The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-06-30


last surpassed in its extent, and In the gran
deur of all its details, any Anniversary cell
ebration that we have yet witnessed in Mis-
sissippi. The brethren of Jackson had made
preparations for host of guests, and in all
respects did they prove equal to the occe-
sion. But it is to the Committee of ladies
the chief credit is due, and the fraternity OF
this and our neighboring cities so testified
in many expressions of genuine compli
ment. They, and they only, had charge OF
the Inequalities, and bountifully did they
dispense them.
1t had been the desire of the Jackson
brethren, for several years past, to celebrate
the Anniversary of st. John the Baptist
Last year, they were anticipated by the
brethren of Canton. At the Grand Com
clave of the Grand Commandery, held in
January last, a resolution was adopted cal
ling a general gathering of the Sir knights
at Jackson on the 9th Of June. This action
made it somewhat incumbent on the Sir
knights of Jackson to prepare for the coca
sion, and most heartily did they receive the
cooperation of the other Masonic Bodies
The only cause for regret at the result is,
that more of the Communicates were not
represented. The Sir Knights of Holly
| Springs Commandery sent a sufficient and
courteous reason for their absence There
were no delegates from the Communicates
at NAtchez, Lexington or Water Valley but
we had fine delegation of chivaIrous neigh
bors of the Hill City, headed by Sir Knight
c. A. Manlove, Past r.. E.. Grand Com
mander, and the present EN-. Commander of
Magnolia Commandery, No.2 And the en-
tire delegation was worthy his leadership
Delegations were here from the Lodges
at Canton, Clinton, Bolton, Brooksville,
Raymond, Brandon, Byram, Terry and
Cato. Among the Masonic dignitaries
present were the NJ. W.. Geo. r. Fearn
Grand Master; NJ. W.. Thos. S. Gathright,
Past Grand Master; r.. E.. Sir Chas. 7.
Bond, Grand Commander; ". E.. Sir Jno.
A. Galbreath, Deputy Grand Commander !;
M. Rev. J. nj. Lewis, Past Grand Chap
lain, and present W.. M.'.of Canton Lodge
We were honored, also, with the presence of
r.. W.. Amos Kent, Deputy Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana.
On the arrival of the morning train from
Vicksburg, a procession was formed at the
Railroad junction and escorted by Missis-
sippi Commandery, with music by the Can
ton Band, proceeded to the Odd Fellows
dali, which had been fraternally placed at
the disposal of the Masonic fraternity. Here
the Grand Commandery and the Grand
Lodge were duly opened in the order
named; after which the Grand Procession
was formed under the direction of the Mar
shall of the Day, Bro. VIM. French of Vicks-
burg. The procession numbered about two
hundred of all orders, and proceeded up
town according to the published programme,
arriving at the Presbyterian Church at one
o'clock. In few minutes the church was
filled to its utmost capacity, the north row
of pews being occupied exclusively by
ladies. A special choir, under the direc-
ton of Prof, VIM. Busch, had been organic
ed, and the music was fully equal to the oc-
casion.
After music, and prayer by the acting
Grand Chaplain, Elder A S. Hackett, Grand
Master Fearn introduced the Orator of the
Day, Past Grand Master Thos. S. Gathright.
For more than AMOUR of eloquent and rapid
delivery, he maintained the undivided at
tentiOn of his intelligent audienCe e, nor
could admiration for some of the finest pas
sages of his address be restrained. The
Grand Lodge having requested copy of the
address for publication, we hope to be able
to lay it before our readers at an early day.
After music, and the Benediction, the pro-
cession was reformed, and proceeded to the
Masonic Hall via. State and Pearl streets.
1t would be folly to attempt to describe this
spacious room, with its six full-length,
richly laden tables, with its walls decorated
NTH oDnronriata vraa thac anahIamS and
inscriptions, and with the wreath of hearty
welcome which greeted the guests as they
entered the hall and arranged themselves
along the tables. The Diyine Blessing hav
ing been asked, the brethren proceeded to
business. The substantials and viands were
so bountifully and judiciously arranged,
that there was but little for the fair walters
to do; but the irrepressible ladies of the
committee passed around the cream, the
coffee and the fruit with such 8 rapidity and
considerateness that none were overlooked.
One or two tables were occupied almost
exclusively by the ladies and children of
the brethren. At the head of one table. sat
Grand Commander Bond, and over his chair
was the motto, "In Hoe Signo Vinces."
Near him sat Deputy Grand Commander
Galbreath, and Past Grand Master Gath
right. At the next table, presided Grand
Master Fearn, and on his left was Deputy
Grand Master Amos Kent, of Louisiana.
Over the chair of the Grand Master were
wreathes and combinations of flowers in
which Masonic emblems were beautifully
arranged. This was a contribution from
Mr.. A L. Hatch, of the Central Nurseries,
and was very justly admired by ali.
The dinner being nearly dispatched, an
alarm of ree-times-thre attracted the at
tention of all to the portly. well-dressed
person of Sir knight John Nelson, who in
the name of Mississippi Commandery, No.
l. presented the large and beautiful cake
before him, to Magnolia Commandery, No.
3 of Vieksburg. 1t was received, in grace
full and appropriate. terms, by En-. !.Comman-
der Manlove.
This impromptu ceremony concluded.
another cake, of equal size and beauty. was
presented, by this writer, in the name Of the
whole fraternity, including the Committee
of Ladies', to the Orator of the Day. These
and many other incidents contributed to the
pleasures of the festival.
OF the dinner, we can only add, that a
more bountifal and sumptious feast we have
never seen spread In this State, on any oc-
casion. Two thousand dollars in money
would fall short of duplicating il. And il
was contributed, on a few weeks notice by
the families Of Masons in this city and vi
cinity. The contributions of our country
| friends were very liberal -
The evening trains for Canton and Vicks-