USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 33
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If Masons have been negligent in any one particular field of endeavor-and it is possible that we have, since no individual and no organization is completely perfect-I believe such neg- ligence would be found in our lack of interest in our youth. I believe that we have not devoted as much time and effort to youth activities as we could or should have done. It isn't that we are not interested in young people, but the fault lies in the fact that we have not made proper preparation to concern our- selves enough with the young people who are to be the leaders of tomorrow. We have had full confidence in the home-par- ticularly the home where the head of the household is a Mason- in our schools and churches. Our homes, schools and churches have been doing good jobs, but who can say that even our homes, schools and churches have yet satisfied all the needs of our young people, and that there is no further need for interest on our part.
In the report of the committee on an official magazine, two para- graphs were determinative:
1. That the Grand Lodge accept the generous offer of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Indian Consistory to transfer the title of "Oklahoma Mason" to the Grand Lodge publication, and that the title "Oklahoma Mason" be substituted for the present title of "Masonic Home News."
3. That the Grand Lodge endow the publication committee with the power and authority to publish the magazine regularly on the present subscription basis, making every effort to expand the influence of the magazine and the selling of subscriptions at the present rate or at a rate fixed by the committee.
The report was adopted.
The Grand Secretary advised a membership gain of 4,213, with a total of 66,478.
Timely and good was the address of Right Worshipful Frank Austin Rittenhouse, Grand Orator. It was historical with ethical applica- tion and merits the close reading of the Mason who would be in- formed. His closing paragraphs evidence its value:
Freemasonry has lived vigorously and triumphantly through the cavalcade of the centuries because it has drawn its vitality from the purest ideals which the heart and mind could conceive,
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and from its benign and unselfish works on behalf of men and women everywhere, of every kindred, every tribe and every creed. Freemasonry is much more than a depository of doctrine, a code of morals, or a system of philosophy. Throughout its venerable length of days it has been an inspiration and a rally- ing point for men of good will-for all who love and champion the rights of man and assert the dignity and immortality of his soul.
No man can enter our fellowship who does not conceive his origin and the origin of the universe in the terms of a higher and intelligent power who, as the Great Architect, laid the plans on the trestle board for the development and ordering of human life upon this earth. The Bible upon our Altar is a symbol of our recognition of this divine power and plan. It has continu- ously strengthened our espousal of the blessings of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all mankind.
There was an equally fine address by Deputy Grand Master Dr. John C. Hubbard.
Brother William Hutchinson, as the Committee on Fraternal Cor- respondence, furnished a fine and wholly adequate report. His Reviews are individual. With a keen appreciation of the important, wise comment and coverage in judgment make the whole report in- formative and pleasant reading.
M .:. W. . Dr. John C. Hubbard, Grand Master, Oklahoma City. M. . W. . Claude A. Sturgeon, Grand Secretary, Guthrie.
W. . Lewis H. Moe, Chairman Committee on Fraternal Corres- pondence, Stillwater.
Next Annual Communication, Tulsa, February 8, 1949.
OREGON (1948)
98th Annual Communication.
Portland, June 16-18, 1948.
The first order of business was the reception of the address of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Walter M. Ransom. It was a well-written, business-like accounting on his conduct of affairs during his year in office. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought them of value. He also made courtesy calls on several nearby jurisdictions. Officially he granted many dispensations. In a number there was a physical disability. His attitude was lib- eral. He commended the conduct of the Masonic Home but recom- mends some changes in policy. They have a quasi Masonic publica- tion, The Oregon Mason. He thinks well of it and urges a wider circulation of it through subscription. His conclusion is a happy tribute to Masonic fraternal duty:
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We're builders of a better world.
We are workers for a plan That seeks to make this good old earth A happy place for man.
The development of a plan and the efforts put forth in en- deavoring to carry it through has been an extreme pleasure for me. Much has been said about God's plan upon this earth. It would seem that if we followed that plan there would be more happiness for all, and the happiness we receive is due a great deal to the friendships we have. My experience in making new friends throughout this jurisdiction this past year is expressed in this poem:
"Much has been said, written and read
Of old friends standing true.
