USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 29
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The report of the Committee on Correspondence opened with a Foreword well written and most informative on world-wide Masonry. A salient paragraph must be quoted:
My brethren, Masonry does far more than admit the mere possibility that an abstract creative principle may, perchance, exist! Triumphantly and unequivocally it proclaims the Only Living and True God as the Author, Creator, and Ruler of the Universe, and as the Heavenly Father whose fatherhood alone makes possible the brotherhood of man. In Him alone does the Mason put his trust; His blessing is invoked before entering upon any great and important undertaking; and in His Almighty Presence our solemn Masonic obligations are assumed. As Masons, we regard Him with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his creator; we implore His aid in all our laudable undertakings; and we esteem Him as the chief good. We do not speculate as to His nature, but learn that nature from His own Holy Word, that Great Light in Masonry which lies open upon all our Altars, and which we accept unquestion- ingly as the rule and guide of our Masonic Faith.
Negro Masonry has attention without concrete or determining con- clusion. Jurisdictional Reviews are individual and in content and comment are all that could be desired. Iowa has generous atten- tion. In pure pride a reference to the Reviewer is repeated here:
The Fraternal Review was again prepared by Past Grand Master Ernest R. Moore, and fully measures up to the high standard of excellence which we have come to associate with the work of this distinguished Craftsman. Bro. Moore gives us a telling Foreword, sixty-one comprehensive reviews, and
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Appendix-Manitoba
1949]
an "After Thought" of singular aptness and beauty. Our Maine Proceedings for 1946 are graciously considered. He describes Grand Master Crossland's Address as "a fine example of terse, orderly accounting," and honors your Correspondent by quoting two entire paragraphs from his Foreword.
M .:. W. . Granville C. Gray, Grand Master, Presque Isle.
R .:. W. . Convers E. Leach, Grand Secretary, Portland.
R. . W. . Ralph J. Pollard, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, Togus.
Next Annual Communication, Portland, May 3, 1949.
MANITOBA
(1948)
73rd Annual Communication.
Winnipeg, June 2 and 3, 1948.
In formal dignity the Grand Lodge was opened with prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Right Worshipful Reverend Brother E. A. Syms. Routine business was cared for and committee reports received and approved. The Grand Secretary advised of a membership gain of 727, with a total of 12,525.
All financial accountings were in full detail and evidence wise con- duct of affairs, with large and growing reserves. Disbursements for fraternal aid were generous.
The Committee on "Food Parcels to Our Brethren in Britain" ad- vised that through lodge and personal generosity over 5,000 packages had been provided at a cost approximating $25,000.
Patriotism evoked an inspiring observance:
FLAG CEREMONY
The Flag Bearers were escorted into the Grand Lodge by the Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies, R.W. Bro. J. J. Banner- man, and after the flags were presented, in a dignified and im- pressive ceremony, the Grand Chaplain, R.W. Bro. Rev. E. A. Syms, offered prayer, and the flags were placed in the Grand East. R.W. Bro. Capt. David Mackay (140) of the Cameron Highlanders, bearing the Union Jack; Bro. Capt. Sam. Gee (140), of the Cameron Highlanders, bearing the Stars and Stripes.
The brethren sang one verse each of
"God Save the King" and "The Star Spangled Banner."
The fine, formal address of Most Worshipful Brother Harry B. Donnelly presented much of interest. There was graceful reference to their honored and lamented. In pride and satisfaction he told
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
of numerous lodge visits. During these visits he presented twelve Fifty-Year Jewels. Pleased with membership growth he cautioned that character standards must be maintained. In fine spirit he closed with an appeal to all Masons:
Let us look out beyond the confines of this Grand Jurisdic- tion, and see bewildered humanity, groping for the truth, under- standing and brotherhood that only can bring real peace. Let us realize the need for men of integrity, men with ideals and noble purpose, men inspired by the principles upon which our Order rests. Then let us give ourselves to the task we assumed when first we took our solemn obligations, and dream and work for a world that will truly be the Temple of God.
"Build me a world, said God, Not with a Navy's strife, Nor with a host in arms, Compassing death, not life. Build me a world, said God, Out of man's fairest dreams; Heaven must be its dome, Lighted by prophet-gleams; Justice shall be the stones On which my world shall rise; Truth and Love its arches, Gripping my ageless skies. Out of dreams, on the earthly sod, Build me a world, said God."
