The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-06-27
MASONIC Event IN CAROLINE.
The Lodge at Bowling Green Has Interesting
History Address BY Judge sener.

Bowling Green, Va. June 18th. 1901.
Yesterday was quite a Masonic day in
Bowling Green. kilwinning trOsse Lodge
celebrated the anniversary of st. John
the Baptist by the installation OF the fol
lowing officers for the present Masonic
year: r. d. Vincent, W. NJ; +. NJ Travis,
:. W: James g. Sener. j. W; q. Gresham,
secretary; W. +. Ennis treasurer; +. +.
Butler. = D.:C l.. Billiard, j. ID.
After the installation the Lodge was
called from labor in the hall 10 the green
sward in front of the home Of E.. l.. Bul-
lard where, after an introduction by
Major Il. % PeatrOss, past master OF the
Lodge, Junior Warden James Is. Sener
made the address Of the evening
Judge Sener gave history Of Kilwin-
ming .odge. of Scotland, which was start
ed \. D. lllO and which chartered at
least three'of the four Lodges which in
1896 organized the Grand Lodge of Scot
land, which in turn chartered kilwin-
ming crosse Lodge. first at Port Royalin
| 10. but now at Bowling Green. Burns
and Hogg, the Ettrick shepherd were
poet laureates Of kilwinnng CanOngate
Lodge, of Edinburg.
He also gave us a history Of klwin-
ming Crosse Lodge which wasinteresting,
instructive and entirely new to his audi
tors He called attention to this curious
fact, that in the organization OF the
Grand Lodge of Virginia. Norfolk was
No. and kilwinning was No. ?, one
number following the other-that, under
the Grand Lodge Oi England. Norfolk
was No. 236, and that kilwinning Crosse
is now 237. Another curious fact, re-
ferred 10 by Judge Sener, was that Xii
winning Crosse Lodge had worked under
four charters since its organization, and
all OF them were well preserved, framed
and then hanging in the Lodge room.
The frat charter was granted by the
Grand Lodge of Scotland and the other
three by the Grand Lodge Of Virginia,
and bore dates respectively 100, 1196,
1855 and 1881.
Judge Sener while denying the charges
often made by those unfavOrable to the
institution. that Masonry took the place
of or was substituted for religion, paid
high tribute to the institution, showing
that it was founded upon the highest
morals. with the Bible as it's great light
and guide and was worthy of the favor
able consideration and patronage Of the
best men of the land. He believed that
Masonry was not appreciated more than
it is, because the outside world
knew so little OF it's uplifting principles
and teachings and extensive benevolent
operations. Masonry did not solicit ad-
herents. Those who came to its folds
must come voluntarily. after their own
investigation of it's merits. but the
worthy applicants for its mysteries and
benefits were never turned away.
Judge Sener's address was listened to
with the most respectful attention, and I
at its close he was warmly and heartily
by the large audience.
Not only were the Masons of the Lodge |
and their lady friends present, but many /
of the fairest of the daughters OF those |
who are not Masons and many gentle
men. Besides these delegation of Ma |
sons from your city was present. Excel |
lent refreshments were served under the |
auspices OF the stewards committee,
Nessrs. James II. Richards, w. f. Ennis,
c. l.. Billiard, +. +. Butler and r. d. Vim.
cent.
IL il believed that Kilwinning Crosse,
which has been for some time in state
Of dormancy, will soon receive accessions
and will enter upon new career of use
iulness. County pride seems to be alive
to make this, the oldest Lodge save one
in Virginia, worthy in all respects of it's
past history and former usefulness.