USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 3
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October 9, 1948-Western Star Lodge No. 100, Clinton
To reballot on petition for the degrees-
February 27, 1949-Keystone Lodge No. 206, Wyoming
After studying the case very carefully, and all the cor- respondence, and investigating the matter, because of the fact that there are two men of identical names in the com- munity, I granted the dispensation for the reballot.
Dispensation Denied
Application for a dispensation to reballot on a petition previously legally denied by the use of the black cube: South Gate Lodge No. 657, Des Moines Ancient Craft Lodge No. 647, Des Moines
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Dispensations for authority to hold stated communication on a date other than that shown in the by-laws:
Ancient Craft Lodge No. 647, Des Moines St. Charles Lodge No. 141, Charles City Resurgam Lodge No. 169, Sabula
Dispensation to form a lodge of research:
Held that as the Code of Iowa now stands the Grand Mas- ter has no authority to grant Dispensations for any pur- pose other than that of forming a regular lodge.
However, it is the opinion of the Grand Master that the Code should be so amended that a lodge of research may be formed, and such a section is being proposed in another part of this report.
The brethren who made the application to form a lodge of research did so in good faith, and the Grand Master was willing to grant such a Dispensation had it been possible; also, the brethren making the application were very willing to delay their request until the Grand Lodge had acted upon a revision of the Code. It is the hope of the Grand Master that affirmative action will be taken on the pro- posed change.
Appointments
On June 11 I appointed Charles B. Hayes, P.S.G.W., to the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education to fill the va- cancy caused by the resignation of Brother Frederic M. Miller.
On October 8 I appointed Brother O. J. Bartos to the Committee on Finance to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother William H. Evans.
On December 10 I appointed Brother Raymond H. Saw- yer to the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Realff Ottesen, P.G.M.
On March 27 I appointed Brother Percy C. Bott, of my own lodge, to act as Senior Grand Warden during the 105th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, there being a vacancy caused by the death of Brother Frank Oglevie, the Senior Grand Warden.
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On June 4, I appointed Brother Lloyd K. Perry as Chair- man of the Committee on Visitors to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother George L. Garton, P.S.G.W.
Fellowship Meetings
Following the custom established several years ago, I attended the following meetings held under the auspices of the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education :
October 7-Iowa City October 25-Ft. Dodge November 3-Grinnell November 4-Waterloo
On each occasion I was introduced and made a few re- marks, after which followed the speaker of the evening furnished by the committee. It is the humble opinion of the Grand Master that these meetings do not accomplish that for which they are intended-an opportunity for the Grand Master to meet the brethren of the surrounding lodges. The main purpose of the meeting is to present a part of the program of the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education, and the Grand Master seems to be used as "bait" to attract a larger attendance.
The Grand Master does not discount the work of the Iowa Committee on Education; it is a very necessary part of the many sides of Masonry, but it should be able to stand on its own merits and not resort to using someone to draw the crowd.
The Grand Master believes that by making his own en- gagements, through requests of the lodges to him, he be- came more intimately acquainted with the brethren over the State, learned more of the individual lodge problems, and was in a better position to suggest remedies and meth- ods of procedure.
Committee Meetings Attended During the Year
On September 23 I met in Iowa City with the Committee on State Hospitals. During the course of the day we made a trip through the State University Hospital with our hospital visitor, Brother W. J. Weeber, and observed at first hand this excellent work he is doing in bringing
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cheer and help to the unfortunate Masons and their fam- ilies receiving treatment there. This is a work you can all be proud to have a part in.
I have had several meetings during the year with the Iowa Committee on Masonic Education, and they have in- augurated the policy of having a representative of other Grand Lodge Committees attend these meetings and co- operate in their program, which is certainly a step forward. We are all doing Masonic education work, whether we be ritualists, speakers, or just plain Masonic workers. Co- operation and pulling together will increase the power of Masonry in Iowa.
The Trustees and Committee on Finance met with the Grand Master to settle matters of importance in the man- agement of the Grand Lodge.
It was my privilege and pleasure to attend meetings of the Grand Charity Board at Bettendorf and see at first hand the manner in which these unselfish brethren serve the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Theirs is a work of love, and, un- heralded though it may be, they are an important part of Masonry in Iowa and entitled to our praises.
Regional Schools
Complying with the wishes of the Board of Custodians, I attended at least one day of each Regional School held. These schools were at Storm Lake, New Hampton, Burling- ton, Council Bluffs, and Newton. On each occasion I occu- pied the East in the Second Section of the Third Degree.
