Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-09-22

Chamber OF Lebanon Chapter No. 2
Royal Arch Mas9ns WAS the scene of an
event unrccorded in its history, dating
its organization back thirty-six years.
II was a gathering together of the mem
bers If the Chapter with their wives,
daughters, mothers, sisters and sweet
hearts, and other invited guests. After
all bad assembled, the officers en-
tered in full regalia and took their sta
tons while the choir sang the Doxology.
The Companions then knelt around the
altar and repeated the Lords PRAYER,
after which High Priest w. III Riggs cor
daily welcomed the ladies and all pres
ent, and entered into brief but inter-
esting history Of Royal Arch Masonry,
and OF Lebanon Chapter, giving inform
alton in regard thereto that was un-
known even to the oldest Companions.
We would like to give the remarks in
full, but for want of space print only
that referring to Lebanon Chapter:
The Grand Chapter of Virginia
was organized May 8, 1908. Sept 3, 1S47,
q dispensation was issued by Most Elk.
James ID. McCabe, Grand High Priest,
appointing Comp. Edmund p. Hunter,
ii. p; Comp. Alexander Newcomer,
King, and Comp. Philip G. Pendleton,
Scribe, and other companions, authoriz-
ing them TO form and open a Chapter in
Martinsburg, Va. to be known as
Mount Horeb Chapter No. II. Zebra
airy 10, 1S4S, the Chapter was chartered
by the Grand Chapter of Virginia, to be
known as Mount Lebanon X. A. Chap
ter No. 0. But in all the minutes of the
Chapter since that time no mention is
made Of Mount Lebanon, but Lebanon.
Conyocations were held regularly up to
December, 1854, when, from the records,
the Chapter remained dormant until
November 6, 1853, when the Chapter was
reorganiZed under the old charter and
held meetings until April, 1859, after
which date no meetings were held until
October %, 1867, when q dispehsation
was granted authorizing the members
to convene and resume work under the
old charter, and continued to do sountIl
1871, when this chapter with others in
the jurisdiction of West Virginia met
and organized the Grand Chapter Of
West Virginia, and have continued to
hold meetings regularly up to the pres
ent time as Lebanon r. A. Chapter
No. 2. Our Chapter since its organiza-
ton has furnished two Grand High
Priests. Comp. Il. p. Hunter was elect
ed Grand High Priest of the Grand
Chapter of Virginia in 1910, and Comp.
W. IL. II. Flick, Grand High Priest of
the Grand Chapter of West Virginia in
1880. The Chapter has now on its rolls
in good standing siXty-one members.
BY this it will be seen that our Chapter
has been in existence thirty-siX years,
and no Companion who was present at
its organization is alive to-day, except
Comp. j. J.. A. Entler. who still resides
in West Virginia, but is not now
member Of this Chapter. %%*
The High Priest then called upon
Companion Rev. John Landstreet, who
prefaccd his remarks by stating that
quarter Of a century ago he had worked
his way through Lebanon Capter, and
now on looking around he did not recog-
nize among those assembled the face
of a single Companion so familiar in
the days gone by. He then spoke of the
beauties and benefits Of Masonry that
had come under his own observation,
and was listened to with marked atten-
ton. lie was followed by Companions
w. II. II. Flick, =. A. Rohrbaugl, Judge
Faulkner and W. II. Henshaw, all
speaking in happy and entertaining
way, Rohrbaugh's bird story" eliciting
much mirth.
The recitation by Miss Ella Riggs,
''She Would be a Mason" Aas as well
rendered as it was pleasantly received.
The choir, made up for the occasion,
was composed of some Of the best talent
of the town, and the music furnished
was a leading feature of the occasion.
"Only Pansy Blossom" by Mrs. DR..
McSherry and Mrs. Flick was greatly
enjoyed, as were other selections by the
former lady. Mrs. Judge Faulkner pre-
sided at the organ with the skill and
precision known to our people.
After a recitation, parting Upon the
Square," by Companion Rohrbaugh the
lodge was dispensed with, and refresh
ments served. Charlie Matthaei being
the caterer it is unnecessary to speak
of the elegance or abundance of the
layout.
After sometime spent in social inter-
course, the assemblage took their leave
weir pleased with>the evenings enter
meat.
\ resolution was passed unanimously
expressing the thanks of the Chapter
to the ladies who So kindly assisted in
decorating tn e hall ami furnished flow
ers for the purpose, and to those who
furnished the excellent music on the
occasion.
THE Grand High Priest, Gustav
Brown and the Grand Secretary, 0. :.
Long visited Lebanon Il. A. Chapter
No. at this place Monday night in an
an official capacity, and witnessed