USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 27
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The Grand Orator, Brother Hubert Glover, favored the gathering with a dissertation on our morals and philosophy. He was sound in thought and pleasing in expression.
Brother Harry L. Baum spoke for the Committee on Correspond- ence. He briefly referred to several matters of minor importance but of general interest, such as rapid growth in membership, close attention to quality, greater reverence and dignity in the conferring of the degrees, and misuse of Masonic emblems in general advertising. Negro Masonry has his comment without adding anything new or of value. In the mind of this Reviewer that activity, for several sound reasons, must be looked on as illegitimate. While in its field it may accomplish good, it should no more interest real Masonry
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
than the praiseworthy work of many other fraternities. Full Ma- sonic attention is needed for the duties that are ever present in our own field. In a beautifully written essay he reviews "the Morality of Freemasonry." For its admonitory and cultural value it should be widely read.
The committee recommended the full recognition of
The Grand Lodge Symbolic, Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
The Grand Lodge Symbolic for the State of Ceara, Brazil
The 'Grand Lodge Symbolic of Minas Gerias, Brazil
The National Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena
The Grand Lodge of Uruguay, Montevideo
The Grand Lodge of Finland
The Grand Orient of Italy
The Grand Lodge of Greece
M. . W. . S. Stuart Krebs, Grand Master, Montrose.
R. . W. . Harry W. Bundy, Grand Secretary, Denver.
M. . W. . Harry L. Baum, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Denver.
Next Annual Communication, Denver, September 13, 1949.
CONNECTICUT (1948)
Proceedings not received in time for this review.
DELAWARE (1947)
142nd Annual Communication. Wilmington, October 1 and 2, 1947.
In a formal opening the American Flag was advanced and the assemblage in unison repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain, the Most Reverend Park W. Huntington. A number of distinguished guests were introduced and accorded the Grand Honors.
The Grand Master, Bayard W. Allmond, then read his well-pre- pared and comprehensive report. He voiced a beautifully phrased tribute to the lives and services of their dead. He had granted a few pro forma dispensations. In high terms he commended their Masonic Home and asked for generous and sympathetic support. On personalizing Masonry he said what must be repeated here:
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Appendix-Delaware
1949]
This is one phase of our program that your Grand Master felt could not be emphasized too strongly. All of the beauty of Masonic philosophy is as a light under a bushel, until it is put to work in everyday life and practice. It is my sincerest conviction that the greatest single attraction in Masonry is the fellowship between its members, and that no real brotherhood can exist founded upon abstract philosophy. Real Masonic brotherhood is knowing your Brother; his name; where he works; how many children he has, and their names; his likes and dislikes; being in a position to congratulate him on important happenings in his life at home and in the community. Masonic brotherhood must not be confined to the Lodge room, but must be permitted to extend into the community in its everyday life, and this philosophy of brotherhood when applied in everyday life can be, nay it must be, the solution of universal peace and happi- ness, and I feel that it is not too fanciful to say that if civil- ization is to continue then' all men, regardless of race, color or creed, shall become in fact their brother's keeper.
Both within and without his jurisdiction he made many visits to his satisfaction and he hoped to the benefit of the Craft. He attended the Washington Conferences, and a paragraph of his report may well be quoted:
At the conclusion of the business session on the second day the Grand Masters were extended an unusual and great priv- ilege, that of being received at the Executive Offices in the White House by M. . W. . Past Grand Master, Harry S. Truman, of Missouri, our President. He greeted each of us individually and inquired as to our Jurisdiction. President Truman presented to the Grand Masters, and, through them, to all Masons, an earnest plea for our help in solving one of today's problems, that of combating increased juvenile delinquency, and I am sure that this challenge was carried back to the several States, and I share with him the conviction that it is a job that Masons are peculiarly equipped to handle, for no greater duty can rest upon them than that of helping our youth to become good citizens.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 351, with a total of 6,147.
Full lodge rosters are furnished.
Excellent Fraternal Reviews were prepared and presented by Past Grand Master Frank S. Craig. Tersely written, yet they furnished in comment and quotation all that could be desired by the student of far-flung Masonry.
