Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-10-02

bcnof1cence OF the members OF the fraternity
in the city Paintings chromos, and steel
engravings adorn the walls, there is q small
but select library, drawing rooms, smoking
room, reading room, etc., and every con-
venience suggested by the projectors of the
rooms. They are open at all times, a warm
welcome is extended to the brotherhood, and
indeed it is made a delightful resting place
and resort, where the brethren congregate to
indulge in innocent games, smoke their
Havanas, hold social chats, and consult to-
gether for the relief of worthy objects of
charity and the benefit of the craft generally.
The place was opened in go, and is called
1.-The Hooper Club Room, open to all Masons
in regular standing No liquors of any kind
are allowed about the premises
READY FOR THE MARCH.
At eleven o'clock in the forenoon, our lines
were again formed in front of the Waverly
in waiting for our generous entertainers
preparatory to making "new departure" for
the day. The Hugh De Payens, were soon
on the spot, with forces still further aug
mented, the bright swords of nearly one hun
dred and fifty Sir Knights glistening in the
sunlight. We could seem to see in each Sir
knights face renewed welcome and
fresh delights.
TESTIMONIAL FROM THE SIR KNIGHTS.
no &C III,
were drawn up there occurred pleasant little
episode, which will always be delightful
recollection to the writer of these lines At
the suggestion of several friends a voluntary
subscription was obtained in the morning for
the purchase of a testimonial to the repre-
sentative of the Kennebec Journal, who is the
guest of the Sir knights in their wanderings
Each member of the commandery was
willing contributor which renders the gift all
the more precious to the recipient. Amagnif-
cent gold-headed, black ebony cane, costing
$40, was selected as the testimonial, and Sir
Knight Stephen Russell, competent judge in
all such matters, was delegated to select the
cane at one of the largest wholesale stores in
Boston. On the head of the cane are en-
graved these words: ''IIoward Owen, from
Trinity Commandery, Sept. Goth, 1871" The
presentation speech was made by Sir Knight
Geo. Wilkins of Vassalboro', Agent of the Vas
salboro Manufacturing Company, and was as
follows:
Sir knights of Trinity Commandery-If
ever any society of men were fortunate in
having on all public occasions man with
them who. in his interest for the good name
of his friends, is willing to sacrifice his
personal convenience and comfort, that body
of men are the Sir Knights of Trinity Com
mandery of Augusta. And on no occasion
has this interest been more apparent than on
our present excursion; and yesterday when
we saw Companion Owen at his post in the
front ranks of our columns, marching without
any support, not having even a sword to lean
upon, we conceived the appropriateness of
presenting him with a cane. The propriety
of this was the more apparent from the fact
that our march to-day would be even more
extended than that of yesterday. have only
to regret that this most pleasant duty was not
performed by some one who could in more
polished words express what know you all
feel, the undergraduates of this (although
beautiful gift as an expression of our kindly
feelings of respect toward our worthy Bro.
Owen. And now let me present to you this
cane from Trinity Commandery of Augusta,
and although the pen is the emblem of your
profession, we trust this cane may prove a
pleasant souvenir to ever remind you of the
delightful excursion 20 the Hugh De Payens
of Melrose.
This was no ''put up" surprise, but as
genuine as it was undeserved. Mr.. Owen ac-
cepted the gift in a few remarks which the re-
porter was unable to hear distinctly. We are
assured that the testimonial is highly priced
by the recipient, and while it will serve as a
support to him in his declining years, will be
handed down as an heirloom to his children
and his children's children to the latest
generation.
The same individual was made the subject
of another surprise, immediately after, in
the shape of hugh pen and stock five feet
in length, designed by Sir Knight DIR. w. L.
following words:
The cane was eminently an expression of
our good will and wishes, yet there is an ap-
propriateness in presenting the pen which did
not attach to the cane The cane is sugges-
WV VI bSSiSPiiuuC anu age, out the pen,
in the hand Of the bold writer, is more power
full than the sword, even. And while these
Sir knights are doubtless pledged to WELD
their swords in the defence of helpless or
phans, distressed widows, and the christian
religion, l adJure you, inasmuch as you
prize your peace of mind in time and your
hopes for the future, that you take heed that
this sword be ever ever welded in the same
glorious cause.
The MARCH
The column moved on through the streets of
Charlestown, and from thence to Boston,
through several of its crowded thoroughtares
to the Masonic Temple. The Hugh De
Payens and their guests attracted general at
tention from the crowd, eliciting commend
atory remarks as to their knightly and COM
handing appearance. The various apart
ments of the temple were visited, and an
hour spent within its walls, when the
line of march was taken up, through the
nd