That to hold to the old
Is like hoarding gold, And old friends are better than new.
"To me comes the thought,
By experience taught Presenting a broader view,
For the same thread of gold We see in the old Will also be found in the new."
Many distinguished guests were present and were officially made welcome.
The Grand Treasurer reported that prosperity prevailed and that there were ample funds for all uses.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership gain of 2,068, with a total of 35,074. He presented financial accounting in full and under- standable detail.
All charity calls were generously cared for. On the recommenda- tion of the Jurisprudence Committee the following amendment to the Code was adopted:
(3) Connection with Liquor Traffic or Immoral Business a Masonic offense-Any person, who shall keep what is com- monly known as a liquor saloon, or similar place as hereinafter defined, or attend to the bar of such a liquor saloon or similar place, or who shall engage in the illicit sale of liquor, commonly known as "bootlegging", or engage in any business tending to corrupt public or private morals, shall be deemed guilty of a Masonic offense, and upon trial and conviction by the Masonic tribunal having jurisdiction in the case shall be indefinitely suspended; provided that the term "liquor saloon" shall include such places of business commonly known as a beer tavern, beer parlor, cocktail bar, cocktail lounge, night club, and any similar place, and is hereby defined as a place where the main business conducted is the sale of, or mixing of, intoxicating liquors to be consumed or drunk on the premises where sold, or served.
Brother Charles H. Weekes furnished the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. He followed this suggestion made in the address of the Grand Master:
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We are attempting a new method of reporting the affairs of foreign jurisdictions. There has been so much good informa- tion contained in the report that has not been used that we hope a narrative and much shorter form will be especially bene- ficial to the Masters and Wardens who are trying to make their lodge meetings interesting and profitable. I urge every Lodge Officer to study this report.
The reaction of the Reviewer is in his Foreword:
Presentation of this Review in a new and radically changed form would naturally excite inquiry as to its purpose. The Reviewer will offer in explanation that a change, and material shortening of the Review, should result in a wider reading. Since the only possible object in publishing a Review is to disseminate to the Craft items of interest that occur elsewhere, anything that would tend to facilitate that reading, and increase the number of readers, seemed worthy of a trial.
In keen appreciation of values he then reports and comments on thoughts expressed or action taken in many jurisdictions, gathering the important together under individual titles. Education, Pro- ficiency, Attendance, Youth Degree Teams, Finances, Co-Masonry, Negro Masonry, Liquor, Homes, Libraries, Pensions, and Publica- tions all have attention. Individual jurisdictional action is cited and opinions quoted. The labor involved in the compilation must have been great, but in the altogether there is furnished a compendium of information invaluable to all who would be informed on Masonry in a wide and general way.
M. . W. . Lloyd K. McRae, Grand Master, Helix.
M. . W. . Harry D. Proudfoot, Grand Secretary, Portland.
M .. W. . Edward B. Beaty, Chairman Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence, Corvallis.
Next Annual Communication, Portland, June 15, 1949.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
72nd Annual Communication. (1947)
Charlottetown, June 25, 1947.
In ancient form and in all dignity the Grand Lodge was opened by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Reginald E. Kemp. Distinguished visitors were made welcome, greeted with the Grand Honors, and escorted to the East. The Grand Master then read his admirable address. In fine spirit he opened with these reverent words:
With hearts of joy we extend our thanks to Almighty God, the Giver of all good gifts, for the countless blessings he has bestowed upon us. May we realize that our Heavenly Father is with us at all times in the great and glorious task in which we are engaged, that of building a structure here which we
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hope will be acceptable to Him for that House not made with hands, Eternal in the Heavens.
