USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
On membership the Grand Secretary reported a gain of 10,705, with a total of 282,610.
There were present many guests of distinguished Masonic place who were greeted with honors. A few in good taste spoke briefly. There were many committee reports, mostly concerning purely do- mestic matters and in proper taste not subject to outside comment. For general good a few suggestions may be noted:
The importance of a thorough grounding in the principles of Masonry cannot be too strongly stressed, and this objective can- not be attained if candidates are rushed through the various Degrees on successive meeting nights, which in the great ma- jority of cases would mean a period of only four or five weeks between initiation and raising.
We, therefore, recommend that a waiting period of not less than four weeks between degrees be made compulsory and that newly-raised Brethren be required to pass an examination on the Third Degree, as in the case of the two preceding Degrees.
69
Appendix-New York
1949]
The Order of De Molay is a Youth Movement, and at the present time Lodges are permitted to assist, guide and supervise De Molay Chapters.
Those acquainted with the work of De Molay have come to recognize that Order as one of the principal instruments for up- holding the beliefs of a God-fearing people and a source from which future members of the Masonic Fraternity may be drawn.
To ensure uniformity of the Work, and for other reasons known to the initiated, we recommend that Grand Lodge sponsor and print an approved Cipher Book, to be distributed subject to Grand Lodge Regulations, and that a Constitutional Amendment be adopted to effect this purpose.
A special committee, after an exhaustive hearing, recommended that the charter of a constituent lodge be withdrawn for gross and frequent violation of the basic customs and laws of Masonry and of the jurisdiction.
The Grand Lodge Medal for Distinguished Achievement was pre- sented to Major General Jonathan M. Wainwright, the Commander of the United States Forces in the Philippines. It became his pain- ful duty to surrender Corregidor and his remaining force to the Japanese. The incident interests this writer, for his only son, a Major in the Marines, was in the force. He had been decorated for gallantry and was personally known to General Wainwright. The sequel is sadder for he was killed in action while being transferred to Japan.
The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence and Re- lations was presented by Past Grand Master Townsend Scudder, whose name is widely known in the Masonic world. In the prepara- tion of the work he was ably assisted by other well-known intellectu- als: James E. Craig, Charles W. Froessel, Charles H. Johnson, and Henry C. Turner. The credit for arranging and compiling of what is submitted is given to Right Worshipful James E. Craig. It is not a review of the usual type; rather it is a symposium of thought, policy, expression, opinion, and action throughout the Masonic world. Observation is broad minded, comment is keen, suggestion helpful, frequent quotation illustrative, and all in sound Masonic philosophy. It should be widely read. While it may not take and hold the at- tention of the average Mason, it will strongly appeal to the student who will read slowly and in full appreciation of cultural and spiritual values.
M. . W. . Frank M. Totton, Grand Master, New York.
R ... W. . George R. Irving, Grand Secretary, New York.
M.'.W. . Townsend Scudder, Chairman Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, Glen Head.
Next Annual Communication, place and date not given.
70
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
NEW ZEALAND
(1947)
58th Annual Communication.
Wellington, November 12, 1947.
To a Masonic student there is real joy when permitted to read the record of the activities of this fine jurisdiction with its inheritance on fundamental Masonry.
In reverent dignity the Grand Lodge was opened. In studied order domestic business was promptly cared for. Financial accounting was in full detail. The call on charity was generously answered in sup- port of their institutions and on personal needs. In the address of the newly installed Grand Master, William James Girling, were several paragraphs that for general value must be quoted:
Masonry neither advocates nor decrees any form of religion, but its fundamental requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and the immortality of the soul. Therefore men of every race and clime with diversity of beliefs can meet with common accord in Masonic lodges, each recognising the right of others to their own convictions.
The Bible has lost none of its ancient power, and its message is as searching and penetrating to-day as in the days of our fathers. We should therefore treasure at its true worth what they have handed on to us, never forgetting the tremendous cost paid by them of old in suffering any hardship that this priceless gift may ever remain upon our altars. May we therefore jealously guard these great privileges and so preserve them that they may be handed down to those coming after us, pure and unsullied as we have received them.
