USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 26
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At an evening entertainment Past Grand Master John Stormon of Rollo, North Dakota, spoke on "Our Responsibility as Masons." His thought was sound and his expression eloquent. It cannot be reproduced here, but quoting a paragraph or two may evidence its value:
To preserve Canada and the United States and the principles for which they were founded, and to preserve their lofty mo- tives, to give us the kind of citizenry we desire to have, and a stable government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we must have an intelligent and unselfish citizenry and leadership. Because of existing international relations and problems, we need as never before in our home life, our church
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
life, and our political life to make sure that the coming gen- erations obtain from us and keep the correct impressions of real Canadianism and Americanism. We must all learn how to serve the State effectively, and .at the same time not lose sight of the individuality, initiative and liberty, which has been so long the cherished possessions of both of our nations. Only a high citizenship can build a just and durable government, a prosperous and peaceful community, province, state or nation, and a happy home.
The development of an intelligent and active citizenship is an ever present and important problem, in your country, as well as mine. A good citizen must maintain a dignified and unmistakable stand in opposition to all practices which do not square with the principles of justice, equality, liberty and free- dom, and that opposition must be active and not merely passive. The citizen must be trained to understand the interests of his nation, his province, and his municipality, and he must be able to subordinate his own will and selfish interest to the general good; he must feel his responsibility, and with intelligence exer- cise his individual initiative. It is not sufficient to be hearers, but we must also be doers. We must hate injustice. It is here that fraternal institutions and more particularly Freemasonry, has a very important part to play. Freemasonry, because of its established and recognized standing, its principles and its phil- osophies, and the individual Mason because of his ideals, his noble character, and his recognized courage, has an important obligation to perform. We must practice in our everyday life, the principles and truths that are taught us within our respective Lodge rooms. Only in that way can we, as Masons and Citizens, contribute to the civilization and to the world order in which we live, and perpetuate that for which the ablest manhood of our age, gave their lives, their all.
Most Worshipful Brother Hector Mckay, Grand Master of Sas- katchewan, spoke in poetic grace, fitly quoting "Abou Ben Adhem."
The report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs was submitted by Past Grand Master William Ireland. The Reviews are individual on jurisdictions. All are well written, with a keen appreciation of values, excerpts well chosen, and comments timely and good. In providing a wider information on the thought and what is trans- piring in the Masonic world they will prove most valuable to the Alberta Craft.
M.C.W. . William A. Henry, Grand Master, Lacombe.
M. . W. . George Moore, Grand Secretary, Calgary.
M. . W. . William Ireland, Chairman Committee on Foreign Rela- tions and Correspondence, Calgary.
Next Annual Communication, Calgary, June 8, 1949.
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Appendix-Arizona
1949]
ARIZONA
(1948)
66th Annual Communication.
Tucson, April 7 and 8, 1948.
There was a Special Communication on February 14, 1948, to con- duct the funeral of Past Grand Master Otis James Baughn.
The annual meeting was opened in all form and dignity. The National Colors were advanced, and in unison the brethren repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. A fervent and beautifully phrased invo- cation was offered by the Grand Chaplain, the Reverend Brother J. Rockwood Jenkins. Many distinguished Masons, present as guests, were formally made welcome. Past Grand Masters were also greeted.
The Grand Master, William M. Cox, then read his fine address. He was pleased with the state of the Craft. Youth was increasingly inter- ested, there was prosperity, and peace and harmony prevailed. Through his many lodge visits he was able, to their pleasure and satisfaction, to contact many of his brethren. A high light in his visits was his attendance at a session of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Del Pacifico of Mexico. His decisions and dispensations were few and routine. To his satisfaction he was privileged to attend the Wash- ington Conferences. He commended the Masonic Service Associa- tion and urged a continuation of membership.
The Grand Secretary on membership reported a gain of 439 and a total of 7,792.
Brother Wilfred T. Voss, Deputy Grand Master of Nevada, was introduced and made an entertaining, friendly, conversational talk.
