The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-06-27
Sr. JouN THE BArr1sr's bAr-MAsoN- |

niversary of St. John the Baptist's Day. Bro
R. S. Bruins. Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of South Carolina, had promised to
he present and deliver lecture upon Ma
sonry. Bishopvillc Lodge, No. lo4, our
nearest ncighbor; had been invited to par
ticipatc with us in the celebration, and every
thing was done to make the occasion one OF
nroft and pleasure Through the kindness
of the session of the Presbyterian church,
that building had been secured for the pur-
nose of lecture, a competent choir OBJ
s,ipcd, {, collation. prepared and all things
made ready to usher in the anniversary with
becoming houors.
Bro. Bruins, Grand Master, and Bro. j.
B. Kershaw, Deputy Grand Master, arrived
on Saturday night, the one from Charleston
and the other from Lancaster, so that hcr-
shaw Lodge was enabled to have with them
the two highest officers of the Grand Lodge.
At eleven o'clock A. NJ. the Lodges as
sembcd at the Lodge room: and Bros Bruins
and Kcrshaw were received in due tosm.-
After attending to certain business, the
Lodge vas closed and the procession formed,
Bro. Z. NJ. Boykin acting as marshal; The
procession moved up Broad to Deh;db sts.,
thence to the Presbyterian Churchwherc the
ranks opened and the brethren entered the
church in reversed order: as is customary,
the organ poaling forth a march. Having
filed in, with rap Of the gavcl, the brethren
seated themselves and an ode was sung by
the choir, after which Rev. Bro. A. J. Stokes
offered prayer. aad another ode was rem
dercd Bro. J. D. Kennedy, Worshiptul
Master of Kershaw Lodge, then introduced
Bro. Bruins, the orator Of day.
In a quiet yet impressive manner, Bro.
Bruins commenced his grafton. He COM
mentcd upon the extreme age of Masonry,
claiming that it had existed for longer pc:
riod of time than any order known among
men since its foundations great nations had
risen to power only to sink into oblivion,
while Masonry yet lives and increases until
she numbers her High Priests by thousands
and her votarics by millions. Masonry was
universal. known wherever man dwclt. 1t
WIS first oaIy operative, but now Ii has ex-
r:n3ed into @rand speculative science. We
point with pride to the great works OF our
operative lscthren, as manifested in the
pyramids Of Egypt, the grand pillars, monu-
mcnts and temples of the East, and to our
silent though bcncGccut labors as bestow-
cd upon worthy objects of charity and the
teachings of fricIAshir: morality and brother
" love.
With much other learning and under q
great many beautiful figures, Bro. Bruins de-
pictcd in glowing colors the harmony SYM
mctry and the vast attractions which are to
be found by the student in Masonry.
lie closed with beautiful and touching
tribute to the ladies, who though, IS he said,
were debarrcd entrance into our mysteries,
yet have the proud satisfaction OF knowing
that they rcigncd supreme in our hearts,
After the oration, the choir sung another
cde with ine effect, and the Chapaia hay
ing offered prayer, the procession was re-
formed, the organ playing march. Having
reached the hall, the brethren were dismiss
cd until S o'clock, p. NJ. when regular
meeting was held for the dispatch Of bust
ness.
At 3 o'clock the fraternity could be seen
gathering in considerable numbers about the
Kershaw House; soon afterwards dinner
being announced the craft sat down to an
elegant feast, to Which ample justice was
done.
After the removal of the cloth, the follow
ing sentiments wcrc'given and responded to.
The Day we Celcbratc-Dcar to every
Masonic heart. EIay its each recurring an
n.versary find us better and brighter Masons
.aftcy the similitudc ofits patron saint. Re-
sponded to by Bro, JOHN r. Shaw.
The Orator of The Day-A distinguished
ornament Of the craft. May blessings at
tend him. Responded to ly Bro. =: S. Bruins.
The Grand Lodge of S. Give ale proud
of its record, and qLccrGally obey its man
dates. Responded to by Bro. ". J. Gerald
Masonry-A perennial plant;age increases
its beauty and devclopes its strength, Re-
spondcd to by Rev. Bro. A: j. Stokes.
Kcrshaw Lodge, No 29-NIay VIC contin-
ue band Of friends, among whom no con-
tcntion should ever exist, but that noble
contention, or rather emulation, Of who caQ
best work and best agree. Responded to by
Bro. J. +. Goodale.
Woman-The first and best of Gods gifts
to man; no society Of human origin guards