New York Dispatch

PALESTINE LODGE, No. 204.

The great popularity of W. Bro. Andrew J. Dupignac, both in symbolic and capitular Masonry, rallied a large number of brethren to the lodge room of Palestine, No. 204, at its last communication. At the opening of the lodge with all its officers present, was also the following Worshipful Brothers: Joseph M. Levey, of Star of Cuba, No. 742; Ludwig and Burrows, of Tecumseh, No. 487; Lansing, of Central, No. 361, and Eley, of Doric, No. 280. As soon as the reading of the minutes was completed by the energetic Secretary, Bro. John H. Clark, the announcement was made that there was in waiting R. W. Bro. Derby, P. D. D. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Maine. This distinguished brother was then received with the grand honors, and was escorted to the East. Then the return visit of Metropolitan, No. 273, to Palestine, took place. Wor. Bro. Danforth Becker, the Wardens and members of Metropolitan, including Past Masters William Fowler, Benjamin F. Haskin, W. W. Leake, who had marched in procession from their lodge room, were cordially extended the fraternal hospitalities on their admission to the floor of Palestine. After the courteous greeting of W. Bro. Dupignac had been reciprocated in fitting language by W. Bro. Becker, the Third Degree was worked on three candidates. These were Fellow Crafts Julius W. Stolts, Walter H. Beadle and Albert L. Seeschaf. The officers of Metropolitan assisted in the conferring of the degree. The most pleasing portion of the communication occurred between the first and second sections of the degree. The W. M. of Palestine announced that charges had been preferred against the character of the Treasurer of the lodge, P. M. Charles M. Ottiwell. After a brief discussion, they were sustained, and on motion it was resolved that he be sentenced to a severe caning, which was admirably executed by Bro. Robert Hyslop. Bro. Ottiwell then stated he would do again what he had done before as long as the G. A. O. T. U. gave him strength and health to work for the lodge. The instrument of torture was a black cherry cane, handsomely mounted with a gold handle suitably inscribed. But the Treasurer was nobly avenged when W. Bro. William Fowler arose on the floor of the lodge and begged permission to address a few words to the brethren of Palestine. He told them the fraternal bond of brotherhood had commenced between W. M. Dupignac and himself fifty years ago. For many years they had been separated, but had met together again in the chapter. After other thoughtful and considerate remarks, he concluded by presenting W. Bro. Dupignac with a beautiful Masonic Veteran's badge. It is needless to say that the oratorical effort brought tears to the eyes of the recipient of the handsome present, and his response was full of feeling. Upon the lodge being closed, Palestine and its guests adjourned to a banquet, which was given at Bro. Motteler's, East Ninth street. Here some twenty new members joined the Owl Club, the secrets of which were rendered by Bro. Fowler, to the delight of all who were permitted a membership in that nocturnal and blinkidy.