Connecticut western news., 1883-06-27
l783. 'KW 1883. CENTENNIAL
Montgomery Lodge, No IS, F. & A. M.
 
LakoVille, June 20, 1883

Montgomery lodge, No l3, + x A M, of Lakeville, Conn, last Wednesday June 20, took another step forward and entered on the second century of it's ex- istence. One hundred years of faithful work for the elevation of mankind one hundred years of masonic labor, uniting men into @ society of friends and broth CTS, bearing each others burdens and assisting each other on the road that leads to the celestial lodge above, have been placed to the credit of Montgom- cry lodge by the Supreme Architect of the universe. June 20, 1883 will be en- tered on the historic page. To recount in detail the exercises, to give the names of the masonic fraternity and distin- guished visitors assembled there, to re- cord the speeches and the incidents of the celebration would require 8 paper the size of the field where the grand re- view took place. A brief reference only can be given. The day was perfect. All nature seemed in harmony with the occasion. Not the slightest accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the large assemblage, and the program was fully carried out All the forenoon long trains of cars were arriving from the east and the west, and by noon the grand procession was formed. There were four commentaries and sixty one lodges represented. The commentaries were from Pittsfeld, Bridgeport, Water bury and Hartford. They presented an imposing appearance, and were noble body of men. Most of the lodges were from Connecticut, although several were from Berkshire county, Mass, and from Duchess and Columbia counties, N Y. Howes band from Bridgeport, Colts band from Hartford, the Germania band from Pittsfeld, drum corps from Wa terbury, the Lakeville band, the West Cornwall band and other bands partici- pated in the parade and subsequent ex- ercises.
 Hubert Williams, w M of Montgom- cry lodge, was Chief Marshal. His aids were K T, B Dudley, c H Rowley Past-Master of Montgomery lodge and K T, Harlow P Harris.
 The procession was formed in large field east of Gov Holley's grove border ing on the lake, The line of march ex- tended through Main street to the east ern portion of the village, returning to Gov Holley's residence, passing through the grove into the field and arriving at the large dining tents where plates had been set for 22OO.
 There were nearly 2OOO masonic brethren in line and several hundred
 had been detailed to wait on the tables and receive those who took part in the
 parade. At the conclusion of the din-
 ner, the communicates, lodges, bands and spectators marched to the beautiful
 grove where seats had been provided for
 the vast assemblage and a platform erect
 ed for the speakers.
 Luke A Lockwood of Greenwich. Ct, Past Grand Master, opened the exercises and introduced Rev Dr Hiram Eddy ot Canaan, who offered prayer. The open. ing ode My Country 'Tis of The, ' was sung with spirit by the entire as. semblage. Past Grand Master, Luke A Lockwood made the address of welcome on behalf of Montgomery lodge. The original charter of Montgomery lodge which had been missing since 1793 and which was resurrected through the un. tiring efforts and search of K T, H Harris was returned to Montgomery lodge accompanied by an appropriate address from Most Worthy Past Grand Master, Barlow of Birmingham. This ancient charter was received on behalf of the lodge by w M, Hubert Williams ] Rev A N Lewis of Westport, deliv
 cred an historical address concern ing Montgomery lodge. Appropriate
 speeches were made by R W G M, E6
 Wright of Boston, P G c, Rev E W Maxey of Bridgeport, D G H P, James Morrison of New-York, P G Marshall Ed L Gall of New-York. The closing
 speech was made by Joseph l. Barbour of Hartford. He has been 8 member o
 the masonic fraternity only a few months. The chairman in introducing brother Barbour said, " You have listen
 ed to Past Grand Masters, Past Grand
 Chaplains and Past Grand Marshals, ]
 now have the pleasure of introducing a brother who is Past Grand Nothing
 This humorous introduction was time
 ly hit and caused great meriment Brother Barbour is short in statue, but tall in intellect. Dame Nature proba bly, constructed his brain first Her lavish outlay for brain undoubtly neces sited scrimping of his statue. He was overfowing with wit and humor and kept the assemblage in an uproar ot mirth. Lieut. Gov Bulkeley, Hon Nor gan G Bulkeley, Hon l. B Merriam, ,Supt J F Jones, Gen Ticket Agent Walter
 Pearce and other prominent men from Hartford were present.
 We noticed the editors were having a glorious time. Who blames them for rejoicing when they get square meal? , Giddings, Rodemeyer and Erwin could f make man smile at his mother-in- law s
 funeral. The press was represented by
 Giddings of tho New Milford Gazette, Rodemeyer of the Valley Ledger, Erwin of the Danbury Item, Vaill of the Win.
 sted Herald, Naples of the Norwalk
 Hour, Addis of the Windsor Locks