On recommendation of a special committee, this resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED THAT
1. It is the unequivocal policy of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona to oppose with every means at its command the use of money collected as taxes by any political sub-division of any city, county, or state or by the Federal Government as payments-
(a) to any person or organization for the purpose of teaching religion in any public school of the United States
(b) for transporting to or teaching in any private or parochial school in the United States
(c) for assistance of any other kind to private or parochial schools in the United States
Due to lack of time for preparation there was no report on Frater- nal Correspondence. It was suggested that such reports be discon- tinued.
M. . W. . Lee Garrett, Grand Master, Tucson.
V ... W. .. Joseph A. E. Ivey, Grand Secretary, Tucson.
W. . Frank A. Peyton, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Tucson.
Next Annual Communication, Prescott, April 27, 1949.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
ARKANSAS (1948)
Proceedings not received in time for this review.
BRITISH COLUMBIA (1947)
76th Annual Communication. New Westminister, June 19 and 20,1947.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by the Most Worship- ful Grand Master, Kilburn K. Reid. The address of the Grand Master has marked literary quality. While short, it well covers all of im- portance. In graceful phrase he thanked all who co-operated with him. All may keep in mind two expressions of his philosophy:
Freemasonry is a science, it is not a theory. It is a progres- sive science which teaches man the art of right living. It is a scientific thing to live rightly, to understand the immutable laws by which human life in all its activities is governed-to play the game according to established rules. Men talk rather flippantly about individual freedom and personal liberty. The only liberty we have is the liberty of obedience to the rules- the freedom of submission to the law. This is one of the para- doxes of human experience. "The man who obeys the most laws is the man who lives the freest life."
Freemasonry does not stand before us today as a great un- tried theory-it comes to us with the sanction of undeniable demonstrations. It is not academic, or speculative-it is prac- tical. It comes to help us along the common road of life, to enlarge our sympathies, strengthen our faith and broaden our vision. The fundamental principles of Freemasonry should be the fundamental principles of our lives in all our human rela- tionships. Every amelioration of human conditions is inter- preting a fragment of our Masonic creed.
Briefly he reported on extended visiting among his lodges. He also told of many special events that he honored with his presence. Fit- tingly he closed his message with this admonition:
Let us then, my Brethren, resolve to courageously face re- ality, to hold fast the faith to which we have attained. To put our trust in God who has brought us so far in our journey. Then shall we face the unknown future unafraid.
The address of the Grand Chaplain, Reverend Brother W. B. Wil- lan, was a classic in thought and expression. Would that it could be quoted in full, but perhaps an isolated paragraph or two may evidence its quality and value:
Remembering then the Brooding Spirit of God, whose activity brought light out of Darkness, and order from the chaos, I would speak to you today concerning that same activity in the
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Appendix-British Columbia
1949]
world of today. Certainly there is a cry for light today-for perhaps no phrase could better describe our modern world, than to say it is shrouded in darkness and chaos. Wherever we turn there is doubt and fear, those twin evils that haunt the foot- steps of men. Obsessed by psychic anxieties, cloven by emo- tional conflicts, beset by economic insecurities, assailed by polit- ical doubts, man hardly knows which way to go. The road before him seems like a precipitous pathway that lies between two dreadful chasms, and man often wonders whether he will escape from an inferno of such destruction as would beggar the description of a Dante. Will this road lead to Peace and Free- dom, or is he bound to fall into the pit of an inevitable destruc- tion ?
The great light teaches us to regulate our actions and square our conduct according to the principles which we have learned in that volume. How shall I treat my fellow men? To act with him on the square. How decisive and pointed that in- junction! There is to be no deviation from the path of upright- ness. The law of equity is to be the ruling principle of his conduct, and straightforwardness and uprightness the distin- guishing characteristics of his attitude to his fellowman. Much of the trouble and unrest of the world comes from the fact that we have not learned that lesson. We have not treated men as brothers. We have not yet reached the high place where we treat all people as members of the family. We still retain much of our ancient inheritance, which saw in each stranger a potential enemy. The stranger is the "outsider," the one who does not belong to our clan or fellowship. It is said that in the ancient world when a stranger appeared men would say, "Here comes a stranger, let's heave a brick at him!" They saw in the stranger only a potential enemy, whereas we ought to see in him a potential friend and invite him into our fellow- ship and so win him to the brotherhood.
