-4auw,iiu,ii,uinin»iiaMiiiimujI!JjIimiIfflCfaMIlMB£^i COMPLIMENTS OF ^pollo ^ommaijdenii, j|o. 15, ||. ^, Tieo-2-, asr. -2". _ QfarncU lUitmEtattg Iiibrarg iltliam. New ?orfe FROlCl THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY yj gusnuiiwiu ill Cornell University Library HS758.T86 A65 History of. Mono,Commanderj;,||t^^^^ 3 1924 030 324 622 I olln,anx TmKmniBBniiTfTsnilillMliraSlimtlilira Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924030324622 1 83 7- 1882. HISTORY Apollo Commandery. NO. 15, Knights Templar, TROY, N. Y. COMPILED BY Em. Sir JESSE B. ANTHONY, Past Commander. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDERY. TROY, N. Y.: TROY TIMES PRINTING HOUSE, BROADWAY AND THIRD STREET. 1882. A. ^Hv^Z TO THE READER. In the preparation of a history of this nature many things are to be chronicled which may be uninteresting to the general reader, but yet they cannot be omitted, because they not only make up the whole> but every incident has in it something which will be interesting to many of the members, who have either been participants in, or have some knowledge of, the transaction recorded. In many instances I have availed myself of the records or printed account, giving as it does the opinions of others than myself. During the later years, with many other active members in our body, I have been personally interested in everything in which the Commandery has been engaged, and hence must be pardoned for any personal al- lusions. * The record of almost half a century is of value to us as a body on many accounts, and I am glad that a complete Templar History, of all the Commanderies throughout this jurisdiction, has been projected by the Grand Recorder, Em. Sir Robert Macov. It will not only be the means of preserving facts, but of presenting them more fully than it would be possible to do in the years to come. In the prepara- tion of the sketch transmitted to the Grand Recorder for publication in the transactions, many items had to be omitted, and, under a reso- lution adopted by the Commandery, I have been requested to prepare a complete history of Apollo for publication. We, however, realize its incompleteness in the very years that we would wish it to be the fullest ; but unfortunately — in the fire of 1862 — our Commandery suffered the loss of all its records previous to 1858. However, through the kindness of Em. Sir Robert Macoy, Grand Recorder, I am enabled to present some of the important papers in- cident to the organization of Apollo ; and by diligent search, and some considerable labor, I have been able to supply some points in the blank of the first nineteen years. With this preface I submit the record for your consideration. Courteously yours, JESSE B. ANTHONY. Troy, N. Y., January, 1882. ' ' The years are passing by. They carry with them as they go The rain, the sunshine, and the snow ; They leave behind the drift of days Wherein each soul some penance pays ; Some hopes we have, but not our own. Some loves we cherish, not alone ; And there are leaves and faded flowers That tell sad tales in memory's hours, The years are passing by.'' HISTORY Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T. LOCATED AT TROY, N. Y. In the year 1837, several Sir Knights, including Thomas T. Wells, Daniel M. Eraser, Joel G. Candee, Benjamin Marshall, James Hinds, Abel Wetherbee, Richmond Jones and George W. Hicks of Troy, N. Y., met with several Sir Knights of Albany, N. Y., at a meeting of Temple En- campment, No. 2, at which conclave Companions Joseph C. Taylor, Rev. William F Walker, John S. Perry and George B. Glendenning of Troy, N. Y., petitioned for the orders of Knighthood, and were subsequently elected and received the orders in due form. In the year 1838, the Sir Knights in Troy, having be- come more numerous than the Sir Knights of Albany in Temple Encampment, proposed to the Albany mem- bers to hold alternate conclaves of Temple Encamp- ment in Troy. This request was not acceded to, and in 1839, the Sir Knights petitioned the Grand Encamp- ment for a Dispensation to form and organize an En- campment in the City of Troy, N. Y., to be known as Apollo Encampment. The application for a Dispensation was signed by Sirs Thomas T. Wells, Joel G. Candee, Joseph C. Taylor, Ben- jamin Marshall, James Hinds, George W. Hicks, Jacob Danker, John S. Perry, Richmond Jones, Simeon Rowell, Stephen C. Leggett, Harris W. Bates, Daniel M. Eraser, 6 History of Apollo [1839- Abel Wetherbee and George B. Glendenning, and on the i2th of August, 1839, R. E. Ezra S. Barnum, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, issued the following DISPENSATION. By the Most Eminent Sir Ezra S. Barnum, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, and the appendant orders in the State of New York — Whereas, A memorial has been to me addressed by Sir John S. Perry, Sir Joseph C. Taylor, Sir Jacob Danker, Sir Thomas T. Wells, Sir James Hinds, Sir Simeon Rowell, Sir Richmond Jones, Sir Stephen C. Leggett, Sir Harris W. Bates, Sir Daniel M. Eraser, Sir George W. Hicks, Sir Abel Wetherbee, Sir Joel G. Candee, Sir Benjamin Marshall and Sir George B. Glendenning, vouched for to me as true and trusty Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templar and Knights of Malta, and setting forth good and sufficient cause for the establish- ment of an Encampment in the City of Troy, and praying for a Dis- pensation for the organization and establishment of an Encampment, at the same time promising to conform in all things to the require- ments of the Constitution of the Grand Encampment ; Therefore, Be it known, that I approve of the proposition of the aforesaid Sir Knights, and by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution of the Grand Encampment, do hereby authorize our Most Eminent Companion, Sir James Herring, to convene the aforesaid Sir Knights at some convenient time in the City of Troy, and to form them into an Encampment by the distinctive title of Apollo Encampment, and to install our most worthy Companion Sir Thomas T. Wells as First Grand Commander thereof. Sir Daniel M. Eraser as First Generalissimo, and Sir Joseph C. Taylor as First Captain General, and immediately thereafter to hold an election for the officers necessary to the perfect organization of an Encampment of Knights Templar, and I do hereby further authorize our aforesaid Most Eminent Companion, Sir James Herring, to open in the City of Troy a college of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, and a convention of the Christian Mark, and to confer these orders on the aforesaid Sir Knights forming Apollo Encampment ; which being done accord- ing to the true intent and meaning of these presents, I do hereby au- thorize the aforesaid Sir Thomas T. Wells and his associate Compan- ions to conduct the regular business of said Apollo Encampment, to constitute, dub and create Knights, to admit members, and all other duties that ought to be done, they conforming in all things to the Constitution of the General and State Grand Encampment, until the next annual meeting of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, at which time this document shall be returned to our Grand Recorder, with a. report of the doings of said Apollo En- l839-] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 7 campment, unless these powers shall have been previously revoked, and for the purposes herein mentioned this Dispensation shall be to the aforesaid Sir Knights a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and private seal, at the City of Utica, this I2th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1839. (Signed,) E. S. BARNUM, [seal.] Grand Master. [SKAL.] (Signed,) JOHN V. GREENFIELD, Attest ; Deputy Grand Master. Syl\'f,ster Spencer, Grana Recorder. Accordingly on the 26th of August, 1839, the petition- ers met in St. John's Hall and were by Em. Sir James Herring duly constituted and the officers installed. The following additional officers were then duly elected : Sir Joel G. Candee Prelate. " Abel Wetherbee Senior^Warden. " James Hinds Junior Warden. " Simeon Rowell Treasurer. " Stephen C. Leggett Recorder. " Benjamin Marshall, Standard Bearer. " George W. Hicks Sword Bearer. " John S. Perry Warder. " Richmond Jones Guard. " Jacob Danker " " Harris W. Bates The following code of by-laws was adopted : Section i. The regular meetings of this Encampment shall be held on the second and fourth Fridays of every calendar month throughout the year. Sec. 2. Special meetings may be held at such times as the presid- ing officer shall, for the benefit of the Encampment, think proper. Sec. 3. The election of officers shall be held on the stated conclave next preceding Good Friday in each year, and shall consist of all the officers required by the Constitution, which election shall be by ballot. In the event of an office becoming vacant by death, resignation or re- moval, the Encampment may, if they deem it expedient, proceed to an election to fill the vacancy, provided that such election shall take place at a regular meeting only, and that notice shall have been given at the regular meeting preceding. Sec. 4. The fees for conferring the orders of Knighthood shall be twenty dollars, and for an adjoining member three dollars, and no person shall be admitted without the unanimous consent of all the members present. 8 History of Apollo [1839. Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Sentinel to make the necessary preparations for the meetings of the Encampment, to distribute no- tices, and do all other services relating to his office, for which he shall receive the sum of one dollar for each evening and be exempt from the payment of all dues. Sec. 6. All questions shall be decided by a majority of votes, and in case of an equal division the presiding officer shall give the cast- ing vote. Sec. 7. The yearly dues for each member shall be one dollar, to be paid at each anniversary meeting, and no person shall vote at any election until all dues shall be paid, and in all cases where the mem- bers do not discharge their dues at the expiration of two years the Encampment may, by a vote of the majority present, cause their names to be erased from the list of members. Sec. 8. Every person becoming a member of this Encampment shall sign the by-laws, and no person shall possess the privileges of a member unless he has so signed them. Sec. 9. This Encampment recognizes the jurisdiction of and con- siders as obligatory on them the Constitution and regulations of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, and the General Grand Encampment of the United States of America. Sec. 10. Any Sir Knight applying to this Encampment for the order of the Red Cross and Knight of Malta, having previously taken the Knights Templar in a regular body of Knights Templar shall re- ceive the order of the Red Cross for seven dollars, and the Knight of Malta for three dollars, on receiving a unanimous vote of the En- campment. Sec. II. Any Sir Knight proposing a candidate shall be consid- ered as holden for his initiation fee. The membership of Apollo Encampment at the annual return of 1840, embracing as it did the work of the past year, comprised the following Sir Knights, exclusive of those named as petitioners for the Dispensation, viz : Sir Reuben Purdy, Sir Abel Whipple, " Royal C. Levings, " James Hegeman, " Henry T. Eddy, " Asa Howlette, " Edmund Clark, " Rev. W. Van Zandt, " Alanson Cook, " Horace K. Smith, " Stephen Bosworth, " Leonard McChesney, " Luther R. Lassell, " J. D. Vanderhyden, ■' Gilbert Geer, " Archibald Bull, " Joseph M. Brintnall, " Caleb Wright, " Daniel King, (R. C.) " J. W. Brooks, " Sidney Rice, " Edward Thompson, Sir Jacob Gingrich, 1840.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 9 making the total membership thirty-seven Sir Knights, and the fees and dues to the Grand Encampment were fifty dollars. After the Dispensation had been granted, it was ascer- tained that the granting of the same, without the consent of the surrounding Commanderies, was deemed to con- flict with Section 7 of Art. i of the Constitution of the Grand Encampment, viz : No Warrant or Dispensation for any Commandery or Encamp- ment shall be issued to form such bddy within the distance of thirty miles of any regularly constituted Council or Encampment, except in the City of New York and vicinity, and it was thought at one time thaf the Dispensation would have to be recalled, inasmuch as Temple Encamp- ment, No. 2, of Albany, refused to recommend the ap- plication for a Dispensation. The active members of Apollo were, however, unwilling to be deprived of the privilege which had been granted them, and at a special meeting held October 7th, 1839, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, It becomes necessary, agreeable to an article of the Con- stitution of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, that when a constitutional number of Sir Knights are desirous of ob- taining a charter from the Grand Encampment, that the petitioners be recommended by the Council or Encampment in the same State, nearest the place where the new Council or Encampment is to be established ; therefore Resolved, That the Sir Knights now associated, known and dis- tinguished as Apollo Encampment, under and by the authority of a Dispensation from the M. E. G. M. of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, make application to the Grand Encampment at their next annual meeting for a charter. Resolved, That the first four officers and Sir Knight Glendenning be a committee to make application to the Grand Encampment as above, and that they present a copy of the petition together with the foregoing resolution to Temple Encampment of the City of Al- bany, at their next regular or some subsequent meeting for their ap- proval and recommendation. Application was accordingly made to Temple En- campment, No. 2, asking their recommendation, but it was not favorably entertained by them at first, but after- lo History of Apollo [1840. ward, on June 12th, 1840, we find that they gave the nec- essary permission in the following form : Resolved. That the Sir Knights petitioners from Apollo En- campment in the City of Troy, be recommended as worthy Sir Knights in good standing in the order, and we recommend that the petition be gTa.nteA, provided that it does- not militate against the con- stitution, rules and regulations of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, and the General Grand Encampment of the United States of America. (Signed,) JON'N EIGHTS, Attest : Grand Commander. J. J. GoEWAY, Recorder. Application was also made to Utica Encampment, No. 3, of Utica, N. ¥.,♦ and they recommended the petition on April 22, 1840. At the annual conclave of the Grand Encampment in 1840, the letter of Dispensation was returned to the Grand Body, but there being yet some difference of opin- ion as to the power of granting a warrant, owing to the proximity of the two cities, Albany and Troy, the sub- ject of granting a warrant was finally put over until the next annual conclave of the Grand Encampment, and it was resolved, June 5th, 1840, in the Grand Encamp- ment (and so endorsed), That this Dispensation, which was granted to Apollo Encamp- ment at Troy, which was returned this evening, be returned to said Encampment and remain in full force and virtue until the June communication next. (Signed,) SYLVESTER SPENCER, Grand Recorder. Thus it will be seen that there was some difficulty at- tending the organization of Apollo, but through the efforts of the active workers, and among them none more so than our respected frater, Em. Sir John S. Perry, the opposition was finally overcome, and on June ist, 1841, having worked under Dispensation two years, the follow- ing petition was prepared, signed by the members, thirty- six in number, to be presented to the Grand Encamp meat at its annual conclave : 184I.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. II To the Most Eminent, the Grand Encampment of the State of New York : The petition of the subscribers most respectfully showeth, that they are Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templar and Knights of Malta or Order of St. John of Jerusalem, resident in the City of Troy and its vicinity, and in good standing in the order. That they have been organized and at work as an Encampment in the City of Troy, under and by virtue of a Dispensation to them granted by the Most Eminent Sir Ezra S. Barnum, Grand Master, and Sir John V. Greenfield, Dep- uty Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, dated August 12, 1839, which letter was returned to the said En- campment, at their annual communication in June, A. D. 1840, and on motion it was resolved by that body to continue the said Dispensa- tion in force till the annual communication in June, 1841. Your peti- tioners would further state that during said period, the Encampment has been and still is in a flourishing condition ; that they have con- ferred the Orders of Knighthood upon twenty-six worthy companions, and still believe they will be able to add, not only to their number, but to the usefulness of the Order and to its honor and dignity. They therefore pray that your honorable body will be pleased to grant to them a Charter to hold an Encampment in the City of Troy, to be known and distinguished as Apollo Encampment, and to con- fer the Orders of Knighthood according to the practice of the Encamp- ments under your jurisdiction, that is to say, the Order of Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templar, Knights of Malta, or Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and Christian Mark, at the same time appointing some competent Sir Knight to confer upon your petitioners the last two orders, which they have not yet received. Your petitioners on their part promise to support the constitution, rules and regulations of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, and of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York, and to make just and legal return of their doings annually to the Grand En- campment, and on all occasions to promote to the utmost of their power the principles of the order. They respectfully beg leave to nominate (if so please the Grand Encampment) our worthy Compan- ion Sir Joel G. Candee to be our first Grand Commander, our worthy Companion Sir Joseph C. Taylor to be our first Generalissimo, and our worthy Companion Sir Benjamin Marshall to be our first Captain General, and request that leave may be granted to them to fill the other ofBces by election from their associates. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. This application was favorably considered by the Grand Encampment, and on June 4th, 1841, Apollo Encamp- ment was continued by virtue of the following warrant : History of Apollo ['1841. A'on nobis, Domine, non nobis : sed nomini tiio da Glonam. We, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar and Appendant Orders for the State of New York, in ample form assembled accord- ing to the constitution of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, viz : Richard Ellis, Esq., of New York, Most Eminent Grand Master. Joel G. Candee, M. D., of Troy, Most Em. Deputy Grand Master. Geo. B. Glendenning, Esq., of Troy, 111. Grand Generalissimo. Robert R. Boyd, Esq., of New York, 111. Grand Capt. General. James Millar, Esq., of New York, 111. Senior Grand Warden. Joseph P. Pirsson, Esq., of Xew York, 111. Junior Grand Warden. Jonathan Dodge, M. D., of New York, 111. Grand Treasurer. Do, by these presents, appoint, authorize and empower our worthy Sir Knights Joel G. Candee to be the first Grand Commander, Joseph C. Taylor to be the first Generalissimo, and Benjamin Marshall to be the first Captain General of an Encampment of Knights Templar and appendant orders, to be by virtue hereof formed, constituted and holden at Troy, in the county of Rensselaer, which shall be dis- tinguished by the name, style or title of A folio Encampment, .Vo. /j, and the said Grand Commander, Generalissimo and Captain General, and their successors in office, are hereby respectfully authorized and directed by and with the assistance and consent of a majority of the Sir Knights composing the said Encampment, duly to be summoned and present upon such occasion, to elect and install the officers of the said Encampment, as vacancies happen, in manner and form as is or may be prescribed by the constitution of the Grand Encampment. And further, the said Encampment is hereby vested with full power and authority to assemble upon proper and lawful occasions, and to constitute Knights of the Red Cross, dub Knights Templar, create Knights of Malta, and to install Knights of the Christian Mark and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre ; to admit members, as also to do and perform all and every such acts and things appertaining to the 1841.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 13 said Orders of Knighthood as have been or ought to be done, for the honor and advantage thereof, conforming in all their proceedings to the constitution of the General Grand Encampment of the United States of America and the regulations of the Grand Encampment, and otherwise this Warrant and the powers hereby granted to them will be of no further effect. Given under our hands and seal of the Grand Encampment in the City of New York, in North America, this 4th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, and in the year of our illustrious order seven hundred and twenty-three. RICHARD ELLIS, G. M. JOEL G. CANDEE, D. G. M. GEO. B. GLENDENNING, G. G. R. B. BOYD, G. C. G. [seal.] JAMES MILLAR, S. G. W. JOS. P. PIRSSON, J. G. W. JONATHAN DODGE, M. D., G. T. SYLVESTER SPENCER, G. R. The Encampment was duly constituted and the offi- cers installed by M. E. Ezra S. Barnum, G. M., of the Grand Encampment, in August, 1841. 1840 — June 24th. St. John's Day was celebrated by the fraternity of the City of Troy, the exercises consist- ing of a public parade, address by R. W. James Herring, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and a dinner at Morris Place Hall. Apollo En- campment, with Lafayette Encampment, of Hudson, acted as escort to the Lodges and Grand Lodge on that occasion. Sir Abel Wetherbee succeeded Sir Joel G. Candee as Grand Commander, and at the annual conclave, April, 1842, the following officers were elected : Sir Archibald Bull Grand Commander. " James Hegeman Generalissimo. " Benjamin Marshall Captain General. " John B. Colegrove Treasurer. " Stephen C. Leggett Recorder. In the year 1843 one companion, Alfred T. Purdy, was Knighted. 14 History of Apollo [i844- 1844. At this annual conclave the following officers were elected : Sir James Hegeman Grand Commander. " Benjamin Marshall Generalissimo. " Stephen Bosworth Captain General. " John B. Colegrove Treasurer. " Stephen C. Leggett Recorder. Number of members at that time 40. Succeeding Em. James Hegeman as Grand Comman- der was Em. John S. Perry in 1848, Em. Richard Bloss in 1851, Em. Riley W. Kenyon in 1855, in 1856 Em. John S. Perry, and in 1858 Em. Richard Bloss. 1850 — June 24th. Apollo Encampment, Em. John S. Perry, E. C, visited Burlington, Vt., and united in the celebration of St. John's day by the fraternity of that place. On July 31st, exercises were held to commemorate the death of Gen. Zachary Taylor. The procession, under the direction of Em. Archibald Bull as Grand Marshal, consisted of the lodges of Troy, Lansingburgh, West Troy, Ballston Spa, Whitehall, Saratoga Springs and Cohoes, with Apollo Encampment, No. 15, Sir John S. Perry, E. C, and Utica Encampment, No. 3, Sir P. Brewer, E. C, as escort. A delegation of Knights Templar from New York City was also present and acted as escort to the pall bearers. There were present many distinguished Masons, among whom may be noted M. W. Wm. H. Mil- nor, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and R. E. Ezra S. Barnum, P Grand Com- mander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York. 1852 — November 4th. Apollo Encampment, No. 15, visited Ballston Spa, and acted as escort to the Masonic fraternity of that place on the occasion of the celebration of the centennial of the initiation of George Washington into Masonry. Chancellor Walworth acted as Grand Chaplain, and Bro. A. K. Hadley, of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, of Troy, delivered the oration. 1 85 5-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 15 1855 — June 26th. The anniversary of St. John was celebrated by the Masonic fraternity of the city. The procession formed at ii a. m. under charge of Sir Archi- bald Bull, Grand Marshal, and consisted of the lodges of Troy, with Apollo Encampment as escort. There were also present Morton Encampment, No. 4, of New York City, and delegations from Albany, New York City, Vermont, etc., and the total number in the procession embraced about 1000 members. The officers of the Grand Encampment of the State were present, and among the names of distinguished Masons who hon- ored the occasion by their presence, we note with pleas- ure R. E. John W. Simons, Em. Robert Macoy, R. W. Charles L. Church, R. W. James M. Austin and Ex. John O. Cole. After marching through the principal streets of the city, they repaired to Rand's Hall, where the exercises of the day were held. An oration was delivered by R. E. and Rev. Sir W. H. Goodwin, Grand Prelate of the Grand En- campment. At the conclusion of the exercises the pro- cession was reformed and marched to Harmony Hall, where a dinner had been prepared, to which 500 did ample justice. The following toasts were responded to : 1. The Day we Celebrate — Sacred to the memory of St. John the Baptist. He was "a bright and shining light " in the Order ; may all true sons of light emulate his example and practice his virtues. [Responded to by Chancellor Walworth.] 2. The American Generals of the Revolution. [Responded to by Bro. D. W. C. Cram.] 3. Masonic Principles — Based upon the rock of ages. Neither bigotry, superstition, nor proscription can prevail against them. [Re- sponded to by Em. Sir Robert Macoy.] 4. The Grand Encampment of the State of New York. [Respond- ed to by Em. Sir John S. Perry.] 5. Liberty and Masonry. [Responded to by Bro. Charles L. Mac- Arthur.] 6. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York. [Responded to by R. W. and Sir James M. Austin.] 7. The wives and daughters of Masons. [Responded to by A. W. Fenno.] i6 History of Apollo [1858. After a number of volunteer sentiments the banquet- concluded with three cheers for the Trojan brethren. " The celebration was (said to be) one of the finest which has ever taken place in our city. The arrangements under Sir John S. Perry, chairman, were perfect, and everything passed off in a very satisfac- tory manner." 1858 — November igth. We commence our review from the record now in possession of the Commandery, and we find the following as present : Sir Richard Bloss, E. C. " N. T. Woodruff, Gen'l,/;-(; tern. " George Babcock, C. G. " Marcus Ball, Prelate. " Levi H. Button, S. \\.,pro tern. " P L. Jones, J. W. " H. G. Adams, Warder. " Geo. B. Cobb, Recorder, and Sirs McManus, Price and Dempsey. This was a special meeting, and there being no business " proceeded to drill." Unless there had been an accession of mem- bers since the record was made up, there must have been rather a light drill. 1859 — April 22d. At the annual conclave there were present, besides the officers, 35 Sir Knights. The elec- tion resulted in an almost entire change of officers, who were duly installed by Em. Sir Richard Bloss, P. E. C, at a special conclave, April 29th. I omit a list of officers-elect, as they will be found appended to the history. Em. Sir Richard Bloss having declined a re-election, it was resolved, " That the thanks of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, are justly due and are hereby tendered to Em. Sir Richard Bloss, for his faithful discharge of duty as Commander for the past six years.'' The fee to the Recorder for services was ten dollars per year, and the balance in the hands of the Treasurer was reported as Si 22.23. July 8th. For certain reasons the office of Recorder was declared vacant, and Em. Sir John S. Perry was elected to fill the vacancy. l86o.] COMMANDERY No. 15. 17 November 2Sth. A new code of by-laws adopted. i860 — January 27th. — At this conclave Sirs J. M. Craw- ford and John M. Williams received the orders of Knights Templar and Knight of Malta, and the minutes read : " The order of Knights Templar was, by request of the E. C, conferred by Em. Sir Richard Bloss, P. E. C, and the Knight of Malta by Em. Sir John S. Perry, P. E. C. Sir Marcus Ball, Past Prelate, officiated by particular request of Sir L. H. Button, (Prelate), in conferring these orders of Knighthood." Sir John B. Colegrove, who had been Treasurer of the Commandery since 1844, died on the nth of April, i860, aged 61 years. His funeral took place on the 13th inst, at the Universalist Church, and was attended by a large number of citizens, by the builders of the city in a body and a large delegation from the Masonic fraternity. Sir John B. Colegrove was an old resident of the City of Troy, coming here from New York in 1827. He was a prominent builder, and constructed most of the public buildings of the city, the Court House, University, etc. He was President of the Universalist So- ciety at his death, and had ever been prominent in all public interests. The following tribute was paid to his memory by an intimate friend : ' ' John B. Colegrove is dead. For thirty years a resident of the City of Troy, he was a fine illustration of the truth, " an honest man is the noblest work of God." So true, so simple in the majesty of honor, so honorable in all his life, so noble in all his impulses, frank almost to a fault, yet, always controlled by the highest sense of jus- tice ; — unlearned and unambitious in the hollow forms of position and power, yet regarding all the mockery of place and pretentious arrogance with merited contempt, he moved serenely in his sphere, dispensing to all around him the rich blessings of a noble, honest usefulness." Appropriate action was taken by the Commandery in memory of Sir Knight Colegrove, and subsequently Sir Henry G. Adams was elected Treasurer to fill the vacancy. September 4th. There was a pleasant surprise (at least to one) at this conclave. A few personal friends, mem- bers of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, as well as Apollo Commandery, presented to Sir David H. Jones a Templar uniform complete. The presentation i8 History of Apollo [i86i. was made by Em. Sir John S. Perry, P. C, and although totally unprepared the recipient responded " in his usual happy manner.'' 1 86 1 — January nth. Invitation received and accepted from Temple Commandery, No. 2, of Albany, inviting the members to participate in the pleasures of a Grand Masonic Soiree, to be given under the auspices of said Commandery at Tweddle Hall, on Wednesday, Jan. 30th. Sir S. T. Fisk, of Morton Commandery, No. 4, New York city, was present as a visitor. February 2 2d. Sir L. A. Rousseau received the order of the Temple and was appointed one of the Guards. March 22d. At the annual conclave, in accordance with the usual custom in the Commandery, the constitu- tion and the general regulations of the Grand Command- ery, and the by-laws of Apollo were read for the instruc- tion of the members present, and it was also resolved " to procure books of drill and secure the services of Sir Knight Wilbur, Grand Lecturer, for instruction." 1862 — April 25th. The officers elect were installed by Em. Sir Richard Bloss, P. E. C, and a Council of Red Cross opened for instruction. May 9th. For the first time in many years we find the following entry, " a Commandery of Knights Templar was opened in full form." September 24th. Sir Wm. B. Sturgess died, and his funeral was attended by the Commandery, on Sunday, the 28th inst. It was the first time that the Templar burial services were conducted in Troy, and under the auspices of Em. Sir John S. Perry, and Sir R. W. Roberts as Prelate, they " were beautifully and impressively ren^ dered.'' There was a large attendance of the fraternity of the city and delegations from Albany, Lansingburgh, Cohoes and Waterford. December 26th. The seal and all the records having been destroyed by the fire of May loth, a new seal was ordered procured. If the minutes could have been dupli- cated as easily, it would have been greatly to the advant- age of the Commandery. 1863.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I9 1863 — January 30th. There was a large attendance at this conclave, and the Commandery was honored by an official visit from R. E. Zenas C. Priest, Grand Comman- der of the Grand Commandery, accompanied by M. E. Ezra S. Barnum, P. G. C, and a delegation from Utica Commandery, No. 3, of Utica. By request, the Grand Commander R. E. Zenas C. Priest as E. C, M. E. Sir E. S. Barnum as C. G., and Sir Knight Kincaid of Utica No. 3, assisted in conferring the order of the Temple on Rev. C. W. Cushing. The Grand Commander, in his annual address to the Grand Commandery, alludes to this visit as follows : " I found that (Apollo) Commandery in a good condition, they hav- ing availed themselves of the valuable instructions of the Grand Lec- turer, and everything that came to my knowledge indicated that they were actuated by a generous and laudable ambition to take a leading position among the Commanderies of the State." February 13th. Sir Sewall T. Fisk, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Commandery, was present, and by request re- mained one week for the purpose of instructing the officers in the work. February 28th. The following report was unanimously adopted, and ordered transmitted to the Grand Com- mandery : The undersigned, a committee appointed by Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T., to express its sense of the merit of the Grand Lecturer Sir Knight Sewall T. Fisk, take pleasure in bearing witness to his many good qualities, and his felicitous manner of imparting instruc- tion. We cheerfully endorse him as being "the right man in the right place," and we heartily recommend his continuance in the oflSce which he now holds and so worthily fills. GEO. BABCOCK, JOHN S. PERRY, JAMES S. THORN, Committee. At the annual conclave of March 13th, the Em. Com- mander, Sir John S. Perry, made a few remarks to the Sir Knights, thanking them for past acts of courtesy, and respectfully declined a re-election to the office of Com- mander, whereupon Sir George Babcock was elected as Commander. 20 History of Apollo [1863. The officers-elect were duly installed, March 27th, by- Em. Sir John S. Perry, assisted by Em. Sirs Ball and Bloss, P. C.'s, and he also, by authority from the Grand Commandery, installed Sir Royal C. Levings as Grand Sentinel of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York. Up to this period the Commandery had been pursuing the even tenor of its way under the old methods, but the accession of new members, under the able management of Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, assisted by an efficient corps of officers, had furnished material who were resolved to put Apollo in the front rank for work and drill. This may be aptly termed the dividing line of the old from the new, and through the energetic efforts of the active members of that time are we greatly indebted, as a Commandery, for our present position and standing. Securing the assistance of the Grand Lecturer — the in- side work was brought to its desired state of perfection — the members were induced to secure uniforms, and un- der competent military instructors, among their own members, the subject of outside tactics and drill received that attention which made the Commandery at that time one of the best drilled Commanderies in this section. In fact many of the movements afterward incorporated in the drill as adopted by the Grand Commandery had been used by Apollo before being officially promulgat- ed by the Grand Body, not it is true just at this period, but a few years subsequently. There is a turning point in the affairs of life which taken at its flood leads on to success ; so this period may be considered as the important period in the history of Apollo, and we pay our meed of praise to those who la- bored in the heat and burden of the dav to secure the proud result. April loth. An ancient seal was presented to the Com- mandery by Sir Samuel Tappin, on behalf of Aid. Jere- miah D. Green. The Grand Commandery at its annual conclave hav- ing resolved to hold its annual conclave for 1863 in the 1863.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 21 City of Troy, on May 8th, a committee was appointed to make suitable arrangements therefor ; and on the report of said committee it was resolved to have a Masonic ball for the entertainment of the distinguished guests, and the following appointed as a committee to arrange the necessary details : Sir John S. Perry, P. E. C. Sir H. B. Harvey, " Geo. Babcock, E. C. " C. E. Durkee, " Hiram House, G. " James Gibson, " Geo. F. Sims, C. G. " Chas. H. Holden, " R. W. Roberts, P " James Kenyon, •' L. A. Rousseau, S. W. " Lyman Powers, " H. S. Church, J. W. " R. G. Smith, " L. H. Button, T. " W. J. Wheeler, " James S. Thorn, R. " W. R. Winchell, " Geo. W. 'Bennett, W. " H. A. Van Dorn, Sir John L. Flagg. May 29th. On behalf of Sir Wm. McConihe, Captain of Co. I, Second Regiment, N. Y. State Volunteers, the Recorder presented the Commandery, as a testimonial, the Cross of a Knight Templar, worn by Sir Knight Mc- Conihe at the battle of Chancellorsville, which saved his life by turning aside a bullet which would otherwise have pierced his heart. August 31st. Sir James Hegeman, P. E. C, and one of the charter members, died, aged sixty-one years. Sir Knight Hegeman suffered by a terrible railroad accident while en route to the General Grand Encampment at Boston, in the month of September, 1850, and since then had been a cripple, pursuing his profession as a jeweler and engraver at his home. The Grand Commandery held its annual conclave in the City of Troy, in the second week of September. The annual conclave opened on the 8th inst., and in the even- ing the Order of the Red Cross was exemplified by Apollo Commandery. The Grand Commandery expressed its appreciation of the work by complimentary resolutions adopted at the next morning's session. At the annual election of Grand officers, Apollo was highly honored by the election of one of its most esteem- 22 History of Apollo [1863. ed members, Sir George Babcock, E. C, as the Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery. The annual conclave closed on the loth inst., and in the evening a Masonic festival was held at Rand's Hall, in honor of the Grand Commandery. The festival was a success, there being present about 900 Sir Knights and lady friends, and the entertainment reflected credit upon the Commandery. The Sir Knights went through the drill, and a recep- tion of the Grand OSicers was followed by dancing — the music by Doring's orchestra. Among the pleasant incidents of the session were the entertainment of the members of the Grand Command- ery at the residence of Em. Sir John S. Perry and Sir John L. Flagg. At the home of Sir Knight Flagg, Gen'l Wool was present as a guest, and the entertainment was complete in all its appointments. September 13th. Em. Sir Richard Bloss, P. C, died, aged sixty-six years, and at a subsequent regular conclave of the Commandery suitable action was taken to his de- cease. He did not desire a Masonic funeral, and the fraternity in large numbers as friends and acquaintances attended his funeral on the 15 th inst., from Christ Church, of which he was a vestryman and a leading member. In the death of Em. Sir Knight Bloss the Commandery lost one of its most earnest members, a faithful counselor, one to whom the younger members looked for advice ; an earnest worker, who by his manner impressed upon the mind of the novitiate the solemn truths of our order ; and every member felt that one of the household had passed away. He was widely known as a Mason, having held the high- est offices in King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, Apollo Chapter, No. 48, Apollo Commandery, No. 15, and he introduced into Troy the degrees of Royal and Select Master, and over the Council established here and named in his honor— Bloss Council, No. 14— he had presided since its institution, and held the office of T. I. M. at the time of his death. 1864.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 23 For a quarter of a century he had practiced medicine in the City of Troy, gathering around him a host of true and tried friends. Remarkable ahke for his kindness of manner and his correctness of life, and respected in his professional as well as his social life, he closed a long and useful career amid the serene influences which cluster around the departure from earthly scenes of a truly good man. Em. Sir Bloss held the office of Deputy Grand Master of the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York at the time of his death, and I insert here the tribute to his memory contained in the annual ad- dress of M. P. Charles H. Piatt, Grand Master, before the Grand Council, at its assemby in 1864: ■ •*»** Under his auspices, Lodge, Chapter and Comman- dery had flourished, and, frona his zeal, one of our most extensive Councils derived its origin ; and such was his invulnerable character, that every objection to the precedent was waived in complimenting him, and honoring the Council, with the designation of its living founder and head. It remains as a beautiful monument to his memory, and we trust that his virtues may survive there, with his name, rendering credit to the institution of Masonry, and transmit- ting to generations yet to come the record of one whose praise is in all our Masonic bodies. "The transparent candor, the genuine benevolence, the unblemished piety, the meek reverence, the judicious caution, the unwearied zeal, the tongue of kindness and the ear of patience — all these were his — a complexity of character that moved among men like healing virtue, and which vanishes from us like the burial of blessings. Vanishes, did I say? Nay, it shall survive while Cryptic memories are just, or Cryptic models are to be depicted." November 6th. The Grand Lecturer, Sir S. T. Fisk, was present and conferred the order of Knight of Malta on the Sir Knights present. 1864 — January 8th. The Commandery recommended the establishment of a new commandery at Saratoga Springs, to be designated as Washington Commandery, and also voted to loan them spare paraphernalia. By the establishment of Washington Commandery this Commandery lost the following members : Sirs Charles H. Holden, H. A. Van Dorn, L. B. Putnam, W. R. Win- chell, C. E. Durkee, C. Carpenter, R. C. Blackall, G. B. 24 History of Apollo [1864. Fish, T. G. Young and C. H. Brown, and relinquished a goodly part of its territory — but deeming it to be to the advantage of the cause of Templarism they most cordi- ally bid the petitioners God speed, and there has ever existed between the two bodies the most cordial spirit of friendship. The parent body has rejoiced with its child in its prosperity, and when one of its members, Em. Sir Charles H. Holden, (who was knighted in Apollo) was honored as Grand Commander of the Grand Comman- dery, we appreciated the compliment so worthily be- stowed, in the same degree as if it were on one of our own family. January 2 2d. By order of the Grand Commander, R. E. Sir Orrin Welch, the asylum of the Commandery was draped in mourning and the Sir Knights ordered to wear the funeral badge for the balance of the Masonic year, in consequence of the death of V E. Sir W. H. Burtis, Dep- uty Grand Commander. February 2d. Having received an invitation from Temple Commandery, No, 2, of Albany, about thirty members of Apollo attended the soiree of that Com- mandery at Tweddle Hall. They reported a pleasant time and hospitable treatment. By the excellence of the arrangements Temple Commandery covered itself with glory, and at a subsequent regular conclave of Apollo resolutions were adopted expressing the gratitude of the Commandery for the knightly hospitality and courtesy shown by Temple to the members who attended. March nth. At the annual conclave E. C. Sir Geo. Babcock delivered an annual address, reviewing the trans- actions of the past year and giving timely advice for the future. This custom inaugurated by Em. Sir Babcock has been continued (with few exceptions) at the annual conclaves since. The record of the year showed that it had been a fruit- full one. Thirty-five Sir Knights had been created, and the Commandery had held twenty-four regular and thirty special conclaves, for in almost every instance the Order of K. T. had been conferred on only one candidate at a time. Among the number created in this year we find 1864.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 25 the names of many who have been active in Apollo in the years since, and have been honored by official positions. Though the past year had been a busy one, the promise of the ensuing year bid fair to be also one of labor, for at this conclave the petitions of seventeen companions were presented. Amendments to the by-laws were presented, and sub- sequently adopted, making the fee for Orders $25.00, and the annual dues of members $2.00. The receipts of the past year were $891.20. Sir Geo. W. Bennett presented the Commandery with an engraving entitled " Golgotha," and a vote of thanks was tendered him for his appropriate gift. June-Sth. Conclave called to take action in regard to attending the funeral of the late Col. John McConihe, of the 169th regiment N. Y. State volunteers, and an invita- tion was accepted to act as escort to Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, of which he was a member. The Commandery accordingly paraded on the 9th inst., under charge of Sir Hiram House, Generalissimo ; Em. Com. Sir George Babcock acting as one of the bearers. June 24th. At this conclave the Commandery sus- pended its labors until September, and the Order of Knights of Malta was conferred on twenty-eight Sir Knights. Sir Benjamin Marshall, one of the charter members, and an honored member of the Commandery, died Octo- ber 13, aged 74 years, and appropriate resolutions were adopted by the Commandery. As the deceased did not desire a public Masonic funeral, but wished the bearers might be selected from the fraternity, the following Sir Knights acted as such : Sirs Lyman Powers, H. J. Ben- nett, J. A. Wait, Hiram House, S. M. Butcher and Enoch Hunt. Sir Knight Marshall was born in Easton, Washington County, New York, and while he was known as an up- right citizen and one of the oldest residents of Troy, his eventful experiences in the war of 181 2 had given him a position in our national annals as one of the former in- 26 History of Apollo [1864. mates of the Dartmoor Prison, England, and a witness, and nearly a victim, of the awful massacre at that horri- ble place, which remains as a perpetual blot upon the boasted humanity of England. He followed the sea for many years, and while at the Cape of Good Hope he saw the benefits of Freemasonry, and on his return home he was initiated into the myste- ries of the craft. November 25th. Invitation received and accepted to attend the installation of the officers of Washington Commandery, No. ^^i ^t Saratoga Springs. About forty members of the Commandery left at 5:15 P. M., on the 29th inst., and took part in the ceremonies which were conducted by R. E. Sir Orrin Welch, Grand Commander, assisted by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock and the officers of Apollo. The exercises were peculiarly imposing and were con- ducted without the omission of any of the ceremonials incident to the occasion. The dignified and correct work of R. E. Sir Orrin Welch, G. C, was fully worthy of his high Masonic reputation, and the honors of the occasion were divided with Em. Sir Geo. Babcock of Apollo, who subsequently conferred the order of the R. C. About 10 o'clock the Templars sat down to a fine banquet, to which they were most cordially welcomed by Em. Sir Geo. B. Fish, Commander of Washington, No. 33. Speeches were made by the following Trojans : Sirs Babcock, Rousseau, Wm. Kemp, House, Sims, Roberts, Harvey, King, Button, Parkman and others. Among the guests present was the venerable Chancellor Walworth. At midnight, Apollo took a special train for home, arriving at about 2 a. m. During the homeward trip, " the members practiced a new exercise known as the transfer of helmets. It was successfully conducted by a committee of younger mem- bers, causing the trip to pass pleasantly, at the same time perfecting the discipline by new evolutions and the exercise of the truly Masonic quality, vigilance." 1865.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 27 The hospitality of the officers and members of Wash- ington Commandery was profuse and will ever be re- membered by the participants. December 9th. The Commandery was visited by a large delegation of the Sir Knights of Temple Command- ery, No. 2, of Albany, and Washington Commandery, No. 33, of Saratoga Springs, to witness the conferring of the order of the Temple. After the work nearly one hundred were entertained by a collation prepared by Rich. " Ex-Senator Harcourt of Albany proposed the health of Apollo, and Em. Sir Geo. Babcock responded with the health of Temple, to which Em. Sir Cornelius Glenn, E. C, responded. Speeches were also made by Sirs L. A. Rousseau, Wm. Kemp, Parkman, J. S. Thorn, Roberts and others." 1865 — March 24th. From the address of the Em. Com- mander at this the annual conclave, we note the follow- ing : During the past year two Sir Knights, both charter members — Benj. Marshall and Jacob Danker — have died. The present number of members in good standing is one hundred and thirty-three, of whom thirty-six have been dubbed and created the past Masonic year, thirteen members have been honorably discharged, twelve have been suspended for non-payment of dues and two have been reinstated. The receipts of the past year have been $971.25. " In point of numbers we are outranked by several Commanderies in this jurisdiction, but as a working Commandery, I have the proud satisfaction of stating that Apollo Commandery, No. 15, stands second to none, and I cannot permit the present occasion to pass without again returning my thanks to the officers of this Commandery and these Sir Knights who so nobly sustained me during the two years of my administration. The honorable position which we occupy is not in any sense attributable to the merits of any individual officer or member, but belongs to that co-operative spirit of emulation, that unanimity of energy and purpose which have characterized the officers generally in the discharge of their duties, and so long as we are gov- erned by such motives, so long as we continue to work together for the common good of our common cause, we need have no fear for the brightness of our future record." April 26th. A large delegation of the Commandery by invitation visited Saratoga Springs, and assisted at the 28 History of Apollo [1865. installation of the officers of Washington Commandery, No. 33 — the ceremonies being conducted by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock of Apollo. The visitors were hospitably enter- tained by Em. Sir. Fish and the Knights of Washington Commandery. The Commandery accepted the invitation of the com- mittee of arrangements, and united in the public parade on the fourth of July, " and by their number and appear- ance added eclat to the occasion." The " battle ax " made its appearance, being carried by Sir Chas. Teson at the head of the Templars. October 7th. The death of Sir G. B. Fish, E. C. of Washington Commandery, No. t,-),, was announced, and the Sir Knights were ordered to assemble October 9th, for the purpose of attending his funeral at Saratoga Springs. The Commandery paraded about forty Sir Knights, and, accompanied by Boring's band, left on the one o'clock train. The funeral procession was very large and included the fraternity of Saratoga, Washington Commandery, No. 33, and a delegation from Temple Commandery, No. 2, of Albany. By request of the deceased the funeral services, accord- ing to Templar usage, were conducted at the grave by Sir Geo. F. Sims, Gen'o, Sir R. W. Roberts, Prelate, and the Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery. November i9th. The Commandery, accompanied by Boring's band, attended the funeral of Sir R. W. Laithe, who died on the 17th inst., and the ceremonies were con- ducted by the Commandery. Sir Knight Laithe was born in Grafton, Mass., and came to Troy about the year 1831, where he was engaged in business many years. In 1863 he was appointed Assistant Provost Marshal of this district, and held the office until the close of the war. Becember 8th. The fee for conferring the orders was made forty dollars. 1866 — February 23d. Beath of Sir W. H. Jackson (on the 14th inst.) announced, and committee appointed on resolutions. March 23d. At this, the annual conclave the Com- l866.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 29 mandery recommended the petition for a new command- ery at Schenectady, to be known as St. George's. The Em. Commander delivered the annual address : " Sir Knights : Through the goodness and mercy of an over-ruling Providence, we are again permitted to assemble in annual concla.ve. At the close of a year so pregnant with the destinies of our land, and so full of promise for its future, I cannot refrain from offering you my hearty congratulations on the fact that "the red right hand of war" is palsied and unnerved, and the olive branch of peace has again put forth its tender leaves, nevermore we trust to wither and decay ; and especially do I congratulate you'on the peace, harmony and prosperity of our noble Order. The grand characteristics of "unsullied honor, universal benevolence and unwearied zeal " are yet the prevailing sentiments of our asylums, and the progress of Templar Masonry is only equaled by its knightly courtesy, its valor and magnanimity. "In our quiet asylum twenty-two Sir Knights have received the Order of the Temple, making the membership one hundred and fifty- three. During the past year the fee for the Orders has been raised from $25 to $40." * * * * The Commander recommended the appointment of a committee to act in conjunction with the other Masonic bodies in relation to forming a Masonic library, and the same was appointed and subsequently resolutions adopted in favor of the plan. He also congratulated the frater- nity on the fact of the judicious choice evinced by the several Masonic bodies in the selection of one to serve as General Tiler and Sentinel, and concluded as follows : " In retiring once more to the ranks I shall carry with me a grate- ful recollection of the many courtesies and favors shown me by the officers and members of Apollo Commandery, and the hope that my administration has not been without its benefits to the Commandery and the noble cause in which we are engaged." March 28th. The Commandery, under command of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, attended the funeral of Sir W. L. Kipp, and deposited his remains in accordance with knightly usage. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in the city, and besides the Commandery the funeral cortege consisted of the Troy City Artillery and delegations from the Capital Police. Sir Knight Kipp had been a sufferer from consumption for many years, and his death occurred on the 26th inst., in the 50th year of his age. 30 History of Apollo [1866. He had been celebrated as a detective for many years and had been for twenty years connected as an official with the department of criminal justice in our city. He was appointed City Marshal in 1846, held that office four years, and also served sixteen years as constable of the Third Ward. April 13th. At this conclave, P E. C. Sir Geo. Bab- cock installed Sir Charles H. Holden as Commander of Washington Commandery, No. ^3. July 2 1 St. The Commandery suffered a great loss in the death of Sir James S. Thorn. As the committee on reso- lutions beautifully expressed it : He was aflfable in manners, wise in counsel, firm of purpose, of integrity unspotted and of honor unblemished ; his was a character which we fondly loved, and his a spirit whose memory will dwell in the innermost recesses of our hearts through all the coming days of the dim and distant future. " When those we loved are snatched away By Death's relentless hand. Our hearts the mournful tribute pay That friendship must demand." Sir Knight Thorn was born January 27th, 1838, and was but twenty-eight years old when the dread summons came. " How could it be that he, so loved by all. From such young life and such bright hopes should fall 7' Although young in years, he had made a record which stands for- ever ig our memory. He commenced the study of law in 1855, but having a taste for newspaper writing he became the local editor of the Whig in 1857, and in 1861 became connected with the Budget in the same capacity. In 1862 he became connected with the Troy Times and held the posi- tion of local editor on the staff of that paper. He excelled as a correspondent, being noted for his quickness of perception, keenness of observation and purity of style. He was a graceful and pleasing impromptu speaker and always gladly wel- comed in the social circle. He was elected Clerk of the Board of Fire Commissioners at the organization of that board April, 1861. He was City Clerk for the municipal year of 1865 and 1866. He was the Member of Assembly from this city at the time of his death. His funeral on the 24th inst. was attended by a large number of the citizens and officials of our city. The Masonic fraternity were represented by Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, delegations from Sara- toga Springs and Hoosick Falls, and the remains of our loved asso- 1867.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 31 date were deposited in the vault at pakwood with the ceremonies of Templar knighthood by Apollo Commandery, the services being con- ducted by Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, E. C. and Sir R. W. Roberts as prelate. 1867 — February 8th. A committee of three appointed to confer with other committees to take into considera- tion the building of a Masonic Hall. This committee subsequently reported, recommending the forming of a stock company for the purpose of erecting a Masonic Temple, and requested the other Masonic bodies to sig- nify what amount, as distinct organizations, they were willing to invest in such an enterprise. The Command- ery voted to invest $500. This project did not amount to anything, unfortu- nately, and like some other attempts of the same character, it was not pushed to that success which an ultimate ne- cessity afterward compelled the Masonic bodies to adopt. April 26th. The death of Sir P S. Mallory announced and resolutions adopted. The Treasurer's report showed receipts the past year $1,104.30, balance on hand $546.55. The officers-elect were installed by P. E. C. Sir Geo. Babcock, Grand Cap't Gen'l of ^he Grand Commandery. May 24th. Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, G. C. G. of the Grand Commandery, having been delegated to constitute St. George's Commandery, No. 37, at Schenectady, and St. George's Commandery having invited Apollo to wit- ness the ceremony and exemplify the Order of the Temple, about sixty of the Sir Knights visited Schenectady May 31st. At the conclusion of the work the Sir Knights were handsomely entertained at a dinner given to them at Given's hotel by St. George's Commandery. October 28th. P. E. C. Sir Jno. S. Perry, Grand Treas- urer of the Grand Commandery, installed P. E. C. Sir Geo. Babcock as Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Commandery. 