USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 28
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Impressed with the value of the Masonic Service Association he urged membership in it. His closing was in fine Masonic spirit:
The great truth is that God IS, that He lives, that the destiny of the world is in His hands and our hands; that all mankind are His children and are blessed with His love.
With this universal Fatherhood we as Masons can do no less than observe the injunction: Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Only by accepting this philosophy may we measure up to the standard He has set for each of us and fully meet the responsibility of a Man and a Mason.
During a session there was a scholarly, eloquent, and no doubt greatly appreciated oration by the Grand Orator, Past Grand Master . Karl J. Mohr. Would that it may be widely read.
The Committee on Chartered Lodges reported a membership in- crease of 7,184, with a total of 231,410.
Financial and statistical reports and lodge rosters appear in full detail.
The report of the Committee on Masonic Correspondence was the production of Past Grand Master Elmer E. Beach. His dominating thought is in a paragraph in his Foreword:
As we have read the Reviews from all over the world, we have been impressed by two things, a closer sense of brother- hood and the universality of Freemasonry and an uneasy dread of the future. We rejoice at the first and find a challenge at the second. If we must have one world we must choose between two idealogies, force or brotherly love. No thinking man of good will can choose the first, therefore it follows that the world must be lead along the path of the second. What teaching can better direct men along this path than that of our beloved Fra- ternity? Masonry must never be involved in politics in any way, but by engraving deeply on the heart of every Mason the true significance of every symbol, every part of the ritual, and the feeling that the design has been drawn by the Great Archi- tect, and going forward as brothers, shoulder to shoulder, we can help to bring into this world a new era of peace, honesty and faith among all men. What a glorious challenge! Dare we fail ?
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Appendix-Indiana
1949]
His Reviews are individual, written in rare discrimination on the important, and with comment kindly and sound. Iowa has full and generous notice.
M. . W. . Fred I. Mills, Grand Master, Robinson.
M .. W. . Richard C. Davenport, Grand Secretary, Harrisburg.
M. . W. . Elmer E. Beach, Committee on Masonic Correspondence, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Next Annual Communication, Chicago, October 11, 1949.
INDIANA (1948)
131st Annual Communication. Indianapolis, May 18 and 19, 1948. A handsomely printed book of some three hundred pages presents as a frontispiece a representation of the strong face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Carl L. Hibberd. A brief bio- graphical sketch outlines his helpful activities in business, social, and fraternal fields.
The Grand Lodge opened with prayer and in full form followed the routine-presentation of Past Grand Masters, introduction of guests of distinguished place, and reception of fraternal greetings.
The Grand Master then read his address. In appropriate phrase he paid tribute to the memory of their dead. His dispensations were routine. He authorized one new lodge and laid one corner stone. Among his lodges he visited widely, to their pleasure and benefit. His comment on the Washington Conferences may be quoted:
It is a rare privilege to attend these annual Masonic meetings. Many of the Eastern Grand Jurisdictions see to it that their entire Grand Lodge line of officers are in attendance to gain the value of the educational features incident to the various meetings. We in Indiana could very profitably include our Senior Grand Warden in the list of officers that we now send to Washington. On Communism he said:
During the year your Grand Master on numerous occasions endeavored to point out to our Brethren the menace of Com- munism and like idealogies toward our American way of life in general and Masonry in particular.
It seems hardly necessary in this report to attempt to build up a case or to give the entire background of our thinking with reference to our attitude as Americans and as Masons towards Communism which is attempting to gain a foothold in every sec- tion of the world today.
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It is high time that Masonry comes from behind the veil of secrecy, take a firm stand and assist in combating the insidious propaganda that is emanating from behind the iron curtain in Europe. We need to stop worrying about hurting the feelings of the fourteen men in the Kremlin. We must start worrying about the attitude of our own people and their tendency to adopt the idealogy of Communism.
We must recognize that despotism on one side, and our idea of freedom on the other are face to face. The Communists say it is better to be "a slave and have security," while we should go along with Patrick Henry who said, "Give me liberty or give me death."
