The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1872-06-28
Ga!a Day at Hampshire.

On Tuesday last grand barbecue and
celebration was given by Merriweatner
a fionrishing little town in the western por,
ton of our county. The lands around the
town are rich and productive in soil, and
the natural scenery. Is grand and pic
and dinner was TINT beautiful and celebrat-
ed Zach grove in the western margin OF the
town, where so many occasions OF like char
acter have been enjoyed by us In days OF
attendance, and great many brethren from
the adjoining counties. The procession
formed at the Masonic Hail. a new and COM
modious building now in the process of COM
of q lodge room and q male and female
O academy. The column moved out about
ii o'clock, with the ut. Pleasant Brass Band
and the pupils of Hampshire Male and Fe-
male Academy in front, and after marching
through the principal streets OF the town,
proceeded to the grove where ample accom-
modations for seating everybody We're well
arranged. After the large audience had
been delighted by few pieces of excellent
music by the band, the Chief Marshal of the
Day-our gallant young friend, Mr.. James
III. Akin-introduced to the audience our
former fcllow-citizen, Rev. A. G. Dinwiddie.
We have heard MIR. Dinwiddie on many oc-
casions before, and always attributed to him
the highest powers OF OratOry, but on this
occasion he was more than himself His
towering genius seemed to fully unfold it
self He gave in beautiful style the ancient
history Of the order; he ably and elOQuently
vindicated those heaven born principles so
devoted1y cherished by every true mason,
and forc1bly presented the purposes and
aims of the brotherhood. So powerful was
his speech that more than four thousand
persons gave him undivided attention.
Stood as It were, chained by his eloquence.
at the close of Mr.. Dinwiddie's speech, the
officers of several lodges were installed by
the worthy brother, William j. Strayhorn,
W. NJ. Of Merriweather Lodge, who per-
formed the impressive ceremonies verybeau-
tifully. After which dinner was announced,
and such public dinner we have never
before attended. The long tables groaned
beneath the weight Of the best meats, breads,
vegetables, cakes, &C., that we have ever
seen. The meats were thoroughly cooked
four genial friend, c. NJ. Edwards, having
cakes, pastery, &C., were fresh and sweet.
We were granted the pleasure Of inspecting
the tables before dinner was announced; we
therefore, speak knowingly, and do not
an abundance of well cooked oatables spread
ont to the public. The provisions were not
only well prepared, but handsomely arrang-
ed upon the tabiesi bat this is always the
case when ladies like those who superfn-
tended the arranging of these tables direct
the work. Order, natures first law, WIS rig
idly observed. No rush to the tables; no
confusion there; all were well behaved and
did full Justice to the rich treat before them,
and although more than four thousand per-
sons fully satisfied the "inner man." yet q
vast quantity waS left. when all were SatlS-
fed, md cried out, "enough," the audience
repaired TO the stand where the Hon. w. q.
Whitthorne, who is always prepared, deliv-
cred beautiful address upon the subject of
Education, after which, a. F. Aydelotte, the
Principal Of Hampshire Male and Female
Academy entertained the people in short
address upon the interest of the school.
This school was organized ,abOuta year ago
by the Masons of that place, and is under the
control OF Merrfweather Lodge. The school
although young is IN q flourishing condition.
MI. Aydelotte the Principal, is a ripe scholar,
an excellent disciplinarian, teacher of
long experience and ofuntiring energy, and
with such man at It's head, controlled by
the teachings of masonic principles, this in
stitution viii take high stand among the
schools of the country.
All in all, last Tuesday will long be re-
membered by the happy recipients OF the
bounty Of the people in and around Hamp-
shire. Everybody had cordial welcome
in fact it seemed to be day of friendly
greetings. Such a meeting of the people
has much to do towards smoothing the as
perities of life; harmoniZing society and re-
timing the social feelings of mankind.
Nature too, smiled on the occasion by send
ing q bright and pleasant summers day, that
all might feel fresh and gay, Would that we
could, and that everybody could, enjoy of
tener such days of order, harmony and cor
dial interchange OF brotherly love and
frianlShin