Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-10-27
THE MASONIC CENTENNIAL.

Nothing shows more the proper sentiments
of the people of community than that which
attests their reverence for the valued memories
Of the past. In transmitting cherished insti-
buttons founded by our fathers one hundred
years ago, we begin to realize that we inhab1t
and old country. With our love for civil and
unrestrained religious liberty founded upon
the principles of the declaration of tndepend-
ence promulgated by the colonies when shaK-
ing off tyrany is associated the sublime spec
tacle OF witnessing through the lapse OF CEN
fury and more of time that no weakness or dis
Indignation mars the strength OF SO many OF
the rich legacies bequeathed to us by our faith
| ers. Among these is the institution of Masonry
Of ancient origin and free and accepted through
a universal brotherhood.
In the oldest town of the Valley at the pre-
sent time, through its Masonic Lodge, call is
Issued for celebrating the centennial OF that
institution. which, with the Bible as its chart
and the emblems of Masonry in regulating its
| work. it exists constant illustration Of fra
ternal association and enduring benefits TO its
| members and the community. The Stanton
Lodge of Ancient Free and accepted Masons
No, Is was chartered 18th of October, 1855, by
Grand Master Edmund Randolph, who was At
torney. General under the administration OF
General Washington as President. The officers
OF tho Lodge were Alexander Long, Worship
fnl Master; William Chambers, Senior Warden;
and John Paris, Junior Warden. During the
earlier years ofits history, Lodge meetings were
held at the homes OF the members till later
day when 1t had place Of abode in the Staun
ton Academy building. In 1858. 1t was located
in the property now known as the Masonic
Temple which it owns In fee simple. MIR.
Chambers succeeded Mr.Lopg as Master and
among those who have held the same position
of honor in its fraternity were. l.. L. Stevenson.
James Points, David w. Patteson, ]. Worth
ington Smith, and the lamented Colonel Will
liam H. Hartman, sill OF whom became Grand
Masters of the Grand Lodge of Virgihia-the
latter filling that office at the time of his death.
In addition to the officers of the Lodge in 1855
named above there were at the first convoca-
ton the following named members: Francis
Long, Senior Deacon; James Davis, Junior
Deacon Anthony Mustoe, Secretary and Trea-
surer; William Forbish, Steward and Tyler:
and John Stewart Thomas Turk. Alexander
McClanathan, Thomas Hughart, John Abney.
John Mcconnell, Samuel Cargo, John John
ston.
The officers of 1856 are Edwin M. Cushing, W.
M; James NJ. Lickliter, s. W.; William F.
Snapp, ]. W.; Sam1 B. Pugh, S. D.; julius ].
Prufer, j. D.; P. FL. Trout, Treasurer; A. A.
Eskridge, Jr., Secretary; Lewis Rosenbaum,
Steward and Tyler.
The Lodge and invited members will as
semble at the temple att p. M, 25th, and move is
the following order to the Opera House, headed
by the StonewalI Brigade Band, the command
cry of Knights Templar acting as escort, Mas
ter Masons. officers of Visiting Lodges. Grand
officers, Orator, Staunton Lodge No. Is. The
| exercises at the Opera House will be opened
with music by the band, and prayer by the
Chaplain Rev. J. G. Dice. Mr.. w. Fl. Fl. Lynn
will deliver a brief address, sketching the his
tory ofthe Lodge and will introduce Past Mas
ter, r. T. W. Duke. Jr., Of Widows Son Lodge,
Charlottesville, who is the orator for the occa-
sion.
A grand banquet will come of at the Hale
House later in the evening. The proprietors of
that popular hotel will excel themselves on
this occasion in an entertainment which is to
be associated with SO much of the past and the
history of Staunton.