M. . W. . Paul Yearsley, Grand Master, Wilmington.
R .:. W. . Chester R. Jones, Grand Secretary,. Wilmington.
W. . W. Stewart Allmond, Jr., Chairman Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Newark.
Next Annual Communication, Wilmington, October 6, 1948.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
DELAWARE (1948)
143rd Annual Communication. Wilmington, October 6 and 7, 1948.
A Special Communication was held on May 5, 1948, at Seaford for the purpose of laying the corner stone of a schoolhouse.
The annual meeting was opened in all form with prayer by the Grand Chaplain. The National Colors were forwarded and all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Many distinguished guests were intro- duced and made welcome.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Paul Yearsley, then read his report. Many matters had his brief mention. In fitting phrase he spoke of their dead. His dispensations were few and routine. He made many lodge calls and attended lodge anniversaries. He made courtesy calls in other jurisdictions. He attended the Wash- ington Conferences and thought them of value. The Masonic Service Association and the Executive Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy, had his high 'commendation. He gave praise to the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home. He closed with a clever personal message that may be quoted:
As most of you know and the rest of you can guess, I had my origin in the country, and today I feel very much like the farmer at the end of another summer season. As the farmer, I started out my season as Grand Master with great hopes but, as the season wore on and the sun became hot and the weeds grew, my harvest of accomplishments isn't as large as anticipated in the spring. But I hope that the results of my labor will be accept- able to you, my landlord. I am sure that the tenant for next season, R. . W. . Deputy Grand Master Carswell, is confident that he can reap a bumper Masonic harvest.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 317, with a total of 6,463. Financial reports evidence prosperity and a strongly entrenched position. Benevolences were generously cared for.
On the recommendation of the Foreign Correspondence Committee recognition was extended to the
Grand Loge Symbolique de Hongrie
Gran Loja Simbolica do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Gran Loja de Estado de Sao Paulo
Gran Loja Simbolica do Minas Gerais
Gran Loja Simbolica do Ceara
Complete lodge rosters are included in the book.
The excellent Fraternal Reviews were furnished by Past Grand Master W. Stewart Allmond, Jr. Jurisdictionally individual, they are especially pleasing. Observant on the important, wise in judg- ment, and keen in comment, they will be valued over a wide field.
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Appendix-District of Columbia
1949]
M.'.W. . James Carswell, Grand Master, Wilmington.
R. . W. . Chester R. Jones, Grand Secretary, Wilmington.
M .:. W.'.W. Stewart Allmond, Jr., Chairman Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Newark.
Next Annual Communication, Wilmington, October 5, 1949.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (1947)
137th Annual Communication. Washington, December 17, 1947.
The outstanding features of the meetings were the addresses of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Marvin Farrington. They were comprehensive and in business-like clarity.
All matters of importance were tersely reviewed. Many reports on purely domestic affairs were presented and approved. In mem- bership there was an increase of 936, making a total of 23,411. Finances were in excellent shape, with ample funds for all necessary purposes. The work of the Masonic Service Association of the United States was highly commended.
This bit of sound Masonic philosophy was voiced by the incoming Grand Master, Brother Dean Stanley:
We are neither a proselyting nor a crusading institution. We do not seek acceptance of our way of life by those beyond the West Gate, but rather a practice amongst ourselves of those rules of conduct which makes the bonds amongst us evermore secure. Those who seek admission to our sanctuary do so be- cause the outward practices of our daily lives have so impressed them with our worth that they desire to be associated with us. It is by constant awareness and practice by each individual Mason of his duties to his brethren, to society, and to the Na- tion, that we may hope to bring to full attainment the aims of our Order.
Their Homes are well conducted and generously supported. Vital statistics and lodge rosters appeared in full.
With a thought-compelling Foreword the excellent Fraternal Re- views were the production of Brother J. Walter Karsner.
M.'.W. . Dean Hill Stanley, Grand Master, Washington.
R. . W ... Aubrey H. Clayton, Grand Secretary, Washington.
W. . J. Walter Karsner, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Washington.
Next Annual Communication, Washington, date not given.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
FLORIDA
(1948)
119th Annual Communication.
Jacksonville, April 20-22, 1948.
