1905 Proceedings - Grand Lodge of Missouri, Volume 1

Page 1


OFFICERS ---01' THB--

GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI 1905-1906. • A. S. HOUSTON, Mexico D. M. WILBON, Milan JOHN T. SHORT, Jefferson City ROBERT R. KREEGER, Kansas Oity A. O. STEWART, St. Louis JOHN R. P.A.RSON, St. Louis ALLAN McDOWELL, St. Louis J W. O. ATWOOD, Brookfteld H. P. OOND, Olifton Hill EMANUEL F. HARTZELL. St. Joseph O. O. BIGGER, Laclede WK. A. HALL, St. Louis R. E. L. SMITH, 1Iarshall ALFRED REYNOLDS, Joplin. WH. E. HOKE. St. Louill AROH. A. JOHNSON. Springdeld WM. BOUTHERN, Ja. Independence SIDNEY BEERY. Platte City FRANK W. SMITH, Palmyra JOHN W. OWEN, St. Louia.

GrGnd JCCIIfer.

D. t1f'anilMtuter. G. 86ft. Ward6fl.. G Jun. WareI6fI.. G. 7'rea8urer. G. 8ter,tart/. G. L~rer. G. Chapltdn. G. ClIGplam. G. 86ft. Deac:o•• _...•. J"•• Deacota. G. 86ft. BkruJard. G. JUII. 8tfttJard. G. Mar,Aal. G. MarlllGl. G. 8ttJordBIartr. G. PurnttuJIII. G. Orator. G. Orator.

:G.

M

G.

mer.

CommlUl!e on I'oreiIrD Oorrespondence R. B. ANDJIlRSON. HaDt1lbal.

• Non.-A.Il I.tten lor &he Grand :tAc&urer.oouId be Street, St. LouU. Mo.

ad~

&0 610 PIne


LEROY

B. VALLIANT,

ST. LOUIS. GRAN 0

lUAS~'ER,

Mo. 1904-05.


OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE

EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNUAL

CO~IMUNICATION

OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF

ANCIENT FREE ~ ACCEPTED MASONS OF TIU;

STATE OF MISSOURI CONYENED AT

ST. LOUIS, SEPTEMBER 26, A. D., 1905; A. 1., 5905.

ST. LOUIS. WOODWARD & TIERNAN PRINTING CO .•

1905.

309 to

325

N.

'l'hlrd

Street.



Of:)'

O~"'FICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE

EIGHTY-:FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE

'GRAND LODGE OF

ANCIEN~' FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI. T~e Eighty-Fifth Annual Communication of the Grand' Lodge of Ancient Free and Acceptea Masons of the State of Missouri, convened in' the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Seventeenth and Lo'cust Streets, St. Louis, Mo., Septernbel' 26, 1905, at 10 o'clock A. M.

PRESENT. L}<.}ROY B. VALLIANT, St. Louis A. S. HOUSTON, Mexico D. M. WILSON, l\filan HOWARD WATSON, St. Louis A. C. STEWART, St. Louis JOHN R. PARSON, St. Louis ALLAN,l\fcDOWELL, St. Louis REV. J. H. MILLER, Nevada REV. GEO. W. JAMES, St. Louis •JOHN T. SHORT, .Jefferson City EMANUEL F. HARTZELL, St. Joseph C. C. BIGGER. Laclede WM. A. HAJ~L, St. Louis, R. R. KREEGER, Kansas City MARTIN T. BALSLEY. Joplin R. E. L. SMITH, Marshall Wl\f. E. HOKE, St. Louis ARCH A. JOHNSON. Springfield W. T. JAMISON, Kansas City JOHN W. OWEN, St. Louis

M. W. Grand Master. R. W. D. Grand Master. R. W. G. Senior Warden. R. W. G. Jun. Warden. R. W. G. Treawrer. R. W. G. Secretary. R. W. G. Lecturer. R. W. G. Ohaplain. R. W. G. Ohaplain . R. W. G. Sen. Deacon. R. W. G. Jun. Deacon. R. W. G. Sen. Steward. R. lV. G. Jun. Steward. R. w. G. Marshal. R. W. G. Marshal. , . . R. W. G. Sword Bearer. Il. W. G. Pursuivant. R. W. G. Orator. R. W. G. Orator. R. W. G. Tiler.


4

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

Prior to the opening of the regular session of the Grand Lodge, the 'children of. the Masonic Home of St. Louis, jn charge of ~1rs. Redd, the Matron, entered the hall, formed an attractive and interesting group on the stage and entertained the Brethren with songs, and with an amusing little skit entitled "The O. P. R. A." rendered by Mi'sses Marie Goodding and Amy Sherlock, and Masters Frank B. Moseley and Alex. Redd, with Miss Della Allen, pianist. At 10:20 A. M. the MQst Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of l\1issouri was opened in AMPLE FORM by the l\10st \Vorshipful Grand Master Leroy B. Valliant, assisted by the other Grand Officers. Prayer was offered by Right \Vorshipful Bro. Rev. J. H .. Miller, Grand Chaplain. A路 constitutional number of Lodges being announced as represented, the Grand Master declared the Grand Lodge open and ready for business. COMMITTE路E -ON

CREDENTIALS.

The Grand Master announced the following as committee on credentials. \Vm. Sessinghaus, Fred A. Raithel, M. J. Trimble, James D. Dunlop, L. B. Towner, Frank H. Vincil and B. P ..:Miles. GRAND

LODGE

APRONS.

On motion of M. W. Bro. \V. R. Stubblefield, the Grand Secretary was instructed to' purchase 250 white 'aprons for the use of the Grand Lodge. . ADDRESS

OF WELCOME.

R. \V. Bro. Louis Moller, D. D. G. M. of the 33rd Masonic District, introduced Wor. Bro. Adam Fuhrmann, who, on behalf of the Scottish Rite Ma$ons of St.. Louis, welcomed the members of the'Grand Lodge and tendered the use of the Scottish Rite Cathedral for the session of the Grand Lodge. 'The Grand fv1astertendered' to Brother Fuhrmann, and through him to the Scottish Rite bodies of St. Louis, the thanks of the Grand Lodge for' their generous offer.

f


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

5

ADDRESS OF GRAND MASTER.

M.W. Bro. Leroy B. Valliant, Grand Master, then read the following Address, and the same was referred to a con1mitte~ of the Past Grand Masters present, with M. \V: Bro. A. M. Dockery, chairman: To the Members of the Grand Lodge of Mis8ouri:

, BRETHREN:-This is the Eighty-fifth Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. As repres~ntatives of that great b'ody which composes the Masa lli; of Missouri, we are now ass-embled for the transaction of such business as the good of the Craft and th-e good of mankind demand at our hands. In the beginning of the work before us we can not too seriously view the responsibility that the occasion devolves on us and on each aile of us. Masonry had its origin in response to a de}Dand of human nature for a community or fraternity wherein the welfare of a Brother was to be the first moving cause. Everyone who has come into this community has done so of his own free will' and' accord, professing a trust in God and a love for his Brother, and his avowed purpose only was the advancement of the welfare of his fellowman. In coming thus freely into the fraternity he has yielded his individual will, in certain resp,ects, to the government of the majority, or to the govE'J"nment of the Craft, in such manner as its 'laws and usages prescribe. In doing this he has trusted to the good faith and the combined wisdom of his brethren. He has placed in their hands, in certain instances, his honor and reputation-a trust more sacred could路 be reposed in 'no one. A fraternity embracing so large a membership, sitting as it does behind closed and guarded doors, exercising its own far-reaching power and influence, is responsible, also, in a great degree to the State and nation in which it exists. This responsibilty it discharges in the government of its own internal affairs, in the influence it exerts on its own members, so that we tome back again to the fact that in the exercising of the sacred trust that each individual member of the Order has committed to our hands we are performing our highest duty and accomplishing our grandest work. Therefore, in all the matters that may come before us at this session of the Grand Lodge, let us make an earnest effort within ourselves' and each for himself to smother every impulse and 'desire, except ,that one which leads us to do what is right and just, bearing


6

, Proceedings of the

[Sept.

in mind that this Grand Lodge is the final tribunal from whose judgment no appeal lies. Standing in this place, and in this presence, my mind goes back tQ a scene that occurred here and in your pres,enc one year ago. The Grand Lodge was choosing its officers for the ensuing year, ohe by one the officers were chosen in the usual manner, until th,e office of Grand,Secretary was reached. It was knq-wn to you all that there lay, at that hour, in his home on a bed of sickness, hoverIng between life and death, or waiting, as it were, on the very boundary line between time and eternity, with the book of the record of his work closed an.d sealed, the 'sun of his earthly life already sunken below the western horizon, leaving only its glowing ,reflections against the evening sky, his face to the East, lighted with the hope of the new life into which he was being called, calmly, hopefully, trustingly waited, a dearly beloved Brother who for more than a quaz:ter of a century had served you as Grand Secretary with fidelity and zeal, who to this .Grand Lodge had been a faithful servant, .and to each of usa ,kind Brother and a I~Ving friend. Hope as yuu would while the last breath lingered, and put away from you as far as you could that which you feared was soon to come, you well knew that you would never see his kind face or hear his pleasant voice in this Grand Lodge again,' but while a ray of life lingered you said the office he had filled so long and so well should be his to the end, and, not by the cold ba:Ilot, but by the spontaneous demonstrative action of, a rising vote, every member of this Grand Lodge arose to his feet and' proclaimed Brother .John D. Vinci! Grand Secretary for the twenty-seventh time; the 'news was carl:ied to him by a special mess'enger,and contributed to make his last thoughts happier. Brother Vinci! died October 12, 1904.. It was his wish 'to be buried at Columbia, where much of his li~e was spent and many of his good works were done. His remains were, therefore, carried by the St. Louis Masons 0!1 a special train on the Wabash Railroad, to Columbia, where a 'special session of the Grand Lodg~ was con路 vened for that purpose, which was attended by officers and memo bel'S of the Grand Lodge and a large number of Masons from all over the State. Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, of which Brother Vinci! was a member, asked the privilegle of paying the greater part of the funeral expenses and did so, 'and a large number of the Masons who accompanied the remains to Columbia, were members of Tuscan Lodge. ' .

r.

I

. St. "Aldemar Comma.ndery, No. 18, of which Brother, Vinci! was also 'a member, was the 'escort of the Grand 'Lodge on that occasion.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of M issourÂŁ.

7

On arriving at cOlumbia, a memorial sâ‚Źrvice, over whioh Dr. Jesse, the Chancell'Or of the Univers.ity, presided, was held in the Chapel of the University, after which the Grand Lodge took charge and c,onducted the funeral services. The Masonic procession marched from. the University Chapel to the cemetery, followed by a large number' of citizens. The day was then far spent, night came down up'on us before the ceremonies at the grave were concluded. We rounded the little mound and laid 1lowers upon it in the fading twilight; and as we bade our Brother the last farew'ell the gathering dew on the roses that covered his grave glittered in the light of the stars. ' The pleasi'qg duty of speaking on the life and character of Brother Viilcil will devrolve on another during this session of the Grand Lodge, and, therefore, I will not attempt to say anything on that subject, but I can not let this occasion pass, without expressing in the name of the Grand 'Lodge, the gratitude of the body 'Of Masons in Missouri for his life and works and example, and not only in Missouri will the lesson of his life be felt, but all over our country wherever the light of Masonry illumines the path of man, the good that he did will have its effect. Without intending to trench on the province of the committee, whose especial privileg'e it is to speak of such matters, I will venture to refer to the loss of another Past Grand Master we have sustained by the death, during the year, M. W. Bro. 'fhomas E. Garrett, who was Grand Master 'Of this Grand Lodge during the peTiod from October, 1870, to October, 1872. Brother Garrett died in this city June 30th and was buried by the Grand Lodge, in the Masonic lot, in Bellefontalne Cemetery July 2, .1905. Pride of the West Lodge, No. 179, and St. Louis Royal Arch Chapter, No.8, of both of which' Brother Garrett was a member, took the chief part in the ceremonies. The life and works of Brother Garrett belong )'ather to the history of Missrouri Masonry than to its current life. We 'Of 'to-day are the recipients of the benefits of, his work when his life was active in the cause of Masonry, and when Ma::;onry, in Missouri, was passing through troublouS and try'ing times; he was a potent factor in shaping our system of laws and in bringing the Fraternity through dangerous surroundings to the high grounds of its present us,efulness. Though he lingered with us longer than the allotted period usual to man's life, and was esteemed and revered by all of us, yet it was only those of our older brethren that knew him S'O intimately as to appreciate him in the light of a friend. Among these at the session of the Grand Lodge, which conducted his funeral, were M. W. Bros. W. R. Stubblefield. William H. Mayo


P1'oceedings of the

[Sept.

and Price, who spoke touchingly and beautifully ,of Brother Garrett as a man and a friend as well as of his services in the past to the Fraternity, and one of them called attention to 路the fact that the beautiful burial ritual under which his. funeral was about to be eonducted, was composed by Bro. Garrett hims'elf. During the last session of the Grand Lodge, owing t'O the absence caused by the illness of our Grand 8ecretary, the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Kuhn, called W. Bro. Fred W. Mott to fill the place of the Grand Secretary, and 'Brother Mott performed those duties with ability and fidelity, keeping the record of the proceedings and discharging other duties as were required. Brother Mott also took direction and supervision of the work of publishing the proceedings路 of that session of the Grand Lodge and the credit of that work is due to him. It was not long after I assumed the duties 'Of the office of Grand Master before I was brought to a rea.liz.ation of their serious impor. tance and the great respon;sibility atooI,lding their performa:nce, and the sense of this responsibility has never been forgotten in the multitude and variety of my official acts. .

Among the first important duties that came upon me was the appointment of a Grand Secretary. The interest of the brethren all over the State was aroused on this subject and petitions and letters poured in upon me. Before making the selection I settled in my mind that there were two essential requisites to be 'Observed in the appointment: Fir.st, the appointee must be one entirely capable and efficient, possessing the necessary knowledge, experience, acquaintance, ability and disposition to do the work; second, be must be acceptable to the brethren. With those essential points in mind I read all the letters 'and documents that came to me on .the subject and listened with earne'stness to all that the many brethren said to me, and at last my decision rested on one wellknown personally to the Masons in Missouri, one upon whom this Grand lJodge had in the past路 bestowed its highest honors and to . whom it had since continually given expressions of its confidence and esteem, whom I knew to be capable. and who, from the expressions I had received from the brethren all over the State, I was satisfied was the choice of the Fraternity so far as I could judge under the circumstances, and so I appointed M. W. Bro. John R. Parson, and he has filled the office, to this day. The appointment of Brother Parson to the position of Grand Secretary vacated the office of Grand 'r:reasurer to which you had recently elected him, and made it necessary to appoint a Grand


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

9

Treasurer in his place. For this responsible position I selected W. Bro. Alphonso C. Stewart, whom I knew to be in every particular worthy' and whose business training peculiarly qualified him fOT the position. These two Brothers res'pectively gave bond and security for the faithful discharge of their duties and were installed in office October 22, 1904. FINANCES. 'Early in my administration I met with embarrassments of a financial character. Bills had been incurred for which the Grand. Lodge was liable, for which no appropriation had ~een made, and other bills exceeded the appropriations that were made to cover them. In this embarrassment, finding nuthing in the by-laws defining the' power and duty of the Grand Master on the subject, I called a conference of the Grand Lodge officers to advise and counsel me, The conference was' held in St. Louis, November 19th last. Upon a full discussiun of the inatter it was shown that such conditions had existed tor many years, that the 'situation was in fact the usual course of business, having the sanction of precedent and practice, but its wisdom asa business matter was not recognized. The result of the conference was that I was advised that it was my duty to order warrants ron the Treasury to pay those expenses which had previously been incuned, and for which the Grand Lodge ;was liable, notwithstanding there was no appropriation made for them or that tlJ'ey exceeded the appropriations made to cover them, and also fOf such matters a~ the Grand Lodge had usually undertaken, and which were liable to occur after the close of the session of the Grand Lodge and for which, for that reasron, no apPfopriation could have been made. The wisdom of the course thus advi-s.ed I did not doubt; it was the only course open to meet the existing conditions, and J adopted it. But, in my opinion, such conditions should not as a rule exist; they are not the result of good business methods. l

The administration of the business affairs of this Grand Lodge involve the collecting and disbursement of large sums. of money. Our constitution and by-laws contemplate and require that our business affairs should be conducted on strict business principles. They require the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer to giv~ bond for the faithful performan.ce of their duties, and those officers have always done so, artd they provide for a Committee on Ways and Means, to whom all matters relating to the finances of the Grand Lodge are to be referred and without such reference no appropriation made. The lack of the strict observance of business


10

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

rules, to which I have alluded, has never, so far as I am informed: involved the Grand lJodge in any los'S or resulted in any misuse of . the funds; the Grand Mast€rs have be~n as faithful in the exercise of their power over the revenue's as in the discharge of their other duties, but the practice r'ref€rto is unbusiness-like a:ndunnecessary. Let everyone who has a bill against the Grand Lodge under.stand that he must submit it to the judgm~nt of the Ways and Means Committee while the Grand lJodge is in session, or else wait for his pay until the next an~ual session. If the bill is ~ot mature 'Or .the contract not finished, let the committee approximate t.he sum to be paid and let the warrant an the tr~asur.y be within thatsu~, at least until the next Grand Lodge session~ Emergencies may arise which c~uld not have been' foreseen in which it may be necessary for the Grand Master to' allthorize expenses to be i'ncurre~ and paid, but such are justified o.nly by the necessity of the c~se. Upon the ocasion of the funeral of our late Grand Secretary, M. W. Bro. Jo.hn D. Vincil, there were necessarily certain expenses incurred, ~n addition to those borne by Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, which were deemed proper to be paid by the Grand Lodge. These bills amounted to $151.60 and were 'paid by warrant on the Grand Treasurer. .' .' In April it was br~ught to my attention that' P. G. Master Thomas -E. Garrett was in a distr~ssed, critical condition, and I was advised by R. W. Bro. Dr~ Carson, that the only hope to save his life was to

send him to a hospital for treatment. As he had no means ro meet this expense I conferred with Brother L. F. McCoy,' then the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Missouri and it was agreed between us to send our afflicted Brother to a 'hospital and divide the expense of his illness between the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter, and this was accordingly done. One-half of this expens'c amounted to $42,95. I

When Brother Garrett died his funeral expenses were divided between the Grand lJodge, the Grand Chapter and Pride of the West Lodge, No. 179. The share of the' Grand Lo'dge was $88.02. ,War· rants covering these a'mounts were drawn on the Grand Treasurer and paid. ,

.

PROPERTY OF DEFUNCT LODGES. The report of the Grand Secretary 'wiII show the condition and disp'Osition of the property own'ed by the Lodges that have ceased to exist.


1905. ]

Grand' Lodge of ,Missouri.

11

LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION, 1904-1905. Seven Lodges have been formed un-del' Dispensation during the year and are now at work, their conditions, respectively, will appear in the report of the' Committee ~n Lodges Under Disp,ensation. They are as follows: Republic Lodge, at Republic, Green County, Forty-fifth District, November 1, 1904. ' Hayti Lodge, Hayti, Pemiscot County, Fifty-first District, November 1, 1904. Rutledge Lodge, Rutledge, Scotland County, First District, November 4, 1904. Bernie Lodge, Bernie, Stoddard County, Fiftieth District, December 3. 1904. . Red Bird Lodge, Red Bird, Gasconade County, Thirty-second District, April 5, 1905. LaMonte Lodge, LaMonte, Pettis County, Thirty-sixth District, May 30, 1905. Easter Lodge, St. Clair, Franklin County, Thirty-second District, May 30, 1905. .' Dispensations have been refused to form Lodges as follows, for the reason that the requirements of tpe law were not satisfied : June 26, 1905, for a Lodge at Belle, Mo. June 26, 1905, for a Lodge at ~ewburg, .Mo. DISPENSATIONS FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Dispensations have been issued for the removal of Lodges and dedication of halls and for the election of 'Officers. These will appear in the report of the Grand Secretary. Dispensations have also, in certain cases, ~een granted to reb allot on petitions. LAYING OF CORNER-STONES. Corner-st'Ones have been laid with appropriate ceremonies, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, in the following instances: October 29, 1904, a. new school building of the Training School for Boys at Boonville. November 29, 1904, a new High School building at Carthage. Ceremonies conducted by R. W. Bro. Frank G. Ade, D. D. G. M. Forty-fourth District. December 2, 1904, a new gymnasium building of the State Normal School, at Warrensburg. Ceremonies condume!l by R. W. Bro. E. E. Codding, 路D. D. G. M. Thirty-sixth District.


12

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

April 7, 1905,a n€w Christian Church at Mexico, Mo. June 12, 1905, a new Methodist Church at Kingston. Ceremonies conducted by R. W. Bro. Reuben Barney, D. D. G. M. Twelfth District. June, 1905, a new synagogue of the congregation of, B'nai El, St. Luuis. June 25, 1905, a new building of Female College, Lexington, Mo. Ceremonies conducted by R. W. Bro. C. L. Frost, D. D. G. M. Twentythird District. '

,

July, 1905, a new Presbyterian Ch~rch at Lutesville. Ceremonies conducted by M. W. 'Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, P. G. M. August 14; 190'5, a new Science Hall of the Normal School at Kirksville. Ceremony conducted by R. W. Bro. G. A. Goben, D. D. G. M. Second District. September 9, 1905, a new Masonic building at Rolla. Ceremonies conducted by R. W. Bro. E. J. Koch, D. D. G. M. Thirty-Ninth District. Except as otherwise above specified, the ceremonies were conducted· by the Grand'Master. CHARTERS RESTORED. The Charters of th€ following named lJodges, which had pre- ' viously been arrest~d, were ordered by the Grand Lodge at its last session to be restored" viz.: St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78. Portageville Lodge, No. 166. Forrest City Lodge, No. 214. Portlal}d Lodge, !'fo. 242. Glensted Lodge, No. 250. Laredo Lodge, No. 253. Rock Prairie Lodge, No. 269. Peace Lodge, No. 280. ' Sparta Lodge, No. 296. Spring Creek Lodge, No. 347. Barry lJodge, No. 367. Wilderness Lodge, No. 374. Red Oak Lodge, No. 468. Paynesville Lo'dge, No. 499. Seligman Lodge, No. 517. N'iangua Lodge, No. 529. Prairie Hill Lodge, No. 546.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

13

In obedience to thrase orders the Charters of these Lodges have been restored and they have all been set to work in due and ancient form. THE RIGHT OF VISITATION. During the last two y~ars or more, the attention of the world has been unusually drawn to the great metrop'Olis of Missouri and multitudes of visitors from every part of the globe have come among us, among these were many Masons who have come accredited and have been received as visitors in 'Our Lodges. It has been a source of pleasure and instruction to us to receive brethren from distant lands and to hold Masonic communion with them. In these communions we have realized the universality 'Of Masonry and its identity in every clime. It was noted that our foreign visiting brethren generally came to us provid'ed with do,cuments bearing the seal of their Grand Lodges and certifying to their good Ma&lnic standing and they were proud to display th.e same. I am not aware that in any instance a Lodge was imposed on by an unworthy intruder. But, following close upon the departure of the great army of visitors to the 'World's Fair, like the disreputable camp followers of a real great army, came men claiming to be Masons and essaying to establish Lodges in our midst. They advertised indelicately, inviting men to' come and receive the Masonic rites for a small sum of money", assuring them that with the knowledge they would receive in th'Ose Lodges they would be able to visit any Masonic Lodge in Missouri, or elsewhere. Circulars were sent, I -am informed, to various points in the Stat~ proposing to employ agents for Masonic work-whatever that may mean.

I do nrat know whence these men came, but am informed that they claimed to have authority from what they called the Grand Lodge of a sister State, but which in fact the Grand Lodge of that State, which we recognize, has denounced as clandestine. But the source is immaterial, for路 whencesoever they came they were clandestine whenever they attempted to C'ome into Missouri otherwise than through this Gr~nd :YOdge. We are told by high auth'Ority that "lIe that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth u~ some other way the same is a thief and robber."-J'Ohn 10-1. I am not informed to what extent they succeeded in bringing men into their enclosures, but their conduct was so open and flagrant that it threatened sca'ndal to the Fraternity. In this condition 'Of affairs I was urg~d by a large number of our well-informed and conservative lJrethren in St. Louis to take action to prev,ent the followers of these


14

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

clandestines intruding inoo our Lodges. Accordingly on January 28, of this year, I issued an edict, the e,ffect of which was to forbid any L<;dge in Missouri to l'ieceive a visitor coming fro:m a Lodge outside of this State, unless he was duly vouched fur, or unless in addition to the usual tests, he furnished a certificate路 of his standing ,from his Lodge and Grand Lod~e. The edict made no reference to a visit~r from one Lodge in Missouri, to another Lodge in this State. When I issued this edict I did not explain to the Lodges to whom it was sent the immediate occasion for it, becaus'e a' printed circular' letter is liable to fall into the hands of anyone, and I did not think it wise to give to these men. the recognition that such a mention of them. would give, and I trusted that the conservative precaution contained in the edict itself would, on reflection, commend itself to the b r e t h r e n . ' I I have observed that among some of the older brethren anything that partakes of the character of change from the ~ld course to which they have been accustomed is not relished, 'and as a rule I agree with them; therefore, I was 路not unprepared to hear some disapproval of this order. A Brother fOr whom I. have great affection, and for whose opinion nn Masonic matters I have profound respect, said that he would never demand of a visitor anything that he would not himself submit to, and that he would never carry to a Lodge, which he :wished ro visit, a paper writing showing his qualification"s as a Mason. He said: "I carry my certificate here '" * '" and here * '" *." It is well for every Mason to carry the proof of his. qualifications as that Brother carries his; it should be stamped on his brain and on his heart; itsh~uld rest in his mind and in his conscience. But the clandestine Mason carries his certifi. cate also, here * '" '" an'd here '" '" *. He perhaps can stand as good an examination as you can, and he may be as willing to take the test oath as you are. A man who is conscious of the fact that he is endeavoring to . gain admission where he knows he would be e~cluded if his true character was known, will .n~t hesitate to swear falsely to accom-. plish his purpose; What then" will you do if suchan one comes to your door, will you enquire of him here *. * *. and here * '" * and bid him enter? This is aserlous question and one that should not be answered in a hurry. Clandestine Lodges emanating from. the same or a similar source have been attempted to be established i;n like manner, in New York and other large cities, and action has been taken in some of the Grand Jurisdictions t~ g.uard against them. I requested our Grand Secretary, M. W. Bro. Parson, to correspond with the Grand Se~retaries of other Jurisdictions to ascertaIn


1905.]

Grand Lodg? of klissouri.

15

the law in their resp~ctive Jurisdictions on this subject. From this correspondence I gather that in the rollowing State and Provinces duly authenticated certificates under seal are required before a ,visitor will be examined: Illinois, New' York, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Wyuming, Indian Territory, Manitoba, Nova. Scotia and British Columbia. In California and several of the other States there are also certain requirements looking to caution in admitting visitors, and from several States who ,have no law on the subject came expressions of approval of the precaution indicated in' this- edict, and of \a purpose to adopt it. That edict has now run its course and has expired by its \)wn limitation. By its terms it was to continue only until the assembling of this Grand ,Lodge; it is, therefore, now no longer in force. The subject, however, is one that is worthy of the serious attention and consideration of this Grand Lodge; it is being considered in other Grand Jurisdictions and in one form or another will be thrust on 'our attention. We should not treat it as a mere matter of sentiment,_ but 'as a matter relating to the preservation of the secrets of Masonry. Visiting and receiving visitors is an intercourse both pleasing, and instructive and I would not advise any action that would tend to unnecessarily restrict it. But th.e pleasure of the occasion is not marred, on the contrary, it is increased when the visitor comes so satisfactorily accredited, that no doubt or suspicion of his worthiness exists. Absolute confid'ence adds to the cordiality of his reception .and to the freedom of the communion. The only recommendation that I have to make on the subject is that it he referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence to c'Onsider - and repprt what legislation, if any, is desired. DECISIONS. One of the duties especially devolved upon the Grand Master is to render decisions in case's, affecting the Masonic rights and duties of the brethren. I have for the past eighteen years been engaged in deciding cas'es that have arisen under the laws nf Missouri, affecting the rights and liabilities of its citizens, and some of those cases have heen of a difficult and intricate nature, requiring much care and thought and causing me much anxiety, but they 'have not been more difficult of 'solution or more free from anxiety than many of the cases I have had 'to decide in my capacity as Grand Master affecting the rights and duties of my brethren as Masons. I have been pleased to find that the brethren are tenacious of their rights and scrupulous of their honor as Masons. It is the right and privi-


16

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

lege of every Mason, when in doubt as to the law or as to the course that he should pursue in a' given 'matter, to ask the advice and directi'on of the Grand Master. That is what the office of Grand Master is for, 'and one who has been honored with the office should spare no pains or. labor to answer every such appeal. . The decisions that I have made and the interpretations that I have put on the by-laws have been many in number, 'and as in duty b'Ound I must report them to you, to the end that they may be approved or disapproved by this Grand Body. 1. F'ellowship Lodge, No. 345.-Section 153, By~Laws, prohibits a L,'c!ge to charge a fee for affiliation. It is no vi'olation of this law for a Lodge to require a petition for affiliation to be .accompanied with one year's dues, provided the money 'is only applied to the payment of dues accruing from the date the Brother is elected as a memben of the Lodge. It would be an evasion, and therefore, a violation 'Of the law if the Lodge should, under the guise of dues, require of the petitio,ner for affiliation, the payment of a sum, any part of which is applied othetwise than to dues accruing after he is elected to memo bership. ' 2. Fellowship Lodge, No. 345.-A Brother under sentence of suspension for five years for un-Masonic conduct is again guilty 'of misconduct, is he subject to charges and trial while his former sentence stands? Yes. Though suspended he is still a Masron and answerable for misconduct to the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he commits the offens,e, or to his own Lodge. 3. Latimer Lodge, Nro. 145.-A Brother was suspended for nonpayment of dues, the Lodge afterwards became defunct in 1897, more than three years having pass路ed, can the Brother now pay the dues for which he was suspended and be reinstated by order of the Grand Master? No. The Lodge of which he was a,member at the 'date of his suspensi'O-n having ceased to exist, and more than three years having passed, he can be reinstated to the rights he would have had if he . had been a member of that Lodge llit the date of its demise, only by payment to the Grand Secretary of the dues for wh~ch he was suspended and a majority vote of the Gr,and Lodge. 4. Grant City Lodge, No. 66, ~eceived six petitions for the de; grees from persons r:esiding in the jurisdiction of Alanthus Lodge, No. 252: of these all were initiated, four passed and three raised in Grant City Lodge, N'O. 66, before the mistake of ju'risdiction was discovered.

.


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Grand Lodge of Missouri.

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Decision.-The six· Brothers remain members of Grant City Lodge. Those of them not yet passed and raised are entitled to receive the remaining degrees in that Lodge, but Grant City Lodge must pay all the fees received, or to be received tor the degrees, to Alanthus Lodge, No. 252. The case was settled on those terms. 5. Portageville Lodge, No. 166.-When the Charter of a Lodge has been arrested,· but ordered by' Grand Lodge to ·be resrored, the ~dge can not resume work without the Grand Master or his deputy or ollle deputized, reconvenes the Lodge, r~stores its' charter and sets it to work. 6. Pauldingville'Lodge, No. ll.-The by-laws of the Lodge requires that when a vote is take'll on a proposed amendment a vote • of the majority of the members present is necessary to carry the amendment. The rec'Ord, of the Lodge shows that after the regular cours,e a vote on a proposed amendment was taken, that a majority present voted for it and it was duly declared adopted. Sometime after this, and after the record of the meeting had been read and approved in a subsequent stated meeting, a member of the Lodge wrote to the Grand Master that· although a majority of those who voted voted for the amendment, yet it WM not 3;. majority vote of the members present, 'and asked if the amendmelllt was legally adopted. Decision.-The Lodge sp,eaks by its record, when the recqrd is read in th,e Lodge in due course of procedure and approved, its truth can not afterwards be questioned in a collateral way. There' would be no stability or confidence in the record if. its truth could, at any time in the future, be questioned in this manner. If a Brother present thinks that a mistake has been made in the record it is not only his privilege, but duty to object when it is read and appeal to the Lodge for its correction. 7. Racine Lodge, No. 478.-A Brother entered into the sal'Oon business and asked for a dimit. He was square on the books and no charges had been .preferred. Was he entitled to a dimlt? • I ' On the face of the record he was, but it was the duty of any officer ur member, who knew or had reliable information that the Brother was guilty of this violation of Masonic law, to object to the dimit and prefer charges, in which case the dimit could not be issued until the Brother had been tried and acquitted. 8. Christian Lodge, No. 392.-Has a Lodge a right to borrow mooney to build a hall? No. See Section 74, by-laws. Rolla Lodge, N'O. 213.-A Lodge owns ground valued at $4,000, has $3,500 in cash, title to property in trustees. Can the members borG. L. Pro.-2


18

[Sept.

row money to aid in building a hall and mortgage the property for the sum? If the trustees or other brethren,see fit to give their individual notes for the borrowed money, not as trustee!?, or members of the Lodge, not in any manner involving the Lodge, or using the Lodge's name, they may do so, and if the Lodge sees fi~ it may authorize the trustees to mortgage the prop'erty to pay the borrowed money. A Lodge may pledge its property, but not its predit. 9. Jefferson Lodge, NU~ 43.-A Senior, Warden, duly installed, remuved from the State and offe;red his resignation, a dispensation to hold an election was requested to fill the vacancy. The dispensation was refused. Neither the Master nor Wardens can resign (Section 107). The removal of the Se.nior Warden from the State. vacated. his office (Section 99), but a d,ispensation for an election to fill the vacancy can not be granted while there ,is a Master and Junior Warden. It is only when the three principal offices are vacant that such dispensation can issue (Sectiun 100). 10. Well.ington Lodge, No. 22.-Charges were preferred against a Brother for keeping a barroom; his plea was that he was keeping a hotel and the barroom was only a:n incident to his business, n'Ot the business itself. Should the plea be allowed ? No. It is a violation of a M.asonic law to keep a barroom. The fact that the barroom is run as an annex to a hotel or restaurant ma.kes it none the less a.' violation of the Masonic law: 11. Mount Hope Lodge, No. 476.-A prospective candidate for the degrees of Free Masonry has left foot off ab'Out six inches above the ankle, has wooden foot in place of the natural one, with metallic hinges or metallic 'bolts or screws. In preparati<m Of candidate what shall be done in regard to hinges and other met~l? Decision.-Whether or not the petitioner, by artificial means can comply with the Iyla:sonic requirements is one in which the Lodge sh'ould exercise its 0:wn sound judgment. Every case should stand on its own facts. Before ballot is taken on, the petition the Lodge should be informed of the particular character of physical deficiency and artificial appliance. Then let each member vote his judgment . . as his conscience dictates. As to metallic hinges, bolts '01' screws, I do not think, in the preparation of the candidate you are required to take notice of them. 12. Farmingtun !;-odge, No: 132.-If a Lodge sees fit, by a majority vote, to appropriate $25 ,out of its treasury to pay for a memorial window in a church, placed in the church in the name of the Lodge or by its sanction, it violates no Masonic law in so doing.


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Grand

Lodg~

of Missouri.

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13. Missouri Lodge, No. i.-Charges of un-Masonic conduct, specification keeping a saloon, were preferred and the case set for trial January 19, 1905. In the meantime the accused Brother made his arrangements to quit the business on January 1st. The Lodge asked what judgment it should render if, when the trial came on, the Brother had quit the business? . Answer.-The Brother was answerable for the un-Masonic conduct he had already committed, though he had ceased to offend, and the Lodge must try him: and pass such sentence as in its judgment is right and just. Whe,n charg1es of un-Masonic conduct are preferred against a Brother the Lodge has absolute and exclusive jurisdiction of the case, and it is not in the power of the Grand Master to dictate t路o路 the Lodge, in advance, What, its verdict and judgment shall be. The resp'onslbi~ity in the first instance is on the Lodge. It is only after the Lodge has acted that its action comes by appeal to the Grand Lodge for review. Let the Lodge do its duty at the trial according to its best judgment and the dictates of its own conscience, and it neE'd have no anxiety about what the Grand Lodge may do with the case on appeal. 14. Carl Junction Lodge, No. 549, asks, when a petition for affiliation is presented is it proper to have any dis,cussion or talk in the Lodge about the candidate? Answer.-There is. no written law on the subject, the practice of (~iscussing in open Lodge., the fitness or unfitness of a candidate for affiliation 'Or for the degrees is unusual, but I can not say it is unlhwful. It would seem as a principle, that the Lodge is entitled to know anything that any member may know about a candidate. If a member knows anything that he thinks should be known to the Lodge, before ,a .vnte is taken, the more conservative course would be to give the information to the committee of investigation, or he may with propriety inftorm the Master, and the Maste-r, if he deems it proper, may a.uthoriz路e the Broth~ tx> make a statement in open Lodge. The only danger is in the liability of discord should a discussion ensue, but this can usually be avoided by the ruling of the Master. 15. Carl Junction Lodge, No. 549.-A Brother holding a dim it, dated August 5, 1865, is entitled to petition for affiliation on complying with tlie requirements of Article X. of the by-laws. 16. Tyrian Lodge, No. 350.-,-What is the status of a Master Mason who has taken all the degrees and has not paid any fees? What is the status of a Master Mason who has taken all thre,e degrees and has paid nothing ou them for more th,an five years?


20

Proceedings of the'

[Sept.

The minutes of the Lodge show they. were paid for and they .loaned him the mone路y? . Answer.-As the Brothez:. has received'the degrees he is a Master Mason, and his standing as such can not be impeached by reason of his not having paid th~ fees r,equired by law. The blame lies with the Lodge, as it violated the Masonic law in conferring the degrees; the Lodge violated both the letter and the spirit of 'Section 66, ~pa~e 83, by-laws. To agree with a candidate, in advance, that the fee will be consid,ered as paid amd loaned to him is as bad as to receive him with路 out fees at all. If this was done with the knowledge and consent of the Lodge it is liable to answer for it at the,bar of the Grand Lodge.

17. Wayne Lodge, No. 526, asks dispensation fOT publlc installation of officers. Answer.-No dispensation required. See Bection 70, 71 and 111 of 'the by-Ia.ws. Open your Lodge in due form, behind doors duly tiled, after which call off,and open doors to the public; after officers are installed exclude the public and close the Lodge in due 'form. 18. Whitesville Lodge, No. 162.-A young man whose home was within the jurisdiction of this Lodge enlisted in the United States Army, and was liable to be ~bsent during the term.of his enlistment, but intended to return when he had路 served his term. Could this Lodge receive his petition for the degrees? Answer.-Yes. Th'Ough he might be absent for years, yet if duro ing all the while he considered that his home and intended to r'eturn to it when his serviCe in the army was ended, his residence was within th~ juri,sdiction of Whitesville Lodge. 19: Rural Lodge, No. 316, having initiated a candidate whose business required him to, leave the State before the next 'stated Communication asked dispensation to confer second degree at a special Communication. Section 137 requires t~e candidate 'to stand an examination in open Lodge at a stated meeting, and Section \ 128 prohibits the advancement of a candidate before the next stated meeting. The Grand Master has no right to set aside or suspend any la.w of the Grand Lodge, aJId therefore, the request for a dispensation in. this case was refused. Similar requests have ,come fro~ other. Lodges in the S4tte and have been refused. I have ruled, however, in another case that a. Lodge having an Entered Apprentice who is compelled to be absent from home for a long qme, and is 'within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, may request


Grand Lodge of Missouri.

1905.]

