The Democratic advocate., 1886-06-26


One of the most brilliant and successful en-
tertainmepts ever provided by the fraternity
was given on last Wednesday evening by
Door-to- Virtue Lodge No. 46, A. I. A. NJ,
of this city, at the Masonic Hall in Wantz 5
Building, it being the eve of the festival OF
St. John the Baptist, and the 10th anniversary
of the lodge. The committees appointed to
make the arrangements gave it their best et-
forts, feeling that the dignity of the occasion
demanded an entertainment worthy OF Masons,
and if ever worthy aspiration was realized
this one surely was. The hall, which is prob,
ably the finest lodge room in the state, is well
suited for imposing ceremonies, and the com,
pany who were assembled well represented
the consequence and intelligence of the COM
munity. The committee, satisfied with the
amplitude and elegant simplicity OF the room,
and the brilliancy of their jewels and lodge
clothing, forbore elaborate decoration, the
most notable ornaments being bouquets at the
stations of the principal officers and a basket
of beautiful flowers suspended over the altar,
which was made and presented by Miss Mary
B. Shellman. The principal feature OF the
entertainment was the installation OF ofncers
for the ensuing term, and which was pleas
antly enlivened by musical and literary exer-
cises. Promptly at eight clock the Master
raped for order, the familiar Gavel Song was
sung, and the lodge was formally opened with
PRAYER by Rev. j. T. Murray. Past Master
VIM. A. Cunningham, as marshal, in the most
impressive manner made proclamation to the
four quarters of the earth of the business III
hand, and challenged objection. No objec-
ton appearing, P. NJ. James w. Reese
proceeded to install the officers of the lodge
in ancient and ample form, rendering the ritual
in a superior and imposing manner. James
A. Difenbaugh was installed Worshiptul
Master, Chas. 81. Baughman Senior Warden
and Chas. E. Goodwin Junior Warden, ap-
propriate musical selections accompanying
their induction into their respective stations.
VIM. Moore was installed Secretary, jas. W.
Reese Treasurer, George E. Sharrer Senior
Deacon, B. Frank Grouse Junior Deacon. Z.
K. and Geo. A. Miller Stewards, and Charles
N. Kuhn Tyler. The Marshal then pro-
claimed to the four quarters of the earth that
the officers had been duly installed, and in
yoked from brethren everywhere the homage
due to their exalted stations.
Perhaps the most welcome announcement
of the evening was made at this point by Q.
Robt. Miller, one of the stewards, in the fol-
lowing form: "Worshipful Master, desire to
announce that your dutiful and obedient stew
ards having the comfort of the craft tenderly
in mind, have provided much good cheer
against the hour of refreshment which is now
l.
pleasure to suspend these arduous labors that
the craft may be refreshed and our guests
properly served" An hour or more was
spent in refreshing the craft and serving the
guests. Although the number present was
probably $50, the "good cheer was abundent
and to spare. The members of the Lodge
We'd with each other in minis.ering to the CON-
fort and enjoyment of their guests. When
labor was resumed the Worshipful Master,
Jas. A. Diffenbaugh, made neat address,
reciting some of the traditions of ofFreemasonry,
how the saint John happened to be canon
lied by the craft and why their festivals were
celebrated with so much pomp and circum-
stance throughout the world. He also set
forth in a brief way the benefits of Masonry
and his high idea of a masters responsible
ties, thanking the brethren for the support
they had given him during his former term
and the continued confidence shown by his
re. election. The frequent applause which
greeted Mr.. Diffenbaugh during his address
was verycomplimentary and was truly merited,
it being one of his happiest efforts. His easy,
graceful manner, choice and beautiful Ian.
guage, appropriate gestures and dignited
bearing proclaimed to all present that he is
master of the high position he holds and
credit and honor to the Fraternity. This was
followed by mastery address by Past Mas.
ter, Jas. W. Reese, who eloqnently presented
the Just claims of Freemasonry to all the es-
TEEN and devotion shown by its votaries, and
graphically described the lessons it teaches
and the moral restraint 1t imposes. he also
let the ladies into the secrets of Freemasonry,
which created much merriment and applause.
Prof Reese is well known as felicitous and
ready speaker, and on this occasion he real
lied fully the high expectations his name on
the program had excited. Hon. Henry Van
derford was called up and responded grace
fully for the audience, thankingthe Lodge for
the pure endowment all had felt; and endors
ing in vigorous and scholarly language all that
had been said in behalf of the principles and
usefulness of the Brotherhood.
Choice solos were sung by c. II, Spurrier,
Thos. A. Murray and Miss Ida Dittenbaugh,
and a beautiful duet by Mrs. Z. V. Wantz and
Prof Spurrier added much enjoyment to their
part of the program. We deem those persons
fortunate whom the committee OF arrange
ments honored with invitations, as the exer;
cises were as chaste and elegant as they could
well have been.
The following brief extract from Past Mas
ter Reese address possesses interest as part
of the early history of the Lodge:
The first meeting of Door-to-V Virtue Lodge
was held (under dispensation from the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master of Masons in
Maryland,) on Sunday, June 23d, 1911, at
Pipe Creek, Frederick (now Carroll) county.
The members present on this occasion was
Jesse Cloud, Worshiful Master; VIM. P. Far
quhar, Senior Warden. VIM. Slaymaker, Ju-
nior Warden; Enoch Taylor, Senior Deacon;
Daniel Slaymaker, Junior Deacon; Moses
Wright, Secretary and Treasurer; VIM. Nc
Collum, Tyler, and Moses B. FarquhaF,
an Entered Apprentice.
The Lodge continued to hold its meetings
at Pipe Creek until the year 1878, when 1t
removed to Uniontown, and again removed
in July, 1924, to Westminster.