The daily gazette., 1879-12-18
II Pleasant Esteytzi,s,me,,t.

Last eyeping st. JcAS's Chapter, No.
3, Royal Arch MasOns of this city, gave
Pheasant reception to a number of
companions, invited guests and lady
trends. The exercises were held In the
Chapter room, at the Masonic Temple,
and nearly one hundred compsnio ons re.
sponded TO the invitation to be present,
most OF them being accompanied by their
wives or lady friends.
Thomas Davidson, the Most Excellent
high Priest Of St. Johns Chapter, pre-
sided, and delivered a cordial address of
welcome to those present. He then in>
troduced Rev. j. 81. Caldwell, d. D.,
pastor OF st. Paups M. L. Church, who
maze , brief but decidedly interesting
address on Free Masonry. Dr. Oald well
speaks well upon any subject and par
icuIar!y spoD Free Masonry, and he de-
livered himself of discourse which held
The close attention of all in the room. He
spoke OF Masonry in It's historical aspect
Claiming for 1t an antiquity of origin not
Possessed by any other human institu-
uon. Its course has been traced clearly
anu directly back to the building Of Kipg
Soiomon's temple, = period at least a
thousand years previous TO the begin
ming OF the Christian Era. DR.. Cald ell
referred to Mackey's !" istory Of M ason-
ry," as giving many interesting poi uts In
regard 10 the career of this ancient order
and showing that many men whose
names have adorned the pages of the
general, military ana political annals of
the past were also equally conspicuous
IN Masonic history, and served the order
with the same zeal and fidelity that
marked their great services to their coun-
try.
Before and after the speaking ex cellent
music was rendered by Ritchie's string
orchestra.
A About nine O'Clock by invitation of
Mr.. Davidson, the company repaired TO
the grand dining hall, where an elegant
COLLATION. was prepared. Five tables
ty-s'x persons, and In few minutes
nvery seat was occupied. Willing com.
panions flew around briskly, dispensing
ne roast turkey, fried oysters and other
dellracles, and in a very short tine all
seated at the tables were devoting them
selves to the interesting task of dispOsi ng
OF the good things that were generously
placed before them. Finally, when the
end OF the bill of fare bad been rea ached
ana sl, dessert Of Ice cream, cakes and
fruits gone through with, chairman
Davidson rappedfOr order, when another
literary entertainment was enjoyed with
the following toasts and responses
1.-THE GraDd Chapter OF Delaware ,
responded to by companion H. b. Nj
Iptire.
"St. Johns Chapter, No. 4, r. A. M. !"
responded to by companion j. F. My
mich.
"The Grand Chapter of New Jersey -
responded to by companion Davidson
This toast is made pertinent by the facl
that the Grand Chapter of New Jersey
rendered valuable aid In organizing st.
Johns Chapter. Royal Arch Masonry il
Delaware then being "under cloud
Companion Davidson appropriately ac
knowledged the kind services Of tht
companions Of New Jersey.
"The Masonic Fraternity" responded
TO by DR.. Geo. T. Maxwell, IN an able
md interesting address, embracing All
entertaining resume of the leading piin
ciples of Masonry.
"Our City" responded tc by Compan
ion $. A. NJ Macallister, City Solicitor.
"The State of Delaware;" responded
10 uy Companion Charles B Lore, ESQ.
"Education;'' responded to by Com
masterly address, showing the relation
of Masonry with free and thorough
ducatiOn.
"Our Lady Friends;" responded to in
An exceedingly witty and entertaining
address by Companion Harry Sharpley,
President of City Council.
Kew. A. N. Keigwin, pastor of West
presbyterian Church, closed the respon
Ses with an address showing the rel.
tions of Masonry with pure and true
religion, founded on the principles Of
the Bibe.
After DR.. Maxwell's address the com
pany repaired to the Chapter room
where the remaining addresses were
dslivered. The whole affair proved most
delightfully."- entertaining and reflected
great credit upon the committee who 81
carefully conducted all the details to
such successful elimination.