21

the other Lodge to examine him and if found proficient confer the second degree. 20. Farmington Lodge, No. 132.-W~uld it be lawful for a Lodge to receive and act upon a petition before six months' residence has elapsed, provided the lJodge from wp.ose jurisdiction the petitioner removed gave its consent? Answer.-No Lodge, by waiver of jurisdiction, can confer on your Lodge the right to do what it could not do itself. If the man now lives within the jurisdiction of your Lodge, he is not within the jurisdiction of the other';Lodge, hence that Lodge has nothing to waive. The applicant must have lived twelve months in the State and s;ix months in the jurisdiction of your Lodge before you can admit him. 21. Adair Lodge, N? 366.-In.a printed Masonic Directory, is it proper and, right to print the names of suspended members as such? '. Answer.-In a printed Directory, d,esigned for distribution among members of the Lodge, o~ other Masons, you have no right to make mention of the fact that any member is under suspension, or under any cloud whatever. f

22. Tyro Lodge, No. 12.-Voting om proficiency of Entered Apprentice, is it necessary to wait mitil the Lodge is opened on the third degree? Answer.-A vote on proficiency of Entered Apprentice and of Fellow Craft Degree can be taken only in a Lodge of Master Masons. 23. Twilight Lodge, No. 114.-A student. sojourning in Columbia, for the purpose only 'Of attending the University, intending when his college course is ended to return to the home from which he came: does not, 'after 'be has sojourned six months or more in Columbia, become a reside~t of that city, so as to bring him within the jurisdiction of Twilight Lodge. If the stude~t wishes to become-a Mason he must petition the Lodge at his home and if elected and initiated tb,.ere, Twilight Lodge may, at the request of the home Lodge, confer the other degrees in C'Onformity to S'ection 182. 24. A Mason with a \dimit more than one year 'Old, is entitled to but one right as a Mason, that is, to. petition for affiliation. On affiliatio~ he becomes a Masun in good standing. 25. Callao Lodge, No. 38, owns its hall, rented it for certain nights to another society for its meetings. This society on one tlccasion gave a banquet in the room below the hall and used the hall for reception. During the evening there was boisterous conduct I,


22

Proceedings of the

and card playing in the hall. duty in the premises.

[Sept.

The Master asked 路advice as to his

Answer.-It is the duty of the Master and the duty of the Lodge to prevent the use of its hall for any such purpose. A Masonic Hall . is dedicated to a sacred purpose~ It is as great an uffense, from a Masonic point of view, to use its hall, as it was used on the occasion in questio'n, as it would be from a Christian point of view to so use a church. 26. Charges of un-Masonic conduct were about to be preferred agajiJ.s't a I?ember of Ionia lJodge, No. 381. The member ap'plied for a dimit, without privileges, and it was granted. Afterwards th~ charges were preferred. As he had been a Mason of long standing and had by his dimit practically withdrawn from the Order, many members of the Lodge thought that the charges ought to be dropped. The M.aster asked a.dvice as to lili; duty. Answer.-The fact that the Brother has taken a dimit does not affect the case. It is the duty of the Lodge to proceed with, the trial. 27. An Entered Apprentice dimitted from a Lodge in Kentucky, presented his petition for membership to Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, who asked adv~ce of the Grand Master upon receiving the petition. Answer.-Tuscan Lodge had a right to receive the petition for, membership as an Entered Apprentice and his petition also for the remaining degrees. 28. Portageville Lodge, No. 166.-When the Senior Deacn:!?' refuses to be installed the Worshipful Master may appoint another or, if the by-laws of the Lodge require, may or,der an election. 'No disPEmsati'On is necessary. Section 118 applies to Masters and Wardens and not to DeacO'ns. 29. Mount Zion Lodge, No. 327.-No dispensation is required to authorize you to request a sister Lodge tn confer the third degree ~n a Fellow Craft of your Lodge. See Section 182. 30. McGee Lodge, No. 146.-Complaint was made to the District' Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Bro. S. R. Wood, that a scheme 'was successfully w-orked, by -a p.art of the Lodge members, to prevent other members from. being preserut when a ballot was taken on the petition of a candidate for the degrees, and to prevent them from being present when he was initiated. The Deputy Grand Master was reque'sted by the'Grand Master to advise the brethren who made the complaint that if th.ey w.ere of the opinion that the candidate in questi'On was unworthy, it was their duty to 'object to his advancement and prefer charges, and if they think that the, members of the Lodge I"eferred to were guilty of the un-Masonic conduct stated, it


1905.]

23

Grand Lodge of l\1IisS02Wi.

was their duty to prefer charges agaiI1St them also, and bring them to trial. A Brother who kn'Ows, OT has reMable information, that conduct of the kind above referred to, which is likely to bring discord and scandal into the Fraternity, has been committed, does not dischar~e his duty when he merely repo,rts the matter to the Deputy Grand Master. It Ls his.duty to prefer the charges. The honor and integrity of the Fraternity is safest when every men\ber undcr, stands bis duty in this respect and is W'i1ling to take the responsibility of pe~forming it. 31. A Brother who wa,s dimitted f'rom a Lodge in Illinois became a resident of this State, petitioned Fellowship Lodge, No. 345, for affiliation and was rejected. He afterwards petitioned Joplin Lodge, No. 335, with the same result. He subsequently claimed to have affiliated with a Lodge in Illinois, other than the one from which he had 'dimitted and presented what purported to be a receipt for dues from the Illinois Lodge. The question propounded to me was, sh'Ould he be received as a visitor into a Logge in this State. Answer.-After he had severed his membership with his Lodge in Illinois and beoame a resident of Missouri, I doubt if any Lodge in Illinois would have admitted him to affiliation if he made known to it the fact that he was then a resident of Missouri, but if he will produce documentary evid~nce showing that with full' knowledge- of the faCt that he was a resident of Missouri he, was duly admitted to affiliation in Illinoris weare bound, in courtesy to the Grand Lodge in Illinois, to receive him as a visitor, but unless he produces such documentary evidence he should n'Ot be received. 0

32. Vincil Lodge, No. 62, asks what is to be done with a Brother who refuses to stand an examination ~s required by Section 139, of the by-laws. Answer.~He is liable to the charge of un-Masronic conduCt, specification, refusal'to obey the law mentioned, preferred against him and on conviction, to be punis'hed as the Lodge sees fit. 33. Unionville Lodge, No. 210.-Has the Worshipful Master a right to ca)l a special communication except for funeral purposes, without making the announcement of the call at a stated meeting of the Lodge? Answer.-Yes. The Master may call a special meeting whenever he sees fit to d'Oso, giving rea-sonable notice.. The announcement need not tie made at a regular Ip.eeting.. Section 59, page 22, by-laws. 34. Versailles Lodge, No. 117.-A man res'iding within the jurisdiction of Pleasant Grove Lodge, No. 142, desires to petition Versailles L路odge, No. 117, t<Jf the degrees. His home is nearer Sedalia,


24

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

Tipton and Glensted than Versailles. Is' it necess'ary that Lodges in .. all these places waive jurisdiction before Versailles Lodge can receive the petition? Answer.-No. Pleasant Grove Lodge is the only Lodge that has any claim on the man and if that lJodge waives jurisdiction no other has a right to complain. 35. Alton Lodge, No.. 255, asks: Does the jUrisdiction of a Lodge extend over the cou~ty lin-e's into anuther county? Answer.-The territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge is aot limited by the boundary lines of a county: It covers all the territory !n the State, regardless uf county lines, tha;t is nearer to it than to any aher Lodge. 36. Alton ·Lodge, No. 255, writes for instruction as to the reply of the SecI'etary when he is asked by the Worshipful Master what his duties are? . Answer.-Everythi'ng that is done and said in the ceremonies in opening and closing a Lodge are secret; therefore, it is improper to be written. . 37. Missouri Lodge, No.1, wrote under date of October_20, 1904, that it was overloaded with work and asked if in order to exp€dite matters, it would be lawful to work in.this way: Open in due form, then divide the Lodge into two sections, sitting in adjuining rooms, one section presided over by the Master, the other by one of the Wardens, confer part of the degree in one room, then remove the candidate to the other room to receive another part of the degree, while another candidate was receiving the first part in the first room? Answer.-There is no authority in Masonic law for such a course. A degree can be conferred only in a 0ldge. A Lodge)s· a unit; it can not be in two places at the same time. If that which is :in one ro'Om conferring part of the de'gree is the Lodge, that which is in the other room assuming to confer another part is not the Lodge and has no authority to act as such. 38. W. Bro. J. C. Parmerlee, of Granite Lodge, No. 272, asked advice on the follo,,:ing case, then pending in that Lodge: A Fellow Craft got into trouble and was severely criticizea in a newspaper. when he offered himself tor the third d,egree a member of the Lodge objected. At the end uf 'Sixty days he presented himself again, when , another member objected' and he was again deferred. . Question-Does Section 164, of the by-laws, authorize one member after another, at th.e end of each sixty d.ays period, to object to a Brother's advancement and thus indefinitely stop his career? I

I


1905. ]

C,:und Lodge o( Missouri.

25

Answer.-No. The letter of the by-law, Section 164, mentions an objection by one Brother only, but its spirit applies to all. When an objection is made to the advancement of a Brother it is a notice to all of the members of the lJod.ge and they have a right to prefer charges, if they see fit to do so; and if they know any .reason 'why the candidate should not advance it is their duty to. prefer c:I1arges. But the Fellow Craft is a Brother Mason and we Qwe to him the . obligation to at least treat him with justice. It is not right or just to hold him in suspense without any opportunity of being heard in his defense, til' of even knowing what is held against him. Charges may be preferred at any time 'before the' Brother is advancen, and he can not advance while the charges are pending. 39. Tebbetts Lodge,' No. 565.-A Brother who had taken the Ealtered Apprentice degree in Cedar City Lodge when charter was arre.sted, petitioned Tebbetts Lodge f'or membership, and for the remaining degrees. He resided within the jursdiction of Jefferson Lodge. Tebbetts Lodge asked if it could receive the petition. Answer.-A Lodge may receive the petitio.n for affiliation of a Master Mason residJng anywhere in the State, but a non-affiliated Entered Apprentice is within the jurisdiction of the lJodge nearest hi~ place of residence. Tebbetts Lodge must obtain a waiver of jurisdiction from Jefferson Lodge. before it can confer the remaining degrees on the Brother mentioned. 40. Stockton Lodge, No. 283, asks if it is a violation of Section 203, of the by-laws, for the officers of the Lodge, on funeral occasions, to wear the regalia appropriate to their respective offices. The Section of the by-laws referred to is: "Sec. 203. On funeral occasions, white gloves and aprons shall be the only regalia worn by Master Masons, as such." The Ul:liversal custom has been for the officers, in charge of the funeral, to wear the insignia of their offices; this custom so long in use, shows the interpretation which the Craft has put Qn the Section of the by-law in question. None but a Master Mason is allowed in a funeral procession, the reference therefor, to ''"Master Masons as such," indicates that it was contemplated that there might be in the procession those who, although they were MaiSter Masons yet, were there not merely as Master Masons, but also in' a:tl official capacity. In the prescribed ceremonies there is a particular place in the procession designated for Master Masons: another for Past Masters, another for the Worshipful Master and so on. This shows that although all in the line are 짜aster Masons, yet they were not all there in that capacity only, that is, "as such." It is, therefore, decided that it is proper for the officers. to wear their jewels and insignia. .


26

[Sept.

Proceedings of the ,

I

41. Independence lJodge, No. 76, asks what a member suspended for non-payment of dues must pay before he can be reinstated? Answer.-Dues up to the date of hissuspension. 42. Rush ville Lodge, No. 238.-A charge of drunkenness is preferred agai'nst a member who is now suspended for IWn-payment 'Of dues, the Lodge asks: 1. Has it jurisdiction and can it try the meJl?ber while he stands suspended? 2. Can the accused be present at the trial? AnsweT.-1. The Brother, th9ugh suspended, is still a Mason and t:he Lodge has' jurisdiction to bring him to trial for un-Mas'On-ic conduct. 2. The Grand Lodge in 1897 decided that a Mason who had dimjtted, without privileges, and who was therefore not in gOOd sta;nding,against whom charges had been preferred was ent~tled to be present in the Lodge during hi,s, tria( See Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, 1897, page 16, 103 and 106.' But there is a difference' between a Mason dimitted without privileges and a suspended Mason. It is unlawful to hold any Masonic communion with a claude'stine, expelled or suspended Mason, therefore, a Lodge has no right to receive a suspended Mason in its sess,ion. A suspended Mas:on is entitled to be represented at the trial by his counsel who is a lVI'aster Mason in good standing, but he has no right to be present in person. 43. In the matter ot the Moon.-The Acting -Master of Tyrian Lodge, No. 350, wrote me that he was up against the Moon' and this is how it happened:

The by-laws of the Lodge required a 'stated meeting to be held the Saturday on or next before the full moon. Now by a close astrononical calculation some of the brethren had discovered that the moon, in June of this year, became full two minutes befor~ 12 o'clock, midnight, on Friday, June 16. The question was, should the meeting be held on Saturday, June 10th, or on Saturday, June 17th? If within tqe meaning of the term "full moon" as uSled in the by-law, the moon was full on Friday, the 16th, then the meeting s'h'(mld be held on Saturda.y, the 10th, but if, in the s.ense there us'ed, it fulled on Saturday, the 17th, then the meeting was to be held on that evening. \

T,he practice of fixing the dates of me-etings by the full of the moon is an ancient one, with both utility a;nd sentiment to favor it. lt enabled the brethren to 'See their way home at night after the lJodge ~losed, 路and the soft moonlight tended to lead their thoughts, while, on their journey home, into 'sererue and peaceful channels.


1905. ]

Grand Lodge of Jl.lissouri.

27

But our ancient brethren, as 'a rule, were plain builders of Temples and things, and but few of them were astronomers. They r:ead the moon by the eye without the aid of astronromical instruments or data gathered by scientific observations. When they waruted to know when their Lodge would meet in the light of the full moon they did not telegraph to an observatory, and I am not sure that in the very begiillling they even had the almanac to con~uIt. Far be it from me to impugn the verity of anything that used tv be contained in the genuine old-fashioned almanac that hung by the family fireside, but as a Mason I can not say that it was "lawful informa;tion" on any subject, except in l its directions' for use of infallible remedies, a;nd the proper time to plant things in the garden. But none of those sources of information were consulted by our ancient brethren when they wanted to know when the moon would full. They knew a full mo'On when theysa~ it. On that evening when, for the first time -in the month, the moon came up in the Eastern horizon, round and full, they knew it was a full moon; that was 'their test of the time when it became full, and the Lodges of to-day whp retain in their by-laws that ancient custom, retain also that ancient i'nterpretation. Therefore, when the by-law says the meeting should be on the Saturday on or next before the full moon it means on or before the evening when for the first time in the I month to the common 'Observer it appears to rise full, which in the, case in question was Saturday, June 17th. MARCUS LODGE, No. 110. Charges of un-Masonic ~onduct were preferred against a member of this Lodge. The accused was tried, found guilty and a judgment of expulsion was pronounced against him. An appeal was taken, but when the appellant applied for a transcript 'Of the record for the Grand Lodge, it was discovered that the oral evidence given at the trial had not been taken down in writing and could not be furnished. There'was evidence in the form of depositions that had been read at .the trial, but the oral evidence was absent. On the sh'owing of these facts I was asked to grant a new trial. In opposition to the motion it was urged that the main testimo.ny in the case was contained in the depositions and that the oral testimony was of no importance. I granted the petition" for a new trial. Jt might be, as was contended, that the oral testimony was unimportant, but how could the C'Ommittee on Appeals and Grievances know it was unimportant if they did not know what it was?


28

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

The case was set down for trial again, but at the date set the Master of the Lodge was neces·sarily absent, being a ID€IDber of the Legislature, which was then in session, and the Bro-ther who had charge of the prosecuti'On 'was aI.'3o abs€nt. 'In this condition of, the case a motion was made in the Lodge to dismiss the proceed· i'ngs, which mortion on being put to a vote prevailed, and it was 'S'O ordered. When this ,:was brought to my attention I set aside the action of the Lodge and ordered that the accused be brought to trial on the charges. A trial was accordingly held and the result was, the accused was acquitted. An app€al was taken in the case and it is now in the hands of the proper committee. BENTON LODGE, No., 3::;3. , This Lodge is· an example to sh'Ow the destructive inftuence of discord in a MasoniC body even when the discord is confined to a comparatively small proportion of the members. The membership ~f Benton Lodge is composed, in the main., of a splendid lot of men; in past years it has been a credit to Masonry, 'and it still ha.s a bright future before it if the discordant element or elements can be brought together in brotherly love or otherwise so disposed 'Of tliat the main body of its members may have an o'Pportunity to W'Ork together as they desire to do, in peace and harmony. Some members of this Lodge (and I am gl~d to believe they are not many) seem to have c<>nceived such an inimical feeling towa.rds other members. that' they have been blind to their duties to their Lodge and have 'so acted ,as to effectually bring the work \of the Lodge to a stan'dstill. One after another, men, against 'whom the body of members believe no valid objection can be made, have petitioned for the degrees and have been blackballed until the members are afraid to bring in a petition fearing to subject a worthy friend to humiliation. Every petitioIl; presented since the last elec- _ tion of \:;fficers has been blackballed.. When I discovered this unfortunate condition of affairs, when I found the hands of the Lodge, , as it were, tied hard and fast, I exerted what power and influenee I could C'Ommand to bring about peace, but to no avail; neither ad.: monition: peTSuasion nor entreaty had any effect; then, in order to prevent the discord from spreading and to save the Lodge from utter destruction, I arrested its Charter on July 24th, and .the case is now before' the Grand Lodge for its action. I sincerely hope that the committee to whom the matter may be referred, may find some way by which the trouble maybe ended and the Charter restored under such safeguards as promise good results. I recommend that the, case be referred to a special committee.

I .

I


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

29.....

THE LATE RYLAND LODGE, No. 332. . Just before the Charter of this Lodge was arrested, charges had been preferred against two of its members, and as' the arrest of the Charter left the charges undisposed of, the Grand Lodge, at its last session, ordered that the charges be transferred for trial to Parrott Lodge, No. ~08. III .obedience to that order. the charges were so transferred, and the accused Brothers were arraigned and tried in' Parrott Lodge, No. 308, with the result that one was convicted and sentenced to suspension for the term of six months and the otherl was acquitted. INVASION OF TERRITORY. Invasions by a Lodge, of the territory of a sister Lodge, occur more frequent'iy than they should: They oc<:ur either by accident or ,design. Even when they occur by accident they are not excusable unless the offending Lodge can show that it acted under misapprehension of the fact after using due care to ascertain the truth. But, when a Lodge receives the petition of one who resides in the juriadiction of another Lodge, without taking the trouble to ascertain the fact which was ascertainable, or when it receives a petition knowing that it is doing a sister Lodge wrong, the act is unmasonic and the offendiIig Lodge deserves' to be brought under discipline. 'I'he. penalty of paying to the injured Lodge the fees received from the candidate covers a case of excusable invasion, but is inadequate as a penalty for an inexcusable invasion. Section 187 of the By-Laws says the offendi~g Lodge should pay the fees to the injured Lodge "and be subject to such discipline as may be just and proper." No Master Mason will intentionally cheat, wrong, or defraud a Lodge, and doubtless in those cases in which wilfUl invasion of territory has been made, the brethren have not paused to reflect on the character of the offense they were committing, but if they will pause and reflect, what name can they give to an act which, if not disco~ered and brought to judgment, will deprive a sister Lodge, not only 'Of its revenue, but also of its members? Several cases of invasion of territory have been brought to my attention during the year, but I was not satisfied from the evidence that the wrong was wilful in any case (though in some cases it did s~em careless), therefore, I' did 'not feel compelled to arrest the charter of the offending Lodge, but there is a swelling murmur throughout the State against this wrong, and it is so liable to disturb the harmony that should prevail in our Order, that I have


30

Proceedings of-the

deemed it proper tb call the attention of the Grand Lodge to the subject and to strike, as it were, this note of warning. THE WRONGFUL USE OF THE BLACKBALL. A greater wrong tlIan the one to which I have just referred has appeared in our midst. . A wrong which has threatened the life of more than one Lodge and brought Masonry under a cloud of suspicion in more than one community in this State during the Masonic year just closed. The right of a ,Master Mason to exclude, bY' the blackball, anyone whom he deems unworthy to enter the sacred fraternity is one that ·has long existed, is sanctioned by long experience and has in the long run been productive of great good to the fraternity. In order that- every Master Mason may feel free to exercise that great power, without fear, it is expressly -;leclared that the ballot shall .be secret, and' even the brother himself is forbidden by law to dis-, close his vote "under any circumstances whatever."-':Section 142, By-Laws. The great power that is here conferred is calculated to appeal to all that is good in a man to use it with a conscientious regard only for the good of Masonry. In this respect the law puts the welfare- of the Lodge in 'the keeping of each member, and trusts him with absolute confidence. The trust on the one hand, and the conscientious executio,n of the trust on th€ other lie at the very life-spring of, our Order. By a faithful executiron' of the trust the doo'r of Freemasonry will be opened in respon:s·e to the knock of every worthy man, and will remain closed to the unw-o'rthy. But by 'perversion of the power to a selfish or res,entful purpose, a Lodge may be prevented from receiving worthy men into its communion, from doing any work at all in the degrees, compelled to close its doors against everyone seeking light in Masonry, and be converted itself from' a band of friends and brothers into a band of in~rmonious, distrustful and unfriendly members. I

Since the. ballot itself is secret, and we are forbidden to know how anyone voted and why, it is almost impossible to bring the offender to the bar of the. Lodge to answer the charge of a criminal misuse of this power. Yet, when the offense has been committed . again and again, when good men are smitten with the' blackball, \ one after the other, and as time goes on, the doors of the Lodge . re~ains closed against all petitioners, the officers and members of .the LOdg~ b.ecome morally certain of who it is that is doing the evil work, or if they do not really know, .they have such stron& sus-


1905.]

G1'and Lodge of M.issouri.

31

plclon as to cause them to lose all confidence in ·the brother or brothers suspected, and when distrust and· suspicion enters', con· fidence and brotherly love depart, and thus the true spirit of Masonry in th~ Lodge. is destroyed. The only remedy that seems now to exist in such cases is the arrest of the charter of the Lodge.' But that is a harsh remedy. It punishes the innocent as well as the guilty. Yet, when the Lodge becomes a society of discord, distrust and ill-feeling, it sh'Ould no longer be allowed to hold itself out to the community as a Lodge of Masons. I have such veneratio~ for a Masonic law that has existed for so many years that I am not now prepared to advise that it be so changed that more than one blackball be required to reject a candidate. But the evil of which I have spoken exists to such an extent that it is worthy of the profound consideration of tJ;1is Grand Lodge. I recommend, therefore, that it be referred to a special committee, to consider and report, what, if anything, should be done in the way of amendment of the laws on this subject. THE STATE AND CONDITION OF MASONRY IN MISSOURI.

In the foregoing I have. said all that I have to say and all that is to be said in the way of censure or blame, and when I turn from those subjects to view the condition, otherwise, of the Craft in this jurisdiction, I look upon a bright and glorious picture, indeed. We have, at the date of the assembling of this Grand Lodge, 569 chartered Lodges, with a total membership of about 40,000. The . character and standing of the men who compose this membership stamp it as the most honorable and influential body of men in the State, not selected from one class, but from every class in which honorable men may be found, from those in conspicuous positions and those in the obscure walks of life, in every city, town, village or country neighborhood you may chance t6 visit, you will find that the· men most honored and respected, the men whose· advice and opinions have the greatest weight and influence, .,are Masons, known and honored as such. Of the Masonic Home, of MIssouri, you have no need that I shoul.d speak to you. There it stands as a monument to the sincerity of your profession. Many of your old brethren upon whom Time has laid his hand heavily, if not unkindly, have a home there, and their fast days are'made peaceful and comfortable by your care and providence. There also, the little children, left orphans and friendless, find homes and foster parents and friends-there they


, "

32

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

are reared under Christian influences, to become good men and women and useful citizens. The brethr~n who have charge of the affairs of the Hom'e have, and they deserve to have, our highest commendation for the earnest. and efficient work they' perform., It is to them a work of love, and their reward, comes in a consciousness of good deeds well dOJ?e. There was never a time when the work in the degrees was as well un{lerstood and as well executed, in, Missouri, as at present. 'this is especially so in the larger towns and cities, where better opport.unities for instruction have been afforded, but it is also true in the' country Lodges, where the brethren have caught the spirit and have sought instruction. Great credit for- this result is, due to the District Lecturers and the District' Deputy Grand Masters throughout the State, who,as a rule, have proven to be efficient and zealoUs in learning and teaching. IIi St. Loui~ and Kansas City, where the opportunities are best, the results are best. I' heard a distinguished Mason, whose position enabled him to know w~ereof he spoke, a short while ago, say that St. Louis was the brightest spot, Masonically, in the United States. . " I am not sure that St. Louis is any brig~ter than Kansas Citythey are both bright spots in Masonry, but as I am more familiar with conditions here than there, I will speak of them. For a I few years past some Qf the most zealous Masons in St. Louis have been h~lding meetings in St. Louis, to which all Master Masons, particularly Lodge Officers, are invited and urged to come. Tbey call themselves the Craftsmen's Club, they work under the supervision of the District Lecturer. Their' meetings are largely attended. and if St. Louis is the brightest spot on the Masonic. map, the Craftsmen~s Club has a large share in the 'credit of making it so. Bqt, tracing the credit through the various instrumentalities to its • source, we come at last to the fountain head of instruction, to him whose soul and mind 'and body are devoted to the work, whom it is no exaggeration to call the "Grand Old Man," our Grand Lecturer, R. W. Bro. Allan McDowell. The great significance of his teaching is 110t in the~ mere form and ceremony, but in instruction in the meaning of it all-the un{lerstanding of the allegories. When the young men of today who are receiving his instructions shall have become old men, and their minds turn back, as the minds of old men will, to draw the comparison between the then and the now, and they will say with pride, that in' their young days they sat at the feet of this Gamaliel and learned their Masonry from him. The growth and zeal of Masonry in Missouri is evidenced in another important manner. Very many Lodges own the buildings


1905.] ,

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

33

in which their Halls are located, arid many more are arranging to do so. Some who have owned their Halls for years are preparing to erect ne\\' and better ones. The work of two Lodges, in this respect, is worthy of notice. Ivanhoe lJodge, No. 446, of Kansas Qity, which is not an old Lodge, nor' one of the largest, has during this year bought a lot in a very desirable part of the city, new and growing, and erected on it a building which affords ,magnificent quarters for the Lod,ge. The whole' cost of the lot and building, as I understand, was about $20,000.00. The plan of operation was, the f9rmation of a building corporation among the members of the, Lodge, .the issuance of bonds to the amount .desired, all of which were subscribed and paid, for by the members of the Lodge, so that the building, when completed, was paid for, and was practically owned by the members of the Lodge. Th~ first and sec0!td floors of the building are adapted to business purposes and are well rented, yielding a good revenue from which it is calculated the bonds will be paid by the time they mature, arid then, the Lodge becomes the owner of the whole property. Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, which since its institution in 1870, has been located at the corner of 28th 'and Washington' Avenue, in St. Louis, has recently taken action looking to removal from its present Hall and the erection of a Masonic building of its own,.in the resi路 dential portion of the city. To this end, a corporation has been organized under the laws ,of this State, composed exclusively of members of Tuscan Lodge; a lot has been bought and paid for, at the price of $26,000.00, at the northwest corner of Kings Highway and '''\Vestminster Place, fronting both those streets, measuring two hundred feet on the north line ()f Westminster Place and one hundred and fifty-five feet on the west line of King's Highway. A more- desirable location for the purpose does not exist in the city. Of the purchase money for' the lot, Tuscan Lodge. paid out of its surplus in its treasury $10,000.00 and the remaining $16,000,00 was subscribed by members of the Lodge. On this lot a building entirely under the cohtrol of Tuscan Lodge, and to be devoted to Masonic purposes only, is to be erected, at an estimated cost of $20,000.00. The money for the purchase has been secured from members of the Lodge exclusively, and all details for the carrying out of the object have been so intelligently and' prudently arranged as to insure its success. This move means much good, not only to Tuscan Lodge in particular, but to Masonr'y in Missouri in general. Until within a few years past, the Masonic bodies in St. Louis were scattered all over the city, having no one building recognized as a Masonic 'I'emple, in which all, or a considerable number of G. L. Pro.-3


34

'.

Proce'!dings of the

[Sept.

bodies could meet. But in 1899, a nuinber 'of public-spirited Masons came together and deviseU a scheme which led to the erection of what is now known as the Grand Avenue Masonic Temple. In pursuance of this scheme, a corporation was organized, composed in it3 membership of Masons only, which entered into a contract with certain parties, to lease for a term of twenty years the three 'upper stories of a building then to be erected according to plans agreed upon. As the rent demanded for the three stories was $7,000 a year, it required some faith and a good deal of financial courage on the part of the ,brethren who conducted the negotiations to bring them to a successful conclusion; an agreet;nent to pay $7,000.00 a year for twenty years was an undertaking of some importance. But路 the brethren composing the association were in earnest and they were men of large business experience. Bro. Robert McCulloch was the head and leader of the'project. The result has shown the wisdom , of those who planned it. Upon the completion and dedication of the building, many of the St. Louis Masonic bodies moved into it. At present there are thirteen Lodges, three Chapters, one Council, four Commanderies, one, Shrine and four Chapters of the Eastern Star holding their meetings there. .The bringing 路together of so large a number of Masonic bodies has resulted in good'to everyone of them in every respect. First and chief, it has drawn the members of the various bodies into closeT personal acquaintance and friendship, and has increased their zeal for Masonry, as coals in a flre burn with greater heat when brought in .910se路 contact than when scattered, so the spirits of the brethren grow warm and glow with greateT' fervency when they are drawn together. Next in importance, the' bodies meeting ill: that building have all increased their membership in a greater ratio than they had formerly done, and all have accumulated money in their treasuries, thus enabling them to more effectually do the good deeds they were organized to do. And the association itself has developed into a business success. After spending about $30,000.00 in furnishfng and equipping the Halls in the building, and after paying promptly the $7,000.00 a year rent, it has accumulated, already, a considerable surplus in its treasury, which with the cOnfidence that has come with its experience, has led to the formation of a grand project. I have thus referred to the past history of that building and the influence therein ~xerted, preparatory. to saying a few words of the greater scheme of the same 'kind which has grown out of it.

I


, 1905.]

I

Grand Lodge .of Jl1issouri.

35

The same association, with Bro. Robert McCulloch still leading, looking forward to the time when its lease will expire, has already bought, at the' price of $102,000.00, a lot fronting 148 feet on the west line of Grand Avenue, with a depth westward of 170 feet, covering the enu're block bounded by B~ll Avenue, south, Grand Avenue, east, Windso'r Place, north, and an alley, west. For a grand central Masonic Temple there is no place in the city equal to it. The money to pay for this lot was obtained in this way. The . association had $5,000.00 available out of its surplus accumulations, the Masonic bodies meeting in the building, out of their surplus accumulations, loaned the association $30,000.00, the association issued its '5-20 five per cent bonds for $67,000.00, for $52,000.00 of which individual Masons have already subscribed, and the balance will doubtless be taken in the same way. To show the confidence that is felt in the safety of the investment, the St. Louis Union Trust Company, as soon as the bonds were ready to deliver, took them' as collateral, and adva:nced their full face value, $67,000.00 as a four per cent loan, leaving the individual subscribers for the bonds. to take them up at tlieir convenience. The brethren managing the business have absolute confiden,ce that with the revenues of the association the debt' will be entirely paid by the end of the present lease.•The property is rapidly increasing in value. On this ground it is proposed to erect a Masonic Temple to cost $300,000.00, a building which Mis.souri Masons will rejoice to see, and which will add greatly to the ability of the fraternity in its exalted work in the cause of the Brotherhood of Man. Before leaving this subject of dry figures, property and business detail, there is just one more thought to dwell upon. The men who have conceived, planned and wrought, as above mentioned, are not men of ease and' pleasure, they are men of large affairs whose time is precious, wh~se ideas are of value in the marts of men, whose names give credit in great business circles, yet, in their work, which ~we have been considering, there has not been, and will not be, a dollar of profit to them. They have labored to advance the cause of Masonry, and their reward is only in the con~ciousness of the good they have done their fellow, men. ' But St. Louis and Kansas City are not alone moving in the direction of suitable Masonic buildings for their Lodges. Many other towns and cities are also active in this way, especially the lr..rger cities, among which I may mention Springfield, Joplin and Sedalia.


36

PracecdÂŁng;s of the

[Sept.

Thus, my brethren, in every part of our State the standard of Ma.sonry is high, the Craft is at work and the cause of the Brotherhood of Man is advancing. Masons l'Ove to revert to the remQte antiquity of the Order l:t'nd they find satisfaction in that contemplation, even when the mind gropes in the twilight between history and tradition and trembles between proof and conjecture. The Mason is satisfied if his search for the beginning leads him no nearer to actual knrowledge than to discover that as far back as he can go he finds evidence of its exi~tence and that no period is discovered in which it did not exist. It is like the date of the origin of man which, even with the aid of revelation, is shrouded in mystery. Out of that same mysterious and impenetrable past Masonry comes to us, not first in the outward form of a L<:ldge as we have it to-day, but still in the form of a secret Order, possessing the germs of the same truths which form the foundation rock on which our Temple is builded. Masonry is of Divine origin in the sense that it comes as an inspiration in response to an aspirati'On of the Divine s,pirit of man, crying for a bond of uni0Il; founded on no other pri~ciple than the Brotherhood of Man. Brotherhuod is necessarily founded on a common fatherhood, therefore, the Brotherhood of Man is founded on the Fatherhood of God. But Masonry undertakes to deal nut with a man's relation to his God, it requires of him in that respect only a belief in the one living and true Father of all, and it leaves him to adjust his relations in that respect as J:1is own enlightened conscience may dictate; it recognizes that that subject is beyond its 'jurisdictiun, but it takes into its fold the man himself and guides and directs him in his relations with his brother man. There are those who believe that when a man, through the simple teachings of Masonry, learns to look 'On his fellow man as his brother indeed and to treat him i~ accordance with the principles contained in the Masonic points of fellowship, he has a religion that will meet the approva,l of the Father of Man whether it meets the test of ecclesiasticism or not.

at

I do 'not know whether St. James was a M3Json or not, and if I knew ,that he was I would be reluctant at this late day to accuse him of wilfully betraying Masonic secrets, but when he wrote this: "Pure reiigion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows, in their, affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world," (James,1:27), he came very, near exposing the whole moral and religious platform of Freemasonry ~ . Except as a proof of its Divine origin, and exce,pt to trace, in all ages where it has left its mark, its good work in the elevation of man, the antiquity of the Order is not of first importance. But


1905. ]

Grand Lodge of lVIissouri.

37

when we review its work in the remote past when the conditions were very different from thuse which sur,round us to-day the question comes to our mind1s, coneeding the useftilnessof the Order when man was burdened with the yoke of tyranny, what is its use n')W since even in those countries of Europe where it exists t:o any great extent man is no longer a slave, and especially since in this .free .land of ours every man is the equal of every other ma'n. The doctrine of the Brotherho'od of Man, taught not merely as a theory, but as a truth to be app.lied in practice, has done much for the elevation of the race, but the battle for the right along these lines is still raging, the enemies of mankind are. still fighting for his subjugation-the work of Freemasonry can never end while the greed of power exists and the need of brotherly sympathy and aid is felt. .For proof that this greed of power exists and that the yearning for this brotherly ,sympathy also exists we need not go to Russia where the Cz,ar's troo'ps are' to be seen pouring their deadly fire into the multitudes of frenzied men and women' and children in the streets, but, alas! in our own country we discover examples of lawless~ess traceable to oppression on the one hand and suffering on the other. The remedy for all this lies in the recognition in fact as in theory of the Masouicprinciple-the Brotherh'Ood of Man. Masonry is not a political Order any more than it is a religious Order; yet in every great political revolution the Masonic fraternity . has stood firm on its foundati'on rock-the Brotherhood of Manand has wrought, though in secret, great results, sometimes, perhaps, it has happened: as was the case in their delirium during the French ReVOlution, that our brethren have lost sight of a part of the great lights that should serve as a rule and guide for our conduct, but in the main they have been true to the great principle on which our Fraternity is founded and have always stood for the liberty of man a.gainst the despot and the tyrant. In the American Revolution, the signers of the Declara.tion uf Independence were, with few exceptions, Masons, and the great leader of our army was a Mason. In the more recent reVOlution, in Italy, which resulted in the overthrow uf the temporal po,wer of the Pope, the leading actors, Garibaldi and his generals. were, Masons, and i~ is brought 8,S a reproach against the Order there that their. plans were concocted in Masonic Lodges behind doors duly tiled. The man" who, after the establishment of the present Kingdom of Italy, did more than anyone else to render possible eeligious liberty among his pe'bple in that country was Prime Minister Crispi, who at the same time was Grand Master of Masons. In Spain, before our late war with that country, and for many years previ'ous, the liberal party there was led by the


38

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

Prime Minister Segasta, who was at the same time Grand Master of Masons; that party while he lived stood for the laTgest degree of the liberty of man, at home and in the colonies, consistent with the peace and welf.are of the Kingd'O'ill. In those countries of Europe where mon,archy still prevails, but where it is so' circumscribed by constitutional restrictions as to afford the largest degree of liberty to the c'Ommou',people,Masonry' is recognized as a potent influence, and kings, princes and common people are embraced within its folds. In England the present King, when he was Prince of Wales, and until 1901, was the Grand Master of Masons. That office in the Order there is now held by the Duke, 'of Connaughtand Stratheaan. In Sweden 'and Norway King Oscar II is Grand Master and the Crown Prince is Deputy Grand Master, Prince' Frederick Leopold is the, Grand Master of German 'Masons. It is 路also wQlI'thy of note, as' showing the intimate relation between the different Grand Lodges in Europe, that King Oscar II, of Sweden, and Prince Leopold, of German.y, are Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of England. In our own country every President' from Washington to Roosevelt, 'with only two 'Or three exceptions, have been Masons. I have ,alluded to these facts not by the way of exultation or to boast that we have kings, princes and rulers in our Fraternity-for Masonry is fo~mded on manhood and, ma'nhood is more exalted than kinghood. God' made man and made him in . His own image-if the man preserves not that image through life it is because his own evil ,deeds have deformed him. Man made I the King and the highest mark to which the King can attain is the type of the true man. It is not, therefore, for that purpose that I have referred to these facts, but 'Only to show that in the most advanced nations on earth, kings, princes, rulers 'and common peopIe, meet in Masonic Lodges on the level and acknowledge the great principle' on which our Fraternity is founded-the BI"<ltherhood of Man. It may be that in the profession of this faith there is in the minds of some not full sincerity or not full realization of its truth, but even if that sh'Ould be so, still, a great point is gained when the great and the small come together and at least profess equality and brotherhood-their minds then have started in the right direction, and the truth, th'Ough perhaps for a time but dimly discerned, will triumph in the-end. Once get men thinking on right lines, truth forces its own way. Masonry is for all ages and' for all countries; it is for tbis age and for this country; its work will be ended only when the hope that men will, in truth, regard each other as brothers and treat them so, js ended in fruition. That end is yet a long way off. There are

"


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

39

many moral battles for the Masonic Fraternity yet to fight before that end is reached. In Europe we hear calls for Peace Congresses like the one tha( twas held at the Hague a few years ago, and the establish路 ment of Internati'Onal Courts of Arbitration, where nations will settle their differences as IDEm settle theirs in 'courts; and when we hear these things our hopes rise and we say we are advancing. Yet even _ while the Peace Congress is closing in peace and the envoys of the Powers are hastening home with the glad tidings of proposed peace, the war clouds are gathering and s'Oon the earth shakes under the clash of armies and navies. As we read of the awful carnage, the suffering and death, our imaginations go from the scenes of the conflict to the homes made desolate, where the widow and the orphan are crying in their despair, saying: "Where are thuse tribunals that promised peace? Where is that Fraternity that proclaimed the Brotherhood of Man ?" As long as that cry .continues ringing in our ears we can not say that our work as Masons is d'On.e. In our own country we hear on every side exultation of our greatness as a nation, and at times it seems as if we were really intoxicated with the sense of our power, yet all the while we are accustoming ourselves to the idea of a greater army and a greater navy, and we listen wi~h the satisfaction of the self-righteous when we hear that a new explosive, more dangerous than any hitherto known, has been discovered, and a new' engine of destruction has been added to our armament. What is all this for? ,The answer has already been formulated for us and we are taught to say it very much as children are taught to say there is no bug-a-boo in the dark-the answer 80 framed for us is that all this is needed for defense; we must defend our homes; we must defend our possessions which destiny has thrust upon us in the far-off seas; we must defend' 'our commerce, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. Then, you asl{, but will this great armament ever be turned on our own people if they 'should ever think that tneir masters bear too hard upon them, even as we have seen it turned on poor suffering humanity in Russia? "No! No!"-the ready-made answer comes, ""VIle have here no aristocracy of rulers who claim power to. rule by Divine right, here the peo:ple are free and. rule themselves." It is a pleasing thought and we love to receive it and give it place in our minds, even if, to make room for it, we are compelled to cast out into forgetfulness some things that we know have occurred. It is true we have no hereditary aristocracy here, but the most hopeful optimist can not shut out from his mind the thought that we have great problems yet to solve in this country which involves all that is sacred to man. In our Declaration of Independence we


40

Proceedin,gs of the

[Sept.'

read that all men are born free and equal, and that everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, in the inordinate greed of wealth, which has become a passion with us, confined not to a class, but infecting our whole people, or nearly so, men in the crazy race for wealth seem to forget the rights' of others" the most angry passions are aroused and conflicts are inevitable. Here is the opportunity for our work as Mas-ons-not in the field of conflict, but in the earnest work in the Lodge and in ,Masonic, communion with each other, teaching the reality of the principles on which our Order is founded-the Brotherhood of Man. When men are brought to acknowledge this great principle, not in words merely, but in reality as the guide of their conduct, the conflict will end, not as conflicts now end with the triumph of the strong over the weak and with the suffering of the vanquished, but with the rights of all respected and the peace of the world assured. This is the work, my brethren, to which the Masonic fraternity !';tands pledged, and to t~e accomplishment of which the Masons of Missouri are laboring with zeal and force. Fraternally: LEROY B. VALLIANT' Grand Master. , .

