Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-20
Masonic Celebration.

In accordance with notice in our last issue,
the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association,
was held in the Hall of Mt Nebo Lodge, No.
81, A. F. & A. NJ, in this place, on Thursday
afternoon last, at o'clock, with quite large
representation Of members from the neighbour
ing Lodges 1t made some stir on our streets,
showing an interest was felt in the enterprise
in this community. The usual business upon
such occasions was transacted, a report made
OF the workings of the Association for the past
year, and a Board Of Directors, with the neces-
sary officers, elected for the ens;iing year
Some material changes were made in the orig
inal plan of the Association, and in the sys-
tenn Of managing it, suggested by theexperence
of the past year, that are thought TO be for
the advancement and promotion Of the best
interests of the Association.
But an important feature Of the occasion
was the entertainment. given their visiting
brethren by the members of Mt. Nebo lodge.
About o'clock in the evening Criswel's Sill
yer Cornet Band led the march Of about rs
Masons in procession from their Hall to the
Lutheran Church, where in the presence Of a
large congregation the following exercises were
conducted: Music by the Choir Prayer by
Rev j. A. Scott; Address by Rev. Jacob
Hawkins, an able production, finely written
and we'll delivered; Music by the Choir; Adj
dress by Rev. j. B. Fitzpaterick, very plain
but equally truthful comments upon Masonry;
Music by the Band Address by Rev. Scott,
briefly ratifying addresses already made; Ma
sic by the Choir, a pretty Masonic parting
hymn sung to the tune of Home, Sweet
Home" in a style and with an effect that clio
tied considerable feeling and much praise for
the 81 sweet singers who executed it; Bene-
diction by Rev. A. Jump. After services at
the Church, the Masons with their invited
guests and members Of the Band, repaired to
the Eutler Hotel where a " feast of good things,
heaped up" such as the Host Of that house
oSl'~SJ vac awaiting az "t'"NA, "uiSH was
bravey made by charge of eighty, including
three knights Of the quill" reteranS at that
business. The best efforts Of the company
showed some large capacities for enjoying re-
freshments," aud made havoc among the pro-
visions Capt. Criswel'S command fought
nobly and rallied in good order in the parlor
where for an hour afterwards they blowed
their gladly solemn sounds" for the relief
and solace of that tired audience, resting from
their late labOrs in the dining room.
About II o'clock the festivities ceased, aud
the party dispersed We but repeat what we
heard frequently expressed by the guests
when we say the entertainment was a success:
-credtable to Mt Nebo Lodge, and to all
who aided in getting it up. The cause cele-
brated-the Masonic Mutual Benefit Associa-
TOMS worthy one3 the addresses delivered
were appropriate, interesting aud instructive
the music, both by the Band and Lutheran
Choir, highly appreciated and complmented
and the supper fitting climax of all that pre-
ceded it. 1t will long be remembered by those
who shared and participated in its pleasures
as happily spent evening. Nay We all BE-
spared to meet often again and enjoy many
more snch good times. A new God speed
to Mt Nebo and its enterprise, and long lift
to its NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Register.