Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-25
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
GEN. GEORGE W. BALLoCH FIFTY
YEARS A MASON.
Reception in His Honor Under the
Auspices of stapsPury
Lodge, No. "a

The esteem In which Gen. George VIII
hanson Balloch is held by his brethren in
Masonic circles and numerous others was
attested last evening at a reception ten
dered him by the members Of Stansbury
Lodge, No. "a, and its auxiliary Of Bright
wood, upon the occasion of the fiftieth an
niversary of his initiation into the mys-
teries of Free Masonry. The function
was held at the Brightwood Hotel, in
Brightwood, and was attended by a large
assemblage Of those of high degree and
others Of the order and by many others
well known in the social circles Of the city.
The reception was regarded unquestionably
as one of the happiest periods of Gen.
Balloch's life. His countenance was
wreathed in smiles, and he took an ami
mated interest in the ceremonies.
After ascending the rostrum and being
escorted to the place of honor Gen. Bal
loch was introduced by Past Master N. E.
Nalley of Stansbury Lodge in a few we'll
chosen words Mr.. Simon Wolf of Osiris
Lodge, No. g. was the first speaker in
troduced. He spoke at some length, bas-
ing his remarks largely upon Gen. Balloch's
personal qualities and his valor as SOL
der He also paid high tribute to his
earnest activity and energy in the prac-
teal workings of Masonry.
Gen. Balloch's Response.
Gen. Balloch responded to Mr.. VOLTS re-
marks by reading his record as a Mason,
opening with the assertion that, so far as
he could learn, Masonry was character
istic of the Balloch family. He said his
grandfather, James Bailoch, came from
Scotland in 1870 and settled in Cornish,
NJ H., bringing with him his Masonic Gre
dentials. Soon after his arrival, Gen. Bal
loch said, his grandfather became tndenti-
n. r No N;,,1-
sor, VT. After giving short biography
of his father Gen. Balloch said he was
born in Claremont, NJ H., December 3,
1925, and that he took the first degree
Of the order as member Of Sibanus Lodge,
No. 40, Of Somersworth, N. H.. March "a,
1853. He stated that of the many men,
bers who belonged to that lodge at that
time he is the only survivor, adding that
he is now the oldest past master.
After giving an account Of services as
grand marshal Of the Grand Lodge of the
state Of New Hampshire during 1858. 1859
and 1860, General Balloch said that after
the close of the war Of the rebellion he
started for this city. arriving here May 4,
Lodge, No. %, and was identified with it
until June %, 1873, at which time Stansbury
Lodge, No. "a, Of Brigntwood. was or
ganiZed. He was a charter member and
was chosen as its first worshipful master.
serving in that capacity until December of
the following year, when he was elected
treasurer. to which Office he has been an
nually chosen ever SINCE General Balloch
spoke briefly Of the various commissions
which he has held, and said he Is the Oldest
member of the Masonic Veterans Associa-
ton Of the District Of Columbia In 1886
he received the degrees of the Royal Order
Of Scotland. General Balloch concluded his
remarks by giving his ideas Of Masonry in
general. or
Souvenirs Presented.
Grand Master George H. Walker was next
introduced. He spoke upon Masonry in
general and closed by paying a tribute to
the integrity and manly characteristics Of
General Balloch. Among others who spoke
were Mr.. Edwin B. Hay, past master of
Pentalpha Lodge. No. %, and Miss Mary
Lamond Of the Ladies' Aid Association Of
Stansbury Lodge. On behalf Of the mem
bers Of the auxiliary and of the lodge she
presented General Balloch with handsome
Morris chair, while Past Master Nalley for
the members of Stansbury Lodge, exclu-
siyely, presented him with large bouquet
Of La France roses and carnations. General
Balloch responded feelingly, saying that al
though the fragrance of the flowers would
vanish his esteem for members of the fra
ternity and the ladies Of the auxiliary would
never die.
program was rendered by Mrs. Heinike,
Mrs. Anna farrell, DR.. Calver, Mrs. Mar
garet Cameron, Miss Mary Lamond, Mrs.
James, Misses Ida and Ruth Yost, Mrs.
Wineburger, Mr.. William Izler. Miss Be
atrice Ives and Prof Yundt. At the con-
clusion Of the speechmaking light repast
was served.