Connecticut western news., 1896-06-25

of the District Court of Southern Berk- shire, who now resides in this vener- able landmark of masonry. From 1900 to 1SO6 the lodge met at the tavern of John Farnum which stood on the site of the new house of Harry B. Atwood, on Elmwood avenue. In 1906 the lodge removed to Leavenworth Hall in the center of the village and at later date to the tavern of Timothy Griswold. which stood on the same ground where the headquarters of the lodge is now located. In October 1924 the lodge itinerated to VanDeusenville, where they occupied room over the store of Isaac l.. Van Deusen, but after 1928 the interest previously taken in mason- " appears to have greatly relapsed and for many years no meetings were held. On May 31, 1852 the lodge was reorgan- ized at Great Burlington but early the next year was removed to Sheffield where it remained till October 1857 when it was returned to Great Barring ton. In his manuscript address the historian gave an interesting account of previous masonic celebration on St Johns day, this was in June 1858 and and on that occasion about 300 Masons were present. There were not many streets and avenues in this village 38 years ago and so the parade was only down Main street to the Fair grounds, where the exercises were conducted in Agricultural hall. On that occasion an address was delivered by the late Hon. Increase Sumner, an attorney-at- law, so high above the average that his portrait has found an honorable place with other eminent jurists on the walls of the Superior Court room at Pittsfeld. At the celebration in 1858 the banquet was served at the Berk- shire house, now the Berkshire block, to which Cincinnatus Lodge has recent ly been moved, from the upper part of Writings block, where it has been for almost 30 years.
 After the reading of MT Prindle's pa per, the Great Harrington band played an appropriate selection. At 3 p. n. came the grand banquet in Exhibition hall, with Henry T. Robbins as toast master.
 l After dinner speeches were made by Edwin B. Holmes, of Boston, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; Henry A. Bel. den, Deputy Grand Master of Massa- chusetts; and s. D. Niokerson, Record ing Grand Secretary of Massachusetts and poem was read by Henry O. War ner, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.
 The main street of the village with Railroad street and others, avenues was gailydecorated for tue occasion with flags and Masonic emblems. The greatest display of decorations was ct the Ma hawie block, Berkshire block, Miller House, Morgan's news room, the Berk' shire Inn and the Town Hall.
 The officers of the Grand Lodge and other high officials present were: Ed win B Holmes. Most Worshipful Grand Master, of Boston; Henry A. Belden Deputy Grand Master; Henry G. Fay Past Grand Warden; David W. Craft Senior Grand Warden; s. D. Nickerson Recording Grand Secretary; Henry & Rowe, Senior Grand Deacon; George W. Rice. Grand Steward; 0. E. Peck Grand Lecturer; 0. F. Bickwell, Grand Standard Bearer; Robert N. Richmond, of North Adams, G. D. D. M.; F. A Person, of Pittsfeld, District Deputy Grand Master.
 The crowd was immense, thousand, thronging the side walks.
 | CRAWFORD.