The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-06-25

u1uSs
FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
CELEBRATIoN.-The Masonic Fra
ternity of. Richmond celebrated the Festi-
val of st. John the Baptist yesterday by o
grand excursion to Ashland. The Masons
participating assembled to the number Of
about 25O at Washington Hall, and pro-
ceeded thence to the Broad-street depot,
where they took the cars. Worshipful John
F. Regnault having been appointed Grand
Marshal, named the Masters of the differ
ent lodges as his deputies.
The train left the city at lao, and
reached Ashland OF about half-past II
o'clock. The excursionists were soon scat
tered about the beautiful grounds attached
to the old hotel, and gave themselves up to
a days recreation. At the late hour at
which we write we cannot pretend to give
a full account of the festivities Of the day.
Games of all kinds and dancing were in
vogue, and Armbrecht's post band at times
discoursed beautiful music.
Dinner was served at 4 o'clock, and
nearly two hours were spent in social en-
joyment around the Widespread board. The
District Deputy Grand Master, the Masters
of the Richmond Lodges, General Stone
man, and Judge Burnham were seated at n
table in the centre of the room.
The substantials having been disposed of
and the glasses filed, Mr.. Regnault raped
to order and made the following remarks,
followed by toast: -,
In every age and country mankind
have observed stated anniversaries and fes-
tivals. The Greeks had their olympic
games, the Romans their saturnalia, their
sacred, votal, and funeral games, and
modern nations have get apart certain days
for the celebration of important events.
Before the knowledge'~o of letters became
general among men, this custom was neces-
sary to preserve the recollection of the
eventful periods in the history. OF nations.
And although the knowledge of letters, by
means of the art of printing;;'is now widely
diffused, and has in great degree rendered
unnecessary such celebrations, yet when
kept within reasonable limits they are OF
service to refinement, knowledge, and vir-
tue. The concourse of individuals on such
occasions mingle their sympathies, and
glow with one general sentiment. Ever
religion catches new inspiration wher
multitudes are pouring out their thanks
giving and praise to the Lord Of HEAVIER
and earth.
"In conformity with custom which they
consider laudable Freemasons continue tc
commemorate the anniversaries of st. John
the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist
the one the forerunner, the other the be-
loved disciple of the Prince of Peace. They
were holy and inspired men, whose virtues
were 80 exemplary, so honorable to them
selves, 80 Useful to mankind, and go accept
able to God, that they should be held IN
grateful remembrance and their lives ex'
hibited as lamps to the path of erring man
"On this festival say be happy. Let NJ
pensive looks profane the general JOY, lei
sorrow cease, let none be wretched, and lei
pleasure and her bosom friend attend the
social board-but, remember now, and al
ways remember, you are Masons, and ac
in such q manner that the eyes Of the cen
serious may see nothing in your conduc
worthy of reproof, and that the siandereI
may have nothing to censure, but be put tt
silence.
He then gave the first regular toast:
"The Masonic Fraternity May free
dom, harmony, and love, cement us in th'
grand design beneath the Omnisclnt Ey'
above-the glorious architect divine
Responded to by Worshipful Brother Georg'
Jacobs. He alluded eloquently to the uni
versatility of Masonry, its antiquity, and tn
sacredness of the tie. r.
2. "The Grand Lodge of Virginia-ou
venerated mother!" Responded to b.
Worshipful Brother John Dove, Crane
Scribe of Grand Lodge.
3. "The mystic tie-the last and mos
lasting tie-the tie which can never be un
tied" Responded to by Brother General
Georcs II. Stoner1an. In the course of hi
remarks he said the first lesson taught hin
in infancy was to say "thank you" ID
thanked his brethren for this honor. Tn
second lesson he had learned was whateVe
business or profession he followed to emu
late the greatness of those whose name
had made it honorable. He desired, there
fore, and would, in his profession as sol
dier, emulate all great American Generals
from General Washington down to Graz
and Lee, who knew how to keep silent, an
never made speeches.
General Stoneman sat down amid lou
and prolonged applause, and the band play
ed Hail to the Chief"
4. "The two M's-Masonry and Matr
mony-the main ligaments to keep man
his true position" Responded to by BIZ
ther (Judge) II. B. Burnham. saa
S. "The Press-the modern Briaraus
Responded to by Worshipful Brother v
F. Drinkard, of the Dispatch.
6. "Our Mothers, Sisters, Wives, Dauggl
| ters, and SWeethearts." Responded to
Brother Peyton Wise. s,
"The Memory of Washington" Drum
in silence standing, and responded 70
Worshipful Brother B. R. Wexford.
Letters were then read from Worshipf
Brothers W. NJ. Terry, Grand Master
Virginia 7. F. Owen, Of Norfolk; VIM.
Maule, J. R. Mcdaniel, E. F. Gill, John
Purdie, James Evans, W. B. lsaacs a!
Brothers W. W. Clapp and James LoWr'
expressing their interest in the celebratio
and regretting their inability to attend.
| A toast was then drunk to the Commit
of Arrangements, and Worshipful Broth
W. E. Tanner briefly responded.
A song closed the exercises at the tabl
| After the dinner several hours were spe
On the grounds, and the excursionists !
turned to the city at o late hour last nlggl
Great credit is due the committee OF :
ranpements for their efforts, which result
in making everything pass of delightful
and ensured the enjoyment Of every one
|
The FIRST AND THE LAsT.--We recelV
Yesterday the first volume that has De
) and the only volume that probably e.