Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/372

 364 Sniitfitrti Jfistorirtit Sin-it-!,/

THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE

OF THE

MONUMENT TO PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS,

In Monroe Park at Richmond, Virginia, Thursday, July 2, 1896,

WITH THE

ORATION OF GENERAL STEPHEN D. LEE.

The Confederate Re-union held at Richmond June 29 July 2, 1896, was a gathering never to be forgotten by the interested .parti- cipants. The results of the conferences of prominent ex-Confederate officers and soldiers were in the highest degree important in the interest actively enlisted in the weal and comfort of the aged and needy veteran, and toward the truthful presentation of the history of the struggle of the South.

The most impressive day of the period was, it may be realized, that on which the corner-stone of the monument in Monroe Park to the memory of the President of the Southern Confederacy was laid.

It was propitious, the air was balmy and the skies clear. The city, with its bright decorations, was literally crowded with old Con- federates and the curious visitor from various sections. Not only were all the States of the South and West represented, but also quite all of those of the North and East.

THE MASONIC CEREMONIES.

It was about twenty minutes after 4 o'clock when the corner-stone ceremonies were started. These were conducted after the usual form, by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, whose officers are: Most Worshipful J. P. Fitzgerald, Grand Master; Right Worshipful A. R. Courtney, Deputy Grand Master; Right Worshipful, R. T. W. Duke, Jr., Grand Senior Warden; Right Worshipful George W. Wright, Grand Junior Warden; Right Worshipful Frederick Pleas- ants, Grand Treasurer; Right Worshipful George W. Carrington, Grand Secretary; Right Worshipful H. O. Kerns, Grand Senior Deacon; Right Worshipful Edward N. Eubank, Grand Junior Dea- con; Right Worshipful George H. Ray, Grand Chaplain; Wor shipful J. A. Cosby, Grand Pursivant; Brother W. C. Wilkinson, Grand Tiler; Brother William Krause, Grand Steward.