USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 10
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There were 26 lodges which held less than 12 meetings during the year.
The following held but six meetings:
Cascade No. 127
Cascade
Rock River No. 599 .Doon
The following held but five meetings: Magnolia No. 126.
Magnolia
The following held no meetings:
Mountain No. 360
Essex
Petitions for the Degrees
During the year the subordinate lodges received 4,612 petitions. There were 4,323 elected and 252 were rejected.
Membership Changes
There were 395 lodges showing an increase, 102 lodges showing a decrease, and 49 lodges showing no change in their membership.
Statistics on Degree Work
19 lodges showed 10 raisings each
56 lodges showed 11 to 19 raisings inclusive
24 lodges showed 20 to 29 raisings inclusive 12 lodges showed 30 to 39 raisings inclusive 4 lodges showed 40 to 49 raisings inclusive 3 lodges showed 50 to 59 raisings inclusive 4 lodges showed 60 to 69 raisings inclusive 1 lodge showed 80 raisings
Of the 546 lodges making Returns, 511 reported 4,251 raisings; 35 lodges reported no raisings; 32 lodges reported no initiations; and 14 lodges reported no degree work.
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Lodge Fees Charged
384 lodges.
$40.00
4 lodges
$51.00
29 lodges.
41.00
1 lodge.
55.00
1 lodge
42.00
10 lodges
60.00
9 lodges.
45.00
1 lodge
66.00
97 lodges.
50.00
10 lodges.
75.00
Lodge Dues Charged
334 lodges.
$ 5.00
1 lodge
$ 6.75
2 lodges.
5.25
15 lodges
7.00
4 lodges.
5.50
20 lodges.
7.50
1 lodge
5.75
15 lodges.
8.00
126 lodges.
6.00
1 lodge
8.50
1 lodge
6.25
24 lodges.
10.00
2 lodges.
6.50
The Six Largest Lodges in the State
Pioneer No. 22.
Des
Moines
1,514 members
Capital No. 110.
Des Moines 1,476 members
Home No. 370
Des
Moines 1,321 members
Landmark No. 103.
Sioux
City 1,238 members
Crescent No. 25.
Cedar Rapids 1,216 members
Mt. Hermon No. 263
Cedar Rapids 1,130 members
The Six Smallest Lodges in the State
Mountain No. 360
Essex
20 members
Cascade No. 127
Cascade
24 members
Emblem No. 189
Pleasanton
25 members
Federal No. 545
Yarmouth
25 members
Attentive Ear No. 190
Sandyville
26 members
Formal No. 442
Kirkville
26 members
The Ten Iowa Masons with Longest Masonic Record
As of January 1, 1949
Name Lodge, No., Location When and Where Raised
D. W. Harris Exodus, 342, Exira. April 22, 1875 Exodus Lodge No. 342 Exira, Iowa
Wm. A. Robertson .Crescent, 25,
Cedar Rapids
August 13, 1876 Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 263 Cedar Rapids, Iowa
John D. Pearson Helion, 36,
Maquoketa. November 30, 1876 Hermitage Lodge No. 298 Andrew, Iowa
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Theo. B. Lemoin Morning Light, 384, Manson January 18, 1877 Summit Lodge No. 213 Twinsburg, Ohio
Charles A. Lewman. Excelsior, 259, Council Bluffs February 9, 1877 Green Castle Lodge No. 407 Green Castle, Indiana
George L. Lovell Burns, 173, Monticello. February 13, 1878 Burns Lodge No. 173 Monticello, Iowa
W. O. Hopkins Faithful, 448,
Runnells
April 11, 1878
Hartford Lodge No. 83
Hartford, Iowa
J. W. Bowdish
Marion, 6, Marion.
April 22, 1878
DeMolay Lodge No. 383
Marion, Iowa
Linden H. Cooley Mt. Moriah, 27, Farmington October 13, 1880 Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 27 Farmington, Iowa
Ellison Orr Waukon, 154, Waukon
December 14, 1880
Brotherly Love Lodge No.
204
Postville, Iowa
Delinquent Dues
Payments had been received after the Certified Accountants closed the books, so that on the day of this report there is outstanding a total of $901.50. This amount is due from eight lodges, of which four are delinquent for all of the 1948 dues and the remaining four are delinquent for balances less than the year's dues.
Sixty-one lodges are overpaid a total of $9,117.50.
Mountain Lodge No. 360
During the forepart of December 1948 your committee received instruction from the Grand Master regarding Mountain Lodge. This lodge had not held a meeting for 25 months, and it was his desire that this lodge affiliate with Tri-Centum Lodge No. 300 at Shenan- doah.
