USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 30
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Grand Master W. Frank McDonald promptly presented his well- written address. It was tersely expressed but comprehensive and in every way adequate. He expresses pride in the condition and conduct of their Homes. To his pleasure and their satisfaction he visited many of his lodges. It is his opinion that their ritualistic instruction is well done. Believing it an activity worthy of support, he recommends membership in the Masonic Service Association.
In fine and reverent spirit he closed with quoting these oft-quoted lines by J. G. Holland:
"God give us men. The time demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and willing hands; .
Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office can not buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking; Tall men, suncrowned, who live above the fog In public duty and in private thinking!
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Appendix-Mississippi
1949]
For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds, Their large professions and their little deeds Mingle in selfish strife; lo! Freedom weeps! Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps!"
The report of Brother E. B. Shearer, acting as Fraternal Corres- pondent, was a thought-compelling essay on Masonic philosophy, morals, and responsibility here and abroad.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership gain of 3,014, with a total of 37,461. Financial reports disclose prosperity and strength.
The address of Brother Joseph A. Smith was witty and wise. A quoted paragraph will evidence its worth:
Masonry, as we see it in our dreams and enjoy it in our fel- lowship, is like a grand cathedral: "Faith is its foundation; Righteousness, its corner-stone; Strength and Wisdom, its walls; Beauty, its form and fashion; Brotherly Love, its clasped arches; Reverence, its roof; the Bible, its altar light; Mysticism, its music; Charity, its incense; Fellowship, its sacrament; and Re- lief its ritual. Its symbols are windows nobly wrought, half- revealing, half-concealing a truth too elusive for words, too vast for dogma, and too bright for eyes unveiled."
The address of the Grand Orator, Brother L. C. Corban, was a classic in thought and expression. Would that space permitted a reproduction here. One thought may well be quoted for its per- tinency:
American homelife today is under strain, many marriages end in divorce, and our society is filled with youngsters, who, through no fault of their own, have warped minds and un- healthful attitudes toward society because they have not had a stable home. The home is the basic unit of society, and cer- tainly every Mason should make every effort to maintain a stable home and properly protect and train his own children, if he is to do his duty to society in the generation in which he lives.
The Fraternal Reviews are individual. While short, they afford information on all of general importance. Comment is wise and keen, and quotations well chosen. Iowa has generous space and consid- eration.
M .:. W. . William D. Neal, Grand Master, Carrollton. R. . W. . Sid. F. Curtis, Grand Secretary, Meridian. W. . Clarence C. Buchanan, Fraternal Correspondent, Carrollton. Next Annual Communication, Jackson, February 8, 1949.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
MISSOURI
(1948)
127th Annual Communication. St. Louis, September 28-30, 1948.
Adorning the opening page is a representation of the strong and handsome face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Morris Edward Ewing. Following is a beautifully written and amply com- plete biography. Born into a distinguished family, he has well main- tained his traditions. He has been active and devoted in many ways. With fine educational training he was able to serve well in widely different fields. He is a master farmer and a leader in farm organizations. He was in military service during World War I. He has lent his spirit and influence in religious work and duty. Not least has been his devotion to the Fraternity. He has held many posts of honor, always maintaining the idealism, urging the moral precepts, and promoting all worthy educational effort.
The Grand Lodge was opened with a beautifully phrased and elo- quently voiced prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Brother Samuel Thur- man. Present were many distinguished visitors, including Grand Master Swartslander of Iowa.
The address of the Grand Master, a scholarly production, covered a wide field. In grace and gratitude he thanked all who had held up his hands. Philosophically he outlined Masonic history, its per- formance in promoting a better world, and its duty of today to help solve grave social and governmental problems. He deprecates the abuse of Masonry in any way, with partisan politics particularly in mind. He regrets a tendency to hold Masonic social affairs on the Sabbath Day. On the vexing liquor question his own words will best give his thought:
In our Masonic Temples we have banished all forms of liquor. We preach and insist upon Temperance. It is classed as the first of the four cardinal virtues of Freemasonry. It means Temperance in all things and is not inserted in the Masonic lectures for the purpose of adding words, but because experi- ence has proved the wisdom of that virtue.
