The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-02-13

One of the largest concourses of the
 Masonic fraternity ever assembled in this state, gathered in the Masonic
 temple yesterday, when with fitting
 ceremonies the members of St. Johns lodge, No. B. F. & A M. observed the 15oth anniversary of their institution.
 Masons of the highest degree in the craft some of whom are members of
 St. Johns lodge, the grand officers and hundreds of Blue lodge members took part in the observance.
 There was not a single hitch in the ceremony from the service at Christ church Sunday night to the closing of the Blue lodge last night, when one of the finest exemplifications of the degree of Master. Mason ever seen In this city was given.
 The grand officers present were: Grand Master Justin Holden of Nor wfch; Grand Senior Warden E. H. Junior Warden C.. T. R. Austin of Derby; Rev. F. W. Coleman of Norwich, grand chaplain; Grand Secretary F. W. Ravens, Hartford; Past Grand Masters G. G. McNalI, Greenwich, and E. E. Fuller, Holland. and Past Mas ter John Rowland. superintendent of the Masonic home, Wallingford. Ac- companying them were Past Grand Masters A. J. Hallock, formerly of Danhury. but now of Bridgeport, and Hugh Stirling, Rev. E. J. Craft, as sociate grand chaplain, District Depu- ty Grand Master F. L. Wilder of Bridgeport for District No. 1; c. F. Beach of New Milford for District No 2 and W. J. Rawlings of New Bri- tain for District No. 3.
 On their arrival a reception was held in the Masonic parlors. At 2 o'clock the exercises began in the I,oT xxyI1f members of the order.
 The scholarly address of Past Mas ter Fred W. Tracy was undoubtedly the feature Of the anniversary service, Masonic choir of Waterbury, a chorus of selected and well trained voices, probably created the greatest impres- sion. Their selections were encored shipful Maste~ Andrew V. Barber, His torian E. s, Phillips, Past Master Fred W. Tracy, and Daniel M. Row land, oldest living Past master of St. Johns lodge, will be found be ow
 At the conclusion of the afternoon exercises a banquet was served in the banquet hall. Six h'4ndred and fifty persons were served. Two hundred and fifty sat down at each time and the serving was arranged by a sys- tenn of differently colored tickets. The menu was an excellent one and the service reflected great credit on Ca terer Edward D. Waters and his as- sistants
 Among those at the banquet table was James Carr of Beacon street, who witnessed the celebration of the Tooth anniversary of the lodge in 1862. MT. Carr is one Of the oldest members of St. Johns lodge.
 The afternoon program opened with a selection by Bentley's orchestra, fol- lowed by prayer by Rev. Frederick W. Coleman, grand chaplain. Then came the address of welcome by Wor- shipful Master A. V. Barber, which
 Most worshipful Grand Master and Brother Masons: We have assemble1 here to- day in the character of Ma utn ost importance to the fraternity.
 One hundred and hfty years ago to- day a group of our forefatherS met in a little one story house in Stratfield and established a Masonic lodge. This was St. Johns lodge over whose des- tinies I have now the honor to preside as Master.
 Since that historic event the grim reaper has claimed a harvest of her m embers, many ot-s her masters lie siIenu in the Seo4d1eKnbraee of death, and the onward march of civilization has dwarfed and destroyed her meek and humble Dir, ,hplace, but the spirit of masonry under her motherly care has prospered and grown until her temples are in nearly every city and her faithful sons are found in every hamlet in Fa1rneId county.
 Around herpea ceful walls, nations have risen and fallen; governments have been rent asunder; systems have vanished, and bloody wars have ragged. Notwithstanding all these trials she has peacefully pursued her mission of brotherIy love, relief and truth until every branch of society has been con vinced of the good effects or her prin- ciples and the world at large has io ned in the -rraiSe of her efforts.
 oerarT7h1nd faarp- fn-AaU pII61V looking backward; into the dim and almost forgotten past. knowing as we do that we are older by many years than our glorious country, can well be proud of our peaceful record, our humane accomplishments and our an- e1ent origin.
 Tn the future, when the mists of discord shall be no more and the cleared away, may those of you who are guardians of her landmarks and have the noble purpose of her prin- ciples in your hearts see her standards of truth planted upon the ramparts of justice in the glorious light of our inst tutions.
 May her destinies be forever guided by that all seeing eye above, the eye hat never sleeps.
 'I take great pleasure, therefore, to- day in welcoming you to our celebra- ton, in extending our hospitality to all the craft and St. Johns lodge is glad III neE DE- heart that she is surrounded by so many faithful children"
 Grand Master Speaks.
 Grand Master Justin HoIdin of Nor wich, made the response as follows:
 'The 15O years passed since St. Johns Io5ge was instituted mark long time, longer in fact than the his 1ory of our country. But during this time there has been wonderful prog ress in all. directions. The humane regard for the rights of humanity is one of the greatest and in this work St. Johns lodge has had its part. Who can tell how great have been the er forts for good that have gone out from this lodge2 The members of the grand lodge of Connecticut have come here from all parts of the state to wish you to continue in the good work with even greater results.
 ''I thank you all for your hospitality ~AA wish tha lodge the greatest meas