With a comprehensive coverage on so much of interest, this book is difficult to adequately review and keep within reasonable space limitations. The meeting was opened with an inspirational invo- cation by the Grand Chaplain, Right Reverend Lawrence E. Mc- . Eldowney. He was reverent and eloquently fervent, and he appro- priately closed with the Lord's Prayer.
With brevity in mind there can be but references to high lights. There was a graceful address of welcome and an equally happy response. Distinguished guests were received in honor and assured of welcome.
The address of the Grand Master, Frank H. Thompson, covered a wide field. In fine phrase he paid tribute to the memory of their dead. He then reported on domestic affairs and on Emergent Com- munications. His dispensations were many, mostly routine. In refusals he closely followed the letter of the law. In matters of dispute he handed down many decisions evidencing knowledge of long accepted practice and aiming to promote harmony. He made official calls on many of his lodges and was able to make ceremonial visits in several other jurisdictions. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought them of value. His conclusion feelingly quoted the lines:
"Live on! O Masonry, live on! Thy work hath scarce begun; Live on! Nor end, if end there be, Till earth's last setting sun. Live on! Thy work in ages past Hath but prepared the way; For every truth thy symbols teach There's pressing need today."
On membership the Grand Secretary reported an increase of 4,136, with a total of 39,691. He also submitted fully detailed financial accountings.
Brother Doak S. Campbell, Grand Orator, delivered an address sound in thought and eloquently phrased. Let his closing paragraph evidence its high value:
The world needs today more than it ever has needed the con- sistent lives of godly men. The world needs to have some be- liefs and a faith which, being sufficient to die by, also will be worthy to live by. The only business of our Ancient and Hon- orable Order is to provide and strengthen such faiths and be- liefs. If 1948 is to be a year of good decisions for the world, we as Masons have our opportunity and our obligation to con- tribute to it. If it be a year for despair and dissolution, then
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Appendix-Idaho
1949]
we cannot avoid our full measure of responsibility. Because Masons have always rallied on the side of right when great crises have arisen, I bespeak your faith and mine that it will be even so now.
Right Worshipful Brother Roy L. Martin furnished the report for the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. In his Foreword, on the value of such reports, he says:
May it come to pass that some day Brethren seeking the light of understanding and knowledge will turn to these sources for information that will help them on their way. In the meantime, we earnestly recommend to those engaged in the work of Ma- sonic Education, whether in particular Lodges or in Grand Lodge committees, that they avail themselves of these records of similar endeavors in other Grand Jurisdictions, that through comparison of experiences their problems may be easier solved and their minds enriched with the wisdom of outstanding Ma- sonic scholars.
His Reviews are individual on jurisdiction. They are observant on the important, keen in comment, and decidedly informative.
M ... W. . Hal W. Adams, Grand Master, Mayo.
R .:. W. . George W. Huff, Grand Secretary, Jacksonville.
R. . W. . Roy L. Martin, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, Miami.
Next Annual Communication, Jacksonville, April 19, 1949.
GEORGIA (1948)
Proceedings not received in time for this review.
IDAHO
(1948)
82nd Annual Communication.
Boise, September 21-23, 1948.
Although a small jurisdiction, it is not lacking in importance. A small book presenting so much of value and in such an attractive style is a delight to read. Adorning the first page is a portrait of the strong and handsome face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Howard I. Monks. A brief life record tells of his long Ma- sonic service and his helpfulness to others in many laudable social movements.
At the formal opening of the Grand Lodge there was prayer by the Grand Chaplain. The National Colors were presented and placed in the East. Distinguished guests were introduced and honored.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Mayor of the city, Brother Potter P. Howard, extended a grace- fully phrased welcome. In brotherly love and affection Past Grand Masters were greeted.
The Grand Master then read his well-prepared and pleasing ad- dress. In gratitude he thanked those who had ably and unselfishly aided him in his work. On the three major objectives of the year- Masonic education, uniformity in the work, and Americanism-he reported material progress. Touching tribute was paid to the mem- ory of their dead. In detail he accounted on his many lodge visits. He was also a visitor in several other jurisdictions where he was cordially welcomed and honored. He attended the Washington Con- ferences and thought them of value. Particularly, he commended the Masonic Service Association and availed himself liberally with their publications, being impressed with their value for general read- ing. His dispensations were many and routine. He reprimanded a lodge for renting space in their Temple for a bar. Steps were taken to avoid the lease or obviate the difficulty.