He covered much else of a purely domestic nature, not subject to comment here.
During the sessions there was a learned and eloquent address by Past Grand Master Melvin Maynard Johnson of Massachusetts.
This resolution was adopted:
Be It Resolved, That the Grand Lodge authorize the printing of official rituals that may be sold at cost, and that each Lodge be permitted to buy and re-sell as many as the Lodge has mem- bers in good standing.
The financial reports evidence large means, with ample for all needs including benevolences.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership increase of 6,570, with a total of 155,714.
With an exceptionally fine Foreword, timely and good, Past Grand Master Dwight L. Smith furnished well-written and most informative Fraternal Reviews.
M .:. W. . Carl L. Hibberd, Grand Master, South Bend.
M ... W. .. Dwight L. Smith, Grand Secretary and Grand Reviewer, Indianapolis.
Next Annual Communication, Indianapolis, May 17, 1949.
IRELAND (Annual Report for 1947)
St. John's Day was observed. It was graced with the presence of the Right Honorable, the Earl of Donoughmore, the Most Worship- ful Grand Master. His address was notable for quality of material and felicity of expression. Intelligently and helpfully he advised on local situations and problems. On Masonry elsewhere over the world what he said was of intense and general interest. Would that it could be repeated here, but lack of space forbids. Those who are privileged to read it in full are fortunate.
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Appendix-Kansas
1949]
The Grand Secretary reported at length on matters wholly do- mestic. He also reported briefly on events and actions in the Pro- vincial Grand Lodges. This included far-flung jurisdictions like New Zealand and South Africa, where parenthood is acknowledged through the granting of the original dispensations for organization.
The report on benevolent institutions evidenced generous and wisely allotted help for the needy.
Finances are in excellent condition, with ample funds for all necessary activities.
M. . W ... The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Donoughmore, Grand Master, address not given.
R. . W. . Henry C. Shellard, Grand Secretary, Dublin.
KANSAS (1948)
92nd Annual Communication. Topeka, February 11 and 12, 1948.
To read the recorded thoughts and actions of this fine jurisdiction is always a pleasure and an inspiration. On opening, distinguished visitors and Past Grand Masters were introduced and assured of welcome.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, James H. Stewart, Jr., then read his address. It was comprehensive, well arranged, and well written. His thought is evidenced as follows:
It is some 2,900 years since King David sang of "how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," but the world has not yet learned the lesson, and today we have more factions, blocs, parties and organizations, each struggling by force, craft or violence for the supposed advantage of its mem- bers or proponents, with total disregard for the welfare of man- kind as a whole, than the world has ever seen before. In the international picture, we have a power that, instead of working for unity, follows the slogan and practice of "Divide and Con- quer."
What greater practical contribution can Kansas Masons make to a strife-torn world than to carry out into the world the mes- sage and the practice of unity and harmony? Collectively and individually, as Masons and as men, we prosper or suffer, we stand or fall, by the welfare or the detriment of mankind as a whole.
Of his Lecturers he deservedly says:
It is impossible to state at this time just how much of the willingness and ability of these brothers to serve so successfully
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
as substitute Lecturers, should be attributed to the program followed by Grand Lodge officers for many years, of promoting and encouraging among the craft at large, the study for pro- ficiency certificates; but it cannot be doubted that that program and encouragement played some part, large or small as the case may have been. I commend to my successors the continu- ance of this program, fully convinced of its importance and de- sirability from many standpoints.
He reported on his many visits among his lodges to their benefit and his pleasure. Much of purely domestic importance was briefly reported on. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought well of them .. He highly commended the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home. Well satisfied with the condition of the Order he had no recommendations to make.
According to the Grand Treasurer, finances were in excellent shape, with ample funds for all needs.
