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Democratic Watchman August 9 1867, page 3
"The following report of the Masonic dedication, heads, to the kindness of one of the members and that brotherhood, didn't furnished us for publication,
THE MASONIC DEDICATION
On Thursday morning August first the Brethren of the Mystic rites for about in their dark suits bright and early. As the train came in large numbers were added from the various neighboring Lodges. At about 11 AM, the Masons repaired to the hall and soon after merged in procession, dressed in black with white aprons and gloves. The Bellefonte Lodge in the lead escorting their visitors. Our band led the columns discoursing excellent music. Lock Haven Lodge came next in line, to the number of about eighty, and made a very fine display. Their aprons look like veterans in the service and their members appeared in to feel very much at home in such ceremonies. The Huntington Lodge fifty strong, and accompanied by the fine band from Huntingdon came next, MR followed by the Lodges from McVeytown, and representatives from Williamsport, Lewistown, Altoona, Emporium and Clearfield, and the new Lodge from Philipsburg, brought up the rear. This line marshaled by major P. B. Wilson moved out High St. to Spring, Spring to Bishop, through Bishop to Alleghany and up Alleghany to the front of the Brockerhoff House where the grand officers were stopping.Here R. W. G. Marshall, Joseph Boswell took charge of the column and the grand officers were placed in line in the rear of the escort, in the following order:
Jason Landenslager
H. G. Clark
R. G. W. Steward
leading the column. The bands and lodges above set forth with a brother in marching by two, eight feet apart.
Jas. McCollough
D. Z. Kline
R. Conley
R. W. G. D's with Corn wine and Oil
Attended by -
George W. Patton
F. S. Wilson
Jno. P. Harris
R. W. G. D's with black rods
H. P. Harris, R. W. G. P -
W. B. Schleder, R. W. G. Tyler
Rev. J. C. Laverty, R. W. G. Chaplain
John Bolt, R. W. G. L.
H. T. Beardsley, R. W. G. S. S.
Hermanus Neff, R. W. G. J. W.
Henry M Declert, R. W. G. S. W.
Harbison Holt, R. W. D. D. G. M.
Saml C Perkins, R. W. D. G. M.
Richard Vaux, R. W. D. M.
Jacob Bennett, R. W. G. S. B., bringing out the rear. The procession move to buy Allegheny to Linn street, by Linn to Spring, back to High street and thence to the hall, were the line halted informed open order while the G. O. passed through the Centre of the column, to the hall. The entire line uncovered as the grand officer passed, and the rear falling in moved up until by this maneuver the whole line from the rear passed into the hall. The bands prepared to the hotel and the Dedicatory ceremonies were performed in the hall in accordance with the ancient solemn usages of the order. The Bellefonte launch Henry conducted the G. O. to their hotel when all adjourned to dine. A large of instruction was held in the afternoon, and in the evening a very large and intelligent audiences assembled at the Town Hall to hear the lecture of the R. W. G. M., Hon. Richard Vaux. Capt. Hutchison, chairman of the committee of arrangements called the need to order at 7:45 PM, and announced Hon. Samuel Linn as the Presiding Officer of the meeting. After music, His Honor, introduced the lecturer and a brief but appropriate speech, and Mr. Vaux delivered a very excellent lecturer on the history and character of this ancient order, claiming the close attention of the large audience for fully and hour. The fraternity then adjourned to their own hall body audience dispersed and went home. In the hall and excellent lunch was served up to, under the supervision of J. H. Sands which was appreciated by all present, and the evening spent in social intercourse. The only regret expressed it was for the early departure of the Lock Haven Lodge through one such high expressions esteemed by their conduct an appearance, and the fear that the arrangements made in ignorance of the advent of so large a delegation, might prove insufficient. The Huntington band discoursed excellent music and serenading number of our citizens, and one for themselves much praise, while our own band excelled themselves and their performances through the day. All our citizens agree that Bellefonte never had a gala day on which such perfect order in excellent conduct was observed among your citizens or visitors. The affair was every way credible to all concerned candidates. The absence of all drinking was noticed as peculiar in so large a crowd but we believe temperance is one of the virtues Masonry inculcates. We should be glad to see more frequent assemblies of the fraternity. The lodges from McVeytown and Philipsburg must be in a very flourishing condition judging from the display they made at this dedication. May all such agencies for good continue to flourish."
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