Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-11-22


MASONIC VISIT. The Washington Chroni-
Gle, Of this morning, gives the following de-
scription of the visit of Washington Iodge Of
Alexandria, to the Centennial Lodge, of that
city, last night:
Last spring, just as the buds were bursting
iuto flowers and the trees were hiding their
bare limbs beneath robe Of the greenest toli-
age, Centennial Lodge No Ia, A. L. A. NJ,
of this city, conceived the idea of paying fra
terna! visit to Washington Lodge No %, of
A!exandria, Va. Very quickly the idea ripeu-
ed into plan, and as soon as possible thereat
ter the plan Was executed, and one lovely night
in May the lodge called Off and took pill
grmage to our sister city, and were soon before
the outer gate Of Washington Lodge knocking
for admission. The vigilant sentinel had
viewed them from altar, and communicated
their approach to the Worshipful Master iu
The East, who, after due examination, pro-
nounced them brethren, and babe them ap
proach without fear.
The west gate swung upon its hinges and
the pilgrims entered Within the inner court,
where words of welcome fell upon their ears
aad cheered their hearts, and bounteous re-
ireshmentS fortified the Tuner man. After
their return, the Alcxandriaus determined to get
square with them and level up the account,
and last night was the timc liked upon to
make the return visit. Accordingly about six
ty members of Washington Lodge, with
W. NJ W. A. Moore at their head, arrived at
the Lodge room OF Centennial Lodge, in Mason
ic Temple, and were at ouce taken in aud
cared for by the Lodge.
When the greetings were concluded the
Lodge took up work III the third degree, and
for about two hours the beauties of the work
were practically exhibited to the visiting breth-
rem, who expressed themselves as well pleas
"a with the brightness" Of the masters.
During the evening, Ii. h. Riley, Z. NJ,
presented for examination the jewel worn by
George Washington while laying the corner
stone Of the Capitol, nearly three quarters of
Il century ago.
At 10 clock, the work on the trestle- board
being completed, the craft were called from
labor to retreshment, and proceeded at once
to the banuuet-room where the tables were
spread for about two hundred persons, who sat
down to the work with "a zeal becoming such
laborers as are worthy of their hire. When ali
had been fed, H. A. Whitney, w. NJ, called
the assembly to order, and 10 few remarks
welcomed the visiting brethren, after which
the Masonic Choir, under the leadership Of H..
H. Bradley, sang two of their finest songs
w. \. Moore, ". NJ of the Alexandria
Lodge, responded, thanking the brethren for
the hospitality extended.
Col. Ball, of Alexandria, made q most hu.
morous speech, alludiug to some Of Acxandria $
lacking" as compared with Washington, say
ing that they had no Board of Public Works
aud several other little things that Washing
ton could boast Of; no Murder Bay, aud yet
they were proud Of many things. They were
proud of the hospitality extended to them. aud
proud of being Masops. He wished for no
better epitaph than to have it said at his death
that he had lived and died true and worthy
Mason.
F. A. Reed Z. Com of Alexandria Com.
mandery, spoke of the friendly feelings exist
ing between Masons, and alluded to some of
the qualities requisite to make good Mason.
He was followed by P. NJ. Frank Brockett,
who in turn was succeeded by Bro. Robert
Ball of Washington; J. NJ. Orr, of Leesburg;
ex-Mayor Latham, Of Alexandria; General
Brown, and others, all of whom made pleasant
and interesting speeches, exhibiting the most
traterual feeling.
During the intervals between the speeches
the choir entertained the company with most
excellent music.
At 80 the visiting brethren took up the
return pilgrimage, aud amid the hearty good
wishes of the Washingtonians, bent their steps
home.
They arrived here safely and were highly de-
lighted with their visit.