USA > Iowa > Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa > Part 35
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The Grand Secretary reported a membership gain of 215, making a total of 5,478.
A feature of the meeting was the address of Grand Orator Elliott W. Evans. It must have had the close and appreciative attention of all. There was no attempt at the oratorical but a plain review of the history, aims, accomplishments, and present duty of the Frater- nity, supplemented with the names of many great men who have felt honored with membership. It deserves wide reading.
With a pleasing Foreword, the report on Fraternal Correspondence was furnished by Past Grand Master Edward Gaige Titus. His Re- views are individual, tersely written but satisfyingly complete. He recognizes the important, his comment is pertinent, and he quotes in discreet wisdom. Iowa has generous consideration. Grand Master Nolte is commended for industry and the common-sense wisdom in his decisions. The Reviewer is complimented on the spiritual qual- ity of his work.
M. . W. . Ortis Clifford Skaife, Grand Master, Salt Lake City. M. . W. . Emery Roy Gibson, Grand Secretary, Salt Lake City. W. . Edward Gaige Titus, Grand Correspondent, Salt Lake City. Next Annual Communication, Salt Lake City, January 24, 1949.
VERMONT
(1948) ยท155th Annual Communication. Burlington, June 9 and 10, 1948.
The book of proceedings opens with the portrait of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master, Brother J. Harold Stacey. An interesting biographical sketch follows. Aside from detail it may be summed in the closing paragraph:
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1949]
Bro. Stacey has accomplished much in his comparatively short life, and much will be his yet to do. Possessing a most accept- able and pleasing personality, he makes friends easily who stick tenaciously, and, recognizing his abilities, are happy to support him in all his laudable undertakings.
An Emergent Communication was held at Benson on October 9, 1947, to dedicate the quarters of Acacia Lodge No. 91. The out- standing feature was the Dedicatory Address by Past Grand Master Aaron H. Grout. Wholly appropriate to the occasion, it was in fine Masonic thought, beautifully phrased, and in eloquent expression.
The Annual Communication was in usual form and dignity. The National Colors were advanced. Distinguished visitors were received with honors. Among them was His Excellency, Governor Ernest W. Gibson.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master then read his fine address. It was short, but well and tersely covered all of importance. He reported several dedications. His report on one special occasion will be of such general interest as to justify quoting his report:
It is with a great deal of pride that I mention a Special Com- munication of my own Vermont Lodge No. 18 held at Windsor on the evening of April 3. This was the occasion of the visit of the Degree Team composed of members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Third Degree was exemplified by this group, clad in their of- ficial full dress regalia. The flashy red coats and the military precision with which they executed their floor maneuvers were indeed a colorful spectacle. What started out to be a rather unique Masonic Meeting, proved to be, without doubt, the largest gathering of Masons ever held in this Grand Jurisdiction. There were in attendance well over 2,000 Master Masons and, in fact, as near as we were able to estimate, the actual number in at- tendance was about 2,600. Every available seat was taken and several hundred were forced to stand during the entire meeting.
He thought the Washington Conferences, which he attended, of marked value in promoting closer country-wide Masonic contacts and fellowship. He strongly commended the Masonic Service Association and the efficient work of the Executive Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy. The spirit that was his in the administration of his high place is in his closing paragraph:
Let each of us rededicate ourselves to the ideals and tenets of our Great Fraternity. Let each of us breathe a prayer that we, as members of this time honored institution, may increas- ingly appreciate our mission in the world to develop mankind, to elevate humanity, to increase the love of country, to maintain the open Bible and make it the Great Light, not only for Masons but for all Mankind.
The Grand Secretary' advised of a membership gain of 474, making a total of 18,093.
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On the recommendation of the Foreign Correspondence Committee full recognition was given to:
Grand Lodge of Uruguay with its See at Montevideo.
Grand Symbolic Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul, with its See at Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Grand Symbolic Lodge of Minas Gerais, with its See at Bello Horizonte, Brazil.
Grand Orient of Italy, sometimes called Grand National Lodge (not National Grand Lodge), with its See at Palazzo Gius- tiniani in Rome.