REPORT OF GRAND SECRETARY.

The Grand Secretary suhmitted the follo'wing report which was referred to the C~mmitt~e on Accounts: To the arand, Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of j]HRSQuri:

On being installed OctobeL' 22, 1904, into the office left vacant by the deanl of our beloved late Grand Secretary, tbe first duty devolving upon roe was that of sending the Charters, previously signed by Grand Secretary .Tohn D. Vinci I, to the District Deputy Grand Masters, in' whose Districts the ten new Lodges were located, as follows: NEW LODGES. Essex Lodge, No. 278,.at Essex, Stoddard County. Excello Lodge, No, 332, at Excello, Macon County~ East Prairie Lodge, No. 384, at East Prairie, Mississippi Coun ty. Green Ridge TJodge, No. 425, at Green Ridge, Pettis County. Hinton Lodge, No. 455, at Hinton, Boone County. Jacksonville Lodge, No. 541, at Ja.cksonville, Randolph County. Maplewood Lodge, No. 566, at Maplewood, St. Louis County. Miller I:!.odge, No. 567, at Miller, Lawrence County. Kaylor Lodge, No. 568, at Naylor, Rj,pley County. Tiff City TJodge, No. 569, at '.riff City, )icDonald County.

\

COMMISSIONS TO DIS'l'RIC'l' 'DEPU'.ry GR.AND MA"STEHS. Commissions were issued and forwarded 路to the several District Deputy Grand )lasters appointed by the Grand Mastel', M. W. Bro. Leroy B. Vallialit.


41

Grand Lodge of lv1 issouri.

1905.] COM~lISSIONS

'1'0 FOREIGN GRAND REPRESEN'rATIVES.

'By order of Grand Master Lel'oy B. Vallian.t, a commission was issued to Brother Cbas. W. Fl'ank, New York, as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Missouri near the Grand Lodge of New York. LODGES UNDER DISPENSA'l'ION. Seven Lodges Under Dispensation were created by Grand Master Leroy B. Valliant during his term of office, which are named and located as follows: November 1, 1904,' Republic Lodge, at Repubiic,' Greene County. November 1, Hayti Lodge, at Hayti, Pemlscot County. November 4, Rutledge Lodge, at Rutledge, Scotland County. December ~, Bernie Lodge, at Bernie, Stoddard County. April n, 190;'). Red Bird Lodge, at Red Bird, Gasconade County. ~Iay 30, LaMonte Lodge, at LaMonte, Pettis County. May 30, Easter Lodge, .at SL Clair, Franklin County. ARRESTED CHARTER. July 24, 1905, Benton Lodge, No. 353. LODGE REMOVED. Griswold Lodge, No. 178, from Price's Branch to Bellflower. DUPLICATE CHARTERS ISSUED. By order of the Grand Mastcr: November 2, 1904, St. Clail' Lodge, No. 273 (lost). November 2, Santa Fe Lodge, No. 462 (destroyed by November 2:l, Bridgeton Lodge, No. 80 (destroyed by November 25, Clifton Hill, Lodge, No. 161 (destroyed December 17, Cainsville Lodge, No. 328 (destroyed by January 13, 190.5, Weston Lodge, No. 53 (faded). ,January 27, Social Lodge, No. 266 (faded). February 6, Centralia Lodge, No. 59 (faded). May 17, Latimer Lodge, No. 145 (destroyed by fire).

fire). water). by water). fire).

ORIGINAL CHARTERS. In many cases the names of the thl'cC principal Officers of the Lodge, and the Grand Officcrs who signed the Charters, especially of the old Lodges, were not recorded in this office; by writing to the Secl'etaries of the. variou~ Lodges the infol'mation was obtained and placed among. the original records of these Lodges. Some of the Lodges failed to respond to my letter of inquiry, but the data can probably be obtained during the coming year. This information Is invaluable when Issuing Duplicate Charters. CHARi'ER RESTORED TO ST. JOSEPH LODGE, No. 78. In accordance with the order of the Grund Lodge at its session In 1904, the notes, books and papers formerly be-longing to St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78, were turned over to said Lodge after It had been set at work by the District Deputy Grand Master.


42

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

CHART'ERS RESTORED. Charters were restored to the following Lodges: Portageville Lodge, No. 166. Spring Creek Lodge, No. 347. ' li'orest City Lodge, No. 214. Barry Lodge, 'No. 367. Portland Lodge, No. 242. Wilderness Lodge, No. 374. Glens ted Lod~e, No. 250. ned Oak Lodge, No. 468. Laredo Lodge, No. 253. Paynesville Lodge, No. 499. Rock Prairie Lodge, No. 269. Seligman Lodge, No. 517. Peace Lodge, No. 280. Niangua Lodge, No. 529. Sparta Lodge, No. 296: Prairie Hill Lodge, No. 546. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. A small numbel' of appeal cases have passed through this office and were forwarded to M. W. Bro. Dorsey A. Jamison, Chairman of the Committee ou Appeals and路 Grievances.

,

SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS. A large number of Special Dispensations were issued by order of the Grand M;aster for various purposes, such as Special Election of Officers, layin~ of corner-stones, moving into new halls, balloting on rejected petitions a'nd dedication of halls. EXTENSION OF CARD REGISTER SYSTEM. I'Q. 1899 the sum of $600 was appropriated for the inauguration of !l Card Index of Membership of Lodges (page 93, 1899 Proceedings), but $32{; of this appropriation had been used, and finding that the cabinet was full and the supply of cards exhausted, another cabinet and 50,000 cards were purchased at an expense of $195.60, leaving a balance of $79.40 of the appropriation unexpended. GRAND LODGE PROPERTY. ,January, 1904, received ~rom Barnesville Lodge, No~ 455 (arrested), Furniture and paraphernalia, estimated value , $ 150 One aCl'e of ground on which hall is located, estimated value 1,000 (Annual rental therefrom, $75.) Qne cottage, estimated value.................................. 125 The property is insured and in chal'ge of '.r. W. Cotton, District , Deputy Grand Master. . .July, 1904, from Franldin Lodge, No. 541 (arrested), furniture and paraphernalia, estimated value '. , . . . . . 250 September, 1904, from Ryland r~odge, No. 332 (arrested), one-half acre and hall, estimated value..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 I;teceived rental therefrom, $22.22. September, 1904, from Avilla Lodge, No. 278 (arrested), furniture and fixtures of little value; portion sold..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 September, 1904, from Cedar City Lodge, No. 425 (arrested), second story of building and some furniture, over-estimated value, $334.75; sold by order of Grand Master.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 August, 1905, Received from Benton Lodge, No. 353 (arrested), notes aggregating ,............. 1,860 Cash $453 89 August 3, cash 3 70 457 Some old collars and jewels of little, if any, value have also been . received from different Lod~es.

00 00

00

00

00

50

75, 00 59 .


1905. ]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

43

BLANKS FOR RETURNS. Were sent to all Lodges JUly 3, 1905. On August 15, notices, in sealed envelopes, were sent to all the non.reporting Lodges calling attention to the necessity of sending the Returns on or before September 1. August 30 a circular was sent to 107 Lodges, whose returns had not been received, requesting them to send in their returns at once. Out of 568 Lodges in the State 557 have made returns and paid Grand Lodge dues.

The following Lodges IJodge dues: No. 41, Bhmarck. No. 56, Tipton. No. 58, Monticello. No. :128, Cainsville.

DELINQUENT' LODGES. have failed to send in their returns No. No. No. No.

347, 361, 378, 421,

Spring Creek. Riddick. Warsaw. Urbana.

01'

pay Grand

No. 423, G·alt. No. 481; Herndon. No. 525, Cunningham.

MASONIC HOME. November 3, 1904, a Grand Lodge Warrant for one-half • dues, 1904, was issued to the Masonic Home amounting to : $18,735 50 .July 14, 1905, a balance on back dues of.' '.: : . . 132 50 $18,868 00 The amount due the Masonic Home from. Grand Lodge dues, 1905, exceeds that of any former year, amounting to $19,571.50,' when the books were closed for the fiscal year, September 21, 1905. At the session of the Grand Lodge in 1903, the sum of $10,000.00 was appropriated for the purpose of erecting an additional building for the accommodation of the old people at the Home. None of this appropriation has been paid, but the Home will need the money in October, as the work on the new building is progressing rapidly and funds will be required, to pay the bills. -FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Rl<JCEIPTS.

Balance September 17, ]904 . Bad, dues collected fOl' 1904 $ Ten Charter fees (1904) . Sey'en Cbarter fees (1905) . Seven Dispensation fees . Cash from Franklin Lodge, No. 541 (arrested) . Sale property Cedar City Lodge (arrested) . I"rom Dead Lodges ...........................•... From overpayments " . Board Relief, two cemetery lots . Hent Ryland Hall 332 (arrested) . Hent Barnesville Lodge property (arrested): . Cash from Benton Lodge, No. 353 (arrested) . Refunded by Jno. W. Owen, Grand Tiler . Hefunded by Grand Chapter,. R. A. 1\1 ..........•.... Itefunded by St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78 . Interest September and October; 1904, . Interest Novembp.r 1, 1904, to August 31, 1905 . Grand Lodge dues, 1905, up to and including September 21 . Total. receipts

,

.

$40,703· n 265 200 140 210 245 99 196 42 20 22 75 457 26 42 24 123 166

00 00 00 00 36 75 51 50 00 22 00 59 00 45 50 33 21

2,356 4') 39.143 00 $82,203 ]5


44

[Sept.-

Proceedings of the DIS~UnSE)fENTS •.

Masonic Home $18,868 Pay roll Grand Lodge, 1904....................... 5,850 Dr. John D. Vincil, salary , , .. .. .. . 465 .Grand Lodge expenses meeting 1904.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451 F. W. Mott, for services acting Grand Secretary. . . . . 100 Laundering Grand Lodge aprons, etc ·....... 26 Expenses Fraternal ~uiJding, World's Fair. . . . . .. . . . 248 Portrait Wm. F. Kuhn, Past Grand Master.. . . . . . . . . 50 Printing Proceedings 1904......................... 1,464 Binding Proceedings 1904 '.. 55 Committee on Charity :............... 800 .Rellef of Mrs. Mathis " .. 100 Work on cemetery lot.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425 Printing"postage, stationery, stenographic work ..".... 1,336 Rent of office (11 months)........................ 880 Salal'y Grand Treasurer, A, C. Stewart. . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Salary Grand Secretary, John R. Parson............ 2,151 Salary Grand Lecturer, Allan McDowell............ 2,250 Salary Com. Foreign Correspondence, R. E. Anderson. 500 Schools of Instruction, Dlsti'ict Lecturers.. . . . . . . . . . . 673 Expenses District Deputy Grand Masters... . . . . . . . . . 27 F.xpenses Grand Officers attending meeting. . . . . . . . . . 19 Expenses of Grand Master........................ 500 Salary Grand Tiler (1904)......................... 150 F.xpenses funeral John D. Vincil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Expenses hospital and funeral 'I'hos. E. Garrett... . . . ·172 \ Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary bonds. . . . . . . . . 150 Cabinet and cards for Historical Record....... . . . . . . 195 'l'axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Benton Lodge, No. 353, initiation fees returne~. . . . . . '55 Returned overpayment to Clinton Lodge, No. 548..... 7 d

••••• :

•••

Disbursements

00 74 00 95 00 75 85 85 55 00 00 00 00 65 00 00 63 00 00 95 63 00 00 00 60 92 00 60 90 00 00 38,349 57

Balance on hand September 21, 1905, .....•......

$43,81)3

5~

CONCLUSION. Brethren, the work pertaining to the office of Grand Secretary is before you, and I have endeavored to perform it, following as ctosel~T as possible the method adhered to by our personal friend and Brothel', John D. Vinell, who labored among us so faithfully for twenty-seven years. We have sadly missed him in counsel and fraternal communion. Fraternally submitted, JOHN R. PARSON, Grand Secl'etal'y.


Grand Lodge of1l1issouri.

1905.]

45

REPORT OF GRAND TREASURER.

Brother J0hn R. Parson presented his report as Grand Treasurer from September 29th to October 22nd, 1904: ST. LOUIS, September '25, 1905. To the M. W. Gmncl Loclge, A. F. and A. M., of Missou.ri: DF;.c\H

BUETHREN-

Herewith I present my report as Grand '.rreasurer from September 29th to October 22d, ] 904.:

as

Balance reported to Grand Lodge September 29, 1904 $40,755 Oct. 14. Received from Grand Secretary...................... 652 Oct. 18.' Received from Grand Secretary...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Interest for October .. '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

81 36 00 25

$41,572 42 DISnURSE;)mNTS. Wurrant No. 118. 120. f21. 122. 123.

Grand Lodge Pay Roll $5,807 John D. Vinci! .... ;............ 250 Allan McDowell................. 175 John D. Vinci!. '. . 75 Grand I:odge Pay Roll (balance).. 42 Balance

.

79 00 00 00 95

$6,350 74 $35,221 68

Which amount ($35,221.68) I paid to Brother A. C. Stewart, my successor, and hold his receipt for same. Fraternally submitted, JOHN R. PARSON.

Brother A. C. Stewart presented his report as Grand Treasurer from Octobe-r 22nd, 1904 to September 21st, 1905: ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 21, 1905. '1.'0 the M. W. Grand Lodge, A. 1". an(l A. M., Of Missouri: DEA~

BRETHREN-

Herewith I submit my report as Gl;and Treasurer, together with m)' books and vou6hers: On being appointed to the office of Grand Treasurer, I gave bond in the sum of $25.000, which was approved by the M. W. Grand :i\faster; and on receiving the funds from my predecessor in office I opened an account with the St. Louis rnion Trust Company' at the northwest corner of Fourth and Locust Streets in the city of St. Louis, in the' name of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and A<:'cepted Masons of the Stat~ of Missouri. as tbe laws of the Grand I"odge provide.


46

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

My receipts and disbursements in detail are as follows: UECEIPTS.

1904.

Nov.

Dec.

3. 5. 18. 23. 2. 5.

From former Grand Treasurer $35,221 68 Grand Secretary.............................. 19 90 .. . . .. 25 00 .................... . 27 00 . , 64 50 . \' , .. , 31 00 Ul05.

Jan.

18. 24. Feb. 2. ", 28." Mch. 4. 27. April 1: 3. 27. May 8. 29. July 6. 19. 20. 25. 26. 27.

28. 29. 31. Aug.

'll

"

••••

•••

0

••••

",

•••••••••••••••

#

",

13 24 22 26 11 33 30

41 50·

75 81 50

14 n2

n9 75

................

.'

~

.

26 45

12 .41 66 12 10 42 18 42 208

82 96 00 00 00 45 00 347 00

75 OQ

1.

545 00 653 00

1. 2. 3. 3. 4. 5. 7.

744 477 3 25n 207 479

453 89

8.

996

9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 15. 16. 16.

923 1,577

933 . 906 928

1,431 20 1,427

00 00 70 00' 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00


Aug. 17. 18. 18. 19. 2l.

47

Grand Lodge of .Missouri.

1905.]

li'rom GL'and Secretary

$ 1,785 00

1,353 13 711 1,310 1,315 1,768 1,648 1,271 877 2,123 1,696 1,495 1,284 1,412 1,754 1,670 685 608 81

00 16 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 40 00 00 00 00 00 214 00 278 60 4 50 10 00' 78 00 287 00 40 00 100 00 40 00 84'00 34 00 60 00 52 00 60 00

22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

28. 29. 29, 30. 30. 3l. Sept.

1. 2. 5.

6. 7. 8. 8. ll. 11. 13. 13. 14. "

'"

14. 15. 18. 18. 19. 21.

Interest on deposits, which I have reported to the Grand Secretary and receipted to him for, as though said interest was received .from him, when as a matter of fact it was interest allowed by the St. Louis Union Trust Company, Depositary, on my deposits, as follows: ~ov.

Dec. Jan. Feb. ~kh.

April May June July Aug.

30, 1904 ........•. ,. " '" .. " $23 06 21 34 31, 1904 31, 1905 19 01 28, ...................................... 15 98 30, '" 13 15 29, ............ '" 13 83 31, ...................................... 12 58 30, ....................................•. 12 28 31, ...................................... 10 38 31, ...................................... 24 60

Total

$166 21 $75,852 44


P1'oceedings of the路

48

[Sept.

DlSRURSE:l1ENTS.

Xo\,.

7.

'''arrant No.

1.

7.

2.

7.

3.

7.

4.

5.

5.

5.

6.

7.

7.

11.

8.

11.

9.

JO.

10.

16.

11.

17.

12.

19. 22. 22. 16.

13. 15. 16.

19.

17.

Dec.

13.

18.

~ov.

28.

19.

25.

20.

,

28.

14.

,,'

21.

22.

Jan.

4.

23.

1904. l\lasonic Home of :Missouri, liz per capita tax for Masonic Home .... $18,735 John R. Parson, Grand Lodge Expense, Session 1904 . 451 John R. Parson, Funeral expenses Grand Secretary John D. Vinci! .. 151 John R. Parson, for postage, printing and incidentals . 100 Allan McDowell, Schools for District Lecturers . 200 Allan McDowell, Grand Lecturer's salary for October . 187 St. Louis Union Trust Co., Bonds, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary . 150 Allan McDowell, balance salary for September . 12 James T. Sands, Agent, rent of Grand Secretary's office for November .. 80 Charles Pipkin, expens~s as District Deputy Grand Master : . 11 Edward 1\1. L. Ehlers, G. Secretary for' Ml路S. Geo. Frank Gouley .... 100 John W. Owen, washing Grand Lodge aprons and cartage . 26 F. W. Mott, Acting Grand Secretary 30 150 John W. Owen, salary as Grand '.ryler. Thos. E. Garrett, charity . 25 John R. Parson, Gr Secy., postage, printing, stationery and incidentals 300 Mrs. John D. Vincil, Grand Secre140 tary's salary . Wyaconda Lodge, No. 24, charity 100 for J. F. Alberty . Sturgeon Lodge, Ko. 174, charity for 75 F. P. Vance . Craft Lodge, No. 287, charity for 100 \V,m. Beach . North Star Lodge, No. 157, charity 50 for Mrs. Kidd . Northwest Lodge, No. 358, charity 50 for Mrs. Harrison .. , . 1905. Fraternal Lodge, No. for George Cable

50 95 60 00 00 50

00 50

00 00 00 75

00 00 00

00 00 00 00 00

00 00

363, charity路 $

25 00

1904. Nov.

18.

24.

25.

25.

Hebron Lodge, No. 354, charit.y foJ' family of K. M. Deane......... Perseverance Lodge, 1'\0. 92, charity for Mrs. Johnson : :.

100 00 100 00


~905. ] XOY.

Dec.

Grand Lodge of J11issoll'ri.

::!2.

'Warrant No. 26.

~6.

28.

27. 28.

29.

2~~.

23.

30.

2.

33.

G.

34.

2.

35.

6.

36.

1.

S7.

.10hn R. Parson, salary as Gt'and Secretar;)' to Noyember 1, 19'04'. . $ L. F. Hammer, Jr., taxes, 1903 .... D. ?II. Wilson, expenses attending meeting Grand Officers . .J. B. Thomas, expent:es attending meeting of Grand Officers . F. \\'. 1\1ott, services in connection , with Grand Secretary'S office .... Allan McDowell, Schools for Distri<.:r Lecturers . Allan :McDowell, salary as Grand Lecturer for Kovember . •John R. Parson, salary Grand Secretary for Koyember , . James T.Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for December ... R. E. Anderson, Committee on Foreign Correspondence ' .

49 68 33 21 90 7 GO

11 GO 70 00 200 00 187 50 208 33 80 00 • GO 00

1905.

9.

Jan.

Dec.

Jan.

(~.

38.

1.

Sf).

8.

40,

10.

41.

20.

42.

29.

43.

5.

44.

]1.

45.

4.

46.

8.

47.

G.

48.

G.

49.

19.

50.

L. Pro.-4

""oodward & Tiernan Printing Co., printing Proceedings, 1904...... 1904. Grand Chapter n. A. :Masons of ·1\10., expense maintaining Masonic rooms in Fraternal Building, authorized by Grand Lodl;e, 1904. gdgar Leon, portrait Past Grand lVlaster, Wm. F. Kuhn . A llan McDowell, Schools for District Lecturers : . Allan McDowell, Schools fOJ: District Lecturers , , 'I'hos. J'j. Garrett, charity., . 1905. Beel;:told Ptg. and Bool;: Mfg. Co., binding 100 copies 1904 Proceedings ; . Jas. 'l'. Sands, agent, rent, Gmnd Secretary's office . R. Eo Anderson, Chairman Committee Correspondence ' Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer, Decembcl', 11)04 . John R. .Parson, salary Grand Secretary, December, 1904 . .10hn R. 'Pal'son, .Grand Secretal'Y. postage, printing, stationery and incidentals . .John E. Adamson, expense of arrest of charter Avilla, 278, by D. D. G. ~iastel' ' .

] ,4G4 55

248 85 50 83 200 00 73 9G 25 00

55 00

80 00 GO 00 187 50 208 33

100 00

8 7S


Proceedings of the

50 Jan. 28.' Wan'ant No. 51.

"

28.

52.

Feb.

••

53.

2.

54.

l.

55.

1.

56.

14.

57.

14.

58.

21.

39.

1.

60.

1.

61.

2.

62.

3.

63.

l.

64.

April 11.

65.

4.

66.

6.

67.

11.

68.

5.

69.

4.

70.

4.

n.

1.

72.

2.

73.

2.

i4.

~fch.·

::\Iay

,

C. )1. )!armaduke, 'l'reasUl'er Callao Lodge, Relief of M. A. :Matbis, as recommended by D. D. G. M., S. R. "Tood ....................... $ Rosebrougb Monument Co., work in Cemetery Lot by Committee appointed by Grand Lodge ........ Jas. T. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office ................... R. E. Anderson, Committee Foreign Correspondence ...................... '.Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer, January ................. I Jobn R. Parsons, salary Grand Secretary January .. '............... Clinton, 548, Clinton, Mo., overpayment on 1904 dues .......... :Mercbants' Ice & Coal Co., ice furnished Grand Secretary's office prior to last session Grand Lodge. Buxton & Skinner Stationery Co., Card System by Committee of Ways and M~ans, 1899 .......... John R. Parson, salary Grand Secl'etary for !i'ebruary ... ',' ....... Allan McDowe}l, salary .Grand Lecturer for February ............. R. F',. Anderson, salary Committee on Correspondence ..... '......... .las. '.r. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for March ...... John R. Parson, postage, printing, stationery and incidentals ....... 'rbos. K Garrett, cbarity, by Committee on Cbarity .............. John R. Parson, salary Grand Secretary' for Marcb ......'......... Jobn '.r. Sands, ' rent Grand Secretary's office for April ........... R. E. Anderson, salary Committee on Foreign Correspondence ...... Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for ~March ............ ~ ... J. K. Pemberton, expenses District Deputy Grand Master ......... ~ . H. F. Lawrence, expenses D. 'D. Grand l\laster ........ , ......... Jobn R. Parson, salary Grand Secretary for April ................ Jas. T. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for l\fay .......... Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for April .................

[Sept.

100 00

42::> 00

80 00 50 00 187 50 208 33 7 00

p 65 195 60 208 33 187 50 50 00

SO 00 . 100 00 25 00 208 33

SO 00 50 00 187 50

3 20 4 65

208 33

SO 00 187 ~O


Grand 'Lodge of 11-1iss·ouri.

1905.] ~fay

June

9.

75.

l.

76.

12.

77.-

1.

78.

6.

July

'Van'ant "No.

.

79.

6.

80.

5.

81.

6.

82.

S.

83.

.'3.

84 .

7.

8u.

6.

86.

13.

87.

5.

88.

20.

89.

28.

90.

27.

01.

27.

92.

27.

93.

Sept. ]1.

94.

Aug.

1.

95.

4.

96.

11.

97.

1.

98 .

E. Anderson, salary foreign correspondence ................... $ John R. Parson, postage, printing, stationery and incidentals ....... Mayfield Sanitarium, care of Thos. E: Garrett, P. G. M.; at Hospital, to :May 4, 1905 ................ John R.· Parson, salary Grand Secretary for May ................. .Tas. T. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for June .......... Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for May .................. H. E. Anderson, salary C~mmittee Foreign Correspondence for May .. .John R. Parson, salary Grand Secret.ary for June ................ Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for June ................. R. E.- Anderson, Committee on Foreign Correspondence ............ Jas. T. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for July .......... John R. ,Parson, printing, postage, stationery and incidentals ....... Leroy ;8. Valliant, expenses Grand Master ........................ Mayfield Sanitarium, nursing and care of, 'rhos. E. Garrett, P. G. :M: •..• Masonic Home of Missouri, 112 dues for ~lasonlc Home .............. Pride of the West Lodge, No. 179, Funeral Past Grand :Master Thos. E. Garrett .......... , ........... Watkins Livery and Undertaking Co., Funeral of 'Past Grand Master 'rhomas E. Garrett ............. Michel Plant & Bulb Co., 1i'uneral Past Grand Master Thomas K Garrett .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. . J. R. Parson Flag & Regalia Co., Funeral Past Grand Master Thos. E. Garrett ..................... Mrs. Thos. E. Garrett, charity, Past Grand :\laster Thos. ~j. Garrett .. John n. Parson, salary Grand Secretary for month of July ......... Allan ~lcDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for month of July ........ H. E. Anderson, Committee on 1i'oreign COl'l'espondence .. " ......... .Tohn H. Parson, postage, printing, stationery and incidentals .......

K

~

.. ,

51 50 00 100 00 .44 90 208 33 80 00 187 50 50 00 208 33 187 50 50 00 80 00 100 00 500 00 40 00 132 50 45 82

18 00 :W 00

4 20 25 00

208 33 ]87 50 50 00

aoo

00


Proce.edings of the

52¡ Aug.

Sept.

5.

Warrant No. 99.

30.

101.

l.

102.

5.

103.

;J.

104.

13.

103.

1.

lOG.

2l.

107.

(Sept.

Jas. T. Sands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's Office, month of AllgUSt .. $ 1. Skobel; return of fee for Benton Lodge, No. 353 (arrested) ...... .10hn R. Parson, salary Grand Secretary for August .........•..... Allan McDowell, salary Grand Lecturer for August, 1903 .......... H. E. Anderson, salary Committee on Correspondence ............. : Jas. T. l;iands, agent, rent Grand Secretary's office for September .. John R. Parson, postage, printing, stationery and incidentals ....... A. C. Stewart, salary Grand 'l'reasurer ........................... Total Disbursements

80 00 30 00 208 33 187 50 50 00 80 00

225 00 200 00

$31,973 83

RECAPITULA'1'IOX.

Total Receipts : '1'otal Disbnrsemcnts

:

:

': . $75,852 83 '" 31,973 83

.'

Balance on hand

,

,

$43,878 58

"'arrant i\o. 100, dated August 3.1, 1905, has been drawn and delivered to .Jacub C. Meyer, $25, money returned for initiations, but has not yet been prescnte,d for payment. When said warrant is presented.. and paid, the balance on band will be $43,853.58. ]\'0 other money or. property of the Most Worsbipful Grand Lodge has come iuto my posses~ion or control. . Fraternally sUbmitted,. A. C. STEWART,

G,'and 1','easurer.

The reports of the two Grand Treasurers were referred -to Committee on Accounts. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS. ~1. 'V. Bro. \V111. F. Kuhn offered the following amendments: To ameud (14) of Section 12, Article II, oy striking out the clause "for affixing the seal to any other document, fifty cents," and inserting tbe following: "For'taffixing signature -and seal on any other documents as required by the Graq.d Lodge, he shall receive such compensation as the Committee on Ways and Means may deem right." So that when amended it sbalI read: (14) The Grand Secretary shall -receive for ('ngrossing a charter and affixing the seal, three dollars; for 'affixing the signature and seal on


1905.]

Grand Lodge of

53

llJissOU1'i.

any O'thCl' documents as required by the, Grand Lodge, he shall receive such compensation as the ,Committee on Ways anu :Means may deem right; and for his services such annual sum as the Grand Lodge may determine Also to amend Article XVIII. by adding-.an additional sc-ction, as follows: SEC, 226A. Visitatiop,. All persons claiming to be members of the Fraternity and desiring to visit a Lodge in this Gl'and .Jurisdiction, if not vouched fOl', shall, 'hefore passing the required examination, present to the Mastel' of the Lodge a dnly authenticated certificate of good standing in his Lodge, together with a certificate, dUly authenticated by the Grand Secretary, tha t such Lodge is a regular Lodge. Fraternally submitted, W. F. KUHX

,VOl'. Bro. Howard F. Lea' offered the following amendment: Resolved, That Section 66 of the By-Laws, as amended in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge in 1903 (Proceedings of 1903, page 88), be amended by striking out the word "fifteen" in the third line thereof and insel'ting in lieu thereof the word "ten," so that said section, when so amended, shall read as follows: • "SI!:c. 66. Fees. No. Lodge shall confer the three degrees of Ancient Crait Masonry for a less sum than twenty dollars, nor shall any Lodge in a city or town where ten or more Lodges are located confer the three degrees for a less sum than fifty dollars, but more may be charged at the . discretion of the Lodge. One-half the amount must accompany the petition. The balance may be divided as the Lodge may direct, provided that no degree shall be conferre,d until the sum required thel;efol" shall be paid." Fraternally submitted, HOWARD F. LEA, W. M., 220, L. B. MOSER, S. W., 220, I-IU'1'TON GROTE, J. W., 220.

MASONIC HOME REPORT.

J\1. W. Bro. Noah M. Givan presented the annual report of the Masonic Home of Missouri which was ordered printed in the Proceedings. (See Appenqix.) The Grand Lodge was then three o'clock 1::h1s afternoon.

CALLED FRO"I LABOR

until


54

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

FIRST DAY-AFTERNOON SESSION.

September 26, 1905. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 3 o'clock by M. W. Bro. Leroy B. Valliant, Grand Master, the other Gra:nd Officers in their respective places. STANDING COMMITTEES.

The Grand Master announced the following Standing Committees: JL"JusrRUDJ<'NCE.路-'Vrn. M. 'Williams, Ohairman; Theo. Brace, 'V. F. K.uhn, Jas. A. Boone, N. 1\1:. Givan, C. C. Bigger, R. E. Anderson. ApPEALS AND GRnJVANCES.-Dorsey A. Jamison, Ohairman,' Edward Higbee, Xenophon Hyland, John E. Bishop, Simon Suss, Jas. W. Boyd. WAYS AND M})ANS.-A. M. Dockery, Ohainnan,' T. A. Dunn, Fred A Kage, V. li'. Boor, Bert S. Lee, John .T. Steele. ACCOU路NTS.-W. K. Sl>inney, Ohairman,' Howard F. Lea, H. B. Richardson, J. L. Heckenlively, R. E. L. Smith. CHARTERED LODGES.-James M. Breckenridge, Ohai1'1nan,' J. O. Hogg, G~o. F. Brewington, John Kipp, John W. Beall. LOnGE;'; U. D.-Wm. 1. Crawford, Oha.irman,路. F. R. Jesse, H. M. Holland,' Louis Batavia, Will R. Bowles . CREDEN'l'IALs'.-i-'m. Sessinghaus, Ohairman " Fred Raithel, L. B, Towuer, J. D. Dunlop, 11'rank H. Vincil, M. J. Trimble, B. P. Miles. CHARITY.-F. J. Tygard, Ohairman " F. H. McCullough, Jacob Lampert, Jno, W. Lindsay, Frank Smith. REPORTS D. D. G. M.-E. F. Allen, Ohairman; F. R. Newberry, A" L. Ross, F. W. McAl1ist~r, C. W. Waughop. OBITUARIES.-C. H. Briggs, Ohairma.n; Geo. E. Mayhall, Wm. Southern, Jr., W: W. Martin, W. C. Atwood. PAY ROLL.-E. H. Michel, Ohairman,' W. R. Shrodes, Wm. LaBarge, W. A. Armour, Ed. A. Hook. MASONIC HOllm.-Joe McGregor, Ohairman,' H. P. Bond, A~ L. McRae, Oscar Poisson, S. R. Wood. . RITUAL.-Allan McDowell, Ohairman,' Wm. A. Hall, C. W.' Bolster, D. M. Wilson, H. R. Kreeger. BOARDS OF RELIEF.-Frank G. Ade, Ohairman; T. A. Milburn, John L. Bowman, W. H. Totterdale, W. N. McConkin. PLACE OF MEETING.-Louis Mollel', Ohairman " Wm. A. Hall, Wm. E. Hoke. TRANSPORTATION AND HO~'ELs.路-Frank D. Gildersleeve, Ohairman. UNFINJSliED BnsINEss.-J. T. Neville, Ohair.man; G. A. Goben, Frank Russell, J. C. Parmerlee, G. '\T. Russell, H. L. Lorenz. CORR1'JSPONDE!'<CE.--Rufus E. Anderson.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of }"fissouri.

55

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ADDRESS GRAND MASTER.

OF

Nt VV: Bro. A. M. Dockery presented the following report: ~

'1'0 t1le Mo,st 'Worshipful G,"and Lodge Ancient Pree and Accepted Masons of the state of Mris80uri:

Your Committee to whom was referred the able and interesting Address of the Grand Master, begs leave to submit its report: We recommend the approval of the acts of the Grand Master in respect to all Dispensations granted. The Grand )laster suggests that his action in arresting the charter o'f Henton Lodge, No, 3i33, be refel"red to a Special Committee. We "concur in the recommendation. We recommend that his action in organizing Lodges under Dispensation be referred to the Committee on Lodges U. D. The payment of bills without previous appropriation therefor raises a lluestion of business procedure that should be considered by this Grand Body. We recommend that that part of the Address of the Grand Mastel' referring to this matter be committed to the Committee on Ways and'Means. The Grand Master's Edict of the 28th of January last, together with all decisions affecting our Jurisprudence, should be referred to the Committee on JurisprUdence. 'We so recommend. The tl'ibute of tbe Grand Master to the public spirit and commenda'ble liberality of the Masons of St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Joplin, Sedalia, and other places is cordially approved. The report on the condition of Masonry in Missouri, notably in the city of St. Louis, is the occasion of sincere pleasure to all loyal and earnest :Masons. In this connection the Grand Master appropriately recognizes the great work of Brother Allan McDowell. Our Brother is now on the sunset slope of life. Let us hope' that the coming of the twilight shadows at the end of the journey may be long d,eferred; but wbether his days among us he many or few, Allan McDowell will always be held in grateful memory by the Masons of Missouri. ''l'he Grand Master, in eloquent phrase, refers to the death of Past Grand :Masters John D. Vinci! and Thomas E. Garrett. Since our last meeting these eminent MasoJ;ls have launched their barks upon that unknown sea whose waters touch the. other shore. In his later years Brother Garrett was enfeebled in body, but in the days of his prime he was a strong and forceful character in Masonry, and endowed with rare accomplishments in the field of literature, both as a speaker and as a writer. The passing of the lamented Vinci! took from us one of the most eminent and useful of Missouri Masons. He was thoroughly conversant with our .Jurisprudence, and a Masonic writer that had won internation~l renown. For more than a quarter of a century he was Missouri's incomparable Grand Secretary. As a logician, writer, pUlpit and platform speaker his great ability was unsurpassed. Vinci! believed in God and in immortality; and when his ashes were laid to rest by loving. hands in the soil of our beloved Commonwealth, his spirit entered upon another life more beantiful and more wonderfUl than our present existence,:


56

[Sept.

The Masons of Missouri stand in the presence of this great bereavement, and we recommend, therefore, that at some appropriate time this Grund Lodge susp~nd its ordinary business that suitable tributes may be paid to the life and. character of our distinguished dead. The Address of the Grand Mastel' breathes the real sprit of Freemasonry; there is nothing perfunctory in a single sentence of this exceedingly weIlwritten paper.. It seeks to ennoble mankind and uplift OUl' race to a loftier plane of action. While eloquent, it is at the same time intensely practical. The world' is no longer content with mere theories, however beautiful. 'rhe Grand :Mastel' recognizes this important fact and therefore seeks to harmonize our 'professions with our practices. He would have Masons in daily lite exemplify the impressive lessons and teachings of our Ritual. The Grand' Master has been faithful and tireless in the discharge of duty, 'and in his retirement carries with him the love and devotion of Missol1l'i :Masons. A. M. DOCKERY, Chairman. R. F. S'l'EVENSON, XENO'pHON RYLAND, D. A. JAMISON, THEODORE BRACE, W. R. S'l'UBBLEFIELD, JAMES W: BOYD, JOSEPH S. BROWNE, C. H. BRIGGS, . CAMPBELL WELLS, Eo F. ALr~EN, W. Ii'. KUHN, A. M. HOUGH, R. E. ANDERSON, NOAH M. GIVAN, JOHN R. PARSON, C. C. 'WOODS, F. J. TYGARD, Committee.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS.

1v1. "V. Bro. D. A. Jamjson offered the following amendments to Section 249 : • Resolved, That Section 24!) of the Grand Lodge. By-Laws be amended by adding thereto the following: "All such oral testimo'ny shall be taken in shorthand,' when practicable, and when not practicable, the Worshipful i\laster shall appoint a committee who shall reduce the said' oral testimony to writing at the time it is given, and when concluded, they shall certify thereto"-so that the Section, as amended, shaH. read as foHows: SEC. 249. JlJvidence.-.'I'he testimony of all resident Masons who can attend the Lodge shall be given orally in open Lodge at the tr'iaI. All such oral testimony shall be taken in shorthand, when practicable, and when not practicable; the Worshipfnl Master shall appoint a committee who shall l'educe the said oral testimony to \'i'riting at the time it is given, and when concluded, they shall certify thereto. DORSEY A. J A:\nSO~. V. H. FALKI;;~HAixEn.


"

1905.]

G1'and Lodge

.of

1l1issouri.

57

R.,vV. Bro. Louis :Moller offered the following amendments to Section 137 also to Section 63: Amend Section 137 of the

B~'-Laws

by adding after the word "examina-

tiun" in the third line, the following: "either' in open Lodge at a stated or

special meeting, or before a committee of th~'ee Master "Masons, upon his proficiency in the next preceding degree. 'l'he proficiency in either case shall be determined by a majority vote of the I,odge"-so that the Section, as amended, shall read: SEC. 137. Profi,ciency.-No candidate shall be advanced to the Second ,or Third Degree until he shall have passed a satisfactory examination, either in open Lodge at a stated or special meeting, or before a committee of three Master Masons" upon his proficiency in the next preceding Degree. The proficiency shall, in either case, be detet'mined by a majority vote of the Lodge, by a sbow of hands, Amend Section 63, by adding, after the word "examination" in the third line of said Section, the following: "and voting on proficiency"-so that the section, as amended, shall read: SEC. 63. Bttsin6ss in the Third Degree.-All business of a Lodge must be transacted while the Lodge is at labor on the Third Degree, except examination and voting on proficiency for advancement, conferring degrees or trials of gntered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts, as provided in the chapter on Trials. T;,OUIS l\10LIJER, JOHN H. DEEMS,

,V. Bro. H. 'V. Warren offered the following amendment to Section 192: Amend Section 192 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge by adding the following: "Provided, however,' that -any Lodge located within one-quarter of a mile of the limits of said incorporated city or town, shall have jurisdiction over all petitioners wh~ reside in that part of the country lying between the Hall of such country Lodge and the city limits, provided the petitione.t路 lives nearer to the Hall of the countl'y Lodge than to the nearest city Lodge"-so that thl\ Section, as amended, shall read: SEC. 192. Concurrent Jurisdiction.-In cities and towns where there are two or more Lodges, they shall have concurrent jurisdiction over the territory therein, and also over the territory lying equi-distant between the corporate limits of such city or to}'Vn" and the nearest Lodge or Lodges in the various directions therefrom, Pt'ovided, however, that any Lodge located within one-quarfer of a mile of the limits of said incorporated cit J' or town. shall have jurisdiction over all petitioners who reside in that purt of the countl路y lying between tIlE:; Hall of such country Lodge and the city limits. provided the petitioner lives nearet' to the Hall of the country Lodge than to the nearest ~ity Lodge. H. W. WARREN, W. M., No. 路56G. A. D. WIT,I;ECKEX, S. W. !\o. i/6G.


