Richmond planet., 1905-09-02
stars Met Together.

On Wednesday. Aug. Esd. 1905,
The G.. L. o. OF the Rising Sons and
Daughters OF the Star Of Bethlehem
met in it's Sth Annual Session with
the No. 3 Division near Gravel Hill,
Henrico County, Va. The day was
fair and very warm. At an early
hour the officers and members Of
the No. ] Division of Richmond
could be seen preparing for the oc-
casion. The journey was travelled
by stage. The temperature of the
weather caused much delay. On
reaching the ground, the lodges had
already assembled; No. 2 Division
from Big Bethel. No. 3 from Gravel
Hill and No. from Varina G., No. 6
from Antioch together with many Wis
itors and friends. The Hall could
not seat one half. OF those present
Notwithstanding an arbor had been
annexed 70 the front, covered with
oaks and eedars.
The house was called TO order by
Rev. VIM. II. Davis, President of No.
3 Lodge, who was also speaker OF
the day. After devotional exercises
Mrs. Eliza Dudley, Pres OF the Grand
Lodge assumed command and an
nounced the purpose and signifi-
cance of so great a gathering. w
l.. Ransome. Grand Sect'y and Mas
ter of Ceremonies, proceeded vita
the following programme:
Addresses by the following off,
GERS; Mrs. Eliza Dudley, Pres. Of No.
also of Grand Lodge: Mr.. John
Scott, Pres. OF No. Division: Mr..
George Randolph, Pres. OF No. Di-
vision. History OF the Order by Ed
ward Fitzgerald, First Stan OF G. U.
o. Addresses by Rev. w. II. Davis,
Pres. of No. 3. assisted by Rev. Mar
tin, Pres. of No. Z.
Each speaker was brief and point
ed. The Pres. of the Grand Lodge
was encouraged by many and loud
''amens' during her discourse. She
brought tears 90 the eyes OF many
as she related the sad end of many
who failed TO make necessary prepR.
! ration for the body, while In the
prime OF life She closed amid
shouts OF Joy, the audience still
clamorning for her 70 continue.
Pres. Scott of the No. . was soul
stirring and uplifting. He showed
| the good that the order had accom-
plished in his neighborhood and gave
many reasons why it should feel
encouraged. He closed with an ap-
propriate song.
Pres. George Randolph of No. 6
told OF the progress of hls order and
of his determination 70 lead it on t1
greater victories in the future than
those OF the past.
Staffman Edward Fitzgerald
then in a short but striking way
told of the progress Of the order dun
| ing the past eight years and of the
bright outlook for the future. AS
| Mr.. Fitzgerald is a well known good
worker in the interest of the order
his remarks We're all the more
weighty. IL was much regretted
| that the time would not allow him 8
longer discussion. The reports oi
the various Lodges were then read
| all Of which showed the entire order
\ to be in an excellent working condi-
tion, and steadily increasing in nu-
merical and financial strength. They
were received amid applause.
The Master OF Ceremonies then
introduced the Speaker of the day,
Rev. w. II. Davis, whose text was
| Is. 9:6. Theme THE Wonderful" I"
He was inspiring in his remarks;
| lifting earth SO near to heaven, bring
ing heaven so low 70 earth, that the
audience could almost hear the mu-
| sic OF the angelic host.
Rev. Martin then made the clos
| ing address, which was timely and
| pointed. After this good colleC
! tion was taken, while members OF
the congregation united in happy
songs of praise. Benediction was oi
| ferred by w. l.. Ransome, Master OF
Ceremonies, after which the audience
marched 10 heavy laden table, uu
der shady oaks. and there paused foI
a moment to await the invocation OF
Gods blessing by Mr.. c. J. Holloway
End Stan of No. /; after which al
present, refreshed themselves with
| fowl, meats and fruits Of many
| kinds.
AT twilight the great crowd was
on its way home The hum OF many
wagon wheel, the shouts OF laugh
| ter, the songs of joy that filled the
air, told TO the world that the Stars
felt like gOinR on