One hundred thousand Missouri Masons supporting the idea of Temperance in all things could work miracles among our citizenship. Freemasons should be leaders in all matters per- taining to moral and spiritual uplift.
He urges care in the acceptance of candidates and, with emphasis, warns against solicitation. He does not look with favor on an official magazine. It would be expensive, but a better reason is in this paragraph:
We have a source of information for Masonic matters. I refer to the "Masonic World" which is written for the Grand Lodge by Past Grand Master Ray V. Denslow. It covers every
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Appendix- Montana
1949]
conceivable subject in which a Freemason could be interested. I have just concluded the reading of the 1948 report and marvel at the information it imparts. No one can read this report year after year without becoming fully informed on things Masonic. The unfortunate thing about the report is that it is available to so few. For that reason I have asked that an additional supply be printed for distribution at Grand Lodge.
Guardedly he commends the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home but advises of some overcrowding. His dispensations were many and routine. He attended' the Washington Conferences and found them of some value. Particularly he praised the Masonic Service Association and its director, Brother Carl H. Claudy. He made a long trip through the far west, making many lodge visits to his marked pleasure. Within his own jurisdiction he traveled widely:
The Grand Secretary on membership reported a gain of 4,253, with a total of 109,167. All financial reports are in full and understand- able detail.
On the advice of the Committee on Foreign Recognition the Grand Lodge of Hungary was recognized.
As usual Past Grand Master Ray V. Denslow furnished his addenda, "The Masonic World." Brother Denslow is the outstanding figure in this service. Recently he said that the average Reviewer was not so much devoted to the individual jurisdictional form of review as he was chained to it. Long since Brother Denslow has broken his shackles and abandoned precedent, practice, or prejudice. Freed of all inhibitions he has produced a masterpiece in comment. Under selected heads he has given a veritable compendium of thought and action throughout the Masonic world. The book should be widely read and in its entirety. Its educational value justifies that. Par- ticularly will it prove of interest to the student, even though it may not appeal to the casual reader. We of the lesser mentality cannot always rise to his cultural and philosophic levels.
M. . W. . Harry F. Sunderland, Grand Master, Kansas City.
R .:. W. . Harold L. Reader, Grand Secretary, St. Louis.
M. . W. . Ray V. Denslow, Committee on Correspondence, Trenton. Next Annual Communication, St. Louis, September 27, 1949.
MONTANA
(1947)
83rd Annual Communication. Great Falls, August 19 and 20, 1947.
On opening, Brother Thomas H. Haight paid an eloquent tribute to the American Flag, and Brother Owen W. Holt in graceful phrase presented the Canadian Colors. A long line of brethren high in
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
rank and distinction were introduced. There was an address of wel- come and an equally felicitous response.
The Grand Master, Carlisle S. Kenyon, then read his well-prepared address. It was well arranged and expressed in terseness-a good business report. He commended the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home. He listed his lodge visitations, which were many. He was also permitted to make calls on nearby jurisdictions. He attended the Washington Conferences and found them interesting and of some value.
The Grand Secretary submitted a statistical and financial report set out in full detail. The membership increase was 1,120, making a total of 21,772.
Most Worshipful Brother Claude J. McAllister furnished the report for the Committee on Correspondence. It was beautifully written and in comment covered a broad field. He recommended the full recognition of the Gran Loggia Nazionale of Italy and the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands.
A number of the distinguished visitors spoke briefly and well. If comparison should be made, the address of Most Worshipful Brother Walter L. Stockwell of North Dakota in thought and ex- pression was outstanding.
The Correspondence Report, prepared by Past Grand Master Mc- Allister, is a delight to read-a classic in form and expression. He comments wisely on far-flung Masonry, quality in selection of mem- bers, attitude toward public schools, contacts through National Meet- ings with resultant benefits, and on the Masonic Service Association. He presents striking paragraphs from addresses by a number of Grand Orators. He also quotes salient observations of other Cor- respondents. Then he furnished individual jurisdictional Reviews, keen in comment and tolerant in observation. Occasionally he quotes what appears of particular value or pertinency. Where good work is noted, generous praise is given. Iowa received all due considera- tion.