1868 — February 14th. Sir Knight Wm. J. Newman, a member of the Commandery, having died in Boston, Mass., and having received aid and attention from the Sir Knights of DeMolay and Boston Commanderies of ■52 History of Apollo [1868. said city, a resolution of thanks was adopted in appre- ciation of the Knightly courtesy on the part of our Bos- ton f raters. April 24th. From the annual address of the E. C. we find that thirty-two Sir Knights had received the Order of the Temple the past year — and that the present mem- bership was one hundred and seventy-two. The officers- elect were installed by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock. May 2 2d. The Commandery was visited by the officers- elect of St. George's Commandery, No. 37, Schenectady, and they were duly installed into their offices by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock. June 23d. The Commandery, sixty strong, accompanied by Boring's band, went to Springfield, Mass., to partici- pate with the fraternity of that city in the celebration of St. John's day, on the 24th inst. The Commandery was under the command of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. C, and judging from the expressions which were heard upon the street and t^e applause be- stowed upon the Commandery during the march, its appearance and drill were such " as to eclipse any other body taking part in the celebration." When the members executed the formation of the cross upon the march, the crowd lining the streets broke out into a round of applause, and the marshal of the day requested the commander that the formation be maintained while marching through the principal streets. Apollo was the only Commandery from New York State, and the members on their return spoke in the highest terms of the celebration, and said they had been abundantly compensated for the journey to Springfield. September i6th. Em. Sir Riley W. Kenyon, Past Commander of Apollo, died suddenly in the city of Boston, Mass. November. The death of Sir Lyman Powers an- nounced and a committee appointed on resolutions. Sir Knight Powers died on the 15th of August, and was for many years a merchant in our city. He was well known throughout the county as well as city. He represented the Second Ward in the Common Coimcil for four years, from 1838 to 1842. 1869.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 33 October 23d. For the first time in its record do we find the announcement "there not being a constitutional number of Sir Knights present no business was transacted or meeting held." 1869 — January 8. By virtue of authority delegated by the Grand Commandery, Em. Sir John S. Perry, P E. C. installed Em. Sir Geo. Babcock as Grand Gen- eralissimo of the Grand Commandery. March 26th. The death of Sir H. J. Bennett an- nounced and usual resolutions adopted. April 9th. Annual conclave. The Em. Commander, Sir R. W. Roberts, having removed to New York city, no report was presented. April 23d. The officers-elect were installed by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, G. G. of the Grand Commandery. The receipts of the past year were 15813.53. A committee was appointed to draft suitable resolu- tions on the death of the late Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery, Sir Charles H. Piatt, and also to consider the proposition to contribute to a fund for a monu- ment to be erected over his remains. At a subse- quent conclave the sum of $100 was appropriated toward that object and a series of resolutions adopted. May 14th. A committee was appointed to ascertam the feasibility of celebrating the coming anniversary of St. John, June 24th, and on the report of the committee May 2ist, it was resolved to have a public parade and banquet, and that invitations be extended to Washington Commandery, No. 33, St. George's Commandery, No. 37, Temple Commandery, No. 2, and Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, to unite with us. The following were appointed as a committee to make suitable arrangements : Em. Sirs Geo. Babcock, Geo. F Sims and L. A. Rousseau and Sirs James W. Cusack, H. B. Harvey, H. M. Heller, J. F. Kilfoile, R. B. Ranken and J. R. Pettis. June 24th. The anniversary of St. John was appro- priately observed. The visiting commanderies were met 34 History of Apollo [1869. at the depot by a delegation from Apollo and escorted to the Masonic Temple on State street, where lunch had been provided. The procession formed about i o'clock, and the bat- talion, under the charge of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. E. C, consisted of the following commanderies : Temple, No. 2, of Albany, fifty Knights, Sir Townsend Fondey, E. C. Lafayette, No. 7, of Hudson, ten Knights as a delega- tion. Washington, No. 33, of Saratoga Springs, sixty Knights, Sir C. H. Holden, E. C. St. George's, No. 37, of Schenectady, forty Knights, Sir H. Goodrich, E. C. Apollo, No. 15, of Troy, one hundred Knights, Sir L. A. Rousseau, E. C. After parade the line was reviewed on First street, in front of the residence of Em. Sir Geo. Babcock. P. E. C, and thence moved to Harmony Hall, arriving there at 3 p. m., where the Knights participated in a ban- quet. The Em. Commander, Sir L. A. Rousseau, wel- comed the visiting Sir Knights in a neat speech, and the Prelate, Sir Jesse B. Anthony, invoked the Divine blessing. At the conclusion of the banquet the Sir Knights engaged in " a feast of reason and flow of soul," and the following regular toasts were proposed and re- sponded to : 1. The Grand Commandery of the State of New York. [Re- sponded to by Em. Sir Geo. Babcock.] 2. Temple Commandery, No. 2, of Albany. Age sits with pleasant grace upon her visage, And worthily becomes her riper time ; She wears the marks of many years well spent. Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience. [Responded to by Em. Sir Townsend Fondey, E. C, of Temple.] 3. Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, of Hudson. Lo ! on a hill her light not hid. Nor dimmed a single ray, So may it shine in radiance bright, Unto the perfect day. [Responded to by Sir Edward L. Gaul, of Lafayette.] 1869. J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 35 4. Washington Commandery, No. 33, of Saratoga Springs. Lo ! in her heart a fountain flows, And round it pleasant thoughts repose, And knightly deeds and feelings high. Shine like the stars in evening sky. [Responded to by Sir F. D. Wheeler, Jr., of Washington.] 5. St. George's Commandery, No. 37, of Schenectady. God and St. George, the ancient warrior cried. As in the foremost rank he bled and died. Right well the present keeps the past's fair fame With knightly deeds ennobling the old name. [Responded to by Em. Sir Horace Goodrich, of St. George's.] 6. The Union now and forever. Sail on, O Union, strong and great. Humanity with all its fears. With all its hopes of future years. Is hanging breathless on thy fate ; Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea. Our hearts, our hopes are all with thee. [Responded to by Sir John S. Dickerman, of Albany.] 7. The Empire State. Oh, never may a son of thine Where'er his wandering feet incline, Forget the sky that bent above His childhood like a dream of love. [Responded to by Bro. C. L. MacArthur, of the Northern Budget.\ 8. Our Beloved Dead. They are not lost ! but gone before. To that unknown and silent shore ; Sure we shall meet as heretofore. Some summer morn. [Drank in silence — all standing.] g. The Press — The Lever that moves the World. [Responded to by Mr. F. B. Hubbell, of the Troy Whig.\ 10. Woman. Though they're not gathered round our festive board. We toast them here, and for them draw the sword. Be her best influence e'er our guiding star. From truth and virtue we '11 not wander far. [Responded to by Bro. Wm. E, Kisselburgh, of the Troy Times.^ Following the regular toasts were a number of volunteer senti- ments, and, in response to a generous toast in honor of Apollo Com- 36 History of Apollo [1869. mandery, No. 15, by Sir Edward L. Gaul of Hudson, Sir Jesse B. Anthony of Apollo "responded in an eloquent speech." At the conclusion of the banquet, the visiting Sir Knights were escorted to the depot. Among the distinguished guests present were, Sir Lewis G. Hoffman, P. E. C. of Albany, N. Y. ; Sir E. J. Loomis, P. E. C. of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, Nor- wich, N. Y. ; Sir Geo. W. Thorne, Cceur DeLion Com- mandery, No. 23, New York city. The occasion was one of deep interest to all who were present, and it was hoped that the commanderies in this district would follow the example of Apollo and continue the yearly observance of the day by assembling in the different localities, but they have not, and so the first was also the last. November 12th. A delegation from Temple Command- ery No. 2, Albany, consisting of Sirs J. Roland Smyth, Thos. P. Way, C. R. Steele, A. AV. Street, S. A. Robinson and B. B. Brett, visited the Commandery and presented, through Sir J. Roland Smyth, an elegant and artistic framed testimonial expressive of their appreciation of the reception given them June 24th. Em. Sir Rousseau accepted the same on behalf of the Commandery, and in retui ning thanks therefor expressed the hope that the cordial feeling of friendship which unit- ed the two Commanderies might ever continue. At the conclusion of the work the visiting Sir Knights were en- tertained at a banquet, and the occasion was rendered interesting by speeches from Sirs Babcock, Smyth, Perry, Street, Heller, Anthony and others. The testimonial reads as follows : At a regular conclave of Temple Commandery, No. 2, held at their asylum, Albany, June 24th, 1869, Sir Knights S. M. Graver, A. P. Pond and J. Roland Smyth were appointed a committee to draw up resolutions on the reception and banquet given Temple Commandery by Apollo Commandery, No. 15, of Troy, when at the inspection and review by Grand Generalissimo, Sir George Babcock of the Saratoga, Schenectady, Hudson, Troy and Albany Commanderies, June 24th, 1869, they reported the following, which were unanimously adopted : Whereas, Hospitality and courtesy have been, since their founda- tion, a distinguishing feature in the character and bearing of the 1869. J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 37 Temple Knights in their communication with each other ; they are always looked for and seldom found wanting. But the hospitality extended by Apollo to Temple Commandery was so profuse in its abundance, so elegant in its details, and conferred in such a warm- hearted, gentlemanly manner, as to lead those who had the happiness to be its recipients to acknowledge that the gallant, gentle chivalry of our ancient Order has not yet departed. Resolved, That we thank Grand Generalissimo Sir George Bab- cock for his review and for the exercise toward us of those qualities of head and heart which have made and will keep him a leader worthy the stout lances and brave hearts who defend the Beauseant. Resolved, That to Em. Com. Sir L. A. Rousseau, Past Em. Com- manders, oflBcers and knights of Apollo Commandery, we convey our heartfelt thanks for their munificent entertainment, and more than all for that courteous humility which caused them to lay aside their rank as Knights and wait as humble squires on the warrior guests who have felt themselves highly honored by such attention. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, properly engrossed, be presented to Apollo Commandery, praying that they and we, when drinking the bitter cup of death, may have the inexpressible consola- tion of " God with us.'' TOWNSEND FONDEY, Em. Commander. [Seal]. A. VAN EPPS, Generalissimo. S. M. CRAVER, Captain General. T. P. Way, Recorder. December 22A. Sir Wm. McManus, who died Decem- ber 20th, aged fifty-two years, was buried Wednesday, the 22d inst., by the Commandery. Sir Knight McManus had long been an invalid, but by reason of an indomitable will he fought off the enemy for some twenty years. He was a well known constable and politician, a skillful detective, and enjoyed to a very large degree the confidence of the community. 1870 — April 26th. The officers-elect were installed by Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. E. C. May 13th. The receipts of the past year were $1,060.37, and the balance in the hands of the Treasurer $647.07. October 13th. At the annual conclave of the Grand Commandery, held at Utica, V. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, P. E. C, of Apollo, was elected Grand Commander, and the Commandery in appreciation of the distinguished honor bestowed upon one of their esteemed Past Commanders, assembled in full ranks, under command of Sir J.W. Cu- 38 History of Apollo [1870. sack, Gen'o, accompanied by Sullivan's band, received the Grand Commander on his return from the Grand Commandery and escorted him to his residence, where an arch of steel was formed of crossed swords, and the Grand Commander passed through, ascended the steps and addressed the Sir Knights, thanking them for the home welcome so gracefully tendered. November nth. R. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, Grand Com- mander of the Grand Commandery, made an official visit to the Commandery, and was duly welcomed with the honors due his exalted station. November 13th. The Commandery, accompanied by Boring's Band, attended the funeral of Sir C. Clark, a resident of Lansingburgh, and gave his remains knightly burial. December 23d. This year will ever be memorable from the fact that the initiatory steps were then taken which led to the building of the new temple. The rent of the old rooms on State street having been increased, com- mittees were appointed from each of the Masonic bodies to see about securing other rooms, and, after full discus- sion in the general committee, it was finally resolved " that the Masonic fraternity build a temple of their own and not lease any other premises," and this decision met with the approval of all the Masonic bodies. The general committee issued a circular letter to the Masonic bodies to the effect that the committee having determined to build a Masonic Hall, a sub-committee, consisting of Sirs Geo. Babcock, Jno. L. Flagg and Jesse B. Anthony had drawn up a bill to incorporate the " Troy Masonic Hall Association," and that it had been pre- sented to the Legislature by the member from this dis- trict, Sir John L. Flagg, the capital stock to be $75,000, in shares of $25 each. The bill appointed Sirs Geo. B. Smith, Geo. F. Sims and Alexander B. King as commis- sioners to open books for stock subscriptions, and when $20,000 was subscribed and ten per-cent. paid in, the asso- ciation was to be organized, the management to be vested in a board of ten trustees, who were to be Master Masons in good standing, seven of whom were to be chosen by the 1870.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 39 seven Masonic bodies (one from each) and three from the outside shareholders. After recommending the site on which the Temple was afterward built, the circular concluded as follows : " Having now taken the initiative, it remains for the brethren and Sir Knights to come forward and supply the means necessary, and one and all labor for the suc- cessful completion of the enterprise. With this object in view we ask that at this auspicious time you give the matter candid and careful consideration, doing nothing hastily but weighing every fact, for and against, that in the time to come no objections can or will be made which now could be brought against the proposed plan." The action of the general committee was ratified by the Commandery, January 25th, and the lots on Third street ordered purchased at the price specified. 1871 — -January 27th. The officers and a delegation of Sir Knights visited Gloversville, N. Y., for the purpose of opening Holy Cross Commandery, U. D., and work- ing the Orders of Red Cross and Knights Templar on twenty-six candidates. The work commenced at about 6 p. m. and the labor was concluded at about 4 o'clock in the morning. At a subsequent conclave resolutions of thanks were received for the services rendered on that occasion. February 24th. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. E. C, was elected as trustee to represent this Commandery in the board of trustees of the " Troy Masonic Hall Association," and the Commandery subscribed for $3,000 of the stock of said association. It was also resolved to incorporate the Commandery under the general laws of the State, and an amendment to the by-laws was adopted. Under said amendment, Sirs L. A. Rousseau, James W. Cusack and Henry B. Harvey were elected as trustees. March loth. Death of Sir Robert Morris announced and the usual course adopted. Sir Knight Morris died March 5th, in the forty-ninth year of his age, and his funeral was attended on the 8th inst. 40 History of Apollo [i87i. March 20th. Sir H. A. House, for many years an offi- cer in the Commandery, died at Buffalo, in the sixty- sixth year of his age. His remains were"brought to this city and the Commandery conducted the Templar serv- ices at his funeral, which was held on the 22d inst. The bearers were Sirs John S. Perry, G. P. Cozzens, C. Clem- inshaw, S. M. Dutcher, R. B. Ranken and A. B. Price. " The exercises at the grave were exceedingly appropriate, and many eyes were dimmed with tears at the recital of the beautiful and solemn ritual of the Order." [City paper. ~\ March 24th. A new code of by-laws adopted in which was incorporated the present system of life membership, viz : the payment of S40 — to be in lieu of annual dues. The money so received is required to be invested in a special fund. March 31st. An official visit made by Em. Sir Town- send Fondey, Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Com- mandery. He and his staff were most cordially received and welcomed by Em. Com. Rousseau, and the visiting grand officer received with the honors. After the official reception, Em. Sir Knight Fondey " complimented the members of Apollo on their excellent appearance and the extended reputation which they bore throughout the State as a vigorous, strong and thriving organization. In closing, he gracefully alluded to the members of Apollo as distinguished in an eminent degree for their chivalrous courtesy and knightly honor." After the conferring of the Order of the Temple, Em. Sir Fondey and staff were conducted to the banquet hall, where, a collation had been spread. Impromptu toasts were offered and responded to by Em. Sir Fondey and Sirs Harvey, E. L. Judson, Major Fields, J. W. Cusack, Jesse White, J. A. Sleicher and others. The staff of the visiting officer consisted of the following members of Temple Commandery, No. 2 : Sirs S. M. Craver, W. D. Field, L. Case, Jesse White, E. L. Judson, Thomas P. Way, A. E. Settle, G. H. Benjamin, Dayton Ball, B. B. Brett, A. H. Van Deusen and F. J. Lawrence. " The guests took their departure well pleased with the visit, and the members of Apollo certainly felt flattered 187I.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 41 by the many compliments which they received from the grand officer as well as from the members of his staff." April 2d. The Commandery, eighty Sir Knights, ac- companied by Boring's band, attended the funeral of Sir J. W. Vossmerbaumer, who died on the 29th of March, aged thirty-seven years. The funeral was a very large one, consisting of Apollo Commandery, Apollo Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., Odd Fellows Encampment, three Odd Fellows Lodges and Schwazman's Cavalry. The procession was under charge of Em. Sir James W. Cusack as Grand Marshal, Sir H. B. Harvey being in command of Apollo. The bearers were Sirs G. I. Pratt, C. H. Swartwout, H. Holmes, D. F. Magill, H. Labrum and J. R. Kendrick. At the grave the body was de- posited with the ceremonies of knighthood. April 14th. At this, the annual conclave, E. C. Sir L. A. Rousseau delivered an address in which he alluded to the increase in membership and paid fitting tributes to the dead of the year, four of whom had been buried with knightly honors. During the past year thirty-one had been constituted R. C. Knights and dubbed and created Knights Tem- plar, making the membership one hundred and ninety- four. After congratulating the Sir Knights on the pros- pect that we should soon have a temple of our own, and thanking them for their cheerful and ready compliance with the order in regard to uniforms in the asylum, he concluded as follows : " Sir Knights : ' Let me urge upon you the duty you owe to your Commandery and yourselves to give the officers you may this eve- ning elect your warm and hearty support. I know they will be worthy of it, and it will cheer their hearts to know that they are sustained by their fellow Sir Knights in their endeavors to promote the best interests and sustain the proud reputation of Apollo Commandery. It matters not how proficient the officers of a Commandery are, their labors are of no avail unless sustained by the members. " And now, Sir Knights, as I am about to return to you the em- blem of my office and retire to the ranks, I must acknowledge the great honor conferred upon me by my election to the flattering posi- tion of Commander of Apollo Commandery. It was with feelings of great trepidation that I entered upon the discharge of the duties of the office two years a%o, but sustained and encouraged by the assist- 42 History OF Apollo [1871. ance of valiant and courteous knights, I have striven with my most earnest endeavors to prove worthy of the trust committed to me, and I think I can be justified in saying that the general condition of Apollo Commandery has not suffered in my hands. To the members of this Commandery, one and all, I would extend my warm acknow- ledgements for the uniform kindness and courtesy shown me as Com- mander, and once more thanking you for the honor conferred, unite with you in the business of the evening." The receipts during the past year had been S958. The ofBcers-elect were duly installed by Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, P. E. C. In order to raise funds toward paying the Command- ery's subscription to the stock of the Troy Masonic Hall Association, it was resolved to have a PROMENADE CONCERT at Harmony Hall, on the evening of May 8th, and accord- ingly the necessary arrangements were made under a a committee consisting of Sirs James W. Cusack, Chairman. L. A. Rousseau, A. Cobden, H. B. Harvey, Geo. F. Sims, D. W. Talcott, Geo. Churchill, J. R. Pettis, Geo. A. Waters, R. B. Ranken, C. H. Swartwout, Edward B. Cox, C. A. Waldron, A. B. King, J. F. Kilfoile, J. B. Anthony, R. P. Banfield, A. W. Scribner, Barney Mee, I. Seymour Scott, C. Cleminshaw, J. A. Sleicher, and under their energetic efforts, assisted as they were by other members of the Commandery, the affair was a success beyond expectations. It was the first time in its history that the Commandery had ever come before the public with an entertainment asking for outside support, and the response to such application was indeed very generous — the net proceeds of the entertainment being $2,176.00 — and the Commandery was also indebted to Mr. H. B. Dauchy for the free use of Harmony Hall, and Sir Knight Doring tendered the gratuitous service of his band for the occasion. Besides which the Commandery felt highly honored by the presence of the leading citizens of our city, who graced the occasion by their participa- tion in the festivities. 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 43 The walls of the hall were hung with some of the finest paintings to be found in the drawing rooms of the city — having been loaned by Mayor Carroll, Mrs. C. S. Sill, J. B. Anthony, J. W. Cusack, Wm. Kelly, Geo. Babcock, W. R. Tyler, C. Cleminshaw and others. Also a large painting [ofj Geo. Washington from the Common Council chamber. The hall was also decorated with mirrors, flags, banners and emblematic devices. Without giving in detail the minute account contained in the public press, I copy the following : ■ ' At the north end of the hall, in the alcove, the embellishments were truly magnificent. The space usually occupied by the stage was cleared and covered with green sod, in which live flowers of all shades and hues were growing in profusion. In the front and centre was a large imitation bronze fountain constantly sending forth jets of per- fumed water. The sweet odor of the flowers, mingled with the per- fume of the water, lent a charm to the delightful attactiveness of the place which subjected it to constant and unremitting admiration. On either side of the alcove and in front of the doors were two tents, and at the middle of the grass plot was also a tent upon which stood the banner of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York. Besides the flowers were Masonic emblems and devices and floral decorations, gas jets extending across the alcove with colored globes, and jets re- presenting a Maltese cross, eagle, letter "G" and square and com- pass. The ceiling of the hall was concealed from view by streamers of all colors, which were hung from the side walls to the centre of the ceiling, dropping to either side. At the conclusion of the concert by Boring's Orchestra (25 performers) of the following selections : PART FIRST. 1. Overture — Semiramide, Rossini. Orchestra. 2. Selections from La Percichole, Offenbach. Militaire Band. 3. Galop des Sirenes, E. Neuman. Orchestra. 4. Duet for Cornets, C. Doring and Austin. PART SECOND. 5. Overture — Bandit's Frolic, Supfe. Militaire Band. 6. Pot-pourri — From Martha, Flotow. Orchestra. 7. Galop — Leb Wohl mein Liebchen, Wallerstein. Militaire Band. 8. Pot-pourri — La Forza de Dertino, - crdi. Orchestra. the Sir Knights were formed in line and received the Grand Com- 44 History OF Apollo [187 i- mander, R. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, and staff, and after inspection and review the order to break ranks was given and the dancing began." Alluding to the company assembled the newspaper account is as follows : " It is sufficient to say (referring to the toilets of the ladies) that for richness and elaborateness of dress, no gathering in this city ever was more distinguished. There was nothing outre about the attendance. The very elite of the city were present. Troy's best families were represented in large numbers, and all exhibited a common delight and interest in the affair.. * * * The appearance of the hall from the balcony was superb. The music floated through the air with a force of full rich melody, while the promenaders strolled in a pleasing line about the room, the Sir Knights bearing the honors of the occasion and mingling with the gayety of the throng with the courtly grace of the old time defenders of their faith." The floor committee consisted of Sirs Geo. D. Smith, E. L. Stout. A. L. Hotchkin, H. H. Halladay, A. B. Price, W. H. Kellogg, E. L. Cipperly and F. A. Plum. Among the Templar guests present were, Em. Sir E. J. Loomis, Norwich Commandery, No. 46 ; Sir George Rider, Generalissimo, Norwich Commandery, No. 46 ; Sir B. Gage Berry, Norwich Com- mandery, No. 46 ; Em. Sir Townsend Fondey of Temple Command- ery, No. 2, of Albany, and Sirs T. P. Way, Martin and Boyle of Temple No. 2. The reporter of the Whig concluded his account as follows : " We have only to add that the entertainment broke up at a season- able hour in the morning, each one firmly believing that positively there had never before been anything ' half so nice ' in Troy as the promenade concert of Apollo Commandery." June 24th. In accordance with an invitation received June 9th, from Temple Commandery, No. 2, the Com- mandery went to Albany to participate in the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone of the New Capitol Building. The Commandery turned out seventy-five Sir Knights, accompanied by Boring's band, twenty-five pieces, and reported upon the ground in the midst of a pouring rain, and were bj"^ the chief of that division then dismissed. July nth. Springfield Commandery, of Springfield, Mass., passed through our city on their way to Saratoga Springs, and were met by a delegation of about twenty of Apollo's members, who accompanied them to Saratoga, where they were received by Washington Commandery, No. T,T„ and handsomely entertained throughout the day, 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 45 and in the evening at a ball given to the Knights Temp- lar at the Grand Union Hotel. August 2d. The corner stone of the NEW MASONIC TEMPLE of Troy was laid with Masonic ceremonies. The ar- rangements were made by a joint committee from all the Masonic bodies of the city, and on behalf of Apollo the following acted as a committee : Em. Sir L, A. Rous- seau, Sirs Edward B. Cox and Julius R. Pettis. The Commandery, under Sir H. B. Harvey, Gen'o, act- ed as escort to the officers of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master being unable to be present, he appointed to act in his stead Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, P. E. C, and P. M. of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311. Although it may be considered that this forms a part of the history of the Masonic fraternity of the City of Troy, and does not properly belong to Apollo Command- ery, yet I cannot forego. inserting an extract from the ac- count of this important event to us as brethren and Sir Knights, as published in the Troy Press in its evening edition of that day : At an early hour every Mason was preparing for the event. Whoever could felt that it was a duty he owed to himself as well as to Masonry to help swell the ranks, and the result has been that Troy has witnessed one of the most imposing processions she has ever known. Em. Sir James W. Cusack, as Grand Marshal, was unremitting in his labors, and to him and his assistants is to be attributed the suc- cess of the parade. He appointed the following : Assistant Grand Marshals — George F. Sims, Chief of Staff ; A.- G. Patton, I. Seymour Scott, Troy. Lodge Marshals — Joseph Wemett, Troy ; Alfred Seaman, Lans- ingburgh ; Orange S. Ingram, Troy ; Wm, Andrews, Jr., Jno. Cross- land, John C. Fort, West Troy ; E. T. Dixon, Cohoes ; George A. Waters, Troy ; Wm. S. Warnock, Lansingburgh. Grand Marshal Cusack promulgated the following order, and its or- ders and suggestions were uniformly complied with : ORDER OF THE GRAND MARSHAL. The following order is promulgated for the information and govern- ment of the lodges and brethren participating in the procession : I. The column will be composed of two divisions. 46 History of Apollo [^871. FIRST DIVISION. BAND. APOLLO COMMANDERY, No. 15, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Escort Henry B. Harvey. Gen'o. APOLLO LODGE, No. 13, Troy, Robert B. Ranken, W. M. PHCENIX LODGE, No. 58, Lansingburgh, Edward A. Skillman, W. M. KING SOLOMON'S PRIMITIVE LODGE, No. 91, Troy, Charles W. Peoble, W. M. This division will form on First Street, right resting on State Street. SECOND DIVISION. band. EVENING STAR LODGE, No. 75, West Troy, Daniel W. Talcott, W. M. COHOES LODGE, No. ii6, Cohoes, Chas. S. Longley, W. M. MOUNT ZION LODGE, No. 311, Troy, Fred. A. Plum, W. M. JERUSALEM LODGE, No. 355, Lansingburgh. J. G. Neal, W. M. M. W. GRAND LODGE, in carriages. This Division will form on State street, right resting on First street. 2. The M. W. Grand Lodge will assemble at Harmony hall. Car- riages for the Grand Master and ofiBcers of the Grand Lodge will take position on State street, on the left of Second Division. 3. The Troy Lodges will assemble at Harmony Hall, Apollo Com- mandery, No. 15, at Masonic Hall, and are expected to take positions assigned in line at or before 2 P. M., and Marshals of Divisions will be ready to move at 2:15 precisely. 4 Line of March. — River to King, King to Jacob, Jacob to North Second, North Second and Fifth to Broadway, Broadway to Second, Second to Congress, Congress to First, First to Washington, Wash- ington to Second, Second and Washington Place to Third, Third to the Masonic Temple. 5. The Division Marshals will form their divisions in sections of four (4) with a distance of six (6) feet between each section. When the right of the column is halted, the brethren will open to the right and left, facing inward, under the direction of the Marshals, to allow the Grand Lodge to pass through. Upon halting the Marshals will open their divisions, without delay. 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 47 6. As the Grand Lodge passes through, the Master and Wardens of each Lodge will leave their Lodges in charge of their Lodge Marshal and fall in, immediately in rear of the Grand Lodge, according to their position in line. The brethren will follow the Grand Lodge by counter-marching from the left and passing through the lines. Upon arriving at the Temple the brethren will close en masse under the di- rection of the Division Marshals and remain until the ceremonies are completed. 7. The several lodges will maintain their organizations throughout the exercises and be prepared to move under the direction of the Grand Marshal. 8. Marshals of Lodges will report to the Grand Marshal, on ar- rival, at Harmony Hall. By order of JAMES W. CUSACK, Grand Marshal. George F. Sims, A. Q. M., and Chief of Staff. At the time appointed the several bodies assembled at Harmony hall, and at 2 p. m. marched to the corner of First and State streets, the first division facing on First street, right resting on State, the second division facing on State street, right resting on First. At pre- cisely 2:40 the order to march was given by Grand Marshal Cusack, and the column took up the line of march as printed above. Along the whole line were crowds of spectators, and every one showed their appreciation of the imposing demonstration. The hand- some and showy uniforms of the Sir Knights, the neat white aprons and gloves of the Master Masons, the brilliant, even gorgeous jewels of the Grand Lodge, all formed a pageant truly grand and which will not soon be forgotten. On arriving at the site of the Temple, the Sir Knights formed in two ranks on the east side of Third street, and stood at present swords. The Master Masons opened ranks and stood on either side of the street, facing inward. This having been done, the Grand Marshal passed through the lines to the post of honor at the rear, where was the Grand Lodge, saluted the Grand Master and in- formed him that all was in readiness. The officers of the Emergent Grand Lodge : W. George Babcock as G. M. W. Geo. B. Smith as G. St. B. W. John S. Perry as D. G. M. W. Gilbert Geer, Jr., as G. Sw. B. W. Marcus Ball as S. G. W. W. Daniel W. Talcott, G. S. W. Alex. B. King as J. G. W. W. Jos. W. Churchill as G. S. W. Levi H. Button as G. T. W. Egbert H. Dyer as G. S. R. W. Jas. M. Austin, G. Sec. W. Stephen M. DutcherasG.S.D. W. Rev. J.W. Carhart as G. C. W. Robert B. Ranken as G. J. D. W. Louis A. Rousseau as G. M. W. Johnston Fountain, G. P. W. Chas. Teson as G. T. then dismounted from the carriages, formed in line and marched, ac- 48 History OF Apollo [1871. companied by the Master and Warden of each Lodge, to the position selected for the Grand Lodge. As the Grand Lodge marched through the line every Mason stood uncovered, and the scene was one of solemnity and impressiveness. After the Grand Lodge had passed through this line the Master Masons countermarched, entered upon the platform and took up their positions. This having been done there took place the following solemn and impressive ceremony ■ CEREMONIES. 1. Music — By Doring'sband. (March — La Prophete — Meyerbeer.) 2. Prayer — By the Grand Chaplain. We bow before Thee, O Thou Great and Almighty God, and recog- nize Thy power and authority, and adore Thee for all Thy goodness and mercy to us. Thy humble servants, and we devoutly pray for Thy blessing upon us in all the services of this interesting and joyful oc- casion ; that Thou wouldst rightly dispose our hearts and minds, and enable us to worship Thee acceptably, and to serve Thee with rever- ence and Godly fear. Enable us, since Thou hast brought us to this auspicious hour, to the realization, in some measure, of our hopes and anticipations, to labor zealously, harmoniously and wisely, that at the last, when our work shall be tried, it shall not be found want- ing, for Christ's sake. Amen. 3. Bro. John L. Flagg, Vice-President of the Troy Masonic Hall Association, then addressed the Grand Master as follows : Most Worshipful — As Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of the Troy Masonic Hall Association, under whose auspices this Tem- ple is to be erected, I have the honor to announce to you that all things are in readiness for the solemn ceremonies of placing the foundation stone of our Temple. 4. The Grand Master then responded as follows : Mr. President and brethren, I congratulate you on the auspicious event which we are met here to-day to celebrate. Scarce six months have elapsed since the idea of a Temple was talked of by a few of our brethren. To-day we stand on the firm foundation of our Tem- ple with all the means in hand for its entire completion. Nobly was the work conceived, nobly has it been done. Let us hope then when the beautiful Temple we shall erect here shall pass away, a prey to the ruin of time, before which all must yield, we may find ourselves entering into that celestial temple above, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 5. The Grand Master called up the Lodge, saying ; The first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke the bless- ing of the Great Architect upon their work. Let us pray. 6. Invocation— by the Grand Chaplain. O Thou Supreme Architect, Thou Master Builder of the Universe, Thou who hast made all things " by the word of Thy power," "Thou 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 49 who hast formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to ever- lasting Thou art God ;" Thou art He whom we worship and adore, and in whom we are taught to put our trust, and whose blessing we , seek in every undertaking in life and in all the work of our hands. Thou, O, God, hast blest the fraternity before Thee, and prospered them in numbers, in strength and in influence, so that we are here assembled, as Thy servants, and as members of the Ancient and Honorable Craft, to begin the erection of a temple, which we de- voutly trust shall stand as a monument for future generations to the praise and glory of Thy name. Grant Thy blessing, O I^ord God, upon this enterprise, that it may be carried to successful completion and may answer the end for which it was designed. Grant that har- mony may ever prevail in its halls, and that brotherly love and char- ity may adorn its walls, and virtue and manly character among Thy servants be its chief glory. Grant that each of us may so adorn our minds and hearts with grace that they may be fitted as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; and unto Thy holy and ever blessed name will we ascribe honor and praise, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 7. Opening Ode — Words by Bro. Wm. R. Hyde, J. W. of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91. Music — " Salzburg," sung by the choir, under direction of Bro. L. A. Rousseau. Thou Eternal ! Thou Exalted ! Thou who rul'st all things above. Let thy blessing fall upon us. Grant us Light, Faith, Truth and Love ; Thou Infinite, Thou Infinite, Breathe upon us from above. Thou who laid earth's deep foundations. Master Builder, Mighty One, Wilt Thou guide us, and direct us. As we lay the Corner Stone Of our temple, of our temple. True and trusty Corner Stone. Thus from corner stone to turret, Make our temple bright and fair. Every stone a perfect Ashlar, Deftly laid with Plumb and Square ; Rear our temple, rear our temple. With Thy blessing bright and fair. Not alone our temple prosper — Guide us all to walk aright. Let our tenets of profession Be within us ever bright ; Rear within us, rear within us. Thee, a temple filled with Light. so History OF Apollo f'Syi. 8. Grand Master then said : The Grand Treasurer will place in the comer stone the articles prepared for the purpose. (Which was done.) g. Grand Master then said : The Grand Secretary will read a list of the articles so deposited. (Which was done.) LIST OF ARTICLES DEPOSITED IN THE CORNER STONE. Constitution of the Grand Lodge ; Constitution of the Grand Chap- ter ; statutes and regulations of the Grand Commandery ; proceedings of the Grand Commandery, 1870 ; transactions of the Grand Lodge, 1870 ; list of the elected and appointed oflScers of the Grand Lodge for 1871 and 1872 ; copy of the form of ceremony used by the Grand Master inlaying the corner stone; Coin — Washington penny of 1785, from W. Randall ; coins — silver dollar, 1871 ; silver quarter dollar, 1858 ; silver dollar, 1871 ; silver half dime, l85l ; silver half dime, 1870 ; silver three cent piece, 1853 ; copper cent of 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1868 ; copper two cent, 1867 ; nickel three cent, 1870 ; nickel five cent, 1868 ; postal currency — three cent, five cent, ten cent, twenty-five cent and fifty cent from G. F. Sims ; photograph of Ma- sonic Temple, Troy ; photograph of Masonic Hall, New York, from J. C. Hair ; Constitution of the Grand Council R. and S. M. ; Troy Masonic directories, 1868, i86g, 1870, 1871 ; blank petitions of all the Masonic bodies ; Albany shinplaster, 1862, from J. B. Anthony ; Water- ford shinplaster, from same ; Poughkeepsie shinplaster, from same ; Chatham Bank, New York, shinplaster, from same ; United States frac- tional currency, from same ; silver coins of the United States from same ; photograph of Harmony Hall decorations. May 8th, 1871, from same ; John Flagg & Co.'s shinplaster, 1862, from C. Teson ; list of commuters in Apollo Lodge, No. 13, King Solomon's Prim. Lodge, No. gi. Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311 ; Apollo Commandery, No. 15 ; proceedings of the Supreme Council A. and A. S. R. ; proceedings of the Grand Chapter, 1870; Ulster County Gazitte, 1800, with account of George Washington's funeral, from Dr. M. W. Campbell ; a silver plate inscribed as follows : "The foundation stone of this building was laid with solemn Ma- sonic honors on the 2d day of August, A. D. 1871, A. L., 5871, by P. Wor. Bro. George Babcock (acting) Grand Master of an Emergent Grand Lodge of the State of New York. "This building is erected by the Troy Masonic Hall Association, incorporaited February 15th, 1871. OFFICERS. " Geo. Babcock, (Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311), President ; John L. Flagg, (Delta Lodge of Perfection), Vice President ; Geo. F. Sims, (Apollo Commandery, No. 15), Treasurer ; Jesse B. Anthony, (King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. gi), Secretary. 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 51 TRUSTEES. " Charles Cleininshaw,( Apollo Lodge, No. 13), Alex. B. King,(Apollo Chapter, No. 48), Levi H. Button, (Bloss Council, No. 14), Robert B. Ranken, John Don and Gorton P. Cozzens, from the shareholders. "Capital stock, $75,000. BUILDING COMMITTEE. "Geo. Babcock, General Chairman. " On Mason Work — Chas. Clerainshaw, Chairman ; L. H. Button, John Don, R. B. Ranken, G. F. Sims. " On Carpenter Work — Jesse B. Anthony, Chairman ;. L H. Button, A. B. King, G. P. Cozzens, John L. Flagg. "The contractors are Messrs. Jacobs & Nichols for mason work, Wm. J. Howes for carpenter work." Copy of Troy Press, October 6th, 1870, "Sketch of Masonry," by J. B. Anthony ; copy of Troy Press, December 22d, 1870, "History of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311," by H. M. Heller; copy of Troy Press, December 30th, " History of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. gi," by J. B. Anthony ; History of Apollo Chapter, No. 48, by J. B. Anthony ; Review of Grand ^^Lodge Transactions from 1781 to 1852, by J. B. Anthony ; a History of the Troy Masonic Hall Asso- ciation, compiled from its records, list of shareholders, etc., by J. B. Anthony; Albany Evening; jfoumal, June 25th, and Albany Argus, June 26th, with proceedings of corner stone laying at Albany, from G. F. Sims ; New York Dispatch, June i Ith, with proceedings of Grand Lodge, 1871 ; invitations to Commandery Promenade Concert, May 8th, 1871 ; Northern Budget, July 31, 1871 ; Troy Press, December 28th, 1870, Annual Address, J. B. Anthony, W. M. of K. S.'s P. Lodge, No. 91 ; Albany County Democrat, December ''24th, 1870, Annual Address of D. W. Talcott, W. M. of Evening Star Lodge, No. 75 ; Siam paper, 1845, from A. B. King ; lithograph letter, George Washington, 1782, from same ; Address by M. E. S, H. Stone, G. H. P., i86g, from same ; Address of M. W. J Gibson, G. M., 1869, from same ; copy of Act incorporating the Trustees of Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, from same; Rules of Order of the Grand Lodge, from same ; copy of seal of Albany Grand Lodge of Perfection, 1867, from same ; Masonic Al- manac and Guide, 1870, from same ; copy of summons issued to members for August 2, 1871 ; Troy Masonic Hall Association stock certificate ; blank Commandery bond ; blank Apollo Lodge bond ; proceedings of Grand Commandery, 1863 ; report of foreign correspondence, 1871 ; copy of programme at laying of corner stone, June 8th, 1870, New York Masonic Hall ; Welch's Tactics and Drill, Grand Command- ery ; programme of Welcome and Testimonial to Bro. A. G. Mackey in New York, May 20th, 1865 ; copy of Address, August 2d, 1871, by J. B. Anthony ; Troy newspapers of the day ; Troy City 52 History of Apollo [1871- Directory ; Troy Press, August i, 1871, with history of Troy Masonic bodies ; New York newspapers of August 22d, 1871 ; list of Masonic bodies who have accepted the invitation to be present August 2d, 1871 ; Troy Press, August 2d, 1871, with account of the day ; Address by M. W. J. H. Anthon at the annual communication of Grand Lodge, 1871 ; by-laws with list of membership and copy of seal of Apollo Lodge, No. 13, King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, Evening Star Lodge, No. 75, Apollo Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M.; Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T.; Bloss Council, No. 14, R. and S. M.; copy of seal of Delta Lodge of Perfection, A. and A. S. Rite ; by-laws and act of incorporation of Troy Masonic Hall Association, and copy of of seal ; by-laws of Masonic Board of Relief, Troy ; old by-laws Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, 1855 ; Apollo Commandery, No. 15, 1859 ; Apollo Lodge, No. 13, in 1820 and 1852 ; Apollo Chapter, No. 48, in i860 ; King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. gi, in i860 ; carpenter and masons' specifications for building ; Commutation Life Membership Certificate ; Winchester's Annual Masonic Directory, i860 ; address before Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, by D. Stark ; ad- dress before Evening Star Lodge, No, 75, by W. R. Brown, i860, from C. Teson ; oration before Apollo Lodge, No. 13, by James Herring, June, 1840, from C. Teson ; Troy Whig, December 3d, 1866, account of laying corner stone Masonic Temple at Baltimore, Md., from C. Teson ; New York Herald, April 23d, 1865, account of funeral of Abraham Lincoln, from C. Teson ; Troy Times, April 15th, 1865, ac. count of assassination of Abraham Lincoln, from C. Teson ; photo- graph sheet of United States bank bills, from C. Teson ; Troy Times, May nth, 1862, account and map of the great fire of the loth inst., from'C. Teson ; Troy Press, May 9th, 1871, account of Commandery ball, from C. C. Clark ; address of C. L. MacArthur, December, 1853, at the dedication of oWMasonic Hall, from C. Teson ; Annual Report Masonic Female Orphan School, Dublin, 1867, from J. R. Pettis ; list of the Grand Bodies of Ireland, 1868, from J. R. Pettis ; proceedings of the Grand Lodge of England, 1869, from J. R. Pettis ; Order of the Grand Marshal, June, 1870, New York, from A. B. King ; odes sung June 24th, 1871, at Albany, from A. B. King ; History of Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, compiled by J. B. Anthony ; old Troy Al- manac, 1828, from J. R. Draper ; ten cent postal currency, with orig. inal'signatures of ' ' Spinner and Colby," from T. E. Haslehurst ; coin — Liberty halfpenny, 1804, from same ; Troy Whig, October 5th, 1870 ; Troy Whig, Troy Press and Troy Times, August 2d. 10. The Grand Master then spread the cement on the stone. Mu- sic by the band — American Hymn, by Keller, during which the stone was lowered to its place. 11. The Grand Master, seating the Grand Lodge, then proceeded as follows : 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 53 G. M. Bro. D. G. M. What is the proper jewel of your office? D. G. M. The Square. G. M. What does it teach ? D. G. M. To square our actions by the square of virtue, and by it we prove our work.- G. M. Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. (Done.) D. G. M. The stone is square, the craftsmen have done their duty. G. M. Bro. S. G. W., What is the jewel of your office ? S. G. W. The Level. G. M. What does it teach? S. G. W. The equality of all men, and by it we prove our work. G. M. Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. (Done.) S. G. W. The stone is level, the craftsmen have done their duty. G. M. Bro. J. G. W., What is the jewel of your office? J. G. W. The Plumb. G. M. What does it teach ? J. G. W. To walk uprightly before God and man, and by it we prove our work. G. M. Apply your jewel to this corner stone and make report. (Done.) J. G. W. The stone is plumb, the craftsmen have done their duty. 12. The Senior and Junior Grand Deacons then advanced to the stone bearing the Trowel and Gavel. The Grand Master, preceded by the Grand Marshal, advanced to the stone, took the trowel and spread cement ; the gavel, and struck three blows on the stone, re- turned to his station, and said : I, George Babcock, Acting Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, declare this stone to be plumb, level and square, to be well formed, true and trusty and duly laid. 13. Anthem — Words by Bro. Charles C. Clark, of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311 ; music — "Moscow," sung by the choir. On this auspicious day, Oh ! God, to Thee we pray To bless our band ; Look on us in Thy love. Smile on us from above. And guided may we prove. By Thy right hand. Brother, Companion, Knight, Let each with each unite. Now we've begun Here what hath wisdom planned. Let us make sure to stand An honor to our band. To every one. 54 History of Apollo [187 i. And if in time to come Earth shakes our temple dome And makes it fall, Let us still faithful be, Faithful to Masonry, Faithful oh ! God, to Thee, Thou all in all. And now we would renew Our vow, e'er to be true To our Great Art ; Each to dispense true light, Making all darkness bright, Driving the shades of night From every heart. 14. The Grand Stewards then proceeded to the stone, followed by the D. G. M., S. G. W. and J. G. W., bearing the corn, wine and oil. The D. G. M., scattering the corn, said : "May the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe rest upon the people of this State, and the corn of nourishment abound in our land." The S. G. W., pouring the wine, said : " May the Great Architect of the Universe watch over and protect the workmen upon this building, and bless them and our land with the heavenly wine of refreshment and peace." The J. G. W., pouring the oil, said : " May the Great Architect of the Universe bless our land with union, harmony and love, the oil which maketh men to be of joyful countenance." 15. The Grand Marshal then presented the architect, saying : " I present to you Mr. Birt, of the firm of Cummings & Birt, the architects of this building. He is ready with craftsmen for the work, and asks the tools for his task." The Grand Master handed him the Plumb, Level and Square, and directed him to proceed with the vMork. The Grand Master then said : Men and Brethren : — We have assembled here to-day as regular Ma- sons, bound by solemn engagements to be good citizens, faithful to the brethren and to fear God. We have commenced the erection of a building which we pray may be a place of meeting for zealous crafts- men in ages to come. May wisdom, strength and beauty abound and the fame and usefulness of our Ancient and Honorable Institution be greatly promoted. 16. Oration — By W. Bro. Jesse B. Anthony, P. M. of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. gr. Brethren : — We are gathered here to-day to carry out a Masonic undertaking — to lay the corner stone of our temple. While we do not 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 55 engage in this work on a festival day — as was at first intended — yet from its importance each anniversary will ever be regarded by us as such, in the years to come. The postponement of this ceremony from Saint John's Day last to the present time, was in order that we might assist in the import- ant duty devolving upon the craft of New York State, of laying the corner stone of the New Capitol, and also that we might have the Most Worshipful Grand Master of our Grand Lodge to officiate for us. While we are disappointed in the last, owing to the inability of the Grand Master to be present, and are thus deprived of the honor of having the presence of the head of the craft of the Empire State, yet we are in a great measure compensated by the appointment of Wor. Bro. George Babcock (R. E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York) as Acting Grand Master. He has been connected with this movement from its commencement, and as President of the Board of Trustees, it is peculiarly appropri- ate that he should have this privilege and honor. Never before in the City of Troy have we had an exhibition of Ma- sonry, as an organization, engaged in a work like this. Although not equalling in numbers that body in New York city which on the 8th of June, 1870, laid the corner stone of the New Ma- sonic Hall, or that of June 24th of the present year at Albany, at the laying of the corner stone of the Capitol, both being important state occasions, yet in proportion to the number interested in the object — this being entirely local — I think we may well feel proud of the as- sembly to-day. Here we see the foundation — the corner stone of the Masonic in- stitution — in the Master Mason the most important of all, and here also do we behold the cap stone — the ornamental and beautiful of New York Masonry in the Sir Knight. Both of one branch and body, and equally interested. Although Free Masonry has been established in our city for over three-quarters of a century, yet up to the present time it has been without a home of its own. For many years past, certainly within the memory of those alive at the present day, every year has seen the pro- ject of a Masonic Temple brought up to be considered, talked over, speculated upon and finally resolved to be inexpedient. While to those who were active in the movement of creating a Hall Fund, it seemed as though procrastination was forever to be the settled principle by which we were actuated, yet thanks to an inevitable destiny the pressure of necessity has compelled a course which, if voluntarily taken long ago, would have been much to our advantage. From the cloud that had so long hung over us, many had come to think there was no silver lining, but thanks to Him who is ruler over all things we are permitted to behold the darkness dispelled and brightness only shown forth. 56 History of Apollo [i^*^!- We have begun this work at an auspicious period in the history of Masonry, for at no previous time has there been so much enterprise and liberality exhibited as at the present day. Already in many cities have buildings — erected solely for Masonic uses — been dedicat- ed, and in others, steps taken toward their erection, evincing a grow- ing spirit of improvement ; and thus throughout the land, the links of Masonic architecture are being added until from ocean to ocean we will have a chain of Masonic Temples worthy the grandeur and mis- sion of our noble institution. This day, August 2d, 1871, will ever be a bright day in our annals, one ever present with us ; a starting point as it were to a new era of Masonry. To-day do we enthusiastically and proudly unite in placing the chief stone of the corner of our building. To-day do we commence the erection of a material temple in which we all hope to assemble, and in which our children's children may gather in the years to come. To-day do we render devout thanksgiving to Almighty God that through the wisdom of His providence we are permitted to start the good work. To-day the eyes are gladdened and hearts swell with emotions too deep for utterance as in casting our glance over the coming months ue see this building rise ; until from corner stone to cap stone we are permitted to behold the temple in its beauty and grandness completed and the joyful tidings is heard " it is finished." " May the Line, the Level and Square to-day Make perfect work as this stone we lay ; May it rest secure in this chosen spot And a bulwark prove that changeth not. And that as we lay this Corner Stone May our Temple stand when the work is done." The corner stone, as the foundation on which the structure is sup- posed to rest, is the most important stone in the whole edifice, and considered from a practical point of view necessarily needs to be square, true, of good material and properly set. On its squareness depends the perpendicularity of the walls — -from its trueness do we obtain the proper level, and on its perfection depends the perpetuity of the building. As this is true when considered strictly from a practical view, so may we apply it to the man who becomes a Mason. At the very outset he is taught to take his proper place, and as an upright man and Ma- son, charged to see that the corner stone of his Masonic edifice is laid true, and that it will bear the test of the Plumb, Square and Level- He who erects his Masonic structure on such a basis, giving "rev. erence to God and good will and charity to all," and he who carries this principle through all the actions of his life, is building for himself 1871.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 57 a temple, just and beautiful in all its proportions, a temple against which nothing will ultimately prevail, a temple which will arise from the ruins of creation, and will be devoted to the service of Almighty God. As with individuals, so it is with our fraternity when we consider it as a body. All must see to it that the corner stone of our Fabric, "Charity, Fraternity and Equality,'' is firmly set on the principle of reverence for and dependence upon God — having that for its perman- ent and indestructible foundation ; drawing all our rules and precepts from the Great Light in Masonery — we are enabled to live as brother to brother, united by that mystic chain, ' ' Which heart to heart and mind to mind In body and in soul can bind." As members of one family, we go forth in the principles of our noble and beloved institution to the assistance of the needy, the help of the oppressed, the joy of the sorrowing and the support of the help- less. As a young member of the Fraternity, I cannot be expected to speak to you from the experience of age ; still I trust that I may be able to throw out some hints that may be of profit to us all. We to-day come before the world as a distinct organization, wearing that symbol of purity which is the peculiar emblem of our Fraternity. See to it that our profession and creed is not a mockery ; not only in the eyes of men, but in the eye of Him who knoweth and seeth all things, and who has promised that to him that overcometh shall be given a white stone with a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. What is the institution of which we are members ? Is it an organization of men for social gratification only, or for the mutual protection of a few ? Is it for the purpose of carrying on any secret work in opposition to the country's laws ? Is it a mere ritual, a mere ceremony, a mere brotherhood even ? No, none of these are its objects. While being social in its charac- ter, it has a higher and loftier aim. While as brother to brother it will succor in distress, a shield of pro- tection it also extends over many outside of the membership who are unable to withstand the misfortunes and ills of this world. While it does its work in secret, it is not from fear of publicity, but because the very element of secrecy constitutes the cement that binds us together as a society : " The mystic tie is more than words. It lives within the heart ; A bond of honor, love and truth The Mason's constant chart.'' 