The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1882-06-07
The Festival of st John the Baptist
Circular from Grand Master Speed.
OFFICE OF GRAND MASTER OF
MAsoSs II MISSISSIPPI,
VICKsBURG. MAY 80, 1882.

MASoSS N MISSISSIPPI,
VIcKsBURG, May 80, 1882.
To the Fraternity Of Ancient, Free and Ao
cepted Masons in the State of Mississippi
GREETING:
The ensuing Festival of st. John tht
Baptist, falling on Saturday, and it being
found inconvenient for some Lodges 10 OBJ
serve that day of the week, and also because
it is the Jewish Sabbath, when many of oul
members are engaged in the performance oI
religious duties and will be prevented from
Joining in the festivities of the day, do
hereby authorize any Lodge which nav so
desire, to observe any day of the preceding
or following week, instead of Saturday the
24th proximo, as the Festival of ST. Jchn
the Baptist, and the business of the regular
| Communication, required to be held on that
day, may be transacted either upon the day
of the observance of the Festival of St.
John, or upon the oath day of June rs the
| Master may direct
| From the Ancient (GeneraD Regulations
we learn, that according to the ancient
laudable custom of Masons" feast" was
held ''in some convenient place, on St. John
Baptists' Day, or else on st. John Evangel-
lists Day" There can be no doubt that the
neglect of the social features of Masonry,
in consequence of numerous disturbing
causes that for some years past, have had
their influence upon the Craft, as well as
the country, have had the effect to greatly
loosen the tie between the brotherhood
Lodges meet and work, and the brethren at
the end of their labor separate, and that, too,
without seeing much of each other, for the
silence and decorum of the Lodge forbid
much conversation. 4 moderate enjoy
ment of the hours of refreshment and sober
interchange of good feeling, is but carrying
out one of the great objects of Freemasonry,
which is to cultivate and strengten the
social sentiment, "Asceticism," said the
late Bro. Maekey, "is almost as much re-
moved from the true design and character |
of the Order as is dissipation" Every !
Lodge should unite in the celebration of at |
least one of the great Festivals of the Fra
ternity, at which frugal refreshments should |
be provided, remembering that it is the in
tellectual familiarity of friendship and not
the animal indulgence ofsensuality, that is
to be cultivated. Doubtless the "Great
City" Lodge of London, set us a better ex-
ample when they 'joined sociality and char
ity over their bread and cheese and ale than
they would have done if they had left the
charity out, and feasted on turtle soups and
punch and roast beef and sherry" ga
Lodge" says an eminent brother, "is fam
lily, aud like every other family, it must
have its reunions" l advise a return to
the former custom of holding a re union of
the Lodge, at which the members of their
households shall be welcomed participants,
at least upon Que of st. Johns Days, and
where it is convenient / suggest that the
members of neighboring Lodges shall be
assembled at some central point, and de-
fote part, if not the entire day to the renew
Il ofold friendships and the cultivation of 8
,he gentler virtues of mans social nature.
And that the olden custom of taking up :
/ collection for charity, at all our Rasts, !
nay not be overlooked, | beg to remind the !
brethren that the wants of the Orphan :
Asylum at Natchez have not all been sup
,lied and there is still urgent need for q
LIBERAL contributions to that most useful of 4
harities | suggest that whatever form
heir festivities may take upon the ensuing ;
Festival, an effort be made to raise a sum :.
or that institution which shall be worthy "
f the donors and of the noble object TO
which it is to be devoted, assuring them S
hat from personal inspection your Grand
faster, as well as Grand Secretary and c
1any other Grand Officers, can
estify that no charitable institution can be &.
upon a more economical and pru- y
ent basis than that which characterlzeS %
be management of this one, and there is no h
anger that any portion of the funds will be =
'asted by extravaganza or mismanagement Il
. moderate contribution from each Lodge ~
ill carry the Institution to the end of the !,
ear. Its treasury is nearly empty, but our !,
rethren will not suffer the children to want :,
n bread. Let us remember that che that ''
ath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he -
iveth of his bread to the poor" :;
FREDERIC SPEED, -
Grand Master. :,
Attest: +
L. POWER. Grand Secretary. - u