The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-06-21
LOCAL AFFAIRS

MASONIC REusloS special meel:.e OF
DoQE-io- Virtue Lodge, A, 4. A. NJ. Vas held
on Wednesday evening last The attendance
was large, number Of invited guests from
George Washington Lodge, and other Lodges,
being present. The meeting was called By
special request ofthe members, TO enable them
10 offer some testimonial Of respect TO the
beloved Master Of the Lodge, Rev. james W.
Reese, who, in company with Col Vim. A.
McKellip, also member Of the Lodge, was
on the eve Of departure for Europe. After
the Lodge had been opened in due form, Hon.
John +. Smith arose, and ON behalf Of the
members, addressed the Worshipfal Master,
in feeling and appropriate terms, in reference
70 his proposed visit TO Europe, which would
sever, for a time, the ties which had bound
them together in such sweet communion, adj
ding that their warmest affections would fol-
low him, and their prayers ascend for his safe
return 70 the bosom Of his family and the
Lodge. Then, approaching the East, he ten.
dered him purse containing one hundred
dollars, as a slight testimonial Of the esteem
Of his brethren sseoined in the Mint of Love. .
The Worshipfal Master, although taken BY sur.
prise, responded in most feeling and appro-
PIRATE terms, thanking his brethren for this
token Of their affection. In the course ~ his
remarks he advertcd TO the fact, that il was
just seven years ago, on that night, that he
was invested with the jewel of the Masters
Office. This ceremony over, the Lodge was
closed, and the members and invited guests
proceeded in body to Brother Henry b.
Grammer's, where an ample table had been
spread loaded with all the delicaeies Of the
season-strawberries, ce-cream, fruit-eake,
sponge-cake, pound-cake, lemonade, ice
water, oranges, &c. After the Worshipfil
Master had returned thanks and invoked the
Divine blessingth the company seated themselves
and partook Of the sumptaous entertainment
The Worshipful Master, then, in few well
chosen terms, alluded to the social pleasures
and enioyments of the evening, expressing his
Qualification at the large numberin attendance,
among whom he was pleased to notice several
brethren from other Lodges, intimating that
it would be agreeable to the members of Door
to-Virtue Lodge, TO hear from them also.
He then called upon Mr.. Henry Vanderford,
Mr.. VIM L. ". Seabrook, DR.. J. p. Sheahan,
and Rev. W. s. Hammond, who in turn re-
sponded in brief but appropriate remarks.
The company separated about 10 O'Clock,
after several hours Of the most pleasurable
social intercourse.
Messrs. Reese and McKellip left here ON
Thursday morning, in the 10 o'clock train,
anu Will start lruiu view 10TH to-uhl, the Nlst
inst. in the steamer Victoria, for Glasgow,
Scotland, on what is known as the "Educa.
tional Excursion, arranged by Mr. Thomas
Cook, Of London. They viii be absent only
about three months, nevertheless Professor
Reese said before starting, that although a
trip to Europe was q common occurrence to
many persons, 1t was to him not onlya nov
city, but a great undertaking. The idea Of
three thousand miles of ocean between these
gentlemen and the loved ones at home whom
they have left behind them, viii frequently
obtrude itself into the experiences Of their
European tour, however pleasantthey may be-
And we fancy these dear ones at home,
saying
What shall we do with all the days and hours
Thatmust be counted ere we see thy facet
/ How shall we charm the interval thai lowers
Between this time and that sweet time OF graceg
Hnger not long; home Is not home without thee;
It's dearest tokens do but make Us mourn.
i o, let is memory like chain about thee,
Gently compel and hasten thy rtnrn.
4 Iinger not long, how shall We watch thy coming
| Asevening shadows stretch DER moor and dell;
When the wild bee hath ceased her busy hummng,
| And silence hanQs all thinRS like a SMELL.