The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-09-02
Masonic Celebration.

Door-to- Virtue Lodge, No. 46, A. f. Am.
OF Westminster, celebrated its list anniversa-
ry on Wednesday last, in the building, Ian old
sprlng-house) where it was organized, at Her
ing s Mill, Frederick county, Nd, in 1871.
Between thirty and forty members were pre-
sent from this city and the neighboring lodges.
Those who went from this city took the cars
to Union Bridge, where vehicles were in wait
ing to carry them to their destination, some
three or four miles distant. The day was fine
and the occasion altogether agreeable. Lodge
was opened IN the same room where it was in
stltuted seventy-one years ago, and the names
OF its officers and members, mot one ofwhom
survives, were the subjects offraternal remem-
brance in the brief recital of the early history
of the Lodge. DR.. j. j. Weaver Jr, of
Uniontown, presented to the Lodge, in the
name of Mrs. Ross Banner, of Union Bridge,
as an interesting relic in state of excellent
preservation, the apron worn by her father,
Maj, Alexander Mcllhenny, who was Master
of Door Virtue Lodge in 1913. 1t was re-
ceived by w. NJ, Isaac A. Miller, on the part
of the Lodge, with proper acknowledgement,
and vote of thanks rendered to Mrs banner,
with the assurance that it would be treasured
by the Lodge as long as it should exist Mr..
Harry Weaver, of Uniontown, exhibited
linen apron lis years old, from Belfast, Ire
land, the details of his possession of which
were given with peculiar interest 1t is en-
bazoned with Masonic emblems in India ink,
and is much larger than the apron used at the
present time. Mr.. Weaver will make this
interesting old relic the object of his special
care. Before the Lodge was called off a vote
of thanks was passed to Mr.. Addison Englar,
the present proprietor of the building, for the
tender of its use for the purposes of the
anniversary. All then repaired to pleasant
grove, about mile distant, where basket
picnic was held, the Lodge having been call
ed off from labor to refreshment; and it was a
season of refreshment, not only to the broth
erhood present, but to the visitors well.
After the bountiful supply of good things had
been served and enjoyed, all present were
assembled in convenient place of densest
shade, when the Master of the Lodge introduce
ed to the audience Prof. James w. Reese, of
Westminster, who delivered an interesting
address touching the tenets and objects of
Masonry, and reciting the history of the Lodge
whose list anniversary they were met to cele-
brate. Prof. Reese also exhibited to the au-
dience the apron of Maj. McIlhenny and made
it the subject of some appropriate remarks.
DIR. j. w. Herring was next introduced and
spoke at some length, recalling the memories
and incidents of his childhood and youth,
having been born upon the farm where Door
to-Virtue Lodge was organized. DIR. j. j.
Weaver, Jr., was next introduced. He held
in his hand the relic from Belfast, which was
more than century old, and made it the
subject of some very appropriate and interest
ing remarks. He was followed by Rev. J.
Stewart Smith, who responded to the invitation
of the w. NJ. in very felicitous address upon
the general tenets of the order, and their
tendencies to the advancement of civil
cation. The assembly then separated for
their homes. The occasion throughout was
one of peculiar interest to the fraternity,
and memorable to all present as one of high
social enjoyment, no incident or accident of
any kind occurring to mar the pleasure of
the participants. Door-to- Virture Lodge may
we'll be congratulated upon the happy auspices
under which her list anniversary was cele-
brated