58 History of Apollo [187 i. Its object is the welfare and happiness of mankind, and its aim to carry forward the great principle of brotherly love. ' ' In its bosom flows cheerily the milk of human kindness, and its heart expands with love and charity," that charity which illumines many a household, and makes the light of joy to reign where only despair and sorrow has had an abiding place. It throws its arm of protection about the err- ing, and by its laws and principles endeavors to induce such to re- trace their steps. It co-operates with religion in restraining the pas- sions, resisting the tempter, and harmonizing the discordant elements of man. " Religion is the golden cord which unites man to God ; Masonry the silver line which runs from man to man." If the sublime and immutable principles of our order were not deeply founded in truth and virtue, how is it that the banner of Free- masonry is spread through every land and among every people ? If the foundation of our code of morals had not the safe and sure base that it has, would it have mthstood the test of time ? If our corner stone rested on earthly and selfish principles, would it bear the attacks of the ignorant ? " No ! no, the Mason's corner stone, A deeper, stronger, nobler base. Which time nor foes cannot displace — Is faith in God — and this alone." Masonry is an institution not of yesterday, to-day, or to-morrow — but for all time. As it has withstood adversity in the past, so it wiU in the future, and the only limit to it is from its own members. And here the question naturally suggests itself, are we doing as a Fraternity what we might or ought to do ? Do we by our efforts endeav- or to elevate it in honor and usefulness, by laboring to promote its growth in the intelligence and purity of its members, and in its active charities, or do we manifest a spirit of indifference and, resting satis- fied with mere ritual, let it sink into neglect and uselessness ? If the latter is too common what will be the result, brethren ? Will Masonry be respected and honored^will the pure and intelligent of society desire to be enrolled among its members ? Rather it will be regarded as an association which neither improves character nor pro- motes usefulness. As we sow, so shall we reap. If by its own members Masonry is degraded, we cannot expect that reputable men outside the order will regard it with favor. In our hands as Masons and brethren of the royal art is placed the welfare and prosperity of Masonry. Brethren : The object of our gathering has been accomplished, the stone has been tested by the square of spotless virtue, by the level of changeless equality, by the plunib of infallible wisdom, and pronounced to be good. I-87I-]. CoMMANDERy, No. 15. 59 The craftsmen have performed their duty. The stone has been con- secrated by the symbols of that harmony so necessary to every good work. ' ' Round this spot may plenty reign, Peace, with spirit all benign ; Unity, the golden three — Here their influence ever be." For years past the Masonic fraternity has gone on receiving peti- tions, making Masons and doing the regular Masonic work. During the past forty years to be a Mason has called for no special zeal on the part of a member. He has not been called on by ad- versity or any extraordinary contingency to demonstrate that he is not only a Mason in name, but that he is also one in heart, and that as a member of the Craft he is willing to prove that he is desirous by every means possible to bear testimony by deeds of his love for the institu- tion of which he is proud to call himself a member. While we have been walking over a smooth road, with no tasks before us requiring any self-denial, we have been presumed to be Masons. That time has passed, and the time has at length arrived when e-frery man will be tested as to what he is willing to do for Masonry. This year is an important one in the annals of Masonry in the city of Troy, perhaps the most important since it was first instituted here. This year will prove somewhat our worthiness, whether we are in reality what we profess to be, and what we are willing to do toward placing the stone one upon the other — from this corner stone which we have laid to-day — until we finally and gloriously place the cap stone which shall complete this edifice. To accomplish this long hoped for and much desired object, to carry forward this great and important undertaking to a successful issue, a consummation that will be creditable to the craft of to-day and its glory in years to come — one that shall redound much to the pride of Masonry in our city — requires from each craftsman deeds, proof that the honor conferred upon him in being made a Mason has not been without good result, and that at the call of his mother Lodge he is not only willing, but anxious, to assist by his means to carry forward this enterprise. I trust that not only will every affiliated Master Mason be enrolled among the supporters of this object, but that also many who have in the years past knelt around our mystic altar and been active in the ranks of Masonry, will also revive the old Masonic fire and unite with the brethren of day ; for is it not the boast of Masonry that once a Mason, always a Mason ? The time will come when to have been negligent and lukewarm to-day will be regarded as a disgrace. Our work of this year will be a matter of history, and its annals will be sacredly kept and transmitted to our posterity that they might know who were the active movers 6o History of Apollo [1871. and workers in the erection of this building. Ponder the matter well, brethren, look at it not only for to-day but also for your reputation in the future. There should be such a feeling of lib- erality and spirit of self-denial among the eight hundred members of our lodges here, that there should not only be enough but to spare. You are not only piling up brick and mortar, iron and timber, but you are providing a place, a permanent home, from which shall be derived an income and fund which in the years to come may flow back even to you ; if not, it may to your widows and orphans. We are not erecting a monument to our pride, but we are laying the foundation from which will spring forth the goodly flow of charity and beneficence to all who shall be in need. I am proud for one that I am a member at a time when something beyond mere profession is required. At a time when there is an op- portunity to exhibit practically the regard in which we hold our insti- tution, the value that we place upon it as a means of doing good. At a time when it requires us to do all that lies in our power to carry forward this undertaking. At a time when we can by a united effort place our fraternity in the position that it merits, clear of embarrass- ment and free to devote its energies to the most thorough exemplifi- cation of its tenets. I am satisfied that there is not a Mason before me but that now has the same feeling. Cultivate it, keep the ground mellow and the good result will be shown in the fruit that is brought forth. For one I love the institution not only for the good it has done in the past, is doing now, but more especially do I esteem it above all others— with one exception — for the power that it has within itself ; which if carried out in this world would make us a mighty power and influence for good. As a moral institution, its power cannot be overestimated — we need it and shall ever need it until the opening of that day shall bring forth the celestial and eternal institution provided by God hincself — " And then farewell Masonic band, To Consecrations — Dedications — Halls, Each man a well-wrought stone shall stand. Made ready for the heavenly walls, A pillar 'neath that mighty dome. Where children find a Father's home." 17. Ci.osi.\G Ode.— Words by W. Bro. H. M. Heller, P. M. Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311. Tune— " America." The band and the craft in general united in the performance of this piece. l87I.J • COMMANDERY, No. 15. 6l Father of life and light, Our hearts in love unite To sing thy praise. Thou who in darkness spoke And light from chaos broke, We here Thy aid invoke ; Guide all our ways. Bend from Thy heavenly throne. And on this Corner Stone, Which we have laid. Grant that a Temple fair. By Level, Plumb and Square, May rise in beauty rare And strength arrayed. Each keep the end in view. Each craftsman give his due, Heart joined with hand. 'Twas thus in ancient time, By Compass, Square and Line, The Temple's grand design In concord rose. Here may our Temple stand, A beacon in the land, The Craftsman's home. May we our summons hear, Rejoicing without fear. In heaven " The Welcome !" hear, " Thy work's well done." 18. Benediction. 19. The Grand Marshal then made the following proclamation : In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of the State of New York, I proclaim that the Corner Stone of the Masonic Temple of the city of Troy has this day been found square, level and plumb, true and trusty, and laid according to the old custom by the Grand Master of Masons. Thus was the corner stone of the Troy Masonic Temple laid. Laid in honor on which to build in beauty, strength and unity. May the building thus grow, thus may its builders grow. The Lodges then reformed and marching to the old hall were dis- missed. THE SINGING. This department has been under the superintendeney of Bro. L. A. Rousseau, an accomplished musician, and the result of his efforts is the highest compliment he could have. It was a success in every way, 62 History of Apollo • [1871. especially the last ode, where the strong voices of men whose hearts were aflame with enthusiasm joined in the grand old tune of America, and sent up a hymn of thanks, joy and praise that was as glorious as the day itself, The following gentlemen composed the choir : Messrs. Wm. Baynes, Thomas Baynes, Joseph Baynes, George W. Chapman, S. Andrus, J. G. White. Prof. J. Baker, J. H. Knight, Donald Gillies, Jr., Arraitage, Geo. Colburn, J. Lavake, G. M. Hopkins, Geo. M. King, W. M. Daubney, Ball and Wills. Bro. William W. Rousseau presided at the piano most admirably. THE ORATION. The oration by Bro. J. B. Anthony was a fine production, and most gracefully delivered. Bro. Anthony makes no pretensions as an or- ator, but his effort of to-day proves him to be one, and we are sure the committee did the wisest possible thing in selecting him as the orator of the day. We give below the number of Masons in line : Apollo Commandery 100 Lodge 130 Phoenix " 70 King Solomon's Primitive Lodge 125 Evening Star Lodge 100 Cohoes Lodge 19 Mount Zion Lodge 50 Jerusalem " 70 Total 664 The Knights Templar turned out about one hundred strong under command of Gen'o H. B. Harvey, and presented a fine appearance. Their marching would have done credit to veteran soldiers, and when they formed the cross and triangle every one who witnessed it declared it to be the finest sight they had ever seen. Evening Star Lodge of West Troy turned out over a hundred men, accompanied by Eastman's College band of Poughkeepsie. The lodge made a fine display, and the music of their band was enchant- ing. The West Troy brethren deserve the hearty thanks of their Trojan brethren for doing so much to give eclat to the occasion. CONCLUSION. The General Committee appointed the following COMMITTEE OF ARR.^NGEMENTS. James W. Cusack, C. Cleminshaw, J. C. Hair, I. Seymour Scott, 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 63 Frank A. Andros, H. B. Harvey, Geo. F. Sims and J. B. Anthony, who have had entire charge of the affair from the beginning. They each and all deserve the highest commendation and have it. Each and all have been active and zealous and have spared no effort that would tend to make the demonstration of the day a grand success. They desire no higher reward than the honor the occasion confers upon them. We feel in this connection that it is but just to speak of the labors of the Secretary, Jesse B. Anthony. The compilation of the ceremony and all such details fell to him, and how well he has done them every one knows. He has gained a new claim to the re- spect and honor of every Mason." September 2 2d. A communication was received from Monumental Commandery, No. 3, of Baltimore, Md., relating to accommodations for Sir Knights attending the triennial conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States, on the 19th September, but owing to the difficulty of obtaining transportation and accommoda- tions, the contemplated pilgrimage to Baltimore was deemed to be impracticable. October 13th. The sum of one hundred dollars was appropriated for the relief of the sufferers by the fire at Chicago, 111. November loth. A communication was received from Boston Commandery, tendering their thanks for cour- tesies extended them on their excursion to this State. November 19th. The Commandery attended the fun- eral of Sir H. C. Brown — a member of Washington Com- mandery, No. 33 — at Whitehall, having been invited to do so by Sir C. H. Holden, E, C. of Washington Command- ery. The procession was a very large one, numbering 1400 Masons. Em. Sir James W. Cusack acted as Grand Marshal, assisted by Sir I. Seymour Scott. 1872 — January 12th. A committee consisting of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, Sirs E. B. Cox and Julius R. Pettis were appointed to act in conjunction with other commit- tees on the dedication of the New Masonic Temple. The following Sir Knights of Norwich Commandery, 64 History of Apollo [1872. No. 46, Norwich, N. Y., were (January 12), elected hon- orary members of Apollo : Sir E. J. Loomis, E. C. Sir George Rider, Gen'o. " M. McLean, C. G. " B. Gage Berry, Rec'r. Sir Nelson O. Wood. March 8th. Amendment to the by-laws adopted, mak- ing the annual dues four dollars per year, and regulations adopted in regard to the rent and leases of cases in the armory. DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT TROY. On April 2d, the new Masonic Temple was dedicated , and being an event of great interest to the fraternity of Troy, although not strictly forming a part of the history of Apollo Commandery, is my only apology for including an account of it here. From the full account published in the city papers of that date, I have compiled the following : Tuesday, April 2d, will be remembered by the Masons of this city long after the beautiful temple dedicated to God yesterday shall have crumbled into ruin. The memory of the day will ever be fresh, be- cause it marks the conclusion of the labors of earnest and zealous men, men who have known no such word as fail, who have given of their means willingly and cheerfully, and who are satisfied in the fruition of their fondest hopes, and no less because it marks a new era in Masonry. It is established in its own home, it has shown itself a united frater- nity, and a power that has within itself very much inherent strength. Those who gaze upon the temple dedicated yesterday can but admit that there is something more in Masonry than a mass of unmeaning rites and ceremonies. Those who know and cherish its precepts, who feel its zeal-enkindling flames, and feel its sustaining power know how great indeed it is, how great is the brotherhood of the world. There is something sublime in an institution which puts all men on a common level, that knows no rich or poor, cultivated or rough, but takes every man by the hand, if indeed he be a man, and seeks to do its duty by all. We say this is a sublime sentiment, and so it is, sub- lime and grand is it in these days of inviduous distinctions, based on fleeting and etherial things, that there is an institution adorned by the highest and best men of the world, that recognize no exterior circumstance but accounts a man for what he is intrinsically in honor and truth, and puts power only into the hands of those who will use it wisely and justly. And yet deeper and broader than this is Masonry. It is a i^al, vital spirit, fighting against error and super- 1872.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 65 stition, ignorance and injustice, and thrice armed, too, because its quarrel's just. But why digress, why turn aside from the real to en- gage in the sentimental, moral or philosophical ? There is no need to write an encomium upon Masonry ; she needs none. What she has done, the world knows no less than what it is doing. What it will do, is behind the veil of the future ; but to faithful, trusting souls the future is not so dark as it seems, and the sun of its life, which has not yet reached its zenith, will be, like its glory, up forever. THE NEW TEMPLE. The Temple which was dedicated yesterday is on the west side of Third street, between River street and Broadway. It is one hundred and thirty-four feet deep and fifty feet wide, four stories in height, surmounted with a Mansard roof and a tower. The elevation is a sort of a composite gothic of the plainer school, and though Italian in its general style, is not at all florid. After a full description of the building and all its ap- pointments, the reporter alludes as follows to the fourth floor, which is used more particularly by the Command- ery, in conjunction with the main hall below : THE FOURTH FLOOR. Passing by the bronze Sir Knight and ascending the flight of three, five and seven steps already spoken of, and over an elegant stair carpet made to order and tield in its place by bronze stair rods, we come into an upper hall, 21 by 15. On the right of this is the BANQUET ROOM, forty-three feet by fifteen, lighted by three two-light bronze pen- dants, each globe having a Maltese cross. The tables are covered with English breakfast spread, and the room is neat in the extreme. At the east end of the room is a prismatic seven-pointed star, in the middle of which is a circle in which is an illuminated red cross, sur- rounded with the legend, "Magna est vetitas et prevalebit." In this room is a tablet window fronting the street. It is of cathedral glass, and the centre will be changed according to the body holding session in the rooms as follows : DAY-TIME. Square and Compass — Blue. NIGHT-TIME. Chapter — Red, Triangle and Triple Tau. Commandery — Black, Templar Cross. Council — Purple, Inverted triangle. Lodge — Blue, Oblong Square and working Tools. A. & A. S. R. — Purple, Double-Headed Eagle. 5 66 History of Apollo [1872 The armory for the use of the Sir Knights is at the left of the upper hall, and is sixteen by twenty-four feet. It is fitted up with seventy cases of chestnut and black walnut, with glass fronts — separately locked and numbered. These are intended for the rich and elegant ragalias of the Sir Knights, and, being now in use, the room presents a most brilliant appearance. Within each case we see the flashing sword and the gleaming scabbard, the waving plume and the rich baldric. All this looks warlike, and so indeed it is. A true Sir Knight should be a true man, and all true men are fighting against evil, wrong and oppression. It may be bloodless, but it is none the less severe ; the battle may be long — nay, will be long — but armed in truth and with the sign by which they conquer, there can be but one result, namely : after the cross shall come the crown. Off of the armory is a large kitchen, eleven by twenty-one feet, fitted up with every modern convenience, including a large Cosmopo- litan stove. DRILL ROOM. Off of the armory to the left is the drill room for the use of the Sir Knights, forty-two feet by forty-seven feet, lighted by reflectors in the ceiling, with toilet room and closets off. The floor is of southern pine, and few drill rooms equal it for light, ventilation and conveni- ence. Everything about the building is complete, and the rooms conveni- ently arranged for working the degrees of either the York or the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. To give our readers a clear idea of the causes leading to and the work done, we publish the following history of the TROY MASONIC HALL ASSOCIATION, BY P. M. JESSE B. .\NTHONY, 33° To-day as a fraternity do we dedicate to Masonic use a new temple, and the importance of this event to the craft of Troy has led to the following compilation from the records of the "Troy Masonic Hall Association." For many years it has been the aim and desire of the fraternity here to have a hall of their own, and many committees have been ap- pointed to take action on the subject, but failed to accomplish any- thing until December, 1870, when a committee was appointed on new rooms, and from its first meeting, held December 26th, 1870, it was apparent that earnest effort would be made to accomplish the work. Since Masonry was established in our city the Masonic bodies have moved five times, the last being in 1853 to our old rooms on State 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 67 Street. At that time, exceeding as they did all that had preceded them, the rooms were thought to be just what was needed, and many probably then regarded them as a permanent abiding place, but times have changed, and what was fitting and ample enough in 1853 does not meet the wants of those of the present day. The great drawback and hindrance to this object has always been the want of available means, for while they could have had a temple vastly exceeding the present one and at much less expense at any time during the past twenty years, yet there has been lacking the necessary spirit of enter- prise to go ahead. The committee appointed by the several bodies consisting of Bros. Geo. Babcock, A. B. King, Jesse B. Anthony, G. P. Cozzens, Henry B. Harvey, John S. Perry, E. B. Cox, Charles Cleminshaw, R. B. Ranken, F. A. Andros, W. R. Hyde, John L. Flagg, George A. Waters, W. H. Van Every, I. Seymour Scott, L. H. Button, George F. Sims, George B. Smith, S. M. Dutcher, H. A. Merritt and L. A. Rousseau, at its first meeting formally organized by the election of Bros. Geo. Babcock, President ; Geo. F. Sims, Treasurer ; Jesse B. Anthony, Secretary. A committee was appointed to see if more suit- able apartments could be leased, and after examining several loca- tions they reported unfavorably on the same. In connection with this report the president stated that he considered it poor policy to hire rooms anywhere, that the only true course would be to build a hall, and unless some such course was pursued he should not consent to lend his name as chairman to any further projects of renting. This appeared to be the unanimous opinion of all present, and in fact the matter was considered by several of the members previous to the meeting and thought best. Either to build or else pay increased rent in the old location — but not to move for the purpose of hiring other rooms. At this meeting it was resolved " that it was inexpedient to rent other rooms and deemed advisable to procure a site and erect a building.'' In order to be in legal shape to carry out such a project, Bros. J. L. Flagg, Geo. Babcock and Jesse B. Anthony were appointed a committee to report a plan for organization on a joint stock basis. This committee drew up a bill for such purpose and presented the same to the Legislature, and it became a law February 15th, 1872. As the entire act has already been published in the papers, and as one of its peculiar features, viz ; "exempting the real estate (used for Masonic purposes) of the Association from taxation " has been quite freely discussed, it will not need to be repeated here. While there are differences of opinion among some as to this feature none can but admit who are at all conversant with the objects of Masonry as an organization, that it is not only right, but eminently proper that we should have this benefit. For the prompt passage of this act the fraternity are much indebted to Bro. John L. Flagg, member of As. 68 History of Apollo [1872. sembly from this district at that time, and also to the courtesy of Hon. F. S. Thayer, member of the Senate. Time was very important at that period of our enterprise, and the one by his labors and the other by obtaining unanimous consent are entitled to the thanks of the fraternity. On the 17th of January, Bro. Charles Cleminshaw, from the com- mittee appointed to secure a location, reported two propositions from parties, and of these the committee unanimously voted to accept the proposal of Mr. E.« Waters "to sell his house and lots, Nos. 15 and 17 Third street, for the sum of $30,000." The selection of this site by the committee has been regarded by many as a mistake — that at the difference in price (some $13,000) the property on Second street should have been bought — but, as one of said committee, I cannot but regard it as the most advantageous of the two, not only on account of its central location on a business street, but more important to us the fact that we could secure an in- come from rent at once and not have to wait for it to come into market. I am satisfied that the wisdom of the committee in the choice of location will be fully evinced in the years to come. The undertaking was a great one, and looking back over the past few months it seems incredible that so much could have been accom- plished. Owing to the neglect of the different Lodges to adopt any system of securing a building fund in advance, at the inauguration of this project, we only had as applicable to such purpose the sum of $5,000. This of itself would hardly make a payment to bind the bargain, but nothing daunted by the paucity of resources on hand, the committee proposed to go ahead and carry the project through, being satisfied that if we could point out any feasible way, they would receive the support of the members of the craft. The result has proved that they were not far from right. At this meeting the committee was empowered to secure the site on Third street, and on laying the matter before the several Masonic bodies they sanctioned this action and authorized them to proceed in the incorporation of the " The Troy Masonic Hall Association." In this connection, having as it does an important bearing in show- ing how the means have been obtained to erect this building, it may be proper to state that at the meetings of the Lodges held to take action on the above matter, the secretary of the committee presented to them a plan by which they could raise money to enable them as bodies to take the stock of the Association. This was on the basis of a " Life Commutation of Dues,'' and had been considered by a few of the brethren previous to its being brought before the fraternity. This plan was received with favor in the Lodges, and a large number of commuters were obtained at that meeting. Through the efforts of committees appointed for that purpose, out of the three Lodges the sum of $22,000 has been realized, and the same plan has since been 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 69 adopted in the Chapter and Commandery. It was the intention of the incorporators of the "Troy Masonic Hall Association" to have received subscriptions from individuals for the stock, but the success of the ' ' life membership " plan and the offer of brethren to take Lodge bonds for the amount necessary and the practicability of the several bodies meeting all their indebtedness in time, led to the adoption of the plan of receiving no outside subscriptions whatever except to the amount of $1,500, which was divided among fifteen members to conform to the act of incorporation, consequently the balance of the stock, $53,500, is held by the Masonic bodies in their own name, and the building is essentially Masonic in all respects. It was erected solely for their accommodation and they receive all the benefits derived therefrom, and no one can feel that the Association has labored for any selfish motive. The act of incorporation having become a law the Board was for- mally organized March 4th under its provisions, with the following BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Charles Cleminshaw, (Apollo Lodge, No. 13), Jesse B. Anthony, (King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91), George Babcock, (Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311), Alexander B. King, (Apollo Chapter, No. 48), John L. Flagg, (Delta Lodge of Perfection), Levi H. Button, (Bloss Council, No. 14), Geo. F. Sims, (Apollo Commandery, No. 15.) TRUSTEES ELECTED BY SHAREHOLDERS. Robert B. Ranken, John Don, Gorton P. Cozzens. OFFICERS. George Babcock, President ; John L. Flagg, Vice President ; Geo. F. Sims, Treasurer ; Jesse B. Anthony, Secretary. A committee consisting of Geo. Babcock, Levi H. Button, John Don, A. B. King and Jesse B. Anthony was appointed to present a plan for the building, and at a meeting held April 3d the present plan was adopted and it has been carried out by Messrs. Cummings & Birt, architects, under the supervision of the Building Committee. On May 1st the trustees took final possession of the property, and on May 13th the bids were opened and contracts awarded to Jacobs & Nichols for mason work, and Wm. J. Howes for carpenter work. On the 17th of May the contracts were signed and on the 22d of May the work was commenced. The first stone was laid June igth and the corner stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies on the 2d day of August. The Building Committee uhder whose supervision the work has been carried on are as follows : On Mason Work — Charles Cleminshaw, Chairman ; Levi H. But- ton, John Don, Robert B. Ranken and Geo. F. Sims. 70 History of Apollo [1872. On Carpenter Work — Jesse B. Anthony, chairman ; Levi H. But- ton, A. B. King, G. P. Cozzens and John L. Flagg. To prove that they have faithfully performed their arduous labors we can only ask an inspection of the building erected. In convenience for Masonic purposes as well as style of inside finish there are very few Masonic rooms in the country that excel it. The total expense of the lot, building, steam heater for warming the entire building, large safe containing eight compartments for sep- arate use of each body, interest, insurance, &c., will be about $100,000. The building has been furnished new throughout at an expense of about $10,000 more. Through the efforts of the Committee on Ways and Means, il seconded as it should be by the craft, we expect to be able to record the fact that all is provided for except the original mortgage of $20,000 having ten years to run. If this can be accomplished the fraternity of Troy need not be ashamed of the record of the past year. ' ' A weary task, a dreary round. Is all benighted man may know. But here a brighter scene is found. The brightest scene that 's found below. The Mason's Home ! " THE DEDICATION. When it became certain that the new Temple would be ready for dedication about April first, the question arose as to how it should be done. The several Masonic bodies appointed committees to repre sent them in a general committee, as follows : Apollo Chapter, No. 48 — Henry B. Harvey, Chas. H. Swartwout, Fred. Ratcliff. Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311 — Charles C. Clark, Samuel D. French, George A. Waters. Apollo Commandery, No. 15 — George F. Sims, Julius R. Pettis, Edward B. Cox, James W. Cusack. King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. gi — Alex. B. King, Jesse B. Anthony, Charles W. Peoble. Apollo Lodge, No. 13 — Charles Cleminshaw, Robert B. Ranken, William Pettis, Wm. S. Earl. Bloss Council, No. 14 — George Churchill, Wm. R. Hyde, T. E. Haslehurst. Delta Lodge of Perfection — George Babcock, G. P. Cozzens, Albert W. Scribner. The General Committee organized with the following as officers and appointed the following Sub-Committees : Henry B. Harvey, President : Charles C. Clark, Secretary ; Jesse B. Anthony, Treasurer. On Orator — J. B. Anthony. 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 71 On Music — Henry B. Harvey, George A. Waters, Julius R. Pettis. On Reception — Jesse B. Anthony, Chas. Cleminshaw, Charles C. Clark, George Babcock, George F. Sims, Samuel D. French, Alex. B. King. Rooms and Fixtures — George A. Waters, Chas. W. Peoble, Alex. B. King, Wm. Pettis, Gorton P. Cozzens, Theodore E. Haslehurst. On Printing — George Babcock, Jesse B. Anthony, Chas. C. Clark, Albert W. Scribner. On Toasts — Chas. C. Clark, Jesse B. Anthony, Henry M. Heller. On Invitations — Jesse B. Anthony, George Babcock, Alexander B. King, William S. Earl, James W. Cusack. On Finance — George F. Sims, Robert B. Ranken, Wm. R. Hyde. On Original Odes — Jesse B. Anthony. On Carriages — Robert B. Ranken, George Churchill. On Estimate — George Churchill, Theodore E. Haslehurst, Julius R. Pettis. On Banquet — Charles Cleminshaw, Robert B. Ranken, George Churchill, Gorton P. Cozzens. These committees arranged the plan which was carried out yester- day, namely : Dedication, at 2 P. M. ; Banquet, at 4:30 P. M. ; Con- cert, at 7:30 p. M. ; Dancing, at g:oo p. m. Invitations were extended to prominent Masons throughout the State, and to the officers of the Grand Lodge. THE INVITATIONS are very elegant. At the top is a cut of the temple within an oval upheld by two columns and surmounted with Masonic designs. At the left of the invitation is a group of Masonic insignia, artistically combined, and apparently growing out of the smoke arising from a pot of incense which forms the base of the combination. On the right of the lettering is the shovel, crow and pick, with an apron about them. It is indeed, a most artistic production, and if Mr. Jos. E. Gavitt, of Albany, can reap any new laurels he will certainly do so from this. At the time appointed for the ceremony of dedication, the Grand Master and Staff, accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, met in one of the rooms of the new Temple, and the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with the following as officers : M. W., John H. Anthon, Grand Master. R. W.,J. L. Staats, Jr., as Deputy Grand Master. W., John S. Perry, as Senior Grand Warden. R. W., James W. Husted, Junior Grand Warden. " John W. Simons, Grand Treasurer. " James M. Austin, Grand Secretary. " R. L. Schoonmaker, Grand Chaplain. " Charles Roome, Grand Marshal. " Wm. R. Brown, Grand Sword Bearer. 72 History of Apollo [1&I2. Bro. John T. Conover, as Grand Standard Bearer. W., H. C. Barnes, as Grand Steward. R. W., Daniel W. Talcott, Grand Steward. W., Aaron C. Wager, as Grand Steward. W. J. D., P. Townsend, as Grand Steward. W., George B. Smith, as Senior Grand Deacon. R. W., Charles E. Young, as Junior Grand Deacon. R. W., Johnston Fountain, Grand Pursuivant. R. W., John Hoole, Grand Tiler. Accompanying the officers of the Grand Lodge were the following : M. W. James Gibson, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York ; M. W. John L. Lewis, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York ; M. W. Park Davis, G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Vermont ; R. W. F. G. Tisdall, P. Junior G. W. of the Grand Lodge of Quebec. The Grand Lodge then formed in procession under the direction of the Grand Marshal, and after being received with the grand honors, repaired to their respective stations. The lodge was placed in front of the altar, towards the east, and the gold and silver vessels and lights were placed around it. These arrangements being completed the following ode was sung : INVOCATION. In this our hour of hopeful joy. Oh, God ! to Thee we pray ; Give now Thine ear unto our voice, On this long-looked-for day. To Thee we've built this Temple dome. Oh ! make it for Thine own. And may it ever rest on Thee, Thou great Foundation Stone ! Here may we learn to live in Love, In Unity to dwell ; Here may our hearts in gratitude To Thee forever swell. In Charity may we e'er walk. In Truth forever be ; Then shall indeed our temple new Be dedicate to Thee. And now. Oh, mighty Architect ! With trusting love we pause To pledge anew with firm resolve Our fealty to our cause. Oh ! bless this Lodge we offer Thee, Bless 'till all strife is done ; Oh ! bless 'till life's great flight is o'er And we with Thee are One. — CAas. C. Clark 1872.] COMMANDKRY, No. I5. 73 Wor. Bro. George Babcock, President of the Troy Masonic Hall Association, then addressed the Grand Master as follows ; Most Worshipful : — The brethren of Apollo, King Solomon and Mount Zion Lodges being animated with a desire to promote the honor and interest of the craft, have erected a Masonic Hall for their convenience and accommodation. They are desirous that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge ; and if it should meet their approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to Ma- \Sonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form and usage. The M. W. Grand Master then said : The Grand Lodge has already inspected this structure and is amply satisfied, approves of the work and trusts it may long stand as a monument of the enterprise and liberality of the craft. The Deputy Grand Master then arose and said ; 3/ost Worshipful : — The hall in which we are now assembled, and the plan upon which it has been constructed, having met with your approbation, it is the desire of the Fraternity that it should be now dedicated according to ancient form and usage. The lodge was then uncovered and a procession was made around it in the following form, during which solemn music was played : Grand Tiler, with drawn sword. Grand Stewards. Grand Standard Bearer. Grand Sword Bearer. A Past Master, with a light. A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compasses on a velvet cushion. Two Past Masters, each with a light. Grand Chaplain. Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with emblems. Junior Grand Warden, with vessel of corn. Senior Grand Warden, with vessel of wine. Deputy Grand Master, with vessel of oil. Grand Master. Senior and Junior Grand Deacons with rods. When the procession arrived at the east it halted, the music ceased and the Grand Chaplain made the following : CONSECRATION' PRAYER. Almighty and ever glorious and gracious Lord God, Creator of all things, and Governor of everything Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants, now assembled in Thy name and in Thy presence 74 History of Apollo [1872. and bless and prosper all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee. Graciously bestow upon us Wisdom, in all our doings; Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony and holiness in all our communications and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and Charity the fruit of our obedience to thy revealed will. May all the proper work of our institution that may be done in this house be such as Thy wisdom may approve and Thy goodness pros- per. And, finally, graciously be pleased, O Thou Sovereign Architect of the Universe, to bless the craft, wheresoever dispersed, and make them true and faithful to Thee, to their neighbor and to themselves. And when the time of our labor is drawing near to an end, and the pillar of our strength is declining to the ground, graciously enable us to pass through the "valley of the shadow of death," supported by Thy rod and Thy staff, to those mansions beyond the skies, where love, and peace, and joy forever reign before Thy throne. Amen. Response — So mote it be. The choir then sung the following ode, which continued during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication : DEDICATION ODE. Hail, messenger of holy Light, Ye spotless, pure, celestial train; From your fair realms forever bright. Descend and o'er our passions reign. May Friendship here, and Truth hold sway. Cement our hearts, an hallowed Fane, And music chant to cheer the way. Close girdled by our mystic chain. — IV. Ji. Hyde. The first procession having been made around the lodge, and the Grand Master reaching the east, the Junior Grand Warden presented the vessel of corn to the Grand Master, saying : Most Worshipful : — In the dedication of Masonic Halls, it has been of immemorial custom to pour corn upon the lodge, as an emblem of nourishment. I, therefore, present you this vessel of com, to be em- ployed by you according to ancient usage. The Grand Master then struck thrice with his gavel, poured the corn upon the lodge and said : In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry. May Love, fair daughter of the skies. With Charity walk hand in hand ; Till want, and Woe, and Grief, arise In glad rejoicing through our Land. 1872. J COMMANDERY, No. I5. 75 The second procession was then made around the lodge, and the Senior Grand Warden presented the vessel of wine to the Grand Mas- ter, and said : Most IVorshipful : — Wine, the emblem of refreshment, having been used by our ancient brethren in the dedication and consecration of their lodges, I present you this vessel of wine, to be used on the pres- ent occasion according to ancient Masonic form. The Grand Master then sprinkled the wine upon the lodge, saying : In the name of the Holy Saints John, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Virtue. May Wisdom weave her web of gold. Adorned by Beauty's magic art. And social Joy, the subtle fold. Twine closely 'round each brother's heart. The third procession was then made around the lodge, and the Deputy Grand Master presented the vessel of oil to the Grand Mas- ter, saying : Most Worshipful : — I present you, to be used according to ancient custom, this vessel of oil, an emblem of that joy which should ani- mate every bosom on the completion of every important undertaking. The Grand Master then sprinkled the oil upon the lodge, saying : In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Universal Benevolence. Let Virtue fair our lives adorn, While Earth stands steady at the helm ; Our anchor chains of friendship form, Hope guide to the celestial realm. Now, may His name exalted be Who to our souls hath freely sent Light from that pure, exhaustless sea, The Grand, Eternal Orient. The Grand Chaplain then made the following INVOCATION : And may the Lord, the giver of every good and perfect gift, bless the brethren here assembled, in all their lawful undertakings, and grant to each one of them, in needful supply, the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Amen. Response — So mote it be. The lodge was then covered, and the Grand Master and other officers resumed their stations. The Grand Marshal then proclaimed in south, west and east the lodge room to have been dedicated in ample form. The chorus, "Glory be to God on High," from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, was sung. 76 History of Apollo \i^12. An oration was then delivered by M. W. John L. Lewis, of Penn Yan, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, which was listened to with marked attention by the large audience present, and fully sustained the brilliant reputation of the orator. " Auld Lang Syne" was then sung by the choir. The Grand Lodge again formed in procession and retiu'ned to the ante-room, where it was closed in ample form. THE BAXQLET. After the ceremonies at the Temple the Grand Officers and invited guests repaired to the Troy House, where the banquet took place. The feast was opened with a few words of welcome from Wor. Bro. George Babcock, president of the day, and a blessing from the Grand Chaplain. After the cloth was removed Wor. Bro. Babcock arose and said : M. IV. G. M., Officers and Brethren : — As I stand here in the presence of those on whom our noble craft has conferred its highest honors, past and present, the question comes home to me — Whence came ye all and why are ye here ? You have come from all points of the compass to join your hands and hearts with ours in celebrating and commemorating one of the happiest events known in the history of our Order — bright with noble deeds and grand achievements as that history is, viz : the completion and dedication of a new Masonic Temple. Within one short year the Masons of Troy have dug the trenches, carried up the foundation walls, laid the corner stone and raised the building to its final completion ; and to-day the M. W. Grand Master has solennly dedicated it to Freemasonry, to Virtue and to Universal Benevolence. The occasion is one of rejoicing and thanks- giving to us. Thanks to God for that He has given us the strength and the power to carrj- our resolution into effect ; thanks to you, M. W. Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Lodge, for your attendance and your services ; thanks to you, our guests from abroad, for honor- ing us with your presence here to-day ; thanks to you, my brethren of Troy for the generous and self-sacrificing spirit in which you have come forward to assist in this noble and glorious undertaking. I anticipate a remark which now lies slumbering in the heart of some brother here, but which I doubt not will find utterance through his lips before the day is over, viz : that the Masons of Troy have reason to be proud of their achievement ! We shall not blush at the compliment, brethren, for 7ce are proud of it, and we earnestly hope t hat our pride may awaken such a spirit of emulation as will give the Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York a thorough op- portunity to visit his entire jurisdiction by way of inspecting and dedicating more such temples as the one you have seen to-day. My brethren, we welcome you to the occasion, its solemnities, its joys and its festivities. 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 77 You will now give your attention to the reading of the toasts : Freemasonry — " Hail, Royal Art ! In humble zeal The Mason greets thy glad'ning sway ; 'Tis thine to teach his heart to feel, And thine to bid his hard obey. 'Twas Wisdom fashioned, 'twas strength thy temple raised, And Beauty o'er the fabric blazed." Music — Hail to the Chief. M. W. John H. Anthon, Grand Master, responded as follows ; Brethren : — There are two or three different toasts to which the Grand Master of Masons in New York is often called to respond ; one is the Grand Lodge ; that subject has been discussed for centuries, and it requires a serious effort, after holding the office of Grand Master for two years, to answer to that toast. The other is to the toast of the Grand Master, and that puts a man in the very pleasant position of describing his own virtues to his brethren, in order that they may sufficiently appreciate them, or else of being very modest and giving an opinion of himself in which he is not very apt always to be correct, by depreciating himself to a degree which would be very uncomfortable if he heard it from any one else. But when the toast of "Masonry " is given, then I like to respond. I have never any difficulty in answering to that glorious toast ; I can never be ex- hausted in a speech on that subject. Masonry is named a living, acting power ; I regret extremely that the power which rests in this grand body of Masons is not brought to more active work in the affairs of this world. In the State of New York the brotherhood of Masons number seventy thousand ; were those voices and hearts and arms raised in defense of pure Masonry in the world out of the Lodge, and out of the Grand Lodge — as in the Lodge, and. in the Grand Lodge — how much might seventy thousand voices, and seventy thou- sand lives purely spent, and seventy thousand votes, honestly and conscientiously cast — not in favor of any political party, but in favor good men as against bad men, (applause) and good administration as against bad administration ; I say how much might be accom- plished. (Applause.) I tell you that you have a power in your hands that you ought not allow to remain idle and dormant. If Masonry merits the spending of so much time as we all spend upon it, it must awaken and accomplish a work of reformation in the world by letting the world see that every Mason (as I speak not of Grand Lodges or individual Lodges) does in the Lodge and out of the Lodge what the law of Masonry directs him to do ; to have hope of immortality ; trust in God and love to all the brethren ; to be unto God reverent and pray- erful ; to be unto the brethren straightforward, honest and faithful. 78 History of Apollo ['872. Now, brethren, Masonry is an institution the peculiarities of which may deserve some attention, and may be presented to you, perhaps, in a way that has not occurred to you. It is an institution which has been in almost every country in the world persecuted ; persecuted in Italy ; persecuted in Spain ; persecuted, more fiercely than anywhere else, in Portugal ; persecuted lately in France by two deadly forces — first, by the government, and secondly by the introduction into itself of the unmasonic spirit of Communism and infidelity ; persecuted in our own land ; and everywhere the persecution and attack came from without. Masonry has stood silent, unresisting, the martyr of oppression, and yet only resisting it by the firm, honest, reliant up- holding of itself in the face of all men as an institution that is pure, as an institution that, although it does not claim to be in connection with any church, is yet an institution serving God, and trying to serve man ; with all that is said against Masonry she remains silent, never defending. Abroad, where society is divided into classes and castes, where there are ranks and titles, where arbitrary authority prevails, the prince, if he be a Mason, must lay down the sceptre of power at the door of the Lodge and submit to the stone-mason's hammer in the hand of the Master. (Applause.) ***** Brethren, unless Masonry is something serious, we have no right to give it so much attention ; if it is merely to furnish a place where we are to meet in the Lodge, and to go out of the Lodge forgetting what we thought and said in the Lodge, we ought not to stay there long. If we mean to accept the doctrine of Masonry, and live by it, we can then do much for ourselves and much for the world. Brethren, perhaps this is too serious for a table of feasting. Let me say once more that Masonry teaches also the propriety of Ma- sonic feastings. It teaches the duty of hospitality ; one of the old tribes of men also recognized it, and it gives me great pleasure to see so many around this board ; but brethren. Masonic hospitality ought to be the old-fashioned temperance hospitality. I have been in the habit of giving the Stewards of lodges the old charge of our good King Ahasuerus, as called quaintly in some of the old lodges ; the substance of it is that Masonic hospitality must be free, generous, warm, but that the Steward's duty must be to see that the brethren are well placed at the table — that they have enough to eat and enough to drink, not too much of either. So, my brethren, you want to use Masonry and take its pleasures — you are also to do its work. If you take the pleasures of Masonry too freely you may find that Masonry- will at some time or other give you the harder work to do. In your lodges, my brethren, remember that a lodge can be destroyed by the false heart of one brother ; remember that its prosperity depends upon the sagacity with which every member in the lodge holds to his Ma- sonic faith ; remember that in the world you cannot but betray and violate your oath — you cannot but betray them, I would say, when 1872.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 79 you forget the lessons of Honor, of Truth, of Justice, and Temperance that Masonry teaches you. * * * Brethren, as Grand Master I have a right, I suppose, to scold. I have filled that right, perhaps, this evening fully. Believe me that I have done it with an earnest love for this glorious institution — with an earnest sympathy with every member whose face I see before me, and with a full conviction that the language I addressed to you I ad- dressed to myself. If it were as easy to do good as it is to teach oth- ers how to do good, chapels had been churches and poor men's cot- tages had been king's palaces ; it is easier to teach a thousand than to follow your own teaching. No man feels the truth of that statement more than I do. Brethren, as we have been sitting together let us repent together. (Applause.) The Grand Lodge of the State of New York — Our Masonic parent and the Grand East of Masonry in the United States ; may its refulgent light illumine the Masonic horizon with the beams of peace, harmony and prosperity. " Light from the East, 'tis guilded with hope. Star of our faith, thy glory is up." Music — America. R. W. Charles Roome, Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge, re- sponded as follows : Worshipful Master and Brethren : — I have been called upon to reply to the toast of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Why I should be called upon to reply to that toast in the presence of the M. W. Grand Master of the State, and the distinguished Grand Master, Past Grand Masters and representatives of other grand bodies now here, is more than I can tell, unless it is that the greater the subject the less of an advocate it requires. (Laughter and applause.) What shall I say for the Grand Lodge of such a State as this ? Brethren, what is a Grand Lodge ? It is the representative of subordinate lodges, the subordinate lodges of the State in Grand Council assembled, the united wisdom of the whole. But Masonry does not originate there ; its foundation stone is not there. Prepared first in your own hearts, it is in your own lodges that you must find it. Keep Masonry pure and simple and earnest, that there where the springs burst forth the general stream will flow on. What is the Grand Lodge of as mighty an in- stitution as this ? The second Grand Lodge in all the earth ; there is but one that is larger. Brethren, if you meet in Grand Lodge, or send your representatives there to reason together for the general good — to guard against error and evil, and to preserve your land- marks — then is the Grand Lodge of the State worthy of all honor, all respect and all affection ; but if you go there to engage in strife or personal ambition, each trying to promote his own welfare and dis- tinction instead of the general good ; then brethren, your Grand 8o History of Apollo [1872. Lodge will stink in your nostrils (sensation) and no longer be honored as it is throughout the world. The Grand Lodge is a grand and a great body, but it is a body assembled for the good of all. Remem- ber this, there is but one God, and we are his children ; remember that, and also remember that the Grand Lodge is merely as a conser\a- tor ; it cannot originate anything, and all matters must originate with you and in our own lodges, and when we meet in Grand Lodge we must meet as brethren, reason together in love and decide in love. That is all I have to say about the Grand Lodge. You know what it is, and what it means, as well as I can tell you. First, take care of your own lodges at home, keeping them pure, and there is no fear, brethren, but the Grand Lodge will be taken care of. (Applause.) Our Invited Guests — "Welcome, friends, whose cheering presence Fills our hearts with joy to-night." Music — Hail Columbia. Bro. E. L. Fursman of Troy responded as follows : ]i'orshipful Master: — For the toast to which I am called to re- spond, I entertain the very highest respect. I also entertain a very great respect for "our invited guests." The very words, "our in- vited guests," carry with them a sentiment of honor and esteem ; a sentiment that is common to no country, nor to any clime ; that has been confined to no nation, nor to any age ; a sentiment as old as time, and as broad as the world. The barbarous Arab, who recognizes few rights which he is able to overcome by the powers of his lance or his scimetar, buries his most inveterate enmities in a bowl of salt ; and the savage of our own America, whose highest delight is to torture by fire and the scalping knife, who is untaught save by looking up through Nature to the God of Nature, puffs away his bitterest hatred in the curling smoke of his " pipe of peace." After all, the civilization of centuries has accomplished nothing more than to refine into a common and universal habit a sentiment that is as old as time itself. To-day our fellow citizen who stands amid the beauties of that City of the Hills which gave to the world its civilization and its arts, and greets with the warmth of long separa- tion his friend unexpectedly met, gives expression to no higher, or purer, or truer, or nobler sentiment than was given expression to ages and ages before, by the men who made that earlier' civilization upon which he stands. And to-day, standing here and giving tongue to our words of wel- come to our brothers in and out of the Lodges, we but echo a senti- ment coequal with time itself ; and if. as was asserted by the most distinguished of epic writers, " No sound of the human voice which has been cast upon the air is ever lost," it is beautiful, indeed, to re- 1872.] COMMANDERY, Nq. 15. 81 member that the welcome we now give " our invited guests " will go on and on in ever widening and increasing circles, until it shall reach the Ihrone of the " Great Master," who at last shall welcome us all with that sublimest of all rewards, "Well done, good and faithful servant. " (Long continued applause.) Masonic Charity. ■" Hail, balm-bestowing charity ! First of the heaven born ; Thou art in bright reality Friend of the friendless and forlorn." Music — Andante : Die Trane. M. W. John W. Simons, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge, responded as follows : Brethren : — The sentiment that has been assigned to me is one that might .well call out the most gifted and eloquent. I make no pretensions to either of those qualities, and I shall, therefore, dispose very briefly of the compliment which has been placed upon me of making me the spokesman on this occasion. In respect to the toast offered, we are met at the outset by the fact that the Masonic idea requires us not to let the right hand know what the left hand doeth ; and that, of all other subjects of which we may legitimately boast and feel proud of, the benevolent functions of the fraternity stands preeminent. It is a sentiment that calls upon us for acts, not words ; and yet there is something interesting, attractive, to the mind of the brethren when we consider that in fact the great success of the fra- ternity is in a great measure attributable — thanks to the providence of God— to the fact that the cry of the distressed has never fallen upon our ears in vain. No man who has ever taken upon himself the vows of the institution has ever suffered the needy brother and the helpless brother, and above all the orphan children, to appeal in vain. But, on the other hand — like the softly falling snow and like the gentle dew of heaven — where the Masons have everywhere surrounded the legiti- mate objects of Masonic benevolence, God's work has been done in secrecy and in silence. But there is a charity exercised by Masons of which we may boast, and which I may legitimately urge you to re- member. It is that charity which bears with a brother ; that forgiveth his fault not only one time but seven times, and seventy times seven ; that wrestles with him, and implores him, and holds out the hand to turn him from the dark and downward way. It is that phase of Masonic charity that binds us all in one bond of friendship and unites us in one great brotherhood, that knows no distinction or rank, or wealth, or creed, and knows none of the differences that separate men in the world, but regards all who have enlisted beneath our ban- ner as brethren. (Applause.) 