The Big Sandy news., 1916-11-24
DEDICATION OF MASONIC
HALL so Years AGO
INTERESTING BIT OF LOUISA
HISTORY RECALLED BY
ANNIVERSARY.

November 20. 1916, is memorable
date in the history OF local Freemas-
onry, II being the 50th anniversary OF
! the dedication OF the Masonic Hall in
Louisa. Much preparation had been
made in anticipation OF the day, and
Louisa people then and now proverbial
for their hospitality. had spread them
selves TO do honor to the event. Fat
ted calves, pigs, turkeys and chickens
had been killed and prepared with a
skill no less pronounced than that dis
played by their successors and descend
ants OF the present day.
A very large crowd was anticipated
and all expectations in this regard were
fully met. Delegations from every Ma
sonic Lodge in this end OF the State
and adjacent West Virginia were pres
ent, coming in all manner OF ways and
all kinds OF transportation. On the af-
tternoon OF the preceding day the ia
nous Rover. commanded by Capt
Henry Hager and pioleted by his now
distinguished son John +. Hager, of
Ashland, brought a crowd which pack
ed the boat to it's utmost capacity.
Among the Freemasons in attendance
were some OF the most distinguished
craftsmen in the State.
About nine o'clock on the morning
OF the goth Apperson Lodge was open
ed for the last time That place was
in the second story OF the old court
house. The officers OF that last meet
ing were as follows:
John W. Jones, w. w; b. A. Stub
bins, S. W.; +. r. Moore J. W.. G. r.
b. Chapman, Treas; G.. F. Johnson,
Sec; C. S. Chapman. S. d.; J. d. Rem
hart, j. D.. Thos. d. Marcum, S. & Il.
One glance at these names viii show
the average Louisian that few OF these
officers are now living. procession
was formed which marched through
Louisa to the new hall. which was
crowded to it's utmost capacity. Rev.
u. +. Medley had been appointed Dep
uty Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
of Kentucky and he in his most inn
pressive way, assisted by his brother
officers. dedicated Apperson Lodge. No.
1856, in ample form.
Previous to the dedication subscrip-
tons for a payment of the debt then
remaining were asked for with most
successful, results. This Ceremony"
too, was conducted by Brother Medley.
who beside being past master in Ma
sonry was past master" In raisisg
money for lodges and churches. A
great many OF the visitors remained
over night, enjoying the hospitality Of
our citizens. AS is we'll known the
first floor OF the Masonic Hall was for
many years used as school room. A
day or two after the dedication DR.. G.
w. wroten. OF this city, was made
principal OF what was then Masonic
Academy. which position he held for
six consecutive years. At the close of
that period he resumed the practice of
medicine.
We are indebted TO DR.. Wroten for
this bit of ancient history. and it is given
here in the belief that II will interest
hundreds OF readers of the NEWS,
many OF whom were living at the time
of this dedication and others are de-
scendants Of those who took part in
the affair.
1t may be OF interest to some to hear
that 1t had been the intention OF the
surviving pupils of the Academy to
hold a reunion, but the continued i'll
health OF its old principal has prevent
ed consummation OF this intention.