Complete lodge rosters are furnished. Past Grand Master Aaron H. Grout presented the report of the Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence. His fine Foreword is a digest of what he covered in his Reviews. Evidencing the general worth, a paragraph may be quoted:
Another year has passed and its record has become a part of the unfolding history of Freemasonry and mankind. What has been accomplished? Masonically, the record tells us of progress, increased membership, greater interest in and apprecia- tion of the tenets which are the basis of our institution, to- gether with a quickening of conscience that Freemasonry should be virile and vociferous, by example and utterance, in acquainting the world both in and out of our fraternity, with our teachings and formulae for living. Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven and the ultimate realization of that peace which passeth understanding.
He deals with jurisdictions individually. What he writes is espec- ially pleasing and decidedly informative. He has a keen sense of values, comments in wisdom, and quotes in discretion. Iowa has generous notice. Grand Master Nolte is praised for wise advice and common sense practice. There is also compliment for the Fraternal Reviewer.
M .:. W ... Arthur H. Sprague, Grand Master, Barre.
M. . W .. Aaron H. Grout, Grand Secretary and Committee on Cor- respondence, Burlington.
Next Annual Communication, Burlington, June 15, 1949.
VICTORIA (Australia)
(1947)
Quarterly Communication.
Melbourne, March 19, 1947.
As is usual, the Grand Lodge was opened in form, dignity, and in reverence. It was a business session throughout. Much in domestic affairs was considered, and rapid disposition made. They have a Freemasons' Hospital, well conducted and generously supported. On the operation, fully detailed financial accounting is made.
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1949]
A committee reported a general membership gain of 5,298, making a total of 73,025.
The well-arranged and well-written address of the Grand Master, Brother R. A. Rowe, accounted on his activities and carried his com- mendation of the fine Masonic spirit manifest among his Craft. An idealistic comment is for us all:
What then of tomorrow ? It is not sufficient that we should boast of our glorious past. We must be worthy of the noble traditions handed down to us, and in our turn, so live and so act, that those who come after us may benefit.
I have mentioned the great growth in membership. This in itself may not spell progress, but if, as I believe is the case, these new members have been attracted to Freemasonry by the lives and actions of our members in the outside world, then, I think, this increase is stimulating and to be commended. For it is an indication that the young men of our nation are turning their thoughts to higher things, and wish to take their places alongside us in our fight for the principles to which we should all adhere-Faith in God, Loyalty to our King and Country, and consideration for others. I believe that never before in our his- tory has there been a greater need for clear thinking, sound judgment and a sense of loyalty. There are in our midst today forces which deny the existence of God, scoff at loyalty, and have a total disregard for the decent things of life. There is, I think, in these forces of disruption, a challenge to Free- masonry. Let us accept this challenge. It is not sufficient for us to repeat the principles and tenets of Freemasonry in our own Lodges. We must take our principles with us into our daily lives, wherever we may go, and demonstrate by our own lives the wholesomeness of those things to which we subscribe. Inevitably we shall influence others, and bring men's minds to accept those basic principles without which no community can really prosper or be happy.
There were quarterly communications held on June 18, September 17, and December 17, 1947, devoted wholly to the reception of reports and the consideration of purely domestic matters.
The report on Correspondence, a scholarly production, was fur- nished by Past Deputy Grand Master William Stewart. His Re- views are on individual jurisdictions. They are marked by felicitous expression with a keen discernment and appreciation of the im- portant. Commendation and compliment is frequent, and but occa- sionally mild criticism is implied.
M .. W. . R. A. Rowe, Grand Master, address not given.
R .. W. . William Stewart, Grand Secretary and Committee on Cor- respondence, Melbourne.
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VIRGINIA
(1948)
170th Annual Communication. Richmond, February 10-12, 1948.
Appropriately the Grand Lodge was opened with solemn prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Reverend Brother Walter Clarke Gum. Pro- ceeding at once to routine business, the Committee on Finance pre- sented various reports, all indicating prosperity and financial sound- ness. The Grand Secretary advised a membership increase of 2,853, with a total of 51,521. In his work, the Grand Lecturer had a good year. There was a marked improvement in ritualistic rendition and an increasing number of the proficient.
During the sitting a number of distinguished guests were intro- duced and in graceful phrase made welcome.
The address of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harold Robert Stephenson, was comprehensive. Reference may be made by head- ings. In delicate sentiment he recalled their dead:
"Every year the Father calleth Some loved ones to endless rest; And our hearts, though filled with anguish, Can but say, 'He knoweth best.'"