58

Proceedings of the

[Sept:

W. Bro. Eden Reed offered the following amp.nqment to Sectiqn 137, Article 8: Amend Section 137, Article 8, of the By-Laws by adding the words: "Provided, that a committee of three competent members of the Lodge, duly appointed by the Worshipful Master, may examine, privately, and vouch for the proficiency of a brother, at a regulai, or called meeting of the Lodge, which voucher, if no objection is 'offered, shall be equivalent to an election on examination in open Lodge"-so that the entire Section, as amended, shall read: SEC. 137. l'roficiency.-No candidate shall be advanced to the Second or Third Degl'ec until he shall have passed a satisfactory examination, in open Lodge, at a stated meeting, IIpon his proficiency in the next preceding Degree. The proficiency shall bE' determined by a majority vote, by a show of hands. Provided, that a committee of three competent members of the Lodge, duly appointed by the Worshipful Master, may examine, privately, and vouch for the proficiency. of a Brother, at a regular, or called, meeting of the Lodge. which voucher, if no objection is offered, shall be equivalent to an ,examination a!ld election in open Lodge. EDEN REED.

W, Bro. E. E. Morris offered the following amendment to Section 137, Article 8 : To amend Section 137, Article "S, by adding, at the end of said Section, the following proviso: "Provided, that in cities of 100,000 and over, the ~raster may, at his discretion, appoint a committee of three capable Master "Iasons, whose duty it shall be to examine, in an ante-room of the Lodge: [dl candidates for advancement, as to their proficienc:y. After such examination, the committee shall make its report, verbally, before the Altar of the Lodge, with the names of sllch candidates as have passed a satisfactory examination, if any, and the names of those who have not passed a satls factory examination, if any. The report of the committee shall be approved or rejected by a majority vote of the members present, by a show of hands. After the report is acted upon the committee shall be discharged, 'and its duty as a committee shall end with the stated meeting for which it was appointed. Candidates whose proficiency has been approved, by vote on the committee report, shall lle advanced, and have the same standing as if examined in open Lodge,"-so that said section, as amended, shall read as follows: SEC. 137. Pro'/icicnc;/I. No Candidate shall be advanced to the Second 01' Third Degree until he shall hav'e passed' a satisfactory examination, in open Lodge, at a stated meeting, npon his proficiency in the next preceding Degree. The proficiency shall he determined by a majority vote, by a show of hands. l'rovided, that in dties of 100,000 ()r over, the Master may, at his discretion, Hppoint a committee of three capable Master Masons, whose duty it shall be to ('xamine, in an ante路 room of the Lodge, all candidates for advancement, as to their proficiencr. After such examination, the committee' shall make its report, verbally, before the Altar of the Lod~e, with the names of such can'didates as have passed a satisfactory examination, jf any, and the names of those who have 'not passed a satisfactory examination, if any. The report of the committee shall be approved or rejected by a majority vote of the memo


Grand Lodge of

1905.]

Mi~souri.

59

bel's "present, by a show of. hands. After the report is acted upon, the com· lllittee shall be discharged and its duty, as a committee, shall end with the stated meeting for \"hich it was appointed. Candidates whose proficiency has been approved, by vote on the committee's report, shall be advanced, and have the same standing as if examined In open Lodge. E. E. MORRIS.

\V. Bro. W. C.Perry offered the following alnendment to Section 66, ArtIcle 6 : Resolved, That Section 66, Article VI, of the By-Laws be amended by inserting after the word "IJodge," at the end of the third line, the words: "Provided, that in cities with a population of 5,000 or more the minimum sum to be cbarged for the conferring of said Degrees shall be thirty dollars," -so that said section, when amended, shall read as follows: SEC. 66. Fees.-No Lodge 8hall confer· the three Degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry for a less sum than twenty dollars, but more may be charged at. the discretion of the Lodge; provided, that in cities with a population of 5,000 or more, the minimum sum to be charged for said Degrees shall be t.hirty dollars. One-half the amount must accompany the petition; thebal ance may be divided, as the Lodge may direct; provided that no Degree shall be conferred until the sum required therefor shall be paid. W. C. PERRY, W. M., 324. JOHN P. GRIEBEL, 76. A. C. WARNER, P. M., 324. WM. SOUTHERN, JR., P. M., 324.

W. Bro. H. P. Bond offered the following amendlnent to Section 139 : WHEREAS, The law reqUlrlDg newly-made Mastel' Masons to stand an approved examination on the first section of the 'rbird Degree is so generall~' neglected, because of the indefiniteness as to the time limit wben sucb examination shall be bad, and because no penalty is attached to the law; therefore, be it Resotved, That Section 139 be so altered as to read: "All newly-made ~1aster Masons shall stand 'an approved examination in the lecture of the Master's Degree before they shall be permitted to vote, hold office in the IJodge, 01' dimit." . H. P. BO~D.

Rt. W. Bro. IIoward Watson offered the following alnendment Section 173a:

to

That Section 173a be repealp.d. That the following be adopted in lieu thereof: SEC. 173a. A m€mber who desires to transfer his membership to another Lodge in tbis juriSdiction, may do so without terminating his membership in the Lodge of which he is a member, until he has been elected to membership in the Lodge selected fOl' affiliation. Said transfer of membership shall be accomplished as follows: Having complied with the requirements contained


60

[Sept.

Proceedings of the"

in Section 173, he shall give written notice of his intention to the Lodge of which he is a member, stating the name, number and location of the Lodge witb wbich he desires to affijjate, and he shall. procure from llis Lodge a certificl:1te that he is in good standing and not in arrears for dues, which shall be delivered to him, bnt addressed to the Lodge selected for affiliation, which certificate shall constitute and be documentary e~idence, as provided in S€'ction 152, and shall acc,ompany the petition for affiliation. Said petition shall take the usnal course for petitions for affiliation and the Lodge receiving it shall immediately certify the result of tbe ballot on said petition to the Lodge from which the cel·tificate came, which Lodge shall, if the petitioner was elected, at once, forward to the Lodge selected for affiliation, his dimit, which shall terminate his membership in the Lodge which issued the certificate. 'I'he memher so transferring his membership shaH pay dues to the Lodge from which he is_transfening his membership up to the date of said dimit. Should the ballot in the Lodge selected for affiliation be unfavorable. his membErsbip will remain in the Lodge which issued the certificate. If the. certificate of good standing herein provided for is not used within three months from the date thereof, it will become null and void and of no effect. The forms for the purposes ahove mentioned shall be substantially in the fol. lowing language: ' . APPLICATION ..FOR CERTH'ICATE OF GOOD STANDING PUHPOSE OJ!' JOINING A~OTHER LODGE .

FOR '.rIlE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , Missouri" 19 . To the WOl'shipfl,l1 Master, Wardens and Brethren of :,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodge, No. ,: .. ' A: F. and A. ~:L, ." , . Missouri: Brethren.-I herehy apply for, a certificate that I am in good standing Dnd not in an'eal'S for dues, for the pm'pose of transferring my membership to .. : Lodge, No.: , located at , ::\'Iissouri. Fl'aternally,

CRRTIFICA'l'E OF GOOD STANDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF li"ERRING MEMBERSHIP, Hall of , .. , Lodge, No , A. .., " Missouri" To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Member!! of. Lodge, No, ...... '" A. 1". and A. ~1., " . " " Hrethren.-'l'his is to certify that Brothel' , member in good standing of this Lodge and his dues are paid of this certificate. He has heen granted this certificate for transferring his membership to your Lodge,

TnA~S­

F and A. :\1. , 19, , .. , , . " :\lissom'i: is fr up to the date the purpose' of

Yon will kindly. notify this Lod~eof the action of your Lodge. on his petition for membel'ship, and upon being advised of his election, we will for. ward you his dimit. \ If the foregoing certificate of good standing is not used within tlll'ee montbs from the date thereof, it will become null and ~:oid and of no effect. By ordel' of the Lodge. (Seal.)

Fraternally, Se(:retaJ"!!.


.1905. ]

61

Gra.nd Lodge of Jl!lissouri. l'\OTICE OF ELECTIO::\. Hall of

Lodge, No

, A. F. and A. M.. 19 . To the Worshipful Master, ViTardens and Members of'. : . Lodge 1\0. . , A. F. and A. M., ' ~1issoUl'i : Brcth/'en.-Yon are hereby notified that at a stated comp.1Unication of this Lodge, held on the day of : , 19 , a ballot was had on the petition of Brothel' J for membership, which resulted in his election. His petition was accompanied by a certificate of good standing from YOlir Lodge, and you will therefo~'e forward .to this Lodge his dimit. By order of the Lodge. (Seal.) Fraternally, • • • • • .' • • • • • • • • • • • • • J

~lissouri"

Secl'ctary.

Fratcl'llally submitted, HOWARD WA'rSON. \VI\{. A. HALL.

RECOGNI.TION OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES.

M. \V. Bro. 'E. F. Allen preseilte,d the following report, which was adopted: ']'0

thc Grand '.Iodgc ot Ancient Free O1Hl' Accepted Masons Of the State ot JIiSS01l1'i:

Your Committee on the Recognition of such Foreign Grand Lodges as have not been heretofore recogni~ed by the Grand Lodge of 'Missonri, such Committee being continued from the last session of this Grand Lodge, fnrther. report as follows: 1.

GRAND LODGE PORTO RICO. Your Committee find, upon investigation that on June 4th, 1885, t.he Grand Lodge of Cuba granted a petition from Worshipful Bret.hren of Porto Rico, ceding the territory of Porto Rico to all the Lodges established in that island under its Jurisdiction, so that a Grand Lodge might be founded with all the prerogatives and faculties belonging- to its sovereignty. The Parent Grand Lodge (the Grand Lodge of CUba) is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Your Committee is' satisfied as to the regularity and legality of the Grand Lodge of Porto Rico. ' In a recent report received from the Grand Lodge of Porto Rico, we quote the following: "A very large number of Americans have affiliated and many have been initiated in the Lodges of the island. St. John the Baptist Lodge, No. 12, has a membership of about sixty, about fifty of whom are Americans." 'l'he Grand Lodge of Porto Rico in its 1903 report shows twenty Lodges, 873 members, and has offices at San .Juan; Hayden S. :\loo1'e is its Corresponding Secretary. Your Committee' recommend that fraternal relations be established between the Grand Lodge of Porto Rico and the Grand Lodge of Missouri.


62

P.roceedings of the

[Sept.

II. , Your Committee have carefully considered an application for recognition from the Grand Lodge of the State of Coahuila, Mexico, having as its distinctive name "Benito Juarez." And also an application from the Grand Lodge of Brazil, but' not being in possession of sufficient information,. make no recommendation regarding its last two mentioned Grand Lodges. Fraternally submitted, E. F. ALLEN. Ohairman. ALLAN McDOWELL, CAMPBELL WEIJLS, JOSHUA B. THOMAs, w. R. STUBBLEI<'IELD, Oom;nUtee.

. REPORT ON CORRESPONDENCE.

M. W. Bro. R. E. Anderson presented his report, which .was ordered printed in the Proceedings. (See Append,ix.) DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.

~L W. Bro. Geo. W. Bolton, Past ,Grand Master of Louisiana, was introduced and welcomed by Grand1\1aster Valliant. Bro. Bolton respo'nded, expressing his pleasure and gratification at having the opportunity of meeting the members of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. MEMORIAL SERVICES.

The Grand Master announced as the 'Special Order for the afternoon Memorial Services. in memory of our Breth'ren who have departed this life since our.last meeting. The first in orde"i:- being the report of the Comnlittee on Necrology. M. Vi. Bro. C. II. Briggs presented 'the follow.ing report:

,

To the G-rand Lodge ot Ancient Free and AccePted Masons of tile State of Missouri:

Your Committee on Obituaries submit tbe following report: Tbe year that is gone has been marked by tbe passing from the sight of men of two of the most illustrious figures in the history of Missouri Masonry, our Senior Past Grand Masters, one of wbom was known by bis writings throughout the Masonic world, and the other the author of the ,beautiful and impressive funeral service now in general use throughout tbis GJ:and Jurisdiction. Tbough no longer present with us in the flesh, yet their work abides.


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~Iost Worshipful and Reverend .Tohn Davis Vincll, Grand Secretary and, Past Grand Mastel' of the Grand Lod~e of Mi!'>souri, was born' in Tazewell County, Virginia. Aug~st 24, 1830, and died at his home in St. Louis, October 12, 1904, aged seventy-four years. An orphan boy, he was apprenticed to a cabinet maker, with whom he wrought seven years. With but limited school advantages he used his spare time so well that in early manhood he taught school and was elected a justice of the peace and also a member of the County Court. In 1854 he removed to Missouri, locating in Albany. where he taught school, became Dcputy Circuit Clerk and. Magistrate. When a lad of fourteen he joined the Methodist Church, of which he was an honorcd member sixty years. . In 1857 he joined the Missouri Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal' Church, South, and gave twenty vigorous years to the active work of the ministry. Glasgow, Hannibal, Chillicothe, Macon, Columbia, T...ouisiana and Mexico Churches were strengthened by his eloquent preaching and diligent pastol'al work. After loeating in St. Louis to fill the office of Grand Secretary. he continued to preach and frequently supplied churches as pastor. At least two prosperous Methodist Churches in the city of St. Louis werc organized by him while he was Grand Secretary. He was Secretary of the ~{issouri Conference forty years, and represented that Conference a number of times in the General Confcrence of the Church. Governor B. Gratz Brown appointed him a Curator of the University of ~nssouri in 1871. In 1897 he was again appointed by Governor Stephens and l:eappointed by Governor Dockery. He was President of the Board at the time of hi!'> death. The honorary D€gree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the university in .June, 1873. Ilis striking person~l appearance and clear, resonant voice would command attention in any assembly. But the vigor of his thought and eloquence of his speech gave him a fame in the pUlpit and on the platform to which few men ever attain.· Living for a half century in the light of publicity, his was a stainless life filled with fruitful labors that blessed the world.

He was raised to th.e sublime degree of Master Mason in Athens Lodge.

~o .. 127, at Albany, Missouri, and served this Lodge as Senior Deacon.

Secretary and Mastcr. Since May 6, 1884, he was a member of Tuscan Lodge, ~o. 3GO, in St. Louis. He was exalted in Lone Star Royal Arch <;:hapter, No. 30, at Chillicothe in December, 1858. and was appointed Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of MiSSOUri In 1865, 1868 and 1869. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Mastel' at Hannibal in 1864. He was later a member of Hiram Council, No.1, of St. Louis, which he served one year as Thrice Illustrious Master. He received the orders-of Knighthood in Excalibar Comman<;1ery, No.5, at Hannibal in 1864, which he served as Prelate and Recorder. In 1867 he assisted in organizing Emmanuel Commandery, No.7, at Macon, and was its first Eminent Commander, serving four years. Be was elected Grand l'relate of the Grand Commandery in 1865, 1866 and 1871. In 1870 he was elected Grand Commander. He assisted in forming the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star of Missouri in ]875, and was the first Grand Patron. At the organization of


64

Proceedi71p,;s of the

[Sept.

the General Grand Chapter of the United States, in 1876, he was elected :\10st '''orth); Grand Patron. In 1866 Dr. VinciI was- elected Grand Mastel' of Masons of Missouri and again elected in 1868. The year he was 11rst elected the time of the meehng of the Grand Lodge was changed from May to October,' which made his first term seventeen months long. In ISn he was elected Grand Secretary and re-elected annually until his death. He was elected' for the lust time Just two weeks beofre his death,. when his brethren nnderstood that his work was done, but: hy a unanimous vote bestowed for the last time this honor UIJon one who had served them so long and so well. 'l'he highest elIiciency marked the administration of his office during these twent)'-seven years, while bis fame as :b'oreign COlTespondent extended throughout the Masonic world. Witb two of the most important steps ever taken by this Grand Lodge, the name of Dr. Vinci! is inseparaoly connected. The older members of this Body will remember how earnestly and eloquently he plead for the legislation which barred saloon keepers from tbe Fraternlt)' in this State. Not les~ influential was his work in securing the erection of our Masonic Home, and later ill helping to bring about the legislation which placed its adequate support as a legal claim on the entire membership of the Order throughout the State. While the Masonic Home stands, the name of Dr. Vintil cannot be forgotten. ~lost Worshipfnl Thomas Elwood Garrett, Past Grand ;\1aster of Masons of :\fisso\~l'i, was born in Pennsylvania, March 16, 1828, and 'dled in St. Louis June 29, 190:;, aged seventy-seven )'ears.

He became a r,esident of St. Louis in 1851, and for years engaged in newspaper work. He was made a Mastel' Mason in Pride of. the West Lodge, No. 179, in St. Louis, March 9, 1861, which he served as Worshipful Master in 1865 and 1867. He was exalted in Missouri Royal Arch Chapter, Ko. 1, in ]861, and in 1864 affiliated with St. Louis Chapter, No.8, which he served as High Pl'iest in 18G5. He received the Cryptic Degrees in Hiram Council and served as Thrice Illustrious Master. The orders of Knighthood were conferred upon him in St. Louis Commandery, No.1, .Tune ]6, 1862. In 1863 and 1864 he served as Pi'elate. In 1865 he was' elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, and in 18G7 Grand Mastel' of the Grand Council of Missouri. In 1869 he was appointed .Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter, serving one year. . In ] 8fl8, at the organiza,t(on of the Grand Convention of Annointed High Priests, he was elected President and re-elected annually until his' death. In 1870 he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and re-elected in 1871. An abiding monument. to llis memory is the solemn and eloquent funeral service which he prepared and whicb is in general use throughout this State in 1.l1e ourial of ollr drad.


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In other Grand Jurisdictions we note the following distinguished brethl'en whose den tIl has been reported to your Committee: COLORADO.

'V. Bro. Calvin Edgar Reed, Junior Grand Deacon of the Graud Lodge of Colorado, was born in McDonough County, Illinois, March 11, 1865, and died at his home in Denver, February 27, 1905, aged forty years. He was made a )Iason in 1889 and appointed Junior Grand Deacon September 21, 1904. He was elected Grand Mastel' of the Grand Council in 1898 and Grand High Priest in 1900. For five years he served as Assistant AttorneyGeneral of Colorado. n. W. Bro. Oliver Augustus Whittemore, Past Deputy Grand Master and Past Grand Secretary' of Colorado, was born in Spencer, "Massachusetts, March 2, 1828, and died at his home in Denver, May 12: 1905, aged seventyseven years. He was the first Grand Secretary of Colorado, serving from 1861 to ISG5, and was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1867. FLORIDA. :!II. W. Bro. Angus Paterson, Past Grand Master of the Gl~and Lodge of Florida, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 17, 1834, and died at his home in 1\:1adison, Florida, July 26, 1905, aged seventy-one years. He was Grand High Priest in 1886 and 1887, and was elected Grand Master in 1891 and re-elected in 1892. At the time of his death he was President of .the Order of High Priesthood in Fiorlda. ,He was an elder in the Presbyterian ChUl'ch, was Mayor of Madison in 1864 and 1865, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Florida in 1885. ILLINOIS. ,W. Bro. William Lindsay OlT. Past Grand Tiler of the Gl'and Lodge of

Illinois, was born at Washington, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1832, and died in Chicago, April 2, 1\:105, aged seventy-three years. He was Grand Tiler of the Grand Lodge from 1901 to 1904. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1883. IOWA. :vI, w. Bro. John Newton McClannahan, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 7, 1833, and died at his home in Corydon, Iowa, November 30, 1904, aged seventy-one years. He was made a Mason in 1858. He was appointed Deputy Grand Master in 18i 4, was elected Grand Treasurer in 1876 and Grand Master in 1880. M. W. Bro. George Banta Van Saun, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, was born at Passiac, New Jersey, October 29, 1831, and died at his home in Cedar Falls, Iowa,路 December 19, 1904, aged seventy-three years. I-Ie was' elected Grand Master in 1881 and served two terms. "'I. W. Bro. Almon R. Dewey, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge cf Iowa, was born at Mantau, "Ol1io, October, 1845, and died at his home in \Vashington, Iowa, April 15, 1905, in the sixtieth year of his age. He was made a Mason in 1871 and was elected Grand Master in 1897. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1880 and again in 1881 and Grand Commander in 1886. KANSAS. :'II. 'Yo Bro. George S. Green, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, was born near Kenton, Ohio, December 16, 1845, and died at his home in Guthrie, Oklahoma, May 19, 1905, in the sixtieth year of his G. L. Pro.-5


66

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[Sept.

age. He was made a Mason in 1871 and in 1883 was elected Grand Master. In 1884 he was el~cted Grand High Priest. LOUISIANA. M. W. Bro. Samuel Manning 'l'odd, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, was born at Utica, :":ew YOI'k, September 15, 1815, and died at his home in New Orleans, February 1, 1905,' in the ninetieth J路ear of his age. .He was made a l\Iason in ]847 and was elected Grand Mastel' In 1839, ];860, 1870, 1871 and 1872. He was Grand Treasurer in 1861, 18n7 and 1868. He was GI'and Secl'etary five years. beginning with 1862. He was Grand Secretul'y of the Grand Chapter five yeal's, Grand High' Priest two years and Grand 'l'reasl1l'er from 1874 to 1900. He was Grand . Mnstel' of the Grand Council, Grand Recorder and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery' from 1874 to 1HOI: W. Bt路o..John S. Alfred, GI'and Tiler of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, died at Xew OJ'leans, Febt'ullry 27, 1905. He was a Past Grand .Master of the Grand Council of Louisiana. ' MAINE. M. W. Bro. Horace H. Burbank, of l\Iaine, died at his home in Sa('o, years. He was Grand High Priest Grand Council In 1884 and 1885, 'Mastel' in 18q3 and 1894.

Past' Gr~nd Master of the Grand Lodge Maine..January 8, 1905, aged sixty-seven in 1873 and ]874, Grand Master of the Grand Commander in 1893 and Gt'and

MICHIGAN. 1\1. W. Bro. George Washington Peck, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of l\lithigan. w'as born in 1816 and died in Saginaw, Michigan, June 30, 1H05. aged eighty-nine years. He was made a l\1a~on in '1847, elected Grand :'IIaslel' in 1854 and re-elected in 1855, lIe was Speaker of the House of Hepl'csentatives of Michigan, Secretary of State, and in 1854 was elected to Congress. . M. W. Bro, William Burnham, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 1\I!chigan, was 'bom in 18~4 and di'ed at Grand Hapids, Michigan, June 30, 1!)(l;;. aged eighty-one years. He was made a :Mason In ]85i and was elected Orand ~Iaster in 1877. 路He 'was, active in the organization 'of the Michigan :\Insonlc Home, and at the time of his death was Trustee of thc Home for the Grand Lodge. MI:\'NESOTA.

1\1.

"r. Bro. ,Tacob Armel Kiester, Past Grand Master of the Grand of Minnesota, was born at 1\It. Pleasant, Pennsylvanil!-, April 29,

Lodge 188:2, lind dIed at his home in Blue Eal'th. 1\1lnnesota, December 13, 1\)04, in the se,'('nty-third ~'eat' of his age: He became a Master Mason In 1873 and was elected, Grand Master in 1888. 1\101\TASA. l'lf. W. Bro, Wilbur Fisk Sanders,

Past Grand Master' of the Grand' Lodge of Montana, was born In ?\ew York May 2, 18:34, and died in Montana in .June, Itl05, aged seventy-one years. When the Grand Lodge of Montana was organized in January. ]866, he was elected Grand Sect'etary and sen'ed until October, lR(j8, when he was elected Gt'and Master. When Montana was admitted as a, State he was elected United States Senator.


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of

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67

NImHASKA. M. W. Bro. Robert Willdnson FU1'llas, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebmska, was born near Troy, Ohio, May 5, 1824, and died at Lintoln, Nebraska, June 1, 1!J05, aged eighty-one years. He was made a Mason in IS;)::! and was Grand Secretal'y from 18::>8 to 1862, Grand Master from 18f15 to 1867 and Gl'and Secretary again路 from 1869 to 1872. He sel'vl'd the Grand Commandery as Grand Recol'der and Grand Commander. He was a colonel In the regular army during the Civil War, and afterwards Governor of !\ebraska. NEVADA. M. W. B~路o. 'l'l'enmor Coffin.-Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nevada, was bom In IIendl'icks County, Indiana, August 22, 1848, and died at his home in Carson City, Kevada, August 26, 1904, aged fifty-six years. He was elected Gr8:nd High }'riest in 18\)5 and Grand Mastel' in 1903. NEW JEHSEY. M. W. Bro. 'Thomas W. Tilden, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of l\'ew Jersey, was born September 19, 1838. and died at Jersey City August 10, 1901), aged sixty-seven years. He was made a Master in 1866 and was ~lected Grand :\lasterin 1891 and 1892. In. 1884 he was elected Grand Commander of New Jersey. NEW YORK. M. W. Bro. Jesse B. Anthony, Past Grand 1\laster of the Grand Lodge of l\'ew York. died at Utira, Kcw York, May 25, lll05. He was Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. and from its organization was Superintendent of the Masonic Home at Utica: NOVA SCOTIA. M. W. and Reverend Bro. David Christmas Moore, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kova Scotia, was born in England and died at Cnsop, England, Marth 17. 1905, aged eighty yeays. He was six years Grand Chaplain. and in 1888 and 188fl was Gmnd :\laster of the Grand Ledge of :'\o\'a Scotia. He was a clergyman of the Chun,h of England in Nova Scotia and in England, . PE~NSYL VANIA.

1\1. W. Bro. George K Wagner, Past Gra'nd :Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,. was horn in Giessen, Gel'many, ~'lay' 18, 184:!, and died in Philadelphia, September 30. l!)()4, aged sixty-two years. lIe was three years .Grand 'Master of the Grand Lodge, and served the Grand Chapter as Grand High Priest. RHODE ISLAND. 1\-f. W. Bro. James Elisha Tillinglulst, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. was born in Providence, July 26, 1850. and died at his home in that city .Tanuary 30, Ul05, in his fifty-fifth year. He was made a l\lason in 1886 and wll:s elected Grand l\1aster in l\1ay, 1904.

VER:\IONT. 1\[,. W. Bro. Ozro Meacham.

Past Grand 1\faster of the Grand Lodge of Ve'l'mont, was born in Potsdam, Kew York. August 28. 18~1. and died' while taking part in the service at St. ~i'homas Church at Branden, Vermont,


68

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

Sunday, October 23, 1904, aged seventy-three years. He was made a Mason in 1834, elected Grand Mastel' in 1883, and again in 1884, WI~CONSIN.

. M. 'V, Bro. Oliver Libbey, Past t Gmnd Master of the G1'llnd Lodge of Wisconsin, died at his boyhood home in Portland, Maine, December 26, 1904. He was made a Mason in 1866 and was elected Grand Master in 1884, serving two years. • 1\'1. W. BI'O. Emmons Elijah' Chapin. Past Grand Mastel' of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, was born at Aurelius, Kew York, July 18, 1829, and died at his home in Milwaukee, May 17, 1905, aged seven'ty-six years, He was made a "fason in 1855 and was Grand "faster from 1880 to 1882. WEST VIRGINIA, M. W. Bt·o. William

I-Ienr~'

Harrison l<-'lick, Past Grand Master of thl' Grand Lodge of West' Virginia, died at his home in Martinsburg, West Virginia, .June 7, 1904, in his sixty-second year. He was Grand Mastel' of the Grand Lodge, Grand Iligh Priest of the Grand Chapter, and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery. Long and faithfully tl1ese honored brethren have served the Craft and their fellowmen, They have entered into their reward leaving an example which is 'an inspiration to those who take their place and carryon the work to which they gave the stl'ength of manhood's prime and the riper experience af life's maturer years. :May their God continue to be our God, and may we also ::tbide faithful. FratElrr.all~· 'Submitted: C, H., BRIGGS, Chairman. C, C. BIGGER, F. A. KAGE, GEO. Eo MAYHALL, WM. ~OUTHERN, JR., j

Committee.

M.

"T. Bro. Noah M. Givan then spoke as follows:

Thomas Elwood Gal'l'ett was born March 16, 1828, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and died in St. Louis, !\{issouri, June 29, 1905, after a continuous residence in the latter city of fifty-four years, His Masonic. birth was in Pride of the West Lodge, No. 179, St. Louis, in 1861, and his Masonic growth was rapid, having served several years as District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lecturer two years, Grand Senior 'Warden and .Deputy Grand Master one year each, and Grand Mastel' of Masons of Missouri for the Masonic years of 1870 and 1871. Before this he bad been honored with the positionR of Grand High Priest and Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chaptel' and Grand Mastel' of the Grand Council. lIe filled the exalted position of Most Exce)lent President of the Grand Convention of Anointed High - Priests for thirtyseven ~'eal's, from 1868 un(o the date of his death. He was a Knight Templal' and a Scottish Rite 33 Degree Mason. For a number of years after he was Grand :l\fast.er of the Grand Lodge, he \Vas chait'man of the Committee on ,Jurisprudence, 'rhis in brief is his Masonic history, His early religious training was that of the Friends 'ai, Qual,ers, and it largely controIfed his entire life.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of 1l1issouri.

69

His secular avocation was that of a journalist, having been fOl' many )'cars a literal'Y editor and dramatic critic on the Mis801tri ~e1)lIbUcan) now the Republic. His name did not appear as such and therefore, his merits as a writer were not fully recognized. A man more ambitious for fame would not have been satisfied with this, but his quiet nature made him content with the consciousness of his merit as an author without the publicity which usually attends such merit. The way in which men speal{ of each other is often an index of their own character. The touching tribute to the memory of Brother George Frank Gouley, delivered by Brother Garrett in 1877, contained many beautiful gems of thought which reflected his own spirit. Spealdng of Gouley he' said, among other things: ' _ "The Secretary was a man of broad views; tied to no creed, he respected all. He had a tl'Uly Catholic mind. He recognized the universal fatherhood of God, and the universal brotherhood of man, His dl'eam was of human progress and the final emancipation of man from error, His work days were spent in the search for truth, and the recognition of its majesty employed his tongue and pen. The principles of It'reemasonry had so thoroughly permeated his mind and heart and being that charity was the essential product of his nature. He did nothing fl'om a cold sense of duty; everything for love. He treated the natural change of death in a philo-. sophical spirit. While contemplating the dark shadow which must finally envelop all, he was radiant with his own essential sunshine. Death bad no terrors for him. He wanted his change to be sudden. So it came. He leaped the b'Junds of time in the enjoyment of perfect health and solved the enigma of eternity in an instant. It was his often expressed desire that his friends should remember him, not mourn for him; but how can human nature practice such cool and pure philosophy. No other hand clasp can ever replace his. No othCl' smile can ever light up a mutual friendship like bis. No other tongue can ever utter the cheery music of his voice. lie is sunshine in memor)' alone." These quotations tell of the ability of Brother Garrett as a writer when in his prime. They also show the spirit of the writer. Even with so bright a subject as Gouley, few artists could have made the pictm"e so perfect. Many of his expressions show forth his own nature. His addresses as Grand Master, including those delivered by him at corner-stone layings-notably that of the Warrensburg Normal School-his reports to the Grand Lodge in various capacities-notably his great eulogy on the death of Geol'ge Fr~nk Gouley, quoted from above, and the :Masonic Burial Sel'vice which he prepared-have distinguished him among M:asons as a man of rare literary ability. It was unfortunate for him that bis work fell so excluslvelJr along these lines and was performed in seclusion, for he needed the encouragement of some praise and he needed to come in touch with the outside world to develop him and to stimulate him to greater exertion and higher aspirations than could come to one in a dingy little room of even a great metropolitan newspaper. It made his growth too much like a cellar' plant and failed to fit him for continued development and strength In his older years., His earlier and middle life, however, showed his possibilities. His jurisprudence reports and his decisions wbile Grand Mastel' r,;howed llinl a natural jurist,' if there be such a thing. His ritualistic work, wherever be rendered it, whether in Lodge, Chapter, Council or Convention of High Priests, was most impressive and showed him a superior actor, with the highest and llllL'cst conception of the subject in hand. His


70

Proceedings of the,

. [Sept'.

work here leaves n. l~sting impres<;;ion. His willingness that his life work should be kept from the public 'ga7.e was full of merit and commendation. He was conscious that his honest efforts were' known to Him who knows all things and who would make'tbat portion of his work which was merito;ious a blessing to the world, and he was content to Imow that he had been a blessing to the world, even if it were only Imown to a few of his fellows and to his Heavenly Father. Had his early ambitions been encouraged and his life work been less secluded, had he been thrown into the mOl'e rugged paths of life and duty, and thel"eby developed into strong and robust service, he would have seen the glamour of pUblic applause, and he \...ould have been more' widely known and more generally l~mented ~hen called to that bourne from whence no trav~lel' ever returns. As it was he ,,"'al'. a great man. and a Mtlson. In his prime he was a power of strength-a veritable leader in this Grand Lodge. His works do follow him. Because he was not loud and aggre~sive, it must" not be inferred that he was weak or vacillating. On the, other hand, he was firm in maintaining the principles of justice and right at all times, and never fOl' a moment did he waver in the maintenance of the highest standard of Masonic ethics. He was gentle and kind. and these quaIit..ies, mingled with his firmness .and strong adherence to Masonic teachings made him the great man and Mason that he was. "As a friend he was true and steadfast. If he bad enemies he royally ignol;ed them as such." He was laid to rest by the Grand Lodge with the impressive funeral service which he had long ago so well prepared for the Craft, there to remain until the resurrection morn. ' Peace to his ashes and rest to his soul.

Eloquent and feeling addresses to the memory of Brothers John D. Vincil and 'rhos. E. Garrett were made by M. ,V. Bro. A. :M. Dockery; M. 'V. Bro. R. E. Anderson, M. 'V. Bro. \V. R. Stubblefield, Rev. Bro. Vy. F. McMurry and others. M. 'V. Bro. Xenophon Ryland moved the adoption of the report of the Committee on Necrology by a standing vote, when it was unaniulously adopted. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CEMETERY LOT.

W. Bro. C. A. Rosebrough presented the following report, which ,vas adopted: ST.

LoHIS,

Mo., September 26, 1905.

'1'0 the Grand Lod.qe af Ancicnt Frcc a.nd Acccptc(l Masons Of thc State of Missouri:

Your Committee appointed to "arrange for the care of the Grand Lodge bui'ial 'Iots in Bellefontaine Cemetery" beg leave to report that they have


1905.]

71

Grand L.odge of ili issouri.

placed granite corner posts and entrances on both lots-the entrances bearing the title of the Grand Lodge and the Square and Compasses. . The lots are now complete and in good order. In our previous report we spoke of the lots baving been sodded and We markers having been placed at each grave, with numbers corresponding with the nl1mbers on the books of the cemetery, by which graves of the deceased' .brothers may be located. It is but just and proper to state that the Bellefontaine Cemetery AssocIation very kindly and generously attended to the sodding and placing of the markers without eharge to the Grand I,odge.

Y(mr Committee wil.l at the pr?per season arrange for the annual care of these lots. Fraternally SUbmitted, C. A. HOSEBROUGH, WM. GILLESPIE, Committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOTELS.

W. Bro. F. D. Gildersleeve pr'esented ,the following report, which was adopted: 'l't) the Worshipful Grand Master of Missouri. A. 1". and A. M.: DEAR 8m AND BROTH'CR.-I respectfully report that pursuant to your instructions, reduced rates have been arranged from all points in the State of Missouri to St. Louis and return, for the occasion of the Grand Lodge Meeting to be held in this city, September 26, 27 and 28, and that all Subol'dinate Lodges have 'been not only advised of the fact, but also furnished with a list of various hotels and hotel rates.

Fraternally submitted, F. D.

GILD~HSLEEVE.

The Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 8 o'clock this evening. Prayer was offered by Rt. W.路Bro. Geo. W. James, Grand Chaplain.


72

Procee~ing:s

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[Sept.

FIRS'I' DAY-EVENING SESSION. 'fUESDA Y,

September 26, 1905.

The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 8 o'clock by M. 'V. Bro. Leroy B. Valliant, Grand Master" the Grand Officers in their proper stations. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS.

R. W. Bro. Howard Watson proposed the following amendment to Section 83: 'l'hat the cl.ause: "be posted on the bulletin board in t11e ante-room of each Lodge at its stated 'meetings, and t11e'n placed on file," be -stricken fl'om said Rection and that the following be adopted in lieu of the aforesaid: "be read 路to the Lodge to which sent at the next stated communication, and placed on Hle,"-so that said Sedion, when amended, shall read: SEC. 83. Notifi,cations -In an3' city or town where two 01' more Lodges are situated, it shall be the' dut3' of the Secretary of each Lodge to notify every other Lodge in said city or town of all petitions for initiation or membership, and also of all rejections, suspenslo!!s, expulsions and reinstate, ments, which shall be read to tlle Lodge to which sent at .the next stated comm!lDication, and placed on file. HOWARD WATSON.

W. Bro. W m. Sessinghaus proposed the following amendlllent to Section 93a: To amend b;y adding after the word "Lodge" in the fourth line the clause "said representative shall be either Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Proxy of' the Worshipful Master; Proxy of the Senior Warden, or Proxy of the Junior Warden who may attend the Grand Lodge, in the order named," so that said Section, when amended shall read as foIlows: SEC, 93a. Milea[JC and Per Dicm.-'l'bc Past Grand Masters, Grand (ljficers, District Deput~路 Grand Masters, District Lecturers, and one Representative fl'om each Subordinate Lodge (said Representative shall be either the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, proxy of the Worshipful Master, proxy of the Senior Warden OL' proxy of the Junior Warden, who 'may attend'the Grand Lodge, in the order named) shall be paid the sum of two dollars ($2.00) for each day the3' may be in actual attendance upon the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge, and two cents pel' mile for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and retul'l1ing therefrom;


1905.]

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73

Prol;ir1!~I1, that no Representative shaH receive either mileage or per diem, nule:;s all dues from his Lodge to the Grand Lodge have been paid, and that no Representative shall receive more than one-fourth of the sum paid as dues by his Lodge for such year, and no one shall receive mileage or per diem in a double capacit:r; and prov-ided further, that the dues of fifty cents per member now provided by law for the support of the Masonic Home, :ohall be colleeted ann paid over. for that !JUl'pose, and no part of the same shall evel' be used JOI' the payment of such mileage or per diem, or any eXJlense of the Grand Lodge,

COMMITTEE ON BENTON LODGE.

The Grand Master annQunced the following committee in matter of the arrest of Charter of Benton Lodge 353: Wm. 'f,. Jamison, C. A. Mosman, Gregory S. Miller, vVrn. L. Reynolds, Jr., and Wm. K. Spinney.

tl~e

EXEMPLIFICATION OF WORK.

The Grand Lodge was placed in charge of R. W. Bro. Allan McDowell, Grand'Lecturer, who, assisted by the" Grand Officers, exemplified' the work in the first and Second' Degrees. The Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 9 o'clock tOlllorrow morning. Prayer by Rt. W: Bro. Geo. W. James.

SECOND DAY-MORNING

SE~SION.

Wednesday, September 27,1905. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 9 o'clock by lVl. VV. Bro. Leroy B. yalliant, the other Grand Officers in their respective places. Prayer was offered by R. 'V. Bro. J. H. Miller, Grand Chaplain. , The minutes of the several' sessions of September 26th were read and approved.


74

Proceedingso! the,

'[Sept.

PETITION OF TROY LODGE.

The following petition was received from Troy Lodge No. 34, and on motion of VV. Bro. Frank Howell, the same was granted: HALL OF

THOY LODGE, ,No. 34, A. F. & A. M.