6 82 History of Apoi.lo [1872. In the exercise of this there is a call for the noblest and best senti- ments of our hearts, and just in the proportion that you do exercise it, and just in the proportion that you are faithful and true to its com- mon interests, can you arise above your fellows and become a little lower than the angels, irradiated with a ray of celestial light, for God Himself is Charity, He is Love. Masonry in Troy — Its past, present and future. Bright in the one, hopeful in the second, glorious in the last. Music — Home, Sweet Home. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, of Troy, responded as follows : In rising to respond to this toast, I cannot but feel my incom- petency to do justice to the theme. Around me are Masons older than myself, those who have been identified with its past history, who would be better able to speak of the past, but inasmuch as the duty devolves upon me, I shall notice more particularly the accomplished task of to-day. Masonry was instituted m the City of Troy in the year 1796, under a charter granted June igth, to Apollo Lodge, No. 13, then known as No. 49. Thus it will be seen that Masonry has been linked with the growth of our city, and its advancement has been in unison with it. While the past seventy-six years have not been consecutive years of calm and even prosperity ; while the current has not always flowed along smoothly, yet, thanks to the inherent nature of our organization, its vital principles have remained the same, and whether under the full tide of prosperity, or enduring the bitter and relentless blasts of persecution, it has steadily held its own and kept pace with the march of civilization. We of the present day should ever hold in veneration and respect the memory of Bros. J. D. Willard, Peter Sharp, Lyman Garfield, Rev. Leland Howard, Rev. David Butler, A. J. Rousseau, Nathan Dauchy, David Buel, Jr., Archibald Buel, George R. Davis, who, with many others in the time that tried our institution — overthrew many a Masonic altar and rendered a desolation what had been an over-prosperous growth — yet kept intact the fire of Masonry in our city, and never since it was first established here has it been allowed to cease its ope- rations. This fact is not only creditable to us as a fraternity, but is a bright page in our Masonic history. In the year 1842, King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, was organized, and in 1853, Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, and the lodges have ever worked harmoniously together. In glancing over the record of the past, I find many events of in- terest that might be alluded to, but time will not permit. Neither do I feel called upon to make mention of what has been accomplished in deeds of charity and beneficence, of the many who have realized its benefits, of the widow and the orphan who have indeed felt that they 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 83 had a, friend, protector and benefactor. These are sacred duties, which as a Brotherhood, whether here in the city of Troy or elsewhere, are done in the manner prescribed in holy writ, " Let not your left hand know what your right doeth.'' The record of such deeds are — " Written in Heaven What has been given ! Placed on the record in letters of gold : Read by the spirits. Judges of merits — Some day the names to us all will be told." With all that has been done in the past, one thing, howevei , they were unable to accomplish, and it was left for us of the present to provide a building or hall for Masonic uses. After many efforts on the part of committees appointed at different times for that purpose, which failed to attain the desired object, in 1870 a committee on new rooms was appointed, and from its first meeting, held December 26th, it was apparent to all concerned that something would this time be accomplished, and it has been. Our gathering to-day is one of the results of its work. Having but $5,000 which could be applied toward the erection of a building, yet with a firm faith that the brethren only needed to be aroused to the work to insure its success and make up for the want of means by the determination to accomplish the long desired object, the committee have gone on, and thanks to the liberality of the breth- ren of our bodies, to-day we are in the possession of a Temple, beau- tiful in all its proportions, one that reflects honor on us as a craft, and one that is complete and fitting in every respect. To-day we have consecrated to Masonic use a Temple which we believe will be a monument of Masonic enterprise for many years to come. To-day has the top stone been safely placed in the highest arch, and our habitation is firmly built. When I look back and see what has been accomplished in the past few months — and only those know who have been linked together in this undertaking — I am glad to repeat here, what I said eight months ago, that I am proud to be a Mason to-day. I think I but utter the sentiments of every individual member when I say that I am not only proud, but thankful, that I am a member of the Masonic Fraternity of the City of Troy, a body of men that have accomplished what even those of greater means have failed to carry out. To-day we have finished that which in doubt and misgiving was projected, and to-day sees us on a footing that will compare favorably with any other city in the Union. To-day do we come before the world as laborers who have indeed faithfully wrought in the quarries and brought up a piece of work for inspection of which we may not be ashamed. How has this been accomplished, brethren ? Has it been by indi- ual labor solely ? No ! It has been by the united effort of all. 84 History of Apollo [1872. Although of different organizations, we rally under one banner, and the record of the past, like that of the present, shows that Masonry in the City of Troy has ever been a unit. As it has been in the past, so it may ever be in the future, and an- imated by that spirit of brotherly love which should ever characterize us, what may we not expect in the years to come ? For although we have accomplished that long looked for object, shall we sit down con- tent and think that our work is done ? Certainly not ; for to ' ' whom much is given, much is also required." Having enlarged our sphere of usefiilness, it behooves us that in the years to come we should extend the principles and precepts of our beloved institution, and by our lives clearly demonstrate to the world that Masonry will not only make a man wiser and happier, but also that it makes him a better citizen and aims to imbue him with the spirit of morality, truth and virtue. What has been done in the past will not suffice for the future. The importance of the present step as regards Masonry in Troy cannot be overestimated, and that we thoroughly understand that fact will be shown in the fruits of the future before us. Let each individual brother labor for the more thorough exemplifica- tion of our creed as Masons, and whether of Apollo, King Solomon's, or Mount Zion, present a solid front in the support and furtherance of the cause of Faith, Hope and Charity. The record of the past and present point to a glorious future, and that it may prove so let the silver chord so entwine itself about each brother's heart, so permeate all our actions here below, that — " When all our work on earth is done. May we arise and sing The praise of Him who reigns above, Who is our master. King." Woman — The bright morning star of infancy ; the guiding star of youth ; the pole star of manhood ; the gentle evening star of declining years ; the grand central sun around which revolve the constellations of all times and of every age. Music— The Girl I Left Behind Me. R. W. James W. Husted, J. G. W., responded as follows : ' ' I think it was a Persian King Who used to say, that ever more In human life, each evil thing Comes of the sex that men adore ; That nought, in brief, had e'er befell To harm or grieve our hapless race. But if, you probe the matter well. You '11 find a woman in the case. r872.] CoMMANDERY, No. 15. 85 " For such a churlish, carping creed As that his majesty professed, I hold him of unkindly breed Unless, in sooth, he spoke in jest ; To me, few things have come to pass Of good results, but I can trace — Thanks to the matron or the lass — Somewhere, a woman in the case." The sentiment to which you have summoned me to respond is so suggestive of poetry and romance, that I trust you will pardon a de- parture from the argamentative or the serious, and that you will, with me, bid adieu to the barren deserts and rugged mountains of prosaic fact, and roam, at will, among the flowery meads and flowing rills of poetic fancy. But before we speak of them, to which poets and philosophers, scientists and historians have, from the remotest ages, devoted their most brilliant talents, permit me — " To drink this cup to one made up Of loveliness alone — A woman, of her gentle sex The seeming paragon ! Her health ! and would on earth there stood Some man, of such a frame That life might be all poetry, And weariness a name.'' Music hath charms, 'tis said, to soothe the savage ear ; but woman charms alike the savage and the savant. Her love conquers all, civilizes all, refines all. Infancy and childhood feed upon it. It con- sumes the soul of youth, with its devouring flame. In manhood it imparts courage, strength and vigor. Old age rests upon it, as a last support. " It knoweth every form of air, And every slope of earth ; And comes unbidden everywhere. Like thought's mysterious birth. In the darkest night and the brightest daylight. In earth and sea, and sky. In every home of human thought. Will love be lurking nigh." And as like begets like, so doth love beget love, and when the pas- sion of devoted and human hearts meets, as it always does, with prompt and sure return, bright visions of the future greet our en- raptured gaze, and — " Though cares in crowds Leave scarce a break of blue. Yet hope gives wings to morning clouds. And turns them to a golden hue.'' 86 History of Apollo [1872. Such the love which nerves the hero's arm, and stimulates to deeds of glory and renown. Such the love which guides the poet's pen and fires the poet's heart. It is the love of spring-tide, impetuous as the mountain torrents of the vernal equinox, bearing before it in its resistless course every obstacle, challenging and disarming all opposition. " Our Summer sun may squander A blaze serener, grander ; Our Autumn beam may, like a dream Of Heaven, flow quick away — But no ! let life before us Shed all the light it may ; 'Twill shed no lustre o'er us Like that first April day." Such is the love portrayed by the sentimental Roman in describing the reconciliation between his sweetheart and himself, as, in a glow of fervid passion, he exclaims : " Quamguam sidere pulchrior^ Ille est, tu levior cortice et improbo Iracundior Hadria Tecum vivere arne?n, tecum oveam libens." [Translation — " Although thy rival is brighter and more beautiful than stars ; thou lighter and more fickle than a cork, and as petulant as the boisterous Adriatic, yet with thee I would love to live, with thee I would cheerfully die."] Sweet and pure and holy is the love of innocent youth, and golden are the claims of maidenhood ; but sweeter, purer, holier still is the love of woman and of wife. It is the turbid mountain torrent become the placid, yet majestic, lake of the valley. It differs from the youthful passion in this, that — ' ' Love born in hours of joy and mirth. In mirth and joy may perish ; That to which sacred hours gave birth. Still more and more we cherish." It is this love of which that same sentimental Roman, in his more serious mood, wrote : ' ' Felices, ter, et amplius, " etc. Such my brief tribute to woman — to the sweetheart, to the wife. If there be one in this vast assembly who has never, as yet, obeyed this divine injunction, I can assure him that "it is never too late to repent." If timidity has restrained him from carrying into success- ful execution the desire of his heart, let him be not discouraged. 1872.] COMMANDERY, NO. I5. 87 Each marriage that takes place is an assurance to every longring bachelor that there is yet room for more. ' ' Every wedding, says the proverb. Wakes another soon or late ; Never yet was any marriage Entered in the book of fate. But the vows were also written Of the patient pair that wait." The toast once more ! " Woman,'' etc. In my rambling response I have confined myself to our sweethearts and our wives. But these are not all. However dissociated from us, woman's influence is ever and everywhere felt. Her sphere is the universe — the world is her empire. Then— " Let us drink to the lovely ! — whatever they are, Though fair as snow, as light ; For whether or falling, or fixed the star, They both are heavenly bright." May I be pardoned if I offer a supplementary statement ? * * "Here's beauty's fairest flower — The maiden of our own birth-land ! The maiden whose lip like a rose-leaf is curled And her eye like the star-flag when it's unfurled ! Oh, her eyes o'er the wine are like stars o'er the sea And her face is the face of all heaven to me." But no ! I will not, though I hold her best, toast her alone. So here's to the lovely all over the world : " Why differ on which is the fairest form. When all the same the heart to warm ? Although by different chorus they strike. Their power is equal and alike. Then join with me, brothers, as here I stand forth. And drink to dear women all over the earth. " From the Old to the New — Strong in the Old, Stronger in the New. MtJSIC — Star Spangled Banner. Sir William R. Hyde, of Troy, responded as follows : All hail, faithful craftsmen, to-day let us sing. As we rest from our toil, our labors now ceasing ; Our Temple completed, an ofifering we bring To Masonry's cause, her glory increasing : Our Temple to-day on her altar we lay, And ever to Heaven will fervently pray That our Temple, our Temple, so spacious and grand, May long be the pride of the Craft in the land. 88 History of Apollo [1SI2. How grandly majestic our noble old barque Has flung her white sails to the breezes to-day ! How queen-like arose when her anchor was weighed And proudly swung out to the sea — The sea Of the future, the passions of man, War's cruel dominion or Peace's holy realm ; But safely she'll ride, for Truth is her guide. And ever stands firm, with hand on the helm. Long years have we labored, and struggled to gain What to-day we behold, in proportions so rare ; A home where her lights may peacefully reign. And shed their sweet influence so holy and fair. Where her Jewels will be, as rare odors set free, Refreshing our hearts whenever we see ; Where her Lights and her Jewels may calmly preside. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, our glory and pride. Now freed from her mooring, she stands to the sea ; Like a Goddess of Beauty she seems to our sight ; More noble appears her mission to be. As she waves her bright streamers and pennons of light, One ray from these pennons, as in ages gone by. Will awaken, enrich, and Ulume ; Nor leave, like the meteor's flight through the sky. Her pathway in darkness and gloom. Then sing of our Temple — come, brothers, all sing — Companions, Sir Knights, join your voices to swe'' Our song of rejoicing, till its arches shall ring And the winds bear our echoing gladness to tell To the Craft in the land ; united we stand In Masonry's cause, firmly joined hand in hand, In noble endeavor, each striving to see Who best wields the trowel and best can agree. Rich treasures she carries, with passports from Heaven, To bear to the nations in night. Each soul, if he will, a royal largess Of liberty, friendship and light. Interwoven with love, with virtue entwined ; By the Master most freely is given A shibboleth sure for the journey of life And a Pass to those mansions in Heaven. And ever to Him who presides over all. Shall homage be paid with glowing emotion ; And fervently pray that His blessing may fall. Enkindling within us a flame of devotion ; 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 89 To Masonry's shrine, to her mysteries sublime, Till the world shall acknowledge her mission divine ; And the nations shall hail, with joy and delight. Her Temples and Altars, her Jewels and Light. But look through the mist, to that horrible cloud, Of oppression, of discord, and cruel desire. Of ignorance, hate, of treason and vice, Or war's horrid reign of pillage and fire. Yet bright through a rift in the quivering pall, I see our old galleon's boom. And she grandly looms up, like a pillar of fire. Dispelling the darkness and gloom. Far out in the future, our gallant old ship By faith I look forward and see. And the sheen of her banners illumines the earth. Whilst her streamers are girdling the sea : — And down in the depths of time's yawning abyss. Are mouldering away to decay. Proud Bigotry's host, that tauntingly cheer As she unfurls her white canvass to-day. Then on, ever on, ye trusty old barque, More brilliant your future will be, As safely and surely, the light of our faith. You plant on the ' ' Rock of the sea. " On, ever on, in your hallowed career. May storms never darken your way, And proudly we'll hail, as memory reverts. To these scenes of our labors to-day. Then, brother, stand firm, be true to yourself, Hold sacred our God-given trust, Be loving and pure, be wary and bold. Be faithful, be truthful and just : And He on a sevenfold radiant cloud. Whilst music falls sweet from the sky. Will bear you where light and perfection are one In those regions seraphic on high. The Masonic Press — May they be faithful chronicles of what is proper to be written, and zealous exponents of the cause of Freemasonry. Music — Galop. [Responded to by R. W. F. G. Tisdall, Masonic editor of Pomcroy's Democrat.^ 90 History of Apollo \_i^T- The Troy Masonic Hall Assoclation— ' ' All hail to the morning That bids us rejoice, The Temple's completed, Exalt high each voice." Music — Portuguese hymn. [Responded to by Sir John L. Flagg, of Troy.l The Grand Chapter of the State of New York — The Keystone of Capitular Masonry. May its arch never be broken. Music — Old Hundred. [Responded to by M. E. James M. Austin, P. G. G. H. P. of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.] The Grand Commandery of the State of New York — Music — The Christian Warriors. [Responded to by R. E. Sir R. \. Brown, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York.] The Grand Lodge op the State of Vermont — Music— Waltz. [Responded to by M. W. Park Davis, G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Vermont. The Or-\tor of the D.\y. — May the scythe of time pass by the Historian of the Grand Lodge, and may his ambition stimulate him to complete the several links and present to the craft of the State a history that will be a perpetual monument of his labors. Mrsic — Indian Philosopher. [Responded to by M. W. John L. Lewis, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York.] Parting Toast — With pleasure we meet you, with sorrow we part. " Hands round, ye faithful Masons, form the bright fraternal chain, We part upon the square below, to meet in heaven again." All united in singing " Auld Lang Syne," the Band joining in the chorus. orESTs present. M. W. James Gibson, of Salem, New York, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York. F. G. Tisdall, of New York, Masonic editor of Pomeroy's Democrat. J. B. Chaflfee, of Binghamton, New York, Grand King of the Grand Chapter of New York. 1872.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 9I R. H. Waterman, 33°, of Albany, New York, 111. Comr. of Albany Sovereign Consistory, A. A. S. R. Townsend Fondey, of Albany, Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandery of New York. Robert N. Brown, of Buffalo, New York, R. E. Grand Comr. of the Grand Commandery of New York. E. J. Loomis, of Norwich, New York, E. C. of Norwich Com'y, No. 46. William B. Watson, W. M. Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 3, of Al- bany, New York. J. D. P. Townsend, W. M. Masters Lodge, No. 5, of Albany, New York. William G. McKnight, W. M. Temple Lodge, No. 14, of Albany, New York. James Stackhouse, W. M. Washington Lodge, No. 85, Albany, New York. R. W. John L. Staats, Jr., W. M. Wadsworth Lodge, No. 417, of Al- bany, New York, and D. D. G. M. of the Ninth Masonic District. Horace M. Barnes, W. M. Evening Star Lodge, No. 75, of West Troy. Charles S. Longley, W. M. Cohoes Lodge, No. 1 16, Cohoes. Richard A. Derrick, W. M. Phoenix Lodge, No. 58, Lansingburgh. John G. Neal, W. M. Jerusalem Lodge, No. 355, of Lansingburgh. John G. Cooper, W. M. Greenbush Lodge, No. 337, of Greenbush. M. W. Park Davis, of St. Albans, Vermont, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Vermont. John A. Lefferts, of New York, P. R. E. G. C. of the Grand Com- mandery of New York. M. W. John L. Lewis, 33°, of Penn Yan, New York, P. G. M. Grand Lodge of New York, P. G. H. P., P. Gen. G. H. P. Gen. Grand Chapter of the United States. Also the representatives of the following Grand Lodges : Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Washington Territory and Quebec. LETTERS OF REGRET WERE RECEIVED FROM Daniel Sickles, 33°, of New York, Grand Sec'y Gen. of Supreme Council of the N. J. of the U. S. A. A. Scottish R. Robert Macoy, of New York, P. Dep. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York. Rees G. Williams, Utica, New York, M. E. Grand H. P. of the Grand Chapter of New York. John J. Martin, W. M. of Ancient City Lodge, No. 452, of Albany, New York. Edward L. Gaul, of New York, correspondent New York Times. 92 History of Apollo [1872. Josiah H. Drummond, 33", Portland, Me., M. P. Sov. Grand Com. Supreme Council, N. J. of the U. S., A. A. S. R. A. C. Wood, 32°, of Syracuse, New York. Horace T. Stiles, W. M. Clinton Lodge, No. 140, of Waterford. Jackson H. Chase, of Albany, New York, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council of the State of New York. John S. Dickerman, of Albany, New York, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Chapter of New York. John Ransom, editor of Masonic Tidings, Lockport, New York. M. W. Stephen H. Johnson, of Peekskill, New York, P. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of New York. Charles H. Holaen, of Saratoga Springs, New York, Grand War- den of the Grand Commandery of New York. THE MUSIC. The music at the dedication was all that could be desired. Prof. James W. Andrews presided at the organ in his usual brilliant manner. The choir, composed of the following gentlemen, who volunteered for the occasion, was the best ever heard in this city : Messrs. J. E. Schoonraaker, Joseph H. Knight, D. H. Payne, J. T. Chase, G. M. Hopkins, R. D. Comstock, S. J. Whitehead, W. H. Daubney, G. Colburn, J. S. Straiton, J. Armitage, L. A. Rousseau, E. A. Zander, F. A. Plum and J. O. Lavake. The music, "Rose Hill" and "Trent," was selected by the chair- man of the Music Committee, Sir Henry B. Harvey. THE evening's ENTERT.\INMENT — THE BLAZE OF GORGEOUS BEAUTY. THE MUSIC, DANCING, ETC. The fitting climax to the labors of the day was the festival and ball which followed. As early as seven o'clock visitors arrived at the Temple, which was illuminated in all its departments, and the inspec- tion began. Exclamations of joyful surprise from the visitors at the beauty and attractions of the lodge room and its surroundings were constantly neard, and so deeply interested were many in the inspec- tion that the promenade concert of Boring's band, commencing at half-past seven o'clock, was almost forgotten. So great was the crowd, however, that there was no lack of attraction at the concert from the time of sounding the first note to the close of the short and well ar- ranged programme. As the evening passed the number of visitors was augmented until the building was alive with the friends of the Fraternity. The second floor, which had been set aside for music and dancing, was crowded to overflowing, and rendered even promenading a difficult matter. Rarely has this city seen such a gathering at any entertainment. The very best society of the city and vicinity was fully represented, and the whole assemblage was characterized by the utmost decorum and propriety. The room had been elegantly adorned 1872. J COMMANDERY, No, 15. 93 for the evening. Thirty-six gas-jets, pendant from the ceiling, flooded the floor with a rich, mellow light. About the walls living plants, in all the freshness and fragrance of blossoming, were arranged, while from the ceiling, between the posts in the center of the room, large baskets of twining ivy hung in luxuriant dependence. Doring's full band was stationed on a platform at the eastern extremity of the hall, and this platform was continued for a short distance on either side, for the convenience of visitors who desired to sit and survey the imposing scene. The programme for the festival embraced the following selections. Never were they performed with more brilliancy of execution, correct- ness and vigor, than last evening : 1. Overture — Pique Dame, Suppe. 2. Waltz — Morgenblatter, Johann Strauss. 3. Sextette, from Martha, Flotow. C. Doring, F. Austin, G. Vier, P. Miller, F. Doring and W. T. Crary. 4. Pot-pourri, from Rigoletto, Verdi. 5. Cornet Solo — Katty Darling, F. Austin. 6. SiRENEN Galop, Neumann. 7. Overture — William Tell, Rossini. About half-past nine o'clock the last notes of the beautiful closing overture were scarcely heard before spectators were requested to clear the floor, partners for the opening quadrille were summoned, and soon, to the delightful and exuberant music of Strauss, the dancers were beguiled from approaching weariness. The floor was at first almost too crowded for any degree of comfort in dancing, but as the night wore on many retired, leaving the hall almost entirely in the hands of the devotees of terpsichore. The scene in the midst of a quadrille or waltz was one of rare gaiety and beauty. The ladies' toilets were of the most elaborate description ; some were certainly among the costliest ever worn in this city, and we were al- most tempted to individualize. The task would hardly have been an easy one, where there were so many worthy of notice. The floor committee, under the efficient leadership of Sir George A. Waters, certainly performed their duties well. The members were : Mount Zion Lodge — J. Frank Calder, Julius R. Pettis, (32'^) Har- vey S. Sheldon, John A. Sleicher, (32°). Apollo Lodge — Robert B. Ranken, (32'^) John Don, Charles Clem- inshaw, (32") Lee Chamberlin. King Solomon's Prim. Lodge— William Kemp, T. E. Haslehurst, H. H. Halliday, C. H. Swartwout. 94 History of Apollo [^87 2. Dancing was continued until four o'clock in the morning, when even the weariness of a night's pleasure was scarcely noticed, so hearty had been the enjoymem. April 1 2th. The annual conclave was held in the new Masonic Temple, and was the first conclave of Apollo in its own home. From the report of the past year we find that twenty- seven had been created Knights Templar, and the present membership is two hundred and sixteen. During the past year the Commandery had paid its subscription for stock in the Troy Masonic Hall Associa- tion, and had also purchased 82,000 additional, making 85,000 now owned by it as a body. During the past year an amendment to the by-laws had been adopted, whereby by the payment of $40, a Sir Knight became a life member and was exempt there- after from annual dues. The money received from such source being invested by the Trustees and the income therefrom paid into the Commandery in lieu of the dues of all such as availed themselves of the privilege. Fifty-six Sir Knights became life members the past year, and from this source, together with the proceeds of the Promenade Concert at Harmony Hall, the Commandery raised a sufficient amount and were not required to issue any Commandery bonds. April 26th. The Commandery had its first public in- stallation of the officers. R. E. Sir George Babcock, P. G. C. of the Grand Commandery, acted as installing officer, assisted by Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. E. C, as Grand Gen'o, and Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, P. E. C, as Grand C. Gen'l. The hall was filled to its capacity with the members, their wives and their friends, and at the conclusion of the exercises, after choice music by a volunteer choir, con- sisting of Mrs. Kenney, Mrs. Chase and Messrs. Chase and Klock, Jr., with Prof. Andiews at the organ, the guests were entertained in the Banquet Hall. The Treasurer's report of the past year showed the receipts to have been $6,825.25, and the balance in his hands to be $612.76. 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 95 May 24th. Em. Sir Townsend Fondey, Grand Stand- ard Bearer of the Grand Commandery, accompanied by several Sir Knights of Temple Commandery, No. 2, paid the Commandery an official visit of inspection and was received in due form. June ist. The Commandery, numbering fifty Sir Knights, Em. Sir James W. Cusack, E. C, accompanied by Boring's Band, went to Sandy Hill to participate in the ceremonies incident to the laying of the corner stone of the new court house at that place. The line was formed, and the Sir Knights marched into the princi- pal street, where about three hundred Master Masons from White- hall, Fort Ann, Fort Edward, Fort Miller, Schuylerville, Hartford, Granville, Glen's Falls, Saratoga and Sandy Hill were in line. M. S Teller of Sandy Hill, as Grand Marshal, assisted by Z. P. Ruggles, of Fort Edward and Daniel White of Argyle, now took charge of the procession, which moved through the principal streets to the site of the court house. A temporary floor had been laid over the timbers of the main story, and was occupied during the ceremonies by the Knights Templar from Troy and Saratoga. The corner stone was then laid agreeable to Masonic usage by R. W. J. W. Wait, D. D. G. M., acting as Grand Master. After the proclamation the line was reformed and proceeded to the park, where a very interesting and in- structive address was delivered by Hon. James Gibson of Salem. The address, which was in the main historical and peculiarly interest- ing to the residents of Washington County, will be a valuable addi- tion to local history. The headquarters of the Commandery were at Clark's Hotel, and of the treatment received by the members of Apollo Commandery at the hands of the landlord, or the dinner he sat them down to, it would be needless to speak to those who have ever enjoyed a meal at his bounteous table. SuiBce it to say that it was all that could be desired. The rain which had been gathering for some time commenced falling rapidly at about two o'clock, but lasted only a short time, and did not mar the enjoyment of the visitors. At three o'clock Henry B. Pierson invited Apollo Commandery to his house, where they were welcomed by the genial host, and spent a delightful half hour in looking over his house and discussing the ex- cellent ice cream furnished in abundance by his agreeable lady. On leaving Mr. Pierson's house, Boring's band rendered several of their choice pieces in a way that won the hearty applause of the listeners. Washington Commandery, No. 33, of Saratoga Springs, were also present, and at 5 p. m, the two commanderies, Apollo and Washing- 96 History of Apollo [1872. ton, formed for dress parade, at the conclusion of which they pro- ceeded to the depot, and were just safely housed when the rain commenced to fall in torrents. However, all got safely aboard the cars, and bid good-by to the many fair women and brave men who had collected in spite of the rain to say farewell. The Sir Knights returned home very much pleased with their trip, and with the treat ment received at the hands of the people of Sandy Hill. August 3d. The Commandery, accompanied by Do- ring's Band, paid the last tribute of respect to the memory of Sir William J. Wheeler. The body was deposited in Waterford cemetery, and with reference to the ceremo- nies the Press has the following account : ' ' At the grave the touching ceremony peculiar to the occasion was performed by the Em. Com., Sir J. W. Cusack, and the Prelate, Sir Jesse B. Anthony. During the remarks of the Prelate, which were delivered really in an eloquent manner, many who stood about the damp, cold grave were visibly affected. As the last sad farewell was spoken the sobs and moans of sympathizing friends mingled with the impressive words of the speaker." Sir Knight Wheeler died July 31st, aged fifty years. He was a resident of Watervliet, and had held a number of offices of honor. He was elected from his district as a member of the State Assembly in i860, was supervisor of his town from i856 to 1870, during which time he was chairman of the Board three years. He was an ener- getic business man, and warm-hearted and kind in social life. August I ith. The Commandery again assembled and attended the funeral of Sir Daniel Simpson, a resident of Cohoes, who was buried at Waterford with knightly honors. Sir Knight Simpson died suddenly at Auburn while on his way home, and the Sir Knights of that city took every care of the remains and carefully forwarded them to Cohoes. September 27th. Resolution of thanks passed to Sir George C. Gage for hospitalities extended the Com- mandery on the occasion of the funeral of Sir W. J. Wheeler at Waterford. The Commandery was presented with an elegant oil painting of the " Descent of Christ from the Cross " from Em. Sir Marcus Ball, P. E. C., and a resolution of thanks was adapted for the munificent gift. 1872.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 97 PILGRIMAGE TO NORWICH. In October the Grand Commandery held its annual conclave at Norwich, and arrangements were made by the Commandery to have an excursion to that place. The party, consisting of the following Sir Knights : J. W. Cusack, E. C. and Colonel ; H. B. Harvey, Gen. and Lieut. Colonel ; J. B. Anthony, Capt. Gen. and Major ; J. R. Pettis, S. W. and Capt. of First Company ; Robert B. Ranken, J. W. and Capt. of Second Company; I. Seymour Scott, Warder and Adjutant ; Geo. A. Waters, Sword Bearer and Lieutenant ; J. C. Hair, Guard and Lieutenant ; William Pettis, Guard and Lieutenant ; T. E. Haslehurst, Guard and Lieutenant ; Spencer Hawley, D. M. Ranken, Jacob Winters, George Churchill, J. F. Calder, W. S. Earl, M. A. Upham, N. H. Starbuck, M. H. Bellinger, A. W. Scribner, George C. Gage, Silas H. Brown, J. A. Wait, Henry DeFreest, C. A. Waldron, H. B. Thomas, S. Bush, James Garside, F. A. Andros, C. H. Clark, J. W. Smart, E. Ballou, John A. Sleicher, H. H. Halladay, W. B. Hardy, A. Cobden, William Lawrence, A. G. Gardner, D. Klock, Jr., D. M. White, W. H. Hull, A. B. Price, John S. Perry, David F. Magill, E. D. Cheney, J. L. Thompson, George D. Smith, J. Thomas Davis, S. J. Gleason, Jno. R. Whitehead, Emmet Gowing, W. M. San- ford and Charles Teson left Troy on Wednesday, Octo- ber 9th, at 12:30 p. M. in two special palace sleeping cars and arrived at Norwich at 8 o'clock the same evening. The Commandery was received by Norwich Commandery, No. 46, and after having been drawn up in line, were welcomed in an address by Sir B. Gage Berry, editor of the Norwich Telegraph. He spoke in pleasing terms of the good feeling that had always existed between the Norwich and Troy Sir Knights, and extended a very kind and cordial welcome to us. We were then dismissed for supper, which was spread in a. large hall in the second story of the depot building. Our cars lay on the track a few rods distant, and we were thus afforded convenient lodging in them and board at the depot. Wednesday evening we attended, on invitation, the 98 History of Apollo [1872. promenade concert and reception in honor of the Grand Commandery. The concert by Stubblebine's military band embraced five selections from Strauss, Verdi and Stub- blebine, which were rendered with excellent effect. About nine o'clock the reception of the Grand Commandery took place, and was followed by a hop. The reception concert and ball were held in a large tent erected on a convenient public square, and so arranged that it could be well illuminated with gas jets about the centre poles and brilliant devices about the sides of the canvass. Streamers depended from the top, and about the sides various Masonic devices were em- blazoned in silver and gilt. The decorations and excellent music, combined with the large attendance of Sir Knights in their tasty full dress uniform, and an equally large attendance of ladies from the vil- lage and surrounding places, also all in full dress (comprising some very elegant toilettes) rendered the evening's delights thoroughly en- joyable even to the weary Trojans after their tedious and dusty eight hours' ride. About midnight the Trojans retired to their sleeping cars and en- joyed the sweets of slumber, until the breakfast hour at seven. At half-past eight o'clock, on Thursday, October loth, they were called out for full dress drill by Sir I. Seymour Scott. At ten o'clock the Trojans marched to the parade ground and awaited the arrival of Central City Commandery, No. 25, of Syracuse. By request of R. E. Sir Zenas C. Priest, P. G. C, Apollo and Central City Com- manderies tendered a review and dress parade to the officers of the Grand Commandery. About eleven o'clock the Syracuse Knights arrived, and by request of P. G. C. Sir Orrin Welch, who was in com- mand of the Syracuse Templars, Em. Sir J. W. Cusack took com- mand of the battalion (consisting of the two Commanderies) and pre- pared them for REVIEW BY R. E. SIR ZENAS C. PRIEST, P. G. C, Boring's band furnishing the music. A number of spectators were gathered at Camp Welch, (the headquarters of Manhattan Command ery, No. 31, and their New York and Brooklyn guests), and expressed surprise and pleasure at the remarkable proficiency in drill of the battalion. R. E. Sir Priest, after the review, said it was the finest Temjilar parade he had ever witnessed. The commendations that the Trojans received more than repaid them for the odd hours devoted to drill at their asylmn. Thursday afternoon a parade of all the commanderies had been ordered, but about noon a drizzling rain came on and the afternoon programme was of course abandoned, the order for parade being revoked. In the afternoon 1872. J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 99 AN IMPROMPTU CONCERT was given in the large tent by Doring's band. The exquisite music called out an immense crowd of the residents and visitors. At least 2,000 persons were present. Several of the choicest musical selec- tions were given, and the unanimous verdict of those who heard the band here and on the street was that Doring was ahead of all the bands who had thus far been heard here. I heard one enthusiastic fellow on the parade ground remarking after the band had finished : " Well, there's just one thing about this 'ere business, I'm goin' to hear every darn tune that band plays to-day." This little speech caused much merriment among the Trojans who heard it. After the concert, the rain still continuing, we returned to our cars and took a nap until supper at seven o'clock. Apollo Commandery was to have given a concert by Doring's band, to be followed by a hop at the big tent in the evening, but the condition of the weather forbade the car- rying out of the programme, much to the disappointment of the ladies of the village, who for some reason (perhaps for several) seemed to show a strong partiality for the Apollonians. Apollo serenaded Manhattan Commandery and its visitors at Camp Welch during the afternoon (a compliment that was reciprocat- ed), and in the evening extended the same courtesy to Capt. General Sir Martin McLean, Generalissimo Sir Geo. Rider and that genial gentleman Eminent Commander Sir Edwin J. Loomis, all of Nor- wich Commandery. The hospitalities which were extended to us by these gentlemen are worthy of mention. Especially are obligations due to Eminent Sir E. J. Loomis, who is personally known to nearly all the members of Apollo Commandery (of which he and Sirs Rider and McLean are honorary members) as a genial, whole-souled gentle- man, full of knightly courtesy and hospitality. The manner in which he received and entertained the Trojans was not a surprise — even though it was unusual — Eminent Sir Loomis is too well known and appreciated by us. I must not forget the hospitalities extended by both Sir and Mrs. M. McLean. The latter, as I was delighted to find,, is a Troy lady {nee Miss Mary Ranken). Her kindness to the Trojans during the entire season of their sojourn will not soon be forgotten, neither will the genial receptions of Mrs. Geo. Rider early slip from our memories. For real, pleasant, delightful hospitality Norwich ladies — I may say gentlemen too — stand quite above ordinary people. After the serenade the Trojans with Doring's band marched to the big tent and enjoyed a " stag" hop. No ladies were present, and for half an hour the large and roomy canvass hall was the scene of one of the jolliest dancing parties that was ever gathered. Such exquisite politeness and haul gout as the " lady " partners exhibited, and such new and fashionable features of the dance as all presented made the platform a scene of high carnival. loo History of Apollo [1872. Right Em. Sir Richard N. Brown, Grand Commander — Superin- tendent of the Erie Railroad — who was present, enjoyed the scene amazingly, and after the first round of dances gratefully accepted a tendered escort to his hotel headquarters. The Trojans and the band then formed and marched to the Eagle hotel, where they were address- ed by R. Em. Sir Knight Brown. He thanked them for their kindness and said that he appreciated the honor as the highest compliment ever given him. He referred very pleasantly to an acquaintanceship with P. G. C. Sir George Babcock, of Troy, and bade the Trojans a kind good night. Eminent Commander Cusack responded briefly and per- tinently, and the Trojans once more returned to the big tent and with a polka and a quadrille closed the evening's " hop." All again re- turned to the cars and woke up the next morning in good condition for an early breakfast. The leading officers of Apollo Commandery, Sirs Cusack, Harvey and Anthony, were escorted at eight o'clock from their hotel to the cars, and at half-past eight o'clock the last good byes were shouted and the Trojans left for home. The return trip was marked by the extension of every possible courtesy. the Commandery was met by R. E. SirZenasC. Priest, P.G.C., and Sirs Kincaid, Proctor and Barnard, of Utica Commander)', No. 3, who escorted the Trojans to Bagg's hotel, where a splendid dinner was served in a style that did Sir Knight Proctor, the proprietor, infinite credit. After the dinner followed a brief march through the city, after which R. E. Sir Z. C. Priest addressed the Trojans in the kind- est terms of welcome, to which Em. Sir J. W. Cusack neatly respond- ed. The members of Utica Commandery said that had they been aware of the coming of the Trojans, they would have met them with an escort of fifty Sir Knights, and given them a rousing reception. Boring's band serenaded the Utica Sir Knights at Bagg's hotel previ- ous to departure. Apollo Commandery recognized its obligations to R. E. Sir Zenas C. Priest of the N. Y. C. R. R., for affording an un- usual rziilroad courtesy in connection with a competing line — the Mid- land route. Leaving Utica amid cheering and shouts the trip was continued. .\T SCHENECTADY Eminent Sirs Westinghouse and Goodrich of St. George's Command- ery, No. 37, invited the Trojans to a lunch, and extended every pos- sible hospitality in the most knightly and coiuteous manner. With three cheers for St. George's Commandery the Trojans returned to the cars and about 4:30 of Friday, October nth, reached the City of Troy. P. E. C. Sir L. A. Rousseau with a squad of about 25 Sir Knights were drawn up in line at the depot and received their returning breth- ren, much to the delight of the latter. The battalion marched down 1872.] COMMANDF.RV, No. 15. lOI Fulton to Fifth, up to Grand Division, down to River to Third, to Con- gress, down Congress to Second, Second to State, down State to First, from First to Washington Square, where A DRESS PARADE was held. The parade was witnessed by at least 1,000 spectators, and was certainly one of the finest exhibitions of the kind ever seen in this city. It made Trojans doubly proud of the Commandery. After parade the battalion broke up at the asylum, after a brief ad- dress by Eminent Commander Cusack, who congratulated the Sir Knights on the excellent impression they had created wherever they appeared. He said no organization had ever before left the city on a similar trip and returned with such a creditable and proud record. In this connection we acknowledge what is admitted by all the Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery, that the credit of planning and car- rying out the excursion belongs primarily to Eminent Commander Cusack. He labored diligently for the success of the affair, and has reason to feel more than pleased at the result. The officers of the Commandery of course share the honors with their chief. WHAT UTICA THINKS OF APOLl.O. City editor Flanagan of the Utica Observer, who is very kindly re- membered by the Troy Sir Knights for his good words and deeds on the occasion of our visit, has the following in yesterday's Observer : HOMEWARD BOUND. " The Utica Sir Knights returned home last evening. They had no information that they would be honored by a call from any of their brethren to-day, but they were greatly surprised at noon by the ap- pearance of APOLLO COMMANDERY. No. 15, of Troy, Sir J. W. Cusack, E. C, which arrived on a special train from Norwich, with Doring's brass band, and complimented our citizens by marching through Genesee street as far as Hopper, and returning to the depot yard. No finer looking body of men ever was seen in this city. The Sir Knights marched like veteran soldiers, and were highly complimented by soldiers and citizens for their mag- nificent and skillful evolutions. AN IMPROMPTU WELCOME. "At the depot, R. E. Sir Z. C. Priest, P. G. C, was presented to the members of Apollo Commandery. Gen. Priest extended a hearty welcome to the Sir Knights from Troy, and complimented them highly for their knightly appearance, discipline and drill. I02 History of Apollo [1872. DINNER AT BAGG'S HOTEL. " The train for the east was about half an hour late, and this gave P. G. Commander Priest, Generalissimo Barnard and Capt. General Kincaid an opportunity for doing the handsome thing by the visitors. They extended their compliments to the Sir Knights of Troy, and in- vited them to take a hasty dinner at Bagg's hotel, which invitation was accepted. Sir Knight Proctor, of Bagg's hotel, was taken some- what by surprise, but was equal to the emergency, and the sixty Sir Knights and twenty-five members of the band sat down to an excel- lent dinner, which was the right thing at the right time. "While the Sir Knights were enjoying their dinner, Dunn's Battery told to our citizens that strangers were within our gates, and that they had fallen into good hands. * * * * Hasty adieus were said and compliments interchanged, and the members of Apollo Commandery moved out of Utica, cheering their Utica friends, while the band played ' Auld Lang Syne.' For an impromptu affair nothing hap- pier has been arranged in Utica within our recollection, and the Sir Knights of Utica Commandery who happened to be around at the right time to receive their friends are deserving of the best compli- ments." That the Commandery had done itself no discredit on the trip, the following extract will demonstrate : ' ' Their marching, drill and appearance on dress parade were su- perb, and comments that were strong enough to be considered flat- tering were heard on all sides. There was no rivalry, and certainly no jealousy, between the different Commanderies — all tried quietly but earnestly to do their best. That the Trojans stood so high is due to their determined efforts to do their best. Aside from their appear- ance on parade, the deportment ol the Trojans at all times during the excursion was that of gentlemen. No complaint came from the offi- cers, despite their vigilant supervision, and while the Sir Knights en- joyed themselves to the fullest extent, they never forgot, in all their exuberance of roystering merriment and fun, that they were gen- tlemen.'' I reproduce a few incidents appertaining to the trip : Opposite our headquarters at this village a tame seven-months-old bear was tied to a stoop, and afforded abundant amusement for us. Sir I. S. Scott, while making love to bruin this morning, caught a finger in the bear's mouth and suffered a partial amputation. The bear appears to be doing well. Sir Wm. S. Earl was struck with a ball club while the Knights were amusing themselves at Camp Welch. The club struck him upon the leg, tore his pants badly and left a bruise which made him feel, he said, as if the Cardiff Giant had kicked him. A friendly lady sewed 1872.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 103 up the tear. This morning Earl says he has no more pants to " rent." He is doing well. Flanagan of the Utica Observer got off a good one on the cars. Someone asked how far it was to Norwich. "Forty-two miles," said Flanagan. " Well," observed the inquirer, "I presume it will require considerable forti-tude to get there, then, won't it ? " ' Flan." passed. A SIR KNIGHT TAKEN FOR HORACE GREELEY. As we approached Oriskany Falls, I noticed crowds on the door steps, and at one point I saw a flag waved from a window. I did not understand the reason for this enthusiasm until we reached the little depot, when an eager farmer rushed out from the crowd and asked, "Is he aboard?" "Who?" said I. "Why, Horace Greeley. We've got a telegram that he is comin' in on this train." One of the Sir Knights, overhearing the conversation, rushed into the car, seized my good friend Sir Knight Halladay (who looks very much more like General Grant than any other presidential aspirant I know of) and without a word of explanation rushed the affrighted Sir Knight to the platform and said : " Gentlemen, I introduce to you Honorable Hor- ace Greeley, our next President." The idea flashed over the mind of Halladay, who took his cigar from his mouth and gently raised his hat, showing his closely-cropped white head, looking more like a big chestnut burr than Greeley's bald top. At this point the train moved oa, the men in the crowd at the depot evidently in doubt about the pretended Horace, while the women, in an ecstacy of delight at the thought of having so handsome a candidate, waved their handker- chiefs until " Horace" retired into the car. " BIG FEEDERS." The eight-hours' ride to Norwich made the Trojans very hungry. Passing a streamlet which feeds the "lanal at a certain point, one of the boys, who had been very much sharpened by the pangs of an empty stomach, perpetrated this. Said he : " Say, boys, why are we like that little stream there ? Give it up ? Well, because we 're all big ' feeders ! ' " Some of the Knights wanted to stop long enough at Utica to put the Sir Knight into the asylum at that point. He vsas finally allowed to proceed. It was also specially noticeable that several of the members of the Commandery had to get shaved from once to twice a day ; the reason therefor was not discovered until later. Oh my ! who wouldn't ? The trip was one round of pleasure, and the Sir Knights brought back with them the kindliest recollections of the unbounded hospi- tality not only of the Sir Knights of Norwich, but also all along the line. I04 History of Apollo [i872. October 25th. Resolutions of thanks were adopted in acknowledgment of our appreciation of the kindness of Sirs Griswold, Barber, Leonard and others of Salem Town Commandery, No. 16, Auburn, N. Y., for the at- tention paid by them to our late Sir Knight D. Simpson, who died in their city. Resolutions of thanks were adopted to R. E. Zenas C. Priest, P. G. C, of the Grand Commandery for the lib- eral and hospitable manner in which the Commandery were entertained at Utica while en route home from Nor- wich, and also to Sirs Barnard, Kincaid and Proctor of Utica Commandery, No. 3, for similar courtesies at the same time and place ; also to P. E. Sir Horace Goodrich and Em. Sir J. C. Westinghouse of St. George's Com- mandery, No. 37, for knightly courtesies at Schenectady on the same trip. The Commandery also expressed in fitting terms its acknowledgment of the many attentions shown the Commandery by the officers and members of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, on the occasion of their pilgrim- age to that place. December 8th. The Commandery, accompanied by Doring's Band, attended the funeral of Sir Alexander Lutzelberger, and deposited his remains in Oakwood cemetery with knightly ceremonies. Sir Lutzelberger died on the 6th inst., aged forty-six years. He was one of our most prominent German citizens, and his funeral was attended by a large number of friends, by Apollo Lodge, No. 13, F. and A. M., and the Society of Turners, of which he was a member. 1873 — February i6th. The Commandery, 60 strong, ac- companied by Doring's Band, attended the funeral of Sir Bgirney Mee. The body was escorted to the Woodside Presbyterian church and from thence to Oakwood ceme- tery, where the Templar services were conducted by Sir J. B. Anthony, Prelate, and Em. Sir J. W. Cusack. The bearers were Sirs Savery, Dickson, Ballou, Thomas, Smith and Lahann. The marching on the new fallen and deep snow was execrable, and many of the Sir Knights suffered severely. l873-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 105 Sir Knight Mee died on the nth of February, aged forty-six years. He was both a practical and scientific iron worker, also an inventor of several valuable articles, and held the position of Superintendent of the Bessemer Steel Works. He represented the Sixth Ward in the Board of Education two years. On February 14th the Commandery attended the funeral of one of its members, Sir Charles Coffin Clark, junior editor of the Troy Press, at Hudson, New York. The Commandery turned out 70 members, under com- mand of Em. Sir James W. Cusack, and upon arrival at Hudson were received by a delegation from Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, of Hudson, and escorted to their asylum. The funeral services at the church were attended by large delegations from various bodies with which our late Sir Knight was connected, together with friends, and after an able discourse by Rev. Charles W. Tomlinson, the body was taken in charge by the Commandery, ac- companied by Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, and borne to the cemetery, where the impressive ceremony of the Templar ritual was conducted, the Prelate, Sir Jesse B. Anthony, concluding as follows : Sif Knights : — It is with feelings of sadness that we have gathered here to-day. Rapidly are we passing the way from which there is no return, and as time after time death extinguishes another "burning taper," how important is it that we should consider the great ques- tion — who will be called next ? To-day we are here — but to-morrow — ah ! that word to-morrow is fraught with grief and anxiety to many : for to-morrow we may be called before that Supreme Judge who will pass upon the record of our lives and mete out to each that which is his due. Let the present solemn admonition induce us to prepare for the great hereafter. Sir Knight Clark was one whom we all respected and esteemed. Personally intimate with him, loving him for his gen- erous qualities, respecting him for his talent in his vocation, and look- ing forward to see him receive the honors and awards which his abilities were sure to win, the sudden close of a. life which had so much of promise to him and of good to his fellow man, has come upon me like a bolt from the sky, and it is with deep sorrow that I officiate in this capacity to-day. It seems to me but as yesterday that I received from him his cordial and hearty greeting, expressed not only in the warm hand-grasp, but also beaming from his expressive countenance — and is it possible that he is gone ? Alas ! too true ; never more to meet until the final gath- io6 History of Apollo [1873. ering of all people and nations under the reign of the Prince of Peace. We cannot give expression to the emotions which fill our hearts when we realize that here we are depositing all that was mortal of our be- loved friend, brother and Sir Knight. As a public man, as a journalist, others will give their testimony to his worth, but as a Mason we can testify that in every department, and with all the energy possible, did he evince a noble and enthusi- astic spirit. He was one whom nature had imbued with a deep love for humanity, and on him did the ceremonies and sublime doctrine of our order make a deep and lasting impression. Masonry with him meant something. He loved our institution ; he prized the gem con- tained within the casket, and, while Masonry honored him in the light it conferred, he in as great a degree honored our institution . Long will his memory linger in our remembrance, and I hope that his example as a Mason may be of profit to many of us who were co- laborers with him in the "quarries," among the " rubbish,'' and in the "solemn sacrifice." But why dwell exclusively on the dark side of the picture ? Cast your thoughts above, and while we feel that his death is our loss, let us also remember that our brother has gained his eternal home and has left all suffering and sorrow behind. This moment freed from the earthly dross, he is enabled to give full expression and scope to the nobleness of his thoughts and aspirations. To-day he is happy, and although parted from friends whom he loved and whose devotion to him almost seemed to hold him back, yet could he speak to us, he would say, " Do not gieve for me as one lost. I have but preceded you to that land prepared for the faithful and deserving. I shall meet you on the other shore, and there, in all the countless ages to come, will rejoice with you in the mercy of our Heavenly Father." My friends, we extend to you our heartfelt sympathies ; human words cannot express our emotion, and while your loss seems now as if beyond your strength to bear, and you may be inclined to murmur and question, we can but say that He who gave must also gather unto Himself His own again. And through faith in the Divine promises I trust you may look beyond the cloud to the reunion in that everlast ing kingdom where the severed links of affection will be reunited never more to be broken. At the conclusion of the services at the grave, which were listened to with marked attention by a large con ■ course of people, the Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, were escorted to the Worth house and partook of a dinner, as the guests of Lafayette Commandery, No. 7. Upon the occasion of this discharge of knightly duty the Commandery were under obligations to Lafayette Com- l873-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I07 mandery, No. 7, for many acts of courtesy, which will ever be held in grateful remembrance. In concluding this memorial of one who had been an active worker in all that pertained to Masonry in our city, and to whom during his sojourn in our city "we had become warmly attached, I cannot forego inserting the following just tribute to the memory of our dear frater from the Utica Observer : "Mr. Charles C. Clark, of the Troy Press, whose death was an_ nounced in yesterday's Observer, was a comparatively young man whose loss will be felt in the ranks of journalism. He was born at Hudson in 1841. He entered Williams College in 1858, but at the end of two years he was compelled to leave on account of ill health. In 1867 he connected himself with the Hudson Register. In 1869 he re- moved to Troy and purchased an interest in the Press, with which he remained to the day of his death. He was a vigorous, terse writer and a very clear thinker. He was an enthusiastic Democrat, but he followed nobody's lead. We met him at the last State Convention earnestly engaged in canvassing for a candidate, and we asked him casually who his second choice for the office was. He looked up in honest and unaffected surprise, and after a moment's reflection made this droll answer : ' The fact is that I 'm such an obstinate fellow that I never have any second choice.' That single instance illustrates the character of our dead friend. He entered heart and soul upon his work, always hopeful of success, never dismayed by defeat. In per- sonal appearance Mr. Clark bore a striking resemblance to the earlier pictures of Edwin H. Chapin. Hia health had been declining for some time, and his death was not unanticipated. But he will be sadly missed by a host of friends who knew him but to love him." March iSth. The Commandery, accompanied by Dor- ing's band, attended the funeral of Sir George I. Pratt, who died on the 14th ihst. The bearers were Sirs E. D. Cheney, C. H. Swartwout, S. Hawley, W. M. Sanford, W. D. Hardy and D. F. Magill. Sir Knight Pratt was also a member of Trojan Hook and Ladder Co., No. 3, and about fifty members of that organization also accompanied the remains of our de- ceased companion to their last resting place. The Troy Press had the following account : "The exercises at the grave were very impressive. We never heard the parting words of the Eminent Commander, Sir J. W. Cu- sack, spoken with more feeling, and we certainly never heard a more loS History of Apollo ['^73- tender recitation than that of the Prelate's (Sir J. B. Anthony) service. His eulogy of the departed after the usual recitation drew tears from many eyes, and paid a tribute to the departed Sir Knight that was well deserved, honest and sincere. April 25th. Annual conclave — Em. Sir Marcus Ball, P. C, presided during the election. Ma}' 9th. The officers-elect were installed by R. