The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-10-11
MASONIC EVEN |
General Ransom Takes the
Masters Degree.
A Notable Gathering Of the Masonic Fraternity
in Johnston CasweII Lodge
No. 10.
Especial to News and observer)

Especial to News and Obselver)
Warrenton, N. c., Oct. 1O.-One OF the
most notable events in the Masonic lie OF
North Carolina took place here last night.
For some weeks Johnston Caswell Lodge
No. 10, A. F. and A. NJ, has had in con-
temptation the meeting which was held IN
their hall last evening. In 1S49 Gen. M.
w. Ransom took two Of the degrees IN
Masonry, and owing to unavoidable cir
custances, did not take the Masters de
gree. Some years ago Johnston Caswell
Lodge was suspended. At the last SEES
sion of the Grand Lodge it was revived
and given the numerical standing it had
in Revolutionary times. As soon as the
lodge was revived Gen. Ransom sought
to be made a Master Mason. His petl-
ton was granted and October Sth, his
seventy birthday, was set as
time for comforting the degree Johnston
Caswell Lodge at once made active prepa-
ration for the event, most notable in all
its bearing on the social life of our town.
The following committee was appointed
and had active control in the program.
The committee on program were NJ. j.
Hawkins, J. A. Dowtin and j. C. McCraw,
Jr. The committee on arrangements
were w. J. Norwood, chairman; j. c. Nc
Craw, Jr., secretary: M. j. Hawkins, J. H.
Kerr, B. G. Green, w. K. Barham and
w. p. Massenburg
A special train met Gen. Ransom and
distinguished party Of Masons, composed
of DR.. H. I. Clark, of Scotland Neck,
Grand Master; Judge F. d. Winston,
of Windsor, Senior Grand Warden; Pro
fessor ]. T. Alderman, of Henderson, ].
L. Currin, of Henderson; Hon. Claude
Kitchen of Scotland Neck; Hon. Ed.
Travis, of Halifax; Hon s. ]. Calvert, of
Northampton; Col F. A. Macon, of Hen.
derson; DR.. A s. Pendleton, of Hender
son, at Warren Plains.
The party was enthusiastically received
at Warrenton and comfortably quartored
at the we'll known Norwood House. Dur
ing the afternoon other gentlemen came
in to attend the ceremony Hon. Sam G.
Daniel, of Littleton; F. A. Fetter, of Lit
Teton; DIR. F. r. Harris and Mr.. d. w.
Hardee, of Henderson; Walter Vaughan
and S. E. Rodgers, of Vaughan; Mr.. T. J.
Parks, Of Mecklenburg, Va. The meeting
of the lodge was held at o'clock. The
hall was crowded with visiting brethren
and members of the Johnston Caswell
Lodge. Grand Master Clark presided.
Gen. M. w. Ransom was given his Mas
ers' degree in full accordance with the
ritual of this ancient order. It was most
impressive scene-this great Senator and
soldier rounding out his life with full re-
cognition of those virtues and principles
that have made his life glorious and use
full. After the degree was confirmed an
elaborate banquet was served at the Hotel
Norwood. The dining room was beauti
fully decorated with bright colors and
flowers, on the walls being many Ma
by Mr.. w. J. Norwood, and no more
delicate, toothsome and splendid repast
has been seen in the State in many
day 1t recalled the glorious hospitality
of the old days. 1t was reminder of the
times of the Ransoms, the Eatons, the
Davises, the Hawkinses, the Greens, the
hundred well known families that have
made Warren county hospitality known
far and wide. The menu embraced every
variety of food, birds, turkeys, salads
oysters, cakes and ices.
At the end of the feast Mr.. NJ. J. Haw
kins, Master of Johnston Caswell Lodge
and Toast Master, arose and in few well
chosen words, presented Mr.. B. G. Green,
who extended a delightful welcome to the
visitors Grand, Master Clark responded
eloquently to Masonry of North Caro-
lima" And then Gen. Ransom spoke to
the toast of Warren County, His was
a magnificent address, paying great tribute
IL l,aY. Ii
history and glorious deeds of Warren
county's sons, and the beauty and virtue
of her daughters were eloquently spoken
of by Warren's distinguished son. Prof
| j. T. Alderman, who was very active in
assisting to re-estabEsh Johnston Caswell
| Lodge, responded to the toast of "John
ston Caswell Lodge" He gave delight
| full history of this ancient branch of the
order. told of it's anti-revolutionary origin
| and told of the good men who had been
members of it, Under the toast of 1.-The
Masonic Temple" Judge Francis d. Win
ston delivered very witty address which
| captured the audience, and was received
with rounds of applause. Hon. Claude
Kitchin responded to the toast Of 1.-THE
Good Effect of Masonry on Citizenship"
with pure gems of splendid thoughts
clothed in delightful words He caught
the company in his short address and add
ed much to his reputation as a good speak
ecr. Mr.. John H. Kerr responded to the
toast of ''Our Host" His eloquent por-
trayal of the old time Southern Gentle
men was pictured in the fe of Mr. w j.
Norwood our excellent host. Mr.. Kerr's
speech was one of the best really good
speeches made This closed the evenings
pleasure, and it was unanimously de-
clared by all that Johnston Caswell Lodge,
its officers. members and committees had
given the visitors most happy and hos
pitable entertainment. 1t was indeed a
great occasion, it means revival of the
ancient order in the old county renowned
for it's great and good people; it speaks
in eloquent praise of Johnston Caswell
Lodge, that North Cardinals greatest
citizen her bravest soldier, should at life's
sunset seek to add to his renown by mem
bership on it rolls, and who on yesterday
completed a Masonic journey which was