The Washington herald., 1913-10-05

f, the peace and comfort of those who went
with us. The weather was ideal, glor-
ious blend of summer and fall. The
waters of Chesapeake Bay were never
smoother nor more inviting, the good
ship never sailed a happier course, and
the picturesque coyes and bays that form
alluring landscapes along the banks of
the historic Potomac were never more
beautiful in their fall draperies of green
and red.
"A goodly number of the MIR knights.
] their ladies' made the trip with us, and
their faces, when the steamer touched its
wharf in this city Monday morning, told
a happy story of the voyage.
AN incident of this last vacation was
| the fact that with us on the Three
Rivers, its famous captain and veteran
Mason, bib GeOghegan," bade farewell
10 seafarirg life. after n memorable
career Of nearly fifty-one years. He is a
man and Mason whom II is real de-
light TO know, and both as men and as
! Masons we bade him GOd-speed in the
name of old Columbia Commandery.
ITO those who helped in any way to
make our last outing of the summer the
real delight that it was, our sincerest
thanks are rendered.
Columbia COmmandery has sustained
its record in the past in providing for the
pleasure as wen as lOI lllG hlilShAlN fAOhN
| of its membership in its more serious
aim The call to duty is now upon US.
Things grow old and die and new things
spring up to take their place. Each year
marks the close of knightly careers: new
knights must be summoned to take their
places i'm the ranks. Old Columbia must
never lose her prestige or her vigor. Her
membership has always been her sponsor
for both. II must not be suffered TO di-
minish or to be impaired. Its rolls Of
Christian knighthoCd must be swelled at
all times that the onward march of her
Progress may continue
IF Templarism means anything to us,
il should be perpetuated. The swords we
now add to its valient hosts must be de-
pended upon TO fight the battles of the
future. New enrollmsnts now simply
mean the maintenance of all the sturdy
strength of old Columbia for the future
task before her. We have had our
pleasure and We have 'relshed II with
rare zest. We shall not answer the call
of duty less zealOusly, nor less cheerfully,
than the call of the lighter hours.
THE first opportunity afforded us to
show that we are ready will be given at
the Templar religious services to be held
by the Right Rev. Bishop of Washington.
Sir Knight Alfred Harding. at Cathedral
Close. Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, for
the special benefit of the Knights Temp
lar of Washington. The Right Rev.
Bishop of Arkansas. Sir Knight James
r. Winchester. himself a distinguished
member of the order, will preach the
sermon. Elaborate music is to be pro-
vided. The invitation is not only to all
Sir knights but to all Masons and their
families. The Sir Knights of Columbia
Commande-y are urged to meet at Wis
cOnsin and Massachusetts Avenues
Northwest, at O'Clock. Sunday after
neon, where the parade to the place of
service will be formed. Full Templar
uniform with swords is desired In every
case where it is possible. But the sir
knights who find il impossible to thus
appear are urged to come also, and am
pie provision will be made for them. The
grand commander has also authorized the
wearing of TempIar jewels. He has ear
nestly asked that a Creditable showing be
made / am certain Columbia Comman-
derry will not disappoint him. All hail.
Immanuel,
"COurteOusly yours.
"CSigned) FRANK f. GIBSON,
Commander"