The report of the Grand Treasurer indicated a sound and pros- perous financial condition, with ample funds for all purposes.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership increase of 487, with a total of 12,117. Benevolences were generously cared for.
The report of the Committee on Masonic Education closed with a paragraph of sound advice to all:
"We, my Brethren, received and the generations before us received this work from mouth to ear, and it was delivered to us with positive instructions to see that the Ancient Landmarks, usages and customs were not changed or altered, and that no innovation would or should be tolerated. In the same way, through the same method and by the use of the same words it should and must continue to be communicated to those who now seek and have sought admission into our midst. If you violate these principles, then you will destroy what you and I believe in, admire and respect. Too much emphasis cannot be given to this, nor can it be too closely guarded and too zealously ob- served."
In the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence is a paragraph that will appeal to all Reviewers:
In the second place, the Chairman of this Committee reviews a large number of the Proceedings of Grand Lodges around the world. This is a fascinating task, and one that lasts all through the year. The mass of printed volumes, pamphlets, and letters that rolls in from the Grand Secretary's office to the Foreign Correspondent is appalling, and his work, like that of the traditional housewife, is truly "never done." His duty is to use a selective eye and present reviews that are, like the good feminine bathing suit, "brief enough to be interesting, and long enough to cover the subject." It is a great privilege
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Appendix-Idaho
1949]
and a great responsibility. Only occasionally, however, does one encounter a blessed soul like our gracious visitor, Tom Stauth of Dodge City, Kansas, who expresses appreciation for one's efforts and says that he reads the Reviews not only a miraculous once, but actually three times!" May his tribe greatly increase.
Veritably, "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country."
The address of the Grand Orator, Worshipful Brother and Bishop Frank A. Rhea, was a classic in eloquent expression. His subject was the "Cathedrals of England and the Continent." Aside from the pleasure of reading, it has historical value. Would that it could be reproduced here.
During the year, at a corner stone laying, the Governor of Idaho, Brother Charles A. Robins, favored the gathering with a short ad- dress on Communism, notable for sound thought and beautiful phrase- ology.
Excellent Fraternal Reviews were furnished by Past Grand Master Jay Glover Eldridge. They were individual in type and most satis- factory. Brother Eldridge is keen for the important, wise in judg- ment, and kindly critical in observational comment. Iowa has gen- erous consideration. He quotes Grand Master Nolte on the general value of the Fraternal Reviews and the tribute he paid to Past Grand Secretary Charles C. Hunt. Pure personal pride impels a reprint of what he said on the Reviews:
Ernest R. Moore P.G.M. again writes the splendid Reviews. In addition to a round hundred pages of these and the fairly customary Foreword, he tucks in for good measure an After Thought. This one is about a plumb-line-the one that Amos saw, a perpendicular reaching from earth to heaven; from man to God. The Chosen People had repeatedly been forgiven. Then God warned that He would set up for them the rule of conduct by which they must abide or receive condign punishment. Twice in a generation our world has been engulfed in savage destruction of human life and material wealth. The plumb-line was for- gotten. And so with our Fraternity, in our midst stands the plumb-line.
His Foreword is equally reverent and based on Scripture and a great hymn. The young Mason-and every other-can build a beautiful temple of the soul on this foundation.
M. . W. . A. Edward Prince, Grand Master, Boise.
M. . W. . Clyde I. Rush, Grand Secretary, Boise.
M. . W. . Jay Glover Eldridge, Foreign Correspondent, Moscow. Next Annual Communication, Idaho Falls, September 20, 1949.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
IOWA (1948)
104th Annual Communication.
Sioux City, June 8-10, 1948.
It is unusual probably unnecessary, and possibly in poor taste, yet to our general Craft it may be informative and helpful to summar- ize on our domestic affairs. It is a good and prideful record. It is in a well-compiled, well-arranged, and beautifully printed book, a compliment to a most efficient Grand Secretary. Adorning the front page is the portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother J. V. Gray. His modestly written biography follows.
