USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 31
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Distinguished visitors were introduced and in good taste responded briefly.
The annual message of the Grand Master, devoted to an orderly review of detail and a call to duty, fitly closed with:
Finally, let me remind you that the world is in need of Mas- ter Masons; men who know the meaning of Apprenticeship; men who possess the skill, moral courage and stamina of the Fellowcraft; men who have acquired the knowledge, wisdom and the power of self-control of the Master Mason. Yes, the world needs us as Master Masons; we need Freemasonry; and the Fraternity to which we belong needs our unqualified support in its great work.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 487, with a total of 7,236. Financial accountings are in full and understand- able detail.
M ... W. . Donald C. Malcolm, Grand Master, Saint John.
V. . W. . R. D. Magee, Grand Secretary, Saint John.
Next Annual Communication, Saint John, August 25, 1949.
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Appendix-New Hampshire
1949]
NEW HAMPSHIRE
159th Annual Communication. (1948)
Concord, May 19, 1948.
A semi-annual communication was held on November 18, 1947, at which reports were received and routine business cared for.
At the annual meeting the first order of business was the recep- tion of guests of distinguished place. The Grand Lodge was then opened in ample form, with prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Reverend Brother Will C. Chappell.
In his address the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harold O. Cady, first in graceful phrase thanked all who had held up his hands. Feeling reference was made to their dead. Kindly interest was expressed in the Rainbow for Girls, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Knights Templar. To his pleasure he attended a number of anniversary meetings. Masonic charity had his generous atten- tion. He highly commended the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought them of interest and some value. Among his lodges he visited widely. He granted dispensations freely.
They have the District Deputy Grand Master System, and each Deputy reported in detail, and all in optimism on the state of the Craft.
The Grand Secretary reported a gain in membership of 520, with a total of 14,756.
Past Grand Master J. Melvin Dresser submitted the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. For pertinency and value a portion of his Foreword must be quoted:
How illusive is that longed-for Peace. Another year has elapsed and we are still at war, "cold" tho' it may be. One bright spot grows increasingly upon the horizon of our hopes-men, in greater numbers than ever before, are embracing the tenets of our Craft; and may they not, oh Lord, as we have too long done, confine their Masonry to Temple and Lodge Room, but let them every day preach and exemplify the doctrine of Brother- hood of Man and the Fatherhood of God, the universal accept- ance of which will abolish and outlaw wars forevermore.
Compared to the great World problems, how almost trifling are the few problems that seem most to concern us: How to make Masons, not just members, of the great influx of new and well selected material obligated at our sacred altars: If we have failed in the past, does not the fault lie with our varied sys- tems of Masonic Education? In the opinion of this writer first lessons should begin before the petition is acted on by the Lodge. Let's sell no man "a pig in a poke." Should not the petitioner be taught just what Masonry is, its aims and principles,
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what he may expect of the fraternity and what we, in turn, have a right to expect of him, and to continue that education step by step through to the sublime degree, stressing less the history of the past, but more the needs of the present?
His jurisdictional Reviews are individual. While tersely written, they present the essential and are wholly satisfying to those who would be informed in a broad field.
M.'.W. . Harold Orlo Cady, Grand Master, North Conway.
M.'.W. . John Melvin Dresser, Grand Secretary and Chairman Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence, Concord.
Next Annual Communication, Concord, May 18, 1949.
NEW JERSEY (1948)
161st Annual Communication. Atlantic City, April 21 and 22, 1948.
There were two Emergent Communications, each to pay the last honors to deceased brothers.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with prayer by the Reverend Brother Walter L. Whallon, Grand Chaplain:
Almighty God, Architect, Creator and Guardian of this uni- verse, God over all, blessed forever-we well know that except we have the guidance and leading of Almighty God in all our ventures and undertakings, we can never have complete suc- cess. "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waiteth but in vain."
Grant unto us, therefore, we beseech Thee, the realization of Thy Divine Presence and Thy guiding control in the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge of our ancient and dis- tinguished order.