He recounted on his many lodge visits. His dispensations were many and routine. Decisions followed the law. He commended the con- dition and conduct of their Home. In fine feeling he closed with these lines:
"Will men be wise enough when peace shall come To cherish it beyond all thought of gain;
To hold it as the ultimate, the sum of dearest things, No matter what the pain?
A world at peace! 'How infinitely good, When home and office, shop and farm
Shall fill their unharrassed roles in brotherhood, And selfless shall bring a better day. More than a cessation of war is peace: It is a strong, a flaming holy fire That seeks with passion a bound world's release, Ready with sacrifice for its desire.
Not easy this, but glorious the task To build-all of us-the world we ask."
On purely domestic matters, not subject to comment, many reports were presented and approved. Lodge rosters in full were furnished.
Well-written individual Fraternal Reviews were the work of Brother James N. Hillman. They were keen in observation, wise in comment, and sufficiently complete to fully inform.
M .:. W. . Charles E. Webber, Grand Master, Salem.
M .:. W. . James N. Hillman, Grand Secretary and Chairman Com- mittee on Fraternal Correspondence, Richmond.
Next Annual Communication, Richmond, February 8, 1949.
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Appendix-Washington
1949 ]
WASHINGTON
(1948)
91st Annual Communication. Bellingham, June 15-17, 1948.
The opening was graced with an appropriate prayer by the Grand Chaplain, the Reverend Herbert R. Cederberg. Distinguished visitors were presented and greeted with the Grand Honors. The Mayor of the city extended a cordial welcome, which was acknowledged in equally graceful phrase by the Junior Grand Warden, Brother Gail Huhn. The Grand Chaplain preached a fine, old-fashioned sermon, timely and good.
The Grand Master, Stewart E. Perry, then read his masterful message. It was comprehensive yet not overly extended. A touching tribute was paid to the memory of their departed. He attended the Washington Conferences. They interested him and he thought them of value. He highly commended the conduct of their Masonic Home. He reprobated the use of the Masonic emblem in business or political advertisements. Also, he looked with disfavor on Masonic clubs. He commends Junior Orders where carefully conducted or supervised. His conclusion is in one paragraph:
Those of the young people who come under the influence of these organizations and are privileged to learn their rituals and gain inspiration from their teachings, cannot help but make better citizens. Each of these Orders teaches a respect for those par- ticular institutions which we highly regard: the home, the school, the church, and the American form of government. Certainly, if we can give proper instruction and assistance to our young people, we will have little to worry about in the citizens of the next generation. We must remember that they will eventu- ally take our places and such assistance as we render in their training cannot help but be reflected in citizens who will follow the American way of life.
.
His dispensations were few and routine, and his healings were many to meet unusual situations. To the pleasure and profit of the Craft he visited widely among his lodges. He closes with a verse wholly fitting in spirit and expression:
"The heart of a friend never wanders or doubts, No matter if years intervene; The old faith is there, and naught can compare With the comfort it gives, though unseen.
"Yes, the heart of a friend is the one thing I prize As life lengthens and twilight descends; It's the last boon I'll ask, when I finish my task, That I live in the hearts of my friends."
The report of the Grand Secretary was particularly full and com- plete to the last detail. There was a membership increase of 2,766, with a total of 57,249. Interspersed were a number of pleasing short addresses by visiting notables.
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An outstanding feature of the session was the address of Grand Orator Eugene A. White. It was a historical review spanning a hundred years. Reference is to the old days of repression and to the present problem of Communism. In its entirety it deserves close reading by the Masonic student.
Past Grand Master Loomis Baldrey presented the report of the Committee on Fraternal Correspondence. His Reviews are jurisdic- tionally individual. They are admirably written, short yet quite suffi- cient, keen in observation, wise in comment, and discriminating in value. Iowa has generous space and consideration.
M .:. W ... Delos A. Shiner, Grand Master, Wenatchee.
M .:. W. . John I. Preissner, Grand Secretary, Tacoma.
M. . W. . Loomis Baldrey, Committee on Correspondence, Bellingham. Next Annual Communication, Seattle, June 21, 1949.
WEST VIRGINIA (1947)
83rd Annual Communication. Charleston, October 15 and 16, 1947.
