyment, the brothers of the
order, preceded and followed by the guests
marched back TO the Hall.
AT night, in the Charter Oak, the pleasures of
the day ittingly concluded by brilliant
ball, upon which there were in attendance over
one hundred admirably dressed and beautiful
women. The ensuing night, many visitors still
being in town, the members of the order got up
second dancing party at the same hall, and fur
nished their guests a cold collation. at the En-
pire Hotel. As with the fomer this was pleas
ant party, as was evidenced by the fact that the
beaux were seen going home "with the girls
in the morning"
Take it all in MI, this was the grandest
celebration that ever took place in our little
mountain town.
1t is proper to state that all places of business
were closed from eleven until four O'Clock, so
that all might participate in the pleasures of the
day.