Peninsula Enterprise, October 5, 1882

WOODBERRY.

Infrastructure -- Public : ChurchesTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Fraternal ordersArchitecture -- Churches

Laying the Corner Stone of a New M.E. Church with Masonic Ceremonies. An Interesting Day.

Editor of THE ENTERPRISE:

The little town of Woodberry was a scene of activity and excitement on Friday, Sept. 29th, occasioned by the laying of the corner stone of a new Methodist church by the old and time-honored order of Masons.

The corner-stone was to have been laid on Wednesday, but owing to the weather it could not be done. Friday dawned upon us a bright and beautiful day, and old "Sol" came forth smiling and beaming with cheering and radiant light; and his presence after so much gloomy weather was indeed refreshing and exhilarating.

By 10 o'clock the people commenced assembling and by 2 the crowd was large.

The corner-stone was laid about 2:30, and the Masonic ceremonies were performed by Temperanceville Lodge, aided by Crescent Lodge of Pocomoke City, Md., and the Masons of sister lodges of this county.

The attendance of Masons was good, and when they formed a procession and marched to the site of the church they presented a very creditable and striking appearance. I overheard an old and enthusiastic colored woman expatiating on their appearance and caught this remark, uttered with glow and zest: "Don't they look beautiful!" Perhaps it was well they all did not hear her, or else they might have been influenced by the compliment to such an extent, as to be forced to make a few awkward steps.

The ceremonies were interesting and impressive, and consisted of singing, a brief and appropriate prayer by Rev. Mr. Covington of Maryland, a statement of the object of the gathering by Mr. A. S. Mathews and other members of the Masonic fraternity, reading of the list of articles to be deposited in the stone; and the laying of the stone in accordance with Masonic usages.

The articles deposited in the stone, consisted of,

1st, a copy of the Hymn book of the M.E. Church S.

2nd, a copy of the Richmond Christian Advocate.

3rd, a copy of the Nashville Christian Advocate.

4th, a copy of the Sunday School Quarterly of the M.E. Church S.

5th, a document giving the names of the Bishops of the M.E. Church S.

6th, a document giving the status of M.E. Church S. in Accomac at this time.

7th, a document giving the name of the Church to be erected, and names of the pastor, building committee, trustees and donor of the land on which the Church is to be built.

8th, a document giving the names of the President of the U.S., the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, the Judge, Commonwealth's Attorney and Board of Supervisors of Accomac Co., and present population of the County.

9th, a copy of the Peninsula Enterprise.

10th, a copy of the Eastern Virginian.

11th, a copy of the Baltimore Daily Sun.

12th, a copy of the By-laws, and list of officers and members of Temperanceville Lodge of Masons; and list of officers of the Grand Lodge of Va.

13th, a copy of the By-laws of Sea Lodge Knights of Honor.

14th, several very old coins of money deposited by different persons.

15th, a copy of the programmes used by Masons on the occasion.

After the stone was lowered to its place, the "Corn of nourishment," and the "Oil of joy" were poured upon it; after which the benediction was pronounced.

The ladies served an excellent dinner and supper which were partaken of and enjoyed by the large crowd present. Refreshments were also served at moderate prices. The day passed off pleasantly and quietly, and was doubtless enjoyed by all present. A handsome sum was realized as the result of the dinner and festival.

The Church will be known as the Woodberry M.E. Church South. Its size will be 44x32 feet, with recess pulpit.

When completed it will be an ornament to the neighborhood, and a monument to the zeal and liberality of the people.

Our town has lately been enlivened by the coming of a photographer, who has been doing quite a brisk business since his arrival. His calling is popular, the young and old like to look at themselves as reproduced by the photographer's art.

The "subjects of King Potato" in this section have been quite active recently. What a powerful influence this King exerts in our County, and yet we must confess that he is by no means a tyrant. While he demands hard and constant work, he nevertheless rewards faithfully and amply all who comply with his requests. Long may this King live and bring plenty and prosperity to our County. Very truly yours,

B.