The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-11-24
ENDED WITH A BANQUET.
A Very Successful Masonic Meeting Brought
Close Lc.st Evening.

The Scottish Rite members Of the Orient
of Wichita can felicitate themselves oveI
smother successful reunion that was
brought to a happy conclusion late las,
night at the banquet board in the Masonic
Temple.
The Columbian exposition, the Cherokee
strip opening and the late panic all con-
spired to keep many desirable candidates
from attending this reunion that would
otherwise have done So But the class OF
fourteen that finished last evening with
the cerem onies of the Thirty-second de-
gree was very creditable indeed under ex
listing circumstances.
With the great interest that is now man.
ifested in the state in the Scottish Rite
bodies here, and with the laige number oil
actual and prospective candidates Tor the
degrees that are now in view. the future
of Scottish Rite Masonry in this valley is
bright Que indeed.
Having already the prestige Of the most
active and progressive organization in tie
southern jurisdiction OF the United States,
it is only . question of few years until
the semi-annusl pilgrimages Of western
masons 10 this city, will become an event
of leading Importance in the western ma
sonic world.
The success OF the bodies here has been
due in large measure TO the efforts OF
the officers in presenting the degrees to
the candidate in the most able and el'
fective manner possible, and to this end
they have enlisted the brightest and most
able Masonic workers in Kansas to aid
them in their efforts.
The program of yesterday that brought
the work to n close was naturally the most
interesting of the wsek, as it brought to
the candidate the climax Of Masonic
teachings and instruction.
AT $50 in the forenoon the Thirtieth
degree was begun, and being the longest
degree was not completed until the mid
die of the afternoon.
AT 4:30 the Thirty-first degree was put
Oh, and the work in this degree Of oriental
magnificence and historical teachings oc-
cuped the time until 6 o'clock, when adj
journment was taken until the evening
session.
AT 80 the work Of the last degree was
commenced, which, with its beautiful de-
scrlptive teachings and initiation into the
final mysteries of the Rite, occupied the
time until 10 o'clock, when the candidates,
after long period OF travel and instruc-
ton in the historical teachings of A. A.
Scottish Rite Masonry, were indeed MAS
tiers OF the Royal Secret"
AT the conclusion of the work the entire
assembly formed in ranks OF two aud
marched to the Masonic hall at the corner
of Main and First streets where feast fit
for kings had been prepared under the di-
rection of that master OF CULINARY
culture" Ebert Dumont.
Amid the strains of instrumental music
the members to the number of about 200
marched into the room and took positions
around the tables, which were radiant in
cut glass and china, with potted plants
and choice flowers amidst it all After
prayer by Brother d. A. Mitchell seats
were taken and the banquet begun. After
the courses were served and an hour OF
astronomical pleasure had passed the
genial and clever toast master, G. n.
Jones. raped for order, and began
the call for toasts. The following local
and visiting brethren responded. Chas.
G. COIN in an address of welcome; Horace
w. Gleason Of Hutchinson; S. w. Cooper
H. H. Kimball, of Kansas City; DR.. j. T.
Oldham; H. d. McQuade. OF Stafford; n.
w. Levy; j ohm Watts. and II. NJ. Walt OF
Newton. The responses were happy. and
an hour and half of time soon winged its
way in thorough enjoyment. During the
speeches the famous local quartette OF
male singers, Messrs. Jack Shields first
tenor. Frank Higgons second tenor; Fred
w. Sweet first base; and b. B. Hull second
basso, sang several selections that were
highly appreciated by the audience, aud
were heartily applauded.
Among the visiting brethren from
abroad in addition to those already noted,
were. II. B. Steck of Hazeltou, +. ID. Pate,
S. e. Gary and Charles Beck of Winfield;
Z. b. Marchant of Pond Greek, o. T.; Ed
Fay of Springfield, No, and Edwin Z.
Ives of Kansas City, Mo.
At / O'Clock the reunion terminated
amidst the congratulations of the mem
bers, over the success OF the meeting and
hearty good time enjoyed by all.