For soundness of thought and eloquence in expression the address of the Grand Orator, H. Otis Garth, was a classic. Fortunate, in- deed, were those privileged to hear it. To evidence its quality, one outstanding paragraph must be quoted:
Masonry is a way of life in every sense of the word. It is a philosophy that gives us a basis for solution of all our prob- lems, both personal and collective. It is dynamic, not static, and will grow in strength and effectiveness in direct proportion to its use. It is fundamental, in that all the rules are clear. It is simple, in that the basic principles are few in number. It is practical, because its success has been proven through the centuries. It is right and just, because faith in God is its corner-stone and its principles are God-inspired. Masonry is a way of life! To practice-not just to preach, because precept without practice is mockery. In the words of Shakespeare pre- cept without practice is "a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury and signifying nothing." Masonry is a way of life! To defend-because that which is right, just and true is ever sub- ject to the attacks of the powers of darkness and evil. The Light of Masonry was brought to us, through great trials and tribulations, by those who have gone before us. It is our duty and privilege to preserve that Light so that we may pass an ever brightening torch of Masonic understanding to generations yet to come. Masonry is a way of life! To perpetuate-by offering that Light of understanding to others but never at- tempting to compel the acceptance of it. If we live it, and emulate its principles fully in our lives, it will become irresist- ably desirable to others. And so, in the words of Tennyson, "The whole round earth is, every way, bound by gold chains about the feet of God."
Excellent Correspondence Reviews were furnished by Most Wor- shipful Brother Otto R. Souders, Past Grand Master. His Reviews are individual. They are well written and evidence of appreciation of the important, with keen comment and kindly consideration of
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Appedix-Kentucky
1949]
views other than his own. Iowa has generous space and carries quotations from the Foreword of the Fraternal Review. Coming from so scholarly and thoughtful a writer as Brother Souders that was a compliment much appreciated.
M. . W. . E. Glenn Robison, Grand Master, Gridley.
M.'.W. . Elmer F. Strain, Grand Secretary, Topeka.
M. . W. . Otto R. Souders, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Wichita.
Next Annual Communication, Wichita, February 9, 1949.
KENTUCKY
(1947) 147th Annual Communication. Louisville, October 21-23, 1947.
It required a ponderous tome of nearly eight hundred pages to record the activities of this important jurisdiction. The first page is adorned with a representation of the handsome face of the retiring Grand Master, Albert C. Hanson. The biographical sketch that follows outlines an interesting life record. Active and successful in business, he found time for extended social service, for devotion in church affairs, and a patriotic call in the armed forces on the call of his country.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with prayer by the Grand Chaplain and the presentation of the American Flag.
The address of Grand Master Hanson was brief and beautifully phrased. His closing paragraphs evidence the quality of his thought:
In the interest of the youth of our great nation, I have ap- pealed to our Grand Craft for moral, spiritual, and physical aid to all the recognized youth movements and organizations of our Commonwealth, which are calculated for the good of clean moral character in the individual and the preservation of good citizenship, which will assure the safety of future civilization; in an effort toward curbing juvenile delinquency and crime which has risen to an alarming height.
I have, at every opportunity, condemned, exposed, and con- founded every subversive activity to those whose philosophies of government are calculated to disrupt our American way of life, and launch us into a state of totalitarianism, such as Com- munism with its low and degrading paganistic philosophies. In every way, I have endeavored at all times to be the Grand Master you would want me to be.
He had proclaimed a National Bible Week, and in reverence said:
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
Each Lodge shall set aside a part of the stated meeting during that week, or of the first meeting thereafter, if none is held during that time, for the purpose of reading aloud in open Lodge, a portion of God's law from that book of books, our Great Light, The Holy Bible; so that as Masons who fully realize, that in union there is strength, we might put forth a united effort to combat Communism, and other influences which would launch us into a state of totalitarianism and its comitant pagan- istic philosophies.
He attended the Washington Conferences and thought so well of them that he submitted a completely detailed report which should he widely read. His dispensations were few and within the strict line of the law. He commended the condition and conduct of their Masonic Homes. To the pleasure and satisfaction of the Craft he visited widely among his lodges. He submitted many "opinions" on matters of purely domestic administration.
Fully detailed financial reports were furnished by the Grand Treas- urer. Prosperity is evident in large reserves on hand.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 5,720, with a total of 69,528.
