Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-12-28

NOTES OF THE ANNUAL MASONIC FESTIVAL
Dear Phgnir :-Dost remember how much
ly Masonic l always was ? write to render
tribute of praise that am more so, and can
speak for all who attended the annual Mason
ic festival Wednesday, the 10Th inst Every
such festival here is notably interesting and
successful this one pre-eminently so. There
is always the feeling as though walking on
thrones" as each year we enter AMI are
marched in solemn state through the beauti-
full inner temple of the Freemasons. Rever-
emily do we gaze upon the many emblems
and allegories so delicately, beautifully pic
tured there, on every side. Their deep sig
niticance and silent influence draw our aspira-
tons toward that Upper Temple in the Etern-
al City of our King. Pictures of loved and
honored departed ones remind us to look far
up the golden stairs, where golden gates are
kept ajar by those who watch and wait for us.
So do we circle round this lower temple of the
Masons, with upturned eyes and hearts:
drawn onward and upward by its dome of
paling stars and rising sun to think of all that
is eternal in the heavens, the contemplation
of which every Masonic emblem teaches,
though Masonry may not be itself religion.
This last doctrine was expounded by the elo-
quent orator of the day, Grand Master Smith,
from Rutland. So indeed was the whole
creed of Masonry, exhaustively and instruct
lively. The Grafton was scholarly in style-in
short n masterpiece l took copious notes,
but space fails for even n synopsis. To cata-
logue the good things of the feast of reason
and flow of soul" first came one of Deacon
Houghtons brief, pleasant addresses, as n
welcome to the ladies. Greeting music fol-
lowed by quartette of gentlemen, Messrs
PufTer, Cobb, Kidder and Houghton. Social
hour. Next hour not SO social, the duty to
knife and fork and spoon requiring close at
tention-that is if one tried to "eat through"
the bill of fare of that feast and flow. Some
got only as far as tenthly. When the singers
and others-cOuM be got away from that
beautiful and bountful supper, there was
more music proceeding the installation of Of
fcers. This impressive ceremony was per-
formed by Deputy Grand Master Webster
with ease and precision. The Grafton follow
ed. Grand Secretary Clark was then called
upon, and his impromptu speech was like
him, earnest and practical. Mr.. Wheat, mar
His speech sparkled with wit, though the
body of it was wisdom. But, like some old
wine, whose sparkle would lose if decanted,
so would it be with this speech if repeated.
Mr. John Robertson being called upon spoke
with characteristic earnestness, showing that
Scotch strength of purpose DIR. Holton had
complimented rs well represented in him.
Dea. Houghton's name being called brought
forth another of those telling, eloquent speech
es for which he is noted. Good music hay
ing been interpreted throughout the eve
ming. a vote of thanks called for by Mr.. John
Stowell was unanimously passed and rendered
Appropriate votes of thanks and prayer by
DIR. Holton closed this highly successful festi-
val of Freemasonry, Also, every one of us
having met upon the level, we concluded it
best TO part upon the square. There | think
that sounds real nice and Masonic, though l
am not Mason. List of officers will be CIV
en- officially.
Just as 1 am, like n ragged child, tO'ored
my close, can itemize the grand financial sue
cess and grand good time at the Congrega-
tional festival last evening More anon OF
that. GALE PUTNEY.
The ladies' of the Congregational society
had a good attendance at their annual festival
and fair, their receipts amounting to about
$l2O
We were misnformed last week regard
ing the Irish boy being in the lookup over
night; have learned since that il was not so,
and would take this opportunity to correct the
statement W.