On December 16, 1948, the Chairman of your committee wrote the Secretary to assume the responsibility of going to Essex, and after some correspondence with C. E. Hagg, a Past Master, a meeting was
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arranged for January 6, 1949. The Secretary, accompanied by A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon, met with the group.
After much discussion it was the unanimous decision that they did not want to affiliate with Tri-Centum Lodge, not because of any ill feeling toward them, but because they did not wish to give up their lodge.
One of the principal reasons for their present situation was that they had no meeting place. In canvassing possible locations for a meeting place, one was suggested, and your Secretary recommended that a contact be made at once with this one. Two members volun- teered to make the investigation and returned within a few minutes with the report that they had found a suitable meeting place.
Your Secretary told them that he would recommend to the Grand Master that he grant them a special dispensation. to hold their elec- tion. He returned to Indianola the following day and gave the in- formation to the Grand Master, who promptly granted a dispensation to hold the election and install the officers the same evening, which was done on January 18, 1949.
We have recently been informed that they have raised four candi- dates since then, and we believe that Mountain Lodge is now in a healthy condition.
Rutland Lodge No. 607
On December 30, 1948, the Grand Secretary wrote the Chairman of your committee regarding a request received for someone to audit the books of the Secretary of Rutland Lodge No. 607 at Pierson.
The Chairman went to Pierson. The Secretary in 1948, O. C. Grote, informed the lodge that he would not be able to take the office again, and Brother H. E. Hutchinson was elected Secretary for 1949. The following morning Brother Grote passed away while at work in his office, and your Chairman gave the Masonic oration at the funeral. On January 11, 1949, he drove to Pierson, had a visit with the Wor- shipful Master, Treasurer, and Secretary-elect of the lodge, and he learned that the brother who made the request for an auditor, while well-meaning, was a bit hasty. While the former Secretary's work was not quite up to date, the material was all at hand and would be brought up to date in a short time. Such report was made to the Grand Secretary on January 20.
During April information was received by the Grand Master that a certain lodge was not conforming to the ritualistic requirement of candidates passing the proficiency examinations in the lectures of the three degrees. At the request of the Grand Master, your Secretary accompanied him to this lodge, found that the information was cor-
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rect, and many of the officers and Past Masters who were present were well aware that their procedure was entirely irregular.
After a lengthy discussion and solemn promises that there would be no recurrence of such or similar violations, and with an official reprimand, the matter was dropped.
Upright Lodge No. 653
It was with a great deal of regret that your committee learned that Upright Lodge No. 653 at Melvin had surrendered their Charter without consulting anyone. Had your committee been advised of this intended action it would have recommended that Upright Lodge consolidate with some other lodge in the vicinity. However, since the committee had no knowledge of the situation, it was powerless to act.
Your Chairman visited with the Secretary of Upright Lodge sub- sequent to the surrender of the Charter for the purpose of obtaining all records, paraphernalia, etc. In discussing the matter with the Secretary he advised that the members of Upright Lodge should seek affiliation with Broken Column Lodge No. 331 at Sibley or Onyx Lodge No. 419 at Sanborn.
All records pertaining to Upright Lodge have been returned to the office of the Grand Secretary.
We desire to express our appreciation of the courtesy and co-opera- tion of Grand Secretary Delzell in our work.
Fraternally submitted,
EDWIN L. LUNDE RALPH C. BROWN C. H. ROBINSON Committee.
The Grand Master resumed the East.
REPORT ON LODGE UNDER DISPENSATION
Edwin L. Lunde, P.J.G.W., Chairman, presented the fol- lowing report on lodge under Dispensation, which on his motion was-
ADOPTED.
To the Grand Lodge of Iowa :
Many months ago a movement was started to try something new in this Grand Jurisdiction, that of instituting a lodge for the conveni- ence of those members employed at night work, and with that in
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view a group held a meeting which was enthusiastically favorable to the idea.
On October 19, 1948, J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master, called a meeting in the Des Moines Consistory for the purpose of considering organizing a Masonic lodge in the City of Des Moines.
The following Grand Lodge Officers were present:
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon
After some discussion, the following officers for the new lodge were selected:
Charles H. Strange, Worshipful Master
David Bosley, Senior Warden
I. E. Taylor, Junior Warden Max O. Phillips, Treasurer Leroy W. Furry, Secretary Robert W. Pilmer, Senior Deacon
Joseph M. Kerschner, Junior Deacon
Paul H. Strayer, Jr., Senior Steward
Glen L. Meloy, Junior Steward Edward L. Fritz, Tyler
On November 16, 1948, Brother Swartslander opened Grand Lodge in the Des Moines Consistory Building at 1:30 p.m. with the following Grand Lodge Officers present:
Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden
Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary
Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master William E. Shrope, Grand Marshal
Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward
The Grand Master's Dispensation to form a new lodge was read by Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary.
Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master, installed Brother Charles H. Strange as Worshipful Master. The respective Grand Lodge Officers installed the corresponding officers in the new lodge.
The following brothers, having submitted their demits from their various lodges, automatically became Charter Members of the new lodge. Their names follow. The name selected by these brethren was Daylight Lodge, Under Dispensation.
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Membership Daylight Lodge U. D. November 16, 1948
Armstrong, Ellis Gene
Naven, Dean Harlan
Bosley, David
Nicholson, Everett D.
Carson, Charles E.
Phillips, Malcom O.
Chavannes, Arthur Jr.
Pilmer, Robert W.
Estey, Albert Sanford
Richardson, Frank W.
Fritz, Edward Lewis
Seymour, Francis Harold
Furry, Leroy Smith
Sheldon, Joe
Gallagher, Charles W.
Silletto, Harold Albin
Grimm, Donald Leslie
Soiseth, Harold Archie
Howell, Richard Calvin
Strange, Charles H.
King, Orville C.
Strayer, Paul H. Jr.
Kerschner, Joseph Marion
Stutsman, Herbert William
Krause, George Robert
Taylor, Isreal Evan
Lakin, Henry Richard
Tham, Robert Eugene
Meloy, Glen Leo
Van Vacter, James Oliver
Wallace, Lyman W.
The total attendance of Daylight Lodge, Under Dispensation, was as follows:
Members 239
Visitors 326
Officers 196
Candidates 59
TOTAL 820
Making an average attendance of 39 for the 21 meetings. Petitions filed November 16, 1948, with request for Dispensation .... 31 Demits received after Dispensation granted. 4
New members (Initiated, 21; Passed, 19) raised. 19
Total membership
54
Petitions:
Filed and Referred 26
Elected
21
Rejected 0
Carried over 5
The procedure toward the institution of a Masonic lodge for the convenience and inspiration of members who are employed at night was an innovation in this Grand Jurisdiction. The selection of a Worshipful Master for such a lodge was most important, and the naming of Charles H. Strange, Past Master of Home Lodge No. 370, was a most excellent choice, and because of his ritualistic proficiency will be a splendid asset to this new venture. It required courage and fortitude on his part to sever the ties of such long standing to devote his time and efforts to this new lodge.
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The Secretary of your committee attended five of their meetings and was pleased to see they are doing excellent degree work; the in- dividual members are enthusiastic workers and display true Masonic hospitality.
Many of the Masonic lodges in the larger cities of the jurisdiction are watching the outcome of this type lodge, and if successful such lodges might be established to advantage in other places.
Your committee recommends that a Charter be granted Daylight Lodge at this communication.
Fraternally submitted,
EDWIN L. LUNDE RALPH C. BROWN C. H. ROBINSON Committee.
The Grand Master requested that all officers and members of Daylight Lodge who were present approach the East and commented as follows :
Brethren of the Grand Lodge and Brethren of Daylight Lodge: In every organization there must be those who pioneer. It has been so in Masonry. Some 108 years ago there were pioneers in Burlington; they sought a Dispensation for the first Masonic lodge in Iowa. Now, in 1949 we still find pioneering. These brethren have pioneered in a new activity for Masonry in Iowa-that of a lodge for those brethren whose vocation requires them to work during the night hours when most of us are enjoying ourselves. These brethren have pioneered and brought into being in Iowa a daylight lodge. I am happy you brethren have seen fit to accept the report of the committee and grant a Charter to these brethren. I am happy to present to you a Charter for Daylight Lodge No. 660, and I believe I shall present the Charter to the real pioneer of this group, Brother Dick Lakin, who started the movement, and who has unassumingly taken a back seat, though he actually did the ground work.
CHARLES C. CLARK, P.G.M., PRESENTS FATHER'S APRON TO MASONIC LIBRARY
In presenting the apron which his father had worn as a Master Mason Brother Clark commented as follows:
My interest in Masonry is rather ancient. 'Way back about 1867 or '68 I was rummaging in the attic of the house we lived in in Iowa City and came across an old apron, which I have zealously cared for ever since. I said to my mother, "What is that?" She said, "Son, that is the apron worn by your father 'way back in Ohio. He was a Mason, and that was the apron which was presented to him on the occasion of his being made a Mason." That had a tremendous in- fluence on me, and I have never forgotten it. As soon as I could I applied for membership in this Order, and God grant I may die a
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member of it. It is a tremendous Order; great for what it has done; great for what it can do.
