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Article OXFORDSHIRE. ← Page 2 of 15 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Oxfordshire.
Venables , Steward . At 5 o ' clock , about twent y of the Brethren sat down to a very capital dinner . The Worshi pful Master presided , supported by Bro . Best , W . M . of the Apollo Lodge ; Bro . Beach , P . M . ; Bro . Spiers , Past Grand Sword Bearer ; Bro . Atkins , W . M . of the Lodge of Harmonj-, Eichmond ; and Bro . Snell , of the Grand Stewards' Lodge . A very pleasant evening was spentand the
, Brethren returned to Oxford about nine , much pleased with their excursion , and with the harmony and kindly feeling which had characterized the business and enjoyments of the day . GEAND MASONIC INSTALLATION BALL . —Among the many festivities which characterized the installation of the Earl of Derby as Chancellor of the University of Oxford , there was not one which , in
point of interest , splendour , or influence , equalled the grand Masonic ball given in honour of the event by the Apollo University Lodge . This ball took place on the Wednesday in the installation week , at the Town-hall , possession of which the stewards obtained about ten days previously , in order that it might be decorated and fitted up in a manner worthy of the occasion ; and , notwithstanding that a large number of artists and decorators were employed early and late , they had scarcely completed their labours when some of the company arrived .
The company began to arrive about ten o ' clock , ancl kept coming up to one o ' clock in the morning , during the whole of which time there was one continuous stream of carriages extending from the Town-Hall as far as the Mitre Hotel . The visitors , on their arrival , were received by the stewards and their assistants , in full Masonic costume , in the area under the hall , which had been fitted up as a reception-room and promenade , being carpetted , and brilliantl y
illuminated with variegated lamps and devices in gas . The staircase was hung with paintings , and a splendid collection of flowers was placed in the well of the staircase . The hall itself was dazzling in the extreme , and partook more of the character of an enchanted palace , and was so transformed that it was difficult to recognise it , inasmuch as its original heavy and monotonous character appeared to have been dispelled by some magic wandancl grace and beautsubstituted for
, y it . The walls , hung with drapery , were emblazoned with the arms of the Chancellor , ancl of every college ancl hall in this University , and between these were interspersed Masonic emblems , banners , ancl rich devices , bearing appropriate mottoes . Mirrors of extraordinary size and beauty were placed opposite to the entrance , and at each end of the room , and had a striking effect , and at the four corners were
little elegant tented entrances to tbe refreshment courts . In fact , it is difficult to give an adequate idea of the splendour of the scene , especially when the hall was full and the dance was at its climax . The splendid Masonic attire of the Brethren , their jewels , collars , and other decorations glistenin g in the mazes ofthe dance , the handsome dresses of the ladies , and the objects of taste and beauty which met the eye in every direction , combined to make a spectacle which for striking effect has never before presented itself in this city . All
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Oxfordshire.
Venables , Steward . At 5 o ' clock , about twent y of the Brethren sat down to a very capital dinner . The Worshi pful Master presided , supported by Bro . Best , W . M . of the Apollo Lodge ; Bro . Beach , P . M . ; Bro . Spiers , Past Grand Sword Bearer ; Bro . Atkins , W . M . of the Lodge of Harmonj-, Eichmond ; and Bro . Snell , of the Grand Stewards' Lodge . A very pleasant evening was spentand the
, Brethren returned to Oxford about nine , much pleased with their excursion , and with the harmony and kindly feeling which had characterized the business and enjoyments of the day . GEAND MASONIC INSTALLATION BALL . —Among the many festivities which characterized the installation of the Earl of Derby as Chancellor of the University of Oxford , there was not one which , in
point of interest , splendour , or influence , equalled the grand Masonic ball given in honour of the event by the Apollo University Lodge . This ball took place on the Wednesday in the installation week , at the Town-hall , possession of which the stewards obtained about ten days previously , in order that it might be decorated and fitted up in a manner worthy of the occasion ; and , notwithstanding that a large number of artists and decorators were employed early and late , they had scarcely completed their labours when some of the company arrived .
The company began to arrive about ten o ' clock , ancl kept coming up to one o ' clock in the morning , during the whole of which time there was one continuous stream of carriages extending from the Town-Hall as far as the Mitre Hotel . The visitors , on their arrival , were received by the stewards and their assistants , in full Masonic costume , in the area under the hall , which had been fitted up as a reception-room and promenade , being carpetted , and brilliantl y
illuminated with variegated lamps and devices in gas . The staircase was hung with paintings , and a splendid collection of flowers was placed in the well of the staircase . The hall itself was dazzling in the extreme , and partook more of the character of an enchanted palace , and was so transformed that it was difficult to recognise it , inasmuch as its original heavy and monotonous character appeared to have been dispelled by some magic wandancl grace and beautsubstituted for
, y it . The walls , hung with drapery , were emblazoned with the arms of the Chancellor , ancl of every college ancl hall in this University , and between these were interspersed Masonic emblems , banners , ancl rich devices , bearing appropriate mottoes . Mirrors of extraordinary size and beauty were placed opposite to the entrance , and at each end of the room , and had a striking effect , and at the four corners were
little elegant tented entrances to tbe refreshment courts . In fact , it is difficult to give an adequate idea of the splendour of the scene , especially when the hall was full and the dance was at its climax . The splendid Masonic attire of the Brethren , their jewels , collars , and other decorations glistenin g in the mazes ofthe dance , the handsome dresses of the ladies , and the objects of taste and beauty which met the eye in every direction , combined to make a spectacle which for striking effect has never before presented itself in this city . All