Morning journal and courier., 1883-11-16
Hiram Lodge.


 An Interesting sessiOn-N1ayOr Lewis Re-
 ceives the Degree Of Matter Mason
 Speeches by Prominent A1asons-A Ban-
 quet.
 It was an interesting occasion that called the members of Hiram lodge of Masons to- gether last evening, being none other than the raising of Hon. Henry G. Lewis, the worthy Mayor of this city, to the sublime de- gree of Master Mason. The blue lodge room was crowded, not less than three hundred Masons being present. Every lodge in the city was represented and among the grand officers present were Grand Master Waldron, District Deputy Grand Master Durand of Waterbury, and Grand Chaplain Rev. T. s. Samson of this city. Among the visiting members present were Past Master Price of Dayspring lodge of Hamden, Rev. A. G. Shears of this city, Rev. s. W. Maxy, past grand chaplain, and others of St. Johns lodge of Bridgeport; Past Master N. E. Smith Master H. D. Simons of Ansantawse lodge of Milford, and from the various lodges in this city were Past Masters N. D. Sperry, F. NJ.
 Wiser, George Orabtree, Edward F. Mans field. Paul Veil. Julius Twiss, CharlesWebster, E. F. Merrill, N. F. Burritt, Charles Fl. Fow- Ter, James D. Dewen and many others. Among the city officials present were Chief A. 0. Hendrick, Fire Commissioner Welch, Fire Marshal Kennedy, Fire Commissioner Ruff. Alderman Frank s. Platt and others.
 General Frank D. Sloat was also present.
 The third or Master Mason's degree was conferred on Hon. Henry G. Lewis, Mayor of the city, in due and ancient form by W. Nj. William J. Veitch and his assistants. On the conclusion of the ceremony of in- itiation Worshipful Master Veitch called on District Deputy Grand Master Durand, of Waterbury, for few remarks. That gentle man on rising said that hs was pleased to be present on the occasion of rais- ing so distinguished gentleman to the sub lime degree of Master Mason. He congrat
 ulated the officers on the success of their
 work and expressed his hope for the continu- ed prosperity of Hiram lodge No. l. Grand Master Waldron vas next called. He expressed his satisfaction at being pres
 ent. He said that the gentleman who was to- night made Mason was one whom he had l known for years and whom he had learned to
 respect for bis honest, upright integrity of character and he expressed the hope that more such citizens would be brought within the sacred precincts of Masonry.
 Past Master N. D. Sperry was called out and thanked the officers that he was invited | to be present on the occasion of receiving so | old and tried 8 friend as Henry G Lewis l He believed he would be the same trus man 1 in the lodge that he was out of 1t. He con | graduated the lodge on receiving so worthy | and distinguished citizen.
 Rev. T. s. Samson was next called on, and
 said he cherished very high regard for ma
 sorry, although his pastoral labors did Eot 1 permit him to be present at the lodge meet | ings as often as he could wish. He urged the
 members to be present at the lodge as often 1 as possible, and said that with the materia 1 they were at present receiving they had noth | ing to fear in the future.
 l Rev. MT. Maxcy, Past Grand Chaplain 0. 1 Bridgeport, was called upon and made @ very l pleasing address. He congratulated ths off 1 cers on the efficient manner in which they | had performed their work, and wished then | all success In the future.
 1 After this Mayor Lewis made brief ad
 dress expressive of his regrets that he hat
 not been made Mason in his younger years
 He said he should endeavor to do his duty tt
 the order and appreciated the kind and gen l erous feeling extended to him
 Letters of regret at their inability to b present were read from Hon. Henry B, liar
 rison and John 0. Anderson, Esq.
 The lodge was then adjourned in due form
 after which banquet was served in the ban quet hall. The occasion throughout was I most interesting one.