Touching reference was made to their dead. His dispensations were few and routine. In a most interesting way he recounted on visits to his lodges and the Conference of the Grand Lodges of Eastern Canada. For its pertinency and application with us all, his closing paragraph deserves our careful and prayerful thought:
Brethren, as we look out over this troubled world, we are confronted with unrest and social disorder. Two years have passed since the nations have ceased fighting in the bloodiest slaughter ever known to mankind. The fighting has ceased, but peace hás not been restored. Even in this fair Dominion of ours, where we profess to acknowledge the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, we see nothing but strikes, and dissatisfaction between Capital and Labor. There is a challenge thrown out to us today, stronger and more forcible than ever before, to use the teachings of our beloved Order in a world that is sin sick and looking for a better way of life.
The Grand Treasurer reported ample funds for all needs. Charity was well and generously cared for.
Membership grew by 24, with a total of 1,149. On the favorable report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, full recognition was extended to the Grand Lodges of Denmark, Norway, and The Netherlands.
M .:. W. . W. A. MacQuarrie, Grand Master, address not given. R .:. W. . Lemuel A. McDougall, Grand Secretary, Charlottetown.
R. . W. . T. G. Ives, Chairman Committee on Foreign Correspondence, address not given.
Next Annual Communication, Charlottetown, June 23, 1948.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
(1948)
73rd Annual Communication.
Charlottetown, June 23, 1948.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with all officers in their stations. There was a dignified and reverent service of wor- ship conducted by the Reverend Brother J. T. Ibbott. Distinguished guests were made welcome with honors.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother W. A. MacQuarrie, then read his condensed but complete annual address. There was sympathetic reference to their dead. His dispensations were few and routine. His many lodge visits were helpful to the Craft in general. He attended the Washington Conferences and found much in them to commend. He also attended the Eastern Canada Confer- ence. He closed with thanks to all who had held up his hands and fittingly used this paragraph:
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1949]
The Order is in a healthy condition. It has been growing in numbers, in resources and in prestige. May it continue to prosper, inculcating, by word and example, the message of good citizenship, of brotherhood, of charity, and of faith in God, thus doing its part to hasten the coming of that glad day, when, in the words of a great and renowned Freemason of the eighteenth century, the poet Burns,
That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth Shall bear the gree an' a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that, It's comin yet for a' that, That man to man the world o'er Shall brithers be for a' that.
The Grand Secretary reported a membership increase of 39, making a total of 1,188. The financial reports indicated prosperity with ample funds for all requirements. Benevolences were generously cared for.
The Foreign Correspondence report was short but informative. Appropriately, it closed with:
The world needs Masonry in all its strength now more than at any time in past history. Let us not shirk from giving the best we have as expressed in the beautiful lines of that great poet, Bobbie Burns:
May Freedom, Harmony, and Love, Unite you in the Grand Design, Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above- The glorious Architect Divine- That you may keep th' Unerring Line, Still rising by the Plummet's Law, Till Order bright completely shine, Shall be my pray'r, when far awa.
M. . W. . George G. Wood, Grand Master, Charlottetown.
R ... W. . L. A. McDougall, Grand Secretary, Charlottetown.
M. . W. . W. R. Carson, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, address not given.
Next Annual Communication, Charlottetown, June 22, 1949.
QUEBEC
(1948)
Proceedings not received in time for this review.
QUEENSLAND
(1948) Brisbane, Year ending June 2, 1948. MEETINGS Special July 23, 1947 Quarterly September 3, 1947 Special November 26, 1947
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Quarterly December 3, 1947 Quarterly March 3, 1948 Quarterly June 2, 1948
Taken together these meetings present an orderly accounting of the business affairs of an active and well-conducted jurisdiction. What would be of interest to the outside Masonic world or what would be proper for outside comment can be referred to in brief detail.
During the sessions a number of visitors of distinguished rank were present. In cordial grace they were welcomed with the honours. Several beautifully reverent church services were held.
In duty and to their benefit and pleasure, the Grand Master, Brother Eustace A. Jones, visited widely among his lodges. He constituted a number of new lodges.
Membership increased by 1,635, with a total of 25,148. The finan- cial reports were excellently compiled and presented, wholly under- standable to even the inexpert. There is set up the outline of a Grand Lodge history that will be of great value. With it they will build up a library and museum.