0

'/'0 the Grand LOtl.qc of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of

Mis80uri:

At a regular Communicntlon Of']'l~OY Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. :M., held on the !\th day of September, l~Or>, the following resolution was introduced and read: I

']'0

the lfost WorshipfUl Grand Master, 'Wanlen8 an(Z Brethren of the Grand' Lo(]qe of Missouri:

WHEllEAS, The legal title to the follo\\'lng described property, to wit: Hall. Lor being 50 fe~t off north part Lot No. 114, in' the City of l.'roy, Mo., is vested in the Grand Lodge of A. Ii'. & A. M., of the' State of Missomi, for the use and lJenefit of 'l'l'Oy Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M., and WHl::llBAS, 'fhe purchll1;e price of said property was paid by said Troy Lodge and the legal title made to said Grand Lodge at the time of said purchnse as a convenient trustee to hold thc legal title for the use and benefit of said Troy Lodge, and 'YHlm芦;As, The huilrlings and improvements on said property are now In such dilapidated c,moition as to l'ender them unfit for Lodg-e purposes, and for said property to be of any use and benefit 路to said 'froy Lodgc, it has become necessar.v 'to erect a new building thcreon, 01' to sell said property and re-invest the proceeds in othcr property snitable fOI' Lodge put'poses, or to sell a part .)f ~mid property and Invest the proceeds in a new building on the remaining part, and 0/ WHEI:I<~AS, it is now necessary that the title to said property be vested In tl'lIs(ecs with authority to convey the samc at such time and on such terms as said Troy Lodge may dir~ct ; I Therefore, we, tbe Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Tro)' Lodge, .1,'1;0. 34, ~ereby petition the :l\fost Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri to convey the title, or ca.llse the same to be conveyed, to the present Worshipful Master and 'Val'dens of '.f'l'oy'Lodge, No. R4, and their successors in office, to hold in trnst for the uSe and benefit of Troy Lodge, No .. 34. At a regular communication of Troy Lodge, No. 34, held on the 23d day of September, 190;'), thc foregoing resolution was again read and adopted by unanimous vote Fruternally submitted, , FRANK HOWELl" W. M. l.'roy Lodge, No. 34, A. F. & A. M. GEOHGE W. COLBERT, Secretary. ~1al'lonic

0

ELECTION OF MASONIC HOME DIREC:TORS.

On' motion of M. W .. Bro. C. H. Briggs the' following brethren were elected Directors of the lVfasonic Home. R. E. AndersOll, l~. J. Tygard, J. B. Thomas and V. O.


Grand Lodge of Missouri..

1905.]

75

Saunders for three years; flnd J. "V. Boyd for one year to fill the unexpired term of the late Brother John D. Vinci!. PETITION

OF"

MEMBERS RYLAND LODGE 332 (DEFUNCT.)

The following petition was presented by members of former Ryland Lodge No. 332, and the salhe was :referred to the Committee on Chartered Lodges: 1'0 the ilf()st 1V()rshipf1a Grand Lodge, Ancient F,'ee and Accepted Masons, of

the State of Missouri:

We; ::l:l2, A. peculiar tbat the that we

the undersigned, Master Masons, late members of Ryland Lodge, No. 1<'. & A. !II., .of Bedin.. ~:10., would respectfully pray, owin~ to the circumstances attending the arrest of the Charter of said Lodge, same be restol'ed to us, and that we be given an opportunity to prove are able and comp!!tent to l~onduct a Lodge of Ancient, Free and Al~cepted Masons, in a creditable manner.

We are assured that if our Charter is l'e!:'tored we will soon have quite numbel' of accessions.

B.

With full l'elian~e in the wisdom, mercy and justice of the Grand Lodge, we do fOl' the above favol' most humbly pray. Fraternally submitted, E. M.

Mc~HLLEN,

WILLIAM ADKINSON, .J. E. COPELIN, h HAMILTON, It. L. SMI'l'H, B. F. ROSS; R. B. ESTOP, D. C. CAMPBELL, .T. R. MC~IILLEN, O. S. 'MORROW, GIilORGE R. WELLIm, SR., P. P. WELLER, .J. B. OWENS, .T. B. OWENS, JR., S..J. HULL, WM. BANDY, CLE;\IEN BUTLER, JOHN T\1- CAMPBELL, \VILLIAM S. BRYANT, J. T. BROWNING.


','6

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

REVISION AND CODIFICATION OF GR路AND LODGE LAW.

Rt. W. Bro. A. L.- Ross offered_the following resolution which was referr~d to the Committee on Jurisprudence: 'VHEREAS, Numel'ous changes have been made in the By-Law~ of this. Grand Lodge since the revision and pnblication of said By-Laws in lSD2; an'd . WHEHI~AS, Doubt and uncertainty often arise in t1~e minds of the Craft as to what the Law now is; therefore, be it Resolved, '.rhat a committee of three be apI>ointed by the Most Wor路 shipful Grand ;\fastei', with instructions to revise and codify the Constitution and By-Laws of tllis Grand Lodge, and report such revision and codification to the next Annual Communication of this .Grand Body.

READING CLERK.

On .motion of R. 路VV. Bro. C. W. Bolster it was decided\. to appoint a Reading Clerk, and M. W. J?ro. C..I-I. Briggs was appointed to serve Q.uring this session. PETITION FROM MEMBERS BENTON LODGE 353.

A petition was received from former luembers.of the late. Benton Lodge, No. ~53, which was referred to, a Special Committee appointed last evening to investigate. condit.ions .which led to the arrest of Charter of this Lodge. SECOND READING OF AMENDMENTS.

The several amendmepts to By-Laws of the Grand Lodge which were presented yesterday were read a second time by Grand Secretary. MEMORIAL OF D. T. COLLIER.

The following Memorial was read and referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence: D. T. Collier, who was suspended fOl' non-payment of dues by Latimer .Lodge, No. 395. A. Ii'. & A. M., of Licking, Mo., now extinct, petitions the Grand Lodge of the State of MisSOUl'i for re-instatemen~. Latimer Lodge, No: 145, of Licking, Mo., recommends that Bro. D. T .. Collier be restored to Masonic standing on bis payment of $1.50, the amount of one year's dues at time of his suspension. Fratcmally Sllbmitted. '.L'. B. MITCHELL, 8ecretu1'1}.


Grand Lodge of J11issouri.

1905.J REPORT

OF

COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCES.

APPEALS

77 AND

NI. \V. Bro. D. A. Jamison presented the report of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, a portion of which ~was acted on and final ~onsideration of the matter was, postponed until the Afternoon Session. ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS.

The hou'r for the election of Grand, Officers having arrived, the. Grand Master appointed Brothers H. A. Hatfield, Oscar Poisson, J. D. Dunlop, Wm. E. Hoke; J. 0. Hogg and Frank '\T. Smith as Tellers. The election proceeded with路 the following results: BIW'l'HER A. S. lIousToN, Mexico, Grand Master. BROTHER D. M. WILSON, Milan, Deputy Grand Master. Pending the election of the Grand Senior Warden, the' Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 2:30 o'clock this afternoon. SECOND DAY-AFTERNOON SESSION.

September 27, 1905. The Grand Lodge was CALLED '1'0 LABOR at 2: 30 o'clock by :WI. 'V. Bro. Leroy B. Valliant, the other Grand Officers in their respective statiQlls. REPORT

OF

COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCES.

APPEALS

AND

:M. \V. Bro. D.' A. Jalnison resumed the reading of the report on Appeals and Grievances which was considered section by section and then' adopted as a whole as follows: To the Jlo8t Worshipful Gntncl Dod.rle of Andent, Free and AcceZJted Masons of the State of .Missouri:

Only nine cases have been refened to your Committee on Appeals and Grievances. It is t'vidence of the fact that peace and harmony prevail to an llnnsnal extent in tlli:;; Gl'and .Jnl"isdiction.


Procee~ings

78

of the

[Sept.

We submit the following as our report on said cases:, I. ~'~::~TI'Or.T

LODGE,

No, 340,

VB •

•TOHN A, F.\GG. ~-P, ~ ',J<,

STA'l'I...;:\fENT. '

''1'h~ all~"

churge in this pase, contains four spec!t1cations, which are substantias follows: •. '

1. Tbat the acc 1lsed, John A. I<'agg, during the month of April, 1904, lived with a woman, other than his lawful wife, as her husband, he at the same time'bei~g a manied man and having a lawful wife, 2. 'fh~t·the accused. on 01' abollt the 24th day of October, 1903, did, without )ust cause or ~xcuse, abando'n and desert his wife, Mal'Y Francis Fag-g. and UHlir minol' child, a babe of less than one ~'ear old, and made no lll'ovision for theil' support, though being well able to do so; and that he continued to tn~at tljem thus llntil ~Ia~f 3, 1904, at which latter time his wife ohtained a divorce from him.

3. That the said accused. John A. Fagg, on or about the 1st of :\lay, 1901, at Kansas City. .Taclt,;;on County, l\1issouri., being then and there emJllo~'ed in the Department of the Post:tl Service of the United States, as re;;istel' cJer!<. at the I'ostotfice. at Uniop Depot, at said Kansas City, did embezzle fl'om the United Rtates malls $8,000 in money, 4. 'fhac the accused did, on the !Sth day of Api.'il, 1901, while employed in the Postal Department at said place, steal and embezzle a certain meerschaum pipe fl'onl tlle United States mails (\f the value of $8, The accusl:d was tl'ied before Westport Lodge, on January 10, 1903. He was not pI'esent in pel'son, but was represented by counsel. Through his (ounsel he pleadc'd ~'not gull ty." 'l'hel'e waR 'lnJficient evidence offered to sustain the first specification. The second spe('itkation was conclusively established. The third and fourth specifications werE' aiso )lroven by the intl'odnctibn In evidence of certified cupies fl'om the District C()urt of the United States for the Western Division of the Western Distri~t of l\Iissouri. wherein it appearR that in one case he was indicted, tried and found g:uilty of embezzling the $8,000, and in the other case be was Indicted, tl'jed and convicted of embezzling the meerschaum pipe, In eaeh case he was s'pnteneed to imprisonment in the ?lIissouri State Penitentiary fo/' fOlll' ~'ears, whel'l! he is now sel'vin~ out these sentences. There was no competent evidence oi'f'el'ed in uehalf of the defendant, but ,a letter from him to the Lodge, dated Decembel:'2i, in04, was read. The hallots on the foul'

specifi,~ations

were as follows:

First specification: GuiltJf, 13; Dot guilty, 8; blank, 2. ' Second specllication: Guilty. 12; not guilty, 9; blank, 1. Third ,specification: Gnilty, 10; not guilty, 11 ; blank, 1. I·'ourth specification: Guilty. 12; not guilty, n; blank, 1. The Worshipful l\Iaster thereupon declared the accused "not guilty," by reason of thCl'C Dot being a plurality Yote of two-thirds of the members present. In due tim? Bl'other 0, H', Swearingen perfected an appeal to this Grand Lodge, and for grounds of appeal alleges:


1905.J

Grand Lodge of A1issouri.

1. Because the Lodge ened in its decision and judgment on each and alI specifications. \ 2. llecause the decision and judgment of the Lodge should have been guilty on each and evel'~' specification. a. Because the decision and judgment of the Lodge on each and every specification was against the evidence.

DIllCJRIOi-l. Your committee is of the opinion that the evidence as to all of the speelfications conclm;ively and oYerwhelmingly establi~hes the guilt of the . accused. '.rhe grounds for appeal are. therefore, well taken. The Lodge failed to do Its dllty in acquitting the accused. It stultified itself by the vel'did and judgment. A repetition of, such an offense on its part would justify the alTest of Its Charter. ' "'e see no reason for remanding this case. We, therefore, recommend that the verdict and judgment of the Lodge in this case be reversed, and that .Jo;1I1 A. Fa~g be and he is here\)~- expelled from all the rights and pl'hilege~ of Free Masonry; , II.• Ix HE PET!'l'IOX OF .TAMES R. CUAWFonD FOR RESTORATION.

STATEl\1ENT. It appears from the papers in this case that the petitioner was, on the

!lth da.y of .July, 1833, expelled \)y Center Lodge, No. 401, at Lebanon, Laclede County, ~Iissotll'i, for "illki t cohabitation," he at the time being a married man. . ' Center Lodge, No. 401, has .since ,1uly 9, 1883, consolidated with Laclede Lodge, No. 83. ' The petitioner petitions the G)'uno Il()d~e to restore him to good Masonic standing. !tnrt promises a cheerful obedience to the laws of the Craft. It appears from thn papers in this case that Laclede Lodge, No. 83, at Lp.hanon, :\10., h.\, resolution of FeIJrnary Hi. 1905, recommends the restoration to good Masc!Jic standing of the petitioner. T1H're :llso appears :llTIong the papers a letter addressed to the Gran(l Secretary. signed hy six Past :\Iasters of 'Vyandott Lodge, No.3, of Kansas Cit,y, Kan., to the following effect: "KA~SAS CITY, KAX., April 21, 1905. "Mr. John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, Ancient, Pl'Ce and Acccpted Masons, St. Louis: \ "DEAl: Sm AND BnOTHEn-·Jn re~ard to the restoration of James n. Crawford, \ve will say that MI'. Crawford has lived with us for the last {Ween ~'ears, and has J'aised an honorahle. respectable family, and has always bet>n upright alld honorahle in every respect, and we take, pleasure in recom· mending him for restoration." DECISION.

Section 85. of'th e Gl'and Lo<1gt' E~r-Laws, provides for the consolidation of Lodges, nnd fUI·ther provides that when two Lodges consolidate that the books, property, furniture, money on hand and due, 01.' to become due to


80

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

,

the ,Lodge so surrendering its Charter, shall be and become the property of the Lodge wbose name and Charter nave been assumed, (:tc. It appears from the rccord in this case and from the Grand Lodge records that Ccnter Lodge surrendel'ed its Cbartcr wben it consolidated witb Laclede IJodge, No. 83. '.rhe members of Center IJodge ther'eby became members of Lacl~de Lodge, No. 83: Those members who had been expelled from Center Lodge prior to the consolidation th-ereby became expelled member's of. Laclede Lodge, No. 83, as far as a petition for restoration is concerned. This point ,was expressly decIded b~i this Grund Lodge in 1897, (See Proceedings of 1897, Pllges, 16 aud 85,) The petitioner, tberefore, should petition Laclede Lodge, No. 83, for restoration. If Laclede Lodge fails to restore him, his remedy will then be, and not until tben, to tbis Grand Lodge. lror the reasons above set forth we recommend that the petition of .Tames R. Crawfoi'd fOI' restol'ation be dismissed. Ill. ASHLAR LODGE,

No. 306,

VB.

B. C. MOORE.

STAr!, BlM:ENT. 'l'hcre is on~y one specification In this charge. It is to the effect that the accused, on or about the 24th day of .January, 1905, at the town of Commerce, in ~cott Count~', and on other days and times, did become and was intoxicated. At the trial of the casc the accused plead "guilty." The next record entry is to the following effect: "'l'hird. The路 next procceding in the case was to take" a vote as to whether ;le should be suspended or' given a repr'imand. Upon ballot being counted it was found that eIght hrothers voted for the reprimand and six brothers for the suspension." It fmther apilears that the Worshillful Master appointed a brother to administer the reprimand, etc. H also appears that by document, dated I\1:arch 22, 1905, the Junior Wal'den att~mpted' to take an' appeal in this case, and as for alleg-ed g-rounds of appeal, he states, amon~ other things, that "the accllsed appeared in open lodge on the night of trial uno(>r the influence of liquor and intoxicated, 1 feel th.at the Lodge elTed in Jetting the brother off with a reprimanC!." rl'her'c is notbing in the I'ccord to show that the accused was given notice of this att~mpt 'at appeal. DECISION. The Worshipful Master' cIellrl~' erred in this case in putting the question to the Lodge as to "whether he (the accllsed) should be suspended or given a reprimand," and permitting the members, in one and the same ballot to ,'ote f~r suspension and reprimflnd. Spction 264, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, is explicit on this point, to the effect that the Master shaH fit'st. put the question of expulsion, and if less than a majority' present Yote for expulsion then he shall put the question on suspension, and if less than a m.ajor'ity of those present vote for Sllspen-


G1'and Lodge of Missou,路ri.

1905.]

'81

.sion then a reprimand shall he administered in open I.. odge by the Mastel', 01' by some BrothE'r designated by him, without any formal vote for such reprimand. If the charges made b~' the ,Tunior Warden in his attempted appeal of the case are true, then the Lodge did fail to do its whole duty in this case. It should have in!Hcted a more severe punishment than a reprimand. If, as charged hy the .Tunior WU1'den, he (the accused) appeare.d at the trial undel' the intluenc(! of liquor and intoxicated,. and il'; still continuing in that course, other additional charges can and should be preferred by the Lodge for the alleged offenses', if any, committed since thE' filing of this charge. Section :no, of the Grand I ...odge By-La\vs, provides that the "appellant shall, at the time he files said appeal with the SE'cretary, give .notice, in writing, to the opposite party that he has appealed to the Grand Lodge," etc. There is no .proo.f in this rero\'d (>f an~' such notice having' been given, and for this reason we recommend that, the alleged appeal be dismissed, LI':BA7\OX LonGg,

No. 77,

V8.

FHA7\K

H, FAums.

STA'l'E,\mNT. The charge contains only olle specification, It is to the following effect: 'rhere was in fo~ce, in 1901, a law known as the "I;'ure li'ood Law" (Section 2,286, of the Revised Statufes of Missouri, 1899), which prohibited the manufacturing and seIling of any article which contained alum, etc., for the pnrpose of being used in the preparation of food; that during the session of the Legislature in the State of Missouri, which was convened in January, JH01, a bill was introduced in the Senate, designated as "Senate Bill No. 110," and entitled "An act to amend Section 2,286 of thc Revised Statutes of j 89H," by striking out thc W01'o.S "or alum," ctc.; that about the same time there was a similar bill intl'odnced in the House of Repl'esentatives, known as "House Bill No. 88 ;" that ~aid House bill was passed by the House of' Hepresentatives and immediately refE:rl'cd to the Senate for its consideration, :mcl that both of said bills wel'e thereupon referred to the Committee on Criminal .Tnrispl'udence; that said accused, Frank H. Farris, was a member of the Senat~ and also of the Criminal Jnrisprudence Committee of the Se!1ate: that said Frank H. Farris di.d then and there unlawfUlly, wilfully and corruptibly ar:cept and J'cceive and offl~r, promise and undertake to rcceive from one D..r. Kelly the sum of $1,000, lawful money of the United States, as a- gift, gratuity and relvard, upon consideration that he, the said Fran!, H. Farris, would in his official capacity, as aforesaid, cast his vote in saW Committee on Criminal Jl11'isprudence against reporting said bills from said committee to said ~cnate; and that he would, in his official capacity, cor;-uptibly and willfully ca'st his official vote in the said Senate against th~ pa~sage ;)f said bills, or either of, them, by the sa,id Senate. The accused plead "not guilty," The trial took place on September 1. H104, R. ,V. Bl路O. Victor n. Falkenhainer prrsiding, at the reqnest and under instruction fl'om the then Gmnd Mal5tel'. 'l'here was evidence offered tending to sustain .the charge and specitication. There was also much evidence in behalf of the accused, in l'efutation of the evidence offered in hehalf of the Lodge. 'rhe record containing the evidence is entirely too voluminous for us to attempt at this time to give even a sy.nopsis thereof. Suffice it to Sll)', howGI'. L. Pro,-G


82

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

ev('r, that ~rour committee has carefully examined the same and have endeavored to arrive at a conclusion based upon the evidence, as it appears in the record. ' \ There were fort.y-three members of the Lodge present at the trial, and after all the evidence had b('cn offered in behalf of the prosecution and the accused, a ballot was taken, whleh resulted in all of the ballots being cast "not guilty." The Worshipful Master ther'eupon路 declared the accused "not guilty."路, '.rhct'cupon the then Grand Master ordered an appeal to be taken to the Grand Longe. 'rhe appeal in thif> ('ase was not perfected, as ordered by the Grand Master, (See Proceedings of 1904, page 163.) Tber'eupoD this Grand Lodge, at its last session, made the followin~ mention~d order in said case:. "We, tberefore, recommend that the order of the Gt'and Master be complied with, and that the Junior Warrten'of said Lodge, or such member of said Lodge as the incoming Grand Mastel' shall designate be, and he is hereby ordered and directed within twenty days from this date, to perfect an appeal in this \~asc, under and in pursuance of Sections 268, 269, and 270, and that tbe Secretary of said Lodge be, and he is hereby ordered and directed to comply with Section 271 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. "The Grand Secretary is hereby ordered and dil'ected, immediately after the adj9urnment of this Communication of the Grand I~odge, to deliver to the accused, and to the. Worshipful Master, .Junior Wa"rden, and Secretary of Lehanon Lodge, No. 77, a trne copy of the decision and orders made In tbis case, "We further recommend tLat the incoming Grand Master be, and he Is hereby rp.quested and pil'(~cted to see tfi~~ this order shall be complied with, and that said appeal be perfected, as above indicated," (Proceedin~s of 1904, page 163.) It appears from the papers on file, as a part of the record In this case, that the Grand Master by his lettel' of Octoher 10, 1904, called the attention of his Deputy in the Thirty-Ninth DistrIct to the above-mentioned ordet' made by the Grand Lodge, and diJ'er.ted him to 'see that said order of the Grand Lod~e was obeyed in the exact form in which the order was given. It appearl'1. fUl'ther. tllat R. W, Bro. R. .T. Koch, District Deputy Grand Master of the Thirty-Ninth District, on October 16, 1904, in pursuance of the or<ler of the Gr'and Mast.er, notified the 'Vorshipful Master, Junior Warden, and Sr.cretar~' of f>uid Lod~e, of the ordel' of the Grand Lodge, and requested them to perfect the appeal as directed. So far as it appears from the record, nothing was done by the Secretal'y of tile I,odge, or any officer thereof towards ('omplying with the ord~r of the Grand Lodge, excepting the furnishing of, a true copy of the cbarge and specification which was sent to the Grand Secretary on October 8, 1904,

The accused was, on December 14, 1904, furnished, by the Grand Secretary, with a copy of the order' made by the Grand Lpdge In said cause, and he, on ,December 21, 1904, ackllmvledged re(~eipt of the copy thereof, DECISION. A't the threshola of this case, ,ve are met with the proposition as 'to whether or not, the pl'emises considered, this committee and the Grand Lodge has jurisdiction to consider. the merits of this case,


Grand Lodge of Missouri.

1905.]

83

The most import~lDt paper In this case, missing at the last session of the Grand Lodge, to-wit: the ch.arge and specification, has been. supplied. Ail the evidcnce which was taken at the trial before Lebanon Lodge 3lJpears in the recvrd hefore your committee. Till' accused has also been notified of the action of the Grand Lodge at its last session, appearing upon page 163 of the Proceedings of Hl04. This committ~c and the Grand Lodge arE:, thel'efore, in a position to (~onsider the case on its merits; pl'ovided, it is not debarred from doing so by failm'e of the Lodge, its otlicel's and members,. to make and complete a formal appeaJ, as provided in Sections 267, 268, and 269 of the Grand Lodge By· Laws, as ordered and diJ'eded by the Grand Lodge at its last Communication. . In the opinion of yonI' committee, the action of the Grand Lodge 'in this l:alie, at its last Communication, aud what has occurred since then, amounts to what, in Jaw, is termed "A writ of error," and, .therefore, the case is before this Grand Lodge for its consideration on its merits.. This Grand Lodge is the supremc governing power of Ancient Craft Masonry in the State of Missouri. Its functions m'e legislative, executive and judicial. Its orders and cornmands can not be ignored and set aside by one of its creatures. We \vill, tl1el'efore, proceed to consider the merits of this case upon the rccord, as it appears before us. We deem it unneeessary to consider in detail the various objections to the evidence, which appeal's in the record, and the rulings of the presiding o1lieer thereon, for the rca son that most, if not all, of the important evidential questions in this case have been heretofore pagsed npon by this Grand Lodge. There arp. no substantial or reversible errors in the admission or exclusion , ;)[ evidenee. l:'racti~ally of the direct evidence offeree] by the prosecution to sustain the charge and specification was the testimony of one John A. Lee, forJIlerly Lieutenant-Governor of the ::;i:atc of Missouri, who is a self-confessed boodler, Imd W:iS expelled by this Grand Lodge at its last communication. . (See Proceedings of 1!)04, pages 140, 141 and 14~.)

alI

If we arc to believe the testimeny of said Lee, then the accused is "guilty," as charged in the specificlnion. The accused offered a large numlw)' of witnesses to refute the statements made uy said Lee. 'l'llese wltnes3es successfully contradict and refute some of tlje more material and .damaging statements made b)' said Lee. The accused also denies, jn toto, the statements made by said Lee. Your committ€e is also of the opinion that the preponderance of the evidence, as it app\~.ll'S in the record, was in favor of tile accused. We; therefore, recommend that the verdict and judgment of the Lodge be affirmed. . We do, not, however,' feel <1ispoged to conclude our report on this case without eonsidcrinp; the acts of Lebanon Lodge, No. 77, bearing upon this C:l~e. It is appal'ent to your ('omrnittee that the officers and members of Lebanon Lod?;,:, did not int0nd that an appcal. should be perfected In this case, and that they threw obstructions in the way of an appeal.


84

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

This Grand Lodge, at its last Communication, in most emphatic terms, ordered them to perfect this appea1. They ha'~e failed to do so: although they received dne notice of the order' and command of this Grand Lodge. To permit a Subordinate L(.dge to thus ignore the solemn orders and commands of thi.s Gmnd Lodge would set a pl'ecedent which would be dangerous to the welfare and pro!:'pcrity of Masonry in this Grand JUl'isdiction. A SulHH'dinate Lodg-e has no right to question and ignore the acts of the (~rand L()dge. '1'0 permit such wonld make the Subordinate Lodge superior· to this Grand Lodge, and resnlt in· chaoR and confusion. So long as this <frand Lodge continues to be the supreme ruling power in Ancient Craft Masonry in this State, its order'S and commands must be obeyed by its subordinates and constituents. JJebanol! Lodge, No. 77, has heen guilty of the ·crime of ignoring the order and command of this Grand Lodge. 'Ve, therefore, recommnd that Lebanon Lodge, No. 77, be and it is hereby reprimanded for having ·ralled to perfect the appeal in this case as directed b~r this Grand Lodge at its last Communication.

v. C. W. Bnow::\", V8.

LEO YOUKT.

S'I'A'l'EMENT. Ol~

·October 14, 190'l, Brother C. W. Brown preferred charges .against Bl'0ther Leo Yount, in Marcus IJodge, No. 110. 'l'he c!Ial'ge contains only 'one specification. It is to the following effect: That said Brother Leo Yount, on or about the 25th day of January, 1904, in the City of li'redel'lcktown, Connty of Madison, did, while acting as general. manager of the F'rederici,town Me·rcantile Company, a corporation doing busines!> in the Cit.',· of Fredericktown, Mo., cause a false financial statement to be taken from the books of said company for the. purpose of Cheating, wron~ing and defrauding the stocl,holders and creditors of the said cotnpany, and did, as a result 01' said false financial statement, cause the stockholders and creditors of thp. Fredericktown Mercantile Company ·to lose a large amount of money. The accused plead "not guilty." The ease was first tried on Novembel' 11, 1!)04, which resulted in the E'xpulsion of the accused fl'om all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. Within sixty days therenftel' thE' accu~ed filed an appeal, and it appearing toat it was impossible to make up the transcl'ipt, as provided in Section 271 of the Gmnd Lodge By-Laws, for the reason that the 'oral testimony which was taken in the IJodg<, was not tal_en down, either in longhlmd or shorthand, at the time of the h'iaL For this reason an application was made to the Grand Master to set aside the verdict and judgment of the Lodge, and grant the accused a new tl'ial.· Thereupon the Grand Master did set aside the vcrdict and Judgment of the IJodge and grant the accused a new trial. The acclIsed was tried a second time on March 24, 1905. '.rhe accused was not present, hut was represented by two Brethren as his counsel. 'I'be prosecution offered evidence which fnlly' sllstai~ed the accusation made in the specification, which evidE'ncc was not ovel'come by that of the accused.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of M issmwi.

85

'.rhe ballot was as follows: Guilty,' 15 ; not guilty, 17, In due time Bi'other Edward D. Anthony perfected an appeal to this Gl'und I...odge, and for grounds of appeal, states: 1. The decision of the Lodge was against the evidence. 2. 'l'here was no evidence or semblance of evidence to support the finding of the Lodge, and it should have voted guilty. 3. Because the Lodge had no jurisdiction to re-try the cause against Brother Yount, as the first appeal was never certified to the Grand )'1astel', as the law requires. 4. The action of the Grand Master was without authority and void, as the case was not prop,erly before him on appeal. . 5. The Grand Master had no jurisdiction in the premi~es and could not order the Lodge to re-try the case. 6. All the evidence esta1Jllshes the guilt of the accused, Brother Leo Yount. 1. Section 249, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, provides that the testimon~' of all resident Masons, who can attend the Lodge, shall be given orally iJ;! Gpen Lodge at the trial, but neither this !Section nor any other section expressly provides how oral testimony taken in the Lodge shall be pl路eserved. Section 271 provides, however, that in case of an appeal, "a true copy, of all record- entries i.n said cause and of the charge and specifications, together with all the. e'videnCi] in the case," etc.. shall be sent to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. "All the evidence" necessarily includes the oral testimony of :Ylasons taken in open Lodge. \Ve, therefore, construe Section 271 as requiring the trial Lodge to take down and pi'esen:e in some manner the-oral testimony taken in the Lodge, so that it can be used in the event that an appeal should be talten to the Grand Lodge by any party authorized so to do. I .. In this' connection, YOl1r committee desires to state that it is of the opinion that a Lodge should, in ail Masonic trials, procUl'e a stenographer to take flown all oral, testimony in the Lodge in shorthand, whenever it is practicable, so that it may be transcribed in the' event of an appeal of the case. If it is not pnl.cticable to pro(~ure a stenographer, then a 'committee should be appointed to take the oral testImony in the I.,odge, to be used in the event of an appeal. , If a Lodge fails to preserve the or~l testimony in some way, it has failed to perform its dut~', and in such eyent it will be impl'3.cticable to perfect anappeal, as provided by Se<路tion 271. In the case under consideration, the' Lodge failed to preserve the oral testimony taken at the trial on October 14, 1904. If the recol'd had been sent np t<;> us, minus that oral testimony, we would have been compelled for that reason alone to reverse and remand the case, as under such circumstances we could not have intelligently passed upon the merits of the case. 2.' Section 9, of the GramI Lodge B~'-Laws, prescl'ibes the powers and duties of the Grand Mastel'. Nowhere therein is it expressly provided that he shall have the power to set aside the verdict .and judgment of a I...odge and grant a new tdal. From time ,immf~morial, however, it has been the custom and practice for Grand Mastel's to set aside yerdicts and judgments of Subordinate Lodges and grant new trials, where there has been shown to be good grounds therefor, and where flagrant errOI'S haye be<.>n committed at the trial, which would


86

Proceedings of the

justify such action on the part of tile Grand Master. for many years past, Grand :Mastel's have reported such actions have been approved of -by this Grand Lodge. Grand Master is, therefore, well e3tablished by precedent law of this Grand Lodgc.

[Sept. Neal'ly every year, instances and their Such power in the and is the common

In view of what we have said above, the Grand Mastel' was justified in setting aside the vcrdict and judgment of the Lodge of October 14, 1904, and granting a new trial in this case. 'rhe third, fourth, and fifth taken.

~l'ounds

of appeal are, therefore, not well

3. 'l'he evidence in this case fully and conclusively established and proved proved the IH'cusations made in the specification. Thel'e was practicaliy no .eviden(路e to the contrary. We are at a loss to know on what theory the Lodge acquitt(~d the aC'cused. 'l'he verdict and judgment of the Lodge may have been brongh,t abont hy bias and prejudice, or. by sympath)'. It certainly was not ln aecordance with the evidence. The first, second and sixth grounds fOl' appeal were, therefore, well taken. We, therefore, recommend tllat the vel'dic!. and judgment of the I... odge of March 24, 1905, be reversed and set aside, and that the accused, Leo Yount, be and he is hereby expelled from all the rights a~d privileges of Freemason r~', VI. RORIMi'!' A.

cox.

V.'I.

H. P.

KIXSOLVOW.

S'l'.o\'l'EMEN'.r.

The charge, after reeiting a fOl'mer expulsion and re-instatement of the accllsed, contains onc specification to the effect that the said Brother H. P. Kinsolving, on or ahQ:lt the 7th day of Septe~bel', 1!.l04, at the City of St. Louis, did, withont just cause, become intox'icated and did indulge in rude, boisterous, unseemly, violent and unlawful conduct, in violation of his duty as a Mason, and to tbe scandal and disgrace of Masonry. It apppars fl'om the record that this charge was presented to the Lodge on January 20, 1905, and that a pt'ctended trial was bad thereon on February 17, 1905.. It does not appear from the record that the date was' set for the trial by the WorshipfUl Mastcr, :lnd it does not appear that be was I!lerved with 11 ('opy of the charges and specifications, and a copy of the notice of the trial, as re'luired by Sf'ctions 238, 239, 240 and 241 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. It does appeal' from the record that a pretended trial was bad on l<'ebruary 17, and that "a oalIot was had on guilt or innocence of said charge, and declared guilty," and that "a vote was then taken on puniShment, and resulted in his expulsion-twenty-two votes for and five against expUlsion-and he wasio declared," Thereupon the aCCUSed, in due time, perfected his appeal to this Grand Lodge, and sets forth ten ~ronnds for appeal. covel'ing four pag.es. We deem it unnecessary to set forth alI the grounds of appeal. Some of them. are substnntlally to the folIowin~ effect: 1. Because the trial was had upon a charge and, specification whlcb does not state or constitute a Masonic offense,


190~.]

Grand\Lodge of Missouri.

2.

'1'hat the records do not show that the l\:1aster set the time of trial. That no notice of said trial was served 011 the accused in any manner. 4. Because the charges were not preferred by the Junior Warden by direction of the Lodge or the Worshipful Master, etc. . 3.

DECISION. . The specification sufficiently states an offense against Masonic law. 'rhe first ground of appeal is, therefore, not well taken. 路2. Section 232, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, provides that any Master Mason, in good standing', 'may preft'r charges in any Lodge having jurisdiction, He. It was, thcref0re, not necessary tbat the .Junior Wal'den should, by order of the l\Iastcl', prefer these charges. Bl'other Cox had the right to prefer the charges, withont the dictation of the Master or the Lodge. '1'he fourth ground of appeal is, therefore, not well taken. 3. Section 238, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, provides that "when a charge is thus preferred, the Mastel' shall appoint the time of trial, and shall cause the accused to be notified, as hereinafter provided," etc. So far as it appp.ars from the record a time was not set for the trial of tile case, nor did the accused receive any notice of the trial, nor did he receive a copy of the charge and specification, no l' was he present at the trial. The accused has, therefore, not had bis "day in COUl路t.' , So far as it appears from the record, it was an ex-parte proceeding. There is a total failure of a compliance with the' law find a violation of the fundamental principles appertaining to Masonic trials. The proceedin~, therefore, was a mere farce. The second and third grounds for appeal are, tllel'efore, well taken. We, therefore, recomm('nd that the verdict and judgment of the Lodge be reverse(1 and the case remanded for a new trial. 1.

VII. 1M.HD

ATKINSOJ'. 1/8.

ST.

JOSEP~ LODGE,

No. 78. STATEMENT'.

. It appears from tbe record in this case that, at the regular Communication of this I~odge, held on .Tune 20, 1905, that the Worshipful ~Iaster instructed the Secretary: "To not.ify every member, delinquent for dues, to pay, o~' show cause at" the reg-tllar Communication of .July 18, 1D05, why they should not be suspended f0r non-payment of dues;" that pursuance to said oraer, the Sec:ret:uy mailed to BI'otber David Atkinson, the appellant (a resident of the City of St..Joseph), the following notice: "HAY,L

QI.'

ST, JOSEPH LODGE, No. 78, A. F. & A. M., "ST. Jm:EPII, Mo., June 20, 1905.

ATKI!\SO:'i: Your dues to this Lodge to December 31. PJ(!ase attend to this matter at once. You can pay at the Lodge room, or to the Secretary in person, or to .Joseph S. Browne, at the l'ostoffice. " 'By vote of the Lodge.' "M:. M. RIGGS, Secretary. "BROTHER DAVID

1904, are $4.

"At tbe regular communication of July 18, 1905, you can attend, and show cause wby you should not be suspended for non-payment of dues."


88

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

'1'hat at the reguial' communlcation- of July' 18, certain members were given until the first regular communication in January, 1906, to liquidate their indebtedness to the Lodge. It further appears that thereupon certain other "brothers' were suspentled ('/) for non-payment of dues," It further appears that whE'n Brother Atkinson's name was called for the action of th8 Lodge, he stated that he did not appeal' to answer to any summons, but ha'd received a statement, or notice, the same l'eferred to as Exhibit A, and above set forth.; he then read the law relating to suspension of members and called particular attention to the fa~t that the law was not complied with in three essential pal'ticulars, to-wit:路 (1) Proper form; (2) seal of the Lodge'; (3) and service. Notwithstanding this, the Worshipful Master proceeded to put the question: "Shall Brothel' David Atkinson he suspended for non-payment of his dues?" The ballot resulted In nine yeas and two noes. 'l'hereupon .. the said Brothel' David Atkinson gave notice in open Lodge that he would appeal from the decision of the Lodge suspending him, That, theteupon, the WorShipful Mastel', Junior Deacon, and Treasurer, and several other Brethren requested and demanded that the said Hl'other Atkinson leave the Lodge; that, thereupon, Bl'other Atkinson paid the $4, and the Worshipful ::\:Iaster declared him re-instated; that afterwards, to-wit: At the regular Co~muni颅 cation of said Lodge, on August I, 1905, the appeal of said Brother Atkinson il'om the action of the Lodge in suspending him was read and spread upon the record. He alleges seven 'grounds of appeal, which we deem unnecessar)to here set forth. He prays the Grand Lodge "to reverse said illegal verdict of suspension, and to ordel' expunged from the records of said St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78, the entry. of said jndgment of suspension." DECISION,

The proceeding-s in the case of a suspcnflion of a Brother Master )1ason for non-payment of dues are in the nature of a trial for un-Masonic conduct. Section 207, as amended (Procecdin~'s of 1901, pages 82 and 83), of the Grand Lodge By-Laws sets forth fully what must be done before a Lodgc can suspend a Brother for non-payment of dues. This section must be strictly complied with, otherwise the suspension is illegal. It provides, arp.ong other things, "it shall be the duty of the Secretary to notify the Worshipful Master of such failure, who shall, at the next stated -Communication of the I.Jodge, order a notic~ to be given the delinquent by the Secretary, requiring h'im to appeal' at a specified subsequent stated Communication, to show cause why he should not be suspended for non-payment of dues, which notice shan be in the following form: NOTICE TO SHOW CAUSE. HALL 01,' - - - - - LODGE,

No, - - , A. 1<'. & A. 1\1.,

- - - - - , 18-. H~().

--------

You are hereby notified to appeal' before the Lodge, at its Communication to he held on the - - day of - ' , 18-, and show cause ,why yon should not be suspended for non-payment of dues. By order of the Worshipful Mastej'. tSeal.)

secr'etary.

Such noticc shall be scrved by the Secretary, by delivering, or causing to be delivered by a Master Mason,. 01' by forwarding by registered mail, to the


Grand Lodge of 111issouri.

1905.]

89

delinquent a copy of the same at his last known address twenty days before the date at which he is required to appeal'. It further provides that should the de-linquellt. fail to appear, his dues stil1 remain unpaid, and the same be Dot I'emitted fOl' good cause, or time for payment extended, the Worshipful Master shall, upon proof of notice, etc" put the question:' "Shall Brother be suspended for the nonpayment of his dues?" etc. It i<; apparent from the above, that it is mandatory that the notice shall be in the form set forth, and that it shall be served by delivery to the delinquent Brother by a Brother Master Mason, or by forwarding by registered mail to the delinquent a copy of the same at his last known address, It is apparent from the record that n~ne of the above-mentioned requisites of Section 207 were complied with, While it does appear that Brother Atkinson was in the Lodge on the evening of July 18, yet it further appears that he was not there in response to any legal notice to show cause, but protested against the Lodge actin.~ upon his case, for the reason that (and correctly SO) the law had not been complIc.>d with. It further appears that he called the attention of the Worshipful Master to the law bearing upon the subject. Notwithstanding this, the Worshipful Master, in disregard of the law, justice' and right, put the question to a vote and declared the Brother suspended for non-payment of dues. '.rhe Worshipful Mastel' had, for many years, officiated in tbe position of D. D. G, M., and can !)ot plead ignorance of the law. His acts, under the circumstances, were illegal. We recommend that the prayer of the appellant be granted and it is hereb~' ordered that the action of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78, in sUl:pending Brother David Atkinson for the non-payment of dues, be and is hereby reversed and declared null, void a.nd of no effect. And it is furthel' ordered that all entries on the records of St. ;rosepll Lodge, No. 78, ~n reference to the suspension, on July 18, 1905, of Brothel' David Atkinson for non-payment of dues, be and the same are hereby ordered expunged from the l'el?ords of said Lodge. VIII.

. J. H. WYLIB, V8. ROBBR'r

D,

VAUGHAN, STATI~M:EN'l'.

