Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-06-27
TRIufY's PILGRIMAGE.
10 Plae uks Aans g1c,pt 4 b
lroostsok,
AHd 1hess Augusta's elr Knighta
eEd Rftsuds Foasd nuoh . Wei
ooms q 1hsy Never Had Bssoss.

iass evening, having made one of the most
enjoyable pilsfimases recorded in the his
tory Of the commandefy.
Though all the Sir Knights are Maine
men, few Of them had ever visited that
fairess portion CT the State, the fertile, hos.
pirable and beautiful county that lies on
the northern border Of Maine and 10
separated iF,m the sister counties b. 9
long. tedious ride through foreign lsnd,
the domains Of Her Majesty the Queen.
The JOURNAL has had daily accounts Of
the trip but ii is utterly impossible to give
correct expression to or description Of the
perfect manner in which the entire pilgrim
sge vas conducted. Nothing happened
which in the slightest degree could mar the
trip or leave 40 unpleasant recollection for
the future.
Leaving Augusta Tuesday afternoon Sir.
knights Of Trinity found first asylum with
the Bangor fraters. Here is one Of the
finest Masonic halls in New England and
The most companionable knights in the
vide world. After sumptuous entertain
me mt that right the journey was begun at
s o'clock the next morning. Wednesday
afternoon and night Trinity was
in the hands Of St. Aldemar of Hoxlton
and Thursday morning by special train we
proceeded on to the more distant confines
If st. Aldemar's jafisdiction, Fort Fair
field. Caribou ard Pretque Isle.
The weather while not in its happiest
mood vouchsafed all its smiles to
suit the convenience Of the pill
grims. The march from the depot st
Bangor to the hotel was just completed
before heavy shower and when Aroos.
took was reached the shower was over
though the weather had not become SET
tied. The stay at Houlson mas been dis
cribed at length. 1t was typical Of the
openhesited welcome which strrngers al
wxys find in that section.
When We were st Houlton we could have
gone by team to Pre.qus Isle in drive Of
abovs As miles. while going rs we did the
journey was considerably more than 100
miles. Hon A. Albert Burleish, president Of
the Bangor & Aroostook railroad, that is to
be built in time for the next pilgrimage to
or from this county, resides in Houlton
aud 10 doing all that's possible to be done
for the early construction of the road.
Suffice it to say the people are confident
that their earnest and long cherished
hope for direct line is to be fulfilled.
The New Brunswick road will, hosever,
always remain popular because of its
scenery along the lovely st. John valley.
The party was not expecting the half they
realized. Assistant Supt. Stewart of the
road met the party at Woodstock and sc-
companied US through to Presque Isle, and
on the return Friday. He is q most courte-
ous gentleman and every Kindness was
shown the party. A stop was made at the
Aroostook falls of about half an hour. |
The band played several selections, among
them Attack Quickstep" and "Down the
Lins March" Sir knight 'E. A. Dudley
and several others Of the party ran down
the steep bank some 800 feet down 10 the |
river, where fishermen were setting nets sor |
salmon, and went clear to the Falls. Sir
Knight Russell, always with an eye for
curios, found here q fine specimen of
jasper that he prizes highly. At FL. Fair |
field half hour was spent 10 psrsdiDg and
some visited the site of the cid fort, from
waere an excellent view is obtained of
the pretty and thriving town. At Pfesque
Isle, where we arrived about 80, the hospi. |
tsliIy knew no limit. After dinner, the |
citizens and brothers took the visitors in |
teams all over the place. Later parade
vas made through the principal streets
a. before mentioned and the stop
WAS made on the steps Of Masonic |
nail where speeches were made. The Rev. |
Mr.. Park ia most fitting remarks intro
duced the Rev. Mr.. Porter Of Pfesque Isle.
shose address Of welcome was an eioquen. |
eff ,rt. Commander McMurdia's reply to |
the Welcome was mos. happy. He believed !
that the surroundings of people Influenced |
their lives greatly, and he believed this
could easily be seen in the case cf ouc |
hosts. who, living amidst the most lavish |
counties of nature, were enabled to exiend, |
as hey had done most bouBteous hospitality. |
0 her speakers followed. among than being
Judge Knight Of HalloEeil, who in
all his travels had never. he said,
seen finer country. Past Com
mander Avery, who always has the
right word to ssy and know just how to say |
it and Sir Knight Montgomery Of Camden, |
Who was so successful in town division
and isa teller Of the wittiest stories. A |
banquet was later served in the hall and
the Knights found accommodation at the
Pnair and fresque Isle Hotels. The most
pleasant incidents in some respects, Of the
whole trip were the presentations Of jewels
from the commandery to the officers. In q
spirit Of fun, Senior Warden Plsisted, in
front of the Smell House 8. Houlton, WAS
presented by Commander McMurdie with
baton. Fred" though taken completely
by surprise, made very happy reply--snd
the band played. At Pfesque Isle Senior
Warden Piaisted, whose duty it was to drsw
the com mandefy up in line for the COM
mander, when sll was ready stepped to
Eminent Commander McMurdie ard to the
utter surprise Of that officer, presented him
in behalf Of the commandery With costly
and beautiful charm of the order studded
with diamonds and rubies.
The emir e1t commander was completely
overcome. He could make but few words
in reply, expressing his deep feelings for
this handsome expression Of regard
from the Trinity Knights. But
surprises didn't end here. Junior
Warden C. W. Jones stepped up
to Sir Knight Plsis.ed, and in = neat and
eie aens little speech, presented that gen.
tlep,an with handsome Masonic diamond
ring, the gift Of brother Knights Of Trinity.
Mr.. PlAisted in turn was completely sur
prised.
Tie v hole affair was planned 30 neatly
and passed # so well - to be never-to-be
forgotten incidents.
Ergineer McGibbon took the special
Ali. Sbo En;cht. Hwrvn p.a.rua Isia