Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1900-12-19
CHARLESTON, THE STATES METROPOLIS.
A Superb and Enterprlsng Cl.y-The Masons
Meet In 124th Annual Communication.

~ MAS ouI privilege anu pleasure TO
spend tho greater part of last week in
the city of Charleston, the occasion Of
our going being tho 124th Annual Com
munioation Of tho Grand Lodge of the
Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina.
This historic old city has long been re-.
garded as tho Mecca of the Masons, and
well does sho merit the high esteem in
which she is held by tho Craft at large.
Over two hundred representatives of
subordinate lodges assembled in the
Grand Lodge Temple at high noon on
Tuesday, 11th instant. They came from
every section of the State, and, in moro
ways than one, were an imposing body
Of mon. Business was rapidly dispatched
for three hours, and recess was takon
until eight o'clock in order to accept an
invitation to lay the cornerstone of the
administration building of tho South
Carolina Interstate and West Indian
Exposition.
The exposition grounds arc noar the
city limits, and splendid grounds they
are for the accommodation of such a
mammoth enterprise. 1t is understood
that thoy are the gift of that superb
leader of enterprise, Capt. r. w. Wage
ner, whose heart and purse have both
been laid under tribute in devotion to
the highest welfare of his city and State.
Early in the afternoon q largo and enthi-
siastic crowd, estimated from 5000 to
10000, assembled in tho open fields sur
rounding tho site of tho now administra-
tion building, cager to witness tho cere-
mony which marks the first definite step
in the work of tho exposition, which, in
its far-reaching results, means so much
lima, but for the whole South. Space
forbids full report of all tho timely and
eloquent remarks of tho various speakers.
The exercises wore simple and impress
sivo. The Rev. John Kershaw, rector of
st. Michaefs, opened them with short
prayer, which was followed by pointed
and strong speech by Col. +. W. Wage
nor, President of tho Exposition Com
pany.
Mayor j. Adgcr Smyth was then intro
duced by Col. Wagener and presided
the afternoon. Charleston has ever rea-
son to bo proud of her handsome and
distinguished Mayor.
Governor McSweeney followed Mayor
Smyth with firm and brilliant address
full of encouragement for the enterprise
which is under way. His words were
cheered loud and long.
Col. w. A. IIomphill, from Georgia,
received hearty welcome on all sdos
ment that Georgia is in full sympathy
with South Carolina and Charleston.
Throughout the entire programme tho
exercises were full of interest and tho
vast crowd never seemed to tire for a
moment. Col. Orlando Sheppard, Grand
Master of the Masons of South Carolina,
laid tho stone in it's proper place with
Masonic rites appropriate to the occasion,
pouring corn from the horn of plenty
and wine and oil from silver holders.
Impressive addlos on tho Masonic
ceremonies were delivered by Grand
Master Shepl ard and Deputy Grand
Master w. B. Whitehead. In concluding
his remarks Mr.. Whitehead said
Mr.. Chairman: Allow mo to congratu-
late you on the successful inception of
this enterprise. The Masonic fraternity,
which has always been the Jealous sup
porters of the arts and sciences, and
whatever makes the progress and the
good of community, is assembled here
to-day from every quarter of this Com
monwcalth to share with you in the fcs-
tivity which this occasion SO appropri-
ately invites. Great, and wo trust
healthful and permanent, will DO the
prosperity which will flow from this
undertaking. May tho city of Charles
ton, taking on a new life through this
enterprise, grow and prosper. deepening
its foundation and extending broad it's
branches, bearing precious harvest of
renewed activity, material wealth and
business enterprise
TIE BENEDICTIoN.
at the conclusion of Mr.. Whitohead's s
remarks the closing anthem was sung.
The Rev. William E. Thayer, Grand
bcncdiction, saying: "May the blessing
of Heaven rest upon us and upon all true
and faithful brethren throughout the
world; may truth and love prevail and
every moral and social virtue cement
us" The Masons present responded in
unison $50 mote it DO, amcn," and fol
lowed this with the signs of tho craft.
THE WORKING TOOLS.
The working tools" used in tho cor
nerstonc ceremony wcro tho property ol
Landmark Lodge, No. 10, A. f. NJ, OF
Charleston, and consisted of the square
level and plumb. The famous lafayette
trowol, the property of the Grand Lodge
was also used. This latter was made fol
Wv ""o VI viz n!aiNulS uo bdidyeCIe III
the laying of the corner stone of the
Dekalb monument. The horn of plont,
used in the ceremony was recently pre-
scnted to the Grand Lodge of Soutl
| Carolina.
| SALUTE TO TIE GOVERNOR.
AS soon as the procession reached tho
exposition grounds and the militia was
drawn up about the stand tho Lafayette
Artillery marched back short distance
| from the crowd and fired q regulation
salute to Gov. M. B. McSweeney. The
llotchkiss was handled in excellcnt style
and the salute was given with regularjt t,
| and precision.
Thus ended the impressive ceremonies
OF laying the coi nor-stone, and the worl
of making ready for the great exposition
| 1901, when the gates will be thrown wide
open for the ingrcss of thousands more
The hospitality Of the citizens of Char
lesion has long been proverbial ant
| their reputation was moro than sustained
last week in tho hearty welcome accorded
to both the Masons and the members o
the Lodge of American Municipalities
who were in the city at the same time
On Wednesday afternoon an oyster roas
was given the Masons at Chicora Park
after ride of six miles up the CoopC,
river in the Sapho. On Thursday aftcv
noon the Mayors of American cities wcr,
entertained at the Isle of Palms. Blu
these wcro tho least of tho courtcsies OK
tended, for within "thc gates of til,
city" every visitor was made to feel a
| home.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
The following officers of the Crane
Lodge woro elected and installed for th
ensuing Masonic year:
Grand Master, Orlando Sheppard.
Deputy Grand Master, w. NJ. White
head.
Senior Grand Warden, John r. Bcllin
ger.