Norwich Brass Band. M. W. G. M. Rev. James Pratt, of Maine, M. W. G. M. John L. Devotion, of Conn., and Rev. C. W. Bradley, P. G. M. of Conn. Rev. Junius M. Willey, of Mercantile Lodge, No. 8; P. G. Reid, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Invited Guests. N. G. Jno. T. Wait, President of the Day. Committee of Arrangements. It is admitted by all that the procession as it moved from Franklin square, was the most beautiful exhibition ever witnessed in this city.The banners, (a description of which is given, in part, below,) were of the most elegant material and finish, and the regalia, beautiful at any time, was rendered doubly so by the reflection of the sun, which shone in all its splendor, and seemed to vie with the art of man in adding beauty to the scene. The Encampment regalia was made of black silk velvet, trimmed with gold-and the Lodge regalia of white satin, trimmed with silver lace, fringe, scarlet ribbon, &c. Never did we witness on any previous occasion, such a general turn out of the Ladies. Sidewalks, windows and doors were filled, and the smiles of approval and waving of handkerchiefs, greeted the procession at every step. Little Misses with baskets of flowers were seen tripping along the line of procession distributing beautiful. boquets, while it was passing through Washington street, and sundry other demonstrations of respect occurred, which we may notice hereafter. The whole number of persons in the procession was between three and four hundred. The banners, of which we have spoken, we will now attempt to describe, in part. That of Uncus Lodge, No. 11, was of blue silk, trimmed with yellow fringe, hung by heavy silk tassels to the standard, on the ends of which were gilt hands. The device on this Banner was, a female figure covered with a mantle, representing Charity, in the attitude of supplicationappealing with tearful earnestness to the "All seeing Eye" above for protection. Two orphans were at the feet of the female, around whom the arms of Charity were thrown. Motto "In God we Trust." "Faith, Hope, Charity." On the reverse, in a rich gilt scroll suspended by three links from the beak of the Eagle, in whose talons were the arrows and olive branch, was represented the figure of Uncas, the Mohegan Chief, in his hand a bow, and emblems of the Order at his feet. "Uncas Lodge, I. O. O. F., Instituted March 10, 1843." We visit the sick, we relieve the distressed." Palmyra Encampment-This was a very beautiful banner-its embellishments surpassed, perhaps, any other in the procession. It was of black silk, trimmed with gold, and hung by large silk tassels to the standard, on the top of which was a pastoral crook-the ends of the cross pieces terminating in gilt Roman spears. The design was a heavy gilt Tent, in front of which appeared the High Priest in full costume. The Tent was surrounded by a representation of the emblems of the Order in beautiful. gilt medallions-on the reverse was represented the ruins of Palmyra, embellished with a heavy gilt scroll on which was encircled the name of Palmyra Encampment, No. 3, Instituted June 15, 1843. Thames Lodge-This banner was made of blue silk, trimmed with blue fringe and suspended from the standard by heavy blue tassels. Designrepresentation of a sick brother, his wife receiving from the officers of the Lodge, a benefit-on the reverse was represented, in a rich gilt scroll, a view of the river Thames-the sun rising in the distance, and an Indian in a canoe in the fore ground. At the bottom of the scroll was the national colors of France, England and the United States bound together with three links. The procession passed through Main street to Washington street, up Washington street to the Monument of Uncas, from thence to Broadway, down Broadway to Union street, through Union street to Church street, down Church street to the Episcopal Church, where opening to the right and left, the procession entered the Church preceded by the Orator of the day, Rev. James Pratt, M. W. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Maine, N .G. Jno. T. Wait, President of the Day, and Col. J. L. Devotion, M. W. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. The galleries were literally crammed with ladies, and we are sorry to say, hundreds were unable to gain admittance. The body slips and a portion of the side slips were occupied by members of the Order-the officers of the different Lodges represented, were seated within the chancel. The balance of side slips were occupied by the citizens generally. The services commenced with a GRAND VOLUNTARY, BY DR. B. F. BARKER. HYMN. Come, brothers come! we rear a shrine Come, brothers, come— And let the pulse of buoyant youth Beat high for Friendship, Love and Truth. Here Friendship's fire shall ever burn, Faith watching by its vestal flame; While honor, vigilant and stern, Shall keep its altar free from shame. And let the pulse of buoyant youth Beat high for Friendship, Love and Truth. Here Love a brother's grief shall calm, And light with joy his sorrowing hours; Here Hope shall minister a balm Far sweeter than the breath of flowers. Come, brothers, come And let the pulse of buoyant youth Beat high for Friendship, Love and Truth. And Truth shall here unveil her face, And spread abroad her radient wing: Her brightest beams shall fill the place, And light upon the darkness fling. Come, brothers, come And let the pulse of buoyant youth Come, brothers, come! we'll