Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-25
GREAT DAY At wAyERLY.
Cornerstone Laying and Hall Dedi-
cation-Large Crowd.

WAVERLY, VA, May 2i.-(Special.)-
To-day was a gala day for this town and
perfect holiday. The Masons. Odd-tel-
lows, and citizen in general were out zen
masse," It being the occasion of laying
the cornerstone and of the dedication OF
the hall jointly built and to be occupied
by the Masons and Odd-Fellows.
The cannon-ball train from Richmond
was boarded at Petersburg by a number
Of enthusiastic brethren. and when ali
arrived "a Waverly, at 10 O'Clock, they
were met by the Masons and Odd-teiiows
here and went up TO the lodge-room.
We were very fortunate in having with
us t-Worshipful-Gr -Master-of- Ma
sons r. 7. w. Duke, Jr., or Charloites-
Vile, Va, who was accompanied by
Right-W orshipful II. o. kerns, Grand
Senior Warden; Right-Worshipful George
w. Darlington, Grand Secretary; Right
Worshipful Kosciusko Kemper, Grand
Junior Deacon; w. c. Wilkinson, Grand
Tiler and Worshipful julius Straus, OF
Richmond, who served as Grand Marshal
Astrea Lodge, No. 246, Worshpful j. r..
West worshipful MASTER met at II
o'clock. and after short march through
the town, the Odd-FellOws acting as es-
cort, proceeded to the hall, where the
ceremony OF laying the cornerstone,
which was of an interesting character
took place. The audience then repaired
TO the hail. where an address was made
by Right-Worshipful George Potts, Dis
tilCl Dtpuly bIdnu Master Oh THIS ulS-
trict. which was very enjoyable ana well
received. Next the Grand Master held
the audience spell-bound by his thrilling
eloquence. He gave us one or the nnest
specimens of his well-known style OF
oratory, and the lessons were very in
structive. and at times very pathetic.
After the lodge was closed all repaired
TO the green" where a Sumptuous dim
ner was served by the ladies. and Il pref
tier set cannot be found in this grand old
n aasRNn al a 49,, - -
lodge were very hospitable, and did every
thing to make the day pleasant one.
At $3.50 L. NJ. the Odd-Fellows held a
dedicatory service in the public hall on
the first floor of the new building. let
ter was read from the Grand Master or
Odd-Fellows OF the State, expressing his
regrets at not being able to be present
and informing the brethren that he would
be represented by Master II.
b. Branch Of Petersburg, and other
prominent members OF the order.
Promptly at the appointed hour, the
spacious hall being brilliantly Illuminated,
the ceremony was commenced. Past
Grand Master Branch presiding assisted
by ID. ID. Adkins. Grand Marshal; George
Z. Badger, j. l.. Howerton, a. Lee Raw
lings, j. p. Barker. and III. NJ. Williams,
Grand Heralds; James A. Alfriend as
Grand Warden: and DIR. George Potts as
assistant marshal
The building of the altar in the presence
of the public was noval and beautiful.
The officers were thoroughly up in the
work, and delivered their respective
charges with an eloquence and ease that
found responsive and appreciative listen
ers.
The brethren OF the two orders and
citizens of Waverly and surrounding
country were as kind and hospitable as
ever, and when this is said Il means that
their courtesies could not be exceeded.
The hall and building with the keys.
were delivered for dedication by Judge
j. F. West in beautiful and appro-
pirate address.
The ladies and gentlemen OF waverly
who could sing did sing the hymns OF the
ceremony in splendid taste, being under
the dictatorship of Mrs. j. +. May. OF
this place.
The solo contributed By Miss SalIe
Chapel. enc OF Waveriy's sweetest sing
ers. was touchingly and beautifully rem
dered
Short and instructive addresses were
delivered by several members present.
II Is estimated that at least 500 people
were present.