Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-08-07
Masonic Celebration.

AS stated in the GAZETTE the l35th ami
verssry of the raising of Geo. Washington to
the degree of Master Mason, was celebrated
yesterday by Fredericksburg Lodge togeth-
or with representatives from this city and
Washington, who went on an excursion to
Mount Vernon.
Upon reaching Mount Vernon the Mason.
ic bodies represented formed in procession
and marched to the tomb, fredericksburg
Lodge leading the way. After the pilgrims
had gathered around the tomb. the Marine
Band rendered the Miserers from II. Tro-
vatore in a most impressive manner, all
present .tanding with uncovered heads. e.
G. Smith, grand chaplain of the Grand
Lodge of the District of Columbia, offered
prayer appropriate to the occasion, after
which Assistant Superintendent Young de-
livered his usual address for the Information
OF the visitors. The next thing in order was
to take position on the lawn in front of
the mansion, when the entire party was pho
tographed, Fredericksburg Lodge In the
front rank.
The ceremonies at the mansion were con.
Quoted from the south portico. MIR. Lever,
chairman of the committee of arrangements,
opened the proceedings with a brief state
ment explaining that the 18Th anniversary
of the raising OF George Washington to the
sublime degree of Master Mason fell upon
the 4th day of August, but for the convent
ence OF those desiring to participate the Gel
ebration was postponed unti yesterday.
F. E. Corbett, P. NJ, of Alexandria WASH
ing ton Lodge, master one hundred years at
ter Washington was selected to preside In
the absence of Worshipful Master Kemper,
of the same lodge, who had been originally
chosen. After few appropriate remarks
Mr.. Corbett introduced the orator Of the &C.
cason, S. J. Quinn, w. NJ, of Fredericks.
burg Lodge, No.4 Mr.. Quinn read an ex
ceedingly interesting historical sketch of
George Washington in Masonry. The orator
| read extracts from the records of Freder.
icksburg Lodge, No. 4, to show that Wash
ington took the entered apprentice degree
on the 4th Of November, 1852. He passed
to the degree of fellow craft, and was raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason on
the 4th of August, 1853. The records also
show that Washington was initiated before
he reached maturity Under the laws of
Masonry of to-day no one is permitted to
enter the order until he has reached the age
of 81 gears.
JohH H. Ocott, p NJ of Lafayette Lodge,
| No. 49, of Washington, was called upon for
speech, in which he congratulated Fred
ericksburg Lodge for having upon its roll of
membership so ilustrious name as that OF
George Washington, the father of this great
and glorious country. He coupled in
happy way the names of Washington and
Lafayette, and az representative of Lsfay
cite Lodge proposed the following senti.
ment, which was received with applause:
THAT Fredericksburg Lodge continue its
usefulness until its records shall be merged
into those of the Grand Lodge above"
F. A Reed, of this city, Past Master of
Andrew Jackson Lodge, and G. W. Smith,
Grand Chaplain of the District Of Columbia,
also made ebort addresses. The exercises
closed with the rendering of the "Star-Span-
ged Banner" The excursonists then took
the boat and went across the river to Mar
shall Hall, where dinner was spread. Re.
turning. they reached this city at about
six o'clock, when the Fredericksburg Lodge and
! its friends took the train for home. 1t was
memorable trip, and all who participated in it
commend the untring efforts Of the committee Of
| arrangements.
The freedom OF the grounda at Mount Vernon
on this ion was granted to the Masops by
| special resolution passed at the May meeting of
| the vice regents, and the result was communicated
to Fredericksburg Lodge by Mrs. Lewis ". Wash.
| ington, vice regent for West Virginia, andtM
Ball. vice regent for Virginia. Letters of regret
were read FROM Grand Master Shrycock, of Mary
land Grand Master Uler, of New York; j. W.
Lee, Grand Master, and ". B. Singleton. Grand
Secretary District of Columbia. and 4. F. Craig
hill, Deputy Grand Master of Virginia.