Wholly understandable financial reports were furnished in detail.
They have the District System and each Deputy Grand Master made a fully informative report.
In membership the Grand Secretary advised of a net gain of 958, making a total of 15,396.
The report on benevolences was extended and evidenced generous help wherever needed. In fine appreciation of Masonic duty, the report closed with an admonition in the spirit:
At the present time many deserving charities and benevo- lences are before the public, and the Board feels that it would be remiss in its duty if it did not commend all deserving char- ities and charitable funds to the personal attention of every Freemason in this Grand Jurisdiction. The Board is also of the opinion that the Craft itself would do well to recognize some of these deserving charities by making direct grants to them from the funds of Grand Lodge.
During the sessions a number of distinguished guests were wel- comed in honor. Several in good taste spoke briefly and well.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
Exceptionally fine individual Reviews were furnished by the Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence, of which Brother J. Russell Oliver is Chairman. Observation is keen, and comment pertinent and help- ful. Iowa has generous space and consideration, with commenda- tion of the Grand Lodge Bulletin and with reference to the Fraternal Reviews as "a delight to read."
M .:. W. . G. Roy Long, Grand Master, Vancouver.
M. . W. . W. R. Simpson, Grand Secretary, Vancouver.
R. . W ... J. Russell Oliver, Chairman Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, Vancouver.
Next Annual Communication, Prince Rupert, June 17, 1948.
CALIFORNIA (1948)
99th Annual Communication. San Francisco, October 11-15, 1948.
A ponderous tome of five hundred pages carries the accounting . of this large, active, and most important jurisdiction. A review, with limited space, can at best but tersely refer to the high lights. A portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Chester Harvey Warlow, adorns the opening page. There follows a bio- graphical sketch that affords the details of a life of service in many, fields.
The session was opened with a devotional service of exceptional beauty by the Grand Chaplain, the Very Reverend J. M. Malloch. It was a classic and must be read in its entirety to be properly ap- preciated.
The message of the Grand Master was comprehensive. Because of the length it must have brief reference by topics. In satisfaction he reported their Masonry as prosperous and functioning smoothly. Among his Craft he visited widely to the pleasure and benefit of all. He constituted three new lodges and granted dispensations for seven more. He dedicated four Masonic Temples. He commended European Masonic relief and was proud of generous support. At length he dwelt on Negro Masonry, without offering anything new. Two para- graphs from his conclusion, for their moral and philosophic value, must be quoted:
Almost forty years ago a distinguished gentleman, who. is with us today, stood, as I now stand before this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of California, and said, "The usefulness of men and institutions is to be determined by what they give rather than by what they receive *** the past can only be justified
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Appendix-Canada
1949]
by more potential labors in the present and by passing on to pos- terity an organization improved and broadened in its scope and usefulness."
The brilliant wisdom of those words still gleams with un- diminished lustre and the battle cry, "Our charity must minister to the minds and souls of men, as well as to their bodies," is both a summation of our glorious progress and a guide-post pointing to a further broadened scope of usefulness in the magnificent future that lies before us.
1
Reports indicate financial prosperity and ample funds for all needs. Benevolences were generously cared for.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership gain of 9,281, with a total of 183,198.
"The Masonic Citizen in Today's World" was the subject of a schol- arly and eloquent address by the Grand Orator, Judge Albert C. Wol- lenberg.
Their Masonic Homes are in fine condition and are functioning well, fully caring for their purpose.
The Committee on Fraternal Relations recommended the recogni- tion of
The Grand Lodge Unida Mexicana
The Grand Lodge Francisco de Paula Santander
The Grand Lodge of the State of Ceara
The Grand Symbolic Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul
The Grand Lodge of Finland
Financial and statistical reports were in full and understandable form.
M. . W. . Edward H. Siems, Grand Master, San Francisco.
M ... W. . Lloyd E. Wilson, Grand Secretary, San Francisco.
