Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-01-02

Editors Of the Kenmstse Journal:

Dunlap Royal Arch Chapter, No. IL. +.
and A. NJ, IL among the oldes. chapters OF
he State. Chartered May !, 1861 il va.
for several years the only Ms.oaic body OF
he kind In this section. Its present OF
past members sre 10 be found in nearly
very state in the Union. ami =, charter
members OF the chapters more recently
formed 10 this section d the State. 1t has
Yielded considerable number Of iss early
members. II has always been prosper
rus organization and has ever held upon its
sali Of membership the names Of the most
highly respected and most Influential men
If this community. 70 those Who are
acquainted with this body il is needless TO
state that the same coed fortune as of
former days attends Dunlap Chapter.
The excursions, picnics and social
gatherings ofthe members accompanied by
iheir wives and lady friends, have we'll
nigh become an annual event. But none
such occurred during the summer last
passed.. That. As i; well might seem.
browning fort might be made to celebrate
the ,hirtielh anniversary of the first move
ment tow ards securing their charter. Ac-
cordingly. Tuesdsy evening, Dec 30. 80,
in spite Of the nipping cold and cloudy sky,
Companions with ladies' came pouring in
from all the surrounding towns. China,
Albion, Vassalboro, Palermo ard Water
Vile were we'll represented. One Com
psnion Rev. Mr.. Glidden, formerly of the
VI. f. church, China, drove all the way
from Friendship, distance of forty Ave
miles, to attend.
At seven o'clock forty five Companions
and As many ladies' were assembled al
1.i1 Wis
psnions and members. in uniform and con
dncted by Companion john A. Woodsum as
Marshal, entered the hall to march played
by Dinsmore's Orchestra of Waterville
After prayers by the Chaplain. Companion
willard Z. Palmer, pastor Of the North
Vassalboro Baptist church. the officers took
heir respective stations AMI the Compsn-
ions were seated. Music was again rem
iered by the orchestra after which the
Marshal introduced as speaker Of the even
ipg, Grand Prior of the Supreme Council
If the Northern Masonic Jurisdiotion Of the
q. s.. Rev. J L. Seward, $50, pas
tor Of the Unitarian church, Water
vile. Companion Seward is an
able and pleasing speaker AMI is one of the
most thoroughly informed Masons Of the
time. Having taken all the degrees of
Masonry from tue Hrt 10 Tue tAtiis t1ofougH
student OF history both ssc-ed and rrofsue
ss we'll as masonic lore and traditions, the
.pesker was especially well adapted 10 the
subject from which he chose to speak
The Relations of Masonry to the State.
In his address be treated Of the origin OF
mystic orders, the history of masonry. the
origin and value of secrets, explained the
tenets and ceremoHisls of Masonry AMI
spoke of its purely republican character. 1t
was an admirable effort and WAS attentively
listened to throughout
After the address and music, the Com
panions with ladies adjourned to the G.. A
r Hall, across the street. where they did
Justice to q Masonic banquet con sisting of
turkey with belongings, and dessert of past
ry and fruit. The bar uei was nicely pre-
pared ard served. doing credit to Mrs c.
H. Dow, of the China House. and her As
sistants, who had it in charge. After sup
per all returned to Masonic Hall. where
speaking, music and socisbiity served to
while away the time pleasantly until late
hour. r, Il. L.