Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-03-18
A KNIGHTLY NIGHT.
Event in the History Of Everts'
Commandery.
FLAG AND RING PRESENTATION.


fsrrinE Of the Red Cross Degrss-B.n-
qast 1t the Harper and . Pleasant
Social Occasion.
Everts commandery IS, Knights
Templar, conferred the red cross de-
gree on five candidates last evening,
the ceremony beginning at 4:S0 and
continuing until 1880. A reception
followed in the parlors Of the temple,
in which the ladies and other friends
of the commandery were the guests.
A delightful musical program was
presented. opening with instrumental
music by Prof. Henry Schillinger
and wife. followed by vocal solos by
Misses Huey and Dorrance, q piano
solo by Mrs. Alice johnson, a violin
solo by Prof. Schillinger and an in
strumental duet by Misses Huey and
Bixby, and at the conclusion of the
exercises the Knights were formed in
line by Capt. Gen. Henry Csrse.
when came the formal presentation
Of the starry banner which the
Knights carried with them to the
Boston conclave last summer. This
beautiful silk flag with dimen-
sions of 6x4 adorned the command
cry on its pilgrimage to New Eng
land through the efforts of the
ladies Of the commandery and upon
Mrs. K. e. Willerton, wife of the re-
corder Of the commandery, had been
bestowed the honor OF presentation.
The lady, escorted by a guard of
honor and bearing the flag. appeared
before the line of Sir Knights and
spoke as follows:
The Presentation.
Eminent Sir and Sir Knights: 1t
has become my pleasant duty, and
by me cheerfully performed, to Sc
cure the funds to obtain for your or
der this emblem which hold in my
hand; an emblem representing the
ideas OF the grandest of earth's ma
tions, and it is so magnified in the
hearts of every free man that it is
designated "Old Glory" AS one has
said of it, so say 1: 1t is beautiful
in painting hanging on the walls in
your parlors; beautiful when en-
graved by the sculptor on the gran
lite rock, but far more beautiful
when towering aloft from the flag
staff on the mast head representing
American free men. 1t is glorious
in the memories that cluster around
it; glorious in the inspiration it
awakens; glorious In its power to
call n nation to arms to defend it
against its foes; glorious on land or
sea. where our proud victories have
been won.'
"Yes, dear old flag, emblem OF free
dom, oppression dies where'er you
wave, and crime and wrong cannot
triumph beneath your folds. How
fittingly appropriate t. be waited
to the breeze. Side by side,
one the banner of our country,
representing liberty; the other the
banner Of your order representing
truth, benevolence and brotherly
love.
In Hoe Signo vinces'
s'Acceptit, eminent sir and may the
white winged messenger Of peace
lever perch on this banner and the
banner of your order"
The Response.
Eminent Commander ID. j. Sears
delegated Past Eminent Commander
H. &. cleveland to respond in be-
hall of the commandery, aud in mos.
fitting terms was the duty performed.
After beautifully expressing the
thanks of the commandery for the
flag and the successful efforts on the
part of Mrs. Willerton to secure it
for the commandery. the prst emil
popt oop, -, d1or cnol a IF Tho OIor;
Gus sentiments Of patriotism which it
inspired and for which it stood, and
also of the noble teachings OF the
banner of Templarhood and of Ma.
sonry, which was to be its compan
ion when borne by the Knights.
Then the past commander told of one
of the most cherished teachings OF
Knighthood from the foundation OF
the order to reward faithful work,
and thus it became opportune to be-
stow upon one of the commandery an
evidence of its recognition OF stead
. fast devotion to duty, and SO saying
he presented Recorder r. c. Willer-
ton with a diamond set ring embel-
lished with the emblems OF the or.
der. The surprise was complete. and
the expression OF gratitude that
came from the heart of Recorder
Willerton was all the more genuine
as he feelingly spoke his appreciation.
A Banquet 1t the Harper.
The ceremonies over a. the temple
the Knights and friends proceeded to
the Harper, where a grand banquet
prepared by Manager Ntzhugh, was
spread. 1t was an elaborate affair in
all respects, and at its conclusion
dancing to the music OF Schillinger's
orchestra became the order OF the
night in the parlors Of the temple,
to which the Knights and ladies re-
paired.
Best Of All
to cleanse the system in . gentle and
truly beneficial manner. When the