The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-07-19

MT. aMtthews said in part:
 Tn responding to the toast Our Ma sonic Ideals on this occasion. l will speak briefly on some of the things in- timately connected with our ancient in- stitution and which refer in some respects to the fundamental principles of free- masonry.
 T will also refer to the Masonic life record of brother who has shown his faith in the high and lofty principles which govern that institution and are im- perishable and everlasting.
 We meet this evening to celebrate the flftieth anniversary of the Masonic life of a brother-a life which has been to us q bright and shining example of love and charity, industry and integrity.
 Tt Is indeed a pleasure to take part in the celebration of an event which re- minds us of the great good, the valuable services our distinguished brother has rendered to an institution one of whose highest ideals is divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue
 Nearly twenty-eight years ago, he was the first Mason in an official capacity, to tell me of the theological or mystical lad der which extends from earth to the starry heavens. Years ago heard fall from his lips. in the city of the living and in the cemetery of the dead. words appli? cable to us all. and which remind me That the wine of life is oozing drop by
 drop
 "In the faithful band of Masons here assembled declare that William H. Dlngley, Secretary of Montgomery Lodge No. H. Past Master of that body, and Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ala bama, is my ideal of a Master Mason.
 Long may he live. and when the alarm Is sounded on the outer door and his life Is laid down to the Messenger-that Mes- senger to whom all must finally yield, whether they be the young, the beautiful or gifted may a band of attending an- gels bear his gentle spirit to the Grand Lodge above to the house not made with hands eternal in the heavens
 'The Nestor of Montgomery Lodge, William H. Dingley." response by Wal lace J. Chambers, Junior Warden of Montgomery Lodge No. H. MT. Cham bers said in brief:
 That is a toast to which I can respond with pleasure; that name-Mr. Dingley- wherevere heard by his friends. causes the face to put on a joyous animated ex- pression; that name stands for a person. ality who is ever optimistic, happy and youthful. and who always. wherever he goes, radiates good will and good fellow
 
 the dullest day of the year, when you are near a case of the blues, with a genial, Good evening, is the excitement tremend- ous?" In his company you live over the history of important legislation and events of seventy years; the creation of American invention, the wonders of the first railroad, the first steamboat; then the telegraph, that. people called miracle. He, fifty years ago, found strong affinity in the teachings of Mason ry, recognizing Masonic teachings as the basic principle upon which to erect strong and beautiful manhood In his fifty years devotion and work for our order we have a visible evidence in our Masonic Temple!-and In a growing Masonic libra ry. the nucleus of which, was POO rare volumes contributed from his own private collection.
 We of Montgomery Lodge have met to- night to pay loving tribute to him, our oldest brother. Again I say. am honor- ed in responding to the toast MT. Ding ley" Long may ho be with us
 The Rule and Guide of Our Faith and Practice. response by w. A. Beauchamp Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Alabama. MT Beauchamps description of the landmarks of the order and their uses as rule and guide to a Mason S life were most beautiful; his response was one of the most finished of the evening and paid special tribute to Mir. Dingley's s Masonic record.
 Our Visiting Brothers, response by pr. O. F. Gregory of John H. B. Latrobe Lodge No. 163 of Baltimore, Md. Dr. Gregory's address was reminiscence of Masonry back in war times of the late unpleasantness between the States. He claimed he had never felt he was a stranger among the hospitable people of Montgomery. His address was couched in the happiest strain. and was a req! treat to those who heard 1t.
 Here We Rest. response by Alfred H Ross. Worshipful Master of Montgomery Lodge No II. MT. Ross said:
 After the eloquent addresses I have heard this evening 1t is indeed a difficult matter to respond without previous mo- tice.
 Tt does not require the art of mind reading to see prevailing here tonight a feeling which can be more readily ex- pressed by the glance of an eye or by clasp of the hand, then by word of mouth
 Tt is an element as it were, of that part of man which is not his own (the love and affection we feel for our es. teemed brother. William Fl. Ding!er)
 Here We rest with the hope that our distinguished brother will be with us to celebrate many anniversaries of this hap py ocoasion.'
 TAe exercises were then closed by Rev. Dr. A. J. Messing and so ended an occa- sion which will live long in Masonic an nais.