The meeting was opened with a beautifully phrased and fervent prayer by the Grand Chaplain, George G. Hunt. Many distinguished guests were introduced and accorded the Public Grand Honors.
The Grand Master, Brother Gray, was absent on account of illness and his well-prepared and comprehensive address was read by the Senior Grand Warden, Brother Ray Douglass. Evidencing his sat- isfaction with the condition of the Craft, the Grand Master said:
It is very gratifying indeed to note the increase in our mem- bership since our last communication, but let us not forget that it is quality and not quantity that makes Masonry. The present excellent condition of our lodges, as a whole, is due largely to the untiring labor, wisdom, skill, and foresight of the Pioneers of Masonry in this State, and it is our duty to carry on the preservation of the inheritance which they have handed down to us in the years passed, and may we ever bear in mind that our work of today becomes a milestone of yesterday for our fol- lowers.
He thanked the members of his official family for faithful and effi- cient help. He reported on the banquets, receptions, and Regional Schools that he attended. To the satisfaction of his Craft he visited many lodges. He also made some courtesy calls in other jurisdic- tions. He issued many dispensations, all routine. He attended the Washington Conferences and found them enjoyable. He expressed pride in the Bulletin and gave high praise to the editor, Brother Earl B. Delzell. Of the Fraternal Reviewer he said:
His reports show a broad, comprehensive knowledge of the activity of all Grand Jurisdictions. It requires a constant perusal of the various reports from other jurisdictions, and his ability to condense the most important facts and present them to us is remarkable. His ability as a Reviewer is recognized by our Sister Jurisdictions.
Of the Grand Charity Board he said:
They are doing a noble, magnificent, and important work in dispensing relief to those deserving.
His rulings in all cases closely followed the basic laws of Masonry and of this jurisdiction.
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Appendix-Illinois
1949]
The report of Grand Secretary Delzell was full and especially in- formative on all matters cared for through his office. Membership increased by 3,341, making a total of 84,802. Financial reports are in understandable detail. While expenditures are large, ample in- come leaves a surplus. The permanent reserve fund is in excess of one million dollars.
Many other reports on special activities were submitted and ap- proved. The Fraternal Reviews were in the usual form and com- pleteness and of the average quality and value.
The Committee on Grand Lodge Recognition considered a number of applications for such recognition. On most of them there was denial or suggestion of further investigation or consideration. Those favorably considered were Grand Lodge of Ceara, Brazil; Grand Lodge of Finland; Grand Orient of Italy; Grand Lodge of Uruguay; and the Grand Lodge de Minas Geraes, Brazil.
M. . W. . J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master, Indianola.
R. . W. . Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary, Cedar Rapids.
M. . W. . Ernest R. Moore, Committee on Fraternal Review, Cedar Rapids.
Next Annual Communication, Cedar Rapids, June 14, 1949.
ILLINOIS (1948)
109th Annual Communication. Chicago, October 12 and 13, 1948.
The Grand Lodge was opened with prayer by Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain Dr. L. S. Mckown. Many distinguished visitors were presented.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Fred I. Mills, then read his address. It was well written and quite complete. It can best be reviewed by topics. Feeling tribute was paid to the memory of their departed. In a sense of patriotic duty he had bent his efforts to complete the Illinois pledge for the completion of the George Wash- ington Masonic National Memorial. He attended the Washington Conferences and was impressed with their value. He commended the condition and conduct of their Masonic Homes. He appealed for fur- ther and generous support for the Illinois Masonic Hospital Asso- ciation. Under "Freemasonry" he offers a paragraph of advice of general value:
Definitely every lodge should give more time and attention to the creating of an active interest in Freemasonry in every
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
candidate upon whom they confer the degrees, and particularly so immediately after he has been raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. At no time will he be more susceptible and more eager to study the philosophy, the symbolism and the his- toric background of our Institution. Ways and means should be made available whereby his craving for more light may be satisfied; this also. should be a definite part in any program of the Worshipful Master.
He approved Youth Organizations with the admonition:
I commend to you, my brethren, the bending of the twig in the field of Youth as an activity that will return a Golden Har- vest on the morrow.
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