Give unto us Thy wisdom as we face the responsibilities of these hours and of these days, that we may so discharge our duties that our deliberations and decisions may meet the ap- proval of Almighty God. And grant unto us, we pray Thee, the ability to render such a service through these days and through life that we may help to make this old, needy world a better place in which men, women and children may live and love and serve.
Many distinguished guests were received with all honor.
Standing, the assemblage repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem.
The well-written address of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Frank Kovach, comprehensively covered all actions and activities in his year. Among his lodges he visited widely, and he made ceremonial
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1949]
calls in a number of other Grand Jurisdictions. His dispensations were few and routine. It is of interest to have him report on worship services:
Be it said to the honor of our Craft that while Freemasonry is not a religion, they recognize that it has definite religious im- plications and that an increasing number of our lodges held special worship services or joined, as Masons, in public worship with various congregations. The calendar of your Grand Master permitted him to preach at four such services and to participate in four others. The character and aims of our Institution are such that we may with all propriety join our personal efforts with those of others who hold ideals and principles identical with ours in the promotion of brotherhood.
He commended the conduct of their Homes. On physical defects he closely followed the law. On the Washington meetings he made a comment on what should be of general concern:
The Grand Masters' Conference made the Youth Problem and Communism the major topics of discussion. The former is an internal issue of which Masons above all must not be oblivious. The latter is a present threat to the American way of life, in- cluding our institutions, concerning which Masons ought to be informed and thus prepared to combat.
His closing paragraph should appeal to all:
My brethren, Masonic principles do not need to be brought up to date. They do need a greater confidence on our part in proclaiming and following them. They are not an idle dream or a worthless erudition, not a vague philosophy or an impossible goal-the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man- they are the hope of mankind. With these in our possession we need not fear to approach the fires of opposition, for we carry in our hands neither grass nor stubble, but precious metal which the flames cannot destroy, but only purify.
A number of reports indicate that financial affairs in vested funds and current accounts are in an exceptionally strong position.
The Grand Secretary reported a gain in membership of 4,052, with a total of 86,036.
This should have our interest. On recommendation of the com- mittee this action was taken:
Resolved, That all lodges shall have concurrent territorial jurisdiction with each other in the State of New Jersey.
A committee headed by Brother Walter S. Gray reported on For- eign Correspondence. From the Foreword may be quoted what should have the serious thought of all Masons:
Two facts amaze us as we present, for the first time, these Reviews of Grand Lodge Proceedings.
One is the universality of Masonry. The other is the lack of its practical effect. Almost every country on earth has Masonic lodges. Its teachings are, like those of religion, devoted toward
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making the world a great Brotherhood of Man under the Father- hood of God. Despite these influences, the world is aflame with distrust and selfishness. The world does not recognize how much better it could be if its peoples were inspired by faith, hope, charity, virtue and morality.
Withal we remain optimistic. We think how much worse the old world would be were it not for religion and Masonry. To such influences we credit the good and pray for the light to make those in darkness see the error of their ways.
The Reviews are individual, tersely written but sufficiently in- formative on all of importance or subject to comment.
M .:. W. . E. Walter Parsons, Jr., Grand Master, Tuckerton.
R.'.W. . Isaac Cherry, Grand Secretary, Trenton.
M. . W. . Walter S. Gray, Chairman Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, Irvington.
Next Annual Communication, place not given, April 20, 1949.
NEW MEXICO (1948)
71st Annual Communication. Sante Fe, March 22 and 23, 1948.
On opening the Grand Lodge, there was a graceful address of welcome by Right Worshipful Harvey A. Thiele, a District Deputy Grand Master. Past Grand Masters were received with honors, and distinguished guests were introduced.