M. . W. . Stephen A. Holt, Grand Master, Billings.
R .:. W ... Luther T. Hauberg, Grand Secretary, Helena.
M. . W. . Claude J. McAllister, Chairman Committee on Correspond- ence, Helena.
Next Annual Communication, Billings, August 17, 1948.
NEBRASKA
(1948)
91st Annual Communication.
Omaha, June 8-10, 1948.
A handsome book presents an accounting on the activities of this important jurisdiction. A portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand
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Appendix-Nebraska
1949]
Master, Brother Edward Huwaldt, adorns the opening page. A short sketch affords the high lights of a life marked with social, religious, and Masonic service.
The formal opening of the Grand Lodge was graced with prayer by Grand Chaplain Glen L. Rice. Distinguished guests were greeted and made welcome. The National Colors were presented and ad- vanced. There was a well-phrased address of welcome and an equally pleasing response.
The Grand Master then read his well-prepared address. Tersely written, it covered much of importance. He referred to the award of medals for long service. Lodge financing plans had his careful review, with his sound business counsel and direction. For the better service to the Fraternity he approved the consolidation of two lodges occupying contiguous territory. At length he advised on their Home. He commended both the condition and management. He granted many routine dispensations. The Washington Conferences, which he attended, impressed him as of great value. Among his lodges he visited widely. His decisions followed the law. The general state of the Order pleased him. His conclusion carried his heartfelt thanks to the many and all who had faithfully and generously "held up his hands."
The Grand Secretary furnished full financial accounting presented in clear, understandable form. There was a membership increase of 2,895, making a total of 39,323.
The Grand Custodian, with justified satisfaction, advised of marked and wide-spread progress in ritualistic proficiency ..
Interspersed in the sessions were several worthwhile addresses by brethren of note. They were pleasingly graceful in expression and sound in Masonic philosophy.
The Committee on Fraternal Relations had many requests for Grand Lodge recognition, but made no recommendation other than further investigation in a spirit of friendship and sympathy.
Brother Harold H. Thom read the report of the Committee on Fraternal Dead. It was beautifully written, classic in expression and with appropriate verse quotations.
The oration of Brother Mainard E. Crosby was a masterpiece of graceful eloquence. For literary quality and sympathic understand- ing on human relationships it should be, and no doubt will be, widely read. As evidence of general value, a paragraph must be quoted:
The hand of divine providence surely had something to do in placing America in the strategic position which it now occupies as a world leader, and in keeping with our traditions we must
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
bring relief to the distressed on a world scale. The ritual of Masonry requires that we bring relief to poor, distressed brother Masons. But if the benevolence of Masonry is to live, and bear the fruit it should in this altered world about us, individual Masons must broaden the scope of their relief activities beyond the boundaries of Masonic Brotherhood, to the worldwide brother- hood of man.
The excellent report of the Committee on Fraternal Correspond- ence was the work of Past Grand Master William B. Wanner. In clean cut style he furnished wise comment on many topics now hav- ing general Masonic attention. On "General Condition" he pertinently says:
As you may suppose, gratifying gains in membership are reported from every jurisdiction. Quite a few report the largest membership on the rolls of their Grand Lodges than ever before attained. Many Grand Masters call the attention of their brethren to the fact that such large influx may be unhealthy and that more than a ten per cent increase cannot be properly absorbed into our fraternity. Others are more complacent about the situation.
He thinks that on physical qualification final judgment should be with the individual lodge. On "Negro Masonry" he wisely suggests:
Why not let the matter rest where it has remained for so many years. Masonry among the Negroes, is a good thing for them, as it is for the white race and some very fine men are members of the craft in Negro lodges, as your committee knows, but with even all the present demand for social equality, the time will never come when two races will mingle in a common lodge in America. The demand has never come from the Negro, who after all is the one to start such an issue and we do not believe it to be a proper subject to advance by regular Free- masons.
