G. J Viegas feted by 300 at Testimonial
Praise for long and honorable service rendered by George J. Viegas to the Loyal Order of Moose was voiced by speakers at a testimonial attended by nearly 300 persons in Moose Hall last night.
Mr. Viegas, member of the Moose for 23 years and for 15 years secretary of New Bedford Lodge 914, was lauded at the same time because of his recent election as president of the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Moose Association.
Albert H. Ladner Jr. of Philadelphia, past supreme governor and chairman of the Moose Service Board, principal speaker, voiced a prediction that Mr. Viegas is on his way to “become the supreme governor of the great order.”
Wife, Mother Praised
The occasion also brought encomiums for the wife of the honored guest, as well as his mother, Mrs. Bernadine Viegas, both head table guests.
Other guests included Mayor and Mrs. Peirce, Acting Police Chief and Mrs. Williams S. P. Murphy, Frank Labelle, past supreme governor, of Watertown; General Chairman and Mrs. Alfred Machado; George Zeizner of Stamford, Conn., director for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut; August Batacao, governor of New Bedford Lodge and his wife, senior regent of the Women of the Moose; Abel Ferreira, trustee, who served as toastmaster.
Joseph A. Ponte, the chaplain of the lodge, delivered the invocation after the numerous head table guests marched in to the tune of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
Before the speaking program was far along it was disclosed Mr. and Mrs. Viegas were celebrating the 15th anniversary of their marriage, an announcement which added to the joy of the occasion for the large assembly of friends.
Receives Life Membership
Mr. Viegas received from Mr. Ladner, representing the supreme organization, a gold card designating a life membership in the Moose.
“It reflects,” said Mr. Ladner, “the golden principles you have observed for 23 years in the Loyal Order of Moose.”
Mr. Ladner lauded Mr. Viegas for his “remarkable successes in this fraternity,” adding the comment that the testimonial will be long remembered by the order at all levels.
The principal speaker traced the rise of Mr. Viegas from the time he joined the Moose, May 5, 1930 and held his first office as master-at-arms in the lodge here, to his rise to the high office in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island organization. Since 1948, the guest speaker noted, Mr. Viegas has been a trustee of the Moose Foundation, charged with the responsibility of investing millions of dollars for the order. The speaker also noted that Mr. Viegas in 1941 was chosen as a pilgrim brother, a singular honor accorded only those recognized for having rendered distinguished service to the Moose.
Forecasts Top Post
“I forecast,” said the speaker, it will not be long before George Viegas will be on the supreme Council and thereafter will become supreme governor.
There are 1,600 men in this lodge and it is to be noted that there is complete harmony within it. It owns its own property and it has money in the bank.”
Mr. Ladner also praised the wife of the honored guest, who received a bouquet of roses, as well as the mother of Mr. Viegas.
Mr. Viegas extended his sincere thanks for the tributes paid to him and his family and added his thanks to all who had contributed to making the party a success.
“I appeal at the same time,” said Mr. Viegas, “for a renewed spirit in promoting the Moose as an organization of good works.”