The Right Worshipful Turner Hensley, Jr., Senior Grand Deacon, was designated by the Grand Master to prepare and present the annual oration, and he proved himself worthy of the trust. Justify- ing his brevity, he said what many speakers might heed:
My remarks will not be lengthy for I share the general opin- ion concerning long winded speakers. A visitor at the Court of Sessions in England, upon returning to the Court late in the afternoon, observed that the same case was on trial and the same Advocate was speaking who had started the day's proceed- ings. The visitor remarked to the person by whom he was sit- ting, "My, isn't he wasting a lot of time ?" "Time," replied the companion, "long ago he exhausted time and he is now encroaching upon eternity."
In classic phrasing he reviewed the year, having in mind international and domestic problems with the thought of what could be done if the precepts of Masonry were ever in mind. His summation is per- fect:
I sense that you are asking what this universal state of con- fusion has to do with the objective of these remarks. I have mentioned them to point out the necessity of having in mind an
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Appendix-New Mexico
objective in all of our endeavors, whether we are acting individ- ually, as a government, or as a lodge. What is our Masonic objective ? As an Entered Apprentice we learned a simple definition. We were told of certain tenets, of cardinal virtues, and of a creed or belief. As Master Masons we found the structure incomplete. There was a lost word. Our Grand Master, in his official visits to subordinate lodges adopted this theme in his remarks and it seems that he has pointed to our objective. The search for a lost word. The search that requires the exercise of fidelity to trust. No elaboration is necessary on the meaning of fidelity to trust. It is the essential quality of a Christian that must be steadfastly adhered to throughout life. It necessarily follows the belief announced by all Entered Apprentices. Hence, the search for the lost word involves the constant practice of fidelity to trust. The lesson taught be- comes a pattern of existence. A formula for happiness. A way of life. The Masonic way of life.
The address of Grand Master Rupert F. Asplund is a well-written business report. In sympathetic grace he recalled those who had been called from earthly labor:
They are not dead who live In hearts they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed They live again, And shall live through the years Of eternal life and grow Each day more beautiful As time declares their good, Forgets the rest and proves Their immortality.
He took joy in recounting on his many lodge visits. He thought well of the Washington Conferences, at which he was in attendance. He commended the Grand Lecturer for industry and on resultant marked increase in ritualistic proficiency. His conclusion carried an admonition to us all:
When you honored me by election to the office of Grand Master, I remarked that our duty has always been to make men better Masons. How can we get them interested in the philoso- phy of Masonry as a way of life? How can we get them so interested that they will come to Lodge because they find satis- faction for their spiritual wants that will enable them to go out and practice the principles that are taught in it? I feel that we have laid down the pattern for the improvement I hope to see for every one of our fifty-seven Lodges. I hope when we come to the next Grand Lodge we can look back on accomplish- ment as we have been able to do at each succeeding year.
"Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul.
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"Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time ;---
"Let us then be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait."
Among much statistical information of interest and value to the Craft, the Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 754, with a total of 9,470.
Of particular value to the Craft must be the complete lodge ros- ters that are furnished.
The Fraternal Reviewer is the scholarly Past Grand Master, Brother John Milne. As the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, he presented a report particularly pleasing, valuable in observation, and wise in comment and suggestion. Tersely, yet with complete- ness, he covers many matters and problems considered or discussed in other jurisdictions. The best comment that this Reviewer can offer will be in quotation. Under "Maimed Men" he quotes:
"A brief study of the rulings of Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge during the past one hundred years reveals inconsistencies in opinions of the past; as to the extent that a man may be maimed and still be eligible for initiation into our Society. As a result of this study, and adhering to a basic and fundamental interpretation of Article IV of the Ancient Charges, it has been my uniform reply to all inquiries that under present Ohio law a petition may not be accepted from any man who has lost as much as a finger. Adjoining Grand Jurisdictions are; as
you know, placing a liberal interpretation on Article IV. On one occasion during the year we were embarrassed in that we felt constrained to withhold approval of initiation by an Ohio Lodge of a maimed candidate who had been legally accepted by an Illinois Lodge, which initiation had been requested by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois."