Of particular interest is the record on benevolences. Through individual and lodge generosity, ample provision was made for the material needs of distressed brothers, for widows and orphans. The educational needs of the children were not overlooked. Altogether it made an admirable record on Masonic duty and devotion. Peace and harmony prevailed.
For us, in America, to know of our brethren on the other side of the world is a privilege. In what they think and do there is inspira- tion and guidance. For it all we are grateful.
M .:. W. . Eustace Alfred Jones, Grand Master, address not given.
R .:. W. . E. G. Radford, Grand Secretary, Brisbane.
RHODE ISLAND
(1948)
157th Annual Communication.
Providence, May 17, 1948.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with a chaste and simple prayer by the Grand Chaplain. Many guests of Masonic rank were made welcome. The National Colors were presented and. ad- vanced as the brethren repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and sang "America."
The book has a fitting frontispiece. It is a representation of the handsome face of the Most Worshipful Grand Master; Brother James Bancroft Littlefield. It brings to mind the couplet:
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1949 j
"If you live in the Lord in his infinite grace You don't have to say so; it shows in your face."
The brief biographical sketch that follows carries in it a prideful record. Of Puritan inheritance, he has proven loyal to their vir- tues and idealism. Education and culture fitted him for his life role. Generous on social needs, patriotic in joining the armed forces, finding time for public service, and devotion to the best in our Fraternity should certify the quality of his citizenship. His honored course was closed on December 3, 1947.
On September 17, 1947, a Semi-Annual Communication was held. It was mostly a message from the Grand Master. There was an appeal for gifts or money for gifts for war casualties yet in hospitals .. His long comment on Negro Masonry ended in the usual indefinite- ness. He summed with this:
I propose that a committee, consisting of all the living Past Grand Masters of Rhode Island, be appointed to submit a report upon this matter at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge.
Much as I would like to see the question settled once and for all today, we are bound, until it is amended, by Standing Order No. 40, adopted by our Grand Lodge on November 21, 1898, as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island stands now, as heretofore, on the 'American Doctrine' that only one Grand Lodge can be erected in the same jurisdiction, and that such Grand Body cannot divide with another body the control of the Craft in any given State or territory."
There is a long and most interesting story on Berlin Lodge U. D .- Berlin, Germany, operating under a Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. The Master under Dispensation, Past Grand Master Winfield S. Solomon, reports glowingly on membership, spirit, and performance and recommends that a Charter be granted.
Returning to the annual meeting, the Acting Grand Master, Ernest L. Lockwood, visited many of his lodges and attended as many social functions. He also made ceremonial calls in several other Grand Jurisdictions. He attended the Washington Conferences and thought the discussions there were of importance and "would go far toward achieving what Freemasonry stands for." Each District Deputy Grand Master filed a report evidencing industry, zeal, and material accomplishment in improvement in ritual rendition and cultivation of closer brotherhood.
The Grand Secretary advised of a membership increase of 603, making a total of 16,153.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence considered a number of requests for recognition but recommended but one: The Grand Lodge of Columbia.
M .:. W ... Ernest L. Lockwood, Grand Master, Providence.
R. . W ... N. Arthur Hyland, Grand Secretary, Providence.
Next Annual Communication, place and date not given.
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SASKATCHEWAN
(1948)
42nd Annual Communication.
Saskatoon, June 16, 1948.
It is a privilege to be permitted to read the Proceedings of one of these fine Canadian Jurisdictions. There they have a high ap- preciation of the purposes and philosophy of Masonry. The little book under review carries much of inspirational value.
A portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand Master-elect, Brother Fred C. Wilson, adorns the opening page. A brief outline of his life discloses a prideful record of service as a patriot, a Christian, and a Mason.
On opening, the Mayor of the city extended a cordial welcome, to which the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Hector Mackay, made graceful acknowledgment. Many distinguished visitors were pre- sented and greeted with a pleasing verse:
Come in the evening or come in the morning. Come when you're looked for-or come without warning. The warmest of welcome await here before you And the oftener you come here The more we'll adore you. Come as often as you can.