W. . James K. Fisk, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Berke- ley.
Next Annual Communication, San Francisco, October 10, 1949.
CANADA (Ontario) (1947)
92nd Annual Communication.
Toronto, July 16, 1947.
With the Grand Lodge opened in reverent dignity, the assemblage sang the National Anthem and "America."
Routine and incidental affairs being cared for, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother C. S. Hamilton, read his address. It was well written and arranged, and fully advised on all of importance. He expressed concern on disturbed world conditions, yet spoke for hope and courage. From Browning, he quoted:
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
"One who ever marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break; Never dreamed, though right were worsted Wrong would triumph.
Held, we fall to rise; are baffled to fight better, Sleep, to wake."
He added what all may hold in mind and heart:
Above all, we must be men of faith,-faith in life, faith in the future, faith in God. Over our every altar hangs the sym- bol of a Great Architect, of whose will and power all things have come to be and whose purposes endure through all con- fusions and despairs. Forever He has been at work in history, 'moulding men and nations to His will; and as men of faith we know that He has not now deserted His world. Therefore, amid all perplexities let us cleave to Him, seek His good, and make our lives the channels by which 'His will may come more largely to fulfilment in our troubled world.
In tenderness and in graceful phrase he paid tribute to the memory of their dead. Under membership he expressed what is manifestly receiving thought everywhere:
The late Archbishop Owen, in pleading for a stronger church, early in the year expressed the opinion that "since the war, people are being drawn more to think about the church and its mission. Many people are trying to figure out the ultimates in life. People are more inclined to have a higher conception of their duty to their neighbors. Through the lessons of the war, people are realizing to a greater extent that they cannot live to themselves, but have to make sacrifices for the good of the whole."
Among his lodges he visited widely to his pleasure and their benefit. For the distressed in England he urged the gift of 600 boxes of food a month during the current year. It is heartwarming to note that his suggestion was unanimously approved. So timely and good, his closing paragraphs must be presented:
What can avail to save the world to-day and transform its barbarism into decency and honour? It is a long, hard business inducing the practice of that great doctrine-the Brotherhood of Man based upon the Fatherhood of God, and at times our progress seems distressingly slow, but surely by this time we have learned that there is no other way to make it over into the world of our dreams.
And there is no other way, however long and hard this one may seem. It is only as men go forth to live with quickened ideals, with broad humanitarianism, with generous sympathies, with stern and unbending loyalty to right, with goodwill, and if need be with sacrifice, in their hearts that the world will ever be straightened out. Surely, if anything can avail to send us out to take our Masonry more seriously, it is the fresh per- ception of that fact.
"Were half the power that fills the world with terror,
Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and Courts,
Given to redeem the human mind from error,
There were no need of arsenals and forts."
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Appendix -- Canada
1949]
The rank of Honorary Past Grand Senior Warden was conferred on Canada's most distinguished soldier, Field Marshal Viscount Harold Alexander.
Financial reports, fully detailed and well presented, indicated care- ful and foresighted attention and ample means for all purposes.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 4,891, with a total of 104,400.
They have the District Deputy System, and each Deputy reported fully and well.
Among the distinguished guests who were introduced and who spoke briefly appears the name of Most Worshipful J. V. Gray, Grand Master of Masons in Iowa.
Beautifully written tributes to their fraternal dead were presented by Right Worshipful Brother C. M. Pitts.
In the report of the Committee on Condition of Masonry is a salient paragraph that deserves general Masonic thought. Read and ponder:
It is a source of pleasure to note that the holding of Divine Services has become an established custom throughout the Juris- diction. Attendance on these occasions has been excellent, which is as it should be. We urge all brethren to participate in these services when they are held in their respective communities. There is help for the soul and inspiration in living to be had there and even if the vision tarry, wait for it, as did the prophets of old. The Volume of the Sacred Law holds a most important place in Masonry and the good Mason recognizes the import of the things for which it stands. It is the anchor of our liber- ties, to its influence we are indebted for the progress made in true civilization and to it we must look as our guide in the future.
Excellent in form and coverage, the Fraternal Reviews were fur- nished by Right Worshipful Brother A. E. MacGregor.