Dwelling at length on "Patience" his conclusion, quoted from Brother Claude J. McAllister of Montana, is appealing:
The noblest spirits in the world have learned patience and in meekness teach by their lives the moral responsibility of man towards his brother-man. The fatherhood of God is the founda- tion stone upon which moral responsibility rests. Fatherhood leads to son-ship, brotherhood, fellowship. It means that I am my brother's keeper. There are many who are willing to ac- cept the truth of God's fatherhood, but who are unable or unwilling to apply the teachings of human brotherhood. It is difficult for us to accept the idea of God's fatherhood without accepting the idea of man's brotherhood. God's fatherhood and man's brotherhood dwell in the same neighborhood, which is personal, social, economic, national and international. One writer has well said: "I am my brother's keeper and he is mine." In this conviction there is world peace and international har- mony.
M. . W. . Elmer E. Magee, Grand Master, Lincoln.
R. . W. . Carl R. Greisen, Grand Secretary and Chairman Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Omaha.
Next Annual Communication, Omaha, June 7, 1949.
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Appendix-Nevada
1949]
NEVADA
(1948)
84th Annual Communication.
Reno, June 10 and 11, 1948.
The Annual Proceedings is a handsome book carrying a well- compiled and well-arranged accounting on activities and actions. A representation of the strong face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother George A. Montrose, adorns the opening page. A brief biography tells of years of social service and devotion to the Fraternity.
On opening the Grand Lodge, the National Colors were presented and advanced while the brethren in unison repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. Past Grand Masters and distinguished guests were for- mally greeted.
In his address the Grand Master tersely commented on much of importance. He emphasized the duty of the individual Mason to carry into his business and social life the code that Masonry teaches. He warned against discussion of religion in a controversial way and reference to Masonry in politics. Speaking of patriotic duty, he said:
Do we believe that no country can exist as a free government unless its people are also free? Are these things real enough to us that we could not only die to preserve them, but to do what is more important at present, live for them? And live as if we believe then.
The first thing is the formation of an aroused public opinion, and perhaps the first step in public opinion is to feel deeply. God grant that we may be brought to feel deeply about the future of America.
Feeling the need for action in America, talk about it. Talk on the street, among your families, in your churches, in your Lodges, in your service clubs, at your barber shop, anywhere, everywhere, when you can secure a hearing. Talk with the earnestness which comes from a deep love for a thing you are striving for. Talk intelligently. Learn to talk more and more convincingly as time goes on, and as you get a greater follow- ing. After all, it is easier to speak for your country than to die for it.
As Masons of old were ready to give all to the formation of a free nation, so must the Masons of today stand ready to give their all for the preservation of this nation.
For their fraternal dead he conducted a dignified yet touching Memor- ial Service. The general state of the Craft pleased him. To their pleasure and profit he visited many of his lodges. He granted a few routine dispensations. His equally few decisions followed the law. He closed with "thank you" and "God bless you all."
Among much in statistical information the Grand Secretary re- ported a membership increase of 178, with a total of 4,147.
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Grand Orator, Brother K. O. Knudsen, graced the meeting with an address sound in Masonic thought and philosophy and in eloquent expression. He emphasized the individual duty of the in- dividual Mason and fittingly closed with:
What will you men of Masonry-Ye Builders of Civilization- . do to bring enlightenment to future generations ? Will you take the trowel of Masonry and spread the cement of brotherly love throughout God's kingdom ? If so, go home and read your trestle-board and see if you have performed all the duties which God has inscribed thereon. Go now, before the Grand Warden shall blow his trumpet and ye be called from labor to eternal refreshments in the paradise of God.
Excellent Fraternal Reviews were furnished by Past Grand Master E. C. Peterson. They evidence wide reading, close observation on the important, and are keen in comment and criticism. Iowa has all due consideration. The Iowa Reviews are commended with the implication that they are overly extended.