Under "Liquor" this appears:
"By General Regulation 104 Lodges are prohibited from con- ferring the degrees upon those who are in the habit of becoming intoxicated or who are engaged in any occupation for gain the prin- cipal business of which is the manufacture, distribution or sale of intoxicating liquor; and by General Regulation 137 it is provided that it is a Masonic offense, punishable by suspension or expulsion, for a member to use intoxicating liquors to-excess or to engage in an occupation the principal business of which is the manufacture, distribution and sale of intoxicating liquor." On "Negro Masonry" he dwells at long length, and in wisdom closes with this:
In a report entitled "The Masonic World," Past Grand Master Ray V. Denslow of Missouri, we find:
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Appendix-New South Wales
1949]
"We shall hear much in the years to come of the Negro Masonic problem, brought to the fore by a discussion at the recent Conference of Grand Masters in Washington. Some of our Southern brethren, thinking that it might deal with racial equality, did not sit in on the discussion, but it failed to elicit the fireworks that might have been anticipated.
"As for most of the representatives, they were willing to sit in and learn more about the situation. What those who listened in, learned, was that Prince Hall Grand Lodge was not so illegitimate as we have been told. The statement came from a jurisdiction most involved with the jurisdictional matter, and it came in the form of a report which was made to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in November, 1946, and which was signed by all Past Grand Masters, including Joseph Earl Perry (Chairman), Melvin M. Johnson, Arthur D. Prince, Claude L. Allen, Albert A. Schaefer, and Arthur W. Coolidge.
"To this time, and so far as we know, there has never been a Negro Masonic problem in Missouri. It is our understanding that the Missouri group claim descent from the Prince Hall organization. We do know some colored Freemasons, and be it said to their credit, that they represent the better element of their race. We have an intimation that many are expert rit- ualists. The policy in Missouri has been helpfulness and under- standing, but never a thought by either white or black as to intervisitation or consolidation. Only a few years ago, a certain Past Grand Master of Missouri had occasion to represent one of these colored groups in a suit involving their Masonic Home, and he was much impressed with the sincerity and understanding of his clients."
We predict that this question will become more complicated before a solution agreeable to all white Masons is found.
In approval of the Washington Conferences and their purposes and proposals, he quotes liberally from the address of Grand Master Perkins of Iowa. It is a most valuable report and should be read in its entirety to be appreciated.
M. . W. . Walter F. Edwards, Grand Master, Hobbs.
R. . W. . LaMoine Langston, Grand Secretary, Albuquerque.
M. . W. . John Milne, Foreign Correspondent, Albuquerque.
Next Annual Communication, Albuquerque, March 21, 1949.
NEW SOUTH WALES
(1947)
Sydney, Year ending June 11, 1947. MEETINGS Special July 3, 1946 Quarterly September 11, 1946
Quarterly December 11, 1946 Quarterly March 12, 1947
Special June 9, 1947
Quarterly June 11, 1947
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
At these several meetings current matters of diverse nature had attention. The book in compilation, content, coverage, and expres- sion in classic English is a delight to the Masonic student. Isolated statements by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Frank Whiddon, will disclose the spirit and thought that was manifest:
Never within our history was there a greater necessity for thinking responsible men who comprise such organisations as the Jurisdiction of Freemasonry to pause and contemplate World affairs.
I have, from time to time used the expression "We are not concerned with the body politic." We may have no particular concern individually or even collectively with the restoration of the economic balance, but the rehabilitation of the social fabric is a Masonic duty if we ever had one, and in the con- templation of that duty, just make a brief survey of the World to-day.
Well, what has that got to do with Freemasonry? Just this, that Freemasonry has made its greatest appeal to the English Speaking Nations of the World, and if we are going to recover National or International mental equipoise, it can only be found in the English Speaking Nations of the World, because it is not only such organisations as Freemasonry that have made such an appeal to those people, but they seem to be the only races in the World who are making some attempt at a recovery of spiritual force and moral fibre. It is the materialism of the last six decades that has brought the World to its present position, and until that is eradicated we have that potential danger of another devastating war. Can civilization survive another war with moderng scientific development of implements of destruction ?