A most interesting part of the book is the report of Past Grand Master John Henry Cowles on "The Universality of Masonry." He covers the Masonic world in a way that only one as well advised could do. On conditions in foreign lands his individual reports are a mine of information. It is to be keenly wished that what he furnished might be put in separate book form for the use of Masonic students everywhere.
The incoming Grand Master, Most Worshipful Rube McKnight, made an address sound in thought and eloquent in expression. He closed with an illustrative story that for brotherhood value must be quoted :
May I conclude with the thought conveyed by the legend of the two Hebrew brothers. It is the time of the harvest moon, and the golden grain is in the shocks in the fields. Two Hebrew brothers live on adjoining farms. One is married and has a large, happy family in his home; the other lives alone in his cot- tage nearby. Tomorrow the grain is to be gathered and the thresh- ing is to begin. It is eventime and each brother is musing alone in his house. The brother with the family says within himself; "My brother lives alone; he has no wife and children to gladden his heart and make happy his home-spent hours; all that he has is in the golden harvest of his fields; this makes his heart happy. I shall go out, therefore, unto my fields tonight and take of my grain and put it into my brother's field that he may have more; yea plenty. His heart shall be happy, and only God and I shall know."
At the same hour the brother who lives alone is thinking within himself thus; "My brother who lives nearby has many
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Appendix-Louisiana
1949]
responsibilities which I do not have. There are many mouths to be fed at his table, but only one at mine. He must care for his large family in sickness and through the coming years. I need to care for only one. I shall go out, therefore, unto my harvest field and take of my abundant grain and put it into my brother's field, that he may have more; yea, plenty. His heart shall be glad, and only God and I shall know."
So out into the fields the brothers go, and with their arms full of golden grain, each taking it to give to the other, they meet on the border of their farms. Seeing the heart-love each has for the other, they read the meaning thereof; throw down the golden sheaves, and fall into each others arms. Tradition tells us that upon the spot where these brothers met the Temple of Jehovah, the House of Brotherly Love, was built.
The balance of the book is taken up with statistical tables with full lodge rosters.
M. . W. . Rube McKnight, Grand Master, Fulton.
M. . W. . Alpheus E. Orton, Grand Secretary, Louisville.
M.'.W. . Charles A. Keith, Foreign Correspondent, Richmond.
Next Annual Communication, Louisville, October 19, 1948.
LOUISIANA (1948)
137th Annual Communication. New Orleans, February 16-18, 1948.
During the year there were several Emergent Communications, one to conduct a Grand Lodge funeral and the others for constituting under Charter and dedicating of lodge halls.
The Grand Lodge opened with a fervent and beautifully phrased prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Brother J. Hodge Alves. The National Colors were presented and advanced while the brethren joined in the National Anthem.
The scholarly address of the Grand Master, Quintin T. Hardtner, dealt at length on our present governmental and social problems, . with this striking summary:
It now remains to summarize briefly the spirit of freedom, which is also the spirit of Freemasonry and the democratic way of life:
First of all, it is of the essence of the democratic way of life that we have political freedom-freedom to vote on public issues; freedom to discuss those issues in public gatherings, in the press, over the radio, and through the motion picture.
Second, it is of the essence to the democratic way of life that we have economic freedom-the freedom to work and to par-
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
ticipate in organizations and discussions which deal with working and living conditions.
Third, it is of the essence in the democratic way of life that we have social freedom, that is to say, freedom from oppres- sion based on theories of superiority or inferiority.
And, finally, it is of the essence in our democratic way of life that we have religious freedom-freedom of worship, with sep- aration of church and state.
Hail, then to the Masonic fraternity, which in the beginning, laid the foundations of democratic society, cherished and dissem- inated the elements of civilization, discovered the ideas of civil liberty, and promises to spread them over the world.
Quite in detail he reported many pleasant visits among his lodges. He also attended the Washington Conferences. His rulings were many, but presented little unusual.