A portrait of the Most Worshipful Grand Master-elect, Charles H. Troxell, adorns the opening page. The adequate biographical sketch which follows evidences education, culture, and patriotic service in peace and war. His long and faithful service in Masonry fully merited the great honor that had been conferred upon him. The Grand Lodge, opened in ample form, was graced with a reverent appeal by the Grand Chaplain, Brother Wilbur H. Cramblet. Distinguished guests were received in honor. Grand Master Richard A. Kern of Pennsylvania made his usual long, learned, and labored address.
Grand Master Gilbert E. Griffin in his address spoke feelingly of their departed ones, long laborers in the vineyard. He admonished his brethren to maintain high standards for membership and a strong sense of responsibility to the ideals of the Fraternity. He commended the Deputy Grand Master for industry, zeal, and the good accom- plished. He reported on the Washington Conferences and quoted numerous statements made there. In general he was in approval. He made many lodge visits, and they all gave pleasure to him and he hoped benefited the Craft. His dispensations were few and routine.
The Grand Secretary, I. Wade Coffman, advised of a membership increase of 2,095, making a total of 36,993. Financial accounting and statistical reports were in full and understandable detail. Com- plete lodge rosters were also furnished.
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Appendix-Western Australia
1949]
Individual Fraternal Reviews were furnished by Past Grand Mas- ter Henry Ahrens. They were well written, short but quite suffi- cient to inform on all of importance. In his Foreword he refers to what is unduly exercising some minds. On Negro Masonry he sensibly says what all interested should heed:
We do not understand why so many Grand Masters discussed Negro (Prince Hall) Masonry. It is neither new nor pertinent to conditions of today. It certainly is not a problem because Prince Hall Lodges are well established in most States, appear to be prospering and composed of the better element of Negroes. Whether we like to admit it or not the question involved is not "Masonic legitimacy" but purely social and, unfortunately, this distinction will continue to exist for many years to come. Why not let the Negro have his Masonry? It will do him good. Why worry about a problem that does not exist? We have enough trouble without seeking more and perhaps the Negro, being as proud of his own race as we are of ours, is satisfied to retain the status quo.
M ... W. . Charles H. Troxell, Grand Master, Fairmont.
M. . W. . I. Wade Coffman, Grand Secretary, Charleston.
M. . W. . Henry Ahrens, Chairman Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence, Wheeling.
Next Annual Communication, Clarksburg, October 13, 1948.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
(1948)
Year ending May 27, 1948.
MEETINGS
Quarterly, Boulder, August 28, 1947
Quarterly, Perth, November 27, 1947 Quarterly, Perth, February 26, 1948 Special, Perth, April 12, 1948 Annual, Perth, May 27, 1948
It is a joy to be permitted to read the thought of this far-away part of the world with its fine inheritance of English idealism.
The Grand Lodge, opened in reverence, was graced by prayer. Distinguished guests were received and saluted with the honors.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother James Sykes Battye, reported briefly. He told of his many pleasant lodge visits. He commended ladies' nights, but added a caution:
"Let it be understood that the responsibility for the proper con- duct of all events held under the auspices of any lodge lies upon the Master of the lodge, and in his absence upon his wardens;
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and any breach of fidelity or departure from the Ancient Land- marks will render those officers liable to charges."
He constituted a lodge named "Loyalty." It impelled him to say what all should ever have in mind:
Loyalty can be divided into four distinct phases :-
1. Loyalty to God, or in other words-Faith in an Almighty Father who rules and governs all things. That faith is the basis, under one name or another, to the Deity upon which all moral and ethical values in the world have been built and it is also the base upon which Freemasonry has been constructed.
2. Loyalty to Country. By that I do not mean that blind patriotism which is summed up in the phrase "My country, right or wrong," but rather that principle which strives to guide the country along right lines. It does not receive that attention in the scheme of things today that its importance demands.' Rather are we inclined towards seeking material advantages at the expense of other countries. Instead of goodwill and the spirit of helpfulness there are rather malice, selfishness, greed and the desire for national aggrandisement.
3. Loyalty to Our Neighbour, the absence of which has brought about all those distressing internal conditions and all those dis- astrous upheavals that are rife in every civilised country at the present time; and
4. Loyalty to Ourselves, which perhaps embraces all other loyalties as, in the words of Shakespeare:
"To thine own self be true, It then follows as the night the day Thou canst not then be false to any man."