A feature of the meeting was the address of Most Worshipful Brother William J. Dunlop, Past Grand Master of Masons in Can- ada. It was Masonically sound and phrased in culture and eloquence. A salient paragraph will evidence its general value:
LOYALTY
Can any characteristic be more important than loyalty to what is right and good? What loyalties Masons have and how wonderfully Freemasonry teaches us to be true to those loyalties. Our God, our King, our Church, our Craft, our Country, our friends and relatives, our brethren-are not these some of the loyalties we cherish? There is no need to stress the obvious fact that true loyalties develop the best of personalities; no need to emphasize the truth that good citizens are always loyal to the right and the good.
The Committee on Foreign Relations reviewed the Masonic situation in many jurisdictions. Their general thought on recognition was care, caution, and further consideration.
The Masonic Reviews were furnished by Brother Hugh M. Kerr, truly a master mind. His Reviews are both jurisdictional and in- dividual on specialized subjects. Throughout he displays a broad coverage, close observation, evaluation of subject, keen comment, kindly criticism, and exceptional judgment in quotation. His whole report, for cultural excellence and as a compendium of Masonic news throughout the world, will serve the close Masonic student.
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Appendix -- Maryland
1949]
M. . W. . Walter C. McDonald, Grand Master, Roland.
M. . W. . P. T. Pilkey, Grand Secretary, Winnipeg.
R. . W. . Hugh M. Kerr, Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Brandon.
Next Annual Communication, Winnipeg, June 1, 1949.
MARYLAND
(1947)
161st Annual Communication. Baltimore, November 18 and 19, 1947.
After a prayer, beautiful in thought and expression, by Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain Reverend Francis R. Bayley, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harry L. Huether, was presented in all form and ceremony. Many distinguished visitors were introduced with honors.
The Grand Master read his address, in which was a sympathetic reference to their dead. In satisfaction he advised of a membership increase of 2,257, and added an admonition that all may well heed:
Numerical strength alone will not produce the best results in Freemasonry, but I trust that we have profited by past ex- periences and if we are to attain that full measure of success, Masonry must continue to hold its standards high and ever bear in mind that the fraternity can rise no higher than the char- acter and conduct of those who constitute its membership.
He reported a strong financial condition and commended the con- dition and conduct of the Masonic Homes. Among his lodges he visited widely and was privileged to make ceremonial calls in several other Grand Jurisdictions. Impressed with the importance of the mat- ter, on funerals he admonishes:
It is with regret that I must again direct the attention of the Worshipful Masters. of the Subordinate Lodges to the proper attire when attending Masonic funerals. It cannot be too forcibly impressed upon the minds of our Officers that a Masonic funeral is the one time when it might be said that Masonry is on parade, and that these funeral services are designed pri- marily for the peace and comfort of the bereaved family.
On a much discussed matter he said:
Since Masonry is designed to support the government of the country in which it lives, I am convinced that each member of this Grand Lodge and each Mason within its jurisdiction will apply the value and influence of the principles and philosophies of Masonry to combat evil and misapprehensions on the part of the uninformed. I know of no greater light to dispel the dark shadows of Communism than the application of the principles for which we stand. If those principles are inculcated and made a .part of our daily lives, the potency of their influence would help crush the evil head of Communism.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Grand Secretary reported on statistics fully detailed.
The Grand Treasurer gave not only an itemized statement on re- ceipts and expenditures in the general fund, but a full list of in- vestments in their many trusts, some of them large.
The Committee on Foreign Relations recommended the recognition of the National Grand Lodge of Denmark. Several others had favor- able thought but formal action was deferred.
During the closing hours a number of visitors spoke pleasingly.
M. . W. . Harry L. Huether, Grand Master, Baltimore.
R ... W. . Claud Shaffer, Grand Secretary, Baltimore.
Next Annual Communication, November 16, 1948, place not given.
MASSACHUSETTS
(1947)
Stated Communication.
Boston, December 29, 1947.
