Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-04-20
A TEMPLE OF BEAUTY
MASONIC FAIR OPENED LAST NIGHT
UNDER BRILLIANT AUSPICES.
An Address BIZ 0rand-Mastsr Plsasants-
4usie and lGirth-0srxeous Dscora-
tions-Au Immsuss Audience.

II last nights results are to be taken as
basis of calculation the Masonic Fair
will, ct the expiration Of the two weeks 't
Is to run. have been an unprecedented
event in the history OF the order in VIZ
einia.
When, at 7 o'clock, the doors OF the
magnificent Masonic Temple were thrown
open the spectators began to pour in, and
the stream did not cease until after 10.
The Grand-Lodee room, in which the TAR
is being conducted, was soon niied, ano
OF the evening was simply surging mass
OF humanity.
Long trains of handsome gowns stood no
show whatever, as space was TOO precious,
and only the fair young maiden who was
not encountered with such an attribute
had easy egress or ingress TO the crowd.
BEAUTIFUL SCENE.
The magnificent and spacious hall pre-
sented beautiful scene. A sea OF people
with vari-colored costumes encircled the
gorReously- dressed booths and filed the
entire room. White and blue streamers
started from each corner Of the room and
met in the centre, forming . huge piece
from which the rays of myriads OF lights
were showered upon the picture below,
producing an effect which was dazzling
In Its brilliancy..
The banquet-hall also was q place OF
activity during the evening. 1t was In
this apartment that the ices and refresh
ments of Q substantial character were
served, while on the same floor "Galatea"
was presented to hundreds. These places
were maryellously populsr, and many per-
sons puzzled their minds much in guessing
vvh 1c1 hal QQ
quickly transformed from marble into
flesh. "Galatea" was under the direction
of Professor ID. W. De Sylvia, who has
spent much time in pertecting bis work
for this occasion.
THE Address or THE GRAND MASTER.
Shortly after the fair was opened Grand
Master Peasants arrived, escorted by the
two. Communicates of Knights Iemplars
Of Richmond. and the opening exercises
began. Major A. r. Courtney presided,
aud among those on the stand were:
Grand Master Peasants, Captain A. u.
Babcock, president of the Masonic Home,
and the boys Of that institution in their
uniforms OF Confederate gray; Mr.. ID. j.
Weislger, Major James II. Capers, Hon. Is.
r. Wexford, Colonel William e. Tanner,
Grand-Secretary William b. Isaacs, Mr..
Joseph +. Bidgood, Mr.. II. l.. Pelouze,
MIR. X. f. Richardson, Mr.. j. Thompson
Brown, and others. Behind these was
stationed the HowitZers' Band, which dis
coursed music throughout the evening",
The ceremonies began with prayer by
Rev. George II. Ray, who invoked Divine
blessings upon the fair and the order.
Major Courtney then in q pretty little
speech introduced Grand Master Plea
| SAINTS, who delivered the address OF well
come. He referred to the work of the
| Masons of Virginia, to that especially OF
Captain Babcock and the Masonic Home
| founded and literally contributed to by
him. aud lastly paid a glowing tribute to
| the women of Virginia. who had stood by
| the brave men in war and peace and In all
| times when their aid was needed. de was
| one filled with vivid illustrations and orna-
msnted with beautiful language.
soME OF THE FEATURES.
After the eformal exercises of opening. the
| dancing began in the large hallway OPP
posite the Grand-Lodge room.
Among the many beautiful booths were
! those of No. 130 and Nos. II and IA. The
former was represented by an immense
golden star, and pretty girls in costumes OF
| pale blue, with aigilded star fastened IN
| their tresses, dealt out ices, fruits, SHOWS
| creams, and confectioneries. 1t Is pre-
sided over by Mr.. w. g.. Murray. while
| Mrs. j. s. Moore is alternate.
| The booth Of Lodges Nos. IL and IA IL
| also a most attractive and unique thing
| 10 the centre Of the front table lies huge
| goat, which Is Just about to be surmount-
ed. Much pretty fancy work adorns the
sides of the canopy and the tables. The
| ladies presiding at booth for Lodge No. II
are: Mrs. Hulce, chairman; Miss Carter
| Mrs. II. G.. Cabell, Misses Fannie Page
Mary Pierce Rosa Middeldorfer, Sallit
No. IA: Mrs. ID. J. Weisiger, chairman
Mrs. A. II. Fitzgerald, Mrs. J. 7. Jewett
Mrs. X. b. w. Beattle, Miss Sallie Weisi
ger, Mrs. f. A. Lamb, and Mrs. A. Royal