He reported finances in excellent condition and commended the conduct of their Home for Children. He praised the Masonic Ser- vice Association for efficiency in meeting world-wide charity prob- lems, with an especial word of praise for the Executive Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy.
In fine spirit he closed with quoting "Abou Ben Adhem."
The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 2,744, with a total of 35,310. All charities were generously cared for.
The especially fine report of the Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence was submitted by Brother Edwin F. Gayle. It was comprehensive and expressed in scholarly diction. He reviews world- wide Masonic conditions and problems with his own informative comment and also with liberal quotation from the reports of other students and observers, notably Past Grand Master Ray V. Denslow of Missouri.
Iowa has a compliment in this:
Perhaps at this time there is no more appropriate expression of sentiment than that of Past Grand Master Ernest R. Moore, Fraternal Correspondent of the Grand Lodge of ' Iowa. His noble words are indeed consoling at this time of political and social turmoil, and racial agitation, when group is arrayed against group, and class against class, when questions are being raised as to our very form of government and our American way of life. Let us pause in silent prayer as we hear the beau- tiful sentiment contained in the Foreword of his Reviews.
Quite at length are presented views and comments, at considerable variance in comment and opinion on Negro Masonry.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence on Applications for Recognition recommended the recognition of the Grande Oriente
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Appendix-Maine
1949]
D'Italia, the Grand Lodge of Minas Geraes, Brazil, and the Grand Lodge of Hungary.
During the sessions Most Worshipful Brother Dee A. Strickland indulged the assembly with an eloquent and thoughtful address. For its Masonic value it should be widely read.
M.'.W. . D. Louie Butler, Grand Master, Rodessa.
R .:. W. . D. Peter Laguens, Jr., Grand Secretary, New Orleans.
M. . W. . Edwin F. Gayle, Chairman Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, Lake Charles.
Next Annual Communication, New Orleans, February 14, 1949.
MAINE (1948)
129th Annual Communication.
Portland, May 4-6, 1948.
In the story of the life of this fine old conservative body there is much quiet comfort to the Masonic mind and heart. With a full attendance, the Grand Lodge was opened in form and dignity. After prayer the Grand Marshal, with a soldier escort, advanced the Na- tional Colors and all, standing, saluted and then sang "America."
Many distinguished guests were welcomed with honors. Much routine business was quickly dispatched.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Carroll W. Keene, then presented his address. It was comprehensive, well arranged, and well written in scholarly phrase. What he said may be briefly summarized. Graceful and feeling reference was made to their dead. The general condition of his Craft pleased him-there was material prosperity, and peace and harmony prevailed. Instruc- tional work had been well done. To their pleasure and good he had visited many of his lodges. He thought well of the Washington Con- ferences, which he attended. His dispensations were few and rou- tine. His decisions were in line with the fundamental law. His closing was touchingly graceful:
The happy memories I carry with me and the friendships I have made will be priceless treasures in the years to come. For honors come, and honors go, but the friends remain and it is the brethren we meet, the friends we make, and the men we learn to know and love, that makes our Masonic pathway such a pleasant road to travel.
The report of the Grand Treasurer indicated financial prosperity with ample funds for all necessary purposes.
Among much other of detailed importance the Grand Secretary ad- vised of a membership increase of 1,491, making a total of 42,082.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence considered a number of Foreign Grand Lodges for recognition but delayed action pend- ing further investigation and information.
The Finance Committee made this worthwhile recommendation:
At the 1946 Annual Communication appropriations of $300.00 for publishing a bound Memorial Record of the services of Maine Masons in World War II, and an appropriation of $200.00 covering estimated expenses of compiling and printing the material submitted by the Special Committee on Masonic Ser- vice Records was made and not used. We recommend that said appropriations be continued for the year ending May 1, 1949.
In the report of the Special Committee on Ritual this recommenda- tion is found:
The Committee voted and recommends to Grand Lodge that an Official Cipher be prepared, published and made available for sale, through the Grand Lodge Secretary, to the secretary of each lodge, and through him to the officers and members of his lodge.
Charities were generously cared for. A complete list of lodges and officers is given, together with much more statistical information.
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