The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-06-29
FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.


The Masonic celebration on Saturday last,
9th of June, proved eminently successful in
every portion of the programme arranged for
the occasion. At an early hour, it was appa-
that an immense, crowd would be in atten-
dance, and bright happy faces betOkened a
disposition to enter heartily into the festivities
in honor of that eminent patron of Masonry
whose natal day was being celebrated.
The fraternity assembled in the Lodge Room
at half.past ten o'clock q. m. The procession
was formed at II o'clock, under the direction
of Mai. John B. Moore, the Marshal of the
Day. The Anderson Brass Band headed the
procession, and furnished excellent and appro-
pirate music. The line of march was around
the public square, thence down Main street to
tile cross street t.intersecting at Mr.. Keese's res
idence, thence to and down McDufie street, and
from thence. directly to the University building
on Main street i:.sf 81, s5efzs.ss.s "a 4.
Arriving in;front of the University, the pro-
cession was halted the ranks opened. and faced
inward and then marched inyersely into the
Chapel, where hundreds of ladies and gentle
men had already assembled. After the audience
was. seated, the exercises were opened with
prayer by the Rev. Dr.. Barnes, acting as Chap
lain. a few words:of welcome were given by
the W.. M. of Hiram Lodge, and he then in
troduced the Orator of the Day, R.. W.. Bro.
Robert S. Bruins, Deputy Grand Master Of
South Carolina. The address of Bro. Bruins
was beautiful illustration of Masonry as a
system of morality and religion, founded upon
principles emanating from the source of all
Light and Truth, and widening, expanding and
extending as mighty river with the growth
of ages and the progress of civilization. Incl
dentally, the history of Freemasonry was traced
through successive centuries, from the Temple
erected by Solomon and his associates down to
modern times, and the character, objects and
attainments of the institution, in the respective
eras of the civilized world, received brief con-
sideration. To the intelligent Mason, this ad-
dress was highly instructive and entertaining,
and its beautiful diction and smooth delivery
entirely captivating to those fortunately within
hearing. The distinguished speaker closed his
effort with a short address to the ladies, which
was suited to the occasion and most happily
conceived. The delivery of this address occu-
pied three-quarters of an hour, and it is won
der that our eminent Brother could possibly
cover SO much ground in that brief space of
time. Altogether, it was splendid Grafton,
and manifested the wisdom and discretion of
the Committee of Arrangements in selecting an
orator for this festival occasion.
When the address of Bro. Bruins was conclu-
ded, the order of arrangements for the remain
der of the day was announced, and this inclu-
ded as the next. attraction the pic mic dinner,
which brethren and friends were requested to
spread in the building and about the grounds.
Soon thereafter, baskets were forthcoming from
every nook and corner, and tables were impro-
vised both inside The building and out in the
pleasant grove surrounding it. Little groups
here and there discussed the bountiful refresh
ments so layishly provided by good housewives,
always intent upon true hospitality, and an
hour or more was employed in this delightful
recreationg !s..sR
e > =
= At three o'clock p. m, the procession was re-
formed and marched directly to the Lodge
Roem, where the exercises Of the day were
ended. . - -
It may be stated that committee was ap-
pointed to correspond with Bro. Bruins, and
solicit copy of his address for publication.
To this request,of the Lodge, the Brother fra
ternally declined to accede, for various and
satisfactory reasons, although much to the re-
gret of his brethren, who desired to possess a
copy for it's intrinsic value and as memorial
of the occasion.
We understand that the young people; after
the Masons left the University building, cleared
away the benches and "ripped the light fan
tastic" until the sun was hid behind the western
hills. - -