The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-03
MASONS HONOR 4
 VISITING BROTHER W. B. Phillips Entertained at a
 Fine Banquet A LOVING CUP PRESENTED One of the Handsomest Pieces of Handicraft in Silver Ever Seen In
 5irmingham-The Cup
 Holds Five Pints.
A LOVING CUP PRESEN TED

iS iOSN nOLdDle iedIuIe or the eldpO- rate entertainment given at the Hotel Hillman last night by the local Scottish Rite Masons in compliment to William B. Phillips of Austin, Texas, was the pre- sentation to the guest of honor of a mag nifcent loving cup.
 MT. Phillips formerly lived in Birmlng- ham, where he was exceptionally popu- lar and the occasion last night had been planned as an evidence of the high es- teem in which he is held by the Masonic fraternity of Birmingham. The manner in which the cup was presented was unique. Fifty representative members of the Scottish Rite bodies were seated about the table. The lights were lowered and the cup. filled with sparkling champagne, was started around the table by Ber- tram Jacobs, who was sitting next to the guest of honor. When it had passed all the way round and had reached Dr. J. H. Phillips, who was seated on the opposite side of w. B. Phillips pr. Phillips made a very happy speech of presentation.
 Complete Surprise.
 The gift was a complete surprise to MT. Phillips, who did not realize that it was meant for him until he heard the words of Dr. Phillips.
 The entertainment was arranged several days ago. MT. Phillips is simply in Bir- mingham on a short vist. He was for many years chemist for the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company and is now occupying the chair of geology at the University of Texas. In addition to being a researchful student he Is a fluent writer and has made many. valuable contribu- tions to the scientific literature of the past few years.
 The cup presented last night was de- signed by F. w. Bromberg and is of the handsomest ever brought to Birmingham. It has a capacity of five pints, is of silver with French gray finish, and has massive handles. It is hand made. the decorations being applied grapes. The engraving on it reads as follows:
 The Inscription.
 "To our brother, William Battle Phil lips, K. c. c. H., and honorary life member of the Brethren of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Birmingham, Orient of Alabama, october 2, 1905" On the reverse side isfthe follow | ing:
 "A. A. S. R., For auld lang syne my dear, For auld lang syne,
 We'll take a cup O kindness yet
 For auld lang syne"
 There were fifty Masons present at the banquet, and toasts were responded to by pr. J. IT. Phillips, w. B. Phillips, Ber- tram Jacobs, B. F Ezekiel, Dr. M New field, J. H. Parker, c. P. Orr, Col. L, W. John and others.
 The presentation recalled to mind q former similar occasion given in honor of MT. Phillips He was told by some of the Masons that they wanted to present pr. J. H. Phillips with a handsome gold head ed cane, and asked him to go select one suitable for the purpose. He did so and gave the order to the jeweler as to how 1t was to be engraved. The jeweler had been put next'', however, by the other brethren and engraved W. B. Phillips name upon It. w. B. Phillips was chosen at the banquet to present the cane, and he made an elaborate address of presen- tation to Dr. J. H. Phillips, at the close of which the others called his attention to the name engraved upon IL. It was on this account that he would not believe last night that the cup was for him until he had seen the engraving.
 Mir. Phillips will leave Birmingham this morning for a trip of about week, after which he will return to his home in Aus tin, Tex.