Brother ,T. H.Wylie pl'eferred charges against the accused in Continental I,odge, No. 454, ,of which Lodg-e both the accuser and the accused were memoer:;;. 'The charge contains two specitisation:;; to. the foilowing effect: 1. That the accused, on Saturday, May 20, 1905, entered and was pl'esent in Hemple Lodge, No. 37, in a disgraceful state of intoxication. 2. That the accused, on May 20, 1905, while acting as Tiler of Hemple Lodge, No. 37, did desert his place as Tiler of said Lodge, and was found in a state of intoxication and unfit for duty. It does not

appeaJ~

when tbis charge was presented to the Lodge.

It does appear, however, that a. copy thereof was delivered to Ule accused

on July 14, 1905.

'


90

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

, The Secretary further states in a letter to this Committee, dated August 28, 1\}05, as follows: "STEWAHTSVII.LE, Mo., August 28, 1905. the CommUtee on T1'ialJl and Grievances of the Most Worshipful Grand

((']'0

Lodyc of Missouri: "Br'ETHHEN-At the time these charges against Robert D. Vaughn were filed we had no book of constitution in our Lodge. I bOlTowed a Constitution of 1882, of Bl"Other A. D. :\{cCruskey, and gave the accused a copr of the ehul'ges and speciHelltions, as pI'ovided in this book, but no written n~tice as to the date and place of trial, as the late Constitution provides. There was no date of trial on the chal'ges and specification, but I told Mr. Vaughan at the time they were delivered when and where the trial would be held. "Very tru1r and fraternally yours, (Seal) "i, I. KillBY, Secretm路y."

At the Communic3;tion ~f the Lodge, held August 12, 1905, the Worshipful Master appointed two Brethren to represent the accused, who was not present. They then proceeded to take evidence, at the conclusion of which a ballot w~s had, which resnlted as follows: ' , First specification: Guilty, 14; not guilty, 3. Second specification: Guilty, 15 ; not g~ilty, 2. The ballot on expulsion was: Yeas, 9; nays, 8. The Worshipful Master thereupon declared the accused ((dUly e:IJp,eUed from ull A. l!.... & A., M. I~odges for un-Masonic conduct." Within due time the accused perfected an appeal to this Gl'and Lodge and alleges as ground for' appeal that be was not officially notified of the time and place of said trial. L~ECISION.

Section 238, of the Grand T,odge By-f~aws, provides that when a charge bas been preferred against a Brother ~iason, the Master shall appoint the time of trial and came the accused to be notified, as .thereinafter provided. Section ~~9 provides that "such notice sball be either printed or written and signed by the Sccretal'~', and shall be SUbstantially as ,follows," etc. H is clearly apparent from the record in this case that the above sections were not complied with. The alleged' trial and expulsion of the accused was, tllerefol'e, a nullity. We, therefore, reconlmend that the verdict and jud~ment of the Lodge be reversed and the case remanded fOI' trial, according to law. IX, d. A. WELLS, V8. 'HENRY

tion.

O路SliLLIV.UI.'

This record comes to us in a very incomplete and unsatisfactory condiSo far as we can gather from the record, the facts appear as follows:

There Is only one fopeeificlltion. It is to the following effect: 'l'llat Brother Henry O'Sullivan did become and was intoxicated on the nth and 10th day" of .June, laO::;, in the City of Kennett, Mo., and was engaged in the distmbance of the peaee and dignity of the citizens of said city, etc.


1905.]

Gtand Lodge of -il1.issouri.

The accused plead "not

91

gnilt~'."

The record discloses that there was a trial on August 4, 1905, in Cardwell Lodge, No. 231. It路 appears that "by a vote of sixteen against conviction and four for, the accused was acquitted." , It does also further. appear that two witnesses testified to facts which sustain the l'pccificatiQn, Rnd there was no evidence to contradict Ot" overcome the same.

J. A. Wells, the accu!:'er, perfected an. appeal to this Grand Lodge. DECISION. In view of the facts abQve we can not understand why the Lodge should have acquitted the accused, By reason of the lack of evidence in the record as to tbe surrounding circUll!stances of the offense charged, this committee does not feel that it is in a positiQn to properly inflict punishment in this case, bnt that in the lIght of what appears in this incomplete record before us. that the case should be reversed and rerua,nded for a new trial. We, therefore, recommend that th~ case be 'reversed and remanded for. a new trial. Fraternally submitted, DORSEY A. JA~nSON, Ohairman. l<}DWARD HIGBEE, Vice-Ohairman. XENOPHON RYLAND, "\ JA:\:1ES W. BOYD, JOHN E. BISHOP. SnWN SUSS.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON D. D. G. MASTER REPORTS.

M. W. Bro. E. F. Allen, . presented the following report which was adopted: 'ro tile Grand Lodge of Ancient F1'ee and Accepted Masons 路of the Static, of Missouri: Your Committee on Reports of D. D. Grand Masters offer the fQllowing: All of the fifty-six District Deputies have reported to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, with the exception of the Deputies of the Twentieth, Thirtieth. I"orty-second and Fort.y-Eighth Dist.ricts, and a majority of the reports show an increased amount of work over any preceding year, and many of the reports show every Lodge within its respective Masonic District to be in splendid workin~ order, with harmony and brotherly love prevalent among the Craft. A number of the reports are exceedingly brief and contain little or no actual information a; to the condition of the Craft, aside from a gen~ral statement that peace, harmony and prosperity prevail. A few ot the reports express. 'regret on the part of the District Deputy of inability to give the duties. of the. office attention, and contain no information whatever as to the condition of the Lodges in such respective Districts.


92

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

The District Deputy of the 'l'wenty-First Dish'ict has, in the opinion of your committee, rendered a model report. This Deputy. has visited every Lodge within his District; he has carefully examined into the business methods of each Lodge; he has reported as to the financial condition of every Lodge within his District, and with each visitation has offered valuable suggestions in l_eeping with the law of the Grand Lodge. ' .. Every Lodge in the 'l'wenty-l<'irst District is in a flourishing conditi~n, but it was only a few years since when it was thought that one 01' two of its Lodges would have to surrender their Charters. Such desirable conditions as now exist, is, in the opinion of your路 committee, the result of active, conscientious work on the part of Brethren who have served the Twenty-First District for a numbel' of years past in the capacity of District Deputy Grand Masters. Your committee would heartily recommend that the several Deputies read carefull~' the copy of the report from the Twenty-First District as soon as the same is received in the proceedings of this annual session, White your committee have espeei;l.lly called attention to the report from the 'l'wenty-First District, it would not in any manner detract from the several commendable r'eports received, which show conclusively zealous and painstaking work on the part of the Deputies, and as a whole, your committee conclude that the several reports show progress along aU lines of Masonry. The office of District Deputy 'Grand Master is mo'st important and honorable;' The harmony and prosperity of the several Lodges in a ;\lasonic District in a large measure depend upon the hearty co-operation and zeal of the District Deputy, The officers of a Subordinate Lodge, as a rule, change from year to year. It is an impossibility for the Grand :\laster to visit but a compamtive few or'the Lodges within the Jurisdiction of the' Grand Lodge, The District Deputy must, therefore, in" a large measure,attend to the wants of the Brethren in his resp~ctive District, He should visit every Lodge, or provide some well-informed Brother to do so who has the capacit~' of informing the officers and brethren of the laws and requirements of the Grand Lodge. I

The manner of keeping the路 recol'ds of. each Lodge should be especially looked into, and the importance of prompt collection of dues, and as well, the annual report of each Lodge; being rendered promptly on time, cannot be teo ,forcibly impressed upon the .:Master and I Secretary of each Lodge, , Such, in the opinion 'of your committee, are some of the duties of the District Deputy, and no Brother should accept the important office if not in a position to gIve the time and attention reqUired.. Your committee further recommend that the several reports be placed in charge of the Grand Secretary, and that the Grand Lecturer and Grund Secretary edit' sach reports for publication in the Annual Proceedings, pub路 lishing only such portions as in their judgment will be of interest and benefit to the Craft at large. Fratemally submitted, Eo F. ALLEN, Ohairm(/路n. F. W. McAr~LIsrrER, A, L. 'ROS'S,

F. R. NEWBERRY, C, W. WAUGHOP, Oommittac.


'1905. J

Grand Lodge ot Missouri.

93

REPORTS OF DISTRIC'l'DEPU'l'Y GRAND MASTERS., '1'0 the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Missott"i:

Your committee to whom was referred the duty of editing the reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters for pUblication, begs leave to report that we have discharged that duty to the best of our ability. We have endeavored t.o pi路eserve路 everything which would be of general interest to the Craft in Missouri. Peace and harmony prevail throughout this Grand Jurif:diction with but few exceptions; these we have referred to the Grand Master for his action. 'l'he District Deputies const.itute a noble band of .Brothers, who have well performed t.heir duties. Fraternally submitted, ALLAK l\lcDOWELL. .l OHN. R. PARSON. ABSTRACT OF HEPOR'l' OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTRRS. R. W. Bro. Edward Higbee, of the Fii'st District, has visited Lodges, a!:lsisted in conferring the Degrees, and advised with the Brethren, as occasion required. He reports that the Lodges are in prosperous condition, well housed, insured and fUl'nisped. R. W. Bro. G. A. Goben, of t.he Second District, reports that Masonry is in a flourishing condition throughout the District, and that peace and harmony prevail among the membership of the various Lodges. He has visited all the Lodges, except two: Colony, No. 168, and Ark, No.6, which he did not think it necessary to visit because he knew them to be in good condition, and harmonious and fairly up in the work. He installed the officers of PaulYille, No. 319, and instructed them in the Ritual. '.rheir hall is neat, cle'an and safe, and they have all the furniture necessary for properly confel'l'ing the Degrees, are in good financial condition and brotherly love prevails. He visited Novelty, No. 187, remaining four days, and had a, fairly good attendance, considering the extreme cold weather. The Brethren there are energetic and enthusiastic workers. and though not all are, proficient in the work, they are anxious to learn. They own the hall in which they meet. It is carpeted 'and neat and clean, and they have all the necessary paraphernalia for the work and comfort of the Lodge. He visited Edina, No. 291, and found them in comfol路table quarters and in good condition. Their hall is carpeted. and furnished with working tools and equipments for doing good work. lIe held a School of Instruction at Kirksville on the second and fourth Fridays of each month for the especial . benefit of the two Lodges at that place. Considerable interest was manifested _for awhile by some of the members and visiting Brethren, but as the路 officers did' not attend regularly he discontinued the meetings in April. He has , attended nearly all of the meetings of the Lodges in Kirksvllle, and has assisted in the work of the several Degrees, and has aided them with instruction and advice at all times when called upon. The two Lodges at Kirksville are in good condition, and well equipped for doing the work. Their place of meeting is kept neat and clean and comfortable, and they hav~ work at almost evel'Y meeting. They are doing good worli: on good material, as are all the Lodges of the Second District. On the 14th of August, as directed by the Grand Master, he conducted the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the New Science Hall of the State Normal School at Kirksville. They had a splendid'meeting and a large attendance.


,Proceedings of the

(Sept.

R. W. Bro. John J. Dillinger, of the Third District, has visited Somerset Lodge, 1\0. 206: IJucerne, 1\0. 3n4; Putnam, No. 190; Arcana, No. 389; Humphreys, No. 32 ; Green City, No. 159, and Winigan, No. 540. He reports that all the Lodges visited have good halls, weli furnished, and that they confer the Degrees in a creditable manner.. R. W. Bro. n. 1\'1. Foster. of the Fourth District, has held Schools of Instruction at Trenton, Spickards; ,Laredo and Galt, and has visited all the Lodges in his District. He refers to some trouble in one Of his Lodges, but as thl~ matt'~I' seems to have been satisfactorily settled, no further refer·' Cllce to th£' sllbiect is needed. All the Lodges carry insurance on their, fu;Qiture and the records are nicely kept.

R. W. Bro. T. A. Dunn, of the Fifth District, has not been called upon to visit any of the Lodges. . He- has no complaint of any dissension. He reports that CainesvlIJe Lodge met with the misfortune of losing Lodge room by fire, with ali its·furniture. While he cannot say that Masonry has had any hoom in the last year in his District, yet it. is in a healthy con· dition. Peace and harmony prevail. . R. W. Bro. .Tohn 'W. Barkley, of the Sixth District. has visited, the fol· lowing Lodges: Athens, Ko. 127; Allensville, No. 198; Alanthus, No. 252; Havana, Ko. 21; Jonathan, No. 321, and Grant City, No. 66, and has given instruction and assisted in conferring the D.egrees in each '-of them. lIe installed the officers of Athens and Jacoby Lodges. He held a three days' meeting with Jonathan, No. 321. 'The attendance was fair and all were· very anxions to learn the work. He held a three days' meeting with Aliens· vllle, No. ] 98. The attendance was poor account of very bad weather, but those who did attend became quite proficient in the work. He attended a State Lodge of Instruction held by the G.rand Master 'and Grand Lecturer at Albany. The attendance was very good and much interest was. taken in the work. Every Lodge in the District was represented, and quite a number from other'Distrlcts. 'He thinks much good was accomplished. He reports some cases of invasion of territory by some of the Lodges, but as they have all been satisfactorily settled, no further reference is necessary. He refers at length to the case of Bretbren in Ryland Lodge, No. 332, defunct, and especially to the tl'ial of two Brethren of-that Lodge, which was had by order of the Grand Lodge at Maysville. But as this whole question is now settled, it is unnecessary to repeat his remarks further than to say that he discharged his duties in this matter in a very creditable manner. He says he' knows from a personal,acquaintance that a very large majority of the members of Ryland Lodge, No. 332, now extinct, are good. men and true Masons, and he believes that if they were again set to work the'y would soon build up a prosperous Lodge as they had of old. All the Lodges in, the District are in a prosperous condition, and nearly all of them have had plenty of work 'and are fairly equipped for doing the work. R. W. Bro. K F. Hamlin, of the Seventh District, reports that" the Lodges in, his District are in. a thriving and, prosperous condition, with possibly one or two exceptions, and' more and better work has been done than in the last ~·eal'. The usual District Lodge of Ins.truction was held ·in Maryv\I1e on each Thursday evening after January 1 for ten weeks. Every Lodge in the District was notified. The attendance was unusually good. 'l'he work ,vas in charge of the District Lecturer, Brother .Adolph Stauble. Schools of Instruction have also been held at White Hall and Gaynor City, at. which t.he attendance was good and much interest was manifested. He reports a mimber of visits to Lodges, for the purpose ot


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

95

installing officers, conferring Degrees, etc.. which n~ed not hel'e be enumerated. He reports that a State Lodge of Instruction was held at -:\Iaryville, at whleh eight Lodges were represented and much good was accomplished. He say's he ran safely say that Masonry is prosperin,~ in the District and that the law!' of the Grand Lodge al;e generally observed,

R: 'V.

Bro. W. E. Giermann, of the Eighth District, has visited a number of the Lodges and found them in good condition, both morally and financially. Theil' halls are well. kept and supplied with good furniture. In conjunction with. the Grand .Lecturer he held a District Lodge of Instruction at Rockport, which was only fairly attended. He considel's the Craft in his District in excellent condition, and is sure that all are working for the best interests of M'Iso!lry. R. W. Bro. George Rees, of the Ninth District, makes the following report: "I have visited nine of the fifteen Lodges in this District, some of t.hem several times; have installed officers of several; inspected records; suggested where I thought necessary; assisted in confel'ring Degrees; and in the absence of the District Lecturer. instmcted officers and members in the Hituallsm. I have found these duties very pleasant and have been treated with courtesy. I should like to have visited all of them, but could not do so. I have by COL'l'cspondence been in close touch with thosc I have not visited. I find all the Lodges in this District, with but路 one or two exceptions, more than usually prosperous this year, fairly well up in the Ritualism, doing good work and some.a good deal of it, though in most insta'nces not with the smoothness that comes'of practice. I am satisfied that nearly all have members who will not allow it to fall far below the standard. Some are as good as the best in our city Lodges, where work is the rule, not the exception. In this connection I" think the S. D's ought to be appointed, because of proficiency in the work, and should be expected to instruct their less informed Brethren. I would h'ave in every Lodge a School of Instruction if it has a Brother capable of. leading. On the whole, I can report the Lodges in' the Districts on the up-grade in efficiency and proficiency. ~early all open and close with prayer-all should -and it would conduce to harmony if they had opening and closing odes also.

"With thesc gencralizations, let me mention the Lodges in detail: I

"Agency Lodge, No. 10. In my last report, this Lodge owned a hall over a church valued at $600. Last spring they sold out to the church people and have moved into a brand new. hall, second story of a new brick building for which they are to pay $180 per year, including heat and light. This is the largest hall in the District outside St. .Joseph, beautifully carpeted with an emblematic carpet and much new furniture, lit with gas and with the necessary paraphernalia. I presided at its public dedication on St. John's day, whil'\1 was largely attended and much interest manifested. 1.'he rent they have contracted to pay is little for such magnificent quarters. It seems quite an undertaking for a Lodge of sixty-six members, but the Brethren are confidetlt of theirability to pay it. The average attendance is seventeen, an incrcase of 2::; per cent: have had four raisings; $200 in the treasury; dues ;well collected; have a num~er of good workers. "Wellington Lodge, No. 22, own, jointly with the Odd Fellows, a very convenient building'valued at $1.,000, insured, nicely furnished, good par路 aphernalia, lifty-on~ members, average attendance eighteen; has had an unusually prosperous .year.


96

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

"Savannah Lodge, Ko. 71, owns a magnificent hall, valued, with the furniture and .paraphernalia, at $3,000; has eighty-three members, average attendance thirty; raised ten; interest growing. Their record is a model: their Master one of the indefatigable workers of the District. "St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78, demands mor.e than a mere mention. I wiil be as brief as the case wj1.J permit. It was my very pleasant privilege to set this Lodge at work under its charter, which having been taken up by the Grand Lodge in 1903, was restored in 1904. It started off well. Since its election in. December it has not prospered as it should. Its atten(\ance has been very good and its meetings, on the surface pleasant and harmonious, but the bitterness and iII-feeling engendered in the case which led to the aiTest of its charter has not, I am sorry to say, entirely subsided.. Very much was said in the heat of the controversy that gave rise to bitter feeling, But I am glad to report that the criticism and contention, which at first was participated in by twenty-five 01' thil'ty members, has, through the efforts of the other members, who have zealously striven to allay the feeling and heal the differences, measurably subsided, and the iII-feeling is less active and demonstrative and is' confined to five or six Brethren, who seem be' so constituted that ~hey feel it impossible to forgive and forget.

to

"Several candidates who have petitioned the Lodge have been rejected under circumstances that路 challenge attention, and suggest that the rejection may have been caused by the ill-feeling existing among these Brethren. We should be cal'eful, however, not hastily to adopt any such conclusion. Wh~re feeling is known to exist, we are prone to ascribe tp it any results that appear to be abnormal 01' unusual. "In Masonry it,. is fundamental that the exercise of the ballot is a sacred untrammeled right, committed wholly. to the Brethren, in tne exercise of which they are ~eyond the supervision of any Masonic or other tribunal, and answerable onl~' to their conscience and their God. "~'his premise being correct, I hesitat.e to accept any such an explanation for these rejections. No o'ne knows who cast the black balls. It is all suspicion. How, then, can I deduce the motive that prompted the unknown Brothel' in casting his ballot, and determine that it was a bad one'! The offi(~ial repol路t of a District Deputy is not the place for his suspicions to plume themselves for flight. . liSt. Joseph Lodge is, one of the oldest and strongest Lodges in the State. The vigor of its past career, the strong spirit of brotherly love and good fellowship it has always manifested, and its zeal in Masonry, has endeared it to the Craft of Northwest :Missouri. It has a membership of about 200, and in intelligence, in moral worth, prominence and standing in the community, . knowledge of, and zeal and efficiency in the woik, its members will compare favorably with any Lodge in the State. Outside the five or six above mentioned, there seems no disaffection or estrangement among them. They are loyal to Masonry, and deeply regl'et the spirit that has for the time destroyed the efficiency of their Lodge. "A systematic canvass to lehrn the feeling and spirit of its membership nas disclosed that nearly all of. them are firmly of the conviction that time and a continuance of the brotherly spirit is sure to result in the restoration of th~ Lodge to its old po~ition in the ranks of Masonry, and in this conclusion I heartily concur.

"Lincoln Lodge, No. 138, is reported to be enjoying a little more than its usual pI"osperity. I have not met with tl1em.


1905.]

Gmnd Lodge of l1J拢ssouri.

97

"Birming Lodge, No. ] 50, is pretty well fixed, owns a half interest in a tolerable good hall, valUEd at $700, insured; forty-four members. attendance fifteen; annual dues $2, not having much W01'k; seveml passably good worker;;. ""'hlt('sville Lodge, No. 162, owns its bnilding, worth about $1,500. insured for $1,100; forty-four members, attendance fifteen; its dues are only one dollar; ~350 In trpasury, nineteen members in arrears an average of $2 each: has had three ruisings this year and pride themselves on doing their work well. "Zeredatha Lodge, No. 189, has 185 membp.rs, attendance seventeen, or about 10 per cent; has raised.fourteen past year; $2,200 in treasury. This is one of our city Lodges and it goes without saying is up in the work. "Rushville Ledge. No. 238, owns its building, valued at $800. pretty well furnished at $100; membership forty-nine, attendance fifteen; dues all collected; have more work than usual and do it pretty well. "Uochester Lodge, No, 248, rents a good hall. I have not visited it nor been able to hear .much from It. "Amazonia Ledge. No. 320, has had a little more than its usual work this 路year. Amazonia seems a finished town. The Lodge seems zealous. "Charity Lodge, No'. 331, is the largest and wealthiest Lodge in the DIstrict; has 275 members, meetings well attended; has Deen more than usually prosperous. "King Hill Lodge, No. 376, has had a great deal of work this year, owns a good hall, nicely furnished, worth $2,500; furniture $150, complete paraphernalia, seventy-five mp.mbers, attendance twelve; the immEdiate future full of promise. At my last report proceedings were in litigation to oust them il'om their property, but the proceedings have since been dismissed. "Rosendale Lodge. Ko. 404, bas a nice little hall, rented and furnished at a cost of about $300; forty-nine members, attendanc~ fifteen; $170 in treas~ry. This has been the most successful year lnits history. "Valley Lodge, No, 413, own their hall, valued at $500, well furnished; fifty-three members, attendance twenty: having considerable work. "Saxton Lodge, No. 508, is the smallest Lodge in the District, but it owns its hall, worth about $1,000, InsUl'ed. It has but twenty-two members and is situated in an unfriendly neighborhood, but my observation is that it has ab9ut as much Masonry to the square inch .as can be found anywhere. "With n. W. Bro, McDowell and the District Lecturer I held a District Lodge of Instruction with Savannah Lodge, which was well attended by Hepresentatives from neighboring Lodges, and I think some good was accomplished. "I have had the mmal D.umber of questions of law and custom, but as most were settled by citing the laws did not bring to your attention. "My official position has several times been invoked to compel Lodges L> enforce the moml la\\' and to ('ol'l'ccr charged almses. My reply has been in each case that it is .the duty of an aggrieved Brother to prefer charges in his Lodge, and if It did not do its duty, then it might properly be brot!ght to me and I would take it up to you. In some cases this has been done and penalties inflicte?" R W. Bro. H. F. Lawl'encc, of the 'tenth District, reports that during tbe past year he has visited most of the Lodges in the district. and finds them doin~ falI')y goo<l wOl'k. On .Tune 24, assisted by Brothers A. M. Gr. lJ.. Pro. --7


98

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

Dockery, C. M. Harrison, Panl llnnuels, and others, he 'd~dicated a new hall for Earl Lodge, No. 285, and at night assisted in confening the E. A. Degree on five eandidates, This I,od~e has a splendid new hall, all necessary' fumiture, and are prospering, Jameson Lodge, No, 500, owns one-third intcrest in hall wOl'th $:i,OOO, which is kcpt insUl'ed. 'rhey bave all necessary fnmiture, dues nearly all paid, fait'l:.' ~ood interest, and are doing some good wOI'k: records well kcpt. ' Pattonsburg Lodge, No, 65, does not own ball, but furniture is Insul'ed, In the past, have not suspended members promptly for non-payment of dues, bllt al'e moving In that direction now. Records well kept, Westel'll Star Lodge, No, 15, has all necessary furniture, and doing fairly good ,,"ol'k; menrllcl's not very proficient in the ritual. Records complete and well kept, Gallatin Lod~e, ~o. 106, has severaL'members in arreal's for dues; It has not, in the past, suspended members promptly for non-pa~tmcnt of dlWS, but' wHl do so in future, Records neatly and 'accurately kept, Lock Spring-s Lodge, No. 488, has not done much work during the past year; has suspended memhe'rs promptly for non-payment of dues, and bas :111 property iJlsurf:d, ' Hecol'ds kept in splendid shape.. Clarksdale r... odge" No, :Jr.!), has no pillars for Second Section 1". C. Degree, No member is in 81'1'I'arS for dnes; fumiture imml'ed; records well kept, Union Star Lodge, No, 124, has p!'operty fns'lred; no memher In ancars for dues; hall has all necesf':lu'y fUl'Di tUI'e; I'ecol'ds well kept. .Tamesport Lodge, No. 564, has all lI~c:essar'~' furnitul'e: omcers very pr'oficient in thcir duties; rEcords well kept. O&!torD Lodge, No. lUi, has no pillal's Cor 'Second Section of the F. C. Degree; fnrnitlll'e not insUl'ed; (OUl' mem!wrs in anenrs fOl' dues to the amount of ~:~1.2i): I'ecords neatly kept. Parrott Lodge, No, 308, has, all necessary fU"nit.ure: omcrl's fire pl"l)fi('ient In the work; records complete and neatly kept. WeRther!Jy Longe, No. 2%; J have not visited this Lodge'dul'ing the yeal', and was unable' to get any I'eport from them. Continental Lodge No. 4ii4; I 'visited this Lodge early in the yt>ar, at that time they wel'e not supp'ied with the pillars for tbe ~econd Section of the F, C, Uegree, Seem to bE doing filll'l~' well; )'ecords neatly kept. Most of the Lodges are gl'owiug, and fronl ;','car to year are' securing better halls 'and !Jetter furniture, and are fail'ly pJ'O!'pCI'()US, Peare Ilnd hal'mony prevail throughout this District. R. W. Bro. Frnnk H, Jlatthews, of the Eleventh District, has responded to evel")' official call, and has visited as fa I' as practicable the Lodges of his Dif':trict, and has assisted In the various I'ites and ceremonies Incident therl'lO, including- conferring of De,~rees, inspection of halls, paraphernalia, . records. inSUl'llnce. 'et(:" anel hRS found them t.o be regulal' and fairly prospel'ot\!';, He instllJ!ed the of!icrrs of Ubl:rty, No. :31, and Angel'ona, No. 1!J3, He :lc;~isted thl;' GI'Iwd Lncturcr In a i.~d~e of Instruction at Liberty. He dcdicatecl t.he'new hall helongln,g to 'l'emperance, No, 4~8, and reports it one of th~ hest in his Dist.rict. lIe says the Lodge deserv('s much credi t for the f'ner,!~' dlsplaypli In the el'ect.ion of tilelr splendid building', He assisted 1'1. W B)'o, K 1". Allen jg 11l~'ln~ the COI'nel'-~tl)ne of the Christian Church, in I,111el'ty, in the pn'sellce f)f a large fl!':semhly of Mllgons and :cltl7.ens, There bas n'ot ~ome to his knowlec1goe c1IlI'lng' the year any tn'each 9f Masonic law or order, and the year htl!': heen one of harmony and advancemcnt, n. W, BI'/). Hl'1!hen Bllrney, of the Twelfth District, has visited the ma,iorit:v of the Lodges. ann 'flnns them all In good shape and doing good worl" tlllwkg to the Lorlgrg of Jngtrnction hy the Grand J..rctnrel路. Eight ot the fOlll路teen Lodl!es own t.hplr own halls and anot.her is prp.parln,~ to erect n fine hall, All his Lodqes have sent in their returns, All flre in good finaneilll condition, Hix of tbe fOl1rteen Ll)dgp.s have no insl1rance, and be has written them, and is endeavoring to have them carry some insurance.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of Jl;lissouri.

99

Bv order' of th~ Grand Master he laid the corner-stone of the Methodist CilUrcll at Kingston; He also assisted at the laying of the corner-stone of the New ::3cience Hall, of Normal Scllool, at Kirksvlile. All the Lodges 10 his .District were notiNed of the Lodges of Instruction held by the Grand Lecturer, and the attelldancc was good. R. 'V. Ht路o. C, C. BiggeJ', of the Thirteenth District, has visited most of the Lodges, and has met and cODvet'sed with the ollicers and many of the Bt'ethren from the Lodgl's not visited, and lie says it al'fol'ds him much vleasure to be able to report that all are in a pt'osperous condition. There has been a very gt'atifying inucase in the membership of the vat'ious Lodges, some of them showing a dec:ided gain. He has personally inspected the Lodge rc.oms and finds the-m in good and safc condition; well kept and equipped for the work. He found the t'ccords of Lodges kept in an accurate and proper mantler, and note~ with pleasure tbat tbe By-Laws and Regulations of the Gt'and Lodge at'e being closely obsen'ed by the officers and Bt'ctbren in condllcting the business of tile r(?spcctive Lodg-es, He bas found a commendable zeal on their part to famHlarize th~mselves with the ~Iasonlc laws and usa~es. and to ouserv.e and conform thereto, avoiding all innovations and irregularities, He has also noted the same commendaule zeal for a better and mQt'c thorou~h Imowledge of the Ritual, t'esulting in a decided impt'ovement in t.he work of conferring Degrees, He says it has been a real pleasure for him to render the Lodges every possiule assistance by way of instructions. Pc'uce, hartnl'ny, and gen~ine brothet路]y love prevail among the Bt'etht'en of all tbe Lodges of the District. The future is brig-ht and he feels cel'tain that next year will be one of gr~at prospe)路ity. R. 'V. Bro, Sidney n. Wood, of the Fourteenth District, has not visited al} the L:)dges, but reports tnat they are all doi'ng fairly well. There are no' grievances of any kind: petlceand haJ'nlOny p)'evail, Ill' constituted Excello Lodge, No. 332, under Charter. He believeR the interests of Masonl'Y will be benefited.by the org':mizatiol1 of said Lodg'e, He held a two days' Lodge of Instrnction at Ilnnnewell. aRsembled a)Dpeting at Callao, and also at Atlanta, eac.h of which was fnh'ly attended, . R, W. Bro. Frank W Smith, of the Fifteenth District, reports that. the Fifteenth J)jstr路jct was rc-orgu!Ji;r,cd during' the present yrar, being formed of Lewis Rod :\fm'ion Counties, Ten Lodges are within his jurisdiction. He has hepD unahle to visit all .)f them durin,go this period. Whpre he hllS heen, howPYer, hI' has noted milch E-nthnsiaHm. and a we,ndE-rfn} increase in :\Iasonic intf'rcsts, He sppnt two 'days with Wyaconda Lodge, No. 24, at La Ol'ange, where he fonnd a !!')'()np of hright yOUllg' :\IaRons, willing to iearn, and with thpse he spent R prontahle sea!'on. A State Lodge of Inst)'\lction was held at Canton, at whlc'h the Or3n<l :\faster preRided. with the aSRistance of the Grand Lpctllrer an<l R. W. ill'o. ,T. H. McLnclll11n. and himself, He urges an additianal npp)'oprlation of money to Craft Lodge, for the purpose of E-)'ecting- 11 monument to tbe memo)'y of Past Grand )Iaster Stephen Car.neg-ie. lIe vi<;lted Philadelphia Lodge, No. ;'02, and found them in good and healthy condition, In company wit]) the G)'nnd LectUl'for he visited the T...odg-es at Hamiltem, and assistE'd in instruction and confelT'ing the Deg'rees. Their beautiful hall, ,illst equipped with modern furnlshin!"s, at II COf't of over ~iOO, is attracting laJ'ge attendnnce at nil meetings. The recent growth of the population of this city, :mel its pI'omlnenee as a manufacturing- city, bring many visitors from this and other ,Turisdictions, whfch is an indncement to the B)'ethren 'to'leal'D correctly, nnd which they are doing. No violation of )Ia!'onic law has been rE-ported .to bim, and he, thrrefore, assumes that tlJe cor.ditions are almost harmonious throughont his district.


100

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

R. W. Bro. George B. Mayhall, of tile Sixteenth Distl~ict, reports that pe set Paynesville Lodgf:>. No.4!)!), after its temporary arrest, at wOl'k ail <iil'eetcd by tile Gr'lnd Master. He was well pleased with his visit, and left the Brethreu in good spil·its. It i~ a good Lodge. He visited Pcrseverance. Lodge, Nfl, 92, aLLouisiana, and found eVE'l'ything ill good condition. This Lodg-e iR well officcJ.'ed, IH'OSpE'rOUR, and doing good work. Be presided over a Lodgc of Instruction held at the hall of Ralls Lodge, No. 33, at Center. Thfoo Grand Lecturer was present anu. had charge of the ritualistic worlc The results weJ'C gl·at.ifyiug. He has visited Frankford Lodge, No. 192; Lick Cr0el{, No. 302, and iust.ruct.ed its Bl'et.hren in t.he Ritualistic work. Othel' engagement.s, -professional and ot.herwise, have prevent.ed him fl'om making as many visits rturin!; the yeal: as he intended, but from cOl'l'espondence, as well as perf"onal intel'dews, he has kept in touch with alJou t all tha t has transpired of interest to the Craft at' large. Peace and harmony pr~vaij throughout the District, About the only objectionable 'feature is that some of t.he Lodges are, in his opinion, somewhat careless conCErning some of the material wh jch is presented. This indifference as 10 material is more marked in those Lodges where' the $20 minimum for tile three Degrees has been adopted. He thinl.::> cheap Degree fees invite cheap material. lIe says doubtI('S8 some good men uppl;l' to the $~O Lodges, but t.hat they would apply jusr a!l readi!~' if the fee was hig-h<"r. "Cheap" Freemasonry is a humbug. He concludes hi::; repol't \vith a tabulated statement derived from the reports of Secretaries of the several Lodges. He says' it will show the cOJ;ldition cxisting on the first dar of August, 190;';:

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R. 'V. Bro. A. '1'. 'Vaughan, of the Seventeenth District, reports that lIe has given crl.l'eful attent10n to all matters presented for his cOllsidemtion, He bas urged all the Lodges in his District to have a report and Grand Lodge dues in by the 1st of September. In January last Santa !i'e Lodge, ~o. 4G2, was totally destroyed by firc, to~ether with all the furniture, but as t.hey have a nel'vy, enel'getic and enthusinstic cir.cle of Masons, they went to work, made up th(~ 1l10n'~y, ;llld have rebuilt and furnished a nice and well-equipped hall. On Junc 24, R. W:. Bro. Houston and l\i. W. Bl·O. Bl'iggs, 3ssisted by a numher of local Lodges, derlicated thcir ball. The ceremonies


1905.]

Grand Lodge of l1,fissouri.

101.

were impressive, and as they were public, bad a good effect on all present. Appl'opriate nddre,;;scs wel·t> delivered by M. W. Bro. Briggs and B.. W. Bro. Houston. He repo}·ts that the Craft is in fnirly good condition, and that roost of the Lo<:iges are making a steady ~rowtb. H. W. BI·O. IIatfield . o[ the Eigilteenth District. says that it afforded him much pleasure that the Craft is in good coudition, aud as far as .he has be~n able to learn in bis visits 0\,('1' the District, there is but little, if any, friction. Peace and harmony prevail. The Lodges are doing better work and more genuine interest is being' ~howll among tbe Brethren than for somQ time. In corup:my with :\1. W. Bl·O.. :'.:1. .T. Lilly he ·has visited and assisted in conferring the Degree!': and inst)'ucting the Brethren in the work. Tbe Lodges. with one 01' t\VO exc()ptions, have g::lod halls, well furnished, and their records and books are in good condition; I-Ie'says that Masonry is in a good condition in bis District. 1:. W. Bro. G. W .• Huckel', of the.Nineteenth District, reports that Masonry is making some advancement in his District. He has been in communication with all the Lodges, and has urged them to send in their reports on time. Ill' helieves tbat most. if not all. hayc done !':o. At his request Brother S. F. 'I'rammelJ dedicatee! the new haJJ, at Prairie Hill. He held a two days' Lodge of Instruction at Pl'airie HilL 'f'he BI'etbren present were apt pupils and learned the work fairly well. They have a neat hall, well furnished, bui. lack :;,ome furnitlli'e, esp~cially pillars for the Second Degree. He has :liso visit~d S:llisblJry and KeytesvilJe, and assisted in confelTing· the Degrees. So far a,;; he know,'> p~ace and harmony prevail throughout the District, and all the Lodges a)'l~ in fair working condition. R. "'. Bro..T. P. Tnc!,er, of the Twenty-first District, reports as follows; "In /lecol'd:lnee with .YOU!· reqnest, expressed to me through the Chairman of your COmll'ittl~e on Distl'ict Deputy's locports, on December 20, 1904, 1 have vi:;ited every Lodge within the District, and beg to submit to you the following report upon ,their condition; "On l\1n~' 20 I visited \\eston Lodg:r, No. 53, at Weston. 'l'be attendance was small, lmt theil' records of pl'evious meetings showed a fair average. The Lodg-e meets twi~e a mon th, ,md is in good worldng condition. I had not the OJll10rtunity of witne:;:sin.!!,' their Degree work. The financial· condition is good. The Lodge owns :l two-stOl',V brick building, weil locate'd and valued at ;3;').000, With fumiture and p:lraphemulia valued at $630. Insurance on ImiJdlng. ~3.0rh); l'urniture, $~OO, The records of the Lodge are well kept. :\lemht>I'ship, 87. with only one l11el11])cr delinquent and $600 in the treasury, A rental of $120 iwr :lnnllm is received for the lower' story of the building. "On .Tune 14 I yi;;ited ]i'idelity Lodge, No. 339. at Farley, and although a quorum was not secured, the principal officers were present, and the records we:'e availahlc>. A!l tbe lJ'Io({s and rec0rds of the Lodg-e al'e reasonably well !,('f,t, anci the Lodge condition!': ar~ fair for a Lodge of this sb:e, situated in a rural community. J rccommcncled the holding- of only one rel;ular ComTo1~nicatiOD a month, instead of two as at present, since the records revealed thE: fact that one lneE·ting a month was usually a success, while the othel' often resulted 1n ~i failure to secu,'e a quorum. The Lodge owns the second .story of.J'~g'ood fmrne .1.)UiJdin~. th('ir 1'00111 and equipment being valued at *750, with.,$JOIl. Insurap.ce.., The membcl'ship is thirty-six, with seven delinqU€Jlts, :l.lld., .:ji2g0 . in the tretU,;lry. 'I'il~ Odd Fellows and Woodmen also occupy the h~ll. l'r,lntillg _from JJ'idelity, at an annual rental of $56. A few years ago this Loqge wa~ in .vf'ry bad shape, and it was feared for a time tbat it would havc to .he abandoned, but it is pros\)cring now. and has a fine field in which TO grow ..


