The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-29

Ideal autumn weather splendid pageant
~ and district prestige all combine TO
make the centennial anniversary of ST.
Johns commandery today not only one
OF the most conspicuous events I'm the
histsry OF Free Masonry In this stste,- f-ttt
one OF the most brilliant events in the
history OF Providence. as well.
The ceremonies preliminary TO the an
niversary exercises at 2 o'clock at the
old historic First Baptist meeting house.
occurred at the asylum OF the comman-
derry In Free Masons hall at j o'clock.
At that hour the sir knights of ST. Johns
and Calvary Communicates assembled In
full templar regalia, TO the number OF 600
or more.
The officers of the grand commandery
OF Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, in
cluding Grand Commander George Il.
Hilton of Lynn. Mass. were present.
Soon after ! o'clock the lines were
formed and under escort of Calvary com
mandery, No. 13. X. T., old ST. Johns
marched. to the martial music OF the
American band along the following
route: Through Dorrance street to wey-
bosset. around Turks Head, up West
minister street 10 Doyle monument
thence down Weybosset street TO Dor
and on through Steeple street to the
church.
The streets were lined along the route
of march and almost continuous applause
and shouts OF approval greeted the sir
knights on every side. The scene was
indeed full OF beauty. and was also a
most inspiring one, the splendid uniforms
OF the sir knights showing to great advan
tage under the bright September sun
As the great procession approached the
church a scene OF great enthusiasm pre-
vailed. The body Of the church was re-
served for the knight templars only and
was soon filed,
The galleries were reserved for the
families and friends OF the members. the
admission being by card only. Ii Is
needless TO add that rarely has the old
church. In all it's long and honorable his
tory. held SO great or so brilliant an as
semblage.
The members OF st. Johns commandery
were not oaly distinguished by their re-
gala. but also by the bronze medals worn
by each. These were made by the Cor
ham Manufacturing company. and were
about the size of a silver dollar On the
face OF the medal was bust OF Thomas
Smith Webb, founder OF the commandery,
and the words st Johns Encampment
No. /. X T.. Providence. II. l.. 1902" on
the reverse side Of the medal was seen
the coat OF arms OF the commandery,
with the words "Sne Intermissione alb
initio." On the bar holding tho ribbon
by which the medal was suspended was
noticed the name 81. John and the date
1902. 1902.
THE PROGRAM
OF exercises at the church was carried
out In the following order:
MUSIC ........'...'s.''.'''' organ Band
Invocation. .......s..............
Rev. Henry NJ. King. ID. D.. Pastor OF
the church.
Response. ...................... Choir
Mr.. Herbert L. Clarke. leader American
Band.
Reading OF the Scripture Lesson.
Sir Knight George A. Littlefeld.
The Lords Prayer~. BY the Sir knights
Congregational Hymn--"Onward Christ
ian Soidiers"-choir and Congrega-
ton.
Introduction OF Eminent Com
mander Sir Knight Henry A.
Carpenter. .............s,....
BY Chairman of the Committee
Sir Knight George II. Burnham. Past
Grand Commander.
Response. BY the Eminent Commander
Anthem. ..........s.s......
Choir. under the direction OF Sir Knight
III. c. McDougall.
Historical Address. ...............
Sir knight Rev. Henry w. Rugg. u. D..
Grand OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Encamp-
ment OF the United States.
Music. c.......... Reeves American Band
Doxology.. Band. Choir and Congregation
Benediction,
DIR. RIGGS ADDRESS.
The chief feature OF the program was
the historical address by DIT Rugg. This
was a most interesting comprehensive
and mastery review Of the history Of 100
years of growth.
The address occupied more than an
hour IN its delivery and was given with
nne cratoricai effects. winning for speak
er. repeated applause throughout. In his
words Of Introduction the speaker alluded
20 the general custom of observing ami
verrarfes and emphasized the value or
such celebrations.
Continuing, he said. To-day we note
the beginning OF our commandery's or
sanic LIE and BY comparing and contrast