Ritualistic instruction in the degrees and lectures being given by the Board of Custodians and their some 1,200 representatives over the State is one of the greatest ac- tivities in our jurisdiction. In my visits outside the State many questions and compliments on our method of in- struction were given to me.
Ours is the BEST way yet created for the teaching of the Ritual.
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Special Representatives
My thanks go to those who accepted appointments as Special Representatives of the Grand Master, visited the lodges assigned to them, and aided generally in the work of Masonry.
The reports submitted to me reveal that the lodges are in good condition, except in a few rare cases, and the in- terest shown by the lodges visited and their co-operation with the Representatives is appreciated.
Committee on Fraternal Review
This committee, composed of only one member, is one of the most widely known throughout the Masonic world, as I found out in my visits to other jurisdictions.
Its member, Brother Ernest R. Moore, P.G.M., is a com- bination ยท of reader, writer, and fountain of knowledge. His Fraternal Review is a masterpiece, and our congratu- lations go to him and to the Grand Lodge of Iowa in hav- ing one who is able and willing to do this marvelous work. Again and again in my travels outside our own jurisdction I have had words of praise given me for the work of our "Reviewer."
Rulings
Question-Submitted by John T. Ames, P.G.M., Hesperia Lodge No. 340, Traer.
Facts-Would lodge be permitted to have a float in a parade ?
Held-That in accordance with Section 383 of the Code of Iowa the lodge cannot have a float in a parade.
Question-Submitted by Merlin E. Williams, Republic Lodge No. 468, Jewell.
Facts-Committee on petition for restoration failed to report, yet petition was voted on and petitioner elected.
Held-That although Investigating Committee did not report, after petitioner was elected he was entitled to his receipt for dues which the Secretary refused to send him.
Question-Submitted by Merlin E. Williams, Republic Lodge No. 468, Jewell.
Facts-Petition for the degrees received and referred to committee. Lodge had heretofore waived to another lodge, on jurisdiction, and petitioner rejected. Can Republic Lodge now accept this petition ?
See Pp. 86,89
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Held-That if the petitioner is within the jurisdiction of Republic Lodge and has not been rejected within the last six months, the lodge may accept it.
It seems to the Grand Master that both of the last two questions are the result of failure of the persons taking the petitions to have ALL questions on the forms filled out. It would seem that the Secretary was lax in not checking the petition when handed in. That, it would seem, should be part of his duties.
Question-Submitted by Clarence F. Fenchel, Metropolitan Lodge No. 49, Dubuque.
Facts-Is the following resolution changing the by-laws proper ? "The stated meetings shall be held at the Masonic Temple on the first Thursday evening of each month and convene at 7:30 P. M., excepting when the first Thursday occurs on the first day of January or on the fourth day of July, then only shall such meeting be held on the first following week day at 7:30 P. M."
Held-That such resolution is legal and complies with the Code in respect to stated communications.
Question-Submitted by J. V. Dolvin, Evening Shade Lodge No. 312, Spencer.
Facts-A resolution adopted by Evening Shade Lodge as follows- "Be it resolved that the Grand Lodge of Iowa be requested to pur- chase four mobile iron lungs, one to be used in each quarter of the State."
Held-The Code does not permit the use of lodge money for other than Masonic purposes and for the Grand Lodge to do so would set a bad precedent.
Question-Submitted by W. C. Bell, Washington Lodge No. 26, Washington.
Facts-A brother received his First and Second Degrees in 1925 and failed to come forward for advancement. In 1946 he petitioned for advancement and was rejected. Question is, does his rejection for advancement keep him from attending Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft meetings ?
Held-That according to "Decisions of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. No. 196" rejection on his petition for advancement does not effect his good standing. It was therefore ruled that the brother could visit E. A. and F. C. Lodges, unless charges were filed. *
On March 4, 1949, I received a letter from A. E. T., requesting per- mission to appear before the Committee on Appeals and Grievances regarding his being expelled from Western Star Lodge No. 100 in 1932.
Held-That according to Section 486 of the Code an appeal must be made within thirty days after rendition of the verdict, therefore
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such request could not be granted. Also ruled that the proper course to pursue was to petition former lodge for restoration, then if ballot- is favorable it will come before the Grand Lodge.
