Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1896-08-08
BLUEFIELD LETTER.
Grand Lodge Meets-Grand Parade al
.Banquet-OOmer-StOne Laying
Many Visitors Present

BLUEFIELD, w. VA, Aug. 3, '96.
Editor PLANET =
The Grand Lodge Knights of Ply
thias of West Virginia convened in
our city, Tuesday July 2Sth, at ten
O'Clock a m, in Douglass Memorial
Castle hall, or Scott ST., with the larg-
est delegation ever before in the histo-
ry of this grand and prominent order.
The address ofwelcome was ably and
appropriately delivered by Hon. n. w.
Smith. of this city. The response was
made by DR.. II. +. Gamble, M. d., A.
Nj OF Charleston, w. Va. The Grand
Chancellor, Mr.. s. w. Starks, spoke
briefly cOncerniny the object of the
order, and was highly pleased to see
so many delegates present Hon.
Starks is indeed an earnest and talent
ed speaker. HIS report was highly
commendable by the entire body. The
Bluefield Daily Telegraph in speaking
of this gentleman said: Hon S. ".
Stark, G c., of West Virginia is gen
tleman of character and prominence,
and a wealthy citizen of Charleston.
| He is one of the brightest men of the
state of his race" Well might this
journal voice such true sentiments en-
dorsing one of our great acknowledged
leaders of the state. Hon. Starks is
one of the founders of this distinguish
ed order and it will not suffer in his
hands or its colors trail in the dust
while be is at the helm of its affairs
He was unanimously reelected by
the brand Lodge.
Hon. c. II. Payne, ID. D., one among
the prominent leaders OF this entire
country, who is now a candidate for
the House of Legislature, was present
and is one of the Grand Officers of thid
lodge. made an interesting and time
ly talk in favoring Mr.. Starks' re-elec-
ton. His remarks were of such a con-
tribution TO Douglas Memorial Lodge
as will delight future ages to contem-
plate. We have heard patriotic speech
from the political rostrom, clarion
tongued forensic phiIlipics at the bar
and grand efforts of pulpit oratory,
nut were never before moved by gem
uine eloquence.
The grand officers elected for the en-
suing year were as follows:
Sir 5 M. Davis, Past Grand Chancel-
lor of Montgomery, w. Va, Sir S. w.
Stark, Grand Chancellor; Of Charles
ton; Sir S. f. Williams of Princeton,
Grand Prelate : Sir J. M. Hazelwood OF
Charleston, Grand Master of ExchC
quer; Sir @. II Lane of Bluefield
: Grand Medical Director; Sir 7. A.
Brnnister of Montgomery, Grand Lee.
turer Sir George w Lewis of Sewell
Grand Master at Arms.
The corner stone laying at the Blue
field colored Institute took, place
Thursday afternoon by the Grand
Lodge We will speak of this institu.
ton later on. 1t is nearing compile.
tion and will open October 1st. Prof
Hamilton Halter of Harper's Ferry
! w. Va will be the principal.
Rev. w. X. Brown and c. 81. Payne
: were the principle orators of the day
Rev. 6 b. Howard, the pulpit orator
of Charleston, was present and made
= a powerful and interesting speech
/ which all enjoyed. Between one and
: two thousand people, both white anC
colored witnessed the occasion.
After the corner stone laying Their,
was a great banquet served at bod
sons Hall, the table was lad. ned dowT
with all the delicious eatables of tn,
season, which all enjoyed.
w. r. PATTERs ON i.