New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-31
MASONIC BAPTISM AND FEsTH.
VA


Wednesday evening of this week was
made landmark in Masonry in this city
by Quitman Lodge. The principal feature
Of the occasion was the public ceremony Of
baptizing three of its youthful wards into
the ancient order. This being an almost
new performance to our people, drew an
uneommonly select class of our citizens to
witness the novel rites in Masonic hall
When all was in readiness the members Of
Quitman Lodge filed into the assembly
room from unknown apartments above, and
q prayer was offered by Rev. Brother J. C.
Carpenter, with special reference to the
lads about to be adopted.
Worshipful Master j. G. Fleming de-
livered an address fitting the solemn occa-
sion, during which he remarked that to the
brethren it was unnecessary to make any
explanation of the subject, but those who
are not of them may desire some elucida-
ton of the ceremony about to be comment
GRATED. The form of Masonic baptism is
one entirely peculiar to ITSELF and while il
is in ne manner an infringement on any of
the systems existing among the various
religious denominations of the world, it is
one that has been and can again be publicly
enacted without any injudicious exposure
of our mysteries.
Among our various charitable customs
is that of the adoption of the sons of our
deceased brothers, when their case is enc of
peculiarly distressing and destitute
nature. Their baptism forms part of the
ceremony Of adoption, and is now about to
be administered as it seldom is that is to
say, in public.
In adopting these little ones, we become
responsible for their support and pr0tee-
ton and their moral and literary education.
1t becomes our duty to see that they are
taught to remember their Creator in the
days Of their youth and jmplere His aid
in all their laudable undertakings. And,
as in our youthful days we are more
liable to err from a want of Fes0lu-
ton to do right than from disposition
to do Wrong, it viii be our duty
10 assume over them the authority Of guar
5is.;is, ssssa &c that they are early shown
the paths Of rectitude, and taught to walk
therein, and to ineulcate in their young
minda the virtues Of forbearance and fOrti-
tude, so that, disrcgarding the temptations
of vice, they may bear advereity with
patience and prosperity with pride.
At the conclusion Of the worshipfitl mas
ter's address, the master of ceremonies was
directed 70 introduce the young lads. who
were waiting il the ante.room. He soon
returned, leading Thomas w. Peyton, Henry
]. Strawberry and Henry w. Shute-a aged
three, i've, and seven years, respectirely--
together with their godfathers and mothers,
entered the hall, and stood before the font.
Then followed questions by the worship
full master on the part Of the lodge, re-
aponded TO by Past Master Flatow as
sponsor on part Of the gedfathers and god
mothers.
The worshipful master placed the right
hand Of each Of the candidates in the urn,
saying
Then letthem he baptized as yeu de-
sire. May your hands be ever pure. May
they never shed human bloed, nor deprive
q fellow being Of what Is Justly bis, and
never write words injurious to your fellow
man and contrary 10 our laws, and may
they be often raised In humble suppIicas
ton to our Father in heaven.
The worahipfui master then placed about
the neck Of each candidate a silver medal
or jewel, on blue ribbon, and said
Nay this service, which symbolizes The
fraternal feeling which closely unitea the
members Of Quitman lodge, always recall
to you the promises made in your names
this evening"
A proper response was made by the gem
tlemaR who spoke for the godfathers and
godmeih6ER and Immediately afterHard the
Worshipfal master presented each Of the
ladies with gold ring memento
James Tilden, himself having been an
adopted son, recited az s Ode 10 Masonry. 2
At The clese q which Brother W. r. Whita-
ker delivered he GRAFTON Of The evening.
He was entertaining ana quite poetic, and
MSS iisteued 10 With attention. The Grafton
completed aud a henediciion pronounced,
The room wss cleared Of chairs and benches
for the purpose Of dnishiueahe fesliValin 4
ball nor did khe aievotees cease until the
musicians faxed Is their efforts
The ball was lasteinliy decorated for the
occasion Asa festival this was one OF the
most remarkable and complete that has
ever e9ue uader our ncticc