ODD-FELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 714, 22 September 1870, Page 2

ODD-FELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY

The third anniversary of the formation of the Loyal. Weetport Lodge, M.U., was celebrated on Tuesday night last by a ball at the Masonic Hall. As on the occasion of previous festivities in connection with the Order, there was a large attendance of people, probably admirers of but unconnected with the institution of Odd-Fellowship, but the members of the Loyal Westport Lodge did not muster in such strength as in previous years ; the entertainment, however, passed off with a success which must have been highly satisfactory to the guests, and specially gratifying to the members of the Order. None but the initiated in these matters can properly estimate the onerous duties devolving upon a com mittee to whom is entrusted the responsibility of organising numerous arrangements upon which the success of such an entertainment depends. Suffice it to say that every essential in this respect had been carefully provided and the committee may in all sincerity congratulate themselves on the termination of their labors in having provided an entertainment at which all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and which proved in every way worthy of the occasion. It is scarcely necessary to add that Bro. Hughes, as host, contributed in no small degree to the gratifying result of the festival; the utmost care was evident in the arrangements for the convenience of the guests, and although the task must have been a somewhat difficult one to meet fully the requirements of such an assemblage, it 'was nevertheless achieved without leaving room even to the most inveterate grumbler to protest his discontent. About ten o'clock the brethren, arrayed in varied regalia, each officer having some special badge as a distinguishing mark of honor, assembled in the ball room for the purpose of receiving the guests. The ballroom

itself had been completely metamorphosed for the occasion; walls and ceiling were completely hidden with handBome banners, flags, and emblems of the order, interspersed with flowers and evergreens, and the room was brilliantly lit and, with the tasteful decorations, had an exceedingly good effect. Shortly after ten o'clock, the company commenced to assemble, and continued to flock in until midnight. Dancing commenced about ten o'clock, and was continued until six o'clock the following morning. To enumerate the company would be a difficult and unnecessary task. Every one who takes an interest in the order—and who does not—was present; while Charleston was fairly represented by both sexes. The supper, a feature of the entertainment which cannot be lightly passed over, had been prepared in a commodious building nearly adjoining thehall. Thecompany adjourned thither at half-past one o'clock, and the very important business of discussing the delicacies, which had been provided with almost prodigal profuseness, and doing honor to the customary toasts, occupied fully an hour and a half. Bro. W. Bishop, NO. of the Westport Lodge, occupied the chair, and was supported by D.P.O.M. Jordan and the N.G-. of the Charleston Lodge, Bro. Forder. The vice-chair was filled by Brother Eawlings. With a wisdom and forbearance which might be advantageously adopted on other similar occasions, the gentlemen, upon whom the duty devolved of proposing and responding to the various toasts, said their say with a most commendable brevity. The Chairman gave the " Queen and Royal Family," which was duly honored, and followed by the "Manchester Unity;" "The Sister Lodges," by Gr. Jordan, P. 0., responded to by W. Forder, N.G; " The District Officers," by the vice chair, responded to by the Pro v. Grand Master, W. O. Collings, P.O. ; " The Widow and Orphans Fund," by W. Struthers, P. 0., responded to by W. J. Moore, P. 0., of Charleston; " The Mining Community," " The Press," "The Host," and "The Ladies," were also proposed and briefly responded to.

About three o'clock the company returned to the ball room, and dancing was kept up with much spirit until six o'clock. The entertainment throughout was a most complete success, on that point opinion is unanimous, and reflects much credit, both upon the Order and those who assisted in perfecting the arrangements.