M. . W. . T. H. Simpson, Grand Master, Hamilton.
R. . W. . E. G. Dixon, Grand Secretary, Hamilton.
M. . W. . F. A. Copus, Chairman Committee on Fraternal Corres- pondence, Owen Sound.
Next Annual Communication, Toronto, July 21, 1948.
CANADA (Ontario)
(1948)
93rd Annual Communication.
Toronto, July 21, 1948.
The Grand Lodge was opened in reverent dignity by the Grand Master, the Most Worshipful Brother Thomas H. Simpson. The gathering sang a verse of the "National Anthem" and one of "Amer- ica." Distinguished guests were presented to the Grand Master and by him introduced to the Grand Lodge.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Grand Master then read his address. It was notable for quality in every way: complete in coverage, sound in thought, and all expressed in classic English. In tender affection he recalled a memory of faithful ones who had passed to the beyond. On rapid increase in membership he said:
When we consider this great influx of members and the sub- stantial growth of our Grand Lodge in recent years it gives us cause for thought. What is it that prompts men to seek mem- bership in Masonry? What is the answer to this great growth? There is something in the times in which we live. Men are bewildered at what is going on around them; they are seeking some guidance; they are groping for light; they are seeking the light of philosophy and the moral law.
Then he adds "guard well the portals." Among his lodges and in other jurisdictions he visited freely. His conclusion was generous appreciation of the help he had received, and added what all Masons should have in mind:
Freemasonry has a great part to play in these days when men are groping for the light. Let us, as Masons, have the valour and the courage to carry into every situation and every rela- tionship those great ideals and principles for which our Order stands.
The Grand Secretary reported a net membership gain of 4,608, with a total of 109,008.
The report on Fraternal Correspondence was submitted by Most Worshipful Brother F. A. Copus. It was prefaced with a Foreword, sound in thought and in clear, scholarly expression, particularly what he says on size and quality of membership. A portion of his thought must be quoted:
Those who are genuinely interested in the welfare of the Craft will read the subjoined Reviews with a great deal of pleasure, for they constitute an almost unbroken record of suc- cessful endeavour in the cause of Freemasonry. But that pleasure will not be unmixed with concern, because while the Reviews reveal large gains in membership by practically every Grand Lodge throughout the world, a very real concern comes from the fear lest the bars have been too generally lowered and quality sacrificed to quantity. It is a concern that has been much in the minds of our own Masonic leaders, and perusal of the pro- ceedings of other Grand Lodges shows an almost universal fear of this threat to the good and welfare of the Craft. It would appear that no other feature of present trends in Freemasonry presents more pressing need for careful attention by all Lodges everywhere.
His Reviews are individual, tersely written but with a keen eye for the important. He commented in wisdom and with illustrative quo- tation. Iowa has generous consideration, with compliment where merited.
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Appendix-Colorado
1949]
M.'.W. . Thomas H. Simpson, Grand Master, Hamilton.
R. . W. . E. G. Dixon, Grand Secretary, Hamilton.
M. . W. . F. A. Copus, Chairman Committee on Fraternal Corres- pondence, Owen Sound.
Next Annual Communication, Toronto, July 20, 1949.
COLORADO (1948)
88th Annual Communication. Denver, September 21 and 22, 1948.
During the year four Special Communications were held, two to conduct a funeral service and two to lay a corner stone.
The annual meeting was opened in ample form with the presenta- tion and reception of the National Colors. Past Grand Masters, pre- siding officers of Associate Grand Bodies, and distinguished guests were accorded graceful reception.
The address of Grand Master John R. Swinton, who died during the year, was read by Past Grand Master Kenneth O. Wood. . He dealt largely with routine. He had visited in several other Grand Jurisdictions and widely among his own lodges. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought them of value. He granted a few dispensations and approved many by-laws.
According to the report of the Trustees of Benevolent Funds their financial position is strong and all needs and requirements were generously cared for. All financial accountings were set up in full and in understandable form.
The Grand Secretary reported a gain in membership of 1,578, with a total of 37,948.
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