These are the loyalties that should be the peculiar work of both the Church and Freemasonry.
He added a beautifully phrased admonition much needed in these sad days in world affairs. To partly show its value, the following paragraphs must be quoted:
We have had an Atlantic Charter, now we want another and even a wider and a better one. If we could attain it, however, there would still be the need for its practical application, both on the part of the Church and on the part of Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we are not allowed to introduce party politics into our discussions and I think that prohibition is both wise and just. But there is no reason why these two great institutions- the Church and Freemasonry-should not discuss all phases of the life of the body politic and seek, even by propaganda, to instil into the lives of men those broad, political and spiritual ideas which are based upon principle and not upon party. As both a Churchman and a Freemason, I have, for a long time, been inclined to think that we are not taking that part in the life of civilised countries which both our position and our prin- ciples demand that we should.
Most of us have watched the happenings of the world and have read about all those movements that are now taking place for
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1949]
its so-called regeneration. All of them are national, material and selfish, and unless we can introduce the spiritual element into them much success is not likely to be achieved. That is the CHALLENGE today, both to the CHURCH and to FREEMA- SONRY.
A Quarterly Communication was held in Perth on November 27, 1947, devoted mainly to routine reports and purely domestic affairs. The same was true of the meeting in Perth on February 26, 1948.
The Annual Communication was held in Perth on May 27, 1948. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by Most Worshipful Brother Battye, with prayer offered by the Grand Chaplain, Right Worshipful Reverend Brother D. J. C. Dundas. Distinguished vis- itors were presented and saluted with due honors.
The communication from the Grand Master reported his many and far-flung lodge visits. His dispensations were few and routine. He consecrated ten new lodges. His attention had been called to a statement which associated Freemasonry with Communism. This he vigorously denied, closing with:
Masonry does not profess to be a religion. It is a philosophy of life which recognises and reveres the value of religion, but is not, in itself, denominational. Its members are to be found actively engaged in the Church work of every denomination.
I have lived a fairly long life in this community and have been closely identified with the work of my own church and with Freemasonry, as well as with many other public services. I have repeatedly criticised Communism because, in the words of the broadcast, "of my deep philosophical disagreement." I have never considered it from a standpoint that it threatens the Capitalists' pocket. I do not think that the protection of Capitalism enters into the question from the standpoint of Free- masonry.
He reported a membership increase of 1,117. All charity needs were generously cared for.
The Fraternal Reviews were from the pen of Past Grand Master J. A. Klein. The Foreword carried an informative summary on world-wide Masonry. The Reviews are individual. Observation is close, comment keen, and suggestions helpful, timely, and good. Iowa has kindly attention, with quotation from the address of Grand Mas- ter Nolte and the "After Thought" of the Fraternal Reviewer.
M.'.W. . James Sykes Battye, Grand Master, address not given.
R. . W. . F. W. M. Sanders, Grand Secretary, Perth.
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WISCONSIN
(1948)
104th Annual Communication. Milwaukee, June 8 and 9, 1948.
On opening, prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain, Reverend E. P. Sabin, the National Colors were advanced, the Pledge of Alleg- iance was repeated in unison, and all sang the "Star Spangled Ban- ner." Past Grand Masters were recognized and distinguished guests were welcomed with honors.
The report of the Grand Master, Van Dyke Parker, well covered the activities of a full year. Tribute was paid to the memory of their distinguished departed with a beautifully phrased prayer by the Grand Chaplain. Much routine accounting followed: emergent com- munications, new Temples, approval of by-laws, special orders, trials, dispensations, and decisions. He complimented the Grand Lecturer and his proficiency men on improvement in the esoteric work. He commended their publication, "The Wisconsin Freemason," and urged its still wider circulation. He attended the Washington Con- ferences, where he presented a paper on "Freemasonry and Com- munism." The Masonic Service Association and the Executive Secretary, Brother Carl H. Claudy, had his high praise. They have two boards engaged in welfare work: the Wisconsin Board of Ma- sonic Welfare and the Wisconsin Home. Feeling that there is duplication of effort, he asks that they be merged. The Grand Lodge now occupies rented quarters. He feels that permanent quarters should be secured, but does not favor the erection of a Temple. He reported his many lodge visits and a few proxy calls in other Grand Jurisdictions. His attention was called to this interesting matter:
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