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, P G. C, assisted by Em. Sir George F. Sims, P. C. The Order of Knight of Malta was conferred on fifty- five Sir Knights. The Treasurer's report showed that the receipts of the past year had been 82,157.46. May 23d. The death of Sir Royal C. Levings was an- nounced, and the usual action had in respect to his memory. Sir Levings died on the 14th inst., aged 70 years, and he had acted as Tiler for the Masonic bodies many years. June 13th. There was a large attendance of the mem- bers of the Commander}', and after the consideration of the business before the body, Em. Commander Sir Henr\f B. Harvey, on behalf of the Commandery, pre- sented to Em. Sir James W. Cusack, P. C. an elegant Past Commander's Jewel as a token of esteem and love. The Commander in the discharge of his duty said ; " No duty ever devolved upon me so intermingled with pleasure as that I am about to perform on behalf of the officers and members of Apollo Commandery, and Em. Sir Knight Cusack, in the perfect ful- fiUment of that duty it will be necessary for me to call upon you to become one of the actors in an arrangement for which you are en- tirely unprepared, inasmuch as you certainly did not expect to receive this special mark of the high esteem in which you are held by the rank and file of this Commandery. The intrinsic value of this jewel is far below what it is intended to represent ; our funds could not pos- sibly stand the drain were we to weigh our love and respect for you in such a balance. You have, my dear Sir Knight, won the precious and lasting remembrance of this Commandery for your faithful dis- charge of every duty, and I now place upon your breast this Past Commander's Jewel with feelings of great satisfaction, knowing full well that it will be worthily worn and most truly appreciated as coming from grateful hearts, for it is given to a true Sir Knight by the unanimous voice of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, with the accom- panying words of praise, " Well done, good and faithful servant." l873-J COMMANDERY, No. I 5. I09 Em. Sir Cusack, although taken entirely by surprise, in his acceptance responded in an appropriate and feeling manner. CORNER STONE OF THE TOWN HALL AT WATERFORD. September i6th. The Commandery visited Waterford to participate in the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone of the new Town Hall, about to be erected at that place. The Commandery, eighty-six strong, accompanied by Boring's band, went up by special train and arrived in Waterford about 3 p. M. The Grand and visiting lodges assembled at the Howard House. Bro. Thomas Breslin acted as Grand Marshal, and was assisted by Bros. H. C. Vandenburgh, Geo. Clark and John Polhamus. The col- umn formed in two divisions as follows : FIRST DIVISION. doeing's band. APOLLO COMMANDERY, No. 15, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Troy, Henry B. Harvey, E. Com. PHCENIX LODGE, No. 58, Lansingburgh, R. A. Derrick, W. M. COHOES LODGE, No. 116, Cohoes, John Horrocks, W. M. JERUSALEM LODGE, No. 355, Lansingburgh, John M. Chambers, W. M. MONTGOMERY LODGE, No. 504, Stillwater, L. Van Demark, W. M. VICTOR LODGE, No. 680, Hart's Falls, G. W. Finch, W. M. - SECOND DIVISION. BAND. WASHINGTON COMMANDERY, No. 33, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Saratoga, F. D. Wheeler, E. Com. CLINTON LODGE, No. 140, Waterford, M. T. Scott, Acting W. M. Officers M. W. Grand Lodge, and Civic Authorities in Carriages. no History of Apollo [1873. Washingfton Commandery of Saratoga presented a fine appearance, and received much praise from the people. After passing over the line of march, on arriving at the site of the Town Hall, the column halted, the brethren formed in open order, facing inward, and the Grand Lodge passed through and took seats provided for them on the platform. The following were the Grand Officers of the (Eminent) Grand Lodge : R. W. , J . B. Anthony, D. D. G. M . , as Grand Master. W., D. M. Van Hoevenbergh, as Deputy Grand Master. R. W., Edmund L. Judson, Senior Grand Warden. W., S. A. Northrup, as Junior Grand Warden. W., Wm. Humphrey, as Grand Treasurer, R. W., James M. Austin, Grand Secretary. Rev. Bro. Elijah W. Hagar, as Grand Chaplain. W., Alex. B. King, as Grand Marshal. W., John Higgins, as Grand Standard Bearer. W., John Horrocks, as Grand Sword Bearer. W. , Russel Porter, as Grand Steward. W., J. M. Chambers, as Grand Steward. W., R. A. Derrick, as Grand Steward. W., L. Van Demark, as Grand Steward. W., Edward Lansing, as Senior Grand Deacon. W., Horace T. Stiles, as Junior Grand Deacon. W., Johnston Fountain, Grand Pursuivant. W., G. W. Finch, as Grand Tiler. THE LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE. When all was in readiness and after music by Doring, prayer was offered by Rev. Elijah W. Hagar, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge. The chairman of the building commission then announced to the Grand Master that the building was ready to have the corner stone laid, saying : "As chairman of the building commission, having in charge the erection of a Town Hall for the town of Waterford, it gives me great pleasure to have the honor to announce to you that this building is in readineSs for the laying of the comer stone." In response to the foregoing, Acting Grand Master Jesse B. Anthony said : " It is with great pleasure that we accept your invita- tion to lay the corner stone of this edifice. We thank you for the honor. It has been the custom from time immemorial, when re- quested so to do, to lay the corner sfone of public buildings according to the customs of ancient times." CEREMONIES. The Grand Master then called up the Lodges, and an invocation by the Grand Chaplain followed. After an opening Ode by the choir, the Grand Treasurer, W. Wm. Humphreys, deposited the box in the 1873.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. II I corner stone. Then the Grand Secretary, R. W. James M. Austin, read the list of contents and the stone was lowered into its place with Masonic ceremony and music by the band. Other formal ceremonies followed, and R. W. Jesse B. Anthony, D. D. G. M. Twelfth Dis- trict and acting M. W. G. M., then delivered the following address : Friends and Brethren : — It is fitting that the corner stone of a public edifice should be laid with appropriate ceremonies, and the assistance of speculative Masons is often invited on such occasions ; and it is for them an appropriate work ; although now but speculative Masons, yet originally the society consisted of operative workmen, and we of the present day endeavor to carry out in a speculative manner the lessons to be drawn from the operative labor of the earlier days. Having that object in view, I shall endeavor to draw a lesson for our profit from the labor of the present hour, although very imperfectly, owing to the limited time I could give to the subject. I regret that the com- mittee had not selected one who was conversant with your local his- tory and could give you an address which would be more appropriate to the time and place, and if I err in looking at it from a Masonic stand- point, I hope you will bear with me patiently, for I shall not annoy you by extended remarks. It is a proud day in the annals of Masonry in your village, that you have the privilege — through the courtesy of the trustees of this build- ing — of coming together in this public manner, wearing the badge and insignia of Masonry, to engage in the labor of placing the chief stone of the corner — the most important in the whole edifice — and considered as the foundation on which the entire building is supposed to rest, therefore worthy to receive the attention and care usually bestowed upon it. It is also a pleasant thought, especially to Clinton Lodge, No. l4o, that we have with us two of the charter members of your Lodge — R. W. James M. Austin, the first Master, who held the office for five consecutive years, until elected in 1853 to the office of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, which position he now holds, and W. John Higgins, who has not only been a member since its organization, but is the only one of the charter members who can claim a residence here since that date. ' Thus for twenty-five years has Clinton Lodge labored in this place, making Masons, dispensing its benefits, and also paying the last tribute of respect to deceased brethren, and it is a noteworthy fact in your Lodge history, that you celebrate this year — the anniversary of your quarter century — by en- gaging in a demonstration of this public character. I cannot but con- gratulate the officers of this village, who have honored this occasion by their presence, on the fact that through their energy, seconded as it has been by the vote of the people duly called together for that pur- pose, an act was obtained of the Legislature authorizing the levying of a tax to raise the amount necessary to erect this building. You have as a community long felt the want of a building in which you 112 History OF Apollo [1873. could assemble for public purposes, for the dispensation of justice, the holding of elections, committee purposes, and also through your Lyceum to provide in part for the educational wants of the people. With a population of four thousand, and a taxable roll of about one million dollars, you will never feel the additional tax necessary to pay the cost of this edifice. It will serve as an incentive to still greater improvements, not only for the sake of convenience, but for the pros- perity of the village. Here will you assemble in years to come, and by having a suitable place, be enabled to give that dignity to the cause of Justice befitting the occasion. Here will be found your village library, from which all classes may glean from the printed page of science, history and the literature of the age, that knowledge so necessary to the proper development of the people. Here will you gather together under the auspices of your Lyceum to listen to words of wisdom from the representative men of the day. The town of Half Moon, which originally included what is now called Waterford, was organized in i/SS, and the village of Waterford set apart in the year 1816, and although your growth has not been rapid, yet it has been steady, and after a lapse of over fifty j-ears you now for the first time in your history commence the erection of a Town Hall, a build- ing comely in appearance, and one that may long stand a proud record of your liberality and public spirit. Such buildings add much to the reputation of a place, for it is from the style of architecture and the number of public buildings that the visitor is inclined to form his opinion of the culture and enterprise of the inhabitants. It is a source of pride to us as a fraternity that our Masonic history will be linked with this building, and that the record of our work of to-day will be placed within the stone for the information of those who are to come ; and, brethren, as here is to be erected a stately edifice, harmonious in all its details and beautiful to the eye, so should it bring to our minds the all-important fact, that we, as Masons, in our mystic labors are ever at work endeavoring to erect a spiritual building, which shall in all respects be in harmony with the teachings of the Divine law, and if so, necessarily beautiful in the eyes of the Grand Master above. A society, when composed of men thoroughly imbued with the principles of our fraternity, will even in the midst of broils, dissen- sions and party strife, the changes and obliterations of the lines of empires and provinces, still retain that calm and peaceful spirit which is the chief characteristic of Freemasonr)-. When surrounded by the discordant elements so natural to the active duties of this life, what a power and force is felt by the practical exemplification of those words of inspiration, " Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity." With these grand and holy words emblazoned upon her banners and engraved upon the very heart of the institution, she goes forth, not defiantly, but humbly and dependently, to do battle for the right, and in her own quiet way, to organize a grand l873-J COMMANDERY, No. I5. II3 army of soldiers under this banner, pledged not to duty, but to ameliorate the condition of mankind — not to estrange and alienate brethren, but to unite them in bonds of friendship and unity, for the general happiness and prosperity of their race. Before this talismanic motto of Freemasonry, borne by its grand army of millions through- out every portion of this habitable world, discord and strife are trampled into the dust, jealousy and selfishness are thrown to the winds, and unity, true companionship and brotherly love are firmly established upon the foundation of eternal and everlasting truth. This is no fancy picture of the imagination, drawn to flatter and please, but it is the legitimate result and consequence of the proper exemplification of the great principles of Masonry, and to produce this happy result we need to have within us a living realization of the precepts and principles of our institution. What is wanted in these times in all departments of life's work is men of deeds, not those of theory only, but such as live up to what they profess, and by acts show to the world that they are in earnest. We need such men in the ranks of Masonry ! We want to see an active, living and zeal- ous spirit permeating the whole institution, such as cannot be cramped within the walls of the lodge room or within a certain circle, but such as will induce you to go out and extend to suffering humanity that charity which will ameliorate and improve their condition, and bear testimony to the common brotherhood of our race. To us as Freemasons the corner stone has an appropriate symbol- ism ; 'tis cherished as an impressive symbol, and from it are drawn sig- nificant lessons of morality and truth. The true corner stone must be perfect in form, square and true, and have firmness and durability. So with character ; let it have the true corner stone of honesty and integrity of purpose, let the line of action be governed by the level of God's own provisions — using the gavel of truth, guided by the plumb line of rectitude, squaring the work by the square of virtue, uniting the whole with the cement of brotherly love, — and it cannot but be perfect and complete and redound to the glory of the Grand Mas- ter above. Brethren of Clinton Lodge, under whose auspices this corner stone has been laid, and to the brethren. Sir Knights and people assembled, I thank you for the honor done me on this occasion and for your at- tention. Brethren, labor together, be governed by the principles of our art, and you cannot but be purer men and better citizens. May harmony be your characteristic as men and Masons ; may success attend you in all departments of life, and the sunshine of peace and prosperity shine upon you as a united community. An ode by the choir followed, and after benediction the Grand Mar- shal proclaimed the stone laid plumb, square and level. The exercises being over, the visiting lodges were escorted to the large hall in the 114 History of Apollo [1873. Howard House, where four large tables were spread, and all did jus- tice to the collation that had been prepared by Clinton Lodge of Wa- terford. The committee of arrangements consisted of Bros. John C. House, John Higgins, Edward Lansing, Thomas Breslin and Samuel A. Northrup. THE RECEPTION OF THE SIR KNIGHTS was given at the residence of Sir William Holroyd, of Apollo Com- mandery. The wives and daughters of the Sir Knights of Waterford had the entire affair in charge. The parlors of Sir Holroyd's beauti- ful residence were magnificently decorated with flowers, and on the walls hung emblematic paintings of the ' ' Pilgrim Penitent " and of the Latin cross of the order, with the insignia : " /« Hoc Signo Vin- ces.'' The collation was more than sufficient for the wants of all, and after the weary Knights had been refreshed, each was presented with a tasty button-hole bouquet by the young ladies. Complimentary re- marks were made by Acting Grand Master, R. W Jesse B. Anthony, Grand Secretary, R. W. James M. Austin, R. W. E. L. Judson, Senior Grand Warden, Eminent Commander Harvey, Past Eminent Com- mander Marcus Ball and Sir Knights Scott and Sleicher. Grand Sec- retary Austin was formerly a resident of Waterford, and in his remarks paid a very appropriate compliment to the village. All the speakers returned thanks to the ladies of the village for their kind entertainment and thoughtful care. The reception was one of the pleasing incidents of the visit and thoroughly appreciated by the Sir Knights. At 6:15 the Sir Knights took a special train for home. Passing the residence of Sir Knight Holroyd. three rousing cheers were given, and upon arriving at the Troy bridge the line was reformed, and the Commandery marched down River to Third, to Congress, to Second, to State, to First, to Washington Square, where a dress parade was witnessed by a large number of people, and passed off with splendid eclat. "The fine appearance of the Commandery, with their tasty uniforms, glittering swords, a pretty bouquet on the breast of each Sir Knight, was really attractive." After the parade the Commandery marched directly to the asylum and were dismissed with the thanks and congratulations of the Eminent Commander. GRAND REVIEW AND FIELD DAY. October 13th. The Commanderj' held its first grand review and field day, at the Rensselaer fair gfrounds. The Commandery mustered about 100 swords under Sir H. B. Harvey, E. C., and made a fine appearance. After marching through the principal streets, on arrival at the fair grounds the Commandery exhibited their fancy evo- l873-J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 115 lutions, and were reviewed by the R. E. Grand Com- mander and staff. On the return to the city a dress parade was held at Washington Square, and the Commandery dismissed un- til evening, when the Sir Knights assembled at the Tem- ple and participated in a banquet at 6:30, held in the large drill room. In a published account of the affair it is said : " The street parade was very fine indeed, considering that the Com- mandery turned out in larger numbers than ever before, and that many of the members were almost entirely unacquainted with the tactics. The crowd in the streets and the number in attendance at the fair grounds were large, many people coming for miles to see the review. * * * * The dress parade on Washington Square was one of the most beautiful features of the occasion. Its effect was, however, somewhat marred by the unsteadiness, the headturning, the twisting of about a dozen men in line, who, when the band was beating down, did not appreciate the importance of soldierly bearing." BANQUET. After the wants of all had been satisfied, Eminent Commander Harvey arose and proposed the first toast — The Grand Commandery of the State of New York — and called upon Grand C9ramander R. E. Sir F. L. Stowell to respond. That gentleman made a very warm- hearted, earnest address, and paid the highest possible compliment (coming from such a source) to Apollo Commandery, when he said it was second to none in the State. The second toast was offered by Sir Jesse B. Anthony, to the Grand Encampment of the United States. He called for a response "from our worthy friend and esteemed Sir Knight, R. E. John W. Simons, a beacon light in all the ranks of Masonry, and one who never gets dry." Sir Knight Simons responded as follows : Kviinent Sir and Sir Knights : — It is undoubtedly one of our first duties, after performing that which we owe to the Grand Architect, to remember our Order. And it is eminently proper that we should remember the Grand Encampment of the United States. It unites us all in one common band of brotherhood and friendship. By it we represent the national order of Knights Templar, and it is well and fitting that you should not forget to obey its teachings. One proof of the fact that you have not is that I saw no man in the ranks to-day who did not wear the regulation uniform prescribed by the Grand Encampment. It gives me great pleasure to be with you to-night, and I am especially gratified to meet here such old warm and true hearted friends who stand now in the front rank of Masonry. I mean ii6 History OF Apollo [1873. Sir George Babcock. (Cheers.) I see the old, familiar face of one who twenty years ago I met in the Grand Commandery, Sir John S. Perry. (Cheers.) Again I see one although young in years compara- tively, has already won golden laurels in the Order, and whose ac- quaintance I formed since I met the other friends. You have already anticipated me when I say Sir Jesse B. Anthony. (Long continued applause.) You will readily believe then that it is with feelings of peculiar gratification that I meet these old friends, and take the hand of warm-hearted and zealous Sir Knights. Take their example to yourselves, and see to it that when they are called upon to pass down the dark valley, their names be not forgotten. In order to succeed, you must stand shoulder to shoulder and side by side. The third toast was offered to the Senior Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, R. E. Sir Henry Clay Preston. In his response he said that he had never in his life seen the marching of Apollo Commandery excelled by any military company. The fourth toast, offered by one of the guests, " to Apollo Com- mandery, No. 15, seldom equalled, never excelled in work, tactics or drill, or whole-souled hospitality." [Response by Em. Sir Henry B. Harvey.] Past Grand Commander R. E. Sir George Babcock was at this point called upon for a speech and expressed his pride in Apollo Command- ery and its growth and progress. Fifth toast — Right Eminent Sir Orrin Welch, of Syracuse, Past Grand Commander. In the absence of Sir Knight Welch, Em. Sir Knight Simons made a happy response, in which he said that he had never seen the exercises of the day on a similar occasion conducted more promptly or with a better military spirit than on the occasion of Apollo's first field day. Eminent Sir Townsend Fondey, of Albany, in response to a call, made brief remarks and said that the marching and evolutions of the Troy Sir Knights were perfect. Remarks were made by Right Eminent Sir R. N. Brown, of Buffalo, Past Grand Commander, and also by Sir Jesse B. Anthony, who in closing offered the sixth toast, " Our honorary members. Sir Knights Loomis, Rider and McLean." Response in an eloquent and pleasant manner by Eminent Sir Loomis, of Norwich. Em. Sir Charles H. Holden, of Washington Commandery, and Em. Sir George William Southwick, of New York, were also called up. A PRESENTATION. At this point Sir Jesse B. Anthony called up Sir Joseph C. Hair, and with a speech of vigorous power and touching pathos, presented the astonished Apollonian with an immense ham. The recipient modestly invited all to unite with him on some future occasion in partaking of tb" gift. The little affair caused much merriment. l873-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I17 The seventh regular toast was then offered to the representatives of the Commanderies present, and was responded to by Eminent Sir Theo. A. Burnham, of Little Falls. Eminent Sirs James W. Cusack and John S. Perry, of this city, E. C, T. C. Chittenden, of Watertown, and E. C, Cyrus Stewart, of Gloversville, spoke briefly, and Sir John A. Sleicher responded to the last regular toast — " The Press." At nine o'clock the lines were again formed, and the guests and representatives to the Grand Commandery escorted to the depot, where they took the train for New- burgh, to attend the annual conclave of the Grand Com- mandery. The following is a list of distinguished guests present : R. E. Sir Frank L. Stowell, Grand Commander. V. E. Sir Mead Belden, Deputy Grand Commander. Em. Sir Charles Roome, Grand Captain General. Em. and Rev. Sir J. G. Webster, Grand Prelate. Em. Sir John S. Perry, Grand Treasurer. M. E. Sir John W. Simons, P. G. M. of the Grand Encampment of the United States. R. Em. Sir H. Clay Preston, P. G. C. of the Grand Commandery. Em. Sir Townsend Fondey, Grand Junior Warden. ' Em. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Sword Bearer. Em. Sir Geo. W. Walgrove of New York. Em. Sir E. J. Loomis and Sir George Rider of Norwich Command- ery, No. 46. Em. Sir Cyrus Stewart, of Holy Cross Commandery, No. 51. Em. Commanders of Watertown, Syracuse and Utica. THE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMANDERY having the affairs of the occasion particularly in hand was made up of the following officers and Sir Knights : Henry B. Harvey, Jesse B. Anthony, Julius R. Pettis, George B. Smith, Robert B. Ranken I. Seymour Scott, Levi H. Button, George Churchill, Fred. Ratcliff. Theodore E. Haslehurst, Joseph C. Hair, H. H. Halladay, Gorton P. Cozzens, Wm. M. Sanford, Charles Teson, J. W. Cusack, L. A. Rousseau, George Babcock, A. G. Goldthwait, A. Cobden, L. Savery, Jr., W. S. Earl, C. A. Waldron, E. S. Armstrong, S. Hawley, W. D. Hardy, F. M. Flack, E. L. Cipperly, A. B. Price, J. R Whitehead and J. A. Wait. THE BATTALION on the march and on parade was in charge of the following officers : H. B. Harvey, E. C, as Colonel ; J. B. Anthony, Generalissimo, as Lieutenant Colonel ; J. R. Pettis, C. G., as Major ; I. Seymour Scott, ii8 History of Apollo [1873. Adjutant ; F. Ratcliff, Standard Bearer ; Alf. Richardson and James Garside, Color Guards ; A. B. Price, Right General Guide ; C. Teson, Left General Guide. First Company — R. B. Ranken, Captain ; George A. Waters, First Lieutenant ; Wm. M. Sanford, Second Lieutenant ; H. H. Halladay, First Sergeant ; E. B. Cox, Second Sergeant. Second Company — T. E. Haslehurst, Captain ; George D. Smith, First Lieutenant ;. F. A. Andros, Second Lieutenant ; A. W. Scrib- ner, First Sergeant ; Emmett Gowing, Second Sergeant. Third Company — J. C. Hair, Captain ; W. Pettis, First Lieutenant ; Richard Wood, Second Lieutenant ; G. P. Cozzens, First Sergeant ; S. Hawley, Second Sergeant. December 12th. Em. Sir George F. Sims declining re- election as Trustee in the Troy Masonic Hall Associa- tion, Em. Sir James W. Cusack was elected to represent the Commandery in that body, and a vote of thanks tendered Em. Sir George F. Sims for his faithful dis- charge of duty as Trustee the past two years. December 26th. The death of Sir C. W. Brush was announced, and a committee appointed on resolutions. 1874 — January 9th. The Commandery was visited by Em. Sir Townsend Fondey, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery, accompanied by Sir William R. Winchell, E. C, and a delegation of twentj^-seven Sir Knights of Temple Commandery, No. 2. The visit being official, the Grand Officer was received with all the honors due his rank. After working the Order of the Red Cross, the visiting Sir Knights were entertained at a banquet ; after justice had been done to the elegant repast, speeches were made by Sirs Harvey, Fondey, Babcock, Hilton, Perry and others. Em. Sir John S. Perry concluded his speech by presenting to Sir William Pettis a box of "cigar," being a three-footer. The recipient being taken completely by surprise (?) manifested it by responding in a Mark Twain speech of five hundred and ninety-nine pages, full of hits and reminiscences. Having concluded, William was com- pletely taken in and done for by being presented with a mustard plaster by Sir J. B. Anthony, to assist him in his quiet smoke. Sir Knight Pettis, at loss for a speech, the last donor gave him some wise counsel, which was pleasantly received. This little episode was highly Eippreciated and added greatly to the pleasures of the evening. March 12th. Sir Charles A. Mott died, aged forty- three years, and the Commandery sixty strong attended l874-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. ng the funeral at Lansingburgh on the 15th inst., and dis- charged the last rights of knightly friendship in accord- ance with the Templar ritual. April loth. This being the annual conclave, E. C. Sir Henry B. Harvey delivered the annual address, and the circumstances following it, stirs our heart at the pres- ent time with feelings of sorrow. The past year had been one of the most prosperous in the history of the Commandery, thirty-five had been constituted R. C. Knights, and thirty-four created Knights Templar — mak- ing the membership 251, of whom 174 were provided with uniforms. The receipts had been $3,105.33, and the Commandery held as invested funds $6,100. During the past year the Commandery had held twelve meetings for drill, which had been well attended and had proven of great ad- vantage to the Commandery, and the Eminent Commander recom- mended that the school of instruction be continued the coming year. After a careful review of the past year, and some recommendations having reference to the advantage of the Commandery and its membership, the E. C. con- cluded as follows : And now in cqnclusion, Sir Knights, bear with me a few mo- ments, as it may be the last appeal (alas ! how truS), I shall have to address you as Commander. The record of the dying year is made, our successors, our children and our children's children may trace its pages, and when we lay silent in the tomb on yon eastern hill, to which some of us are swiftly wending the way, may we each, then, if not before, receive in memory that justice, and that charity which may not, in the nature of things, be awarded to us by our fellow men while living here below. Be careful in your selection of officers to govern the year just ready to burst forth into existence, and when you have chosen them, to whom must belong the responsibility of conducting your affairs in knighthood, pledge to them that fraternal hand of good fellowship they will so eagerly grasp, and together go boldly forth in the warfare of Christian knighthood. Do not forget that the character and worldly condition of the man, is merged in the office, and that he sits in his station not to exercise an arbitarv but a delegated power, and he is thus in some degree the infallible exponent of the rules, the statutes and regulations of the Order. Therefore, those whom you select to fill the various stations will believe that you expect from them the exercise of such facilities as I20 History of Apollo [18V4. will preserve that discipline you so admirably exemplify, that proud record this Commandery has ever had and maintained, which ranks it amongst the foremost Masonic bodies of the State. And now in returning to you this Jewel you so kindly placed upon my breast one year ago, if I have done aught to tarnish the emblem- atic cross or cloud its golden rays, I humbly ask of you that forgive- ness, which to deny would cause a pang of sorrow not easily to be assuaged and would to my belief inflict a wrong undeserved at your hands. April 24th. The officers-elect were installed by R. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, P. G. C, assisted by Em. Sir John S. Perry as D. G. C, Em. Sir James W. Cusack as Grand Gen'o, Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau as Grand Captain Gen- eral, and Em. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery. The Order of Knight of Malta was conferred, and the Commandery adopted as its distinctive badge the one now in use. May 5 th. Special conclave held to take action on the death of the Eminent Commander, Sir Henry B. Har- vey, who died on the 4th inst, aged thirty-six years. Remarks were made by several of the members present, alluding to the sad blow to this Commandery, by reason of the sudden 'death of our beloved and esteemed friend. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, Gen'o, announced that in view of his position he deemed it inappropriate to officiate as Commander at the funeral services, and that he had taken the liberty of making arrangements therefor, which he hoped would meet with the approval of the Com- mandery. At the request of the deceased, the Commandery took exclusive charge of the funeral, and arrangements were made in accordance with the wishes of the family. The funeral took place on the 8th inst., at 2 p. ^L, from Christ church. In the morning of that day, the remains were placed under a guard of honor, at the late residence of the deceased, and viewed from 9 o'clock until noon. At the conclusion of the church services, the Commandery, ac- companied by Doring's full band, and delegations from Temple, No. 2, Washington, No. 33, St. George's, No. l874-J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 121 37, Holy Cross, No. 51, escorted the remains to Oak- wood Cemetery, where the body was deposited in the grave in accordance with the Templar ritual, in which R. E. Sir George Babcock and Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, and Sir Jesse B. Anthony took part — the latter acting as Pre- late. After depositing the cross, the Prelate concluded as follows : Sir Knights : — Many an occasion similar to the present has called us together, but never one exactly like this. Less than two weeks ago our beloved frater was with us, presiding over our deliberations and directing our counsels with that justice and moderation which should ever actuate an Eminent Commander. He then assumed the responsibilities of another year in the important position to which he had been reelected. With him have we traveled the same road, and together paid our last tribute of respect to the departed ; and only a few weeks ago we en- gaged in that sacred duty, at which time, as Eminent Commander, he uttered the words of warning. Little did we then anticipate that he would be the next one to lay down the sword of earthly warfare and take up, as we trust he has, the bright crown of eternal life. Human words are inadequate to express our feelings. We are stirred to the very depths of our inner existence, and we feel as if the dark messenger had come very near when he laid his cold hand on our beloved friend and Eminent Commander. The suddenness of this dispensation — the entrance of death into the charmed circle of brotherly associtttion — should recall to our minds the often-repeated admonition, "Be ye also ready, for at an unlocked for moment the Master cometh.'' A beloved friend, a cherished companion, an officer whom we honored and respected, has been called to the Asylum above. A "bright taper" has been extinguished, never more to be relighted on this earth. It is sad to think of this sudden close of a life fraught with so much promise to himself and his associates. " Like to the grass that 's newly sprung, Or like a tale that 's now begun. Or like the bird that 's here to-day, Or like the pearlfed dew of May, Or like an hour, or like a span. Or like the singing of a swan,— E'en such is man ; — who lives by breath. Is here, now there, in life and death — The grass withers, the tale is ended, The bird is flown, the dew 's ascended. The hour is short, the span is long. The swan 's near death, — man's life is done.' We carve for ourselves, by our acts in this life, a monument, which. 12-2 History of Apollo [1874. unlike the marble or polished iron, shall be eternal. Time, which with the one produces rust and decay, with the record of a well-spent life — full of generous deeds — only serves to render brighter and brighter until the coming of the eternal day. It is within the ranks of our society that we form and cement those friendships which, next to those of relationship, become very dear to our hearts. We become, in very fact, brothers in more than name. Such a monument and such a friendship do we find exemplified in the life of our departed Sir Knight — a life, although of few years, yet hon- orable to himself and a proud legacy to his family. It is unnecessary for me to say to those assembled here that he was a man of many friepds. The action of his associates in the duties to which he had been appointed is but one of many instances of the kind feelings to- ward him and the little circle now bereft of his care and direction. To the bereaved family, what can we say ? We desire to do so much ! and yet our powers are so limited. My friends, that you have our sympathy, we know you are convinced, and were it possible, how gladly would we lighten this terrible grief, how gladly would we raise the heavy burden which has so suddenly come upon you ! Our loss is but as the parting of a thread, when compared to the severance of the cord of love and affection which had its abiding place in your fam- ily circle. But all that human hands can do to alleviate in any de- gree your sorrow, we tender to you, and beyond that we can but point you to the only source of help — the blessed Emanuel — who, having passed through sufiFerings greater than any which have been allotted to you or to any mortal creature, knows what is required, and has promised in His Holy Word to be "a father to the fatherless and the widow's God." The cross is heavy, the burden great, nature grieves, the voice of complaint and lamentation is heard ; but who can question the acts of Him "who was, and is, and ever shall be," whose wisdom is infinite ? " It is a short and simple prayer ; But 'tis the Christian's stay. Through every varied scene of care. Until his dying day. As through the wilderness of life Calmly he wanders on His prayer in every time of strife Is still "Thy will be done." But when his sun no longer beams, And love's sweet flowers decay ; When all hope's rainbow-columned dreams Are sadly wept away ; As a flower bent beneath the storm Still fragrantly breathes on ; So when dark clouds life's heaven deform. He prays — "Thy will be done." " l874-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 123 He but sleeps— like the gentle slumber of the babe he has lain down in the arms of our Heavenly Parent, to wake up on the blessed morn of the resurrection. If you will look above, and, uttering the Christian's prayer, call upon our Heavenly Father, he will "come in the still small voice and whispei^eace." Listen ! Methinks I even now hear his voice say- ing, All is well ! all is well ! Yes, all is indeed well with you, my friend and brother. Blessed be thy rest and fragrant the hallowed sod that covers thee. The Commandery was .under the charge of Em. Sir Jas. W. Cusack, P. C, and the following acted as bearers : Em. Sir John S. Perry, of Apollo, No. 15. " Townsend Fondey, of Temple, No. 2. " Cyrus Stewart, of Holy Cross, No. 51. " Charles H. Holden, of Washington, No. 33. W. S. Van Vorst, of St. George's, No. 37. F. T. Parkman, of Apollo, No. 15. " G. Fred. Wiltsie, of Hudson River, No. 35. " John Hamlin, of Poughkeepsie, No. 43. Among those present we also noticed the following : Em. Sir G. H. Gillis, E. C, and Sir C. H. Sturges, Gen- eralissimo, of Washington, No. 33, and Em. Sirs Chas. Hilton and W. R. Winchell, of Temple, No. 2. At the church were present the members of the Com- mon Council, City Officers, Rankin Steamer Co., and a large concourse of friends of the deceased. The church was draped in mourning, and everything connected with the ceremony betokened the respect that was paid the memory of the departed friend and brother. May 8th. Resolutions of condolence from Evening Star Lodge, No. 75, on the death of Em. Sir H. B. Har- vey, were received. It was resolved that the resolutions on the death of our late Commander, as adopted by the several Masonic bodies, be suitably engrossed in a memorial album, and presented to the family of the deceased. The following was adopted by the Commandery : 124 History of Apollo [1874. IN MEMORIAM. ^iv UuxqM geurg g. pavtrjeg. The conflict deepens round us, and the lines are closed firmly to repel the foe, the shaft of Death smote swift through helmet and shield, and he who led us on ' ' As one who with the conflict weary And faint with the sinful strife, Fell sweetly asleep in Jesus Hard by the gates of life." Our Commander is no more, and though our eyes but dimly see the bow of promise through our falling tears, we knew in whom he trusted, and though in every knightly heart sweeps the great wave of sorrow with resistless force, it breaks in gentle murmurs on the shore of the great sea of God's mercy that encompasseth us all. The unwearying brother, the trusty counselor, the bright and shining Masonic light, the true and courteous Knight, has met the inexorable enemy — to whom all must yield — fearlessly, with pennon waving, with sword in hand, his knightly armor on, he with valor won his course ; for him no more the pilgrim staflf and scrip, no more the heat and burden of the day, for now has come the perfect rest of God. ' ' Rest, Warrior, rest, thy banner furl WTiere the streets are gold and the gates are pearl." Here leave him, mingling our sorrow with the widow's tears and orphans' cry, jet pointing them to Him who wiU be gracious to them, lifting on them his countenance in all its loving light, giving them now and in the hereafter peace. Farewell, Sir Knight, a long and yet not a sad farewell. " Thou hast but gone before to that imknown and silent shore. Sure we shall meet as heretofore some summer mom." H. M. HELLER, J. R. PETTIS, R. B. RANKEN, l874-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I25 May nth. Sir John L. Flagg, 32°, a member of the Commandery, died suddenly, aged 39 years. The funeral on the 13th inst., was from the late residence of the deceased — the services being attended by members of the Rensselaer County Bar, City Officers, members of the Common Council and many friends. In accordance with the wishes of the family, no Ma- sonic services were held, but the bearers were selected from Apollo Commandery, viz : Sirs Jesse B. Anthony, James W. Cusack, L. A. Rousseau, Charles Cleminshaw, John Don, Julius R. Pettis, Alex. B. King and G. P. Cozzens. Sir Knight Flagg was born in Nashua, N. H., on the nth Septem- ber, 1835. His parents removed to the City of Troy when he was quite young, and after receiving the benefits of our city schools he graduated from Harvard College with honor. The deceased won a distinguished political career for one of his age. He was elected School Commissioner from the Third Ward in i860, manager of the Young Men's Association in 1862, in 1863 was elected by the members of that body as its president, and in 1864 resumed his seat in its Board of Managers. He was elected Justice of the Jus- tices' Court in 1862. and was appointed by the Common Council as the Police Magistrate of the city. In 1866 he was elected to the Mayoralty. Serving that term with credit, he was re-elected in 1867. While yet holding this office he was called upon by the people to rep- resent them in the legislature at Albany. He was re-elected to this office in the years 1869, 1870 and 1871. During the session of 1868 he was chairman of the committee on ways and means and a prominent can- didate for the nomination of speaker against Wm. Hitchman of New York. During the session of i86g he served upon the insurance and public education committee ; in 1870 as chairman of the latter com- mittee, and in 1871 as chairman of the committee on railroads. After this latter session of the legislature he retired from political life. Since 1871 he had been engaged in professional pursuits, being a member of the legal profession. The deceased possessed a most amiable character, and was generally respected for his personal traits. His disposition was mild, his attachments warm, his impulses generous. If he made mistakes they were rather of the head than of the heart. He inherited a generous benevolence from his parents, and always held an open hand to the poor and needy. His natural amiability, courteous demeanor and graceful politeness attracted hosts of friends, and rendered his companionship pleasing if not sometimes magnetic. He never cherished malignity, or sought re- venge ; he had remarkable self-command amid the stormiest antago- nisms. He was cordial in his friendships, genial in all relationships, possessing a large share of the quality of affection. The Commandery at a regular conclave the 22d inst. adopted the usual course in memoriam. 126 History of Apollo [T874. July loth. The death of Sir Charles Stone announced, and the usual resolutions adopted. October 9th. The Commandery resumed labor after the summer recess, and an official visit was made by Em. Sir Charles H. Holden, of Saratoga, Grand Junior War- den of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, and he was received in a knightly manner by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony. There was a large attendance on the part of the membership, and some distinguished guests from abroad, among whom we mention Em. Sir Town- send Fondey, 33", of Albany, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, and Sir George H. Gillis, E. C. of Washington Command- ery, No. ^^, of Saratoga Springs. After the conferring of the Order of the Red Cross, the evening was fitly con- cluded by a banquet, spread by Sir Knight Teson in splendid style. October i6th. On the return of the Grand Officers from the annual conclave ot the Grand Commandery, held at Oswego, N. Y., Temple, No. 2, of Albany, had an annual parade, and invited the officers and members of Apollo to participate, and the following are reported as being present : Sirs E. C. Jesse B. Anthony, Generalissimo J. R. Pettis, C. G. R. B. Ranken, Prelate G. B. Smith, Treasurer George Churchill, Recorder G. A. Waters, Standard Bearer F. Ratcliff, S. W. I. Seymour Scott, J. W. Joseph C. Hair, Warder Theo. E. Haslehurst ; H. H. Halladay, G. P. Cozzens and W. M. Sanford, guards ; Sentinel Charles Teson, James W. Cusack, P. E. C, L. A. Rous- seau, P. E. C, Joseph W. Smart, Daniel W. Talcott, John A. Sleicher, A. B. King, John L. Russell and J. LeRoy Pine. After the parade, a grand banquet was given at the Delevan House. The following account is from the Al- bany Argus : The Lelands are noted all over the world for their magnificent spreads, but in this instance they quite eclipsed their former efforts. At each plate was a bill of fare gotten up in the most approved style l874-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. IJ7 of the printer's art, and a handsome button-hole bouquet. The deli- cacies served were rich, rare and costly. " Roast joints most luscious, and the fruity pie. And beakers brimming high with foaming wine — The fire Prometh'an that makes man divine." After the Sir Knights had assembled in the dining hall, Eminent Commander Hilton called on Sir George B. Smith, Prelate of Apollo Commandery, to invoke the Divine blessing. After the blessing had been asked the Sir Knights seated themselves and the " feast of rea- son and flow of soul " began. The vast army of waiters were in- stantly in " arms and eager for the fray," and with noiseless motion speedily supplied the knightly host with an elegant repast. The feast began, and let us hope that good digestion waited on appetite. The repast over. Eminent Commander Hilton arose and welcomed the visiting Sir Knights on behalf of Temple Commandery. The min- strels, Messrs. F. J. Lawrence, Joseph M. Lawson, J. E. Sherwood, Henry Fassett, George N. Collier and Robert K. Quayle, then sang a beautiful selection in a spirited and effective manner, which called out hearty applause. Commander Hilton then proposed the follow- ing toast : "The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of New York." V. E. Deputy Grand Commander Sir Charles Roome, of New York, responded with an excellent speech. Em. Grand Captain General Sir Townsend Fondey, of Albany, was then called on, and made a brief speech. Sirs John S. Dickerman, of Albany, and Jesse B. Anthony, of Apollo Commandery, of Troy, then followed with characteristic ad- dresses. The Quintette club rendered another selection, and Mayor Judson was called on for a speech and happily responded. Eminent Commander Van Vorst, of Schenectady, then spoke, and the Glee club again sang. Sir Geo. W. Walgrove, E. Grand Sword Bearer, in answer to repeated calls, favored the Sir Knights with a few remarks. Commander Hilton then gave " The Press." Appropriate responses were made by Mr. Charles E. Smith, of the Evening Jourtial, and Sir John A. Sleicher of the Troy Times. Another musical selection fol- lowed, when E. Grand Treasurer Sir John S. Perry, of Troy, made some well-timed remarks. He was followed by Eminent Commander Sir John T. Conover, of Coeur de Lion Commandery of New York, Past Commander W. R. Winchell and Sir Knights Adam Cook, War- ren Leland, H. H. Russ and W. E. Fitch of Albany. The Quintette sang a. selection — "Good Night," and the assemblage dispersed. The speeches were brief, pointed and well-timed, and specially adapt- ed to the occasion. A word in regard to the singing. The selections were of a high order and rendered without accompaniment, in a thoroughly excel- lent manner. These gentlemen have maintained their organization 128 History of Apollo [1874. for a long period, and are numbered among the best musical talent in the City of Albany. The following is a list of the guests present : V. E. Deputy Grand Commander Charles Roome, of New York ; E. Grand Captain Gen- eral Townsend Fondey, of Albany ; E. Grand Senior Warden Charles H. Holden, of Saratoga Springs ; E. Grand Treasurer John S. Perry, of Troy ; E. Grand Sword Bearer George W. Walgrove, of New York. The h\\>^.viy /raters may well congratulate themselves upon the complete success of the entertainment. 1875 — January 8th. The death of Sir Anson G. Gardner was announced, and the Commandery adopted appropri- ate resolutions. Sir Knight Gardner died December 24th, aged 34 years. He was held in the highest estimation as a gentleman of kindly heart and broad sympathies, by all who knew him. He had been ill for two years, and during all that time uttered no murmur of complaint. February 26th. A communication was received from R. E. A. Eugene Lytle, Grand Commander, in relation to participating in the parade at the dedication of the Ma- sonic Temple in New York City, June 2nd, and it was resolved to attend the same. April. 10th. At the annual conclave the Acting Com- mander, Sir Jesse B. Anthony, delivered the annual ad- dress : Sir Knights : — The seasons in their regular order have passed away since our last annual conclave — the summer o'ercast with the dark cloud of sorrow, autumn with its harvests, the winter locking nature in its icy grasp — but furnishing our best time for symbolic work — and last, the spring reviving nature, cheering us in our labors, and to- night finds us with our Masonic year complete ; assembled together like the Sir Knights of old, to take counsel from the experience of the past and form plans for the future ; with, I trust, that harmony so essential to our prosperity. By the decree of our all-wise and over-ruling providence I find my- self placed in an unexpected, and I may say, undesired position. * * * * Called to occupy the chair of Em. Commander pro tern, I have endeavored to discharge its duties for the past year to the best of my ability, knowing full weU that I am not fitted to discharge all oi those duties in the manner requisite. This is in part owing to the two-fold nature of our institution, be- ing in a certain sense a military organization, as ^well as a symbolic working body. Qualifications for such^a position are not at all times to be found combined in one person, he may be a good ritualist, per- BpDSe OF pPOLiLiO (sOMMANDEI^Y, nO, IS, t(. g. Adopted April 24th, 1874. l875-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I29 forming the inside work of the Commandery in a. creditable manner, and yet be deficient in the duties of a military commander, and vice versa. Having had no experience in military tactics, I have felt in a great degree my incompetency to act as such instructor, and become re- sponsible for the standing and discipline inherent to our military rep- utation. Having never made any pretension as such, I must ask that you review that portion of my duty with a charitable eye, and pass over any remissness on my part. Aiming, however, to do all I could, I can only hope, taking all to- gether — inside and outside work — that I may not have totally failed to keep up the old and well-deserved reputation of Apollo Command- ery, No. 15. The time has now arrived when you can correct the same for the future, and I do not ask or expect that the mere fact of my occupy- ing this position places you under any obligations to continue me as your Commander de facto ior aivy longer period. You will, I trust, throw aside any such consideration as foreign to the subject, and act solely for the welfare and good of the Commandery. In all cases the individual — no matter what he or others may consider his claim — must be subordinate to the interests of the whole body, and such should be the principle to guide you in your selection of officers, from Em. Commander down. Addressing you as I do for the first time, as your Acting Commander, you will pardon me if I step outside the limits usually allowed for such occasions, and say a few words of a general nature, of what constitutes ESSENTIALS FOR THE PROSPERITY OF A COMMANDERY. First — We may mention the character of the members, those who are already Knights Templar. As members of this Order, founded on and in support of the principles of the Christian religion, they are ex- pected to be moral men, those whose conduct in the world, in their dealings with their fellow men, are governed by honesty and justice. While enjoying here that generous hospitality, characteristic of our Order, they are not to allow the social features to lead to their abuse by excess. Any one who reads only our printed monitorial portion, cannot but be convinced that those who are privileged to enjoy this honor, should, of necessity, be men of character and sobriety. Much is expected of us, and that we oftentimes fail to keep within due bounds, is but proof of our frailty as human beings, especially if we are not actuated by principles higher than those to be found herein. Second — Greater care should be paid by investigating committees to the qualifications of the candidates proposed. There is, I am convinced, too great laxity in this respect. The candidate may be a "good fel- low" — and often too good a fellow — but we require something more than that ; for with the opportunity afforded during the preliminary stages 130 History of Apollo [1875. of advancement in the Lodge and Chapter, we should apply the se- verest test when the proposition comes before the Commandery. It is supposed by those outside of our Order that the Commandery is more select in its membership than any other Masonic body, and we often hear surprise expressed that such a one (referring to some whose conduct is not above reproach) is a Knight Templar. This is a truth which none of us can gainsay or contradict, and tends in a great degree to lower the status of our Order, and in some instances preventing the accession of the very class who would honor us by their presence, more than we could honor them. Third — Care should be taken in the selection of oflScers who are placed before the world as the standard bearers of the Commandery. Do we suflSciently consider this matter in all its bearings — inside and especially 07/ta'at— when we deposit our ballots. I fear not. See to it, as you value your future prosperity, that you do not neglect this im- portant fact. The experience of the past has demonstrated it to be correct, either for good or evil, as your choice is made year by year. Fourth — The thorough exemplification of your ritualistic work must be of a superior character, if you expect to maintain an enviable posi- tion among sister Commanderies. , Fifth — Attention must be paid to the drill, so that all the move- ments may be made with the precision requisite, that like the several parts of an intricate piece of machinery, everj- one works smoothly and in regular order. The Commandery when assembled as a mili- tary body is under the charge of the Em. Commander ; he issues his orders and it is expected they will be obeyed without question. After alluding to the subject of discipline, and the imperative ne- cessity of keeping all Templar business within the asylum, the Commander continued as follows : MORT.-VLITY OF THE YEAR. Death the past year has not been idle, and Sir Knights Harvey, Flagg, Stone and Gardner have fallen beneath his stroke, and gone " To the fair country where sin enters not. And where abideth everlasting rest. " EM. SIR HENRY B. HARVEY, for the past year Em. Commander, had been but just elected and in- stalled for another year ; when, after a short illness of a few days, " Just death, kind umpire of men's miseries. With sweet enlargement did dismiss him hence." His memory is enshrined in our hearts and it needs no words of mine to add thereto. As the presiding ofl5cer of this Commandery, I deem it but fitting that a brief account should be made of his Ma- sonic career. Em. Sir H. B. Harvey was bom in Hoosick, N. Y., December 31st, 1875.