gather round Now shall the chain, whose links have bound Come, brothers, come And let the pulse of buoyant youth Beat high for Friendship, Love and Truth. SERVICE BY REV. JUNIUS M. WILLEY. HYMN. We sing of Friendship's blessing Life's trials will not fear; 'Mid evil and temptation, Of Love, most high and holy, Our fervent praise we bring, Of Truth, all pure and glorious, Unitedly rejoice: Truth, that deception spoileth- And as for right it toileth, Doth in God's strength abide. Grant us, all-gracious Spirit, Effective righteousness: Such as forever moveth In vigorous age or youth, ADDRESS. BY REV. JAMES PRATT, Rector of the Episcopal Church, Portland. At the conclusion of the Address a collection was taken for the benefit of the poor of the parish, amounting to $32 50. PARTING HYMN. Brothers, we thank you all, Long may you happy be, In truth and harmony, Ever unite. ORGAN. After the exercises at the Church were closed, the procession was again formed and proceeded through Main street to the Car building of the Norwich and Worcester Rail Road Company, which had been generously and politely furnished by the officers of that company as a place for providing dinner for the members of the Order. The Car House was tastefully decorated with flags and motto's, pines and ever-greens, which with the beautiful flowers that adorned the tables, three in number, over 200 feet in length, presented a scene truly enchanting. The tables were covered with a bountiful supply of all the delicacies and luxuries which the market afforded. John T. Wait, N. G. of Uncas Lodge, presided as President, assisted by the P. G.'s of Uncas Lodge and the officers of Thames Lodge, as Vice Presidents. The Throne of Grace was addressed by Rev. Mr. Thompson, Chaplain of Thames Lodge, after which the company sat down to dinner. Dinner being finished, speeches were delivered by P. G. M. Charles W. Bradley, G. M. J. L. Devotion, and many others, accompanied with toasts, and music by the bands in attendance. The following were the SEVEN REGULAR TOASTS. 1st. The third day of September.-The day we celebrate-May each returning anniversary ever awaken in the hearts of true Odd-Fellows those sentiments of Friendship, Love, and Truth, which gave birth to our noble institution. 2d. Odd-Fellowship.--The great end it aims to attain is to lessen the aggregate of human misery, and swell the measure of human happiness.' 3d. Truth, Hope, and Charity-The main pillars of Odd-Fellowship: tear them away, and the beautiful fabric of our Order would crumble into dust. 4th. The great Watch-words and Pass-words of our Order.-Honor, Justice, Truth, Friendship, Temperance, Universal Kindness, Brotherly Love-indelibly impressed upon our memories and made our rules of action, they will guide us safely through life, and when the silver cord of life is loosed, and our connection with an earthly Lodge ended, they will gain us admission into the Celestial Lodge above. 5th. The founders of the first Lodge of Odd-Fellows in this Country— The surviving members of that Band still stand out as bright exemplars of the principles of our Order, and the names and deeds of their departed associates live in the memories of more than 200,000 of their brethren. 6th. Our visiting Brothers-May the high honor which this occasion derives from their presence be repaid by those acts of kindness and expressions of esteem, which the members of Uncas Lodge ever delight in according to all honorable brothers of the Order. 7th. The Ladies-although 'ancient usage,' as well as present custom prevents their mingling with us at the table, yet they are not the less kindly remembered by us, or by every one who has a taste to appreciate the most beautiful and finished work of his Maker. VOLUNTEER TOASTS. By P. G. M. Rev. C. W. Bradley. The Rev'd orator of the day,-the able expositor of our principles, the Maine stay of the Order. M. W. Grand Master Pratt, replied to this sentiment in a very happy and felicitous manner. By Rev. Bro. I. M. Willey.-The head of the Order in Connecticut, who brings to the promotion of our systematic benevolence, a consistent and untiring Devotion. The Grand Master of Conn. briefly responded to the foregoing,-thanking the Bro. for the service which he had rendered the Order on that occasion and concluded by offering the following sentiment. May the sunshine of prosperity visit the dwelling of every true OddFellow. The following sentiment was received from R. W. H. L. Miller, Deputy Grand Master of Conn., who was unavoidably prevented from being pre sent. The cardinal principles of our Order,-Brotherly Love-not in opposition to the Gospel, for that teaches that if a man love not his Brother whom he hath seen, he cannot love God whom he hath not seen. By C A. Converse, P. G. (addressing) The Ladies-They look like Odd-Fellows already, and I make no doubt they take us as such-do you not Ladies?" yes! yes! yes!" It is necessary here to state that a large collection of ladies were present to witness the ceremonies. By John T. Wait, N. G.-The Norwich and Worcester R. R. Co.;-the kindness of its officers, and the excellence of its dining room. By P. M. Judson, P. G.-Odd-Fellowship-the good Samaritan, which never passes by on the other side. By Walter Clapp, P. G.-Friendship, Love, and Truth—a chain of three links forged by the author of all good; may Odd-Fellows never wear any other. The following Volunteer Toasts are from members of Thames Lodge, New London. |