Special Communications of Grand Lodge
On June 29, 1948, the Grand Lodge was opened in the Egyptian Room of the Masonic Temple at Davenport for the purpose of constituting Philbrook Lodge with the fol- lowing as officers:
Herbert W. Braack, P.G.T., as Grand Master
Edward E. Lowe, P.J.G.W., as Deputy Grand Master
Alex Schumann as Senior Grand Warden
Harry Brewbaker as Junior Grand Warden Walter Schwieder as Grand Treasurer Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary Russell K. Johnson as Grand Chaplain George Brown as Grand Marshal
Charles E. Bell as Senior Grand Deacon Howard Redding as Junior Grand Deacon Abraham Ginsberg as Senior Grand Steward Harry Thoem as Junior Grand Steward Scott Leidigh as Grand Tyler
Kenneth Pottorff, Bearer of Great Lights
On July 26, 1948, I opened the Grand Lodge in the Ma- sonic Temple at Cedar Rapids for the purpose of conducting the funeral of Brother C. C. Hunt, Grand Secretary Emer- itus, with the following officers :
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master
Tom W. Wellington, P.G.M., as Deputy Grand Master Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden Glenn A. Foster, Grand Treasurer Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary George E. Farmer, Deputy Grand Secretary
Warren A. Sides, as Grand Marshal .
Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon Nathan L. Hicks, P.S.G.W., as Junior Grand Deacon Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward Wilbur F. Earhart, P.S.G.W., as Junior Grand Steward Leslie C. Apple as Grand Tyler John T. Ames, P.G.M., Bearer of Great Lights
Masonic ritualistic services were conducted by Harry A. Palmer, P.G.M.
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On August 18, 1948, I opened the Grand Lodge in the Masonic Temple at Des Moines for the purpose of conduct- ing the funeral of Brother Homer A. Benjamin, P.G.M., with the following officers:
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master Elder Bylander as Deputy Grand Master Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden Glenn A. Foster, Grand Treasurer Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary E. E. Sparling, P.S.G.W., as Grand Chaplain William E. Shrope, Grand Marshal
Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward Wilbur F. Earhart, P.S.G.W., as Junior Grand Steward A. B. Schuetz, as Grand Tyler
W. L. Perkins, P.G.M., Bearer of Great Lights
Brother Elder Bylander conducted the Masonic ritual- istic services at the Masonic cemetery.
On November 16, 1948, I opened the Grand Lodge for the purpose of instituting Daylight Lodge, at the Consistory Temple, Des Moines, with the following officers:
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master
Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden
Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary William E. Shrope, Grand Marshal Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon
A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward O. T. Skidmore, as Grand Tyler
After receiving an informal charge, each officer of Day- light Lodge was conducted to his place by the Grand Mar- shal, and the Grand Officer occupying that station or place recited his duties.
On February 11, 1949, the Grand Lodge was opened in the Masonic Temple at Fort Madison for the purpose of conducting the funeral services of Brother James Low, P.G.T., with the following officers :
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J. V. Gray, P.G.M., as Grand Master Glenn C. Barbe, P.J.G.W., as Senior Grand Warden
W. E. Huffaker, as Junior Grand Warden
H. I. Stephens, as Senior Grand Deacon G. D. Conlee, as Junior Grand Deacon K. J. Yeager, as Grand Tyler
Brother Glenn C. Barbe, P.J.G.W., conducted the Ma- sonic ritualistic services in Elmwood Cemetery.
On March 1, 1949, I opened Grand Lodge in the Masonic Temple at Emerson for the purpose of conducting the fu- neral services of Brother Frank Oglevie, Senior Grand Warden, with the following officers:
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master
Glenn A. Foster, Grand Treasurer, as Deputy Grand Master Wilbur F. Earhart, P.S.G.W., as Senior Grand Warden
Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary
Clayton B. Wittstruck, Grand Chaplain O. J. Bartos as Grand Marshal
Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon
A. F. Driftmier, Junior Grand Deacon
W. L. Perkins, P.G.M., as Senior Grand Steward
W. A. Hemmings, Junior Grand Steward Ralph Viner as Grand Tyler
Fred H. Nolte, P.G.M., Bearer of Great Lights
The Masonic ritualistic services were given by Brother Glenn A. Foster, Grand Treasurer.