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 131 1837 — died May 4th, 1874, and was buried with Templar honors on May 7th. He received the symbolic degrees in Mount Zion Lodge, No. 311, having been initiated September 24th, and raised to the sublime de- gree of Master Mason, December 31st, i860. In Capitular Masonry he received the Mark Master's degree in Apollo Chapter, No. 48, January 15th, and the Royal Arch, February 5th, 1862. He was elected High Priest in 1870 and 1871. In the Cryptic Rite he was a member of Bloss Council, No. 14, having received the degrees of R. and S. Master, March 20th, 1863, and S. E. M., April 25th, 1863. He was elected T. I. Master of the Council in 1865, and again in 1868 and 1869. In Chivalric Masonry he received the orders in Apollo Command- ery. No. 15, being received and constituted a R. C. Knight April 24th, dubbed a K. T. April 28th, and a Knight of Malta November 6th, 1863. He had passed through the various positions of the Commandery, and after serving one year as Em. Commander had been re-elected April loth, 1874, for the second term. He was also a member of the A. and A. S. Rite, and had attained the 32d grade. He was an active, energetic worker in all departments of Masonry, and his place cannot readily be filled. " He was our honored chieftain, and we loved To do him honor. Short the time that past Since within our asylum we moved With welcome. Oh so kind ! the last — the last He gave his fellow Templars dear ! Little we thought so soon the shaft would fly To lay the mortal on the solemn bier. While the freed soul should soar in ecstacy.'' SIR JOHN L. FLAGG died suddenly a few days after Em. Sir Harvey, in the prime of manhood and apparently with a prospect of many years of usefulness yet before him — but "the silver cord was loosed, the golden bowl broken," and the sound of lamentation was heard. The Commandery furnished the bearers at the funeral and carried the mortal remains of our deceased Sir Knight from the house to the depot, to go thence by rail to the family burial place. Sir Knight Flagg received the Order of R. C. May 22d, K. T. June gth, 1863, and K. of M. June 24th, 1864, in this Commandery, and in past years had been a regular attendant at the conclaves. Those who were intimate with him, will ever recall his commanding presence, his gentlemanly bearing and his true courtesy. Having previously, in the chapter, paid a tribute to his memory, I do not feel called to en-, large upon his talents and services at the present time. 132 History of Apollo [1875. The end which is appointed unto all reminds us that ' ' Born unto that undying life, They leave us but to come again ; With joy we welcome them — the same, Except in sin and pain. And ever near us, though unseen. The dear immortal spirits tread ; For all the boimdless universe Is life — there are no dead" SIR CHARLES STONE received the Order of R. C. January 13th and K. T. April 29th, 1871, in this Commandery. He had been a sufferer for many years from consumption, and after journeying to the sunny South in search of that inestimable boon — health — came home unbenefited and died June 27th, aged forty-six years. He was an upright man, one who "feared God and eschewed evil," and his character was above reproach. Nothing could have been more appropriate than the text chosen for his funeral discourse, "mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." " Farewell, brave heart ! Pilg^m friend, farewell ; We soon shall follow in the path you trod ; And when the great Destroyer sounds our knell, ' In thy true armor may we meet our God." On the 24th of December, 1874, SIR ANSON G. GARDNER died, aged thirty-one years. He received the Order of R. C. Novem- ber Sth and K. T. November 15th, 1867, in this Commandery. He was a quiet, sympathetic man, and after a long illness — at times almost passing the gate of death — at length, on Christmas eve, sur- rounded by kind and loving friends, entered into the final rest and met the Great Captain of our salvation and took his place in the grand army of valiant and magnanimous soldiers who surround the throne of the ascended Redeemer. There is one circumstance at- tending this death so beautiful that I cannot refrain from mentioning it at this time. Sir Knight Gardner w^as a generous and liberal man — one who loved his friends— who in return loved him . The silver cord of af- fection was truly found around that family altar. It being the holiday season, the time when those precious tokens of love are given and received, although on his sick bed and near the portal of another life, yet he had remembered his friends in the form of a gift for each, to be presented on Christmas mom. Christmas mom arrived — but the l875-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 133 donor lay cold and still, and the friends, in the midst of their grief, each received the last token of his affection — the last gift from his hand. * * * " He, who would rather suffer than do wrong. Hath passed in triumph through the tomb's dark portal ; Our frater, well beloved, is dead ! Tears for his death — joy for his life immortal !" The subject of Templar funerals, wearingthe uniform in the Asylum, and other matters were then considered, and a review of the year given. Also a detailed account of the " Harvey Memorial Fund," and a financial exhibit showing the receipts to have been $2,126.46, and that the work had been twenty-one Knights Templar created, making the total membership 261. The Commander after tendering his thanks to the Recorder for faithful services, to his associate, and to the floor officers for their courtesy and faithful discharge of duty, concluded as follows : I would be derelict in my duty did I not remember the support and attendance given by the faithful at the regular conclaves. And now, Sir Knights, I conclude this extended report and thank you for the patience with which you have listened to me. I trust that the words spoken may bring forth some good result, in directing your minds to certain paramount interests which tend to make up your prosperity. Here we assemble for the good of ourselves and those around us, and let our efforts be at all times to add additional lustre to the sublime and ennobling principles of our Order. Like the Sir Knights of old, let us gird on the armor and with the bright and trusty steel, go forth to do battle against the vices and indulgences of life, and in support of the helpless and distressed wherever they may be found. Actuated by the principle of our motto, ' ' Magna est Veritas ei prevalebit," we shall indeed overcome the enemy and prove ourselves faithful soldiers of the cross. " Knights of the Temple ! Brothers true. Gird on your armor, and pursue The upward path, that, shining bright, Leadeth unto the land of light. Knights of the Temple ! Brothers brave. Pledging your lives the right to save. Let every act be pure and bright, Each one a star athwart the night. " April 23d. The officers-elect of Apollo Command- mandery were installed, the exercises being public to Knights Templar and their families. The beautiful asy- lum of the Commandery was crowded with gallant 134 History of Apollo [1875. Knights and fair ladies, and the exercises were rendered unusually impressive and interesting by the dignity and elocution of Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Sir Charles Roome of New York, the installing officer. He was ably assisted by Sirs Townsend Fondey, of Al- bany, Grand Captain General ; Charles H. Holden, of Saratoga, Grand Senior Warden and John S. Perry of Troy, Grand Treasurer, making a very brilliant staff. A number of visiting Sir Knights were present, including Eminent Commander Sir W. S. Van Vorst of St. George's Commandery, Schenectady, and E. C. Sir Aaron Colton of Lafayette Commander}-, Hudson. The programmes were exquisitely printed on tinted card board in the form of a perfect little cross, and were very handsome. The installation exercises were enlivened by some fine music by Mrs. Kenney and Mrs. Metcalf, Misses Doring and Lucas and Messrs. Rousseau, Plum, Metcalf and G. F. Greene, Prof. O. R. Greene at the organ. The brilliantly lighted Asylum, the gayly uniformed Sir Knights, the elegant toilettes of the ladies, all lent a charm to the im- pressive occasion that cannot soon be forgotten. After the installation. Eminent Commander, Sir Jesse B. Anthony, delivered an appropriate address, refreshments were then served, bouquets were distributed to the ladies, and the armory was thrown open for a short list of dances, with music by Doring. At a seasonable hour the guests retired, having enjoyed one of their happiest evenings. May 14th. Resolutions were adopted conveying the thanks of the Commandery to V E. Sir Charles Roome, D. G. C, for- the dignified and impressive manner in which the installation ceremonies were conducted ; to Em. Sirs Townsend Fondey, G. C. G., and C. H. Holden, G. 8. W., for their presence and assistance, and also to the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly furnished the music. PILGRIMAGE TO NEW YORK. June ist. The Commandery, eighty strong, accom- panied by Doring's full band, left on the steamer " Sunny- side " to take part in the procession on the 2nd inst., at the dedication of the Masonic Temple. l87S-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I3S Before embarking on the steamboat, the Commandery made a street parade in the city. " The streets were thronged with admiring people, and the marching and manoeuverings of the Commandery were much comphmented. Judging from the appearance of the Commandery yesterday afternoon, the spec- tacle in New York will be a most brilliant and imposing one. The Commandery was accompanied by a large number of citizens." Washington Commandery, No. 33 of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., with the Gloversville band, and De Soto Com- mandery, No. 49. of Plattsburgh, N. Y., also went down on the same boat. " The trip down the river was pleasant, and was marred only by the shipping of a quantity of water in the baggage room while the boat was passing through one of the bridges. The light uniforms of Doring's band, which were in the valises of the members in the baggage room, were thoroughly soaked and so badly stained that they could not be worn on the parade, while a number of Knights had everything in their valises as thoroughly watered as if they had been thrown into the river. " At Castleton the presence of a few Knights from that place on the Sunnyside was recognized by a salute from a four-pounder ; and this reminds me that Apollo Knights are very grateful to the people of Troy for their kindly good bye, the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, the salutes ' of the ever-ready Rankens, and the encouragement they took with them from all sides. This had much to do with the success of the Commandery's efforts in the city of New York, for each was determined to do his very best." From a correspondent's account of the trip I am con- vinced that even music hath not charms to soothe every one to sleep, for he thus gives expression to his opinion : " Music is a good thing at the proper time, and it's hard to say anything against it usually. But it was n't aboard the Sunnyside Tuesday night. The Knights were tired, worn out with marching and excitement, and needed rest and strength for the morrow sorely. Many of them retired to their staterooms — and only four were 136 History of Apollo [18V5. crowded into each room — early, said their prayers as usual, and lay them down to sleep — no, not to sleep, but to get real mad and keep awake getting over it. Right in the middle of the stateroom saloon stood a band, which band I knew not, and at the other end another, and almost up to midnight they kept up a continual serenade. Sleep ! Well, I guess not. My individual experience was harrowing and excruciating. The band would play, and well, too. I think it was the Gloversville band. It would stop, and I would roll over to seek slumber. The tramp of the day made rest a rich luxury, and I quietly floated into dreamland and peace. Just at the moment when slumber brought a thousand little angels about my couch, each with the smell of perfume and the enchanting wand of happiness, that band struck up a chord that melted the very marrow in my bones and brought me up staring and bewildered in my couch. That bass drummer ! Oh, how vicious he was with his thumping ! I fancied I could see him as he backed up to the stateroom door, place his drum under the window, thump away and look over his shoulder in half expectation of seeing some one come out with a club in his hand. At the next intermission I dreamt horrible dreams about that band. Somebody boxed the drummer up in his base drum and threw him overboard to drown himself as he went with the current seaward. That sharp, piercing cornet expanded and coiled itself into a great snake, which slowly gobbled up the player and spit forth the " Mulli- gan Guards " afterwards with so much gusto that it waked me, and — the band was at it full tilt again. Late, late at night, some good soul gave the leader a §5 note and sent the whole caboodle down into the bar-room, and we heard no more of them until to-day." In the morniBg the Sir Knights took breakfast on board the boat, and at 9 a. m. reported at the designated place to assemble. Apollo was assigned to the Third Division of the pro- cession and formed a portion of the twenty thousand men in line. That they marched well and acquitted them- selves creditably we can only judge from the applause received along the line and from the opinions of those who witnessed the entire parade, and they praised Apollo as on a par with any in the matter of marching. " While the Detroit Commandery carried off the honors, and while the next in military proficiency was St. John's Commandery, of Philadelphia, we Trojans have no reason to be ashamed. Apollo Commandery earned and received applause. Its marching was extremely good, and it certainly is entitled to third place on the roll of honor.'' l87S-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I37 The procession was two and a half hours passing a given point, and at the conclusion of the parade, the Commandery marched to their headquarters at the Grand Central Hotel and were dismissed until the next afternoon. On Thursday afternoon, 4th inst., the Commandery took the steamer for home, arriving Friday morning, marched direct to the Asylum, and the pilgrimage was over. Among the incidents of the trip we mention the fact that one of the Sir Knights, combining business with pleasure, or rather adding zest to pleasure, was married in the parlors of the Grand Central Hotel Wednesday evening, the Sir Knights joining in the festivities and making the newly married couple a presentation. Not being present, I cannot say whether all the Sir Knights saluted the bride or not, but if they did not, they certainly wanted to. Previous to the departure of the Commandery from Troy they were put in possession of their new silk banner, and the members were each presented with a dedication medal from Eminent Com- mander Anthony, and a silk ribbon badge from Generalissimo J. R. Pettis. Owing to the fact that Eminent Commander Sir Jesse B. Anthony, as the Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, could not be in charge of the Commandery, and Generalissimo Sir J. R. Pettis being also engaged in Masonic duties at New York, the Com- mandery was in charge of the following officers : Sir Robert B. Ranken, C. G., as Commander ; Sir I. Seymour Scott, S. W.; Sir J. C. Hair, J. W.; Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, W.; Sir G. P. Cozzens, Sw'd B. ; Sir Fred. Ratcliff, St'd B. The Commandery was divided into two companies, under the com- mand of Sirs Hair and Haslehurst respectively. July 7 th. For the purpose of perfecting themselves in the " outside drill," a certain number of members or- ganized an association, known as the Apollo Drill So- ciety, having a military instructor and providing for fines for non-attendance at the regular meetings. The meet- ings were fairly attended for a number of months, and although of benefit to the members, the society was fin- ally allowed to die out. September 8th. The Commandery, accompanied by Boring's band, attended the dedication of the Masonic Temple of Albany, by invitation of the committee of ar- rangements. The Albany Knickerbocker in its account has the fol- lowing with reference to Apollo : 138 History of Apollo [1875. " Apollo Commandery of Troy was present in goodly numbers, rilade a fine display, and executed the several evolutions of the line in a manner that was exceedingly gratifying. Repeatedly along the line of march those evolutions were rapturously applauded by those who lined the streets, and they could be numbered by thousands. This applause was not undeserved. Apollo Commandery is a fine organi- zation. Its members are deeply interested in the success of their Commandery, and are noted for gentlemanly and dignified deport- ment, excellent marching and splendid discipline. '' October 7 th. The death of Sir A. Woodworth was an- nounced, and a page of the records duly inscribed to his memory. This being the initial meeting of the fall season, the E. C. delivered an address on the Order of Knights of Malta, and the order was conferred on twenty-five Sir Knights. October 22d. The E. C. gave an interesting account of the proceedings of the Grand Commandery, held at Rochester, N. Y., it being divided into two parts, one re- lating to the business of the session, and the other (given at the banquet following the work), having reference to the entertainments and courtesies extended by the fraters of Rochester to the representatives present. The Commandery elected the following members of Monroe Commandery, No. 12, as honorary members of Apollo : Em. Sirs Simoh V. McDowell, George F. Loder and W. Lincoln Sage. 1876 — April 14th. The death of Sir R. Marshall was announced, and the usual committee appointed. The bearers at the funeral were from the Commandery, but no Masonic service was had. April 28th. This being the annual conclave, the Em. Commander delivered the annual address : Sir Knights : — The task of him who reviews is not that of unalloyed pleasure, and in presenting a retrospect, of the past year in this Com- mandery, I find it no exception to the rule. It has not been one round of pleasure and gratification. Pausing as we do at the close of the year, we turn over the tablets of 1875 and the memory of many things, whose impression had passed away, come trooping up, reviving past feelings, and we again live over the occurrences of the past. This is not always pleasant, yet it is well that such times are afforded, mile stones as it were on our 1876.] COMMANDERY, No. Ij. I39 journey, for he who honestly reviews the past, cannot but derive good therefrom ; culling lessons from past experience to be used for the usefulness of the future. Occupying the position of Commander of this Commandery, I consider it my duty, at this the annual conclave, to glance over the past year, alluding to its errors, if any there may be, that as a Commandery we may guard against their recurrence in the future. * * * We are early taught in our Masonic pilgrimage that "truth is the foundation of every virtue," and as Red Cross Knights we learn for ourselves, " Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit." So believing, I cannot in my report gloss over or pass by those oc- currences which seem to me of vital importance to our welfare as a body, I might, it is true, let bygones be bygones. It would be pleasanter certainly, but I should then consider that I had occupied a false position, and to my mind act unworthily to myself and unkind toward this body. " For he who, ever flattering gives me praise. Who ne'er rebukes, nor censures, nor delays To come with eagerness and grasp my hand. And pardon me, ere pardon I demand — He is my enemy, although he seem my friend." With this explanation of my opinion, you will pardon me if I again trespass upon your patience. * * * Sir Knights, at this, our annual gathering, allow me to extend you a cordial greeting. Many are here who have not, it is true, favored us with their presence since last we met in annual conclave, and while we have regretted your absence, yet we presume that other duties have claimed your attention. To the many who have often, and some on every occasion assembled with us, we tender our acknowledgments, and hope that for the pleasure you have conferred you may have received a corresponding gratification. We cannot. Sir Knights, meet together as we do, but that each will derive and confer good unto the other. * * * It is a cause of gratefulness that but two links have been dropped from the chain of membership in this Commandery the past year — Sirs Alfred Woodworth and Richard Marshall, and a tribute is paid to the memory of each. The past year has been an eventful one in the history of this Commandery, as it has in fact with Masonry throughout the jurisdiction. Golden opportunities have been afforded to add to our reputation as a Commandery, and the question comes home to each, have we improved them ? This is a question which each one can answer for himself. The year 1875 has gone, its oppor- tunies are past, but before us, freighted in golden measure, stands forth 1876 — the centennial year — a proud one to us as a free people, and one in which the Masonic fraternity is and should feel deeply 14° History of Apollo [1876. interested and be found included, as a craft, in the rejoicings which swell from every heart in this broad land, " Peace on earth and good will toward mankind." The Commander then presented a review of the year — urging the Commandery to maintain the school of instruction which had been formed the past year — called the attention of the members to the life membership plan, to the roll of which twenty-three names had been added the past year, and also recommended abolishing the fee for affiliation. Alluding to the work he reported twenty-three as having been created Knights Templar the past year, making the total member- ship two hundred and seventy-six. The receipts had been $3,042.43. Disbursements, 82,182.75. Total assets of the Commandery, $8,052.23. After some words of counsel the address concluded as follows : And now. Sir Knights, I close my account of stewardship with a few words of a personal character. Unexpectedly and through the partiality of the members of this Commandery, I commenced my official career by being elected Prelate, holding the office four years, afterwards one year as Generalissimo, then one year as Acting Com- mander, (owing to the vacancy occasioned by death), and last year as your Commander by regular election. It has been my endeavor to discharge faithfully my duty as an officer of this body, and I have at all times labored for your interest. * * * Having been thus honored by you, and not desiring to block the way of those who are better qualified than myself for this position, I now surrender and lay down the trust placed in my charge and retire to the ranks, as one ever ready to respond to your call and act for your welfare. To all, officers and members, for your courtesy and support, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks, and I hope that the cord of knightly friendship which unites us may never be severed. " Above all joys we cherish as our own. Above the wealth of this revolving ball, Above all hope, save hope of heaven alone, Masonic union dearer is than all ; Then let our emulation, Sir Knights, ever be. To try "who best can work and best agree.'' Fling out the banner ! let it float Skyward and seaward, high and wide ; Our glory, only in the cross, — Our only hope, the Crucified. Fling out the banner ! wide and high. Seaward and skyward let it shine ; No skill, nor might, nor merit, ours : We conquer only in that sign." 1876.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. I4I May 12th. The officers-elect were installed by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C., assisted by Em. Sir James W. Cusack as G. C. G. May 26th. The by-laws were amended by striking out the fee for' affiliation. December 22d. V. E. SirTownsend Fondey, D. G. C, paid an official visit to the Commandery. He was ac- companied by a large delegation from Temple Com- mandery, No. 2. The order of the Temple was conferred by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C. 1877 — April 13th. The Em. Commander delivered an address at the annual conclave. The number of Knights Templar created the past year were eight, and the num- ber of life members now eighty. The receipts had been $2,025.02, and the balance in the hands of the treasurer $1,410.33, exclusive of the money in hands of the trustees invested. The Commander suggested the appointment of a com- mittee to make arrangements for the reception of the Grand Commandery in October next. The officers-elect were installed April 27th by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, assisted by Em. Sir J. R. Pettis, P C. April 27th. Resolution adopted extending the thanks of the Commandery to Em. Sir J. R. Pettis, for the faithful manner in which he had filled the position of Em. Commander the past year. May nth. Communication received from the R. E. Grand Commander, announcing the death of M. E. SIR W. E. LATHROP, P. G. M., who died in Rochester on the 2 2d April, aged eighty- three years. In accordance with the order the usual badge of mourning was worn for sixty days. May 25th. The death of Sir John A. Gladding was announced, and the usual course adopted. The Commandery attended the funeral and discharged the last act of knightly friendship. June 15th. The officers in a body attended Temple 142 History of Apollo [T877. Commandery, No. 2, Albany, on the occasion of the of- ficial visit of R. E. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Com- mander of the Grand Commandery, to " Temple." June 22d. The death of Sir George S. Kenyon, which occurred on the 20th inst., was announced, and the usual resolutions of respect adopted. September 28th. Sir James F. Kilfoile, for many years Recorder of the Commandery, was accidentally drowned on the 8th of August, and on his death being announced at the regular conclave of September 28th, resolutions were adopted expressive of the sense of the Command- ery in its loss, and a page of the records duly inscribed to his memory. There was no Masonic service at his funeral, but the bearers were selected from the Com- mandery. The Commandery was officially visited by V. E. Sir Townsend Fondey, D. G. C, who duly installed Sir Chas. Teson as Grand Captain of the Guard of the Grand Commandery. ANNUAL CONCLAVE OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. In October the Grand Commandery of the State of New York held its annual conclave in the City of Troy, and to make the necessary arrangements for their accom- modation, and provide suitable entertainment, a general committee of arrangements had been appointed on the I ith of Ma)-, consisting of the following members : Sir Jesse B. Anthony, Chaimian. Sir J. W. Cusacls, Sir Jno. A. Macdonald, Sir Geo. A. Waters, " Geo. B. Smith, " Henry T. Smith, " \V. M. Sanford, " Wm. S. Earl, " Jas. Kemp, " L. H. Button, '■ Wm. Kemp, " C. A. Waldron, " J. W. Smart, " John Don, " T. H. Mason, " A. W. Richardson, " Henry Stowell, " Alex. B. King, " A. L. Hotchkin, " H. M. Heller, " C. Cleminshaw, " R. P. Tunnard, " G. P. Cozzens, " Jas. L. Thompson, " Jno. Horrocks, " J. LeRoy Pine, " Wm. R. Hyde, " Fred. RatcUff. " Jno. L. Russell, " Sir Julius R. Pettis, Secretary. Committee on Music — Sirs L. A. Rousseau, Lee Chamberlin and Clinton M. Ball. l877-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. I43 Committee on Invitation — Sirs Geo. Churchill, Charles Clemin- shaw, Theo. E. Haslehurst, Geo. B. Smith and J. R. Pettis. Hotel accommodations had been secured and all the details incident to the occasion provided for as far as possible. The Troy House had been designated as the headquarters of the Grand Commandery and also as the headquarters of Apollo Commandery. The headquarters of Apollo was under the charge of a live committee, and by assign- ment of regular hours to different members, was open day and night, and most of the time filled with guests. The Grand Commander, R. E. Sir Robert Black, was escorted by DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, and received by a committee on their arrival and escorted to the Troy House. It was intended to escort the Grand Officers from the Troy House to the Masonic Temple on the morning of the gth inst., but at that time the rain descending in torrents, we had to forego that pleasure and arrangements were made to convey them by carriages instead. The Grand Commandery opened its annual conclave at 11 a. m., and transacted its usual business. In the evening a grand reception concert was given at Music Hall in honor of the Grand Commandery, to which complimentary invitations had been extended limited to the capacity of the hall. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity, chairs being placed in every available nook and corner, as well as in front of the stage, and the large audience of at least two thousand persons was composed of the best class of the citizens of Troy. From the stage it presented a splendid sight. A certain portion of the orchestra immediately in front of the stage had been assigned to the members of DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, to Temple Commandery, No. 2 — the members of which attended in a body — and the officers and members of the Grand Commandery, as far as possible, occupied the boxes. With the complimentary invitations, coupon tickets were given assigning certain seats, and by the efficient management of the reception committee, consisting of Sirs P. F. Vanderheyden, Robert H. Thompson, James Kemp, Frank A. Andros and W. F. Robert- son, the large audience was seated without any confusion. The fol- lowing was the order of exercises at the concert, commencing at 8 o'clock : PART FIRST. 1. Fest Overture, Leutner. doring's military band. Address of Welcome — By Em. Sir George B. Smith, Commander of Apollo Commandery. No. 15. 2. Duet — Cornet and Baritone — Semiramide Rossini. Robinson and Lane. Soldier's Farewell, Kinkel. A Vintage Song, Mendelssohn. Male Chorus.. 144 History of Apollo [1877. 4. Song — Tell me my heart, Bishop. Miss Henrietta Beebe. 5. Cornet Solo — Faxilita, Hartman. Robinson. PART SECOND. I. Waltz — Bei uns zu Hause, boring's military band. Strauss. 2. Song — Let me dream again, Miss HENRHfriA Beebe. Sullivan. ( A Legend of the Rhine, H. Smart. 3- Champagn-e Song, Male Chorus. Schroeter. 4- Ballad — Jamie, Malloy. Miss Henrietta Beebe. 5- Selections from Marit.ana, Wallace. DORING S MILITARY BAND. The male chorus was composed of members of the Troy Vocal Society who had most kindly volunteered their services. The musi- cal conductor of the concert was Mr. Edward J. Connelly. The pro- gramme of the concert was printed in the shape of a Maltese cross, and illuminated with the badge of ApoUo in gold and colors. After the concert the members of DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, assembled, and accompanied by the Governor's Island band, serenaded the officers of the Grand Commandery, at the Troy House, and afterwards serenaded Em. Sirs James W. Cusack and Jesse B. Anthony. October loth, at 3:30 p. M,, Apollo Commandery tendered a formal reception to DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, after which a pa- rade of the two organizations took place through the principal streets. About fifty members of the Grand Commandery paraded on the staff of ApoUo. At 7:30 Apollo, with Doring's band, escorted DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, to the steamboat, by which the latter departed for New York. In the evening the members of Apollo, with Doring's band, tendered a serenade to the R. E. Grand Commander-elect, Sir Townsend Fon- dey, and also serenaded the following members of Apollo : Em. Sirs George B. Smith, James W. Cusack, Jesse B. Anthony and Sirs Wm. Kemp and Wm. S. Earl. October nth. The Grand Commandery closed its annual conclave at noon, and in the afternoon the Grand Templar parade took place. At 12:30 Apollo assembled and received at 1:15 P. M., Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, of Hudson, and at 1:50 p. M., Temple Com- mandery, No. 2, of Albany. At 2:00 P. M. the line was formed in the foUowihg order : l877-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 145 Austin's Band. TEMPLE COMMANDERY, No. 2, of Albany. Band. LAFAYETTE COMMANDERY, No. 7, of Hudson. Doring's Band. APOLLO COMMANDERY, No. 15, of Troy. OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY, in Carriages. Under the direction of tlie Grand Marshal, Em. Sir James W. Cu- sack, assisted by Em. Sirs G. F. Sims and L. A. Rousseau, the parade was a fine affair, and was witnessed by a large number of people in the streets, who expressed admiration at the appearance presented by the Sir Knights. After the review by the Grand Officers, which took place in front of the City Hall, the Grand Officers and visiting Sir Knights were conducted to Harmony Hall, where a collation had been spread, and at the conclusion of the banquet the visiting Commanderies were es- corted to the depot. The reception to the Grand Commandery had been in all respects a success, and those who had labored so faithfully to achieve this result were more than repaid for their labors. As one of the papers ex- pressed it : ' ' All the visiting Sir Knights were enthusiastic in their expressions regarding the hospitality and courtesy with which they have been en- tertained by the Sir Knights of Apollo during their stay in the city." October 12th. A vote of thanks was extended to Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony for the able manner in which he had discharged the arduous duties of chairman of the general committee, and also to Em. Sirs Geo. F. Sims, L. A. Rousseau, James W. Cusack and J. R. Pettis for their valuable counsel and assistance, which had tended in a great measure to the success of the reception and entertainment of the Grand Commandery. October isth. The Commandery attended the funeral of Sir Spencer Hawley, who died on the 13th inst., aged thirty-two years. He was buried from Christ church and with Templar services at the grave. October 17th. The Commandery, Sir Geo. B. Smith, E. C, accompanied by Doring's band, left via railroad to take part in the parade incident to the laying of the corner stone of the monument to be erected at Schuyler- ville in commemoration of the surrender of Burgoyne. 10 146 History of Apollo [1877. The Commandery was indebted to Washington Commandery, No. 33, of Saratoga Springs, New York, for this invitation. Leaving the cars the Sir Knights were transported by stages to the field, and going down a steep hill one of the coaches overturned — some say oc- casioned by one of the horses balking — others, that on passing a dwelling one of the Sir Knights caught a glimpse of the waving of a handkerchief by a fair female therein, and in his anxiety to respond, a rush was made to that side of the vehicle and over it went. Fifteen or twenty Knights were scattered on the ground, but only two. Sirs O. T. Vanderheyden, of Brunswick and John H. Porter of West Troy, were injured. Their black pantaloons were torn and they were prevented from taking part in the procession. At 12)^ o'clock, all things being in readiness, the procession, con- sisting of military and civic associations, moved over the line of march. Washington and Apollo Commanderies acted as escort to the officers of the Grand Lodge — and of the marching of the Templars the following mention is made : " But the centre attraction was Apollo Commandery, of Troy. Their fancy movements, marching in crosses, circles, triangles and other unusual styles, took the people by storm. Everywhere they were applauded. Old men and young women followed the Knights over the line of march and witnessed their movements with exhibi- tions of genuine interest." Upon arriving at the site selected for the monument, the corner stone was laid in Masonic form by M. W. Joseph J. Couch, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. The Sir Knights were hospitably entertained in first-class style. The ladies who served the tables insisted on their guests taking two for one — two square meals for one. A great many did so. The food was abundant and was excellent in quality. Some daring poetizer actually revised and altered the anthem of ' ' The Star Spangled Banner," and it was to have been sung on the field in its altered shape, but somebody with authority must have interfered and pre- vented the desecration. At 5 o'clock there were dress parades of Apollo and Washington Commanderies in front of the Goldsmith House. The movements were witnessed by several thousand people, and were worth witness- ing by as many more. Apollo Commandery will ever be remem- bered by the people. Why, they are literally wild about it, and if they had not the job of erecting a monument to commemorate the surrender of Burgoyne, I think they would immediately build one to Apollo. The Commandery left about 6 o'clock, and reached home about 10 o'clock. The celebration was a grand success, the arrange- ments being well planned and admirably carried out. l877-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 147 October 25th. Upon the final report of the General Committee on the reception of the Grand Commandery, the following resolutions appended thereto were adopted : Resolved, That the thanks of this Commandery be tendered to Messrs. Edward J. Connelly, Conductor. C. M. Ball, W. F. Bissell, R. D. Comstock, Edmund Cluett, Chas. R. DeFreest, Geo. H. Wallace, W. H. Doughty, James Van Olinda, Louis Von Eltz, Wm. S. Kennedy, John Knox, Wm. A. Clark, Irving Browne, Lee Chamberlin, for their kindness in singing as a " male chorus " on the occasion of our concert, October gth, thereby adding greatly to the success of the evening. Also resolution of thanks to Superintendent John McKenna and members of the Capital Police for services October 1 ith, and to the Hugh Ranken Steamer Company and Mr. A. J. Rousseau for favors. October 26th. Sir Daniel McLaren, of Hanselmann Commandery, No. 16, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Sir F. A. Witbeck, of Detroit Commandery, No. i, of Detroit, Mich., were elected honorary members of Apollo. 1878 — January nth. The deaths of Sirs John C. Prout and C. V. Snyder were announced, and committees ap- pointed to draft suitable resolutions of respect. January 28th. The Commandery was officially visited by R. E. Sir Townsend Fondey, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, accompanied by a delegation from Temple Commandery, No. 2, of Albany. March 8th. The death of M. E. Sir Ezra S. Barnum, P. G. M. of the Grand Encampment, was announced by a communication from the R. E. Grand Commander, and a committee appointed on resolutions who subsequently submitted the following, which were unanimously adopted : 148 History of Apollo [1878. IN MEMORIAM. |H. £. J>lv £. i*. ^avuxuu, W. (Bi. I^tX. While with feelings of sadness we hear the wailing sound of the trumpet, summoning us to testify our respect for the memor>- of Em. Sir E. S. Barnuii, who died in the Citj' of Utica, on the 20th day of February last ; yet knowing full well that his labor was well and nobly performed, we can and do point with pride to the fact that in his life we find a true exemplification of those noble traits which should characterize all true and courteous Sir Knights. Em. Sir Barnum was universally respected for his Masonic quali- ties and abilities — venerated and esteemed by a large circle of asso- ciates, joined together in the strong ties of friendship, during many years of association. Highly honored by the communitj- in which he lived, and beloved by all who knew him. A magnanimous Knight, whom the fraternity delighted to honor, knowing full well that in thus doing they were but conferring credit upon themselves. A firm friend, a wise counselor, an honest man and faithful Sir Knight, having fought the good fight, he has entered into that rest prepared for the good and true. Words cannot add to the expression of sorrow which came from every heart, when the sad intelligence reached us that another of the older craftsmen had been summoned hence, — and that our venerable frater, whom last we saw at the Annual Conclave of the Grand Com- mandery, in our city, in October last, would no more be with us to exchange the kindly greeting and knightly courtesies of the past. " We mourn no blighted hope, nor broken plan, With him whose life stood rounded and approved In the fuU growth and stature of a man." Resolved, That in testimony of our respect, a page of our records be suitably inscribed to his memory, and a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Utica Commandery, No. 3, of which he was a member. Courteously, JESSE B. ANTHONY, JAMES W. CUSACK, LEWIS A. ROUSSEAU, Comtnitiee. 1878.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. J49 March. Sir George B. Smith, Eminent Commander of Apollo, being about to leave for California for his health, about forty of his Masonic friends assembled at the temple and marched to his residence on North Second street, to pay him a fraternal visit before his de- parture. Sir Knight Smith entertained them in the best of style, passing around refreshments while the ladies made the time pass pleasantly by favoring the company with vocal and instrumental music. Altogether the affair was pleasant to all parties. April nth. The Commandery, with full ranks, ac- companied by Boring's band, attended the funeral of Sir James Remington, who died at his residence on Green Island, on the 8th inst., aged sixty years. After the church service the remains were conveyed to Ballston Spa, and deposited in accordance with knightly usage the ceremonies being conducted by Sir W. R. Hyde, Prelate, assisted by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony. Sir Knight Remington was one of the oldest residents of Green Island, and had held the office of Justice of the Peace many years. He was the first one appointed Village Clerk, had acted as Post- master, and also been a member of the Board of Trustees of that village. April 26th. Annual conclave. The Em. Commander being in California on a visit, no report was made to the Commandery. Em. Sir Knight George B. Smith had discharged the duties of Commander in an able and satisfactory mnnner, and the thanks of the Commandery was extended to him therefor. The Treasurer's report showed receipts $1,264.92, bal- ance on hand $259.73. April 12th. Communication received from the R. E. Grand Commander, announcing the sad intelligence of the death of R, E. Sir Orrin Welch, P. G. C. of the Grand Commandery, and Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P C, presented the following memorial as a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, which was unan- imously adopted : 150 History of Apollo [1878. TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF P- G. Comd^r of t]i€ Grajid Covimandery of the State of A^ew York. When death severs the brittle thread of earthly existence, and terminates the life of some loved associate, we instinctively pause and recall the past of the deceased. Such a period was reached in the death of R. E. Sir Orrix Welch. Although not as intimately associated with him as many others, yet from a short acquaintance, growing out of meeting him at different Grand Bodies, and through the medium of correspondence, it is a pleasure to add our testimony to the worth and excellence of our de- parted companion. He presented to us the character of one who loved his fellow man ; who delighted in doing with all his might what his hands found to do ; one ever ready to give, from the abundance of his wisdom, light and knowledge to the seeker after truth ; an earnest, faithful worker in all departments of life's work ; one who bore the honors bestowed upon him meekly ; a companion whom all delighted to meet and associate with ; while decided in opinion, yet never arrogant. A courteous oflBcer. A consistent Mason. A true and zealous friend. The voice is hushed, the expressive eye is closed, the hand is powerless, but his many virtues will linger with us in precious remem- brance. The measure of a man's life is not to be summed up by the number of his years or the sum of his worldly accumulations, but rather from the character of his life and the good he has accomplished. " Bright crowns prepared are there. For those who faithful are." Those who knew him best, and they are many, can bear truthful testimony to the loss to the Craft, and the sincere sorrow evinced by the fraternity in the city, where he lived so many years, is a convincing proof of the esteem in which he was held by those who were best able to judge. 1878.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 151 In the death of R. E. Sir Orrin Welch, the Masonic fraternity of this State has suffered a great loss, and his death will leave a vacancy which will not be easily filled. ' ' Another hand is beckoning us, Another call is given, And glows once more with angels' steps The path that leads to heaven." Resolved, That a page of our records be suitably inscribed to the memory of the deceased, and a copy of this memorial transmitted to to the R. E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, and also to the Eminent Commander of Central City Commandery, No. 25, of Syracuse, of which he was a member. Courteously, JESSE B. ANTHONY, JAMES W. CUSACK, LEWIS A. ROUSSEAU, Committee. May loth. The officers-elect were installed by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, assisted by Em. Sir J. R. Pettis, P. C. The Orders of Christian Mark and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre were conferred upon the Sir Knights present by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony. May 24th. Sir Henry B. Thomas was elected Gener- alissimo to fill vacancy. June 14th. The Commandery was officially visited by V. E. Sir Charles H. Holden, D. G. C. of the Grand Commandery. The Commandery was also honored by the presence of R. E. Sir Townsend Fondey, G. C, and large delegations from Temple Commandery, No. 2, and Washington Commandery, No. 33. A communication was received from the R. E. Grand Commander, announcing the death of R. E. SIR HENRY CLAY PRESTON, P. G. C, who died on the 28th of May last, and the usual emblem of mourning was ordered worn. June 19th. By the courtesy of the Em. Commander the Order of the Temple was conferred by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C. 152 History of Apollo [i878. . June 28th. A circular having been received in refer- ence to the "Welch memorial fund," the Commandery made an appropriation therefor. July 7th. The Commandery attended the funeral of Sir Joseph C. Hair, who died on the sth inst., aged thirty- six years, and deposited his remains in the silent city of the dead with knightly honors. Sir Knight Hair had been an energetic member of Apollo, had filled several of its offices with credit to himself, and his funeral was largely attended by his friends. He had ever been a prominent fire- man — was a member of the Osgood Steamer Company, and at the time of his death one of the Board of Fire Commissioners of our city. Out of respect to his memory delegations were present from every fire company in the city and the city officials. September 6th. A special conclave was held to take action in behalf of the yellow fever sufferers, and a circu- lar being received from the R. E. Grand Commander with reference thereto, I200 was appropriated for said object. October 27th. The Commandery attended the funeral of Sir Arthur Cobden, who died on the 23d inst., aged forty-six years. The ceremonies were conducted by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, as Prelate. December 13th. The Commandery was officially vis- ited by R. E. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Commander, and he was most cordially welcomed. A committee was appointed to draft resolutions in acknowledgement of the courtesy of St. Joseph's Com- mandery, No. 4, K. T., of St. Joseph, Mo., in conferring the Orders upon Companion John Ewens, at the request of this Commandery. 1879 — January 24th. A communication was received from De Soto Commandery, No. 49, of Plattsburgh, in- viting Apollo to visit Plattsburgh, at the coming annual conclave of the Grand Commandery in October next. A committee was appointed to make the preliminary arrangements in connection therewith. February 28th. The death of Em. Sir Marcus Ball, P. C, was announced in open commandery, and a memo- rial page inscribed to his memory. Em. Sir Knight Ball l879-J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 153 died on the 23d inst., aged fifty-three years, and at his request no Masonic service was held, but the members generally attended the funeral. Em. Sir Ball was a lawyer by profession, and had resided in the city of Troy over thirty years. April nth. The Commandery in full ranks assembled and proceeded to St. John's church for the purpose of attending divine service on Good Friday. An able and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. Frank L. Norton, the Rector of St. John's. April 25th. The following was adopted : Resolved, That the Commandery extend to the Rev. Mr. F. L. Norton its thanks for the able sermon delivered before the Com- mandery upon the occasion of the Good Friday services at St. John's church, and that he be requested to furnish a copy of the same for publication ; and also to the vestry and management of the church for their kind and courteous reception upon the occasion. The E. C. delivered the annual address. The Order of the Temple had been conferred on sixteen, and the mem- bership was 287. He directed attention to the life mem- bership plan, and to the law in regard to wearing uni- forms in the Asylum. The address concluded as follows : ' ' I cannot retire from the position to which by your partiality you elevated me one year ago to-night without expressing my gratitude to the Past Commanders of this Commandery for their presence at our regular conclaves, and for the assistance so generously rendered to me in my feeble endeavors to fill my position in the interests of our Commandery ; and, Sir Knights, as I now return to you my badge of office, you will accept my personal greeting I trust in the same spirit in which it is offered, a greeting that has in it none but the most earnest and unselfish wishes for your prosperity collectively and in- dividually.'' The Treasurer's report showed receipts, $2,119.97 ; balance on hand, I597.50. May 7th. An invitation having been received and ac- cepted from Temple Commandery, No. 2, the Command- ery went to Albany, and participated in the ceremony in- cident to the laying of the corner stone of the new gov- ernment building in the city of Albany. The Command- ery was most hospitably entertained by Temple Com- mandery, No. 2, and at a subsequent conclave resolutions were adopted in acknowledgment of their courtesy. 154 History OF Apollo \i^79- May 23d. The asylum of Apollo Commandery was filled by Sir Knights, ladies and invited guests, it being the occasion of a public installation of officers. After an address of welcome by the Em. Commander, Sir T. E. Haslehurst, the officers were installed by R. E. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Commander, assisted by Em. Sir J. R. Pettis as Grand Captain General. The exercises consisted of an address by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P C, vocal music by a volunteer choir, con- sisting of Mrs. Kenney, Mrs. Metcalf and Mr. Comstock, and Sir G. F. Greene with Sir Otis R. Greene at the or- gan, followed by refreshments in the banquet hall, and dancing in the drill room. Em. Sirs Townsend Fondey, Dayton Ball, of Temple Commander}', Xo. 2, of Albany, and Sir J. B. Donnan of Independence, Iowa, were present. June 27th. The committee on a contemplated excur- sion to Plattsburgh and Montreal made a report, and on motion they were empowered to make all necessary ar- rangements for the trip. October 10th. The Commander}-, accompanied by Austin's band, visited Cohoes and had a parade, march- ing through the principal streets of that city. After a time spent in drill, the Commandery was en- tertained by Sirs George Campbell and John Horrocks, and the courtesy was subsequently duly acknowledged by a resolution of thanks. While it is impossible to present a satisfactory account of the PILGRIMAGE TO PLATTSBURGH, MONTREAL AND BURLINGTON at this time, yet on account of its importance, and the fact that even an imperfect record will be appreciated, we present the following : This pilgrimage was the outgrowth of an invitation received from De Soto Commander\', No. 49, to visit Plattsburgh at the annual conclave of the Grand Commandery, and under the recommendation of an investigating committee, consisting of Em. Sirs Haslehurst and Anthony, it was finally resolved to also visit Montreal and Burling- ton at the same time. I879-J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 15S The Commandery appointed the following committee of arrange- ments : Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, Chairman. Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, Treas. Sir W. F. Robertson, Sec'y. Sir Henry B. Thomas, Sir Henry Stowell, Sir David M. Ranken, Sir Wm. R. Hyde, Sir Abel G. Goldthwait, Em. Sir Julius R. Pettis, Sir Sir J. LeRoy Pine, Sir James Kemp, Sir Adelbert T. Burdick, Sir Ed. L. Cipperly, Sir Frank M. Flack, Sir Thomas B. Helliwell, Sir John Horrocks, Sir Samuel Judd, Sir Robert H. Thompson, Sir Eugene A. Van Pelt, Sir Joseph W. Smart, Sir Stephen V. Sturtevant, Sir Chas. McKallor, Sir Robert P. Tunnard, and under the energetic labors of all the trip was a grand success. The details incident to such a trip required much labor, and the arrangements were not perfected except by a great deal of time and attention on the part of those who had to bear the ' ' heat and burden " of the task. Arrangements had been made in advance with the rail- roads, steamboat companies, hotels, etc., and as far as could be cal- culated upon it was expected to proceed like clock work. Apollo Commandery, seventy-five in number, with Austin's Tenth Regiment band, and accompanied by large delegations from Clinton Commandery, No. 14, of Brooklyn, DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of Williamsburgh, and St. Elmo Commandery, No. 57, of Greenpoint, including quite a number of ladies who formed a part of the visiting delegation, left Troy on Monday morning, October 13th, by a special Templar train, at 9:30 o'clock, via the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company's railroad. A palace car had been provided for the ladies, and by the courtesy of the railroad company the special train was to be for the use of the party until the completion of the trip on its return to Troy. All the officials seemed to vie with each other in rendering all the assistance possible to make the trip go smoothly, and by their attention added much to the pleasure of the excursion party. After leaving Troy the time was spent in forming the acquaintance of our guests, and looking after the comfort of the party. A programme of the excursion, which had been printed in book form, giving a complete detail of the trip, was then distributed throughout the train and was highly appreciated not only for a guide but also to preserve as a souvenir of the trip. Upon arriving at Saratoga Springs at 10:40, additional cars were attached to the train, containing the Sir Knights of Washington Com- mandery, No. 33, who were to be the special guests of De Soto. Among the members of Washington were many who were well known to the Sir Knights of Apollo, and they proved an acceptable addition to the family party. 156 History of Apollo \i^19- Upon arrival at Fort Ticonderoga the party left the train (which went on to Plattsburgh) and embarked on the Champlain Transporta- tion Company's steamer ' ' Vermont, " where dinner was provided, to which all did ample justice. After dinner a concert was given in the parlors by Austin's band, comprising the following selections : i. March — 2d Regiment, Rentes. vj. Overture — Selected, Suppe. 3. Selection — Operatic Gems, Revierie. 4. Waltz — College Student, Strauss. 5. Cornet Solo — The Flag Polka, - - A usiin. By .Mr. Fred. Austin. 6. Musical — Jokes, Rollinson. 7. The Turkish Patrol, - Mickaelis. Representing a Turkish Patrol advancing and retiring. 8. X.\TI0NAL Airs, Catlan. The sail through the lake was one of rare pleasure, and the time was passed pleasantly in viewing the magnificent scenery and social conversation, and enlivened by the singing of a vocal club of Apollo's, consisting of Sir Knights J. H. Lloyd, Geo. F. Greene, T. E. Hasle- hurst, E. A. Van Pelt, John A. Macdonald, with Sirs John H. Bon- nington, and Wm. H. Morris of the Reserve Corps. In fact we were all enabled to join in the familiar songs of " Gospel Train," " Sweet By-and-By," "Tenting To-Night," "Hold the Fort," "Pull for the Shore," "Only an Armor Bearer," "Old Black Joe," "Marching through Georgia," "Old Folks at Home,'' "Three Black Crows," etc., for a song book entitled " Sing-as-you-please Songster," had also been printed and distributed, and with its distribution there were several local jokes perpetrated on certain members — not down on the programme — which added to the social enjoyment. We may say that throughout the trip " the air was full of music," and each one endeavored to supply his quota toward the general good. Upon arrival at Plattsburgh at about 7 P. M., we were received by De Soto Commandery, the Grand Officers escorted to their quar- ters and the Apollo party escorted to their headquarters at the With- erell House, which had been secured by them. The party filled the entire hotel and a large number had to be provided with sleeping ac- commodations outside. This was expected, and while all could not have the best, yet with ven,' few exceptions the Sir Knights were sat- isfied to take what the gods provide. The hotel was tastefulh- illu- minated with Chinese lanterns, which with the Roman candles, rockets and colored fires made one think of a grand Fourth of July occasion. Alluding to the outside quarters allow me to present the following account (not however vouching for its truthfulness) as given by the reporter attached to St. Elmo : " The place set apart for us was simply grand — an immense palace, formerly the property of Her Majesty's predecessors. We have been l879-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 157 told at one time Washington bad occupied it as his headquarters ; to prove it we searched around for the renowned body servant of color, and were informed he had gone for a sail on the lake. After an in- spection of the elegant marble halls, beautiful corridors, and the sun- dry coats of arms, etc., and were it not for one feature we would have imagined ourselves ' forefathers ' {i. e. the modern style of canopied bedsteads, down beds, etc., etc.) We hung out our shingle and christened our domicile ' St. Elmo Castle,' by which name it is to be hereafter designated." In this superb castle the following Knights made themselves at home (when they were there) : " Eminent Sir Alonzo Brymer, Com- mander ; Sir John H. Bonnington, Senior Warden ; Sir Wm. H. Morris and the " Two Orphans," Sirs Richard Armstrong and Robert Marshall, and " Baby Mine," Sir W. H. Schwalenberg, Sirs A. P. Lockwood, Generalissimo George W. Paynter, Christian F. Seibs Henry A. G. Henschkel, George Wygant and George H. Rowe." Clinton Commandery were quartered in the parlors of the Protec- tion Hose Company, and DeWitt Clinton were to be found at the St Lewis House. After the wants of the inner man had been attended to, an outdoo concert was given by Austin's band, consisting of the following selec- tions : J. March — Knights Templar, Reeves. 2. Overture — Light Cavalry, Suppe 3. Grand Selection — Girofle-Girofla, Le Cocq. 4. Chorus — The Heavens are Telling, Handel. 