Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-06-02
FUNERAL GRAFTON,
Delivered May goth, at the Academy of
Music, in memory of VIM c. Shives,
Grand Chancellor of West Va,
Knights of Pythias.

BYP. G. CHANCELLOR, VIM GERHARDT.
BROTHER KNIGHTS If on clear
and beautiful day ship leaves the
harbor under full sail, with favorable
wind, and it's deck crowded with pas
| sengers bound for their home, it is a
| beautiful sight, as it sails on with its
streamer thrown to the breeze.
If this ship has good captain, a
skiliful pilot, true and obedient sail
ors, and is furnished with all neces-
sary appliances for the voyage, every
one on board feels safe and secure.
The ship sails on under favorable
winds, and under the control and
management of its efficient officers
sails on its majesty, like thing of
life as long as its course is uninter-
rupted by storms or other calamities
that sometimes disturb the deep; for
dark and lowering clouds occasional
ly appear in the heavens, threatening
storms and tempests; and rocks and
sand-banks sometimes Turk near the
surface to imminent danger of the
ship in its course over the vast ocean.
But under the guidance of competent
officers, it generally sails on clear of
danger. Everything bids fair for a
safe and prosperous voyage, and all
on board rejoice in the prospect of
safely reaching the wished-for har-
Dor. What joy thrills every bosom !
How happy every one feels in the an
ticipation of soon meeting and en-
bracing their dear friends who are
anxiously awaiting them.
But, behold I! suddenly there is a
change, in the hitherto clear sky !
Dark and lowering clouds arise and
soon o'erspread the heavens, hiding
from view the bright sun--the sure
indications OF terrible storm. Ev-
cry thing is now in confusion on
board. Hurried preparations are
made by officei5 and crew to meet
the coming storm. All hands fly o
work, and no one d2res or wishes to
be- remisy in his d,iCy ia the hour 81
LANCER.
Tho .t1rm comes on rapidly, dis
tur5ing, aeitating the mighty deep.
The waves surge up like mountains.
The noble ship is tossed hither and
chither by tae mighty pillows and
sometimes seems to be entirely swal
| lowed mp by the y&wning jaws Of the
watery monSter All the passengers
are trembling with fear lest the noble
ship be wrecked and they find wa
terry grave. Bat through the skilltul
management of the officers, and the
untiring activity, energy and tho
rough efficiency of the sailors, the
ship outrides the storm, and every
neart is filed with gratitude and JOY
at tie prosp. ct Of safety.
Bat alas the storm has not yet
ceased its rayages. 1t demands a
vic i'm. suddenly a SAD end fatal
catastrophe takes place at the very
m ment when all danger seems past.
Unexpectedly is heard a terrific lhun-
deI- clap, and the captain lies pros
trate and Iifeless upon toe deck the
chief person OF all on board upon
whom depends the safety Of all. Ev-
cry heart is slucii with terr,r and
dismay al this serious calamity. True,
the calamity does not nt cessArily i'm.
peril the safety of the ship and the
lives Of its passengers. for there are
other officers on board who may he
competent to take the captains place,
and guide and steer the vessel safely
to its destined port. but the loss is
not the less great calamity.
Brother Knights Il is thus with
our noble Order in this Jurisdiction,
at the present time. The ship is a
type OF our Grand Lodge Knights of
Pythias. Its captain, officers and
crew symbolic our Grand Chancellor
officers and members of the Grand
Lodge of West Virginia. The Order
universal has had it's storms in the
past. and survived them all add our
own Grand Lodge ship has been sail
ing along slowly but surely and safe
| ", well manned with good and eff
cient officers. The sky is clear and
the prospect fair. But alas ! sudden
ly our captain is struck down by the
fell destroyer, death, and removed to
the spirit world. He has passed away
and we hope tn that lodge perfect,
| glorious and eternal that will never
break up, where membership lasts
forever, and where no dues are re-
quired except praising God by sing.
ing the songs of Moses and the Lamb"
Grand Chancellor VIM. c. Shiyes
has given his last grip, and whisper