The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-12-18
A Gala Week In Charleston.

IN Charleston,r the famous "city by the sea,
which was thronged with visitors from all parts
of the country. The annual session oil the
Grand Lodge of Freemasons bzopght together
fine representation from every neighborhood
in South Carolina. and included several hum
dred delegates of the subordinate Lodges, who
were accompanied by as many more of the
craft, intent upon sightseeing and business of
private nature. The Railroad Convention,
in the interests of the French Broad route to
the West, assembled large representation of
delegates from North and South Carolina, be-
sides others from the far West and those in
terested in the completion of great thorough
fare from the Atlantic ports tothe grain growing
region In addition to these influential bodies
of men, who were congregasea for specific
purposes, there were a great many travellers
from the Northern States, seeking pleasure and
recreation in our sunny land, who found it
exceedingly pleasant to tarry for the nonce
amid the gayety and exhilerating scenes OF the
grand old city, now arrayed in holiday attire.
The Northern travel, however, is not 80 extern
sive as usual, in consequence of the monetary
pressure existing among the rich nabobs OF
the North, who are obliged to feel keenly every
wave of the financial crisis which has swept
over the country. But the hotels wore crowded
to oyerfowing during our entire soiourn in
Charleston, and we are confident mat there
has never been such gathering Of Sontherners
within its limits, since the memorable days
when the leaguered hosts of the Confederates
were bzaxey defending its ramparts from
deadly assault and hostile invasion. This fact
awakened memories of those heroic days, and
the story of the camp and bivouac was fire.
quently rehearsed by former comrades, who
were meeting for the first time since Appomat-
tox swept away forever the hopes and antici'
pations of a gallant people
THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREEMAsoNs.
The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of
South Carolina began on Tuesday, 9th Of De-
cember, at IL m, and was opend by the Deputy
Grand Master, Gen. J. B. Kershaw, in ample
form. Nearly every subordinate Lodge in the
State was represented by officers and delegates.
The address of the Grand Master, Robert S.
Bruins, was read by Gen. Kershaw, in conse-
quence of the absence of the Grand Master,
who was debarred from attending by serious
illness The address is an eloquent and fin
ished production, and concludes with touch
| ing farewell to the craft, whom he had served
most zealously and devotedly in the past, even
until he stood "upon the narrow span which
divides time from eternity" and he is about to
| lay down his life's work for the untried reali-
ties of future existence. Beautiful and ap.
propriate tributes to the character and services
of the distinguished Masons of this jurisdic-
ton, who have preceded him only little while,
are contained in this address, including the
names of Hon. James L. Orr, Past Grand
Master; James Birnie, Esq, Junior Grand
Warden, and Ebenezer Thayer, Esq, of Charles
| ton.
A committee was appointed to visit Grand
Master Bruins, and tender to him the kindliest
sympathies and most fraternal regards of the
Grand Lodge; and at a subsequent stage Of
the proceedings, . unanimous vote of thanks
was rendered him for the faithful and impartial
manner in which he had discharged the duties
of his exalted position for two years.
Tributes Prospect were adopted in relation to
the death of Bros. James Birnie and Ebenezer
Thayer and committee was appointed to pre-
pare suitable tribute to the memory of Bro
James l. Orr. tits touching incident, in this
connection, that the Grand Master had appoin-
ted Bro Birnie to write memorial in honor of
Bro Orr and while preparing the tribute of
friendship and brothcrly love, he was sum-
moned hence, and the work left unfinished.
The business of the Grand Lodge occupied
two days, and included questions of decided
interest and Importance to the fraternity. The
session was exceedingly harmonious withal.
The following are the officers elected to serve
the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year:
Joseph B. Kershaw, Of Camden, Grand Mas
ter.
James A. Hoyt of Anderson, Deputy Grand
Master.
Wilmot G. Desaussure, of Charleston, Senior
Grand Warden.
ID. w. Dull, VI A@ui0ho, vohAoA Ni0'H" " o.
den.
H. W. Schroeder, of Charleston, Grand
Treasurer.
B. Rush Campbell, of Charleston, Grand
Secretary.
The next annual communication of the
Grand Lodge will be held in the city Of
Charleston, beginning on the second Tuesday
in December, 1874.
THE RAILROAD CONVENTION AND EXCURSION
AROUND THE HARBOR.
Thursday was the day appointed for the
assembling of the Railroad Convention, in the
interest Of the proposed direct connection be-
tween Charleston and Chicago, by way of the
French Broad route. Extensive preparations
were made for the event. The Commissioners
&c tho Snortanhurp and Asheyille Railroad