5. Cornet Solo — La Tyroline, with variations, Arban. By Mr. Fred. Austin. 6. Waltz— Manola, Waldteufel 7. The Turkish Patrol, Michaelis. Representing a Turkish Patrol advancing and retiring. 8. Galop — Express Train, Strauss. The evening (?) was spent in calling at the different headquarters, etc., and when bed time came it was all peace and quietness. On Tuesday, the 14th inst., the Grand Commandery held its sixty- sixth annual conclave at 10 A. M., R. E. Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Commander, in the chair, and after the transaction of the usual business adjourned until Thursday morning to enable the representa- tives of the Grand Commandery to visit Montreal as the guests of De Soto. At 2 p. M. occurred the Grand Templar Parade, which is described as follows by the Plattsburgh Republican : "The parade was the grand feature of the occasion, and on Tues- day the town was well filled with visitors from various parts of the county to witness it. The weather was the best that a cloudless sky and balmy air could make it, the day being more like June than Octo- ber, the only drawback being the dust, which, however, was accepted 158 History of Apollo [T879. with good grace as an alternative preferable to mud. The streets were in excellent order, having been swept and garnished for the oc- casion, and a profuse display of flags and banners from business and private houses along the line of march gave the town a decidedly hol- iday appearance. " Promptly at 2 p. M. a grand burst of music announced the opening of the parade, this being followed by a series of minor movements in Margaret street, by richly uniformed Knights, headed by their bands, all of which settled down into a long line of Sir Knights reaching from the Cumberland house to well up towards the Witherill ; De Soto Commandery occupying the left and Apollo the right. A short delay and the grand parade began, the procession being formed in the following order : " Austin's Tenth Regiment Band, Albany; Apollo Commandery, No. 15, Troy ; Clinton Commandery, No. 14, Brooklyn, with St. Elmo, No. 57 ; DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, Williams- burgh ; Doring's Band, Troy ; De Soto Commandery, No. 49, Platts- biu-gh ; Washington Commandery, No. 33, Saratoga ; Right Eminent Sir Charles H. Holden, Grand Commander, with Grand Officers and members of the Grand Commandery, and R. E. Grand Commander of Vermont, Sir E. S. Dana, with his staff, in carriages. " The line of march was down Margaret street to Cornelia, thence through Cornelia, Oak, Court and Catherine, to Broad and Margaret. The line was reviewed on Broad street by the Grand Commanders of New York and Vermont, and both the marching and evolutioijs were so finely executed as to elicit the warmest admiration of thousands of spectators. "Along the line of march several movements were executed which won great admiration, especially the forming of a cross by Apollo of Troy. Upon arriving at the Witherill House, at the conclusion of the march, a dress parade of Apollo and the Brooklyn Commanderies took place, which was witnessed by a large concourse of peo pie and elicited most enthusiastic applause." At 5 P. M. a special train was taken for Montreal, arriving there at 8:30 P. M. The train was in fact an excursion train, inasmuch as in addition to the Sir Knights there had been several hundred tickets sold to citizens, making the total number about 600. Upon arrival at the Bonaventure depot, we were met by a large delegation from Richard Coeur de Lion Preceptory of Knights Templar of Montreal and welcomed with familiar strains of "Hail Columbia" from the band of the Victoria Rifles. The outlook was one of welcome to the party with longing for a good supper and good accommodations at the hotel. The main body of the Knights in procession marched to the Wind- sor Hotel which it seemed had been made the headquarters for every one. l879-] COMMANDERY, N(J. 15. 151^ Inasmuch as Apollo had made its arrangements with the manager in June through its special committee, had provided the clerk with a complete roster of our party the night before at Plattsburgh, and re- ceived the assurance that rooms should be assigned to our party, and special regard paid to the comfort of the ladies who accompanied us, we rested perfectly easy in the contract which had been duly made. It can be imagined what was our chagrin to find that we were to be treated like a mob, given a certain number of rooms in the upper story and towers of the hotel, and duly equipped with large cards good for meals. The reception at the hotel was a disappointment, and to speak plainly a barefaced swindle. That it may not be thought I am some- what prejudiced, I give you an extract from an account published in a northern paper ; ' ' But when the attempt was made at the outset to assign such men (with their wives or daughters) as composed even the Grand Cora- manderies of New York and Vermont to rooms on the fifth and sixth floors in "gangs" of from five to a dozen for each room, there was naturally some astonishment manifested, and when it further appear- ed that the general plan which the Windsor management had mapped out was to treat the whole party similarly, packing them into rooms like herrings in a box, without much regard to age, sex or condition, it was but natural that the feeling of astonishment should deepen into something as nearly akin to indignation as the modest, mental condi- tion of the typical American is capable of. In the meantime the trouble went on at the Windsor between the managers and those who chose to remain, the result of all which was that many Sir Knights reposed upon little miserable narrow spring cots, each furnished with a long bag of straw, one sheet, doubled to make two, and a coarse blanket, and so "cranky" withal that one needed to lie very straight upon his back, with his hair parted in the middle as a preventive from going overboard. And this was not the worst of it, for the op- eration was many times repeated at the oifice of assigning the same room to different sets of guests, between which an irrepressible con- flict for possession was kept up during the greater part of the night, as a party on retiring t€ their quarters would find them already occu- pied, their baggage either dumped into the hall, or at the office. In one of these cases we are told that seventeen different persons were assigned to one room which had only one double bed and four single cots, and in another case a guest was put into a room with a negro who kept up highly audible devotional exercises during a considerable portion of the night. Such treatment as all this is sometimes expect- ed, but it is not usually anticipated in civilized countries by well-bred gentlemen whose drafts for millions would be honored at sight.'' i6o History of Apollo [1879. As a matter of curiosity we insert a fac simile of the meal ticket : (FRONT.) '^lilll %A MEAL TICKET. Signed, . (REVERSE.) r^-zi^-e I ^/ Actual size of ticket 5x33^3 inches. l879-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 161 To say that we were indignant would be a mild expression of our deep feelings, but owing to the lateness of the hour, the fact that many of our party had become separated, and that all our arrangements had been announred from the Windsor, we bottled our feelings for one night and submitted. The Sir Knights accompanied by ladies were secured quarters for at the St. Lawrence Hall, the landlord of which was very accommodating, and some of our own members who could not hang up at the Windsor were quartered at the Ottawa House. Sirs Anthony and Haslehurst not appreciating the beauties of the Tower apartment, holding fourteen cots with a toilet set in the centre of the room, were accommodated in one of the rooms occupied by some ten members, and doubled up on single cots. The members of our party — appreciating the situation — most kindly did not censure the committee, and for their forbearance we shall ever hold them in grateful memory. The morning of Wednesday, October 15th, dawned at last, but un- fortunately for our complete enjoyment the air was so thick with the burning of peat bogs and forest fires, there was such a mist as to spoil the beautiful view to be had from the mountain. However, in accord- ance with our arrangements, the Sir Knights assembled at the Wind- sor in the morning and marched to the depot to take a special train on the Lachine and Province railroad for Lachine, (nine miles), calcu- lating there to take the steamer — shooting the rapids on the St. Law- rence and passing under Victoria Bridge — on the return to Montreal. But unfortunately the water was so low, the wind so high and the weather so murky that the captain of the steamer decided it to be unsafe, and consequently the party had to return by rail. This was a great dis- appointment all around, but one of those things beyond the control of any committee. The officials informed us that during the entire season they had not omitted but one trip and that under like circum- stances. Returning to Montreal the Sir Knights occupied their time in seeing the sights of the city, notably the splendid frescoes of the church of the Jesuits, and also the magnificence of St. Patrick's and Notre Dame. . The delegation from Richard Cceur de Lion Preceptory consisted of Sirs John MacLean, Preceptor ; Lieut-Colonel Stevenson, Past Pre- ceptor ; J. H. Stearns, P. P.; Dr. Lovejoy, P. P.; J. Adams, Consta- ble ; W. S. Evans, Past Prelate ; J. M. Glass, Register ; G. W. Lid- dell, C. M. Putney, C. Woodford, J. R. Martin, George Crawford, G. Read and J. H. Mesurier, and to them, especially Sir Knight Stevenson, were we indebted for many attentions. At 3:30 Apollo assembled at the Windsor and Austin's band gave a concert in the parlors of the hotel. The selections were as follows : i62 History of Apollo [1879. 1. March— The Queen of England, - Coote. 2. Overture— Pique Dane, - - Suppe. 3. Grand Selectiom -Siege of Rochelle, Bal/e. 4. Clarionet Solo from '* Be Triece De Tenda," - Donizetti, By Mr. L. Ciuilo. 5. Waltz— FuDionen, - Strauss. 6. Musical — Fanlaisie, Bosquet. 7. Cornet Solo— La Neige, with variations, Arban. By Kr. J. Gartland. 8. Grand Pot-pourbie, on American, English and Canadian National Airs, - Catlan. At the conclusion of the concert Apollo gave a dress parade in front of the hotel which was witnessed by a large concourse of people. There was at the hotel a large excursion party from New Hampshire, and at the conclusion of the dress parade the band serenaded the New Hampshire party and particularly Gov. Natt Head, who "responded very appropriately and said that the high compliment was unexpected but exceedingly gratifying, not only to him but to others present from the same State, as there were nineteen Sir Knights in their party. It was a great pleasure for them to be able to recognize immediately in a foreign land so many friends in whose hands there was a heart. He hoped they would be blessed with good weather and a safe return, and assured them that if ever they came to New Hampshire they would meet with a cordial greeting. He closed by introducing Sir Knight U. S. Senator Rollins, who spoke felicitously and humorously, but was checked in his remarks by the announcement that it was time for the Commandery to leave, or the speaking might have been continued a long time by Mr. Rollins and others." The Commandery then marched to the depot and embarked on the special train at 7 P. M., arriving at Plattsburgh at 10 P. M., and again resumed quarters at the Witherill House. The R. E. Grand Commander Sir E. S. Dana and Stall of the Grand Commandery of Vermont, being in Plattsburgh on an official visit to the Grand Commandery of New York, the E. C. of Apollo with the Commanders of Clinton and DeWitt Clinton, tendered the services of the Apollo party as escort from New York to Vermont, which being accepted, the Commandery assembled on the morning of Thursday, October i6th, at 7 o'clock, and proceeded to the headquarters of the Grand Commandery of Vermont and marched to the steamer " A. Williams," which had been chartered to carry our party to Burlington, Vt. Accompanying the party were several members of the Grand Com- mandery — notably M. E. Sir John W. Simons, who, as the L. H. A. of the S. T. M., felt it his duty to see that the sinkers should be in ac- cordance with the regulations of that sublime body. Upon arrival at Burlington, at about nine o'clock, we were met by l879-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 163 Burlington Commandery, No. 2, with Sherman's Military Band, and welcomed in such a knightly and cordial manner that each one felt it was indeed good to be there. I cannot do better than include the following report as taken from the Burlington Daily Free Press : The procession then formed in the following order : 1. Detachment of City Police. 2. Marshal Sir T. S. Peck and Aids, Sirs L. S. Drew and Lowell C. Grant. 3. Sherman's Military Band. 4. Burlington Commandery, K. T., Sir C. W. Woodhouse, E. C. 5. Austin's Tenth Regiment Band of Albany. 6. Apollo Commandery, K. T., of Troy, Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, E. C. 7. St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., of Greenpoint, Sir Alonzo, Bry- mer, E. C. 8. DeWitt Clinton Commandery, K. T., of Brooklyn, E. D., Sir John Z. Johnson, E. C. g. Clinton Commandery, K. T., of Brooklyn, W. D., Sir James W. Birkett, E. C. 10. Grand Commander R. E. Sir E. S. Dana and Staff of the Grand Commandery of Vermont. The Shermans never played better than on this occasion, and re- ceived a host of compliments. The Austins are a fine band, under perfect drill ; they well sustained their high reputation. They numbered thirty pieces.- Apollo Commandery numbered eighty Templars and was as fine looking a body of men as one could wish to see. Their discipline is good and drill excellent, and generally their appearance was most creditable. DeWitt Clinton Commandery numbered about two score Knights and Clinton about twenty-five ; and both marched exceedingly well and showed themselves in all respects fine organiza- tions. The line of march was up College street and through St. Paul to the American and Van Ness Houses, where the visitors are quarter- ed. Arriving at their quarters the visiting organizations passed in review before Grand Commander R. E. Sir E. S. Dana and his staff. All along the line of march the streets were thronged with spectators, and Burlington's welcome to her guests was shown not only by the turn- out of the people, but by the flags which were flying all over the city. Immediately after escorting the visitors to their quarters the Sher- mans gave a concert in City Park, which was listened to by an immense concourse of people and which well sustained the high reputation of the band. THE PARADE AND REVIEW. At three o'clock the line formed in front of the American Hotel, and a photogra i"i was taken by our accomplished artist, L. G. Burn- 164 History of Apollo [1879. ham. Shortly afterward the procession formed on St. Paul street in the lowing order : 1. Detachment of Police. 2. Marshal Sir T. S. Peck and Aids, Sirs W. W. Henry, Lowell C. Grant and L. S. Drew. 3. Sherman's Military Band. 4. Burlington Commandery. 5. Austin's Tenth Regiment Band of Albany. 6. Apollo Commandery of Troy. 7. Clinton Commandery of Brooklyn, W. D. 8. St. Elmo Commandery of Greenpoint. 9. DeWitt Clinton Commandery of Brooklyn, E. D. 10. Grand Commander R. E. Sir Edward S. Dana and Staff of the Grand Commandery of Vermont. The line of march was as follows : From the Square, up College street to Willard, to Pearl, to Church, to College, to the Park, where the Commanderies were reviewed by R. E. Sir E. S. Dana, Grand Commander of K. T. of Vermont, with his staff. All along the line of march there were great numbers of spectators, and at every avail- able corner the throng was very great. The different Commanderies drilled well and marched well ; and the excellent music of the two bands added much to the occasion. At the conclusion of the parade, the visiting Commanderies and Burlington Commandery drew up in front of the City Hall and were reviewed and inspected by Grand Commander R. E. Sir Edward S. Dana of the Grand Commandery of Vermont and his staff. The Commanderies then marched down Main and up St. Paul Street (the two bands — Austins and Shermans — being consolidated, the re- sult being a greatly increased volume of sound and a harmony not inferior to that of a single band of long practice) and were reviewed by Grand Commander R. E. Sir E. S. Dana from the band stand. After this there was a dress parade on the east side of the Park, which was witnessed by hundreds of our people and which was highly com- plimented by all. At the conclusion the following general orders were published by Grand Commander Dana . Grand Commandery of Vermont, Headquarters of the Grand Commander, General Orders Xe. i. Burlington, October 16, 1879. The Grand Commander tenders his grateful acknowledgment to Clinton Commandery,. No. 14 ; Apollo Commandery, No. 15, and DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of the State of New York, for their courteous offer to perform escort duty for the Grand Commander and his staff from Plattsburgh to Burlington this morning, and their performance of this duty in the most creditable and acceptable manner. The Grand Commander desires to welcome with a cordial greeting l879-] COMMANDERY, No. t5. 165 these visiting Commanderies to this jurisdiction and assure them that their visit is as gratifying to us as we trust it will be pleasant to them. Burlington Commandery, No. 2, is hereby assigned to do proper escort duty to our visiting Commanderies during their stay in the city of Burlington. EDWARD S. DANA, Official. Grand Commander. A. A. Hall, Act Gr. Capt. General. Burlington Commandery then escorted the Grand Commander and Staff and the visiting Commanderies to their Asylum, where the guests were cordially welcomed by E. C. Sir Charles W. Woodhouse and invited to partake of the hospitalities of Burlington Commandery. These were freely and generously dispensed and ample justice was done by all present. Congratulatory speeches were then made by E. C. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, of Apollo Commandery, E. C. Sir Chas. W. Woodhouse, of Burlington Commandery, Sir Knight George H. Bigelow and Grand Commander R. E., Sir E. S. Dana of the Grand Commandery of Vermont. The Glee Club of Apollo Commandery then rendered some appropriate songs, after which the Sir Knights retired to their quarters at the Van Ness House and American Hotel. THE CONCERT. At 7:30 p. M. Austin's Tenth Regiment Band of Albany gave a complimentary concert at the Howard Opera House, which was at- tended by an audience limited in numbers only by the size of the auditorium. The band is undoubtedly one of the finest which has ever visited our city. The programme was a fresh and unhackneyed one, and the numbers were rendered in a style which is beyond praise. The following was the programme : PART FIRST. 1. March — The Veteran, Weigand. 2. Overture— Nabuco, Verdi. 3. Selection— Chimes of Normandy, Plangueti. 4. Cornet Solo — De Beriott*s 5th Air, Hartman. By Mr. Fred. Austin. 5. Waltz — New Wein, Strauss. PART SECOND. 6. Comic Selection — Goblins, Rollins. 7. Romance — Let all Obey. Solo for Baritone and Cornet. By Messrs. E. Coffin and J. Gartland. 8. The Turkish Patrol, - Michaelis. Representing a Turkish Patrol advancing and retiring. 9. SELECTION—On Songs from " Babes in the Woods," Herman. 10. Selection— On National Airs, Sckerman. Mr. Austin most beautifully rendered his cornet solo and was re- warded with an encore, in response to which he gave " The Sweet i66 History of Apollo [1879. By-and-By." The "Turkish Patrol" also pleased the audience im- mensely and was repeated on an encore.'' After the concert, an adjournment was had to the hotels, where songs were sung and acquaintances made, and the time generally most pleasantly passed away until the wee sma' hours. A pleasant feature of the review was the presentation of a magnifi- cent bouquet of flowers to Burlington Commandery by the ladies ac- companying DeWitt Clinton Commandery, Mrs. L. J. Kirk, making the presentation. On Friday morning, October 17th, at 8:15 o'clock, the Command, ery assembled and were escorted to the steamer A. Williams by a delegation from Burlington Commandery, No. 2, under command of of Sir Knight and Col. T. S. Peck. " Before the start the visiting Templars gave a dress parade on Main street, in front of the American Hotel, which, in spite of the early hour, was witnessed by a large crowd. On the march to the wharf a number of evolutions were performed, all showing the fine drill which was so noticeable on the parade of the preceding day. At the wharf the last farewells were said, and the compliment of rousing cheers exchanged ; and handkerchiefs were waved from land and boat as long as the latter was in sight. " The visiting Knights and their ladies declared themselves greatly delighted with Burlington and with the kind and courteous treatment which they received at the hands of the Vermont Sir Knights, and from the gentlemanly proprietors of the Van Ness House and the American Hotel, who showed unwearied pains in caring for their dis- tinguished guests. The treatment was in marked contrast with the boorish and ungentlemanly conduct of the manager of the " Windsor," Montreal, who treated the Templars most shabbily, to their great and deserved indignation. We hope to greet our New York friends again in the future, and they will be always welcomed." — Bu rlington paper. The unbounded hospitality extended by the Burlington Sir Knights was of such a nature that we were loth to part with them. Our stay with them had been a constant ovation, and they apparently could not do too much. Nothing was left undone and the occasion will ever be treasured in our memories as green as the mountains which have caused their State to stand out preeminently among the States of the Union for all that is picturesque and beautiful. The pleasant and warm greeting, the knightly courtesies and the warm friendship thus formed will never be forgotten, and we shall ever hold in sweetest remembrance the members of Burlington Commandery and the citi- zens of that place. During the sail across the lake the L. H. A. of the S. T. M. held a I879.J COMMANDERY, No. I5. 167 court and in dus form conferred that sublime Order on all who had not heretofore fished in deep waters. On arrival at Port Kent, the party took the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company's railroad and expected to arrive in Troy at 1 145 p. M. but were delayed en route and did not reach the city until 3:30 P. M. Upon arrival at home the excursion party were surprised and grati- fied to find eighty Sir Knights of Apollo under command of Em. Sir James W. Cusack, P. C, in line to receive them. After escorting the visiting Commanderies, Clinton, DeWitt Clinton and St. Elmo to the Troy House, Apollo, headed by Austin's band, marched through the principal streets to Washington square, where a dress parade was had, after which they marched to their Asylum. In the evening a delegation escorted the visitors to the steamboat, and amidst Roman candles, Greek fire, etc., with the familiar strains of " One More River to Cross," sent them on their way homeward. Thus ended the excursion, and we review it at this time with pleasure, only regretting that we cannot reproduce many incidents which would have added to the completeness of the account. There is however one thing grown out of this excursion which will ever be with us, and that is the courtesy of our visitors and the warm friend- ship which has been cemented between us as Commanderies and as individual Sir Knights. The following is a list of the officers and staff on the trip : OFFICERS. E. Haslehurst, Em. Sir Theo. Sir Henry B. Thomas, " Henry Stowell, " Abel G. Goldthwait, " David M. Ranken, " Wm. F. Robertson, " Thomas Jessup, " John A. Macdonald, " James L. Thompson, " Samuel Judd, " J. LeRoy Pine, " Conrad Bishop, Commander. Generalissimo. Captain General. Sanior Warden. Junior Warden. Recorder. Standard Bearer, as Sword Bearer, as Warder. First Guard, as Second Guard. Third Guard. Em. Sir Julius R. Pettis, P. C, Chief. Sir D. S. Denison, Em. Sir George B. Smith, P. C, Sir S. A. Skinner, " B. F. Stiles, " S. G. Root, " O. R. Young, " Dr. C. E. Nichols, " Dr. George H. Billings, " Charles Teson, Aid. Engineer. Assistant Engineer. Inspector. Assistant Inspector. Judge Advocate. Surgeon. Assistant Surgeon. Quartermaster. i68 History of Apollo [1879. Sir W. J. Ranken, Assistant Quartermaster. " G. P. Cozzens, Commissary. Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, Paymaster. Sir Wm. Holroyd, Assistant Paymaster. " Wm. R. Hyde, Chaplain. Clinton Commandery, No. 14, of Brooklyn, was under command of Sir James W. Birkett, E. C. St. Elmo Commandery, No. 57, of Greenpoint, which formed a part of Clinton, No. 14, was under command of Sir Alonzo Brymer, E. C. DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of Williamsburgh, was under command of Sir John Z. Johnson, E. C. Accompanying the visiting Commanderies were the following ladies : Mesdames L. J. Kirk, Theo. E. Green, W. H. Bryant, E. H. Dickey, William Tilt, A. C. Squires, Westley Campbell, John Wilkins, J. B. Wilkins and Condit. On the way home the ladies of the party were treated to a ride on the locomotive by the side of the engineer and fireman. There being a number of them, they — the ladies — drew lots, and were admitted by turns to the caboose of the locomotive, and the engineer would then open the valves and speed the train at the rate of sixty miles per hour for a few moments. To Mrs. John W. Simons the credit is due of bringing the train in to the Troy depot, for had she not rang the bell of the engine steadily from Round Lake to the depot, there might have been a possibility of a dangerous ending to the pilgrimage. In preparing this sketch I came across the following card, and thinking that some of the members may understand its import, I give a. fac simile herewith ; Si. 00 I'EI?, BOTTLE. 2 ROTJOSriDS, $8.00. 35^03SrTI?.E!-^rj. As forming a part of the record of the trip, I append the resolutions recommended by the General Committee l879-J COMMANDERY, No. I5. 169 and adopted by the Coramandery at its conclave, Octo- ber 24th. Copies of these, duly authenticated, were transmitted to the parties named therein, and are duly engrossed on our record : Resolved^ That the thanks of this Commendery are extended to the offlceis and memhers of Clinton Commandery, No. 14, K. T., of Brooklyn, New York, and to the Officers and Sir Knights of St. Elmo Commandery, No. 57, K. T., of Greenpoint, New York, for their hearty cooperation on our excursion to Platts- burgh, Montreal and Burlington, which has afforded us so much enjoyment Resolved^ That we highly prize their acquaintance, formed under circum- stances so pleasant, as well as their constant exertions to swell the measure of our festivities, and festooning with fair remembrances the " marble halls and spacious corridors " through which it was our good fortune upon our pilgrimage to pass. Resolved^ That the hearty thanks of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T., are tendered lo DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of Williamsburgh, N. Y , for their earnest efforts to promote the interest, and forward to success our excursion toPlattsburgh, Montreal and Burlington ; and also, for their knightly courtesy and untiring endeavor to promote the pleasure and social cheer which pervaded our party during the entire trip. Resolved, That we will always remember and cherish their acquaintance, as the pleasantest of our lives, not only as Sir Knights, worthy the title, but as gen- tlemen, affable, generous and polite. Resolved^ That the thanks of Apollo Commanders , No 15, K. T., are due and hereby tendered to the officers and members of De Soto Commandery, No, 49, K. T., of Plattsburgh, New York, for the compliment of an escort on the occasion of our visit to Plattsburgh, October 13th, and for acts of courtesy and attention on our excursion. Whereas, The pleasure of any excursion party is materially enhanced by the attention paid to guests by the hotel keepers ; therefore be it Resolved, That we cannot forget the pleasure of recommending to those whose pleasure it may be to sojourn in Plattsburgh, the hospitality of Sir A. M. Warner, of the Witherill House, or in Burlington, Vermont, the courtesy of Sir L. S. Drew, of the American Hotel, and the kindness of Sirs D. C. Barber &Co.,of the Van Ness House ; they were careful and assiduous in supplying every want, and made the day in Burlington (October i6th, 1879), very, pleasant to all. Your Committee would also express their acknowledgments to Mrs. Isaac W. Velsey, of Plattsburgh, for the floral tribute presented Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K.T., while at Plattsburgh, October rsth, 1879. It was not only beautiful in design, but symbolizing as it did the " Welcome " so cheering to the heart of the traveler, it was very pleasant and appropriate. In returning our thanks we would express the hope that she may ever tread the flowery paths of peace and happiness. Whereas, We do not wish to be understood as appropriating to ourselves alone the escort and reception extended to the Templar Excursion Party, Tuesday, October 14th, by a delegation from Richard Coeur de Lion Preceptory of K. T., of Montreal, yet as one of the organizations in line, Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T., hereby tenders its thanks for and acknowledges the courtesy extended to them on that occasion. We would also gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to Sir A. A. Stevenson, P. G. M. of Canada, for many acis of kindness and per- sonal attention while in Montreal. The Committee of Arrangements would also express their thanks to Messrs. W. Wainwright, General Ticket Agent, and J. Stevenson, Superintendent of the Grand Trunk Railroad, for their attention and accommodation on the Templar Excursion trip from Montreal to Lachine, October 15th. ryo History of Apollo [^379. While it has been said that " railroad corporations have no souls," we would record our testimony that all with whom we came in contact on onr excursion, whether connected with the D. & H. C. Co.'s R. R., Wagner Palace Car Co., Champlain Transportation Co., or Grand Trunk R. R., are whole-souled, afiable and ccurteous gentlemen ; their kindness adced materially to the comfcrt of cur trip ; and it is hereby Resolved^ That our thanks ar^ due and tendered for the same. Resolved^ That we highly appreciate the flattering escort, generous welcome and reception extended by Burlington Commanoeky, Xo. -;, K. T,, of Burlington, Vermont, to Apollo Commanderv, No. 15. K. T., on the occasion of our visit to their city en the iCth inst.j as also their unwearied attention and efforts to render our stay pleasant and enjoyable. Resolved^ That in the tender and free use of their beautiful Opera House, we are under many obligations, and which if it is their pleasure we will te pleased to reciprocate. Resolved^ That in their hospitalities, they have emulated the examples of the renowned Knights Hospitallers— that by their fraternal courtesies, as a Com- mandery, and as individual Sir Knights, they have bound Burlington to Troy with a three-fold corJ, and brightened and strengthened the chain which links us with the Grand Army of Knights Templar. Resolved^ That the thanks of Apollo are due, and are hereby extended to Burlington, in the full confidence and hope that the fnecdships formed so auspici- ously iray increase with ctw numbers and strengthen T^ith cur years. Resolved^ That these resolutions be entered in full en our Records as ^souvenir of the iCth of October, 1879, at Burlington, Vermont. Resolved^ That wc highly appreciate the distinguished honor conferred upon this Commandery in the inspection and review^, and for words of compliment and encoxu-agemcnt, ty R. E Sir E S. Dana, Grand Commander of Knights Templar of the £tat3 of Vermont, on the occasion of cur visit to Burlington, en the i6Lh of October, 1879. Resolved^ That we recognize in htm the lineaments of one cast in the true mould of manhood, whose nature is honor, kindness and courtesy. Resolved^ That we recognized in his staff, who honored us with their presence on that occasion, compeers worthy of their Chief, and that our thanks be extended to them for many acts of courtesy and polite aiteniion. Resolved, That in extending our thanks to R. E SirE. S. Dana, we cherish the liveliest hopes and the warmest wishes that cuijraters of Vermont may long be favored with the counsel of so eminent a chief. Resolved^ To Sir Knight R. E. Hill, who accompanied the Templar party on its excursion from Troy to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Burlington, and return, we but put on record the sentiments of every one of the par^, when we say that his part was done faithfully and courteously— no detail was neglected which could contribute tD liic comfort of the party — and many acts of personal attention have laid the Committee of Arrangements under special obligations. We must also add that all the employes of the railroad company who accompanied the special train throughout the trip, were ccurteous and faithful— and that ail the arrangements were carried out as contemplated, proving them worthy of the trust repceed in them. Resolved^ That the thanks of Apollo Commandeky, No. 15, K. T., are due and hereby tendered to Washington Commandeky, No. 33, K. T., of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., for the compliment of an esccrt en the morning of October 16th, i£79, when leaving Plaitsburgh for Burlington. Resolved^ That the tharks of Apcllo Commandery, No. 15, K. T., are due and are hereby tendered to Mr. Jos. Angell, General Ticket Agent of the Delaware l879-] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 171 and Hudson Canal Company's Railroad, fcr the admirable and complete arrange- ments made for the comfort of the Templar Excursion Party to Plattsburgh, Mon- treal and Burlington ; the Committee of Arrangements take great pleasure in bearing their testimony to the faithful manner in which every provision was car- ried cut, and will ever feel under obligations to him for his perscnal attention and courtesy. Resolved^ That we cheerfully tender the thanks of this Commandery to Prof. Fred. Austin and his Tenth Regiment Band, of Albany, for the able manner in which they discharged their duty, and successfully ccmpleted the programme as- signed them on the occasion of our excursion to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Bur- lington, October 13th to 17th, inclusive. Resolved^ That we appreciate their gentlemanly deportment at all times, and their efforts to promote the pleasure and social cheer of our party ; and most cheer- fully recommend them to the patronage of those wishing good music, and as gen- tlemen able, ready, and willing to ''^ fill the •whole bill,'''' Whereas, One of the pleasant episodes of the late excursion from Troy to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Burlington, was the act of the L. H. A., of the S. T. M., through his ^/^, Sir C, F. Beatty— who, out of the abundance of his heart, in- vested every member of the excursion party with the secrets of that ancient and venerable Order instituted by Noah— known as the S. T. M., and by the investi- ture of the badge, depicting as it does so faithfully, " You know how it is your- sel/y'' has laid us under special obligations. We fesl like singing again the song of " DeWitt Clinton," " When Old John Simons^^ etc. Resolved^ That our thanks are due and hereby tendered to M. E, Sir John W. Simons, L H A., fcr his kindness ; and our ardent wish is, that he ever may be in the bow of the boat and never at the stern {vide badge). October 24th. The following resolutions were adopt- ed, expressing the sense of the Commandery in relation to the pilgrimage to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Burling- ton, Vermont : Resolved, That the hearty thanks of this Commandery (and especi- alty that portion comprising our excursion party to Plattsburgh, Mon- treal and Burlington), are due to P. E. Sir Jesse B. Anthony and Em. Sir T. E. Haslehurst, for their judgment in projecting our excursion to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Burlington, and for their indefatiguable labors in perfecting the arrangements, and ceaseless efforts during the entire trip to accommodate each and every Sir Knight or member of the party, and by vsrhose presence the excursion has been rounded to a grand and complete success. Resolved, That for this excursion, every moment of which our cup was effervescing with pleasure, we accord to them the credit of liber- ally contributing to the pleasing draught, and the social cheer which characterized our party during the entire trip. Resolved^ That these resolutions be engrossed upon the record in testimony of our appreciation and respect. The death of Sir A. Liney was announced, and the usual resolutions adopted. November 14th. The following communication was received, and ordered spread upon the minutes : 172 History of Apollo \i^79- Asylum of Clinton Commandery, No. 14, Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 1879. Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst and Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery, No. IS, K. T., Troy, N. K— Greeting : At a regular conclave of this Commandery, held at its asylum on the evening of October 21st, 1879, the follow- ing resolution was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the thanks of this Commandery are due and hereby tendered to Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst and the Sir Knights of his Commandery, for knightly courtesy extended to this Commandery on the occasion of their pilgrimage to Plattsburgh, to attend the sixty- sixth annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York. Courteously yours, [seal.] JAMES W. BIRKETT, Em. Commander. E. S. Van Order, Recorder. The Order of the Temple was conferred by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, by the courtesy of the Em. Com- mander. December 26th. The Commandery assembled to pay the last tribute of affection to the memory of Sir Robert Mcllvaine, who died on the 23d inst., aged 37 years. The funeral ceremonies due a Sir Knight were con- ducted by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony as Prelate. 1880 — January 7th. The Commandery attended the funeral of Sir Henry L. Lovejoy, the services being held in the North Second Street M. E. Church, Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony acting as Prelate. Sir Lovejoy's death occurred at Rindge, N. H., where he had resided during the past four years. Sir Knight Lovejoy was for thirty-five years a resident of this city, and for many years engaged in the grain and feed business at No. 411 River Street. He was an estim- able citizen, and was universally respected for his integrity as well as for his excellent social qualities. Four years ago he retired from business and removed to Rindge, intending to end his life in the se- clusion of that pleasant little village. His remains were brought to the City of Troy for interment. January 23d. Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, on behalf of Sir Frank E. Drake, of Springfield Commandery, Mass., presented to Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst a very handsome l88o.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 173 sword, which was received by him with thanks to Sir Knight Drake — who was present — expressed in a pleasing manner. February 6th. This conclave was one of those bright spots in our history which cannot be lightly passed over. There was a large attendance of the members, and the Commandery was honored by the presence of R. E. Sir Chas. H. Holden, P. G. C. of the Grand Commandery, and after the "guards", had been duly stationed, a delega- tion of Sir Knights from DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of Williamsburgh, consisting of Em. Sir John Z. Johnson, E. C, Sir S. T. Waterhouse, P. E. C, Sir E. H. Dickey, P E. C, Sirs Theo. E. Green, David W. Hamil- ton, Wm. Tilt, J. W. Holbrook, M. Althaus, Thos. Ander- son, Charles L. Pickett, Geo. W. Gritman and J. G. Snare, were received with full honors and duly welcomed. The E. C, Sir J. Z. Johnson, then presented to Apollo aBeaus- sant, as a testimonial of the friendship engendered by our late pilgrimage to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Bur- lington in October last. At the conclusion of the work, the visiting Sir Knights were suitably entertained. There was also present a large delegation from Pitts- field Commandery, of Pittsfield, Mass., and representa- tives from Oriental Commandary, Cleveland, Ohio, Utica Commandery, No. 3, Utica, N. Y., and Washington Com- mandery, No. ^^, of Saratoga Springs. March 12th. Em. Sir James W. Cusack, P. C, ex- tended an invitation to the Commandery, from the Rector of St. John's Church, to be present at the observance of Good Friday, which courtesy was accepted with thanks, and accordingly on March 26th the Commandery as- sembled, proceeded to St. John's Church and listened to a very excellent sermon delivered by the Rector, the Rev. F. L. Norton. Upon returning to the asylum reso- lutions were adopted extending thanks to the Rector for the able address, and also to the vestry of the church for their courtesy and kindness. April 9th. This being the annual conclave, the Em. 174 History of Apollo [t88o. Commander delivered the annual address, abiy review- ing the incidents of the past year, and giving words of counsel and advice, which, if lived up to, would but tend to the prosperity of the Commandery. During the past year ten had been dubbed and created Knights Templar, making the membership 278. The re- ceipts had been $1,595.77, and the assets of the Com- vasLTidery represented 87,761.01. He paid fitting tributes to the knightly dead of the year, urged upan the members the importance of avail- ing themselves of the benefits of life membership, and complimented the Sir Knights on the uniformity with which the members had appeared at the regular conclaves in the uniform appropriate to the work. In alluding to the pilgrimage of last year, he said : " A bright spot in the record of Apollo Commandery for the years '79 and '80 was the pilgrimage to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Bur- lington in October last. Those whose good fortune it was to partici- pate in the pilgrimage will in years to come look back to that event with satisfaction and pleasure. The Commandery lost none of its well-earned reputation, either as to deportment or drill. The Sir Knights who for various reasons were unable to participate in the pilgrimage, will likewise have cause to congratulate themselves, for could anything tend to bind more closely the bond of brotherly love and affection than the glorious reception given by the " Home Guard " on the return of the pilgrims. I doubt if during the annals of Apollo Commandery as large a number of members ever paraded before at one time. In the language of the local press, " it is a body that is able to receive itself." In this connection he also alluded to the fact as one of the incidents arising therefrom that Clinton Command- ery, No. 14, of Brooklyn, had elected Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony as an honorary member, and presented him with an eleganth' engrossed certificate of the same. The Em. Commander concluded as follows : " Now, Sir Knights, in a few short moments we enter upon the im- portant duty of choosing our officers for the succeeding year, see to it that no personalities are brought into the election, strive only to use your franchise for the good of the Order. In so large a body there always has been and always will be differences of opinion. An honest difference of opinion is entitled to respect. When the choice is made, from that time put your shoulder to the wheel and work for l88o.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 175 each others' good. Support your officers in every possible way, for Masonry teaches us " that some must rule and others obey.'' * * * And now, as I surrender the charge you placed in my hands two years ago, if I said it was without feelings of sadness I should say that which was false. The associations formed here, the many pleasant gatherings around our banquet table, will never be erased from my memory. I have endeavored to guard your interests, as I interpreted the laws and regulations. Whatever has been good let it find a place among the remembrances of pleasant things. Whatever has not met your approval let it be forgotton, for I assure you that where errors have been made, they have not been of the heart. " I desire to express my thanks to the officers and members of the Commandery, and especially to the Past Commanders, for the many acts of kindness and courtesy extended to me during my term of office, and as I leave you officially I ask this favor — as you have done unto me, so will you do unto my successor in office.'' April 23d. The officers were installed by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C.,' assisted by Em. Sir Theo. E. Hasle- hurst, P. C. as G. C. G., and at the conclusion of the cerem.onies the installing officer delivered an able and interesting address to the Commandery. The following resolution was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the thanks of this Commandery be extended to Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, for the able, impartial and successful man- ner in which he has filled the office of Commander of this Command- ery, fully discharging all its duties with great credit to this Command- ery, and honor to himself. May 14th. The Treasurer's report showed the receipts of the past year to have been $1,903.02. Sir Jared L. Bacon, a respected and loved member of the Commandery, having died on the 7th inst., the Com- mandery paid its last tribute of respect by depositing his mortal remains in Oakwood Cemetery on the loth inst., in accordance with the ritual of Christian knighthood, the acting Prelate, Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, paying " a beautiful tribute to the memory of our loved associate." The pall bearers were Sirs J. F. Calder, D. W. Ford, S. D. French, W. M. Sanford, H. T. Smith and Jno. A. Mac- donald. At this conclave the Commandery was called from la- bor to refreshment, to enable Bro. A. H. Graves to visit the Commandery for the purpose of returning the thanks 176 History of Apollo [1880. of himself and family for the courtesies extended and respect shown to the memory of one who was inex- pressibly dear to them. Sir Knight Bacon was universally esteemed by his companions ; he was a gentleman of taste and culture, respected for his uprightness of character and probity of conduct, and this early termination of a life fraught with so much promise caused a pang of regret to many a heart. May 28th. At the invitation of the Em. Commander, Em. Sir T. E. Haslehurst, P. C, conferred the order of the Temple. June loth. Death again demonstrated its power in removing from our ranks our loved associate, Sir Gorton P Cozzens, who died on the loth inst., aged sixty-four years. Thus " One by one are passing away," and this loss came near and close to our hearts, for he was one whom every one loved and respected. The Commandery took charge of the funeral, stationed a guard of honor over his remains, and on the day of the funeral (13th inst.) assembled in full ranks to discharge the last tribute of affection. He was buried from Christ church, of which he had long been a member and officer, and his remains were committed to mother earth with the solemn ceremonies ot our Order — the acting Prelate, Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, paying a fitting tribute to the memory of our loved associate. Sir Knight Cozzens was made a Mason September 24th, 1863, in King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91 — subsequently exalted in Apollo Chapter, No. 48, — was also a member of Bloss Council, No. 14, R. and S. M's, and had received the 32d grade in the A. and A. S. Rite — a delegation from Albany Sovereign Consistory, of which he was a member, being present as a body at his funeral. He had held many important trusts in the various bodies to which he belonged, and was at the time of his death the Treasurer of Apollo Chapter, No. 48, an office which he had held eighteen consecutive years. Sir Knight Cozzens was bom in Easton, N. Y., and came to our city about forty years ago. For twenty-eight years past he had success- fully conducted the Northern hotel, and had, on account of ill health, but a few months before his death retired from active business. l88o.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 177 June 2Sth. The Commandery was honored by an official visit from V. E. Sir George W. Walgrove, D. G. C. of the Grand Commandery and Staff, who were most cordially welcomed by the Em. Commander. There were also present Em. Sir Aaron Colton, P. C, and Sir J. K. Vosburgh, E. C, of Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, of Hudson ; Em. Sir J. B. Southworth, P. C. of Monroe Commandery, No. 12, of Rochester, together with a delegation of Sir Knights from Lafayette. September 20th. Special conclave held to take action on the proposed pilgrimage to New York City on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the Egyptian Obelisk, October 9th, and, on motion, the Commandery tendered its services to P. E. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, as escort on that occasion. This invitation was accepted by the M. W. Grand Master in the following letter : Office of the Grand Master of Masons IN THE State of New York, Troy, N. Y., Sept. 27th, 1880. Mr. E. L. Cippsrly, Recorder of Apollo Commandery, No. ij Dear Sir and Knight : — I have the honor to acknowledge your es- teemed favor of the 21st inst., with tender of escort on the occasion of the trip to New York City to participate in the ceremonies attend- ing the laying of the corner stone of the Egyptian Obelisk. By this act of courtesy you have conferred upon me an honor en- tirely unexpected, and it is almost unnecessary for me to say that I appreciate your courtesy. I shall always prize this expression of your knightly regard toward me personally, as one of the bright me- mentoes of my Masonic life. I accept the escort as tendered, and on behalf of the Grand Lodge return thanks for the same. Fraternally and courteously yours, JESSE B. ANTHONY, [private seal.] Grand Master. October 8th.- The Commandery, eighty-five swords in line, under command of Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, P. C, accompanied by Boring's band, 25 pieces, assem- bled at their Asylum and proceeding to the residence of lyS History of Apollo [1880. Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, escorted him to the steamboat on which all took passage for New York to participate in the parade incident to the ceremony of the laying of the corner stone of the Egyptian Obelisk on the succeed- ing day. Upon arrival in New York the Commandery escorted the Grand Master to the St. Nicholas Hotel, which had been made the head- quarters of the Commandery. On the parade, Apollo, as the immediate escort to the Grand Master, was assigned to and did escort the Grand Master and officers of the Grand Lodge from the Temple to the reviewing stand and thence to Central Park. In the newspaper account of the parade mention is made of Apollo as follows : " Apollo of Troy, from their handsome appearance and uniform symmetry in dress, met with a hearty welcome by the citi- zens all along the line." At the conclusion of the parade, Apollo returned to the St. Nicholas and were dismissed until Sunday p. M. During the evening many calls were made by prominent Templars of New York City at the headquarters of the Commandery, and they " were congratulated on the splendid appearance exhibited by them and the eclat given to the occasion by their presence." On Sunday morning a large number of Sir Knights attended divine service and listened to a sermon by Rev. Sir J. Bradford Cleaver. On Sunday evening the Commandery took the steamer for home, and on arrival escorted the Grand Master to his home, and returning to the Asylum, the Commandery was dismissed. In thus recording the honor conferred upon one of its own mem- bers, I cannot allow this opportunity to pass of expressing to one and all the gratification and pleasure conferred upon one who is proud to be enrolled as a member of Apollo Commandery. To Sir Knight U. Welch, the proprietor of the St. Nicholas, for his many attentions — his efforts to make the occasion one of pleasure and enjoyment — for the completeness of all his arrangements, and the valued memento which he courteously gave to each member of the party, the Commandery feels under great obligations, and by a reso- lution subsequently adopted they have placed on record their appre- ciation of him not simply as a host, but also as a Sir Knight. August 14th. It has always been the aim of the mem- bers of Apollo to have their enjoyment, even at the risk of retaliation, and many an occasion of that character can be called to mind which was productive of much merriment, even though somebody got honestly sold. One of the aforesaid occasions is now to be recorded. l88o.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 179 The members of Apollo, appreciating the labors and zealous devotion of Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, ap- pointed a committee to procure a testimonial to be pre- sented to him on behalf of Apollo. Accordingly the com- mittee purchased a magnificent Past Commander's Jewel, as a token of their respect and esteem, and on the even- ing of August 14th the presentation took place in two acts. In the first act Em. Sir J. B. Anthony, representing the committee, presented him with an immense mock jewel as described in the following newspaper account : " Apollo, No. 15, stationed at Troy, rarely forgets an opportunity to have a good time within its social circle. One of those choice seas- ons of fun happened at a pleasant gathering of the sons of Apollo just previous to the departure of some of its leading spirits for the trip to Chicago. Em. Sir Theodore E. Haslehurst became the fortu- nate possessor of a diamond jewel, weighing just 8563^ carets, valued at two hundred and ninety-nine and 7-800 cents. The metal in color was brilliantly white, while the design was superbly blue, in the green forgetfulness of his many reddened friends that laughed vociferously at the precious stones which adorned the unique present. The jewel in length was just 8 feet 11 and 4-6 of an inch, in width, 7 feet 11 7-8 of an inch. The arm of the cross was studded with lap-stones stoutly riveted, while lime, sand, and other rare gems of the mountain rocky glens were adroitly placed where the sparkling wit of the recipient and donors may shine with infinite glory for all time to come. It is said by those who were present and who witnessed the ceremony, that the scene upon disclosing this jewel to the eyes of the vast con- gregation assembled, caused the seams of clothing to rent with undue familiarity. An order was immediately telephoned to every cooper in the city to report for hard work at that asylum, as many were the jaws dislocated, and many suffered with sides splitted to a genteel nicety.'' This was supplemented in the second act, by in- vesting him with the bona fide article. October 2 2d. The death of Sir Robert P. Banfield was announced, and the usual resolutions adopted. The Em. Commander announced that since the last conclave of the Commandery, he had attended the an- nual conclave of the Grand Commandery at Ithaca, N, Y., and it was his privilege to announce officially to the Commandery the honor which had been conferred upon it by the election of Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, P. C, as the Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery. i8o History of Apollo [1880. November 26th. Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, on behalf of the committee on the Haslehurst testimo- nial, reported that the committee had completed its labors by presenting, on Wednesday evening, the 24th inst., to Mrs. Theodore E. Haslehurst a testimonial, con- sisting of a silver tea set, salver and berry dish, inscribed as follows : " Presented to Mrs. A. Elizabeth Haslehurst from personal friends of Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, P. C. of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, K. T., November 25th, 1880." December loth. The death of Sir Egbert H. Dyer was announced, and the usual committee appointed. i88r — Februarj- nth. The death of Sir Emmett Gow- ing was announced, and the usual course adopted. In both of these cases the nature of the disease was such that the Commandery could not conduct any funeral services at the grave. The Em. Commander also announced the death of Sir L. Savery, Jr., who died in Boston, Mass., on the 7th inst., and a committee was appointed to draft resolutions. February 23d. The Commandery by invitation visited Albany on the occasion of the reception of the R. E. Grand Commander, Sir Geo. W. Walgrove and other officers of the Grand Commandery, by Temple Com- mandery, No. 2, of Alban)'. The occasion was one which reflected great credit upon the officers and members of Temple, and the evening was one of enjoyment to the Sir Knights and ladies who were present. The Commandery at a subsequent con- clave adopted resolutions of thanks to Temple for the knightly greeting and hospitality- extended. March 25th. Sir John L. Corj^, of Temple Command- ery, No. 2, was elected an honorary member of Apollo. April 8th. The death of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. C, was announced, and resolutions adopted expressive of the sense of the Commanderj- at their loss. Em. Sir Knight Sims died on the 31st of March, aged fifty years, and he was buried from Christ church on the 2d of April. There was no Masonic service, but by request the bearers were selected from Apollo Commandery. l88l.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 181 Sir Knight Sims had been connected with the Troy City Bank in various capacities for many years, and in 1862 was promoted to the position of cashier, holding that ofiice until 1873. At the time of his death he was manager of the branch office in our city of Messrs. R. G. Dun & Go's mercantile agency. The Order of the Temple was conferred by Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, P. C, assisted by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C. April 2 2d. At the annual conclave the E. C. delivered the annual address. The work of the past year had been fifteen Knights Templar created, making the membership 289. Receipts $2,023.02, assets of the Commandery $8,939.