No nation ever lasted and thrived that did not preserve truth, dispense justice, and maintain liberty, nor will the nations of to-day which have forgotten God last long.
No generation in all the history of the world has faced a more serious responsibility than confronts the men and women of to-day, and it demands that we as Masons should re-dedicate ourselves, our lodges, our fraternity to its highest calling. For such is Masonry, ever a challenge, an invitation to a clearer vision, a loftier aim, and a kindlier and more unselfish way of living. That is what we as Masons should stand for if we would prove our worth as men. Thus a Mason should become deeply interested in the building of his own character, that he may spread sunshine around him. Let us therefore walk uprightly before God and man, thereby profiting by the lessons taught us in performing our duty as Freemasons.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 1,493, with a total of 32,905.
Fraternal Reviews are not presented as they appear serially in the "New Zealand Craftsman."
M. . W. . William J. Girling, Grand Master, Blenheim.
R. . W. . Henry A. Lamb, Grand Secretary, Wellington.
Next Annual Communication, Wellington, date not given.
71
Appendix-North Carolina
1949]
NORTH CAROLINA
(1947)
160th Annual Communication. Raleigh, April 15 and 16, 1947.
The first page of the book is adorned with a representation of the handsome face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master-elect, Brother Luther Thompson Hartsell, Jr. A glorified biographical sketch fol- lows. They rear some wonderful men in Old Carolina.
During the year there were several special or emergent communi- cations-funerals or lodge dedications.
The Grand Communication was opened in all form and dignity. Honors were paid to visiting distinguished brethren.
The well-written address of Grand Master William J. Bundy was all inclusive in a general review of actions and policies. Gracefully phrased tribute was paid to their dead. There was appreciation of the Grand Secretary and the District Deputy Grand Masters. In general term he approved the Washington Conferences. On Negro Masonry he commented briefly, sensibly concluding with:
I see no reason for us to be disturbed about the question. The Negro has his Church; we have our Church. The Negro has his Masonic lodge; we have ours. Ours is good for us; I think that theirs is good for them. Certainly there is no call for recognition or inter-visitation.
On the Washington Memorial he quotes Joseph Fort Newton:
"When at last the work of the builders is done and the Mem- orial stands stately in the sunlight, white and magnificent at night, it will be at once a Perpetual Shrine and a Prophetic Symbol; a Shrine where men who despair of the present may rekindle their Masonic faith and their patriotic hope, a Symbol of the unity and power, of Freemasonry, in whose fellowship our first President lived and wrought. Led by its light, taught by its truth, hallowed by its spirit, the Republic itself is at once its monument and his Memorial."
He was wholly satisfied with the condition and conduct of their Homes. To the pleasure and benefit of the Craft he visited widely among his lodges. On Physical Qualifications his rulings were liberal. On Masonic Burial Service he urged careful preparation and dignified rendition. He favored the preparation of lodge histories. On Pro- ficiency. he quotes the Iowa law:
"A Master Mason must become proficient in the Third Degree before he can vote, hold office, serve on committee, demit from his lodge or petition for degrees or membership in any Masonic Body of the York Rite or Scottish Rite."
He pertinently adds:
It is my opinion, which is concurred in by many outstanding members of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine, that there should be a waiting period between the time that a man
72
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
is raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and the time he takes the so-called higher or advanced degrees.
His decisions were many but presented little unusual. The State of the Craft has his commendation, and he concludes his observations with this wisdom:
If we would make and keep Masonry the living force for good in the world which it ought to be, by which the world will be made infinitely better, let us, by our daily living, exemplify the tenets and principles of this ancient and honorable fraternity, "honorable, as tending in every particular so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts."
Let us always look toward the hills from whence cometh our strength, and by living our belief in the Brotherhood of Man prove our belief in the Fatherhood of God. Masonry is made up of Masons; it is what Masons are; it is and will always be judged as Masons live it. This we do by erecting, day by day, our moral and spiritual edifices agreeably to the rules and de- signs laid down by the Master Workman, the Supreme Archi- tect of the Universe, remembering always that "To be good men and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry."