At the three Quarterly Communications the details of domestic - affairs were presented and routine action taken. At one, the Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 4,998, with a total of 107,656. At another, a committee of distinguished Masons reported on "Negro Masonry." They clearly and fairly reviewed the histori- cal background and the authority for being. Having in mind the difficulty in securing general recognition, they concluded as all may agree:
Your Committee believes that in view of the existing social conditions in our country, it is advisable for the official and organized activities of white and colored Freemasons to proceed in parallel lines, but organically separate and without mutually embarrassing demands or commitments.
However, your Committee believes that, within these limita- tions, informal cooperation and mutual helpfulness between the two groups upon appropriate occasions are desirable.
Then Past Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson dwelt on the matter at long length. He reviewed history, qualified recognitions, ter- ritorial jurisdiction, the color line, and an occasional ignoring of it and the attitude of Foreign Jurisdictions on it. He recognizes the problem as social but has no specific solution. His thought on that is in his last paragraph:
There are some who say, "Why do anything?" The funda- mental answer is that we should practice our own teachings. Moreover, there is need of leadership in this day when, in the words of Bishop Pardue, "The clash between the application of
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Appendix-Massachusetts
1949}
a democratic philosophy and vast racial discrimination, is daily making new converts to the religion of communism."
During the year there were 27 Special Communications. They were all to assist a local lodge to commemorate an anniversary. At each there was an appropriate and pleasing program, and appended was a short history of the lodge.
The Stated Communication, held on December 29, 1947, was for the purpose of installing the Grand Officers and the celebration of the Feast of Saint John, the Evangelist. The ceremonies were car- ried through in all form and dignity. Many distinguished guests were in attendance. They were introduced and greeted in honor.
The principal feature of the occasion was the "Grand Feast." The after-dinner program was in charge of Grand Master Roger Keith. It was extended and notable in the quality of the numerous short addresses by guests of high station or past honors. There was a wealth of wit, wisdom, and philosophic comment for today, all expressed in scholarly eloquence.
M. . W. . Roger Keith, Grand Master, Brockton.
R .:. W. . Frank H. Hilton, Grand Secretary, Boston.
Next Annual Communication, place and date not given.
MEXICO (York Grand Lodge)
(1948)
88th Annual Communication.
Puebla, March 25, 1948.
Well and tersely compiled and written, this small book presents much of interest. Routine domestic affairs had prompt attention. The dispensations of the Grand Master were few and his decisions closely followed the law. During the year he made a few visits, official and casual. In general he was satisfied with the state of the Craft. In a routine way he reported on foreign relations-all satisfactory. He highly commended the Grand Secretary, Right Wor- shipful Brother Carl E. DeVries, for helpfulness and efficiency, and re- gretted that pressure of private affairs required his relinquishment of the office.
The high light of the meeting was the address of the Grand Orator, Past Grand Master W. S. Turnpaugh. It was eloquent and beau- tifully phrased. It is too long to reproduce here and too closely knit to garble. His central thought was:
How have you kept faith with yourself, your God, your fellow being, your Lodge, your community and your country ?
A few salient paragraphs may disclose its general value:
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
We are taught that before one can rule others, he must first learn to be governed, and so it is in Masonry, and the trestle- board. If your life's designs for the Temple of your life are clearly shown upon your trestleboard, your travel will be for- ward and upward along the pathway, which all of us seek and strive to follow.
If anyone of us are content to receive the kindly ministrations, help, aid, and assistance as provided for in the five points of fellowship, then as Masons we are definitely duty-bound to observe and live those five points of fellowship, which require action on our part, action in service to our fellow man, action in service to our Brother Mason. We cannot accept the services of brotherly love from our brothers without ourselves also rendering equal more or better services of such brotherly love.
Masonry does not, cannot! exist in any environment, with sectarian religion of any kind, with politics of any nature what- ever, nor does it exist when any Lodge or members of such Lodge permit, accept or by their silence give their approval to anything in the least of an unmasonic nature. Anything which is not Masonic in its very nature is therefore unmasonic, and when it is unmasonic then Masonry has ceased to exist.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership of 528, a slight de- crease during the year.
M. . W. . H. Murray Campbell, Grand Master, Anahuac.
R. . W. . William Webber, Grand Secretary, Toltec.
MICHIGAN
(1948)
104th Annual Communication.