M. . W. . Wilfred T. Voss, Grand Master, Boulder City.
M. . W. . E. C. Peterson, Grand Secretary and Chairman Committee on Correspondence, Carson City.
Next Annual Communication, Boulder City, June 9, 1949.
NEW BRUNSWICK (1947)
80th Annual Communication.
St. John, August 28, 1947.
During the year there were three Especial Communications. On March 15, 1947, Acacia Lodge No. 49 was dedicated and consecrated with a colorful ceremony with a brief story of the lodge and a rever- ent and beautifully phrased prayer.
The meeting on June 29, 1947, marked the Festival of Saint John the Baptist. In an elaborate program of music and Scriptural read- ing, the outstanding feature was the sermon by the Reverend Doctor Frank E. Archibald. It was eloquent, scholarly, and spiritually in- spiring. For the encouraging thought and consolation so needed now, would that it might have wide reading.
The third meeting was on August 27, 1947. It was a conference of the Grand Master, Brother A. S. Robinson, with the Masters and Wardens of his lodges to give thought to moral, psychological, and economic necessity. He dwelt on the problems of today, particularly as they affected Masonry. His fitting conclusion must be quoted:
With hearts that are sick and sore; with minds weary and perplexed and with fumbling hands we have sought to strike
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Appendix-New Brunswick
1949]
that chord and failed. I have one question to ask: Would it not be a glorious thing if a sufficient number of our member- ship the world over could be so aroused to a realization of our marvellous opportunity that the Great Masonic Fraternity would be a prominent factor in bringing in that happy state of af- fairs when the sons of men might join with angels in the celes- tial refrain and, at long last, be able to render thanks to the Eternal for peace on earth, good-will to men.
The annual meeting was devoted largely to routine ceremony and business. Guests were greeted, and there was an address of wel- come by the Mayor of the city.
In his address the Grand Master fittingly opened with:
"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard that the Ever- lasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; that there is no searching of His understanding? He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40: 28-31).
In respect and love he recalled a memory of their dead. He re- counted on his many visits both within and without his jurisdiction. He attended many conferences, including those in Washington, and thought them all helpful.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 596, making a total of 6,749.
The report of the Grand Treasurer evidenced financial soundness, with ample funds for all needs.
Each District Deputy Grand Master reported, all optimistic on devotion to the best that Masonry has to offer.
The Memoriam Section opened with:
"There is no death! the stars go down To rise upon some fairer shore, And bright in Heaven's jewelled crown They shine forever more.
"They are not dead! they have but passed Beyond the mists that bind us here, Into the new and larger life Of that serener sphere."
and closed with:
"How fast they fall, those we have known, As leaves from Autumn branches blown so quickly sear. Yes; one by one they drop away As leaves that fall, and stray and disappear.
"Sleep on, dear friend, such lives as thine Have not been lived in vain, But shed an influence rare, divine, On those who here remain."
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
May those who have lost and mourn find comfort in them.
M .:. W. . Donald C. Malcolm, Grand Master, Saint John.
V ... W. . R. D. Magee, Grand Secretary, Saint John.
Next Annual Communication, Saint John, August 26, 1948.
NEW BRUNSWICK (1948)
81st Annual Communication. Saint John, August 26, 1948. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with solemn prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Reverend J. A. Berridge.
The brief address of welcome by the Grand Master, Donald C. Malcolm, was gracefully phrased, and, in thought and counsel, truly timely and good. On what is much in the mind of free peoples he commented :
All present are conversant with history now in the making- and probably realize how close disaster may be upon our civil- ization.
One can perhaps understand the thoughts, or rather the ignor- ance of certain peoples towards our standard of liberty, but to me it is incomprehensible how persons living in our free coun- tries-enjoying all the blessings of freedom-can even think of, let alone work for the destruction of our way of living and would wish to plunge us into chaos, such as appears to be en- joyed, or rather endured in the before-mentioned countries.
It is the personal duty of every Mason to ferret out and ex- pose all such people in our country, so that our land may be cleansed of such pestilential beings. "Fifth Columns" they have recently been known as-Traitors, their proper name.
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