The Grand Orator, Reverend Brother Harold G. Cuthrell, favored the gathering with an address sound in philosophy, reverent in spirit, and eloquently phrased. Would that space permitted a representation here. The closing paragraph must be quoted:
As we advance our Masonic mission for the preservation of our heritage may the immortal hymn of Martin Luther become our marching song:
"A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing, Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing!"
Sustained by a victorious faith, inspired by the memory of the faith and valor of our fathers, and dedicated to the holy cause of our Christian heritage and Masonry let us go forward to labor with God in His redemption of man from the tyranny of evil and in the creation of a new heaven and a new earth in which man shall do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God, and erect his spiritual temple agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Grand Master of all good craftsmen on the trestleboard of His redeeming love.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 4,297, with a total of 43,664.
There were many other reports on domestic affairs and of local value. The Fraternal Correspondent, Past Grand Master J. Edward Allen, presented a comprehensive and topical summary on Masonry in a world-wide way. Several fine addresses are reproduced.
M. . W. . Luther T. Hartsell, Jr., Grand Master, Concord.
R. . W. . Wilbur L. McIver, Grand Secretary, Raleigh.
M .:. W. . J. Edward Allen, Foreign Correspondent, Warrenton. Next Annual Communication, Raleigh, April 20, 1948.
73
Appendix-North Dakota
1949]
NORTH DAKOTA
(1948)
59th Annual Communication. Grand Forks, June 21-23, 1948.
Adorning the opening page of a small but handsomely issued book is a representation of the strong face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Verne Ingold Wells. There follows the record of a life filled with good works and devotion to the welfare of men and service to God.
The opening of the Grand Lodge was perfect in form and dignity. The National Colors were advanced and all joined in one verse of "America" and "God Save the King." There was an address of cordial welcome and an equally graceful response. Visitors of dis- tinguished rank and Past Grand Masters were received with honors. Heads of co-ordinate bodies were also greeted.
The Grand Master then read his well-prepared and comprehensive address. The condition of the Craft pleased him, and those who had carried on so well had his commendation. Feeling reference was made to their honored and regretted dead. To their satisfaction and good, he had visited widely among his lodges. It was his privilege, also, to visit with the Grand Lodges of Manitoba and South Dakota. The North Dakota Youth Council to him had value, and for it he urged further support and encouragement. He praised their "Ma- sonic Grand Lodge Bulletin," particularly grateful to the able editor, Past Grand Master Walter L. Stockwell. In his opinion, for literary quality and educational value, the Bulletin should be placed in the hands of every Master Mason in North Dakota. He favors con- tinued membership in the Masonic Service Association. Particularly he commends the Executive Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy. He recommended: That each lodge have a functioning historian; a committee to encourage "Youth Activities"; a form of pension for retired employees of the Grand Secretary and Grand Lodge Library; a revision of their Code; a general increase in the expense allowance of Grand Lodge Officers. In acknowledging the helpfulness of those who had worked with him, he paid one deserved tribute that must be resaid:
I believe I have recognized most of the people who have helped Masonry to move forward this past year. Yet there is one man who, although he admits that he is past eighty years of age, still holds the torch high in this Grand Lodge. M. . W .. Brother Stockwell, will you please step up here by my side? My brother, you have in your many years of Masonic service been accorded the highest honors within the power of your brethren to bestow. Nothing that I may say can add to or detract from the worth of your achievement. As my Grand Secretary you have not only given generously of your time and knowledge to aid and assist me, but you have given encouragement and moral support at times when it was most needed. While you
74
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
are here with us, I want you to hear the words which I will sometime speak if I am still living after you are gone and unable to hear the sound of my voice. I will say "That, aside from my own father, there are two men who have exerted a powerful influence for good on the life of your present Grand Master. One is my old High School Superintendent, W .. Brother George H. Sawyer still living at Osage, Iowa. The other is Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota."
In modesty he closed with:
Finally my brethren, if you will turn to that good book that rests upon our altar you will find a passage that reads as follows: "And whoever would be chief among you, let him be your servant." I have conscientiously endeavored to heed that admonition and I thank you one and all for the privilege of hav- ing served as your Grand Master.
