The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-11-08
OLD HIRAM'S CELEBRATION
LEASANT AFFAIR IN THE HY-
PERION YESTERDAY,
Large Audience Heard an Exceptionally
Fine Musical and Literary Programme
tories of the Lodge.


Prominent Speakers Presemt-His-
tories of the Lodge.
The literary and historical exercises
in connection with the l5Oth annlVer-
gary of Hiram lodge, No, 1, A. f. and a.
M, were held in the HYPERION theater
Yesterday afternoon ana they were very
successful, large audience bieng pres
ent. The programme was long one,
but 1t was thoroughly enjoyed by all
present, the speeches, songs ana hlsto-
Tles being intermingled in pleasant TO-
tation.
Nearly every seat in the orchestra CIR
Gle was occupied and there was very
goodly number in the first gallery. Inc
stage was floored over in preparation
for the ball last night and the decora-
tions in the theater were very pretty.
Everything went off successfully as
the speaking was good and the music,
both instrumental and vocal, was excel
lent. About twenty-five members OF the
symphony orchestra rendered beautl-
full programme. during the afternoon
Frank Fichtl was the conductor and de-
serves great credit for the delightful
music. The mems chorus, consisting OF
members of Hiram lodge, sang num-
Der of times, one of the most striking or
the selections being Rhodes chant Re
member Now Thy Creator" Another
beautiful piece was the ode to Masonry
sung to the tune of watch on the
Rhine" with words by Charles Bonney'
The Temple quartet also contributed
to the afternoons entertainment.
The address of welcome was made by
Charles Bonney the Master of Hiram
lodge, and other addresses were
made by Master John o. Rowland of
Wallingford, Wallace S. Moyle, past
grand master of the lodge; Hon. James
D. Dewell, another past grand master;
Hon. Lynde Harrison; N D. Sperry,
past master of Wooster lodge; Charles
Kleiner James M. Townsend, William
S. Wells, and Luke A. Lockwood, past
grand master of Connecticut The adj
dresses of Mr.. Harrison, Mr.. Dewell,
Mr.. Moyle, were in the shape of histo-
ries and were interesting to everybody.
The histories containd complete sum-
mary of the growth and principal do
ings of the lodge for the past $50 years
showing that Old Hiram is one of the
oldest and strongest organizations in
the country to-day.
The selection of the orchestra, "Ruy
Bias opened the exercises at 2:45 and
this was followed by Mr.. Bonneys adj
dress of welcome Mr.. Bonney spoke
in part as follows:
Craftsmen, Ladies' and Gentlemen
1t becomes my pleasant duty to bid you
welcome. We have gathered here to-
Gay, prompted Of course by a variety of
motives. Many familiar faces I see be-
fore me, never known to be absent when
"Old Hiram" sends out the call to her
members; distinguished craftsmen of
other lodges and jurisdictions are also
here, favoring us by their presence, and
thus honoring the occasion, and no
doubt others have come hoping to dis
cover a trace of that wondrous charm
which Masonry exerts over husband,
brother, friend or lover.
And indeed I am quite sure that all
present would confess to feeling of
curiosity to see and hear how great
Masonic organization like Hiram lodge,
NO 1, would publicly celebrate it's 150th
anniversary.
We believe, of course, that Masonry
is DID, but how old / will not, for I can
not say; and even if l could positively
state when and where Masonry had It's
BIRTH I don't know that 1t would serve
any good purpose.
I am, however, DESTROYS Of showing
you that Masonry, as taught and prac-
ticed by all good Masons, is vital, up
lifting, moral force in the world to-day
and in this respect, while indeed claim
ing great antiquity, is insofar as being
adapted to the present needs of man.
kind is concerned, of quite inestimable
value, and that therefore, the institu-
tion may properly be considered young,
hale and hearty, and at any rate, of
great practical utility Notwithstanding |
its well established claims to great age. |
I maintain that the fundamental prin-
ciples of our noble institution, whereso- |
ever taught, and that our rites and GER |
emonies wheresoever practiced through |
out the length and breadth of the world, |
make for Righteousness, for the ennob-
ling Of character, and for the develop
ment of fine type of manhood in the |
state, in society and at the fireside.
In the phraseology of the English lee
lures, "Freemasonry is system of NOR
atty yelled in allegory and illustrated
by symbols" and while, indeed it is a
well known fact that the rites and cere-
monies of Masonry are for the most
part kept secret and jealousy guarded,
vet it is nevertheless true that much,
very much of her history, her principles
and teachings may become known to all
who care to read and learn
Now, my friends, if these few words
of mine prove useful in giving any of
you a clearer view of the real nature of
it will be a source of great
to me, for I shall feel that
I have been helpful towards bringing
about a somewhat better understanding
of the aims and purposes of that noble
which has certainly done
much to enlighten, to strengthen and
comfort man in all ages of the world
Behold, how good and how pleasant
It is for brethren to dwell together in
unity
1.-THE Ode to Masonry" was then sung
by the chorus, and this was followed by
an address by Mr.. Rowland, the grand
master of the state. Mr.. Rowland's ad-
lress was brief one, but a very strong
oh ,y a,,iar l. ! 4