In a biographical sketch published in Grand Lodge Pro- ceedings, 1904, its author, John Springer, gave the history of the apron in his opening paragraph:
The subject of this sketch, Charles Clapp Clark, son of J. Warren and Sophia M. (Clapp) Clark, was born at Huntsburg, Ohio, the ancestral home of his parents, July 10, 1859. His parents came to the capital of Iowa, [Iowa City at the time] with the many who sought a home in the new west, in 1856, and three years later they had returned. to the former home in Ohio for a visit, so that Mr. Clark may be said to be a native Iowan. His father died in 1867, and his mother in 1884. J. Warren Clark was a member of Chardon Lodge No. 93, Chardon, Ohio, but was not affiliated in Iowa; he was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason at the same meeting with his life-long friend, Hon. Wm. C. Evans, of West Liberty, and his son's earliest knowledge of the Masonic institution was gathered when, while looking over some family heirlooms, he came upon the Masonic apron long worn by his father.
REPORT ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES
Corwin R. Bennett (110), Chairman, presented the re- port of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, which on his motion was-
ADOPTED.
To the Grand Lodge of Iowa:
There has been referred to this committee the case of Sincerity Lodge No. 317 vs. F.A.L. The information charged that the accused made misstatements in a petition for the degrees by stating that he had never previously petitioned a Masonic lodge for the degrees when, in fact, he had petitioned a lodge in Missouri, had been elected and initiated, and had been expelled for unmasonic conduct. Counsel was appointed for the accused, and at the trial he was found guilty and declared expelled. The guilt of the accused clearly appears from the evidence, and the punishment is prescribed by law. The tran- script shows that the proceedings were in proper form. The committee recommends that the proceedings and sentence of expulsion be ap- proved.
Two petitions for restoration after expulsion have been submitted to the committee. One is by C. B. C. of Crescent Lodge No. 25, and the other by J. L. B. of Acacia Lodge No. 176. Both have been elected by their respective lodges by a unanimous ballot. No reason appears
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1949]
why the action of the lodges should not be approved, and the committee recommends that the Grand Lodge approve the restoration of these two.
Fraternally submitted,
CORWIN R. BENNETT FOSTER G. IDDINGS Committee.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF GRAND LODGE
Fred G. Hansen (100), P.G.M., Chairman, presented the report of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge, and on his mo- tion the report was-
ADOPTED.
To the Grand Lodge of Iowa:
The Board of Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. & A. M., herewith submit their report for the fiscal year 1948-49.
Meetings of the Board
The Board has held but one full meeting since our last Grand Lodge Communication. This was held in Cedar Rapids on April 10, 1949. During the year the Grand Master has held several meetings in Cedar Rapids with various committeemen present, and since it was convenient for the local Trustee, Ernest R. Moore, to be present, he did so; but a great many of the decisions were made and the routine business conducted by correspondence. There were, of course, the usual Board sessions in Sioux City during the last Grand Lodge Com- munication.
The Hodgin Property
The housing shortage is still critical in Cedar Rapids, and a tenta- tive agreement has been made with Mrs. Lena L. Hodgin whereby tlie present arrangement has been extended one year, or until July 1, 1950.
The Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids acts as agent and holds in escrow all legal documents connected with this property.
Grand Lodge Headquarters
The Hotel Roosevelt extends as a courtesy to the Grand Lodge of Iowa offices on the mezzanine for the Grand Master and Grand Secretary.
Insurance
All insurance expiring since our last report has been renewed, but due to the increased appraisal it was necessary to increase the in-
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surance on the main Library building by $37,000 and the annex by $13,000 in order to be protected under the 90% co-insurance pro- visions.
The present amounts are:
$137,000 on Library building. 90% co-insurance. 100,000 on Library contents.
37,000 on Library annex. 90% co-insurance. 6,000 on annex contents.
A detailed statement of all insurance appears in the report of the Certified Accountants.
Audit
The firm of McGladrey, Hansen, Dunn & Company of Cedar Rapids, Public Accountants, was employed to make the annual audit, and the report is now in our hands.
Estates
During the year the Grand Secretary received a check for $386.25 from the Stevens Estate, which was forwarded to the Trustees of the Grand Charity Fund for the Masonic Sanitarium. No remittance has yet been received from the Chaplin Estate.
Repairs on Building
Due to the frail condition of the Library building, no repairs have been made except those of real emergency. The severe snowstorms and the unusual freezing caused some serious leaks in the roof and in the flashing. Over $140.00 was spent to repair this to prevent a re- currence, although no redecorating was done to the stained walls.
