H. J. Thomas

October 12, 1889
Savannah Tribune

Masonic Funeral.

The body of H. J. Thomas, a member of Sumner Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. Masons of J. Baxley, was funeralized recently at that place by the Lodge. The ceremony was not conducted at the time of the burial owing to the burning of the Lodge Room with all their regalia. The Baxley Banner of the 3d instant speaks of the services as follows;

"At 10 a m, there could not have been less than 7 to 8 hundred persons upon the ground. Every person was adorned in their best Sunday apparel, and compared favorable with any city gathering have ever witnessed.

"A stand had been erected and at 11 a.m. the Sumner Lodge accompanied by visiting brethren of various Lodges led by their W. T., took seats planted on every side by a vast number of people.

"Rev. A. C. White read scripture, Rev. L. M. Warrick offered prayer, Rev. L. W. Coates Grand Chaplain, preached a feeling and eloquent sermon, replete with great thought and wise counsel to the living, closing with high eulogize of the dead. Mr. Samuel tellers the present conducted the burial rite of the order at the grave which was very impressive and performed with ease and familiarity, many are the congratulations expressed by those present.

"The officers add members of the order deserve great credit" for the manner in which they conducted the whole affair, the citizens and visitors for the orderly manner in which they acted.

"The white masons deserve commendation for their offered and attendered assistance. Thus closed a day that will long be remembered by the people of Appling and adjoining counties."