New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1866-04-27

Lows HALL-THE BALL.
The forty-seventh anniversary of the founding of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the
United States, was celebrated by the lodges and
encampments of this city, yesterday.
The weather was singuarly favorable for the
demonstration. The sky was clear and bright, and
pleasant breeze tempered the ardor of the vernal
sun.
The order did not turn out with the strength it
was wont to exhibit on such occasions, before the
late war. Great religious societies and powerful
political parties were rent by the struggle of arms
and the conflict of passions that preceded it, and
Odd Fellowship, as a national organization, felt
the shock sensibly. 1t was matter of surprise,
not that the fraternity failed to show its numerical
strength, but that they were able to present so
imposing an array; and it was very evident from
the spirit manifested, that as the asperties of the
war are smoothed by continued peace, the order
will speedily take fresh and vigorous start in
career Of prosperity.
THE PROCESSION.
The procession was to have started at half-past
8 in the morning, from Lafayette Square, but it
was nearly II before the column moved. Mean
time the square and the surrounding avenues were
crowded with spectators Of both sexes, anxious to
witness display, the like of which had not been
seen in New Orleans since l6G0 for, after the
| commencement of hostilities, the order, though
| continuing its benevolent Offices abstained from
public celebrations. There was considerable
delay in organizing. As most of the lodges
appeared in fragmentary numbers, the usual for
nation of professions, by lodges and encamp
ments, was not practicable, and the column had to
be otherwise arrayed, At few minutes before
II the head of the procession moved out Of the
square into St. Charles street, with music among
which was Jaeger's splendid band, and with EN-
| blazoned banners, and filing up St. Charles street,
started on the line of march indicated in the pro-
gramme,
Although, as we have already observed, the de-
monstration fell short of the ante-war exhibitions
of the order the number was sufficient to consti-
tute an interesting, if not an imposing pageant,
and its progress drew to the line of march crowds
desirous Of beholding the revival of the public
spectac!es Of fraternity formerly distinguished
| for the grandeur Of their celebrations.
| The procession was organized aud directed by
Mr. R. g. Abbott, as Grand Marshal, and the fol
lowing aids: VIM. Sander, A. Potheus, Robert
Strong. John McGauly, NJ. Gern"n, John Meyer
J. l.. Barrnger, William Klein, J. 7. Plattsmeye1
and John Davy.
The following was the order Of the procession:
The first or white degree.
| The second, or blue degree.
The third, or pink degree.
The fourth, or green degree.
| The fifth, or scarlet degree.
The present officers of lodges.
! The Past Grand Masters.
! The Patriarchs and officers of the various en-
campments.
Officers of the Grand Encampment.
Officers of the Grand Lodge.
| Grand Representatives to the Grand Lodge of the
United States.
The Grand Wardens and Most Worshipful Grand
Master.
| THE EXERCISES AT ODD FELLOWS HALL.
| Between twelve and one O'Clock, the procession
having accomplished the march laid down in the
programme returned to Odd Fellows Hall, the
grand ball room of which was opened for the
occasion, and already contained large number o
ladies. As the members of the order entered ani
took their places, the scene was very animated
Jaegers band in the orchestra striking up grant
air.
On the platform were arranged the gidet
figures allegoricaly representing the moral ant
religious precepts and practices of the order
The chair was taken by Grand Master Georg
Nungasser on whose right was seated Deputy
Grand Master William G. Wilson, and OIL his let
Grand Secretary Henry Bier. The remaining seat
were filled by the Grand Chief Patriarch, A. NJ
Rusha, members of the Right Worshipful Gram
Lodge and members of the Grand Encampment
Present on the platform also was the venerabl
form of Mr.. Harry Williams, one of the founder
of Odd Fellowship in New Orleans, who is so uni
| ,Jlx-o hy fha of
as members of the order.
A touching and eloquent prayer was offered b
Rev. Mr.. Mccoy, of the Seamens Bethel as Act
ing Grand Chaplain, who impressively dwelt upo
the blessings of peace, and offered thanks for tn
blessings still vouchsafed to the people of tn
South after all the trials and sacrifices of the wal
piscourses were then successfully delivered b
Past Grand Sire of the United States, George "
Race; Past Grand Master Thomas H. Shields
Past Grand Master Dunlap and Past Grand Maste
Wallace Hunter. The addresses of these gentle
men, though differing in style assimilated in sui
stance, each showing that the objects of the orde
are purely benevolent; that it is the duty of 81
ciety, and above all, woman, to encourage an
assist the organization for its teachings and prat
tce elevate the morals of members; that the ol
jections to which secret political organizations al
OBNOXIOUS co not lie against Ouu feIOWSnlp. II
it embraces men of every shade of public opinio
and every religious sect, and secrecy is main
adopted to enable members to identify each othe
and prevent imposition.
The discourses of these gentlemen, of which W
have given meagre outline of the salient poin
were heard with deep interest by the very lare
and intelligent audience, and each, as he CO
cluded, was warmly applauded.
brief second prayer having been offered
Rev. Mr.. Mccoy, the assembly was declare
adjourned.
THE BALL.
The ball at night was thronged. There was
pretensioh to brilliancy of toilet among tt
ladies'. plain neatness was the prevalent mod
white drapery, no jewery, and simple floral he'
dresses being the general style.
The music was, of course of the best, for
came from Jaeger's band.
.On with the dance"
or Was the order of the night, and there W
scarcely on intermission, except when the supp
table demanded its share of attention. Joy W
unconfined most ndubitably at the nall last mig
+. 1t was one uninterrupted revel until !" the W
hours" and not such very "wee hours" either, VIII
we dragged ourselves away from the somewf
stately cotillions, the free and easy reel.
graceful and suggestive fexibilities of the Span
|" dance and the ursine warmth of the waltz, wh