102

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

"On' .Tune t 17, I visited Hising Sun Lodge, No. 13. at Barry, and found a splendid condition prevailin~. There was a large attendance, with wO~'k in the Deg1'ees, ,which was well handled. I found the records in perfect condition. Bl'othcl' :M. T. Samuel has been the Secretary of this Lodge for forty year!', continuously, :md his work is almost without a flaw. The records are full and cnmplcte. fully imlcxed, and are the neatest I have ever seen. This Lod~e owns the se~ond story of the Public School building, a frame strnctnr~ in gooa (:ondition. 'l'he room and furnishings are valued at $1,000, wit.h $80 1) ir:st\l·at'ce. A new addition to the school building is being made, and the Lodge wil) add the second story to this also. to be used as a banquet room. At the date of my visit a cash balance of $900 was reported. The new improvement will ~ost $325. 'l'he Lodge has seventy members, with only alJout $21) outstanding on dues. I expect· to be with this Lodge again on September 9, at its "Annual TIetmion," which has been made a feature of the Lodge for several y~al's, with good ('esu!ts. An especial elIort is made to get ail the old members of the Lodge out to this meeting, and former. m~mbers make long journeys t.o attend the meeting. knowing that they will meet all the olde·I' members of the, Lodge. This reunion has grown to be a great M:a~onic event in the community, and much good has come fl'om it. "On ,Tunp. 26, I visited Platte- City Lodge, No. 504. Degree work was 'the featui'(' of the ~"ening, ann the work was well done. This Lodge has u good De~l'ee team, and their work is usually of a high standard. 'l'he records al'~ reasonabl J' well kept. but some changes in the system were deemed ncce~sary. and tue Secrt'tary expressed a willingness to comply with the recommemhtions. The Longe owns the second story. of a good brick church huilding. 'I'heir property is worth $1.500 on building and $350 on furniture, with. insurance of $7!)0 and ~200; respectively. The membership is seventy-nine, 'with ;) per cent delinquent, and a cash balance of $318.· "On .July Hi, I visited Adelphi Lodge, No. 355, at Edgerton. There was a fair attendance, and good interest was shown. The 'l'hird Degree was conferred in a vel'Y acceptable manner. I found the records in very bad shape, and cOIl!d readily undrrl';tand ~ome of the trouble we had previously had with thi!': Lod~E'. The present Secretary is making an effort to get the, records in better sbape. and the Worshipful Master assured me that changes suggested by me would be made at once. The Lodge owns the second story or' a good Il\ll':iness building, 4()x70 fe"t, and the Lodge room is suitably. furnished. 'rhe h:Jilding and furnitnre is wOl'th $2,500, with only $1,000 insurance. J recommended the increa!':e of the insurance at once. The membership is sixty· six, with ten delinquents, owing $54, but an efIort is being· made to reduce that amount, while collecting the annual dues, which, in this Lodge fflll due in .June. XI) ca·sh balance reported, this condition being the result of having to put' a new roof on the building. which left an hidebtedness of $100, . "On August 12, I visited nowle~' Lodge, No. 204, at Dearhorn. . Here, on account of excessive heat. a quorum was not secured, tut the principal . l.'ffieN·s were present. and the affairs of the Lod~e were thoro\l~hly gone over. The records are well kept, and· the Lodge appears to be in good shape. owning a two-story frrtme bnildin~, with three good lots. The lower story,vas form'.'rly used for schoo! purposes, but since the purchase of the entire hUilding by the Lodge, is used for residence purposes, yielding the Lodge a I'ental or $60 p<,r yeal'. The propez·ty is valued at $1,000, with $500 insurnn(:e. 'I'he membership is sixty-one, dues $1.::i0. with 20 per cent outstanding. A cash balance of. $150 was reported.


J 905.J '

G1'and Lodge of 111 issouri.

103

"On .~lJgu'st 17: I met with Qamden Point r,odge, No. 169, in Special Communi<'ation. There was a good attendance, and the Brethren were all enthusiastic· for the good of the Order. Camden Point is the banner Lodge of the Twenty-first· District, in at I('ast one regard. There are fifty-eight, members, and not on~ d'Jlinquent. The Lodg<.' owns the second' story of n splendid brick building,. almost new, costing .them $2,000, with furniture vnhl('(l at $;~OO. Jrisul'a':lce, $1,250. 'l'he records are well kept, and th,~ general condition of the Lod~e is excellent. I had not the opportunity for witnessing their Degrre work. 'l'here is another fact in connection with this Lodge that is worthy of mention. In 1875 the Lodge secured a desirlible tract of land, and platted it for cemetery purposes. It is known ·as the "Masonic Cemetery," and serves the entire community. The superintendent is a member of the Lodge, and malH~s his report monthly to the Lodge. The ('emetery is well kept, and is an honor to the Fraternity. It is entirely free from debt, and the hlt'orne from the sale of lots goes directly into the Lodge treasury. Lots are sold to members at ~20, and to non-members at $:W. The records show that there remain unsold lots to the value of almost $2,500, so that the cemet'ny will continue to he a source of revenue to the Lodge for many years to (;orne. "Compa~s Lodge, No. i20. at Parkville, is my home Lodge. 'Ibe Lodge occupies a le:l.sed· hall.bnt it is wellfiftpd up, with furniture and paraphernalia costing more than $750; insurance, $500. The records are well kept, :ind the Degree. work is ~00d. There is a large amount of dues outstanding. but a campaign of collection Is to be inaugurated at once. The membership is sixty, and tbeL<~dge has a net cash halance at this da te of $20ii.

"In a.lmost every.!nsbmce these visits have been made without previous announcement, in order that I might see the Lodges ns they were normally. In every instance I hav(~ been cordially received, and all information asked for freely' given. I consi<ler the condition in the District good, and the Brethren are ,loyal and true to the prInciples of the Order."

"Y.

R. Bro. V. F. Boor, of the 'l'wenty-second District, reports the condition of Masonry in his District in general to be very encouraging. The Lodges in Kansas City are especially. busy ·with Degree work, and in several inetances more work will be reported than during any previous year in the history of the efty. 'rhe real event in Masonic circles of the year just ended was the compl<.'tion aud dedicntion of Ivanhoe's new home, at the southeast corner of '1'hirty-thlrd and Woodland, at wbicb the Grand Master was present and presided. '

'R. W. Bro. C. L. Frost, of the Twenty-th'ird District, reports that he laid the eorner-stone of the Central Female College, at Lexington. The address ,,'as made by Past Grand ~IastN' C. C. Woods. It. W. Bl'O. R. KL. Smith, of the 'rwenty-fourth District, reports that he held a Lodge of lnstruetion at Marshall, assisted by 1\1. W. Bro. C.· H. Briggs,' who rendered valuable services. such as he is competent to do at any and all times.. H'e attended a Lodge of Instruction, at Slater, conducted. by the Grand Lecturer,· Which was well attendr.d, and thinks much benefit was derived by those presellt. In company with M. W. Bro.C. H. Briggs he vieited Lodges ~t :\llami and Nelson. With the exception of Herndon Lodge, No. 487, all the Lod~es are in a prosperous condition. While no great amount of work has been done during the, past year, yet tbere has been a steady growth, showing- thl\.t Masonry is.on the up-grade. His report as to Herndon. Lodge, No. 487, has been forwarded to the Grand Master for his action.


104

Proceedings of the

,[Sept.

R. W. Bro. W. F. Jobn,,;on, of the '.rwe:nty-fifth. District, reports as ~ol. lows: "It affords me pleasUl'e to report" to ~'ou th~t the condition of the Ma· !':>oni(' Fraternity in the Twenty·fifth Ilistrict is good. I have endeavored to keep in touch, as far as Pl'!\ctic:lble( with the various' Lodges in the . District: and, as far as ;ny informat:on extends, uut one serious matter has disturbed the harmony of an;\' of the Lodges; and, even in tbis case, I undersiand that harmO:::Jy now .pl·evails. I have visited a number of the Lodges of the District, but Tlot all of them. In a number of Lodges I have assisted in the confel'l'ing' 'Jf Ue~I'ee<;, and have given instructions in the work. In JannaI'~" ltJ05, I dedicated the hall of Wm. D. Muir Lodge, No. 277. at Pilot Gro\'e, .\fo., 3 t wh iC:l time M. W. Bm. Xenophon Ryland delivered an eloquent and instl'lIl'tiYe address. In conformity with your ordel' that I restore the Charter to Glensted Lodge, No. 2:10, bll!"iness at the time preventing my, personal attention to th~ same, It. W. Bro. A. L. Hoss, of Versailles, Mo., f(Ir me in my behalf, did. on the 17th day of I"ebruary, HlO;:;, carry out your order in restoring. rhe ehUl·ter to said Lodge. I have written a pel'sonal letter to each of the Lodges of this Ilish'ict, calling their attention to the necessity, of transmitting their dues in al~col'dance with the laws of the Grand Lodge, and I trust that w!~ will have no delintlUents this year, While tbe past year l!lay not show an a.ppreciable incl'ease in the tnembership in the District, ~'et, on the whole, I am pie:lsed to report progrcsg, and that the fraternity is in exceptionahly good condition." H. W. Bro. W, O. I\lanly, of the Twenty-sixth District, report,s that his duties at the 8tat.e Univel'gity have rendered it impossible for him to visit any of the Lodges o:ltside of ColumbIa. lIe dedicated the new Lodge at Hinton, and dclivcred to them their Charter. R. W, Bro. FI'ank R. ,Jesse, of the Twenty-seyenth District, reports that for the most pnrt this has heen a prosperons year in Masonry in the Distl·ict. Some of the Loclg-es have done Ii good deal of work in getting in new members, but he thinks the.y have all done ~ood work along Masonic lines. The Lodg~ rooms are well fUl·nlshed. R. ,V. Bro. W. B. l\f. Cook. of the Twenty-eighth District, reports that h,e dedlcatrd the hall. and that 81. John's Day was celebrated by a picnic at ~ew Fiorence. Masonry c;cems to be progl'essing in the District and interest is manifcsted, as ,:suai. W91'k has heen done hy most of the Lodges. It. W. BI·o. ;r. W. Powell, of the Twenty·ninth District, reports that besides visiting- a nnmber or' tlv' Lodges and assisting in confel'l'ing the Degrees, he has ~iven private instrnction to all Brethren who applied for sueh. He held three days' Lodge of Instrnction' at TI'OY, and also three ,days' Lorlge with ;\few Salem. The Grand Lecturcr beld a Lodge of Instruction at ~Ioscow, Which he attended. This was an excelleI]t meeting, and each sE'ssion was attE'ndfd by a lnrge number of the Brethren from Moscow and fj'om other Lod;~es. 'l'he membership has increased in the District; l'it.llalistic work is being fairly well done, and the true spirit of ~~asonry prevails. R. W. Bro. W. A. Clark, of the Thirty-first District, reports as follows: "As Depllty Gl',md Mastp.1' fOl' the TlJirty-l<'irst District, my work dUI'ing the year has been pleasant, and I think profitable. Ko vexing questions have arIsen and I have not been railed upon officially to perform a single un· pleasant dut~·. The Lodges in the Thirty-i"irst District are: with only one or two exceptions, in good condition, both as to their ability to do their WOJ"k and to meet theIr financi'll ohligations. Th~ DE'grees nre conferred in

a

."


190p·l

Grand Lodge of j,lissouri.

105

an impressive manner, and peac;e and harmony prevail. I have been universally kindly and courteously treated and made to feel weleome in the . Lodges I have visited. -r have given private instruction and held Ledges of lnstl'uction wherever pl)!'sible. and have tried to answer every demand made upon my services during- the y!la:.'. "In c{'nclusinn. I clesire to extend my sincere thanks t.o you and to the iSenral Grand i)fticerR, especial~y Brothel' A. S. Houston, and John .'I'. Short. who have been very kind and helpful to me during the year.".

n. W. Bro.•Tames Booth, of the ThiJ·ty-Second District, reports as' follows: "I take pleasllre in saying that the best of feeling is prevalent amon~ the Craft. The additions during the past year were carefully selected, and I have no donbt will hlI prove worthy of the honor conferred on them. Durin~ the year Lodges were instituted at Red Bird and at St. Clair. Both are doing well. It will be re.membered tl1at the old Lcdgl;) at· St. Clair lost its churter at the last session of the Grand Lodge for reasons that more fully appeal' from the last report of the pl'oceedings of the Grand Lodge. On a careful examination into the affairs of the old Lodge, I learned th3t it was composcd of three different elements: First, the element that had hecn placed under charges; second, tbe element that had been prominent in preferring nnd prosecuting those charges; third, the independent element that had not been involved in the trouble, one way or the other. The latter element composed by fa I' a majority of the members-these men were good 1\1asons, who had never violated the Masonic code, and in my judgment wcrc In every way qualified for membership in the I<'l'aterni1y. And there was no good reason why they should be kept out of the fold for the faults of others. The new Lodge was organized from the members of this independent element, and Its personnel Is snch that the l<'raternity may well feel pl'oud of them. The Lodge at Red Bird is likewise composed of good m€n, and I have no doubt that the~' will do well from a Masonic standpoint...

I

R. ,V, Br'o. Louis l\Ioller, of the Tbirty-Third District., rcports a's follows: "I herewith submit my report as District Deputy for the Tbirty-Third Masonic District. "On October 21, l!104, Maplewood Hall, at Maplewood, St. Louis County. was dedicated. Cons0cl'u,ed llud constituted ~1aplewood Lodge, No. 1166. and installed the officel's of this, the baby Ledge of' tbe District. "Decembel' 31, 1DO·!, inspected' and dedicated the new hall at Bridgeton. St. Louis County, Mo., of Bridgeton Lodge, No. 80. This Lodge deserves much credit for theil' enterpl'isc in securing so splendid a ball and such beautiful furnisbings. "Installed the officers of the follOWing Lodges: :Mel'idian, 1'0. 2; Bridgeton, 1'\0. 80: Webster GrQves, Ko. 84; Meramec, Xo. 95; Pride of tbe West, No. 179; West Gate, No. 445; Clifton Heights, No. 520; Maplewood, No. :>66 ; and assisted at the instal!ation' of officers of Beacon, 1'0. 3. "During the months of .January and Febl'ua!'J', held Lodge of Instruction Saturday c·,ening. These meetings were all very well attended. and much intere:;t manifested. The, work was in charge of R. W. Bro. Julius C. GalTdl, n. D. G. L., who showed marked ability in the promulgation of the wOI·k. FI'om tbe large attendance and close attention to the business in hand IJr all present, much good was ,accomplished. The attendance was the largest in the history of the Craft in this Jurisdiction, total attendance for eight meetings being 2,476, an average of 30!)lh for ~3ch meeting-. ,

ev~ry


106

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

I, desire to express my appreciation to the Craft in this District for their eal'Oest support at these meetings, and especially the Craftsmen's Club of St. Louis. to whose efforts and untiring zeal in' the great cause in· which we are engllged mnch of the success was due. The last meeting of the I.,odge of Instrnction was held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which beautiful and commodious edifice was tendered to us for use on this occasion by the Scottish Rite 'bodies of St. Louis, and for which we are sincerely grateful. At this meeting t.here were present over 650 Brethren. besille which we were honored by the presence of t.he Grand Master and P. G. Masters W.' R. Stubblefield, John 'R. Parson, C. C. Woods, C. H. Briggs and Dorsey A. Jamison, all of. whom delIvered Illeasing and instmctlve addresses. It is not necessary for me to say that t.he meeting was an enthusiastic and instructive one, as all present could test.ify. "In regard to the matter referred to D. D. G. M. of this District by . the Grand Lodge at. its last session, relative to Benton Lodge, ·No. 353, and the St. Louis Board of Relief, would report that Benton Lodge has paid the amount· claimed. by said Board of Relief, therefore no recommendation is necessary, the incident being closed. . "At your request I investigat.ed a complaint made by' Maplewood Lodge, No. G66, through its Master, against Kirkwood Lodge, No. 484, in regard to invasion of their Jurisdiction by said Kirkwood Lodge. The complaint was amicabiy adjusted to the satisfaction of both Lodges. "In this connection I would recommend that the Lodges in the County of St.. Louis be given concurrent Jurisdiction in said county. "I am pleased to report that during the year I have visIted each of the thirty-three Lodg-es iIi this District, and with possibly four exceptions found that all of them have an' abundance of work. Peace and harmony prevail, except for the single instance of Benton Lodge, No. 85~, where dissensions' existed to such an extent that the usefulness of said I.odge seemed to have come to an end. At your order, issued July 24, 1905, I took up their 'charter and ordered the secretary and treasurer to turn over to the Grand Secretary all property in their possession belonging to said 'Benton Lodge, which has been done: The jewels, columns, etc., have been left In the halt.and placed in the keeping of W. Bro. R. C. Blackmer, a Past Master of Benton Lodge, subject to the order of this Grand Lodge. "May 25, 1905, made arrangements for and assisted you in laying the corper stone .of the new B'Nai EI Synagogue. I

"July 2, 1905, at request of our Grand Master, conducted the funeral of HI'other Thomas E. Garrett, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodga, A. }j'. & A. 1\1. of ,MissourI. "I have several times visited the Board of Relief, being desIrous of becoming acquainted with its \vorkings. It is here that we see practical Masonry. Brethr€Il' from the various Lodges in the city meeting every Saturday evening to minister' to the wants and necessities of the distressed Bret.hren, and doing this without the hope of any reward, save the consciousness in their own heart.s, that. they are doing something for humanity and are lightening the burden of sorrow on some Brother's mind. . "On the occasion of my official vIsits, I presence of ,Grand Master Leroy B. Valliant, as W. R. 8tllbil letield,'..1olm R. Parson, Dorsey A. Howard Watson, G. J. W., Wm. A. Hall, G..J. Wm. E. Hoke, G.P, .Julius C. Garrell, D. D, G.

have been honored by the well as i>ast Grand Masters Jamison, and Rt. W. Bros. S., George W. James, G. C., L. for Thirty-Third District,

I


107

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

1905. ]

and many other distinguished Masons, who by their presence have aOdded greatly to' the interest of these visits. '1'0 these, and to all members of 'the Craft in the District, I desire to express my appreciation and sincere' thanks [Of their uniform kIndness and assistance during the past year." H. W. B'ro. Luther R. 'l'w.vman, of the Thirty-I"ourth District, reports that he has b('en ,physkally unable to attend fully to the duties of his office. ThIs, however,' h~ has done so faithfully in the past that the Grand Lodge can well excuse him for his partial failure du.ring the present year. He has, however, visited a number of Lodges and is satisfied that his DIstrIct Is In good' co~dition. R. W. Bro,W. W. Ross, of the Thirty-FIfth 'District, has vIsited all the Lodges in his DIstrict except Rockville, Papin ville and Bume. He reports the Lodges in .1JJs District, in prosperous condition.

R. W. B"ro. E.E. Codding, of the Thirty-Sixth District, reports as follows: "I respectfully submit the following as my report for the 1.'hirty-Slxtb Masonic DIstrict: "I am pleased to be able to report tbat the Lodges in this District, with two excepti9Ds, are in a very prosperous condition, and that none are more prosperous than tbe two new Lodges, Green Ridge, No. 425, and Lamonte U. D . '

, I

"I have not been able to visit all of tbe I,odges in tbe District this year, but have gone, wherever It seemed that my presence was needed, and I am satisfied that, taken as a whole, thIs DIstrict compares favorably with the others in" ~asonic growth. "In addition to' the visits to tpe different Lodges, I have to report the following official acts and visits: "On November 17, 1905, I restored the charter to Lodge of Peace, No. 280, and I am of the opinion that this Lodge will again become prosperous. :

J"'

"On November 18, 1904, I delivered the, charter to Green Ridge Lodge. . No. 425, dedica~ed their hall and consecrated the Lodge. "December 8,·1904. honor to lay the corner School at Warrensburg; and Corinthian Lodge pliment them on their

assisted by CorInthian Lodge, No. 265, I had the stone of the Dockery Gymnasium at the State Normal The weather wa.s fine, there was it large attendance certainly made a fine. appearance. I wish to comappearance and work.

·"June 8, 190~, I organized a Lodge at Lamonte, Mo., with fifteen charter members. '1'he 'Masons of Lamonte have been 'trying to organize for some time, and tbey 'have claimed that there was enough good Masonic material to make a prosperous Lodge at that place. I believe that the:y are correct, . for at their, first 'meeting seven petitions were received and that number ,has been nearly doubled since then. "June 22, 'to 24, the Grand Master, assisted by the Grand Lecturer, held a State Lodge of Instruction at Sedalia, and while the attendance was not large, still the interest shown made it a successful meeting."

R. W.Bro.. George A, DanJel, of the '.rhirty-Seventh District, writes a personal letter :.to, the Grand Master, explaining that owing to business affairs he has not been able to give the attention to the work which he desired. He has beeb a faithful and efficient officer in the past and the Grand Lodge· will excuse the se~ming neglect in the past year.


108

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

It.

W. Bro. H. T. Wright, of the Thirty-Eighth District, reports as follows:, "I have held three Lodges of Instruction at Richland, Lebanon and Conway. At these meetings I have had faidy good attendance and more Interest. Have had personal interviews with memtlel's of Iberla, Wl.lynesvillp-, l\'Ia~k's C)'eek, Competition and Linn Creek, All report to me doing well. Kotwithstsnding all this, I know they need insh'uction. Those Lodges that I have had the pleasure of visiting I have conferred .Degrees and 'have endeavored to impress np0!1 the oflicers the necessity of a due observance of the Masonic law, to look well to the finances, to impt'ess upon tbe recipient of the Degrees those valuable lessons they contain, and not to abuse the baI!ot, which I find is too often done. Some of the Lodges assigned me are a long dist ance from Lebanon, and while they are anxious for a visit, business t'elations and bad roads often prevent. I have received but one report of violation of t1;le law. I immediately notified the Lodge to prefer' charges and expel t.he memher, As this has lately occurred I have not receiVEd notke of their action. As a whole, the Lodges are harmonious nnd prosperous. R. W. Bro. Edmund Koch, of the Thirty-Ninth District, reports that he laid the ('orner stone of the new Masonic Temple at Holla. He has visited most of the Lodges in his District and finds them in faidy good condition. R. W. Bro. C. Eo l'yle, of the Fortieth District, has met with quite 11 number of the J~()dges, especlallv those calling fOl' his sel'vices, and is pleased to t'epot路t that Masonry throughout the District is in a flourishing condition. One Ot' two of the Lodges have become somewhat cat'eless' in providing: the necessat'Y paraphernalia for properly doing the worl" but after impl'essing upon the'lll the IIp.cessity of having pr0per wot'king tools he is glad to say that they are now very welI equipped in that respect and are doing good wot路k. He thinks the prospects for the future are brighter throughollt the District路 tha n ever before. It. W. BI'O. Willard B. Dunnegan, Of the Forty-First District, reports that early in the year he determined to follow the wise suggestions of Chairman K F. Allen, to thorough];}' inspect each Lodge in the District. He paid official visits to Hiddick, No, 301, Pleasant, !'io. 160, and Bolivar, No. 195. All matters pertaining to the conduct and condition of these Lodges wel'e carefUlly considel'ed, Some slight irregularities were corrected and plans for betterment inaugurat('d, Tile general condition of these Lodges is good, ~,He bas also visited other Lodges u~officiaIly, conferring Degl'ees, officiating at funei'al~, and anRwering such calls as LodgeR and Lodge 'otncers made upon him. ,His failure to visit all the Lodges, as intended, was caus,ed b;}' his being unable to spare the time from his business affairs and the bad condition of roads, at times when he might have found opportunity to make the necessary joumeys. With an -exception of ,two, every' Lodge in thl;:; District is a~{'essible only by driving, and the year now closing has had an unprecedented amount of bad weather~ ~ith the nallll'al consequence of bad roads, swollen streams and pneumonia-laden atmosphere, ' R. W, Bro, Ralph L. Wardin, of the Forty-Third District, reports that he assisted the Grand Lecturer in a Distt'ict Lodge of Instruction at Nevada, '1'he meeting was only fairly well attended, but those who were In attendance gave good heed to the iustru,ctlon given and were doubtless much benC:'filed. At the request of H. Vi'. Bro. Will U. Bowles, D. D. G. lVI. of the Forty-Second District, he inspected and approved. the proposed hall of Clintonville Lodge, No_ 482, at Eldora.do Spt'lngs. At hh;; reQueFlt w.


J ~)Q5. J

Grand Lodge of Missoz.tl'i.

109,

·Bro. W. K Dawson superintended the removal of Clintonville Lodge, No. -182, and dedicated theIr }Jew hall, a:l of which was In due time reported to the Grand I\laster, Owing to business engagements and the state of his health he resigned the position of D. D. G. M. and at his suggestion Brother A .•J. Wray, of Lamar, was appointed to fill the vacancy. R. W. Bro. .A. J. Wray, of the Fort~'-Thil'd District, reports that he inspected the new hall for Signal Lodge, No. 304, which he found to be quite a desirable room, with accommcdatlons that would be very helpful to the Lodge. Owing to the lateness of his appointment he h::Js not visiJed any oJ the Lodges except his home Lodge at Lamar. He has, however. conferred with th(' Masters and Brethren of a number of the Lodges, and they report most of the District in fail'1y good ccndition. There are some that need- to have some new life infused in them. So far as his knowledge goes peace a~d harmony prevail thl'Oughout the Craft in this District. U. W. Bro. Prank G. Ade, of the Forty-FoUl'th District, reports as follows: "It gives me pleasure to report that I have visited every Lodge in the Distri~t during the year, and find them all makin~ progress and increases in membership of a class that reflects credit to the Fraternity. "October 12, at a meeting of Carl Junction Lodge, No. 549, I assisted in confening the F. C. Degl'ee on two candidates, "By call of W, Bro. Alfred Reynolds, District Lecturer, and myself, the Lodges of the District held memorial services at the Masonic Hall in Joplin, October 23, lU04, and resolutions of respect to the memory of our Jate Grand Secretary, R. W. Bro. John Davis Vincil, were adopted. I forwaI'ded a ('opy of these resolutions to each Lodge in the District, with the recommendation that they be read in open Lodge and spread upon the records. "l\'ovcrnber 29, by dispensation from the Grand Master and assisted by W. Bro. .Alfrf.d Reynolds and officers of Carthage Lodge, No. 197, I convened a Grand Lodge in hall of Carthage Lodge, No. 197, for the purpose of la~;ing the corner-stone of Carthage High ::;chool building. Pl'ocession was formed undel' dit'ection of R. W. Bro, Martin T. Balsley, GI'and Marshal, with Jasper Commandery, No. 31, K. '1'., acting as escort; and thousands of school children following, moved to building and laid the corner stone accOI'ding to Masonic usages. "December 1::>, I ,'isited Fellowship Lodge, "Xo, 345, and assisted in conferring the M:. M. Degree on three. "J)e~ember Hi; at a public installation, jointly with Carterville Chapter, ~o. 111, O. K S., I installed the officers of Carterville Lodge, Ko. 401. "December 2~), I assisted in the installation of officers of Fellowship Lodge, ~o. 345, Joplin. December 27, at joint installation with Webb Cllaptcl', No. 204, O. E, S., I in;talled the OffiCC1'S of Webb ICity Lodg-e, l\'o. 512. March 14, I went to Jasper, intending' to visit .Tasper Lodge, No. 398, but no meeting w~s held for lack of a quorum. "March 21. 1 visited Jasper Lodge, No. 398, and conferred the F. C. Degree. ".Tune 19 and 20. I attended the State School of Instruction in .Toplin, held by the Grand Master and Grand Lecturer. Very much interest was manifested and the meeting was well attended by the officers of Lodges in this and adjoining Districts. I am led to believe that we were greatly benefitt'o by thif' mcr.l ing.


110

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

"August 1, 1 wrote 'each of the Lodges in the District,urghig the secr~taries t'o fOl'ward their annual report and Grand Lodge <1ues to :the Grand Secretary as soon as possible. I think this request has been complied with, as I believe that the Lodges of the li'orty-I<'Ollrth District are too pl'ogressive for any of them to appear among the delinquent Lodges, "August 4, I visited Carterville Lodge, 1'\0. 401, and gave instruction on candidates Eo A, lecture,

"Au~ust 9, I visited Carl Jun'ctlon Lodge, No, 549, ,'and gave general instruction in Degree wOl"k and on delinquent members, ' August 10, I visited Carthage Lodge, Xo. 197, a~d dedicated their new hall according to Masonic usage. "August 24, at Ol'onogo, no meeting of Mineral Lodge, No: 471, was held, On account' of the oppressive heat a quorum was not present.: , "In addition to the above visits, on all of which I have been accompanied and very ably assisted by W. Bro. Alfred Reynolds, Distl'i'ct Lecturer, J hnve kept in close touch with the' different Lodges by means' the 'Craftsman's Club of Jasper County,' which was organized two years ago for the PUl'pose of giving general instruction in :Masonic work. ' I', have attended and participated in the following meetings of the Club: ' At Joplin, January 25; Webb Cll~', l<'ebl'Uary 8; Carthage, l<"ebl'Uury 21; Carterville, March 1u; Oronogo, March 29; Cal'l ,Junction, AprlI 19, and Joplin, Ma:y 24,

of

"If there is any dissension among the Craft in the District:1 do not know of it, whlcb leads me to believe that truly peace and harmony prevail."

R. W, TIro. D. H. Farnsworth, of the F~rtY路fifth District, reports as f!)hows: ' , , "Soon nfte:.' the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, I w~nt to Niangua and ,restored the ChuI'tel' of their Lodg~, which had been arrested, for fn,ilure to mal{e Grand L()<1~e retllrns. ~rhis was an oversight, and occurred turough the absence of the Sccrdllry. "The B,'ethren at Republic, 1\'10., having petitioned the Gt'and Lodge for a dispem;ation to ('stahlish a r.od~e at that place, and having complied with the n(l(~es~ary reqllh'cments, a dispetlsation wa~ gl'anted, and", accompanied by lkothel' Bert S, Lee, District Lecturer, I visited them a:nd institnted Hepllblic l ..odge, U. D, The ~f:\ster and Wardens showed marked' proficiency in the work, the'Lodge was started under favorable auspices, and has made good progress during the year, "Most of the Lodge's In this District are in good condition, and ,are making suhstantinl progress, We have a few weak Lodges In the District, which 1 am trying to :lssist Ilod en~ouruge, 1 have l'epeatedly offered to visit them, and uring some w;}Il,infol'med Brcthren with me, to give them instruction and assist them in conferring Degrees. "1 have visited sevel'al of the Lodges, have installed officers and assisted in the work. "Our llsna1 School of Jn~trnction WIlS held in Spl'ingfield, during the latter part of the wlnt~r and early spring, Brothel' Bert S. Lee, Ollr efficient District }.(>('tnrer, having c1:larg'e of the work, A. State Lod~e of Instrnction was held at Spl'lug-fir,ld In .Tnne, at which the Grand Mastel' presided, and the Ht'l'lnd I..ectr.rer conducted the work. Althot1!?'a at that season onr rural BI'E'thrp.n al'e vf\ry hnsy, ~'et the attendance was large, and the meeting proved a v,cry pr0.otable one.


1~05.]

Grand Lodge of lJ1issouri.

111

"Plans are being perfe<:ted to build a Masonic Temple at Springfield. Committees have been appointed, a suitable lot has been pm'chased, and plans and 'ways and means' are being considered. There is much enthusiasm ll~anifested. and it is expect('d tha.t within a :real' a five-story modern building will be completed, and re~d.}' for occupa.ncy by the several Masonic bodies." H. W. Bro. C. M. Mitchell, of th~ ,Forty-sixth District, reports Masonry In his Distl'ic,t in a very 11ourishlDg' and prosperous condition, peace and

harmony prevailing. A great deal of work has been done dnrin,g the past year. Latimer Lodge, at Licking. was destroyed by fire, and by order of the Gl'and ~Iaster the Lodge was rem()w~d into another hall. He states that owing to busIness engagements his duties as D. D. G. 1\1. have been somewhat neglected. R. 'w. Bro. T. W. Cotton, of the l<'orty-seventh District. submits a short report. Ile held a School of Instl'tlCtion with Van Buren Lodge, at which three 'Lodges wCl'e represented.. He I'eports some visits fOI' the pnrpose of installation of officers. III the matter of the late Barnesvllle Lodge, at ~:i1ing'ton, which hlld its Charter arrested last year, he says the pl'operty Is r~'stored, Rnd the l'ent, amonnting to $7;) for the past yeal', has been sent to tbe Grand Secretal'~路. Conditions are favorable for tbe' reorganb:ation of this Lodge, and he hopes to see a new Lodge started In the near future. On the whole,' ?IIasoDl'y in this District has apparently l'ather more than held its own dlu'ing the ~'ear. It W. Bro. F. A. Kage. of the Forty-ninth District, repo'rts that bis work during the current year has been pleasant, his duties have not been onerous. no!' has. h(~ been called upon otllciall~' to settle any vexing question. Peace and harmony prevail thron,gh the District. lIe has done considerable Masonic work in the past year in conferl'ing Degrees, and in givin~ instruction in the work. He sars that the wOl'k in the Distl'ict is gradually improving; , the Degl'ccs al'e conferred morc impl'cssively, and the commendable effort is made to impl'ess tl1<> candidates l'atlH'r than simply repeat the ItituaJ. '1'I'owel Lodge, No. 4tO. at Lute>"ville, laid the comer-stone of a new Presbyterian Church, nt which ~1. W. Bro. Willi:lm F. Kuhn presided. It. W. Bro. .Tames A. Boone. of the l路'iftieth District, has endeavored to give pl'oper attention to all matters suhmitted to him concerning the (raft in his District. lIe constituted East Prairie Lodge, No, :384, under Charter. Tilis Longe is. in fil'8t-c!a~s wCll'king condition, He instituted Bernie Lodge IJ. D, He constitnted Essex Lodge, in Stoddard County, and l'(~POl'ts them in' good co"ndition. He also visited Bertrand Lod,ge several times. and l'cr!Orts tbem in good \vOI'king shape. lIe has held a numher of Lodgps of Instru<:tion. at wnich the atte:1dance was fai!" and he thinks the l'l'~mlts weI'\) g::Jod, Hal'DlOny and pro<'perit;v prevail among the Lodges. Kearly a!l the Lod.~es have good halls. well furnished.

R. W, BI'o. J. W. Reali. of the Fifty-first J)lstrict, visited Portageville No. HlO. and re.stol'ed th~il' Chm'ter, \"hich had heen atTested for non-payment of ones. He in!"titntrd Hayti Lodge, U. D. A brlg'ht. future Is insured for Hoi;; l .. odg路e. M' the sf:cond visit found them still ent.hused and doing ~ood work and plent.y of It. i!e pl1hlicl~' installed the officers of 11'our Mlle. No, 21:!. This is one of the oldest and brightest Lodges In the DIstrict, and one in which the interests of the Orner are cal'eflllly gual'dE'd. He held a three days' Lodge of In~tl'llction at POl路ta~'('ville. Those attE'nding took Jrreat Interest ill the WOl'k and hecame very proficient. He hll~ vi:dtrd mo!!t of the Lodges in the Distl'ict, and as a rul~, finds all in good working order. Lod~e,


Jl2

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

R. W. Bro. John W. B('tT~'man, of tl1e Fifty-second District. reports that he has not visited an~' of th~ Lodges in his District, except NayIOl', No. 568, which he constituted under Charter. He says that his reason for not vh;iting other Lodges was due to the fact that he had not had the pleasUl'e of receiving propel' instl'uctions fl'om th~ Grand Lecturer, and not being proficient in the work, hesitated in calJin~ Lodges of Instrllction. . R. W. Bl'~' .A.. T, Hollenuecl\, of the Fifty-third District, reports that in company with W. BI'O.· G. .T, Zom, District Lecturer, he. visited Alton Lodge, No. 2iiG, and dedicated theil' new hall, which is in the upper story of the Conrt House, ann is commodio11s and attractive. lIe restored the Charter to Wilderness, No. 374, and set the Lodp;e at work. Through the illness of the officers thp.ir Charter was ,suspended last year on account of fn i1ul'e to make their report!: on time. He visi ted Thayer on two occasions. Harmony prevails throughout the District. R. W. Bro..10lln S, Taylor, of the Fifty-fourth District, reports that no disputes or troubles have arisen which required bis attention, He has not been ablp. to visit all the Lodges yet, through correspondence and from talks with memlJers of the val'ious L~d~es he has kept pretty well posted, and I'eports that peace and harmony prevail, and that the Lodges are in a fair condition. . • Ii. W. Bro. .Tohn E. Adamson, ~f the Fifty-fifth District, reports that by order of the Grand Mastel', he restored the Charters of Seligman Lodge. No. ;)17: Barry Lodge, 1':0. 367; Hed Oak, 368, and Rock Prairie, 260. He alf;o or~ani7.ed Miller Lod~e, 567, under Chal'ter. By order of the Grand J\fast(~l' h~ arrestco the Charter of Avilla, 278, and in due time forwal'ded regalia, books, and invoice of pl'operty to Grand Secretal'y. He bas been under the constant care of the physician during the past year, which has prevented him from doinlr his nSllal amount of work. R. W. Bro..J. M, Z. Withrow, of the Fifty-sixth District, reports setting i'ilI City Lodge at work under Chartet:. He received a communication from South West City, No. 46(\, to examine their' new ball, which they wished to move into. ,Not being able to respond to the request, he commissioned a Past ;\faster of Southwest City, to e~aDline hall and report, since\vhich he baR heard nothing further concerning the mutter. The Lodges in his District are in fairly good cOl'dition, peace and harmony prevailing.

ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS RESUMED.

The 'Grand Master appointed llS additional 'fellers, Brothers Elmer Kempe, H. S. Jacobi, Oeo. E. Mayhall, Chris. Meyer,s, and'during the afternoon Hie fullowing Grand Officers were elected: BnoTHER JNO,

'1',

SHORT,

Jefferson City, Grand Senior

Warden . . RnOTHEJ{ ROBERT

R.

KH.EEGEH,

Kan1-ias City, Grand

.J u nior Wardell. BUOTI-lER

A. C.· STI';WART, St.Louis, Ornnd Trrasurer.

BROT.fIIi:B JOHN

R. PARSO~, St.Louis, Grand Secretary.


(;nlnd Lodge of jH issollri.

J ~)o5.1

SPECIAL .HOUR ON AMENDMENTS.

On motion of 1\1. 'V. Bro: A. M. I-Iough consideration of the amendments proposed to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge in 1\)04 was made the special order for tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. REPORT

OF

COMMITTEE ON LODGES DtSPEN sATtO N.

UNDER

\V. Bro. W. 1. Crawford presented the following report of Committee on Lodges U. D. which was adopted: 1'0 the :It/ost Worsldpftll G'rand Lodue of cl nricnt.. Ji"'ce and Accepted Masons of the State or MiS80uri:

The Committee on Lodges lTndl:'l" Di::;p~l1~atiol1 would submit the following r01'0I't: W~ find that Dispensarioll::; wel'C granted for the formation of seven lH'W Lodges durin~ the year, as follows: November I, 1!)(H, Hepublic Lodge, at Hepul>Hc, Green County. November 1, Ha~ti Lodge, at Hayti, Pemiscot CouDty. November 4, Rutledge 'Lodge, at Ittltlec1g:e, l:5cot!and County. April ri, la05, Hed Bird Lodge, at lted HiI'd, Gasconade County. May 30, L,} ~ronte Lodge, at La ?\:fonte, Pettis County. May 30, Eastel' Lod.~e. at St. Chit', Franklin County. The records and returns of these Lodg€s llave belm examined, duly COllsidered, and fonncl to he in propel' shape. The returns of, t.hese Lodges are now on file in the l,!Ike of the GI'and SCCI'etaJ'v, and are reasonably accurate. and neatly prepaI'cd, ~ho\Ving the amount or '\\,ork done by each Lodge: the financial statements, etc., while under Dispen~ation. The records, as a. whole, are well kept, showing only slight elTOI'S on the sec'I'plar.ies' pal·t: therefol'r), w(' thinl;: they are'very crcditable, showing a membership oj 1:3!:J membel·s. Initiations,:;2; passed, 48, and raised, 34, and a few rejections, showin!!,' they 'are no~ over-zealous. . In vicw 01' the favorable reports, neatness of records, financial stateluent.s, etc., we l'ec0mmend· that 8ix of the Lodges, namely, Hepublic, Hayti. Rutledge, Rerni~;, La 1\fonte, nnd I;;aster, be granted Charters; also, that ned BinI Lodge he con tinned Under Dispensation f9r the rcason that they have not. made t.he proper showing' as reqUired, in the opinion of the committee. We also re('ommcnd that all Lodge lll'operties, such :l.S furniturc, ,iewels. ;',I)l'ons, etc., he!ollgin~ to Franklin T:odge. be givel1 to I';astel' Lodge, as its Jnfmbership is ;ll111oSt wholly composed of memhers of Franklin Lodge. Franklin Lodge lIas it:; Ch:u'tel' withdrawn. W. I. CRAWFORD. LOUIS D, BATAVIA. F. H. .JESSE, H, l\I. HOLLAND, W. R. RO\VLES, Committee.


114

Proceedings of the

REPORT

OF COMMITTEE ON

[Sept.

CHARTERED LODGES路

\Xl. Bro. James M. Breckenridge presented the following report as Committee on Chartered Lodges," which was adopted:

<'

To the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Acoepted Masons of the State of ,Missoflr-i:

Your Committee on Chartered Lodges respectfully submit the following report: ~l'otal

number of Lodges shown

,

, .. '.'

,

569

Accounted for as follows: Lodges reported " Lodges not report~d to this date Charter arrested

'.' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

560 8 1

569

The !,odj!es reporting have' all paid Grand Lodge dues -in full, except Bismarck, No. 51. The Lod~es not reporting are: :'\08. 56, 328, 347, 361,'378, 421, 423, and 487. The one Charter arrested hy the Grand ]\faster for cause is, Benton, No. -353. We note that Charters were restored to' the 15 Lodges respectively thel'e named, III accordance with the rccommEmdil.tions of this committee 'in last year's report, and that their subsequent record has been good. ' The total mcmbersliip of Lodges reporting Is 40,605; of Lodges under dispensation, 155; of Lodges not reporting, estimated on the basis of last 3'CHI"S returns, :22:~; or a grand total of 40,983. 'I'he total gains, were 3,969 members, composed of 2,751 raisings, 892 affiliations and 326 re路instatements. 'l'be total loss was 2,3:2;), made up of 1,055 dimits, 19 suspensions f for unMasonic conduct, 46 expillsions, 579 suspcm;ions for noncpa~'ment of dues, and 626 losses by death. Tile net gain for the year is 2,585 members. , Dues' were remitted on 1,4('2 members. We note that Mercel' I.Jodge, No. 35, with 100 members, remitted (iues on 20. We trust that Brother D. 1\:1. Foster, D. D.O. M, of the Fourth District, will ascertain the cause. From a financial standpoint the I,odg-es were never more prosperous, the amount of outstanding dues not having increased disproportionately to the meIlJbership, and a dee:idedly larg-er expenditure for new quarters and new furnishings being reported.