On April 29, 1949, I opened Grand Lodge in the W. R. C. Hall at Dayton for the purpose of dedicating the Masonic Temple of Oak Lodge No. 531, with the following officers:
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master
Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master
Percy C. Bott, as Senior Grand Warden
Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary Clayton B. Wittstruck, Grand Chaplain
O. J. Bartos, as Grand Marshal Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon
Orin Johnson, as Junior Grand Deacon
Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward
Glenn A. Foster, Grand Treasurer, as Junior Grand Steward Francis Carlson as Grand Tyler
On May 4, I opened the Grand Lodge in the I. O. O. F. Hall at West Des Moines for the purpose of dedicating the
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Masonic Temple of Gnemeth Lodge No. 577 and the burning of the mortgage with the following officers :
J. Guy Swartslander, Grand Master Millard D. Thomas, Deputy Grand Master Percy C. Bott, as Senior Grand Warden Cecil S. Myers, Junior Grand Warden Earl B. Delzell, Grand Secretary Oliver H. Bimson, as Grand Chaplain O. J. Bartos, as Grand Marshal Dorsey L. Andrews, Senior Grand Deacon Otto Hilbun, as Junior Grand Deacon Sam P. McFadden, Senior Grand Steward A. F. Driftmier, as Junior Grand Steward John Cutter, as Grand Tyler
Letter Suggesting a Masonic Home in Iowa
About three months ago a committee from one of our Iowa lodges circularized many of the lodges of the State regarding the advisability of establishing a Masonic Home some place in Iowa where our brethren could be given op- portunity to spend their declining years. As Secretary of my own lodge, I received one of these letters.
I may as well state in the beginning that I am AGAINST such a project.
During the last twelve months it has been my privilege to visit several other jurisdictions at the time of Grand Lodge sessions. In each of these, where they have a Ma- sonic Home, there has been discussion and trouble.
The cost per patient in a Home is exorbitant. We are doing more for our less fortunate members by our Field Work than that which is being done in those jurisdictions that have Homes.
Several jurisdictions that at one time had Homes have disposed of them; as one informed member said "we gave them away," and commenced to work the Field System and the results are wonderful. In one jurisdiction, by the actual figures submitted by the Home Committee, each resident in the Home had an estate equal to a $12,000.00 place to live. Some couples lived in this Home, so their home was worth $25,000.00. Each was requesting an assessment to
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run the Home of varying amounts, but in all dissatisfac- tion was very evident.
Iowa is using the system every other jurisdiction is try- ing to get into, the Field Aid System, that of giving as- sistance in the home community.
I am sure that if the membership in Iowa understood what a Home would mean in assessments and dissatisfac- tion, there would be no attempt made to start such a pro- ject; at least that is the earnest hope of your Grand Master.
Masonic Trials
I found at the beginning of my term that I had "inher- ited" three Masonic trials from former years.
I immediately took steps to bring these to a close. I am happy to report that all have been disposed of during the year :
Webb Lodge No. 182, against A.T.M. Tyrrell Lodge No. 116, against T.C. Sincerity Lodge No. 317, against F.A.L.
It seems that our trial system could be changed to make a quicker disposition of the cases, to which both the ac- cused and the lodge are entitled.
It is my recommendation to my successor that he appoint a qualified committee to revise our system of Masonic trials in order that there will not be delay and that both the accused and the lodge will know where each stands.
Delinquent Returns
Again it is most embarrassing to report that the follow- ing lodges were delinquent in filing their Returns with the Grand Secretary:
Lodge Location
Date Received
Lincoln No. 199
Blairstown.
February 7, 1949
Jephtha No. 201
Auburn. February 3, 1949
Tadmor No. 225
Greeley March 14, 1949
Prospect No. 350
Quasqueton February 1, 1949
Hebron No. 374 Oelwein. February 8, 1949
Emmanuel No. 405 Blanchard. February 2, 1949
Walnut No. 588 Mystic February 1, 1949
Nekoda No. 597 Lohrville. February 5, 1949
Golden Sheaf No. 605 Rock Valley February 1, 1949
I cannot understand how or why a Return should be late.
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The Grand Secretary furnishes each Secretary with a work- ing copy at the beginning of the year, and all that is neces- sary is to keep this up to date, during each regular com- munication and at each special communication when de- grees are conferred; then at the end of the year it is a very simple matter to copy the one to be sent in. Being a Secretary of a lodge myself for the past several years, I am speaking from experience about how easy the Returns are when the worksheet is kept up to date.
Some jurisdictions allow only seven days to get the Re- turns into the hands of the Grand Secretary, so we in Iowa with 31 days should NOT have any delinquent Returns.
I had asked at the beginning of my term that we have a perfect year in this matter, but my hopes were not real- ized; however, let's try to do it next year. Make your in- coming Grand Master a present of a perfect year on Re- turns.