Heating Contract Renewed
The heating contract having expired, the Trustees of the Grand Lodge entered into a renewal contract on August 12, 1948, with the Iowa Electric Light & Power Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to furnish heat for the Iowa Masonic Library buildings for a five-year period at substantially the same rate as the previous contract. The only difference was the maximum yearly total which was eliminated from the contract.
Appraisal of Property
The annual appraisal of the Grand Lodge buildings and equipment in Cedar Rapids has been made as usual by the Lloyd-Thomas Com- pany of Chicago. This report furnishes us a definite standard in establishing adequate insurance.
.
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Grand Lodge of Iowa
1949]
Erection of Lodge Hall Approved
During the year permission was granted to Fountain City Lodge No. 589 at Goldfield for the erection of a new Masonic hall.
Securities
We suggest a perusal of the report of the Certified Accountants for a detailed account of all securities, but we give a synopsis as well as a brief explanation of the changes in amounts:
Regular Fund
Road, City, and School Bonds $ 7,000.00
U. S. Treasury Bonds 42,000.00
U. S. Savings Bonds. 86,560.00
Improvement Fund-Library Building
U. S. Treasury Bonds 20,000.00
U. S. Savings Bonds. 96,940.00
Cedar Rapids School Bonds. 20,000.00
Grand Lodge Building Fund
U. S. Savings Bonds. 53,650.00
By comparing this statement of securities in the Regular Fund with that of last year, you will observe that $7,500.00 in U. S. Sav- ings Bonds, Series D, and $3,000.00 in Road and School Bonds ma- tured, thus changing the amount shown as invested in City, Road, and School Bonds and U. S. Savings Bonds. Accordingly, $19,980.00 was invested in Series F Bonds, thus increasing the investment in the Regular Fund.
In the Improvement Fund-Library Building (shown in last year's Proceedings as Reserve Fund) $20,000.00 was invested in Cedar Rapids School Bonds with no change in the amount of U. S. Treasury Bonds or U. S. Savings Bonds.
In the Grand Lodge Building Fund an additional $23,680.00 was invested in Series F Bonds in accordance with Section 346 of the Code as amended in 1946.
The cash balances of the General Fund are shown in the report of the Grand Treasurer and verified by the Auditors.
Depositories
The following banks have been approved by the Board of Trus- tees for depositories for the Grand Lodge funds:
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company of Cedar Rapids.
Davenport Bank and Trust Company of Davenport.
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Proceedings of the [Cedar Rapids
Iowa-Des Moines National Bank and Trust Company of Des Moines.
Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids.
Blanket Bond
The Grand Lodge continues to carry the blanket bond in the amount of $25,000.00 covering the Grand Lodge Officers and em- ployees as follows:
Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Deputy Grand Secretary, Sec- retary of the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education, Secretary and Treasurer of the Grand Charity Fund, and all employees in various offices both in Cedar Rapids and Bettendorf.
Recognition of Custodial Service
On March 18, 1910, Brother Sam Lockhart assumed his work as Custodian of the Masonic Library buildings. During this entire period he has been faithful to his trust. He has been on the job in all kinds of weather and during periods when many would have absented themselves because of illness. But above all was the personal in- terest he took in the beauty of the place and the security of its con- tents. That fidelity is invaluable.
One of his greatest desires was to own a Hamilton 21-jewel rail- road watch. The Grand Lodge Trustees appreciated the long years of faithful service and provided just such a token of gratitude. On March 9, in the presence of all the employees of the Masonic Library, the Grand Secretary presented this watch to Brother Lockhart, whose response reflected genuine appreciation.
Fraternally submitted,
FRED G. HANSEN W. A. WESTFALL ERNEST R. MOORE
Trustees.
RESOLUTION
Plans for a New Library and Administration Building
William A. Westfall (145), P.G.M., presented the follow- ing resolution, which on his motion was-
ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Grand Library Building of the Grand Lodge of Ma- sons of Iowa was erected in the year 1884; and
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1949]
WHEREAS, the said Library Building contains the greatest collection of books on Masonic literature and reference in the world; and
WHEREAS, the said Library Building is not of fireproof construction and because of the ravages of time, said Library Building is beyond repair; and
WHEREAS, the said building has outlived its usefulness as head- quarters for the Grand Lodge of Masons of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, to attempt to repair and remodel is so expensive that it is impracticable to do so; and
WHEREAS, it seems wise and best that a new Library and Adminis- tration Building be erected; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Grand Lodge of Masons of Iowa erect a building on the real estate now owned by the said Grand Lodge in Cedar Rap- ids, Iowa, to be used and occupied by the Grand Lodge as a Library and Administration Building. Be it further
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