Detroit, May 25 and 26, 1948.
With an eloquent prayer by the Grand Chaplain, William C. Donald, the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Past Grand Masters were presented and honored. Distinguished guests were introduced, and a few in grace and taste made brief acknowledgment.
The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Clarence A. Hooper, read his business-like report. He advised of the payment of a $40,000 gift to the Washington Memorial. Dissatisfied with the quality of ritual rendition in many lodges, he urged more Instructors. In aid to Foreign Jurisdictions he advised that one thousand "Care" packages had been sent to distressed brothers in England. To his mind their Masonic Home was functioning well. He attended the Washington Conferences and believed them of some merit. He is in accord with the objectives of DeMolay and urges helpfulness. In fine Masonic spirit he closes with:
In these days of world-wide confusion, when Nations sus- pect Nations, and we are all so bewildered, let us quietly so live
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Appendix-Minnesota
1949]
each day that by our actions we may keep aflame the torch of Masonry. Perhaps one day, even Nations may see its beacon and may find in the teachings of our Noble Order the solution to the problems which so sorely beset them and us.
"In this mad hour,
When nations, petulant as children in the night, Cry down appeals to reason, and resort To arms; when men and ships Come home to us from all the seven seas
As bloodstained doves returning to the ark- May the Supreme Architect make firm The shutters of our house, and keep alive Upon our hearth the Flame of Brotherhood."
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 5,988, with a total of 148,437. Brother Van Dyke Parker, Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, in good taste spoke briefly. Many purely business matters on reports were passed upon. .
The Committee on Fraternal Relations gave a complete list of all Foreign Grand Lodges recognized by Michigan and reasons for non- recognition of a few others. It is an interesting report and will be useful in other jurisdictions. After long discussion this resolution was adopted:
"That the discussion of religion and politics within the Lodge shall be strictly prohibited."
Several guests of eminent rank, on request, spoke briefly and well. Financial reports, fully detailed, statistics and rosters of demis- sions, suspensions, and restorations make up the balance of the record.
There are no Fraternal Reviews.
M .:. W. . Hazen P. Cole, Grand Master, Ithaca.
M. . W. . F. Homer Newton, Grand Secretary, Grand Rapids. Next Annual Communication, Detroit, May 24, 1949.
MINNESOTA
(1948)
95th Annual Communication. St. Paul, January 21 and 22, 1948.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with prayer by the Acting Grand Chaplain. The National Colors and the Union Jack were advanced while the assemblage sang the "National Anthem" and "God Save the King." Distinguished visitors were presented and welcomed with honors.
The address of the Grand Master, Carsten L. Jacobson, promptly followed. It was especially fine, comprehensive yet well and tersely
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
written. He advised of a membership increase of 2,722, making a total of 56,469. His reference to their dead was touchingly beautiful:
Here it is fitting that we should pause to pay tribute to those of our Brethren who have passed on, during this last year, to their place of final rest. Let us arise and bow our heads in silent prayer in memory of these, our departed Brethren.
None of us knows when we will be called to join them, but, with Milton, the blind poet, may we all have an abiding faith that:
"Death is the golden key that opens the palace of" eternity."
So also, may we as Freemasons take comfort in these words of the immortal Longfellow:
"There is no death! What seems so is transition; this life of mortal breath is but a suburb of the life ely- sian, whose portal we call death."
During the year he granted 322 dispensations, all routine. He ex- pressed marked approval of the Masonic Service Association and highly commended the work of Brother Carl H. Claudy, the Executive Secretary. Later Brother Claudy addressed the meeting in his usual pleasing way. Among his lodges the Grand Master visited widely, and also found time to make ceremonial calls on several neighboring jurisdictions. He attended the Washington Conferences and reports on several matters discussed there. Specifically, he refers to physical qualifications. It may be well to quote what he said:
At the Conference M.W. Bro. John A. Stormon, Grand Mas- ter of North Dakota, spoke in favor of further relaxation of physical qualifications, while M.W. Bro. Harold R. Stephenson, Grand Master of Virginia, spoke in opposition. Last year, as many of you will remember, M.W. Bro. Vernon Gates invited attention to the inconsistency of our own interpretations, which permit the acceptance of the petition of one who has an artificial limb under reasonable control but deny the eligibility of one with an otherwise healthy limb, stiff at the knee or elbow. In- cidentally I am advised that the Grand Lodge of Iowa, after twenty-four years under a more liberal rule, has experienced no difficulty and is entirely satisfied.