The Grand Master then read his fine address. While tersely writ- ten, he adequately covered all matters of importance. He reported or commented on much of purely domestic interest: district meet- ings, lodge constitution, official visits, appointments, dispensations, and rulings. He gave particular attention to Freemasonry and Youth. Two salient paragraphs from his address will give his thought;
In setting up the example of our life we must recognize our obligation of regular church attendance. We derive our moral existence from God through the agency of. the church. If fathers and Masons do not attend church the boys and youth will not do so. If the church is not strong and doing the work we think it should, we as Masons have a responsibility to get into active church work and do our bit. Straighten out the kinks and make it virile, active and attractive to our youth.
We owe an obligation to our Youth to accept responsibility on our school boards, our municipal, state, provincial and na- tional bodies. If we do not become members of any of these bodies we owe it to ourselves and to all to see that the members we elect are upright, honourable and the best obtainable in our District. It is a duty to get out to vote. We should strive to see that these bodies do not pinch pennies. On the contrary see that they make due allowance and ample provision for super- vised, recreational facilities and occupational guidance. There is much that can be done but it must be done intelligently.
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In fine spirit he closed with:
"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and soul and mind and strength
- To serve the King of Kings.
"Rise up, O men of God! His Kingdom tarries long; Bring in the day of brotherhood, And end the night of wrong."
Financial reports are fully detailed and evidence prosperity and sound management. The Grand Secretary advised of a membership increase of 590, with a total of 15,467.
All of the 17 District Deputy Grand Masters made reports evidenc- ing industry, zeal, and the marked evidence of good accomplished.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, of which Most Wor- shipful Brother W. M. Martin is Chairman, gave consideration to several requests for recognition but thought the time had not ar- rived for favorable action. One paragraph of their report may be quoted for the attention of the Craft in the United States:
Your Committee is of the opinion that this is an appropriate occasion for the taking of action to adopt the Declaration of Principles promulgated by the Grand Lodges of England, Ire- land and Scotland so that future Committees will have the standards for recognition to guide them when applications from foreign Grand Lodges are received. The Declaration of Prin- ciples is set out in full in the address of the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. S. C. Burton in 1939, and can be found at pages 22 and 23 of the proceedings of that year. M.W. Bro. Burton recommended a study of the Declaration. The Committee on the Address of the Grand Master also recommended a study and the appointment of a committee on the subject. There is no record of the appointment of a Committee and no further action appears to have been taken. We now recommend that the Declaration of Principles adopted by the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland be adopted by this Grand Lodge.
The Foreword is an especially fine comment on Masonic thought and action throughout the Masonic world. His Reviews are juris- dictionally individual. They are fine, terse, clear, and with a keen appreciation of values. Iowa has generous consideration with com- mendation for the industry of Grand Master Perkins and compliment to the Reviewer on the quality of his work.
The Committee on Masonic Education submitted several short addresses on Masonic quotations or symbols. They are all fine; would that there was room for them here.
M .. W. . Fred C. Wilson, Grand Master, Regina.
R .:. W. . Robert A. Tate, Grand Secretary, Regina.
M. . W. . W. M. Martin, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, Regina.
Next Annual Communication, Regina, June 15, 1949.
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA (1948)
Proceedings not received in time for this review.
SOUTH CAROLINA (1948)
211th Annual Communication. Columbia, March 10 and 11, 1948.
There were ten Special Communications, all to dedicate or con- secrate lodges. One of particular note was held on March 10 for the purpose of attending the Annual Religious Service. The at- tendance was large. In a beautifully phrased and fervent prayer the Grand Chaplain said:
May we be conscious of Thy nearness as we strive to carry out the designs that are laid out for us. Bless these Brethren assembled here from the various parts of our state. Bless their homes. Bless our universal Fraternity of Freemasons, and bless our leaders. May it be the will of our leaders to follow Thee that they may be worthy leaders of the Craft. Make us sensible of the continuing obligation we are under to love one another and to serve Thee with uncompromising devo- tion. May all our works begin, continue and end in Thee; may brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us into a truly universal brotherhood under Thee our Heavenly Father. So Mote it Be. Amen.
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