So that is my application to the influence of Freemasonry upon World affairs. We are taught every time our Lodge- meets-to "practice what we preach," and paraphrasing that expression we might go just one further step and "preach what we practice." I would like to leave that message with you.
Freemasonry is an organisation for the select. It does not choose men to benefit themselves. It is not a reformatory, but rather an organisation that should appeal to good men and by its influence makes good men better men.
Throughout there was full and frank discussion of domestic prob- lems and affairs, with satisfactory determination.
Financial reports evidenced prosperity and ample funds for all purposes. Charity at home and abroad was generously provided. Statistics were presented in full detail. An interesting addition was a quite general ·comment on thought expressed in English- speaking lodges over the world. Salient paragraphs in the ad- dresses of Grand Masters were quoted. It made a compendium on Masonic thought that is a treasure for a student with a broad- minded interest in world-wide Masonry.
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1949]
M. . W. . Frank Whiddon, Grand Master, Sydney.
R. . W. . James S. Miller, Grand Secretary, Sydney.
V ... W ... A. J. Kaglund, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, address not given.
NEW YORK (1948)
167th Annual Communication.
New York City, May 4-6, 1948.
It requires a heavy book of nearly five hundred pages to report the deliberation, thought, and actions in a great jurisdiction. The formal opening of the Grand Lodge was graced by a prayer by Grand Chaplain Charles D. Broughton. In part he said:
We pray for our Country in these anxious days. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of gov- ernment, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. Suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.
Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to prosper our institution, and further us in every effort to promote the ideals and purposes for which it stands. Grant to those to whom we have invested the authority of office the guidance of Thy Holy Spirit. Endue them with true humility and understanding of heart and mind that they may inspire their Brethren to lives of daring rectitude and unselfish service.
The address of Most Worshipful Gay H. Brown, Grand Master, covered much, yet was not overly extended. In reference to their departed he quoted a fitting verse:
Good night, sleep well, when the last Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps no more Make music on the empty upper floor And day is fully past.
We who so lightly let you go alone,
Evening by evening, from our trustful sight Into the mystery of sleep's unknown- We need not fear, to-night,
Death is so gentle-dark will break to dawn Love will be safe until the morning light. Sleep well, good night!
He expressed satisfaction in the state of the Craft. He attended many meetings, receiving much in spiritual uplift. At an ambitious dinner he heard a pledge that so impressed him that he repeats it for the benefit of all as synonymous with Masonic teaching:
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Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
"1. I will spread no rumor and no slander against any sect.
"2. I will never try to indict a whole people by reason of the delinquency of any member.
"3. I will daily deal with every man in business, in social and in political relations, only on the basis of his true individ- ual worth.
"4. In my daily conduct I will consecrate myself, hour by hour, to the achievement of the highest ideal of the dignity of mankind, human equality, human fellowship and human brotherhood."
He calls attention to rising costs and advises carefully scanned ex- penditures. In recommendations he favors a per capita support for their Masonic Family Magazine, also more helpfulness for the Order of DeMolay. He closed with an admonition timely and good:
We of the Masonic Fraternity are prone to eulogize the early Masonic forebears of this country and boast of what they ac- complished in setting up this great republic. They were brave men; they were outspoken men; they were instrumental in giving us the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Are we to be less brave and courageous today ? Are Masons today not called upon to stand up and be counted ? We do not discuss in our Lodge room partisan politics, but that does not mean we are not vitally concerned in maintaining Democracy. I believe that Masons today are animated no less than in former years by the love for Liberty and Freedom. Masonry is a peaceful organization, but supporters of regi- mentation, whether in government or church, are deluding them- selves if they believe the Masons of the United States are not willing and eager to stand up and support Liberty-civil, re- ligious and intellectual-for which our forefathers fought and won.
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