He commends the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home and urges more liberal support with provision for a much larger endow- ment fund. He sees that rising costs and cares make this imperatively necessary. At long length he wrote on the liquor question. In some uncertainty of mind he attempted to evaluate the opinions and practices elsewhere. His final thought and recommendation is in his concluding paragraphs:
1. That the entire problem be referred to a special committee to be appointed by the incoming Grand Master, for thorough study and for a report at our next Annual Communication, with such interim restrictions or relaxation as may be determined
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Appendix-Minnesota
1949]
by this Grand Lodge after reference to the appropriate com- mittee; or
2. That this Grand Lodge, after reference to the appropriate committee, issue a directive to its Subordinate Lodges ordering strict compliance with the provisions of the Code, as heretofore or by this Grand Lodge interpreted, on all matters relating to the acceptance of petitions for Masonry from persons directly or indirectly engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating beverages, the continued membership of persons who have be- come so engaged, and the regulations relating to the holding of Lodge meetings in buildings in part occupied and used for the manufacture or sale of such beverages.
In his "Conclusion" is a statement so timely and of such interest that it must be quoted:
I was recently asked whether or not it would be proper for a Lodge to have a well informed Brother speak in a tiled Lodge on the subversive activities of foreign political agents. In reply
I invited attention to the 26th of our Ancient Landmarks:
"That no subject of sectarian or political character can be dis- cussed in a Lodge, and any Mason proposing such a subject renders himself liable to the disciplinary action of the Lodge."
This is amplified in No. 14 of our enumeration of un-Masonic Conduct, as follows:
"To introduce into any talk or lecture or communication which a Mason is permitted to make in or to a Lodge, any matter foreign to the Masonic Institution as such, and which is in the nature of business advertising or solicitation or of politics."
Within my recollection we have had occasion to combat the advance of a number of subversive movements. Among these were Anarchism, Naziism and Fascism, not to forget the I. W. W.'s of twenty-five or thirty years ago. Never have I minimized the danger of any such movement nor do I intend to do so now. They are, however, essentially political and as such beyond the contemplation of Masonic activities.
A notable feature of the meeting was the address of the Grand Orator, Worshipful Brother Luther W. Youngdahl. It was a classic in thought and expression. Sound Masonry was voiced in impres- sive eloquence. It is too long to reproduce here, but the quotation of the closing paragraph will evidence the general quality:
We face today the most challenging days of history for each individual. The greatest things have not yet been done. The greatest books have not yet been written. The greatest music has not yet been composed. The greatest discoveries in science have not yet been made. The greatest achievements in social life have not yet been accomplished. The greatest triumphs of the spirit have not yet been achieved. The greatest dedication and consecration in the taking upon oneself noble purposes in life have not come to pass. The world awaits the coming of men and women, who will be willing to yield obedience to self- discipline, to the non-enforceable laws and regulations, and
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [ Cedar Rapids
responsibilities; who are willing to take upon themselves some noble purpose and who are willing to consecrate their lives to it.
Brother E. A. Montgomery, as Chairman, furnished the report on Foreign Correspondence. His Reviews are individual, written in culture and grace, and with a keen appreciation of the important. They are a delight to read. Iowa has more than generous space and consideration. Approvingly he quotes Grand Master Nolte. In accord in opinion he reproduces several of the salient paragraphs in the Foreword of the Fraternal Reviewer.
M. . W. . John B. Tomhave, Grand Master, Montevideo.
R. . W. . John 'H. Anderson, Grand Secretary, St. Paul.
M. . W. . Edmund A. Montgomery, Chairman Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Minneapolis.
Next Annual Communication, St. Paul, March 23, 1949.
MISSISSIPPI (1948)
130th Annual Communication. Meridian, February 10 and 11, 1948.
A well-compiled and well-written book carries the accounting of this fine old jurisdiction. A portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand Master-elect, William D. Neal, adorns the first page. It is followed by a biographical sketch, evidencing an activity in social, religious, and fraternal service.
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