- 22 (including amount owing for dues, $991.00). After alluding in appropriate terms to the dead of the year, seven in number, the E. C. gave utterance to the following beautiful thought : ' ' While we bo w in submission to this decree of inscrutable wisdom, we cannot refrain from manifesting our sorrow and deploring the loss of those whose names have been so long connected with us in social and Masonic ties, agreeable companionship, and knightly fellowship. We trust with the Templar's faith they were not unprepared to meet the great and solemn change, and let me exhort you, Sir Knights, to be prepared to meet this last dread summons. It may come in an instant of time. Let me beseech you not to cast a stain upon our noble Or- der by any act or word unbecoming a true Ghristian, but as a Masonic writer has said : ' If you cannot serve Immanuel, if you find His yoke too heavy. His burden too wearisome, then better lay down your sword, throw off your cloaks and retire from amidst those who with seried ranks of sound hearts, endeavor to meet the struggle before us.'" After referring to other personal matters, the E. C. concluded by asking to be relieved from office, and expressed his thanks " for the kindness and respect which he had received from every officer and member of the Commandery.'' Em. Sir H. B. Thomas was reelected as Commander by a unanimous vote, but again declined on account of the demands of business. The officers-elect were duly installed May 13th, by Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, assisted by Em. Sir i82 History of Apollo [i88i. Theo. E. Haslehurst, P. C, and the Order of Knight of Malta was conferred on twenty-seven Sir Knights. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the thanks of this Commandery are tendered to Em. Sir Henry B. Thomas, P. C, for the faithful manner in which he has discharged the duties devolving upon him as Commander the past year. We recognize in him all those generous qualities which con- stitute the courteous Knight, the true gentleman and the kind asso- ciate. Appreciating the zeal and devotion with which he has labored for the perfect harmony of this Commandery, and desiring to express to him our acknowledgments for the impartial and dignified manner in which he has presided in the chair as the E. C, and at our festive board as the S. M., we sever the oflBcial tie with regret and tender to him the respect, esteem and love of every member of this body, wish- ing him in all things that prosperity and happiness which he deserves, with the hope that even though no longer our Commander, yet as Knights of the Temple we may have the benefit of his presence at our meetings in the years to come. Though the official tie may be severed, yet may the strong cord of association continue to strengthen. May 27 th. Sirs B. V. Simpson and E. C. Shankland were elected honorary members of Apollo. August 14th. The Commandery, eighty Sir Knights in line, accompanied by Boring's band attended the funeral of Sir Eber E. Aldrich, who died on the 8th inst., after a short illness of two weeks, aged twenty-nine years. After funeral services at the house the remains were escorted to the depot, where a special train of eleven coaches carried the party to Williamstown, Mass., where the body was to be deposited. At Williamstown a large concourse of people had as- sembled from North Adams and vicinity, and delegations were also present from Commanderies at Bennington, Vt., and Pittsfield, Mass. The bearers were Sirs T. Jessup, James Kemp, A. Mac- Arthur. Amos Brcughton, C. Nimmo and N. L. Weath- erby. The services of knightly burial were conducted by the Ex-Prelate, Sir Wm. R. Hyde, and were very impres- sive. Sir Eber E. Aldrich was born in Hoosick Falls, and had been con- nected for many years with the Troy & Boston Railroad Co. in various l88l.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. jgj capacities, and at the time of his death was the Superintendent of the road. " He was a young man of great promise. The same probity of life, steadfastness of purpose, loyalty to principle and suavity of manner, that at other places and under other circumstances had surrounded him with friends, attracted to him in the position of superintendent scores of warm and devoted admirers, who valued his friendship, re- spected his character, recognized his marked ability and genius, and predicted for him a brilliant career in his chosen sphere." September 26th. The Commandery participated in the memorial services, held by the city, on the death of Sir Jaifles A. Garfield, President of the United States. The Commandery turned out some seventy-five swords, and participated in the parade and exercises held at Beman Park. The following memorial was adopted and engrossed copies ordered transmitted to the Secretary of State, Columbia Commandery No. 2, of Washington, D. C, Grand Commandery of the State of New York and the family of the deceased. IN MEMORIAM. ^ir ^ttiglxt Samjes gi. Garfield, Twentieth President of the United States : Born in Ohio, Saturday, November 19th, 1831.— Died at Elberon, N. J., Monday, September 19th, 1881.— Knighted in Columbia Commandery, No. H, Washington, D. C, May 18th, 1866. To-day, all over the United States, from the hills of Maine, kissed by the beams of the rising sun, to the western shores of the Pacific slope, where the waves chant their evening farewell to the god of day — from the northernmost borders to the sunny groves of the South, do we find the people gathered together for a special object : to pay a tribute of love and respect to the memory of our martyred chief. In this we are not 184 History of Apollo [1881. alone, for all the nations of the earth, in spirit, unite with us in these sad ceremonies. As it has been fitly said, "All nations are standing as one man, looking into an open grave." Why this universal expression of sor- row ? The hand of death is ever with us, laying his fiat upon the high and low, the rich and poor. No one, whether placed upon the highest pinnacle of worldly grandeur, or in the humble walk of obscurity, is free from the inexorable mandate. The voice of lamentation is heard, not only in high places, but also from the lowly cottage and humblest hamlet, and grief fills our hearts to-day. ' ' Our nation in sorrow and S3nmpathy weeps ; Our nation's sad voice fills the air," for our chieftain, Sir Knight James A. Garfield, Presi- dent of the United States, has passed into that rest which is the heritage of all. The intelligence, flashed to every city and land, has caused the wheels of trade to stop, checked the voice of pleasure and clothed the country in the sable garment of mourning. Never before in the history of the world has the great heart of the people been so vitally touched. Our proud ensign is set at half- mast, the slow minute gun sends forth its thunder, the bells toll their mournful sound, the solemn dirge is heard in many an edifice of worship, the prayer of sympathy wells forth from many a heart, and in silence we gather in commemoration of the solemn ceremonies of burial now taking place in that western city where is to repose all that was mortal of Sir Ja.mes A. Garfield. A hero has fallen, not indeed in the ranks of the glorious fight, not as a result of enfeebled age — "No, he fell 'neath a. sunny and unclouded sky, In the strength of his manhood and pride ; There was joy in his heart and love in his eye, And honor's true type by his side. " He fell while rejoicing in song was our land. As we hailed the proud day of her birth ; He fell by the stealthy assassin's red hand On the breast of the daisy-clad earth. '■ 1 88 1.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 185 By this dispensation of God's providence we are called to assemble in solemn conclave to give expression of our sorrow at the loss sustained by us as a people. The lines of political feeling are for the time obliterated, and as a unit the whole country responds to the call of duty and sympathy. Were we to review the life of Sir Knight James A. Garfield we should find contained therein all the elements which make up a noble and consistent man- hood, the characteristics of the eminent statesman, the wise counsellor, the brave warrior, the loyal and patriotic cit- izen, the patient sufferer and the true Christian. The history of his life, although short in years comparatively, cannot but indelibly impress its lessons upon the scroll of our country's history, and his name will ever be found among those honored ones who have given their lives for their country's welfare. His life, it is true, is ended, but the influence of his example, the nobleness of his principles, his self sacrifice and his true devotion, will never cease to to be felt in the councils of our nation and amongst the people. The President is dead, but "God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives." As a Fraternity, members of the Chivalric Order of Knights Templar — of which Sir James A. Garfield was an honored member — we lament his death, and shall ever proudly cherish the memory of our beloved frater. Ever a consistent Mason, in active membership in Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Consistory, we mourn his loss as a brother. His pure life could not prevent the blow, the prayers of the people could not be answered as they wished, and believing that He who ruleth hath permitted that which will yet be for the good of the people, we bow in humble submission. By it the nation has been unified and realizes as it never did before the brotherhood of man. With this memorial of respect we desire to ex- press our sympathy for the family, the pleasant and close relations of which have been severed by the loss of the loved one. Resolved, That a page of our records be suitably in- i86 History of Apollo [i88i. scribed to the memory of Sir Knight James A. Garfield ; our Jewels be draped in mourning the customary period, and that we, as a Commandery, in funeral order, unite in the solemn memorial services of the day. JESSE B. ANTHONY, THEO. E. HASLEHURST, JOSEPH W. SMART, JOHN F. SHAFER, A. G. GOLDTHWAIT, Committee, The Masonic Temple was beautifully draped in mourn- ing, and the memorial badge ordered worn the customary period. pilgrimage to poughkeepsie. This year the Grand Commandery held its annual con- clave at Poughkeepsie, and the Commandery having re- solved to have an excursion there, a committee was duly appointed, the E. C. as chairman, and the necessary ar- rangements made therefor. The committee early secured the Nelson House as the headquarters of the Commandery and chartered the steamer Belle Horton to carry the party to Poughkeepsie, and also to be used on Wednesday for the purpose of making an excursion to West Point. Learning that Monroe Commandery, No. 12, of Rochester, pro- posed to escort V. E. Sir S. V. McDowell, Deputy Grand Com- mander, from Rochester to Poughkeepsie, an invitation was extended them to join our party at Albany and be our guests to Poughkeepsie. This was found to be impracticable as the boat would not arrive at Poughkeepsie in time for the opening of the Grand Commandery at 10 A. M., and they were obliged to decline, promising however to accept the other portion of the invitation, which was to accompany our party on the excursion to West Point, and also to return with us by boat on Thursday. Arrangements had been made for the welfare of the inner man in the form of lunch and refreshments on board the boat, and for the purpose of recreation and enjoyment a piano kindly loaned by Sir Nelson L. Weatherby, of Messrs. Cluett & Sons', was placed upon the steamer, and as usual upon trips of this nature by the Commandery, a new collection of glees, entitled "Apollo Striking the Lyre," was printed for distribution. Besides the songs contained therein, " Going to the Shucking, "" Auld Lang Syne," " One More River," "Mary Ann," " Hark, Baby, Hark," " Monroe i88i.J COMMANDERY, No. 1 5. 187 PIi:.CrFt.I]M[.A.G-E: i><>n:sxii October 4th-6th, 1881. RIBBON BADGE. i88 History of Apollo [1881. Boys to the Front," " In the Morning," etc., the book was illustrated with cuts and interspersed with local hits at diflferent members of the party which rendered it in many respects a genuine surprise party to some of the recipients. That no expense was spared it will only be necessary to mention that some of the victims, receiving intelligence that they were to be prominently mentioned, made the necessary ar- rangements and went to the expense of procuring an elaborate wood cut of the Commander, finished in the highest style of art, and sur- reptitiously inserted the same in the book without the knowledge of the E. C, and hence the gun when it went off, kicked back. It was the soiurce of much merriment and helped materially to add to the social zest of the party. With the party there was an auxiliary asso- ciation inaugurated on the trip of Monroe to Chicago in 1880, called the " Grand Commandery of the City of Troy,'' and the mem- bers of that "gang" are never found wanting on occasions of this character. It is very select in its membership, and it will only be necessary to mention a few of those who compose it to demonstrate its high-toned character : Sirs J. H. Lloyd, Geo. F. Greene, T. E. Haslehurst, of Apollo ; John H. Bonnington, Wm. H. Morris, of St. Elmo ; John A. Davis, of Monroe, and other congenial lights. The Commandery, accompanied by Doring's Band and Halligan's Drum Corps, left Troy on the morning of Tuesday, October 4th, at 7 \. M., by the steamer Belle Horton, and reached Poughkeepsie about 2 o'clock. They were received by a delegation from Pough- keepsie Commandery, No. 43, and escorted to their headquarters at the Nelson House, "presenting a fine appearance and attracting much attention." The grand parade was to take place at 2:30 P. M., and consequently after a short rest the Commandery marched to the place assigned in line and took part in the parade. The line was formed in the following order and numbered not far from one thou- sand Sir Knights in all ■ Chief of Police Brooks and Police Captain Leahy. Platoon of Police. Twenty-first Regiment Band, twenty pieces. Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43. O'Brien's Sixty-ninth Regiment Band, eighteen pieces. Columbian Commandery, No. i, of New York, Sir Wm. D. Way, E. C. Austin's Band, twenty-eight pieces. Temple Commandery, No. 2, of Albany, Sir M. W. Stickney, E.C. Grafulla's Seventh Regiment Band, twenty pieces. Morton Commandery, No. 4, of New York, Sir John W. Graham E. C. Chase's Band, eighteen pieces. Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, of Hudson, Sir John K. Vosburgh E. C. l88l.] COMMANDERY, No. 1 5. 189 Constantine Commandery, No. 48, of New York, Sir R. H. Fested, E. C. Gerome Williams' Band, seventeen pieces. Rondout Commandery, No. 52, of Rondout, Sir J B. Alliger, E. C. Cyrene Commandery, No. 39, of Rochester, Sir John C. Smith, E.C. Doring's Band, twenty-five pieces. Halligan's Drum Corps, eleven pieces. Apollo Commandery, No. 15, of Troy, Sir Henry Stowell, E. C. Eighth Regiment Drum Corps, twelve pieces. York Commandery, No, 55, Sir Charles Fobes, E. C. Fifty-fourth Regiment Band, twenty-five pieces. Monroe Commandery, No. 12, of Rochester, Sir George F, Loder, E. C. Brooklyn Band, sixteen pieces. Clinton Commandery, No. 14, of Brooklyn, Sir A. W. Peters, E.C. DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of Williamsburgh, Sir Theo. E. Green, E. C. Twelve carriages containing the Grand and Past Grand Officers, Committee of Arrangements, etc. The parade was under the general supervision of the following : Grand Marshal, Sir Alfred F. Lindley. Aids, Sirs Thomas J. Brennan, J. A. Thompson, E. P. Bogardus, Wm. Scott, Court B. Cunley, C. L. Odell, James A. Teter, R. Ken- worthy, W. H. Sutcliff, F. E. Basley, John Hill and J. W. Bartrum. The line of march was through Washington to Main, Main to Cath- arine, Catharine to Mansion, Mansion to Hamilton, Hamilton to Main, Main to Market, Market to Cannon, Cannon to Hamilton, Hamilton to Church, Church to Clinton, Clinton to Montgomery, Montgomery to Eastman Park, where an exhibition drill exempli- fying the new street tactics was given by Monroe Commandery Drill Corps of Rochester. The daily papers in speaking of the different Commanderies on the march, had the following in relation to Apollo : " Apollo Command- ery, of Troy, with Doring's band, attracted a great deal of attention. This organization went to the expense of chartering the steamer Belle Horton for its trip, and arrived with flags of all nations flying at the mast at 1:30 p. M. The Troy Knights embrace some of the leading citizens of that enterprising city, including many men of wealth and high official and social standing. Trojans are proud of it, and have reason to be. Eminent Commander Stowell received many compliments on the fine appearance of his command, and Doring's band came in for a large share of praise." Also one critic (who had probably been seen) said: "The handsomest Commandery was Apollo, of Troy." The exhibition drill given by Monroe Commandery, No. 12, of 190 History of Apollo [t88i. Rochester, at Eastman Park, a corps that has a well-deserved reputa- tion as being the best in New York State, was witnessed by at least five thousand persons. "The scene about the park was a brilliant one. Gaily attired ladies and children, handsome equipages filled with fair faces, the trees and foliage, the vast velvety lawn, the marble wall and gateway, the lake and fountain, and the elegantly uniformed Knights, all made a picture that will long be remembered by those who looked upon it. As quickly as possible the Com- manderies were ordered for inspection and review. The general officers assembled under a tree, which made the spot a reviewing stand. The Commanderies then formed a circle about the' park and Monroe Commandery marched out upon the lawn and the exhibition drill commenced. The Commander seemed to have excellent control of his men, the movements were quickly and splendidly executed. The marching was steady, alignments perfect and distances well defined and well preserved. It was evident that the officers and men understood their business thoroughly." After a dress parade Monroe concluded the drill by a beautiful ex- hibition of the sword exercise, and the line was again reformed and passed in review by the Grand Officers, and the several Commander- ies went to their headquarters. The evening was spent in the enterchange of social courtesies be- tween individual Sir Knights and different Commanderies. Apollo in a body called upon and serenaded Monroe at their headquarters at the Morgan House, and it is needless to say that the parlors of that (Commandery were the scene of good fellowship and cordiality ; " the air was full of music,'' and the glee club was heard from. The Grand Commandery held an evening session and elected officers for the ensuing year. V. E. Sir Simon V. McDowell, of Monroe Commandery, No. 12, was elected R. E. Grand Commander, and out- side of his own Commandery I do not think that any other Command- ery rejoiced any more than Apollo, that the Grand Commandery had honored itself by the selection of V. E. Sir McDowell of Monroe to fill this high and honorable position. On Wednesday Apollo accompanied by Monroe, No. 12, and Cy- rene, No. 39, of Rochester, with members of the Grand Commandery and lady guests had an excursion to West Point. The trip was taken on the Belle Horton, and while it was pleasant, yet the weather being very cold and windy, marred somewhat the enjoyment. On returning, reaching Poughkeepsie at 5 p. m., the Sir Knights pre- pared for the public installation of the officers of the Grand Com- mandery, to be held in the evening at the Opera House, and also at- tended the reception given in honor of the R. E. Grand Commander by Monroe Commandery, No. 12, at their headquarters. Visits were also received at the headquarters of Apollo from dis- tinguished Sir Knights and different Commanderies, and the time was fully occupied far into the night (?). l88l.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. igi On Thursday, October 6th, at 10:30 A. M., the Sir Knights, accom- panied by members of Monroe and Cyrene Commanderies, took the Belle Horton for home. Arriving at Hudson, the party disembarked and made a short street parade at that place. They were most cordially welcomed by Em. Sirs Evans, Magoon aud other Sir Knights of Lafayette Commandery, No. 7. The party arrived at Troy at about 5 p. M., and marched direct to the Asylum, where after con- gratulatory speeches by Sirs Samuel Foster, Haslehurst and Anthony of Apollo, also by Sirs F. H. Vick, of Monroe, and J. H. Bonnington, of St. Elmo, the command was dismissed, and thus ends another of those pleasant affairs which have tended so much to build up our Commandery into a social organization. Upon the report of the General Committee, November 25th, resolutions of thanks were adopted to Em. Sir H. Stowell for the song books furnished, to Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony for the Garfield memorial badges given to each member, and also to Halligan's Drum Corps and the officers of the Belle Horton. The sojourn in Poughkeepsie was rendered pleasant by many acts of attention on the part of the members of Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43, and in commemora- tion thereof the Commandery at a regular conclave, November 25th, adopted the following resolutions : Whereas, On the occasion of the pilgrimage of Apollo Command- ery, No. 15, to Poughkeepsie in October, at the annual conclave of the Grand Commandery, we were received and most cordially wel- comed by the Sir Knights of Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43, thereby adding very much to the pleasures incident to that trip ; therefore, be it Resolved, That we recognize in the Sir Knights of Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43, those generous and knightly qualities which should ever characterize the valiant and magnanimous Knights of the Order, and we shall ever hold in the kindliest remembrance the hos- pitality and courtesy extended to us as Sir Knights, making as they did our sojourn in their city one loi unalloyed and continuous enjoy- ment. Resolved, That while it is impossible for us to particularize the names those who were with us "in season and out of season," we must mention our indebtedness to Em. Sir W. Morgan Lee, P. C. and his associates on the committee for countless favors. We tender to the officers and Sir Knights of Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43, the thanks of this Commandery. The following extract from an Ithaca paper tells its own story : 192 History of Apollo [1881. " At the 68th annual conclave of the Grand Commandery in session at Poughkeepsie, Em. Sir John S. Perry of Troy closed his twenty- ninth year of service as Grand Treasurer, and was then allowed to retire from official duties. Em. Sir Ralph C. Christiance, of Ithaca, was chosen his successor. In a quiet way, this genial frater, in con- sideration of the advanced age and pecuniary condition of Em. Sir Perry, generously offered to donate the salary attached to the office as long as he may be elected and Sir Perry survive. In view of this knightly and liberal offer, we understand that Apollo Commandery, Xo. 15, of Troy, to which Em. Sir John S. Perry has long been at- tached, has passed a series of resolutions laudatory of the magnanim- ity and chivalrous bearing of Em. Sir R. C. Christiance." The resolutions, adopted October 28th, were as fol- lows : Whereas, At the last annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, for satisfactory reasons, Em. Sir John S. Perry, who had held the office of Grand Treasurer of said body for the past twenty-nine years, was allowed to retire from official duties ; and Whereas, Em. Sir R. C. Christiance, of Ithaca, N. Y., was elected to fill said office, an honor which could not have been conferred upon one more worthy of the position ; and Whereas, On account of the long service of Em. Sir John S. Perry, his advanced age and his present situation, the said Sir R. C. Christiance in that spirit of liberality which has ever characterized him in his dealings Masonically and otherwise, has offered to donate the salary attached to said office, as long as he may be elected, to the said Sir John S. Perry, a worthy and respected member of our Com- mandery ; therefore, be it Resolved, That as a Commandery we cannot but testify of our ap- preciation of the nobleness of this offer, and the generosity of our worthy and esteemed frater, Em. Sir R. C. Christiance. We tender to him our congratulations on his accession to the office of Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, and assure him that his kindness to a worthy and aged Sir Knight, one who has many claims upon us locally, will ever be cherished by us with the kindliest recollections ; and we trust that he will receive the reward, so eminently his due, in the proud satisfaction of knowing that the office came to him unsought as a token of respect and confidence, and we hope and trust that He who seeth all will in the time to come abundantly reward our Em. fratet for his nobleness and magnanimity. In response to a circular from the Grand Recorder, Em. Sir Robert Macoy, Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, P. C, pre- sented " a very interesting history of the Commandery 3u M M On3 * W/ %^^(?*4^^# Ifpidaii ^.DQmc^, -4 : Jlppil 14, 1882. § i r- fli 1 1 i g fi eijoii ate ftctcCuj. SUfflfflOneD l-o al-l-cnb iTic tliiii-tiat tioiiclci-rc oi ^ polio H,on)n;aijdeiii|, |^o. 16. I^.NGH'PS ©EMPLAI^, fill CQasonig ©emplb, ©i^oy, n. y. vt'ot tfvc Saij^nie^vh oF '-Duc.^ anb Si'cctioii oj; 0|-'|-'tccr ,^. BY oi^DE^ OF 15. ssoweiiii, e. s. l^BGOI^DBI^. '•TIk (!-•>, ^ l88l./ COMMANDERY, No. 15. I93 from its organization in 1839, to the present time," and the same was ordered transmitted to the Grand Recorder for publication in the transactions of the Grand Com- mandery. It was on motion resolved that Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony be requested to continue his labors, and prepare a full and complete history of this Commandery for pub- lication. November nth. A new code of by-laws were adopted, and also regulations governing cases and uniforms in the armory. November 25th. The following complimentary letter was received from Monroe Commandery, No. 12, station- ed at Rochester, N. Y.: To Apollo Commandery, No. ij, stationed at Troy, N. Y. , Greeting : Whereas, During the recent pilgrimage of Monroe Commandery, No. 12, to the City of Poughkeepsie, to attend the sixty-eighth annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of the State of New Yorlc, it was the pleasing privilege of the Sir Knights of this Commandery to re- ceive sundry courtesies from their esteemed fraters of Apollo Com- mandery, No. 15, which included the interesting excursion on the Hudson river to West Point, and subsequently up the river to Albany ; therefore be it Resolved, That the thanks of this Commandery are hereby cordially tendered to Em. Sir Henry Stowell and the Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery, for the manifold attentions, unbounded hospitality and exceeding good will shown to our pilgrims, on the memorable days of the fourth, fifth and sixth of October, 1881. Moreover, we would es- pecially single out for our feeble words of praise, the fraternal kind- ness and courtesies of Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony and Em. Sir Theo- dore E. Haslehurst, "while on the sparkling Hudson we bounded, and the white waves round the prow in murmurs parted." Resolved, That in token of the courtesies and knightly bearing of our chivalric fraters of Apollo, No. 15, we, the Sir Knights of Mon- roe, No. 12, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of New York, do hereby tender them a ■welcome and reception in the City of Rochester, the time and place to be named at an early day. Adopted in stated conclave of Monroe Commandery, stationed at Rochester, N. Y., on Friday evening, November 3d, 1881. Signed by the committee and attested by the seal of the Command- ery. 13 194 History of Apollo [1882. 1 882 — March loth. A communication was received from Columbia Commandery, No. 2, Washington, D. C, ac- knowledging the receipt of the memorial adopted by this Commandery on the death of the late President of the United States, Sir James A. Garfield. April 7th. The Commandery, with Past Commanders R. E. Sir George Babcock, Em. Sir James W. Cusack, Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, Em. Sir John S. Perry, Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, Em. Sir Henry B. Thomas and Em. Sir George B. Smith, attended divine service, Good Fri- day, at St. Paul's church. April 14th. At the annual conclave there was a large attendance of the members, and the Em. Commander, Sir Henry Stowell, delivered the annual address. He presented a careful review of the past year, allud- ing to the assassination of the late President, Sir James A. Garfield, paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of Sir Eber E. Aldrich, the only severed link of the past year — recalled the incidents of the pilgrimage to Pdugh- keepsie at the last annual conclave of the Grand Com. mandery, and the social pleasures afforded by the monthly assemblies of the drill corps. After due acknowledge- ment to the Almighty Father for his watchful care and protection, he said : " Let us acknowledge these benefits by a firm determination that we will more truly live up to the high principles here inculcated, that we will make the Christian religion and the practice of the Christian virtues the rule and guide of our lives, and endeavor to show to those who come to learn our mysteries, that our practices and precepts go hand in hand." The work of the past year had been eleven dubbed Knights Templar, making the present membership 298. The receipts of the past year had been 81,789.16, and the balance in the hands of the Treasurer $439.02. The Commander congratulated the Commandery on the general good attendance at the regular conclaves the past year, thanked the officers for their conscientious dis- charge of duty, and impressed upon the members the im- portance of attending the monthly drills, giving the Sir Knights as a motto : " Eternal drilling is the price of ex- cellence." I882.J COMMANDERY, No. I5. 195 "And now, Sir Knights, I have attempted to give you a brief report of the transactions by and in this Commandery for the past year, and on retiring from this position 1 can but faintly express to you the thankfulness I feel for the many honors and courtesies received from you. In all the positions in which I have been placed, from that of guard to Eminent Commander, I have tried to discharge the duties devolving upon me to the best of my ability. * * * Our labors here the past year. Sir Knights, have been with this thought, this hope — that the lessons here to be learned, that the good seed we have at- tempted here to sow, might grow up leading us all to holier lives, and finally becoming, as it were, a bright light to illuminate our pathway down the dark valley. May it be the lot of all of us to wear this crown, so that when Heaven's bright morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee, this prize may become in brightness like the guid- ing star, that shall lead us on, and on, even through the very gates of the Holy City." The assets of the Commandery, including dues of members, represents the sum of $9,308.88. The present officers of the Commandery are Em. Sir Henry Stowell, Commander. Sir A. G. Goldthwait, Generalissimo. " S. V. Sturtevant, Captain General. " William R. Hyde, Prelate. " John F. Shafer, Senior Warden. " Samuel Judd, Junior Warden. " Levi H. Button, Treasurer. " Edward L. Cipperly, Recorder. " James H. Lloyd, Standard Bearer. " Conrad Bishop, Sword Bearer. " Arthur Mac Arthur, Warder. " C. F. Butterworth, Third Guard. " Franklin O. Stiles, Second Guard. " Charles E. Wilson, First Guard. " Charles Teson, Captain of Guard. " George F. Greene, Organist. Trustees — Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, one year ; Em. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, two years ; Em. Sir James W. Cusack, three years. The regular conclaves of the Commandery are held on the second and foujth Fridays of each month. In concluding this compilation and history of Apollo Commandery, No. 15, I have but a few words to add. 196 History of Apollo [1882. apollo drill company. Many of the Sir Knights desiring to attain greater per- fection in the outside tactics of the Commandery, which could only be had by a regular organization under mili- tary discipline, organized November 27th, 1880, Apollo Drill Company, having a regular code of by-laws, an in- itiation fee, fines for non-attendance at the regular drills, which are held monthly, and the organization numbers at the present time fifty-four members. The principle of the organization is the same as that followed by Mon- roe Drill Corps, and while Apollo is yet in its infancy, still if the organization is kept up (as it should be), the time will come when Apollo Commandery will be able to point with pride to its Drill Company. Adopting the principle that " all work and no play" does not always tend to the best success of an organization of this nature, they propose to supplement the work by a few assemblies, having their lady friends present to join in the pleasures of the social party. One social was held in December, which was fully at- tended and enjoyed by all present, and it is to be fol- lowed by others. LIST OF MEMBERSHIP. I have compiled a full list of the members created in the Commandery since its organization, and of that num- ber only five of those created previous to 1857, remain on the roll at the present date, as members in good stand- ing, viz : Sir Horace K. Smith, knighted February 1, 1840. Sir Otis G. Clark, knighted March 21, 1845. Sir Samuel Tappin, knighted May 18, 1855. Sir Francis C. White, knighted January 18, 1856. Em. Sir John S. Perry, the only surviving charter member. In connection with the tabulated statement showing the progress of the Commandery (to be found on a sub- i882.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 197 sequent page) it is interesting to note the fact that out of the First hundred members to 1855, Second " " 1864, Third " " 1869, Fourth " " 1873, Fifth " " 1879, Remaining " 1882, 4 are now members. 34 57 66 80 57 Making 298 as the present mem- bership, and further that the average term of member- ship of all who have been created is but a fraction over nine years. This average would be less were it not for the life membership plan, and it proves that the system of life membership adopted is correct in principle, and will ultimately be to the advantage of the body, while at the same time being just to the members. The list of officers of the Commandery is as complete as can be now made. The annual returns to the Grand body only include the names of the Council Officers, Treasurer and Recorder, and hence some blanks occur in the earlier years, which now cannot be filled. The progress of the life membership fund in the Com- mandery has been as follows : In the year 1871, " 1872, " i873, " 187s, " 1876, " 1877, " 1879, " 1880, " 1881, 8 " 1882, 3 Making a total of 104 nine of whom have died and one dimitted, making the present number of life members ninety-four. 52 members. 6 I 3 19 3 4 5 198 History of Apollo [1882. official honors. The roll of membership since the organization of the Commandery includes many who have been prominent in our city, held positions of honor and trust, and the fol- lowing have been honored by oflficial position in the Grand bodies of Masonry : Sir John S. Perry, M. E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, and Em. Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery. Sir George Babcock, 33°, R. E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York. Sir James Gibson, M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Sir Jesse B. Anthony, 33°, M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge and Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, 32°, Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, (1881). Sir Henry B. Harvey, 32°, 111. Principal Conductor of the Works of the Grand Council R. and S. M. (Died in office). Sir Archibald Bull, 33°, Grand Master of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, and also Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of K. T. of the United States. Sir Alex. B. King, 32°, D. D. G. M., of the 12th Masonic District, and 111. P. C. of the Works of the Grand Council R. and S. M. Sir James Hegeman, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York. Sir Richard Bloss, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council R. and S. M. of the State of New York. (Died in office). Sir Benj. Marshall, Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Encamp- ment of the State of New York. Sir Henry L. Palmer. 33°, (Knighted in Apollo). Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Wisconsin, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment K. T. of the United States, and Sov. Grand Com- mander of the A, and A. S. R. for the Northern Masonic Ju- risdiction of the United States. Sir Charles H. Holden, 32°, (Knighted in Apollo). R.E.Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery. Sir J. Lea\itt Lambert, 32°, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. Sir and Rev. J. Bradford Cleaver, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge and Grand Council R. and S. M. Sir David M. Raxkek, 32^, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge. l882.] COMMANDERY, No. I5. 199 Sir Daniel W.Tallcott, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge and D. D. G. M. of the 12th Masonic District. Sir Joel G. Candee, Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of the State of New York. Sir Geo. B. Glendenning, Grand Generalissimo of the Grand En- campment of the State of New York. Having now presented a record of Apollo Command- ery, No. 15, for the past forty-three years, the duty as- signed me is ended. Apollo has ever had the reputation of being composed of a class of men who were active workers in all branches of Masonry, and zealous laborers in the cause of Tem- plarism. The record of our body is one of which we need not to be ashamed, active and zealous in work, harmonious in its membership, it has been successful in all its under- takings. In the preparation of this history I have omitted all occurrences of a purely personal character, whether in acts of charity or otherwise, believing that all such be- long to the inside history of our lives, and should not be made public. The written record discloses many acts of charity and knightly assistance to worthy and distressed members, bright spots in its history, and proves that charity and hospitality were characteristic of the membership. Such deeds are recorded on that scroll which will be unrolled at the final day, and unto each shall be given the reward due to faithful craftsmen. ' ' Broad the tract that lies before us ; Never mourn the days of old, Time will not troubled years restore us, Past is iron — future gold !" " Press we on thro' good and ill, Progress be our watchwoid still.' History of Apollo [li ' ' Oh ! deep enchanting prelude to repose, The dawn of bliss, the twilight of our woes 1 Yet half I hear the panting spirit sigh. It is a dread and awful thing to die ! Daughter of Faith, awake ! arise ! illume The dread unknown, the chaos of the tomb : Hark! On heavenly winds that waft them from the sky. Float the sweet tones of star-born melody ; Sweet as the hallow'd anthem sent to hail Bethlehem's shepherds in the lowly vale, When Jordan hush'd his waves, and midnight still Watch'd on the holy towers of Zion hill : — The soul shall live ! the tomb is but the way. That leads to endless life, and endless day." i882.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 201 IN REMEMBRANCE. Though lost to sight, to memory dear." OFFICIAL. Jas. Hegeman, P.E.C. Richard Bloss, P.E.C. R.W. Kenyon, P.E.C. Marcus Ball, P.E.C. *Geo. F. Sims, P.E.C. *H. B.Harvey, P.E.C. Benj. Marshall, John W. Brooks, Robert Morrison, J. F. Saunders, Albert P. Heartt, Stephen Andres, James H. Wilner, Francis J. Keeney, Anthony Goodspead, E. R. Rockwood, Geo. Christie, P. S. Mallery, James M. Duel, Wm. Wells, C. S. Houghton, Peter Schoonmaker, Chas. H. Davis, *R. P. Banfield, Geo. S. Kenyon, W. L. Kipp, John B. Colegrove, Jas. F. Kilfoile, James S. Thorn, Hiram House, *Joseph C. Hair, Gorton P. Cozzens, Lyman Powers, MEMBERS. J. F. Dakin, W. McManus, Chas. A. Mott, A. Lutzelberger, C. W. Brush, *James Remington, W. J. Wheeler, John L. Flagg, H. J. Bennett, W. J. Newman, R. W. Laithe, Robert Morris, *George C. Gage, W. H. Jackson, Alfred Woodworth, J. W.Vosmerbaumer, Geo. I. Pratt, *L. Savery, Jr., Chas. Stone, Royal C. Levings, David Taylor, Elisha Lovett, Benj. Cheney, W. B. Sturgess, Joseph C. Taylor, Jacob Danker. Emmett Gowing, D. Simpson, J. A. Gladding, E. E. Aldrich, J. L. Bacon, *Robert Mcllvaine Chas. C. Clark, A. G. Gardner, *Authur Cobden, Barney Mee, A. Liney, R. Marshall, H. L. Love joy, S. Hawley, C. V. Snyder, John C. Prout, E. H. Dyer, Alfred T. Purdy. ♦Life members. History of Apollo [1882 TABULATED STATEMENT OF MEMBERS. Created. Affiliated and Re.'toKd. Suspended Wthd'wn . IHscharg'd Xon-pay- ment of Dne«. Dad. Nsl. 1839, (C. M).. 15 1840 22 37 1841 6 •i 3 38 1842 7 3 42 1843 1 .. j 1 3 39 1844 1 2 39 1845 4 43 1846 1 44 1847 1 4 44 1848 a 1 2 45 1849 3 1 6 1 41 1850 4 1 4 1 39 1851 2 •) ' 1 38 1852 3 ■^ 41 1853 4 ! 1 44 1^4 4 1 47 1855 11 1 5 52 1856 7 .. i 1 2 2 54 1857 14 .. 1 .. 1 . 67 1858 7 74 1859 9 ' 84 1860 B 1 5 3 S3 1861 7 90 1862.. . .... 6 1 1 91 1863 22 3 114 1864 42 3 11 1 142 1865 25 14 2 3 149 1866 23 3 6 164 1867 16 5 ' 2 2 171 1868 7 1 3 4 169 1869 12 .. 1 2 178 1870 18 ; 3 193 1871 18 2 3 4 202 1872 27 1 5 222 1873 28 ■• i -4 12 4 230 1874 ■zt .. 1 3 5 5 214 1875 21 ■i ' i 3 1 3 1 259 1876 18 ,: 1 1 1 274 1877 12 .) 1 4 283 1878 15 2 2 17 5 276 1879 14 2 1 19 2 270 1880 10 7.2 ! .. 6 279 1881 18 1 3 i 3 292 1882, Apl. 14 . 6 \ 1 ■■ 298 531 i 24 5 1 55 40 i 78 79 298 I882.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 203 a: w u h 0} i; ^ ^ rt- , . £ s Si d SI la SG, , 4j «j3 •o 3 : &• Qb O O i CQ- : a, D5 OJ 4j t^ OJ 1 q 3- - DC &\j(i!pj u ; P'O S Sajpjn ^ MSbJpJ M ti-agP-'Sss «= OSS ft"? 3^ "S " 3 8 a "^^^ I- o 9 = .Q T- - - ffi- *5^ il u o vi o c ■ ■ ■ • : _i^ 3 O 3 tiJ3C line .r_,._ir_, aJ I-, or* >t-< e o ! • £" ^a M ^ oi«hB >, >» fiSi — H= S- ' = Q n Hi gKr a' ad a s5 ►-!Op-1 je ^ M. (0 ■ a« £ Su ffi ^^.. «'- s"^ a Olil iJh £ a a a o „•. Died .jlS:: m ^Xl O C OT •— O aj aj 1 ^ —i ■ ** ■ C 0) i"hi- ;OH J V 9i ^ V 4» ca £ « ^ to = E JO « Sv -a-S H_xiin«i a 6 npi K£« Sop S w^^jt. a^g a V i SIV do"'"'' 53-= . S 5 s <:£. SO 227 51 2a« .V.' 22!) S3i 2:*! M 2:11 W 2:« •£i^ 2»4 Edward Hopkins 1864, May 13. George T.Enos do do 27.. D. M. Van Hoevenberg do do 27. . W. P. Brophy do do 27.. L. F. Watson do do 27. . Edgar Ballon do do 27. . ♦Joseph P. Brandy do do 27.. Samnel English do June 10. . N. P. D. June 27, 1873. Withdrawn April 10, 1874. do May 8, 1874. do do 14, 1869. Discharged April 28, 1871. Chauncey Boughton do do Edinrard Lansing do do Robert Morris do do *George C Gage do do W. H.Jackson do do M.W.Campbell do do Wm. Holroyd do do N. P. D, . Withdrawn July 11, 1879. May 14, 1873. 10. 10. 10... Died March 5. 1871. 17... Died Oct. 1,1876. 17... Died Feb. 14, 1866. 17. . . N. P. D. Aug. 28, 1874 17. Fred. Ratcfiff do Dec. 9 JohnJ. Dunlop do do 23. .. Withdrawn June 9, 1876. ♦Henry Snyder do do .30 ♦Edward B. Cox do do 30 Gorton P. Cozzens 1885, Jan. 27. . Died June 10, 1880. Philip Seiger do do 27. . Suspended 1872. M. Francis Wager do do 27 •Wm. Piatt do March in ♦Julius R. Pettis do do in Thos. E. Quackenbush do do 10 Samuel G. Root do do 2i David H. Montony do May 9 Charles G. Hill do do 9 .... Withdrawn Aug. 28, 1874. James F. Kilfoile do do n... Died Aug. 8, 1877. .\s 239 xt 24K 257 m 2.58 259 261) 7(1 261 71 ■m 263 2(>4 ~i 2a5 74 26(i 75 267 268 7H 2(i9 77 271 1 271 7« 272 27;^ 274 275 79 276 80 277 81 278 Alex. Kirkpatrick do Henry Holmes do ♦Wm. J. Raoken do ♦Jacob G. Travis do *Chas. H. Getman do Chas. D. Rousseau do Sylvester Veitz do June J. H. Goodsell do do N. P. D. July 11, 1879. N. P. D. June 27, 1873. J. Thomas Davis do do 9. ♦Fred. D. Stoddard do do 9. Alfred Woodworth do Oct. 13. . ♦A. W. Scribner do do 28.. 24. 24. 24. do 12.... do 12.. do 12.. dol9 do31 do.31 2. . N. P. D. Aug. 28, 1874. 2.. Withdrawn N'ov. 12, 1875. N. P. D. June 28, 1878. Died Oct. T,' 1875. Withdrawn Dec. 14, 1868. James T. Isham do Nov. ♦George B. Smith ; do do Charles H. Swartwout do do John M. Crawford 1860, Jan. Eugene Hyatt 1866, Jan. 12 . ♦Charles L. Mather do Feb. 9. . . . ♦Boyd Park do do 24... D. S. Wetmore do March 9. . ♦Robert B. Rankcn do do 9.. . ♦Lewis J. Bennett do do 31... John A. Lee do April 13.. Theodore A. Clexton do do 13.. Fred. R. Osborn do May 8. . . W.H.Meeker do do 8... ♦A. L. Hotchkin do do 25... C. W. Shacklady do do 25... George D. Smith do do 25 . . . Otho E. Michaelis do Jime 27 . Douglass Coming do do 27 . ♦Heiiry A. Merritt do do 27. ♦M. B. Waters do do 27. ♦Robert Mcllvaine 1867. Jan. 1 . Daniel Springer do Feb. 8 ♦William Collins do do 8 James E. Robertson do do 22 N. P. D. June 28. 1878. ♦Theo. A. Mallary do March 22 R. D. Starkweather do do 22 Withdrawn May 9. 1879. Zina P. Green do do 29 . N. P. D. Aug. 28, 1874. Albert A. Sampson do do 29 Withdrawn April 23, 1880. Wm. H. Van Every do do ^2 ♦Chas. W. Billings do May 24 David M. Ranken do do 24..., N. P. D. Aug. 28, 1874. Withdrawn March 12, 1875 N. P. D. July 11, 1879. . N. P. D. June 27, 187:3. . Withdrawn May 9, isrj. X. P. D. April 28. 1871. Died Dec. 26. 1879. i882.] COMMANDERY, No. 15. 209 «7 294 Nftine. UO 296 ill 297 . , . , 398 299 92; 800 ..! 301 ..: 302 1]3 303 941 304 95 305 806 807: 808 309 I 310 ,., 311; ... 312 99i 313 100' 314 101 ; 315. 102 316! 317 31H 103 319 820 104 321 ins 322 inr. HiXi 107 834 10H 325 109 32H 110 sar 111 328 112 829 880 331 332 113 333 884 114 885 115 836 llfi 337 38H 839 117 8*) 118 841 342 119 343 344 120 845 121 846 123 347 13fl ;-i48 849 124 •mo 126 351 Charles Clark *Alex. H. Hamilton *Wm. H. Lawton * Alfred W. Richardson *Frank A. Andres A. G. Gardner J. W. Vosmerbaumer Arra F.Clark George I. Pratt Charles S. Flack *Silas H. Brown Wm. H. Kellogg *Arthur Cobden *George Churchill JacobWinters *A. G. Goldthwait Barney Mee ♦William Pettis David F. MagiU David G. Morgan Fred A. Pium *Edward L. Cipperly » G. F. Parkinson R. R. Richards I. Seymour Scott *Henry B. Thomas *Sidney Bush Egbert Groom *Edward L. Stout C. A. Winship '•'■Albert E. Wooster Seth P. Saxton iVI. H. Bellinger W K. Barlow *Henry Lahann Benj. F. iManier *Hiram Labrum *John R. Kendrick Alex. B, Price Archibald Liney F.ichard A. Derrick *L. Savery, Jr John A. Sleicher *George A. Waters W. H. Metcalf Thos. T.Lacy *Lee Chamberlin *Octavous ^ones Alexander C. Fowler *John Don Wm. Humphrey Charles Stone *Joseph C. Hair Horace M. Barnes Wm. Lawrence R. iVIarshall W. H. Rowe....( Signed 1871j John R. Whitehead James L. Thompson Henry L. Lovejoy Emmett Gowing J oseph B. Wilkinson, Jr William B. Hardy Spencer Hawley Daniel Klock, Jr Charles C. Clark *Thomas Dickson *Theo. E. Haslehurst *Wm. TA. Sanford Henry C. Moore Silas Hatch C. H. Carpenter Thomas Knowlson 14 1867, May24 do .do 24.. do July 5... do do 5... do do 5... do Nov. IB. do do 15. do do 15. 1868, Jan. 24. do do 34. do June 13. do do 13. do Dec. 11. do do 11. do do 11. 1869, Feb. 12. do do 13 . do May 14. . . do do 14. . . do do 14... do June 11. .. do do 11... do do 11... do do 11... 1870, Feb. 11.. do do 26.. do March 11. do April 8.. do do 8.. do do 8.. do do 12.. do do 13.. do do 12. . do May 13... do do 13, do June 1, do do do do do do do do do do do do do Nov. do do 25.. do Dec. 9.. do do 23 1871, Feb. 10. , do March 31, do April 29.. do do 29., do do Died Nov. 10, 1870. do do do do do do 39. do 29. do 29. 21). do do 20. 1864, May 18., 1871, June 9. , do do 9. . do do 22. do July 14. . , do Oct. 27.. do do 27.'. do Nov. 10.. do do 10. do Dec. 8.. do do 8.. 1873, Jan. 36. do do 26. do do 36. do do 26. do Feb. 9.. do do 9. . Died Dec. 25, 1874. Died March 29, 1871. Discharged Dec. 12, 1878. Died March 14, 1878. N. P. D. March 24, 1876. N. P. D. June 28, 1878. Died Oct. 20, 1878. Died Feb. 11, 1873. N. P. D. July 11, 1879. N. P. D. do do N. P. D. July 11, 1879. N. P. D. do do N. P. D. March 34, 1876. Dimitted June 33, 1877. N. P. D. June 38, 1878. DimittedOct. 24, 1879. N. P. D. July 11, 1879. Died 1879. Died Feb. 7, 1881. Died June 24, 1874. Died July 5, 1878. N. P. D. March 24, 1876. Died April 14, 1876. Died Jan. 7, 1880. Died Dec. 11, 1880. Died Oct. 26, 1877. Died Feb. 12, 1873. N. P. D. 1876. History of Apollo [1882. 18S2. iar 128 123 130 136 132 183 134 135 136 137 138 13J1 140 I4r 1421 143 144 145 140 : 147! 148 149| 130 1511 1S2I 153. isii iss 156 157 15i 1591 100 161 162 163 164 166 166 167 168 109 170 irii 17i' 173! 174| 173 170 177 17:i' 17J 18)' 181 182 183 ! 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413' 414 415| 4161 417; 41«i 419 4201 421 422! 423 424; Crasto M. Clark Charles H. Clark Henry DeFreest Daniel Simoscn ♦Edward D. Cheney *Eugene Seitz. ... J. Macdonald N. H.Starbuck T. Frank Calder Edsiar S. Curtis Richard Wood James Garside E. S. Baker C. V. Snyder William R. Hyde *William S. Eail Joseph W. Smart Tho3ias B. Helliwell John H. Reynolds Rolin P. Saxe James Holroyd, (R. C.) I . LeRoy Pine Frank M. Flack J. B. MacLellan Samuel Mackey Adclbert Boneitsel M. T. Scolt John E. Gage Charles Teson, Jr *Charles Dorinx. Jama; M. WeadiU Edward S. Armstrongs Edward Caldwell William Tou.:th =John L. Russell John A. Gladding *Steehen V. Sturtevant Henry Vandendurgh James H. McDowell Frederick HiU Frel. F. Mosher *FrankP. Harder Abram L. Schermerhom Charles McKallDr John H. Newman, Jr Wm. N. Miter Edward A. Skillman Robert Wool Thomas H. Mason Wm. H. Shumway George W. Simmons EzraT. Stone W. H. Sendell John H. Porter Conrad Bishop Artemas W. Fay Wm. F. Robertson Burdett C. Gowing John C. Prout ^Anthony H. Holmes Cornelius R. ShefEer Gilbert Geer. J r Wm. Rankcn George H. Morrison J obn H. Meeker W. H. Seaman Horton Harder Samuel Judd Henry Stowell Charles G. Curtis Francis Tasker W. R. Hammond (Joined ♦John A. Macdonald i Date of K. T. Remarks. 1872, Feb. y. . do do 9. . . N. P. D. June 23, 1873. do do 22. . . DiedAug. i6,i'8re. do May 21. . . do June 14. .. do do 14... N.' P.' b.' Jiine 23,' 1878. do do 6 do do 6. . do do G.. do do 6. . do do 6.. do do C N.P. b. June23;i'878. N. P. D. March 24, 187G. Died Jan. 4. 1878. do do 27.. do Dec. 27. do do 27 do do 27. . . do Noy. 22.. 1873, Jan. 24 N. P. D. June 23. lOTS. Membership not completed. doTeb 23 dD do 2B. da do 2J do do Hi. do do 23.. do March 28 do do 23. do April 11 . . do do 11.. do June C do do 6.. do do 13 do do 13.. do do 13 Died May 33, 1877. do do 27.. do do 27 N. P. D. July 11, 1879. do do 27.. do do 27 N. P. D. July 11, 1879. do do 27 do do ?7.. do do 27. do Nov. 14.. do do 14.. Withdrawn Nov. 14, 1873. do Dec. 12... do do 12. do do 12. . . do do 12 do do 26. . . Withdrawn April 28, 1878. do do 26 1874, Jan 23 do do 23 do Feb 13.... do do 13.... do March 13. do do 13. do do 13. do do 30. Died Jan. If7?. do do 30.! do do SO.' do July 10. do do 10... i do do 10... do do 10 do Oct. 9.... do do 23. . . . N. P. D. June 28, 1873. I882.J COMMANDERY, No. 15. 211 is«-; t Is 1H4 426 1H5 42(i 427 42H IhB 429 187 m) IMH m 1«» 4fl2 190 ^-W 191 4M4 wa 43o 4Hli 19a 4;i7 194 4})h 195 4;* 19U 44(1 197 441 19h 442 19J 44.'. auc 444 'M 445 B()a 444 5C4 i5.i .5115 •iw 5(16 457 507 4\s 5(»- aft» 5(IH •*«) 51(1 --fil 511 *J 512 ■-IVl 51 S ■Xi 514 ■m 515 l>l>ti 51 li -ti? 517 •->»>■< 518 Mil 51!) •.Ti1 520 •i71 521 irm 622 ^■H, 5251 274 aZi 275. 525 2Tfii 52ti 2771 27rl 527 52^ stra m 280! is«; 2811 531 ■3^3' ssa a>3 533 a^4 534 *v; 5'« a«i 536 2>7 517 iSS 5* ■i-iH ■W ■■f.m .m ■«)l 541 ats 543 ■£i>: Ml ■x» 544 -'S5 54S 2% 54t DsteofE. T. 298! Egbert H. Dyer •D. S. Dennison J. Bradford Cleaver,.. Goined Jared L. Bacon ♦John F. Shafer ♦Charles A. Nimmo •Gardner Rand Alex. Ecdes William H. Munn Wm. M.Archibald John Boetcher James M. Adams.. .{Joined).. *LaMott W. Rhodes John Ewens S. A. Skinner. Qoined) . . *James H Lloyd Edwin E. DarUogf Wm. H. Stevenson.. (Joined). Arthur MacArthur Stephen E. Babcock Melvin Siikworth..Qoined).. Nelson L. Weatherby ♦Enoch B. Turner Ambrose G. Coats ♦James K. P. Pine Wm. V. Baker. ...Ooined).. John A. Corliss Wm. Boycott. Samuel Foster Franklin O. Stiles Wm. Barker John L. Mathews Charles E. Wilson Charles S. Clute James C. Hutchinson. Ernest A. Johns ♦E. Ray Thompson H. W. Gordinier Watson J. Orr Willis Fisher joined) . . ♦George E. Holroyd Charles E. Crannell ♦JohnK. Cullin Horace H. Henry Wm. M. Peckham Harry Snyder George Lobdell Charles F. Doyle I. S. Nickerson Charles A. Beach Frank C. Hartwell 157c!, Dec. 1-3... Died Dec. 5, 1880. 167S. Jan. 24 (3o March do April 9.. Died May 7. 1880. do do 9 do do n do do IS do do 18 do June ^ do do 27 do July 11 da do 11 do Nov. 14 _ do do 8 do do 14 do Dec. 26 do do 2l5 1880. Jan. '.1 do do do Feb. 6 do March 12 do April 3 do do 3... do May23...i do June 25. . . 1 do July 7 do Nov. 12.. 1 do do 13.. do do 28.., 1881. Jan. 2S..' do Feb. 11 do Marchll do do 11. do April 6... do do do do do do do do do do do June 17. . . do July 22. . do do 23... do do SS... do do SS... do do 23... do Nov. 25.. do do 25.. do do 25.. do do 23.. INS. Tan. 13.. I do March 10. l882.] COMMANDERY, Nq. 15. 213 HONORARY MEMBERS. Em. Sir E. J. Loomis, Em. Sir George Rider, Em. Sir M. McLean, Em. Sir B. Gage Berry, Sir N. O. Wood, Norwich Commandery, No. 46, Norwich, N. Y. Em. Sir W. Lincoln Sage, Em. Sir Geo. F. Loder, R. E. Sir S. V. McDowell, Monroe Commandery, No. 12, Rochester, N. Y. Sir Daniel McLaren, Hanselman Commandery, No. 16, Cincinnati, Ohio. Sir F. a. Witbeck, Detroit Commandery, No, 1, Detroit, Michigan. Sir John L. Cory, Temple Commandery, No. 2, Albany, N. Y. Sir B. V Simpson, Sir E. C. Shankland, Formerly of Apollo, No. 15. 214 History op Apollo fi882. COMMANDERY, No. 15. 2 15 INDEX. PAGE. Dispensation, August 12, 1839 6 First Officers of Apollo 7 Code of By-Laws adopted in 1839 7 Petition for a Warrant 11 Copy of the Warrant, June 4, 1841 12 Celebration of St. John's Day, June 24, 1840 13 Pilgrimage to Barlington, Vt., June 24, 1850 14 " " Ballston Spa, November 4, 1852 14 Celebration of St. John's Day, June 24, 1855 ■ • • • 15 Resolution of Thanks to Em. Sir R. Bloss, April 22, 1859. ... 16 Death of Sir John B. Colegrove, April 11, i860 17 First Templar funeral, Sir Wm. B. Sturgess, September 28, 1862. iS Official visit of R. E. Sir Zenas C. Priest, Grand Commander, January 30, 1863 .... ig Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery in Troy, Sept., 1863 21 Death of Em. Sir Richard Bloss, September 13, 1863 22 Annual Address of Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, March 11, 1864 24 Death of Sir Benjamin Marshall, October 13, 1864 25 Installation of the Officers of Washington Commandery, No 33, November 25, 1864 26 Annual Address of Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, March 24, 1863 • • • 27 Funeral of Sir R. W. Laithe, November ig, 1865 28 Annual Address of Em. Sir Geo. Babcock, March 23, 1866. ... 2g Funeral of Sir W. L. Kipp, March 28, 1866 2g " " " James S. Thorn, July 21, 1866 30 Pilgrimage to Springfield, Mass., June 24, 1868 32 Celebration of St. John's Day, June 24, i86g. ... 33 Resolutions from Temple Commandery, No. 2, Nov. 12, 1869. . 36 Funeral of Sir Wm. McManus, December 22, i86g 37 Reception of R. E. Sir Geo. Babcock, Grand Com'r, Oct. 13, 1870, 37 Funeral of Sir C. Clark, November 13, 1870 38 Circular on new lilasonic Temple, December 23, 1870. ... 38 Funerals of Sirs R. Morris and H. House, March, 1871 3g Funeral of Sir J. W. Vosmerbaumer, April 2, 1871 41 Annual Address of Em. Sir L. A. Rousseau, April 14, 1871 .... 41 Promenade Concert, May 8, 1871 43 Laying corner stone of the new Capitol, Albany, June 24, 1871 . 44 " " " Masonic Temple, Troy, August 2, 1871. 45 2i6 History of Apollo Dedication of the Masonic Temple, Troy, Apnl 2, 1872 64 Annual Conclave and Report, April 12, 1872 94 Public Installation of Officers, " 26, " 94 Laying the corner stone of the new Court House, Sandy Hill, June I, 1872 95 Funeral of Sir W. J. Wheeler, August 3, 1872 96 " " " D. Simpson, August II, 1872 96 Pilgrimage to Norwich, N. Y., October 9, 1872 97 Funeral of Sir Alex. Lutzelberger, December 8, 1872 104 " " " Barney Mee, February 16, 1873. ... 104 " " C. C. Clark at Hudson, February 14, 1873 105 " " Geo. I. Pratt, March 18, 1873 107 Death of Sir Royal C. Levings, May 14, 1873 io5 Presentation to Em. Sir J. W. Cusack, June 13, 1S73 108 Laying of the corner stone of the Town Hall, Waterford, Sep- tember 16, 1873 .... 109 Grand Review and Field Day, October 13, 1873 114 Funeral of Sir C. A. Mott, March 12, 1874 118 Annual Address of Em. Sir H. B. Harvey, April 10, 1874 iig Funeral of Em. Sir H. B. Harvey, May 8, 1874 120 Death of Sir John L. Flagg, May 11, 1874 125 Entertainment at Albany by Temple Commandery, No. 2, Octo- ber 16, 1874 126 Annual Address of (Acting) Em. Commander Sir J. B. Anthony, April 10, 1875 128 Public Installation of Officers, April 23, 1875 133 Pilgrimage to New York at the dedication of the Temple, June 2. 1875 134 Apollo Drill Society organized, July 7, 1875 137 Dedication of new Masonic Temple, Albany, September 8, 1875. 137 Annual Conclave and Address of Em. Com'r, April 28, 1876. . . . 138 " 13, 1877.... 141 Resolution of Thanks to Em. Sir J. R. Pettis, April 27, 1877. . . 141 Funeral of Sir J. A. Gladding, May, 1877 141 Death of Sir James F. Kilfoile, August 8, 1877 142 Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery at Troy, Oct., 1877. 142 Funeral of Sir S. Hawley, October 15, 1877 i45 Pilgrimage to Schuylerville, October 17, 1877 Ijc Official visit of R. E. Sir Townsend Fondey, Grand Commander, January 28, 1878 j .^ Resolutions on the death of M. E. Sir E. S. Barnum March 8 1878 ; : 148 Funeral of Sir James Remington, April 11, 1878 jaq Resolution of Thanks to Em. Sir Geo. B. Smith, April 26, 1878. 149 Resolutions on the death of R. E. Sir Orrin Welch, April 12, '78. 150 COMMANUERY, No. 15. 2l7 PAGE. Funeral of Sir J. C. Hair, July 7, 1878 152 A. Cobden, October 27, 1878 152 Official visit of R. E. Sir C. H. Holden, Grand Commander, December 13, 1878 152 Death of Em. Sir Marcus Ball, P. C, February 23, 1879 152 Good Friday services, April 11, 1879 153 Annual Conclave and Address of Em. Com'r, April 25, 1879. ■ • '53 Laying of the corner stone of the government postoffice building, Albany, May 7, 1879 153 Public Installation of officers. May 23, 1879 154 Pilgrimage to Plattsburgh, Montreal and Burlington, October 13, 1879 154 Resolutions from Clinton Commandery, No. 14, Nov. 14, 1879. 172 Funeral of Sir R. Mcllvaine, December 25, 1879 172 " " " H. L. Lovejoy, January 7, 1880 172 Presentation of Beaussant from DeWitt Clinton Commandery, No. 27, February 6, 1880 173 Good Friday services, March 26, 1880 173 Annual Conclave and Address of Em. Com'r, April 9, 1880. . . . 173 Resolutions of Thanks to Em. Sir T. E. Haslehurst, P. C, April 23, 1880 175 Funeral of Sir J. L. Bacon, May 14, 1880 175 " '• " G. P. Cozzens, June 13, 1880 176 Pilgrimage to New York, " Egyptian Obelisk," October 9, 1880. 177 Presentation to Em. Sir Theo. E. Haslehurst, August 14, 1880. . 178 Death of Em. Sir Geo. F. Sims, P. C, March 31, 1881 180 Annual Conclave and Address of Em. Com'r, April 22, 1881. . . 181 Resolution of Thanks to Em. Sir H. B. Thomas, P. C, April 22, 1881 182 Funeral of Sir Eber E. Aldrich, August 13, i88i 182 Memorial services on the death of Sir James A. Garfield, Sep- tember 26, i88i 183 Pilgrimage to Poughkeepsie, October 4, 1881 186 Resolutions to Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 43 191 Resolutions to Em. Sir R. C. Christiance, October 28, 1881. .. 192 Resolutions from Monroe Commandery, No. 12, of Rochester, November 25, 1881 193 Observance of Good Friday, April 7, 1882 194 Annual Conclave and Address of Em. Com'r, April 14, 1882. . . 194 Organization of Apollo Drill Company 196 Memorial Tablet 201 Tabulated statement of progress of the Commandery 202 List of Officers of the Commandery 203 Complete Register of Members of the Commandery 205 Honorary Members 213 ,.,,!■' !i,..-ivMurfwi|n lyMliM