Connecticut western news., 1896-09-24
A1796 : 1896 X
 WESTERN STAR.
NORFOLK MASONS CELEBRATE THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNI- VERSARY OF WESTERN STAR LODGE, No. 37 A. F. & A. NJ.

II
 vERSARY OF WESTERN STAR
 LODGE, No. 37 A. F. & A. NJ.
 A Large Assembly of Masons Present
 Speeches, and Music in Village Hall.
 Last Thursday evening, September 17th. was a memorable occasion for Nor folk. Memorable not only as the round- ing out of full century for Western Star Lodge No. 37, A. F. & A. M. but memorable for the interest which the whole town took in an institution, of which many are not mem bers, but whose noble record and good deeds are known and admired. It was an assem- bly, of brave men-and fair women for, be 1t known, on this occasion many ladies were present and the valuable services they have directly and indirect ly rendered Western Star Lodge in the past were recognized, and thanks ten dered them. It was an assembly of brave men, some of whom had dis played their bravery on the battle field in defense of their country. In was an assembly of which any town might be proud. The occasion was also memor- able in another respect. It is remark able coincidence that the one hundredth anniversary of George Washington's farewell address occurred last Saturday, Sept. 19, and the one hundredth anni- vsrsary of Western Star Lodge occurred last Thursday, Sept. IT. George Washington was Mason. and also for many years he was the Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge. Thus it appears that Western Star Lodge began where Washington left of. and Western Star has for one hundred years nobly and successfully carried forward work in which Washington was so deeply interested. May the name and fame of Western Star Lodge be as enduring as the name and fame of George Washing ton.
 Neighboring Lodges were we'll rep resented. St. Andrews Lodge, of Win sted, sent the largest delegation. about fifty brethren arriving by the 4 46 p. m. train and departing by special train at II. 30 p. m. Western Star Lodge was opened at o'clock to receive the visit- ing brethren, and for an hour the Masons exchanged greetings and form ed new acqusintances. At T 45 the fra ternity formed in line in front of the lodge room and marched three abreast to Village Hall where the banquet was held. Village Hall had been transform ed into bower of beauty. The decor ations were elaborate, flags, bunting, flowers and Japanese lanterns being used with artistic taste and effect. Tables extended around three sides of the hall while three long tables occupied the centre. Leversidge's full orchestra from Winsted occupied the stage and discoursed enchanting music before and during the banquet.
 The tables were bedecked with spot less linen, and flowers in vases were pleasing to the eye. Plates had been laid for two hundred persons. At each plate were . bouquet, and badge bear ing this inscription "1796-1896, Gen. tennial Celebration of Western Star Lodge. No. 37, A. F. & A. M.. Norfolk, Connecticut, September IT, 1896." After all were seated at the tables, and chatting with theIr neighbors, Worship ful Master W. l.. Egleston rapped for order. He then delivered most cor dial address of welcome and stated the object of the gathering. He briefly mentioned the history of Western Star Lodge, and then requested the Rev John P. Hawley. of New Hartford, to invoke the Divine blessing upon this occasion.
 The variety and abundance of deli cious viands that were then offered the 1guests delighted the heart and palate of every epicure. Nothing was lacking, and the whole menu from oysters, meats and salads to ice cream and cigars was pronounced perfect and irresistible. Thirteen young ladies dressed in white waited upon the guests at the tables.
 (Tom Norton's speech, later in the even. ing. proved that the young ladies also
 were an enchanting vision.
 MT John D. Bassett, of Norfolk,a a yer.
 satile speaker, had been chosen toast
 master. At the proper time he com menced the s'feast of reason and flow o
 soul" by telling humorous anecdotes
 and during the remainder of the even
 ing he made many fitting remarks in in
 troducing the speakers and in comment , ing on the topics presented.
 The toast, "The Grand Lodge of Con necticut" was responded to by Grand Secretary John H. Barlow, o
 Shelton. MT Barlow made !, good speech. (Right here it i
 proper to state that representative 0 the NEWS took full notes of all tn,
 speeches but the limited space at ou
 disposal to-day prevents us from pub
 fishing them, and we can only mention = the topics or trend of the speeches.
 Excerpts from Mir Barlow's speech ar ! as follows: II regret am called up on to speak for the Grand Lodge o
 Connecticut. I am disappointed tha i our Grand Master is not with us. H should speak for the Grand Lodge; bu
 I am glad to meet this lodge. On
 hundred years ago John Mix was pres
 ent as Grand Secretary. .... The Gran
 Lodge of Connecticut has had it's da of prosperity. and its day of diversity