If even one Lodge has become a better Lodge, yes if but one Mason has been inspired to become a better Mason as a result of this service, I shall feel amply rewarded.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 638, with a total of 12,929. Benevolences were generously cared for.
On recommendation of the Committee, recognition was extended to the Grande Loja Simbolica of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to the Grand Oriente d'Italia.
At a memorial service for the late Past Grand Master, Mark I. Forkner, a beautifully phrased address was given by the Grand Sec- retary, Walter L. Stockwell.
There was also an article, "The Influence of Masons on Early North Dakota History," by Brother Gudmundur Grimson, Grand Historian. It was carefully prepared, well written, and must have great value as history. It should be repeated in full, but lack of space forbids. It will be read with value by interested students, especially all in North Dakota.
There appears this paragraph:
We have never had a more inspiring address than that which R. . W ... Brother (Dr.) W. Harold Young of Toronto, Canada, gave at the Grand Lodge dinner, Tuesday evening, June 22nd. Those who heard it will never forget it. We are giving the best part of it herewith, so that those who missed hearing it can get some idea of its beauty and eloquence.
The commendation was wholly justified. Would that the address could be reproduced here. It was scholarly in expression, sound in philosophy, beautifully phrased, and with spiritual inspiration.
Past Grand Master Walter H. Murfin again furnished the report of the Committee on Fraternal Correspondence. The reports are individual and, as always, excellent in every way. Observation is keen, judgment sound, and comment pertinent and helpful in a kindly waý.
75
Appendix-Nova Scotia
1949]
M. . W. . William J. Hunter, Grand Master, Bismarck.
M. . W. . Walter L. Stockwell, Grand Secretary, Fargo.
M. . W. . Walter H. Murfin, Fraternal Correspondent, Fargo.
Next Annual Communication, Fargo, June 20, 1949.
NOVA SCOTIA (1948)
83rd Annual Communication. Halifax, June 9, 1948.
It always gives pleasure to be permitted to read the proceedings of this old jurisdiction with its fine inheritance of Masonic idealism.
The opening of the Grand Lodge was in all form and dignity. There was appropriate divine service. The gathering sang a verse of "God Save the King" and "America." A number of guests of distinguished rank were formally presented.
The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Alexander H. MacMillan, then read his well-prepared and comprehensive address. Briefly he reported on decisions, dispensations, and approved by-laws. Among his lodges he had visited widely. Of one meeting he said:
At this annual communion-consecration breakfast, M. W. Grand Master Bro. Gay H. Brown introduced three speakers-a Protest- ant, a Catholic, and a Jew. Every city newspaper carried the story, with pictures, three wire services sent it throughout the country and four news broadcasts reported it on National hook- ups. Not one of these stories or broadcasts said it in so many words :- "The Masons believe in the Brotherhood of Man," but every one of the millions who heard about the meeting learned, if they did not know it before, that the Masonic principle of Brotherhood is a lively force for good in the world today. It was there I made final contact with M.W. Bro. Brown, and persuaded him to come to Nova Scotia and address us at Grand Lodge.
Much good advice was given to local lodges on the conduct of routine affairs and wise approval of plans for social and moral bet- terments. His particularly graceful closing must be quoted:
Two brief, busy, and happy years have sped since you honored me with the exalted office of Grand Master, in which I have enjoyed the fullest cooperation of all concerned; wherever I have visited, I have found satisfaction and delight. I have given of my best and I have found more in the cheery smile and the warm and friendly hand-shake, which is the true pledge of Broth- erhood, and now the closing word for which you are all waiting and in which we can all share.
Give us the thrill of the task; The joy of the battle, and the strife Of being of use; and we'll ask No greater reward in this life; Far better than fame or applause Is striving to further a cause.
-
76
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
The Grand Secretary reported general prosperity and a material increase in membership. All financial affairs were in excellent con- dition.
Much of interest was reported on the condition of Masonry in foreign lands, with a uniform effort to maintain the idealism of the Fraternity.
The Committee on Necrology presented beautiful and appropriate tributes to the life and services of their honored dead.
