The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-14
MASoNS IN A MERRY MOOD.
CLINTON LODGES SEMI-CENTEN-
NAL CELEBRATED WITH ECLAT.


Two Hundred Brethren Took Part In
the CeIebratfOn-The Lodges An
nuaI Election and the Prcsenta-
ton of Picture of Past Master
william Cox, Followed by a Ban
quet and Speeches by Prominent
MasOns.
The celebration of the fiftieth anniversa-
ry of Clinton Lodge No. 81 last night was
an event in Masonry All Masons Joined
in felcitating the lodge upon the compile
ton of its first half century, and the occa-
sion was one that will be remembered in
Masonic circles.
The members of Clinton, with represen-
tatives from the other Masonic lodges of
the city, assembled in the lodge room at 8
o'clock, where the election of officers was
held. The number of visitors were esti-
mated at 200, and while they could find
places in the lodge room, the situation was
altogether different in the banquet hall.
The election of officers resulted in the
reelection of Mr.. Daniel r. Elliott w. NJ;
Mr.. Abraham S. Cohen, S. W; Mr.. Jacob
H. Quint, ]. w; Warning Russell Jr., sec
rotary; Mr. Frank Werm, treasurer; Mr.
NJ. X. Corbin, S. D.; Mr.. J. NJ. Akin, }.
ID: Mr.. e. T. Meree, S. s.; Mr.. Solomon
Hirsch, ]. s.; Mr.. Thomas Robbins, Tyler
and Mr.. Frank E. Keilbach, organist.
Another event in the lodge room was the
presentation of aprons and a picture of
VIM. Cox, deceased, to the lodge in be-
half of Mrs. William Cox. The presenla
ton was made by Mr.. A. S. Cohen, senior
warden, who spoke in highest terms of the
deceased brother, which brought many
pleasant recollections to the minds of those
who were associated with him. In the
picture the deceased Mason wore no re.
gala which was accounted for in the fact
that he would never appear in regala
except in the lodge room.
After the lodge ceremonies the mem
bers and their guests went to the banquet
hail. where a banquet had been prepared
under the direction of the ladies of St
Paups church. A feeling of heartiness
and friendship ran around the festive
board, and with this joy was shared the
regret that many were unable to join in
the celebration.
Mr.. Daniel T. Elliott presided as toast
master, and introduced the speakers. The
toasts were Fraternity" by Mr.. +. A. StO-
vail representing Zerubbabel Lodge; Gin
ton Lodge, Its Past and Present" by Mr.
John e. Mallory of Clinton; "Our Order"
by Mr.. William r. Leaken, representing
Mr.. Walter C. Hartridge, representing An
cient Landmark, and Humanity" by Mr.
]. r. Saussy representing Solomon's
Lodge.
Mr.. Stovall reviewed the history of Ma
sorry, touched on its accomplishments
among men and its possibilities. The or
der, he said, will live and flourish to the
benefit of the human race throughout the
world.
Following Mr.. stovan, Mr. MaTery
spoke interestingly, and was enthusiastic
cally appauded.
Mr.. William r. Leaken was introduced
as an honorable" Mason and in happy
repartee said that ito be a Mason is to be
honorable"
Free Masonry is conceded to be the
oldest society of earthly origin" said Mr..
Leaken. Its symbolism is part of ma
lures existence. Durability is a typical
form of nature. Since man was made by
God, symbolism has taught him"
Make our order" he said, "as it has
made us-upright before the world that
we may be called. in the language Of
Moore, Masonic Friends F."
Mr.. Walter c. Hartridge spoke of the
Newly Raised and said he thought the
toast had been selected because the
brethren who had grown old in the serv-
ice of Masonry desired to turn their
thoughts back to the time of their inita-
ton. Yet old as some of these Masons
full work for the order would seem to in
dictate that they had discovered the foun-
tain of perpetual youth, from whence
flow the tireless waters of tireless indus
try and ceaseless patience.
THE newly raised is benefited in his re-
lations TO society; he is taught allegiance
TO constituted authority, obedience to the
law, and respect for the rights of others
1t makes him a better citizen. In all times
from the earliest days of Masonry its pres
ence has been a safeguard and its infiu-
ence has been felt in all branches of civil
lization.
1.-THE time allotted for an after-dinner
speech does not permit an exhaustive dis
sertation upon the subject of the newly
raised" said MIR. Hartridge. ''He is here
tonight as he is all over the habitable
globe He is one of you. You must
guide him and help him in his Masonic
career He needs your assistance and
your comfort. He is like you but hui
man, and therefore, frail. Keep before him
the example of the great lives In Masonry.
Let your own influence be eXerted that
like you he may hold to the right and walk
with upright head and unfaltering step
among his fellow men. that at last he may
approach the throne of the great Worship
full Master on high with his record as a
Mason pure and stainless"
Nothing added more to the enjoyment
of the lodge and its guests than the Sc
lections rendered by a quartette composed
of Messrs. w. a. Reeves, e. K. Demmond,
f. E. Keilbach and Mr.. Julian Walker.
The musical programme had been espe-
claly arranged and entertaining selections
were sung after each speech.
The speaking was given fitting conclu-
sion by the toast from Past Master G.. A.
Breck: ''To all true Masons and Masonic
bodies of all rights and degrees upon the
earth honors and laurels to the worthy
health to the sick, comfort to the needy
and success to the oppressed" Follow
ing this the benediction was pronounced
and the assemblage left in the happiest
of spirits, with sincerest wishes and fond
est hopes for Clinton Lodge on it's jour
hey through the second nalf century of it's
career.
TRIED TO KILL HIS WINE