It is probably more than a coincidence that one of the lodges listed above as delinquent is a lodge that tore to bits the poster ordered displayed in the Tyler's room re- garding the section of the Iowa Masonic Code applying to the use of "CIPHERS."
Visitations
1948 July 15
July 24
Visited Taylor Lodge No. 156 at Bedford, assisted in raising the son of Brother Wayne Harbour. Met with Iowa Committee on Masonic Education at Hotel Fort Des Moines, Des Moines.
July 26
Opened a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge in the Masonic Temple at Cedar Rapids for the purpose of conducting the funeral services of Charles C. Hunt, Grand Secretary Emeritus.
August 18
Opened a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge in the Masonic Temple in Des Moines for the purpose of conducting the funeral services of Homer A. Benjamin, Past Grand Master.
August 19
Attended a group meeting in the hall of Crest City Lodge No. 522 at Creston, was given the honor of instructing the brethren, and spoke briefly at the close of the meeting.
August 24
At the request of the brethren of Attentive Ear
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Lodge No. 190 of Sandyville, I held a private School of Instruction.
September 6
Mrs. Swartslander and I were guests of Columbia Lodge No. 292 at Colo at a banquet honoring a Fifty-Year Mason and following the banquet was received in Columbia Lodge and presented the Certificate to the honored guest.
September 10
Visited Emmet Lodge No. 533 at Armstrong and occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree.
September 11 & 12
Attended a meeting of the Trustees of the Grand Charity Fund at Bettendorf and visited the pa- tients in the Sanitarium.
September 14
Visited Eastern Star Lodge No. 195 at Humboldt, guest with other Grand Officers at dinner, and occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree.
September 15 Attended the 100th anniversary celebration of Clin- ton Lodge No. 15 at Fairfield. Addressed the brethren briefly.
September 17
Visited Fairview Lodge No. 194 at Monroe as a member of the degree team of Des Moines Con- sistory. Occupied the East in the Second Sec- tion of a Third Degree and addressed the brethren. Was guest of honor at a reception given for me by my own lodge, Warren No. 53, and had the priv- ilege of raising my own son, Lester, to the Sub- lime Degree of a Master Mason.
September 21 Attended the 90th anniversary of Lewis Lodge No. 137 at Lewis. Spoke briefly. Judge Davidson of Clarinda gave the address.
September 22 Visited East Gate Lodge No. 630 in Des Moines. Occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree.
September 23
Attended a meeting of the Committee on State Hos- pitals at Iowa City. Made a trip through the hospitals with Brother Weeber, our representa- tive there. Brother Weeber does excellent work for Masonry in his visits.
September 23 Attended the 90th anniversary of Marengo Lodge No. 114 at Marengo.
September 24 Attended a meeting at Winterset of the Perfection Study Group and the Three Rivers Masonic Group. Spoke briefly following the School of Instruction. September 27-29 In company with the Grand Secretary, Senior Grand Warden, and the Senior Grand Deacon attended the Grand Lodge of Missouri at St. Louis.
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September 20
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October 1
With the other Grand Officers, guests of the Des Moines lodges at a joint reception held at the Consistory Temple.
October 4
Guest of Acanthus Lodge No. 632, Des Moines. Meeting held at the Consistory Temple, the oc- casion being the conferring of a Third Degree by the Rock Island Railway Team from Chicago. Attendance numbered 1,600; largest number of Masons present at a single meeting during the year. Wonderful occasion.
October 5
October 6
October 7
Visited Mutual Lodge No. 473 at Swan. The Deputy Grand Master, Millard D. Thomas, was the speak- er of the evening. This is one of the lodges who had never before had a visit from a Grand Master. Visited Adelphi Lodge No. 353 at Keota. Occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree. Attended Fellowship Meeting at Iowa City Lodge No. 4, Iowa City, held under the auspices of the lowa Committee on Masonic Education. The speaker was Realff Ottesen, P.G.M.
October 13 Attended Indianola Chapter O.E.S., introduced of- ficially, and spoke briefly.
October 14
Attended Preston Lodge No. 218, Prairie City, the occasion being a reception for the Senior Grand Steward, Sam P. McFadden, in his own lodge. Occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree.
October 15
Visited Alpha Lodge No. 326 at Greene, the occa- sion being the 75th anniversary. Occupied the East in the Second Section of a Third Degree. Spoke briefly.
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