With a well-written "Foreword," Past Senior Grand Warden, Brother A. G. Baillie, furnished well-written and informative Re- views on individual jurisdictions. To the Mason who would be informed in a broad way they are particularly valuable. Iowa has generous attention, with commanding comment on policies and con- duct of general affairs. Other jurisdictions are equally well cared for. Altogether, these Reviews are sufficiently full to be informa- tive and pleasing reading.
M .:. W. . David A. O'Neil, Grand Master, Bridgewater.
M. . W. . Reginald V. Harris, Grand Secretary, Halifax.
R. . W. .. A. G. Baillie, Chairman Committee on Fraternal Reviews, New Glasgow.
Next Annual Communication, place and time to be designated.
OHIO (1948)
139th Annual Communication. Columbus, October 20 and 21, 1948.
The formal opening of the Grand Lodge was graced with a beau- tiful prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Right Worshipful Brother Robert O. McClure. The National Colors were posted and all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. There was a cordial address of welcome by the Honorable Brother Thomas J. Herbert, Governor of Ohio.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, R. A. Younger, then read his well-prepared and comprehensive address. The salient features may have brief notice. To their pleasure and benefit he had visited many of his lodges. He attended the Washington Conferences. For his jurisdiction he presented a check for $4,500.00 to the Washington Memorial Association. He commended the Masonic Service Associa- tion and the efficient Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy, for con- structive service. He reported on their "Overseas Aid" and the ex- pressed gratitude it evoked. He thought the Youth Movement and
77
Appendix-Oklahoma
1949]
Order of DeMolay worth encouragement. He was wholly satisfied with the condition and conduct of their Masonic Home but suggested some changes in general supervision. During the year he was pres- ent at several dedications, and he laid the corner stone of a muni- cipal building at Mt. Healthy. A historical article "One Hundred Years of Masonry-and Communism" will interest the student but may be over the heads of the mine run of us.
The Grand Secretary reported a gain in membership of 9,391, with a total of 240,891.
The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence was sub- mitted by Brother C. W. Ellenwood. In composition, coverage, and completeness it is pleasing. On the recommendation of the com- mittee, fraternal relations were established with the Grand Lodge Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
In a brief Foreword informative comment is made on Exceptional Growth in Membership, Foreign Fraternal Relations, Negro Free- masonry, Taxation of Masonic Temples, Physical Qualifications, Masonic Education, Communism, and Youth Organizations. On each the advice is sound.
His Reviews are individual. They are well written, with a keen eye for the important, and comment timely and good. Iowa has gen- erous consideration and space. One reference is particularly pleasing to us:
The Iowa Grand Lodge Bulletin, which is one of the finest in American Freemasonry, comes in for discussion by the Grand Secretary. The Grand Lodge Library, which is equally well known, shares a part of the report.
M .:. W ... L. Todd McKinney, Grand Master, Dayton.
M ... W ... Harry S. Johnson, Grand Secretary, Cincinnati.
M ... W. . Carl W. Ellenwood, Foreign Correspondent, Wooster.
Next Annual Communication, Dayton, October 21, 1949.
OKLAHOMA
(1948)
40th Annual Communication. Guthrie, February 10-12, 1948.
The opening of the Grand Lodge, in form and dignity, was graced with a prayer in fine thought and beautiful expression by Grand Chaplain Dr. R. M. C. Hill. The National Colors were displayed and advanced.
The fine address of Grand Master D. E. McCroskey well accounted on the transpirings of a busy year. Affectionate and appreciative reference was made to their dead:
"They are not dead, whom we call dead Who dwell with us no more, Along the path of life that now we tread, They do but walk before."
78
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Iowa [Cedar Rapids
He authorized two lodges, laid several corner stones, granted a few routine dispensations, and appointed one 'trial commission. Among his lodges he visited widely, traveling, in all, more than twenty thousand miles, attending some two hundred meetings. He com- mended the conduct of their Home. For the Masonic Home News, their official publication, he urged enlargement and wider circula- tion. He thought well of the Washington Conferences, which he attended. His conclusion is a fine essay on the ethics, opportunities, and responsibilities of Masonry. The trend of his general thought is illustrated in his reference to one specific matter:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.