,

'l'bree Lodges suffe~('rl destrnction by fire: Sante Fe, No. 462,. Cainsville, No. 328, and路 Latimer, No. 145, 'rhus we have a dread reminder. yearly of 'tne seeming fad that Lodge halls will burn down, and that Lodge property and recol'ds wi\l burn up. In this year's retUl'Ils 153 Lodges, out of the 569, can:y -no insurance whatever: the value of tbe r~al and personal property of thos.e ,being :reported as $G.:t,408.96. While it is true that a portion of these Lodges are In fireproof buildings, wherp. tile risk is very small; and while it may be tbat some of this personal property is in the form of securiti~s in a safe deposit box, yet the 'vast majorit~路 of these totals undOUbtedly r~presents buildings and _ furnishings which can not be easily replaced, and which should be insured.


1905. ]

Gral1,d Lodge of J.Hissouri.

115

We trust the Brethren will heed this suggestion, which has often been made by us before. 'I'he largest Lodge In the Jurisdiction is Temple, No. 299, of Kansas City, with 683 membel·S. The largest increase is shown by Missouri, No.1, of St. Lou~s, which gaineq 78 members. Of those reporting, two are below the Charter requirement: Granville, No. 240, with 14, and Woodlawn, No. 223, with 11 members. Of those not reporting, we are informed that Herndon, No. 487, with '12 members, wants to surrender its Charter, but is unable to get a quorum together to take such action. We recommend that the Deputy Grand Master of the Twent~'-Fourth District investi~ate and act on this case at once. . H'.!re and there we still find a Lodge which has done no work, and which is, conseqnently, l.)sing ground, but such instances are by no means confined .tl1 those which are below, or dangerously near, the Charter requirement of 15. The Secretary of Rich Hill Lodg-e, No. 479, writes: "We bave not bad a regular Lodge meeting since March 27, 1905. Thet'e seems to be something wrong. Don't lmow what. Lodge lighted up every regular meeting nigbt, and d0n't get enough for quorum." 'I'his Lodg'e paid $82 In Grand Lodge dues. Grand Lectnrer McDowell held a Lod~e of Instruction there January 9 and 10, 1905. We conclude that something is the matter with the Lodge itself in its choice of Worshipful Mastcr, and trust the incoming Grand Master will ascertain if our surmise 1le cort·ect. We of the cities do not appreciate how much of encouragment and renewal of inspiration a visit in person by the Grand Master, or' his Deputy, brings to the country Lodge. 'I'heir annual reports, handled by this committee, recot·o the beneficial results like a barometer. Enforcement of the statutes regulating the liquor traffic by the State government seems t<? have ,~reatcd a new occupation, for in the returns of Verona Lodge, No. 452, we note that one member Is a distiller, and runs a "gallon house." In having a distiller among its number this Lodge is Dot alone, for Whitewater, No. 417, has one, Signal, No. 304, one also. In all ages and among all nations it seems to be and to have been honorable to ::;ell liquor by the harrel, and dishonorahle to deal it out by the single drink. But what is a gallon hous~? We recommen~ that the incoming Grand Master ascertain and. act i,n acco~'dance with our laws co,ering the subject, l':;rrors still exist in the returns as they come from the vat'ious Secretal·ies. None past remedy, it i~ tmc, but all avoidable, and some very serious. f'ot' Instunce, the absence of a name. Ot' the presence of a new one unaccounted fot', gives rise to the inevitable query as 'to how the Brother has so completely disappeared in the one case, or how he broke into the ranks of the Craft so unceremoniously in the othel', Pm'ely clerical errors, like the poor, it seems we shall alway::; lIave with us, and p~rhaps they must in a similar way be 8lwuys taken carE' of. In remitting Grand Lodge dnes, local cbecks are still sent by some, instead of Postoffice monE'Y orders, or St. Louis or New York exchange. 'l'his year the loss to the Grand ~odge by reason of exchange paid on such will be about $10, bnt th~ principle involved justifies our calling attention to the matter. We are well assured that in no fraternal organization in our countt·y, except Masonry, would this be borne with. At the wise suggestion vf the Gl'and Mastel', inqnirles were sent to all the Subordinate Lodges relative to the condition of their records, and the IUlmher and character of the responses is very gratifying. Seventy Lodges keep no recol:ds other than their Book of Minutes. Atpong the remainder


116

P,'oceed'i'ngs of the

I,Sept.

tIle usc of Cash, Warrant, :Ulcl Receipt Books, Ledgers, and of a l-listoricaJ Hecord, arc frequent. Thirty,six Lodges I'('port, loss of recol'ds by war, ('yclon(~, 'or fire, generally the lnttcl'. Thcre seems now a general dispositioll to presel've them carefully, man.\' , being kept "undel' Jock and key," or in special re:?eptacles provided for the purpose, hut necessarily few 'in fll'e-proof SlllToUlHiings, Lodge of Peace, !'\o. 280. in nnslVcr to the question, "Wbere do you keep yom' records?" replies, "Anywhere the Secl'etal'y pleases, generally at the :-:lecretary's home." We (rust, in all Idndness, that it may please this Secrcj;l~'Y to let no h:HIll bef:1l1 the valuable rrcords entrusted, to him by his l:rethren, Generally their c<mdition is (lrclared to he good, some say: "fah'," which is not very definite; orw (~o. 485)~ says, "Good as' the' average Lodg-e Rec<lI'l!s," which is ver~' indefinite, and a fe\" frankly d~clai'e them in poor con'dition. 'J'hls refel'''; pnrtkularly t,) 'the oldcl' books ,and papers, not now in 11SC by the Secretal'ies, but which as historical footprints of :\fasonry in \li!::souri, are pricl~less beyond all standards of values. 'Three instances have I;pen d,~Yeh,'ped by this inquiry in which older rccordsof tne Lodge are DOW in I,he hands of. p['jvate parties, and not of the body to which they belong', _\I~unt Moriall, Xo. 40. l'cDort's thnt "som'e 'relative of Brothel' DougJess (name ;lIi1mown) has. oi' had. the en!'lier I'CC:OI'll s:路 WalTenLodge; No, 74, states 1 !lat certain 01' theil' o~der records are now in the hands o路CL. M, Applegate." :\/iami Lodge, No. ~:::i, sa,t's: "Olt] recorcts are in the possession of one of the 1 ~:'eth ren." These l'ecol'IJs shonl<1 IJe rW'ovcl'ed alld resl:ol'ed to their l'i~htful o\vners, :t.nd steps should, be taken ,:.!;~nel'ally lool\ing- toward' the hettel' !1l'escl'\'ution. and the final gathering: in one (:ent:J'al Sl.ll'ine, of all evidences of the "day of smull things" in our jurisdictioIl. \Ve rp('omlllend that a special committee, wit'h i\'J. 'V. Bl'O. L. B., V:llliant :1'; Ch;iirman, be appointed 'to consider this important subject. and 'report, with recommendations, at the next Annual :';cf;sion. The petition CJf the late members of Hyland Lodg'e, No. 332, at Bel'lilJ. foc restoratioIl of Chal'tl~l', hav,ing beell rerelTed to us, we recolllmend, ill yiew of tliC fact thnt this Chartel' \vas taken away uttel'ly (not arrested) at the: last session, that These Dl'cthrenpetition to orgaili7.e Under Dispensation. in the regnlnr mnnneJ'. :lnd hllst the incoming Gl'and "faster may see fil: 0 ,~rai1t

it

Fl'fltemally submitted. ,TA;\JIi;S 1L nm;;CKI;;XRIDGK

01H}.i.rnw,// .

.1. W. BEALL, (;[-;0. I<'. B1U';WE\'GTON . .rA~\.

JOlL\T

OLl\'ER Ho(;n. JOPP.

ORGANIST.

On motion, the thanks of the. Grand Lodge were tendered to P. B. Eversdeil for the'exc~~lent lnusic furnished during the sessions of the Grand Lodge, The Grand Lodge was CALLED FRO~1 LABOR Ulltil S o'clock this evening,


1905·1

G1'Ul1d Lod,gc

0/

Missouri.

117'

f-:ECO:"D DAY-EVENING SESSION.

Sel'tell1uer 27, 1905. The Grand I.. . odgc was CALLED TO LU10R at 8 o;clock by 11. VV. Bro. Leroy B. \!alliant, Grand Mastel', the other Grand Officers in their proper stations. ORATION.

J{.. \V. Bro. Arch A..Johnson) Grand Orator; the' following address:

deliv~l'ed

THE POWER OF FREEMASONRY. The growth of the fraternal spirit is one of the striking and splendid features of our civilization. Within the memory of men' now living scores and hundreds of organizations have been formed ror benev01ent and fraternal purposes. These im:titutiQns have extended their Jines untU one can scarcely find :J community in the dvilized \vorld where they do not thrive. And the idea of fraternity, expressed in. some form, claims the allegiance or nearly' all ·men, through their connection with some lodge, Rociety or association. These !ladies are accomplishi\1g untold go·od, in educating man along many lines. HBre. his social relafions a're widened, and it follows, as the night the day, that his (;onception of duty is Jiroadened. The idea of seeking, not his own, b\lt rather his brother's w€lfare, is forced upon his attention. Here he sees charity dispensed without ostentation, and without hope of reward, save in the eonscious sense ot' duty done. Here man meets mRn, and the bonds , of human sympathy are strengthened. ALld thus, these societies are dolng much to. bring to pass that ideal condition of which the poets (]!'eam, "the universal brotherhood of man."· , • Freemasonry is the pioneer of all this throng of organizations and contains not only the whole principle of helpfulness· which in it degree permeates them all, but goes eJeepe.r and further still; not that I would disparage the principles or the work of any, for benevolence is a virlue and fraternity is a blessing, and both are taught and practiced in the many orders; yet, it is in Masonry we find th~ spirit of fraternity .in all its purity, and pow~r, and the very substance of benevolence, together with all the attendant virtue!O wit.h which the lives of men are blest.


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[Sept. '

I

An institution that surrounds one's Jife with good influences and fills his mind with noble thoughts, accomplishes much for him, for the span that separates the noble from the ignoble .life is largely brid.ged by education and environment. This, Masonry does for man, and niore; by precept, example and association she 'supplies the power he needs to overcome his human frailties, and enables him to live a life of virtue and to build a character that will stand the test of time and of eternity. It has ooen said that the power of man is rightly measured by his ability to lift. This rule can be applied to institutions as well, and I want to talk to you to-day about the power there is in Masonr.y to lift men up to higher, better things. .

Masonry views man in a true light; she indulges in no false con路 ceits concerning him, but sees in each the possibilities of all that is good, as well as all that is bad, and addresses all her efforts to his upbuilding. She commands his admiration by refusing to recogni~e distinctions born of wealth and station. She appe~ls to his humanity by hailing all men ~s brothers, created in the ~mage of . their Maker. These sacred and beneficent principles are .so uJliversal in their character, so far reaclling in their effect, that they touch and influence the lives of multitudes of men of every class, under varying conditions, and 'in every clime. Not only do the poor, the humble, and the lowly find pleasure and benefit in promulgating the tenets of Masonry, but likewise, the greatest, wisest and best of men have ever been encouragers of her art. Though change, revolution and progress have been man's constant watch路 words, he remains the same in all essentials; and wliile. his efforts have transformed the very face of nature, and marked her at every point with the st~mp of his dominion, he comes as fresh and new from Mother Earth, and goes through life halting Qetwixt two opinions in our day as in the earliest time; yet, with all his seeming likeness to his kind, he is purely, solely, individual; endowed of God each with hil;'>. moiety of strength and w<:>akness which' his surroundings may in a measure influence. but never obliterate. Each has his own personal identity, coupled with a sole responsibility to God. This individuality in man, this quality that permits of free and untrammeled motion, while' it demands a reckoning, is the thing that makes life worth the living. This it is that generates the force that moves the. world and writes the name of individual man upon the page of hist?ry. So potent has the indiv~dual been in human affairs that Emerson says the history of the world may be read in the biographies of twenty men. It is the ear of the individual man that


1905. ]

Grand Lodge of J.Wissouri. .

o

119

hears the whispered magic words of Masonry, and- in his faithful breast her mysteries are kept. ' Masonry is the patron of education, and teaches men to cultivate the liberal arts and sciences. Sh~ exploits the' wonderful genius of our first most excellent Grand Master, Solomon, and glories in the achievements of the great Pythagoras. Ii'rom out the ,tiled precincts of the Lodge has com~ in large .measure the inspiration that has found expression ip. the wonderful architectural and mechanical development of this age in which we live. Yet, the power of Masonry is not to be found in her adaptability, nor in visible results; these are but evidences of that power. Belief in God is the Alpha and Omega of Freemasonry; on this belief her constitutions, laws a?d edicts are based; her precepts here are grounded; in this belief her power is found; the powe~ that drives out vice; the power that lifts. The eternal virtues center here, and from this high tower issue their supernal rays. Here brotherly love, relief and truth are born. Here temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice grow. Here belief in the r8surrection and the life eternal rests. The highest dignity of man is this belief in the existence of an all-wise, all-powerful God, whose image he bears, and whose eternal child he is. T.he abject povetty of spoken language is never so keenly realized as wIlen we come to speak of Deity; then it is that the paucity of words and the scantiness of their meaning break full upon us, and with the inspired writer we exclaim, "Canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?" Yet, though language fail to satisfy, and even though our perception be all imperfect, we still 'believe in God, and in simple fa.ith look to Him for our temporal and eternal needs. The ennobling, elevating power of this belief in man can never be' fully told by human tongue, nor measured 路by human equations, for it is the very power of God in man.' The strides made by the human intellect are indeed wonderful. W,e are amazed at the complexity of man's inventions, and delighted with tr..eir adaptability for a~ministering to our wants and pleasures. We survey the great ocean of his discoveries with gladsome awe, and the realities of his handiwork all but eclipse the flights of our imagir.ation. Vile can stand with uncovered heads before some of his stupendous creations of art, and are ravished by the pathos and ~weetness of hi~ story and song. But the grandest conception of man, the greatest thought ever entertained by him, the very capsheaf of his attainments, is his arrival at a belief in a Deity that made all, that contains all, is in all, and rules all. Here, and here alone, rests his claim to Divine origin and sonship. Daniel Webster

/

/


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0/ the

[Sept.

;::a.i'd the richest cOllciusioD. he had reached in all his meditations is

that of man's personal responsibility .to God for his actions. Springing from this profound belief, the richness of a man's lif(~ to himself and its usefulness to others depend, we contend, l:lpon the mterpretation he makes of the nature and attributes o,f that: God in whom he believes. Is He a cruel God, or is He a God of mercy? Is He mindful of man. his weaknesses and infirmities? Is He a sympathetic God, or has He placed His creatures amid a thousand snares and withdrawn His protection and assumed the vigorous , attla;.de of a judge? Is He a God of hate, or a God of love? . Masonry erects PCI' alta~s to the God of Love. Here is the foundation of a-ll fraternity. He that believes that God is a God of Love, must believe that He created His children in affection, and not in wrath. If He loves us, it quickly follows that we love Him, and .as corollary thereto, all His' children are our brothers. Here is the differ"fmce between the Christian and the heathe~. The one sees a Fathe.r; and the other, in his blindness, dreads a Master. T?e one renders obedience I and 'affecti-on from preferen'ce; the other obeys because he feels it is exacted, and substitutes fear for affection. Masonry has heard the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and h~s answered it emphatically in the affirmative. Let that debt of gratitude which you feel you owe to your Maker be paid in service~ Tend-erecl to your fel.Iow· man. "If you love me and believe in me, feed my sheep," expresses the .whole fraternal principle. If Gospei makes anyone fact clearer than another, it is that to please God you should love His children. And if you would reach- Him, lift them up.. Nor is this life ?f service a life of hardship. There are no exactions about it. It is not lived with the id,€a that you are compelled to labor for your neighbor. The services are not rendered under the stern behests -of d~ty. Far from it. Nothing but joy attends these ministrations. Friendship is not forced; brotherly ]ove'sounds not in contract. And the great order of things is so constituted that happiness, that which "All ·the world is seeking," is entirely reflex in its nature. ·Would you be happy and contented? Then make your fellow man happy and contented. Would you hav€ friends? Be one. Would you he visited when siCk? Then visit,the sick. Would you that your cup of joy would overflow? Then fill to overflowing your brother's cup. Would yqu escape the slough of misery? Then lift thy fellow creature out. Would you avoid poverty, would you b'e rich? Then give of your substance to the poor. Would you that your dear ones shall be visited and cared for when you are gone? Then visit and care for the dear ones of ynur brothel' who j8 gone.


1900. ]

Grand Lodge of jvIissouri.

121

These are the beatitudes of Masonry. Belief that puts in action these precepts is the panaeea for all human ills. Without belief we ~tand in the world isolated and alone., But those mystic cord::; connecting each human heart to the Divine Spirit bind us all together. Let us know that the greatest blunder made in human life is selfishness.: and that the Divine Presence is reached only by indirect approach. But there is somethil1g else growing out of this belief in a }'rivine TIeing for use in this present life other than fraternity. "He that would have wisdom, let him ask of God." Victor- Hugo says, "At the bottom' of every man's conscience, at the very .depths of his soul, there is a sentiment, sa'cred, snhlime, insurmountable and· irresistible, the sentiment of Hight. This is the hidden irresistible cbstacle 'veiled in the recesses of every man's heart, which everything wropg must sooner or later encounter. the rock on which everything evil must in~vitably be shipwrecked.': It is here, in the profound 8nd hidden depths of conscience and soul that every man must meel} 'and consult with his God, and obtain ~hat light by which his feet ;t.re to be guided, and that wisdom which is to govern his actions. There are other expedients, hut nothing is safe but this. The red glare of the light-house at Gilwaltar, which is seen far away, suffices to give &, general direction to incoming vessels, but this is not enough, ann in the center of the red rays is one of pure white, which shines along tIl£' channel of the harhol,.· Only wheri this colorless flash rests upon the pr~w can a ship make safe entrance. Reason, authority. experience and human counsel may rend~r a man wonderful assislance. They may' steer him out Df winr difficulties, and save him ~rom many shipwrecks, but if' he wants to he sure to make port. and feel that he is absolutely right, let him have the white light or God's sanction streaming through his conscience. That this power for goo'd is not developed in each of us in a larger measure is our fault, for "he that seeketh findeth, and unto him that kno'cketh it shall be opened." , We of this Grand Lodge have kno\vn a man in whom this power was developed. For more than fiHy years our helo:vea Grand Secretary Vinci! stood in this presence. the rec;ognized and acknowledged embodiment of the Chrfstian and Masonic virtues. His life might: well h€ term~d the power of Masonry in action. "He tried each art. reproved each null delay. allured to brighter worlds, and led th0 ,vay." 1 offer you his Hfe and character, which others have so beautifully l:ortrayed, not only as a ·model unexcelled. but E.S the highest proor' cf tho str~ngth there is in Ma.sonry t.o Jift. men up. It wa~ in. the


"

122

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

wntemplation of the beauty of his character that my theme here, all imperfectly presented, came to my mind, and I believe the source of all 'the grace, the gentleness, power, beauty and nobility of his character may be found in his unbending, fixed and certain belief in God. It takes no wild flight of the imagination to "picture the Lion of the Tr.ibe of Judah breaking the bands of death that beld him captive, and escorting bim safely into the Celestial Lodge abova, where the Supreme Architect of the" universe presides.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY COMMITTEE ON PAY ROLL.

. W. Bro. E. H. Michel presented the following announcement in regard to the Pay Roll : The Commitee on Pay Roll will be prepared to payoff all those entitled to mileage and per diem to路morrow afternoon. The exact time will be announced at the aftunoon session. Payment will be

~ade

by clleck, which may be deposited in any bank.

'rhe committee will promptly mall ali checks not called for Thursday afternoon. Therefore, any Brethren not wishing to trouble about calling for "their checks need not do so. ' Any who need their checks cashed to-morrow will be accommodated. But, except in' cases of absolute necessity, to avoid disagreeable confusion and possibly mist;.tkes, it is recommended that the checll:s be taken home ami deposited by tbe holders, as they do other checks. Fraternally, Eo H. l\HCHI<;L, Chairrnim Pay Roll Committee.

EXEMPLIFICATION OF WORK.

R. 'VV. Bro. Allan :McDowel1, Grand Lecturer, exemplified the work in the Third Degree, assisted by the other Grand Officers. The Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Prayer by R. W. Bro. U. 'V. James Gralld Chaplain.

' "


] 905.]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

123

" 'l'HIRD DAY-MORNING

SESSIO~.

September 28,1905. 'l"'he Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 9 o'clock A. M. by Grand ~faster Leroy B. Valliant; Grand Officers in their respective places.. Prayer ,vas offered by R. VV. Bro. Geo. W. James, Grand Chaplain. The minutes of the sessions of yesterday were read and approved. THURSDAY,

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC HOME.

I

W. Bro. .Joe McGregor presented the following report on the ~1asonic I-Iome of Missouri, which was adopted: To the Grand Lodge of Ancient Fre!! and AeeelJted Masons of the State of Missour,i:

Brethren, we your Masonic Home Visiting Committee: beg leave to report that in the limited time allotted to us in the examination of the Masonic Home, we necessarily could not go into details concerning the management of that institution. However, it glyes us pleasure to say that we found the Home not only clean, well kept, in good sanitary condition, and the inmates, both old and young, happy' and contended, but were favorably impressed with the hospitable, homelike welcome which seemed.. to prevail everywhere. The aged members are treated with every consideration, and are taught to realize that' this is their home, not by way of chal'ity, but or" right. The treatment accorded them and the kindness'they receiye often, no doubt, soften the sting of dependence on many a sensitive nature on whom the hand of misfortune has fallen. 'rhe children receive the best educational advantages the city of St. Louis affords, and are as closely guarded and protected as if rearE:d by their own firesides and amid home surroundings. In this connection too much praise cannot be given Brother Redd, the Superintendent, and his' noble wife. the Matron. Brother Redd necessar;ly has. to govern with firmness, but there is a thread of Christian, brotherly kindness in his work which prevents the rules and regulations from being seldom; if ever, broken. Mrs. Redd, the Matron, is indeed a mother to the little ones. A mother of love and tenderness. Fortunate is the bereft orphan placed in her ea~e. In the coming years, these lit~le ones reared to noble manhood and pm'e womanhood, will be her crown of glory. Compared with this, the pomp and praise of the world pale into insignificance, Brethren, the Masonic Home is the crowning glOl'y of Masonry in Missouri. Its blessings have been and are now being' felt in every community In the State. gtel'nity alone will reveal .the good it Is doing and will


124

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

r continue to do. Give it your support and thereby increa;;e its ca~laci.ty and IIsefulness. The report of the Board of Managers, Superintendent and Matron will give you the details of its management and governnwnL We CllJJr.>ot too hlg-hly eommf'nd. their worl,. Fl'nternaJly submitted, .TOE McGHEGOH. ']ha,in)).nlt. H. POPE B 0::-\ D, A. L. McHAE. OSCAH POISf;ON, DIJ7?7,ntit tee. S, R WOOI>,

REPORT ON PAST GRAND MASTER'S ,JEWEL.

)\1. \\'. Bro, Campbell \Vells presented the foJlowlnO'h report, whjch was adopted: '1'0 the Gl'on(Z Lod.fJe of .'Indent FTec alld .1.(;(;(']Jtcd

I

J/(/.~(m."

'Ii ';h(o ISla/.(; of

MissOttTi: Bl:E'I'HRBN.-YOUl' Special Committee appointed at the last Annual Com Illunication of this Grand Lodge, to prepare and )'(:POl't at this Communicat ion an appropriate and suitable design for a Past Gralld Master's .JpweL offel' the foJlo\ving; The ,Jewel of a Past Grund Master of this Gn11ld ,Jurisdiction' ~hall ('.msist of a hanger bal', the Seal of the State of Missouri. and Jnsig-nia. The hangCl' bar shall be of red gold, open work, oJ'll<llllented, <1isp!ayin,!! 1he )'ear of the owner's election as Grand Mastel'. In the eenter, monogram P, G. l\f. The hanger bar sha!'l be in the form of an arch resting on the I.wo middle chambel' pillars of yellow gold: between the middle chamber pillars shall bc secllr21y suspended the 8eal of tl'IC Stnte 'of Missouri, tile emblems mised and enameled in the appropriate colors: surrounding the Sea I shall b~ a circle Ol' raised edge which shall be cnameled in dark blue, containing in raised letters the words, Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of MisSOUJ'j, The i11signia shall consist of the Jewel of a Grand Mu!>ter resting upon the ;/elYel of a Past Mastcr and encircled by a Iu,!rel wreath. The entire Jew('! shall be of fourteen carat gold, CXC('p1: Seal, which sbal l be of twenty-four carat gold, and laurel wreath 01' olive green gold nin'eteel\ c:arat fineness. The insignia shall be securely attached to the hanger bar and seal. The ,Jewel shall contain two small diamonds, 0\)(' above the center of hanging bar, the other at the angle of the squaL'(~. You l' commi ttee have secUI'eo information frOIl1 relia!J Ie ruanufaeturillg jewelers that the above described Jewel, properly engraved and enclosed in a, suitahle moroeco ease, can be obtained for 'the ~llm of $100. 'We recolUmend that the same be adopted by this Grand Lodgl~ as the offici.al .Jewel of a Past Grand Mastel', 'Ye furtber recommend that: .YOUl' committee be authorized to procure a drawing and half-tone eut of 路~airl Jp.wel, to hp pnhli"hed in the l'l'oc('cdin?;s of this Annual Comnnmicntinn. F:'at"1'1l:l11~' ~nhmitt('(l,

C,~Ml'HI~LL WI<:LL~.

E. F. ,\LLI';N, .T. }'\'. nOYD, ''!n111,'m.itl(:f.


PAST GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL



1~5

(;rand Ladp:e af iVlissouri.

1V05.j

RESOLUTION.

H,. W. Bro..]: Ii. iVliller presented the following resolution, which was referred to tl,lc Committe'e on'\\T ays and l\Teans: . Resolt1cfl, First,. that the Committee on the Past: Grand lVIasteL"s Jewels be continued, \vit.h. instrudions to procure a ;1 ewel similar to the sample d(~scribed for each Past 'Gmnd ~Ia8ter .of this Grand Jurisdiction.

Second: that this. Grand Lodge appropriate a sum of money sufficient to _purcl1ase said .J ewels. 'I'hird,,.-that said.Tewels ::;hall be presented at: the next regular ~opmJUni颅 ('at ion of this Grand Lodge.

REPORT ON PURCHASE OF PAST GRAND MASTt.R'S. JEWEL.

it. \V.Bro. T. A. Dunn presented the follO\ving repol't,which was adop,ted : You/' Committee on Ways and Grand :Masters' ,Jewels,recommend eharge!>c empowered to purchase the/'cfo')" Jlo1 to he made until aft.cl路

)Ieans, referring' 1.0 the mutter of Pas!: that: the committee having the same in the required number, hut the paYll1ell~ the meeting of t.he Grand Lod!fe in lflO(i. V. Ii'. BonI:.

T. A. DU~N, BER'r S, LEK COlnmillcc.

ACTRON ON AM拢NDMENTS P;ROPOSED IN 1904.

The hour ha ving arrived for the consideration of the Amendments to the By-Laws proposed at the session of 1904, M. VV. l}ro. A. M. Dockery moved that the consideration of same be indefinitely postponed, which motion was earried. REPORT OF GRAND LECTURER.

H. \V. Bro. Allan McDowell presented the f?llowing report as Grand Lecturer: ST. LOlilS, Mo.,. September, 1005. '/'0 the Grand LUIZge ot Ancient P-ree u;ld Accepte(l J-fasons ot the .'3tate of ]IHsso~ri:

Herewith I present. my thil路ty-fifth Annual Hepor!:: Soon after the last Annual Communication I held Schools of Instl"Uctioll for the benefit of, the District Lecturers., ,These meetings were held at djtT~J'~nt pll,1,(~PR in the Stat.e to snit. the convenience of the various Lecturers.


126

Proceedings of the' ,

[Sept.

I

The places selected for this pm'pose were Moberly, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis. Nearly all of the District Lecturers attended one or the other of these places. There is no doubt whatever of the propriety and even necessity of holding these meetings every few yea rs. The 'Lecturers not only learn the work correctly, but also obtain that confidence in their proficiency which alone enables them to give the work unhesitatingly to their Brothers" The Brethren attending were placed under many obligations to a number of Past and Present Grand Ofticers,who gave us their presence and assistance. The District Lecturers and myself are under special obligations to R. W. Bro. D. M. Wilson, Senior Grand Warden, and M. W. Bro. C, H. Briggs, P. G. M" for valuable assistance rendered. I and they are under vel'y especial obligations tp R. W. Bro. Wm. A. Hall, of St. Louis, for attendance' at each Of these meetings,' and for the zeal and fidelity in helping the Brethren to obtain the correct work. Not only during this year but for many years past he has. assisted me in this work without "the hope of fee or reward" except such as comes from the consciousness of. duty well performed and the applause of his Brethren. State Lodges of Instruction were held at Jefferson City, Canton, Albany, 'Maryville, Springfield, Sedalia and Joplin. These meetings were largely attended by representatives fi'om the various Lodges in the different parts of the State, where they were held, The Grand. Master, in person, presided overthese meetings, assisted by other Past and Present Grand Officers. I have held numerous District Lodges of Instruction throughout the State, in which I had the assistance and co-operation of various District Deputies and District Lecturers.. I have also visited a large number of individual Lodges. The Craft in Missouri are in a healthy condition as to work, finances and the general observance a1?-d pract,ice' of the principles and tenets of Free-' masonry. Following is an abstract of the reports of District Lecturers: 'Brother J. R. :McLachlan, of the First District, reports. that Lo<Jges of Instruction wer~ held at Lancaster, Downing, Luray, Rutledge, Wyaconda and Alexandl'1a. The attendance was good at each place, and the brethren were very attentive to the work. He has, in addition, assisted In confel'l'ing the' degrees in' various places, and has given much individual instruc'tion at different times. He has, as in past years, performed his duties faithfully and well. Brother G. A. Goben, of the Second District, visited PaulvilIe, No. 319, and instructed them in the work. The neWly-installed officers are most all young men, bl'ight and intelligent, 'and are making an. earnest endeavor to learn the work. The officers are the kind of material that make efficient workmen. He visited Novelty Lodge, No. 181, an'd remained there four days giving instruction. lIe had a fairly good attendance, notwithstanding the extreme cold weather, 22 degrees below zero. He also visited Edina Lodge, .No. 2!H. He thinks the new officers will do something to' get the members Interested in the work. In January he began a School of Instruction in I(1rksvllle for the benefit of all 'Masons, and especially for the two Lodges in that City. These meetings were well attended and considerable Interest manifested, but owing to the non-attendance of a number of the officers he discontinued the meetings. He gives his opinion as to the grade of work In the various Lodges, but as so many. of the I~ecturers failed to do so, I do not think it necessary to report the grade in tbis partlcnlar District, notwithstanding' I think

o

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127

it would be well for all District Lecturers to follow his example, as the Grand Lodge ought to know the condition of the Lodges. He speaks well of GreensbUl'g Lodge, No. 414, which he visited and instructed. FOt further information I refer to his report as District Deputy. Brother John C. Senate, of the Third District, has visited Lodges Nos. 190, 159, 210, 394, 206. 32, 349 and 126, spending- three days with each, and in one 'instance four days. He has, in addition, visited most of the Lodges and conferred the degrees. He also held a weekly Lodge 'of Instruction with Seaman Lodge, No. 126, every Friday evening during the winter months. He reports a large number of visitations made for the purpose of conferring the Degrees and other purposes. The Brother has shown his qualifications for the position 'he holds, and the District Is one of the brIghtest in' the State. 'I.'his last sentence is not a part of his report, but my comment on it. Brother D. M. Foster, of' the Fourth District, has held Lodges of Instruction at Trenton, Laredo, Galt, and Spickards. The attendance at these places was not such as it should have been, but those who attended seemed mnch interested In the work. I can say of him, that he is' the right man in the rIght place, and his District, since he has had charge of it, has wonderfully improved. Brother T. A. Dunn, of the Fifth District, has not been called on to visit any Lodges, except one Instance. and then cold weather prevented the meeting. A State Lodge of Instruction was held at Albany, at which every Lodge in the District, except one, was represented. He did not, therefore, think it necessary to hold an additional District Lodge of Instruction. He says all the Lodges in the DistrIct are in good condition, except one, which he names. I will not publish the name of tlris I.JOdge, but Investigate it, and, if necessary, refer it to the ,Grand Master for investigation. ' Brother John W. Barkley, of the Sixth DistrIct, has visited Athens, No. 127; Allendale, 198; Alanthus, 252; Jonathan, 321; .Tacoby. 44J, and Grant City, 66. He held a three days' school of'Instl'uction with .Jonathan Lodge, 321; also at Allenville, No. 198, during three days. The weather was very had, and consequently the attendance was poor. The officers are well postea and confei' the Degrees in a very crditable manner. The State Lodge of Instruction, held at Albany by the Grand Master and Grand Lecturer, was well attended, every Lodge in tbe District being represented, and a large number from other Districts. He thinks an immense amount of good resulted from this meeting. As Brother Barl,ley is D. D. G. :\f., I refer to his report as such for fuller information. ' Brother Adolph ~tauble, of the Seventh District, held a three days' Lodge at Gaynor City, the atter;dance and interest were good. In connection with the District Deputy. he held a weekly Lodge of Instruction at MaryvlIle for sIx weeks. Many were faIthful in attendance; others, however, were conspicuous by their absence. He also held a three days' Lodge of Instruction at" White H~ll, which was not ;ell attended, owing to the inclement weather, but the results, he thinks, were good. He attended the State Lodge of Instruction at MaryvlIle, at which nearly all the Lodges in the District were represented. He gives a long list of visitations to Lodges and work done in conferrIng the Degrees, which shows he has been active in the performance of hIs duties. Brother W. E. Gierman, of the Eighth District, bas visited several of the Lodges (he does not say which) and instructed them in the work. lIe named several where he conferred tbe Degrees; and, 1'n conjunction with tbe


P1'(}(:ecdillgs l;rand Lect.ul·(~l·. held a Sl:i1ool well atten~I€d.· . I

or

ol

the

!Sept.

Instruction at Rockport, which was fairly

Brother II. F. Lawrence has visited most of the Lodges in his Districi. and finds them doing fairly good \"\Tork. The remalndel' of his l'eport is a <:opy of his report as D. D. G. M., and I refeF to that for further Information. Brothel' C. W. Bolster, of the. Eleventh District, s'ays that he finds that it is very difficult to formulate his annual report in such a nianner as to appear 1hat he has done all the eood to the Craft in his District that necessities demand. The 'following extract fl'om his report is well worthy or cODsiderarion: "The work of the District Lecturers hrings up a very delica:e conflict hetween the etiquette and the knowh:dge of the duty that sh;uld he pel' formed. I have responded to every demand upon me, and my information is 1 hat I have received more calls than mOf:it of my Brother Lecturers of the country Districts; and, yet, I have not visit.ed all of the Lodges of my Disr rict, nor yet all that I dal'e say need instruction in the work.' Thc Grand Lodge of Missouh is up to the question of complllso1"y education. '.rhe Dis-· Il'ict Lecturcl's must either force themselvcs upon. the Lodges needing il1:o;lruction or el~e the Grand Lodge must enact regulation or compulsory edn,·aUon. The dignity of ;'l"lasonry,does not I)CrlUit the slovenly l'e~ults wbich lack of in::;truet"ion entails, and it is a physical impossibility for the Grand Lecturer to visit any considerable pel'centage of the number of Lodges in the State annually. . This is a fact conceded on all hands, and the solution of the, ]ll'ohlem is up to the Grand Lodge." He reports the number of Lodges vIsited foi' the purpose of pcrformil1~ various duties, fOl' the purpose of conferring. (legrees, bUl"ying deceased bret.hren, and instructing in the work, He rcpol't~ hi& presence at the School of Instl'u<:tion held by the Grand Leetlll"cr at Excelsior Springs, and gave such assistance as he could, which, I assure him. \""as duly apprecinted. He has during the ycar visited t.he breth)'cn at Holt. Lodge a number 'of times, and reports that they have a splendidly working Lodge. . He has, of. conl'SC, att.ended the mectings regularly of his homc Lodge at Pjattsbtll'g, and given such assistance as was needed, and he is glad to say that here brotherl;)' feeling and goocl int.erest is consistently maintu:ned. He thinks the state of t.he Craft in his District is fairly good. I will ~'efel' again, at tlle close of this report. to his l'emal'ks on the snbject of the dul.ieh of District Lectu reI's. . Bl"Othel" Preston Handolph, of the Twelfth Distl'jct, has held Lodges of Instruction of three llnd two days each at Braymer, Spring HIlI, Cowgill, and llamilton. At the laUel' place he was assisted by the Grand Lecturer, '.rhese Loilges are all in fnil' eonc1ition. Hamilton has had tbe instruction in yean: past of H. W, BI'o. Geol'ge 1<'. HOg-PI'S, aud for the past two years bas been pre'sideh over by TII'other C. P. Hidings, a youthful, but well-Informed and enthusiastic Mason. Owing to good 'causes, mentioned, he \vas nnable to visit as extensively a» he desired. .. Brother C. C. Bigger, of the 'J'hirteenth DistI'ict, reports in 'exactly the same language as his report as District Deputy, to which I refel', He has been a faithful and efficient ollicE>r, and his District Is in good condItion. Brother S. R. \Vood of the Fourteenth District, has held three Schools of . ·.. Instruction,. one nt Hunnewell, one at Callao, and olle at Atlanta, He bas also performed various duties connected with his office, which are more fully ,~xplain4~1) in hi!' repol'l as Distl'let Deputy. His Distl'lct is ill a fair COllllilion.


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Brother Frank W. Smith, of the Fifteenth District, makes a short report, hut it shows much work done. He has been at LaGrange, Canton. Philadelphia and Hannibal. He also 'records that the Grand Lecturer held a meeting at Palmyra. where he assisted in the work. He also at~ended a State Lodge of Instruction, held at Canton, at which the GI'and Master and Grand Lecturer were present. He does not boast of his achievements, but I wlll say that he has almost revolutionized his District. The Craft in his District is to-day in splendid working order. Brother George K Mayhall, of the Sixteenth District, has visited anum路 bel' of his Lodges and finds them all in good condition. In conjunction with the Grand Lecturer, he held a Lodge of Instructlon at Centre. which was fairly weII attended by a large路 number of Lodges in the District. He has given very much time in private Instruction to officers in Lodges. He thinks. and J agree with him. that he has one of the best Districts in the State. For further information I refer to his report as District Deputy. .Brother Thomas F. Hurd. of the Seventeenth District, held a weekly Lodge of Instruction at Paris during the winter months, which. he thinks. re:;ulted in much good to the newly-electl'd officers and some of the brethren. He has visiteo all the T~odges except Middle Grove, No. 42. and Woodlawn, 223. and has found them in good working- condition, except Gr'anville. No. 240, which is composed largeiy of old men' and is struggling for existence. He hopes they will persevere. Monroe City, Paris Union and Madison are in good working condition. .AlI of the Lodges have good furniture and proper paraphernalIa for conferring the degrees. He has instructed the officers of several Lodges during the year. He reports the Craft generally in good condition in his District, in whchl heartily concur, and which is largeiy owing to his in路 defatigable work for years past. Brother M. J. LlIIy. of the Eighteenth District, reports that no District Lodges of Instruction have been held, but that alI the Lodges have been instructed in the Ritual. In most cases, the Lodges have been instructed as such. In a few cases tbe best that he has been able to do has been to give some of the more ambitious members individual instruction, and his efforts in that respect have always secured satisfactory result:s. I ad,.ise all District Lecturers t.o follow this good example, and to 'SUppl{,IJH~nt their instruction to Lodges with private Instruction to the most ambitious and willing learners. He has visited all the Lodges, except one, and several of them a number of times. Nearly alI the officers are fairly proficient. and with few exceptions, are earnestly stl"lving to acquire a better 'knowledge of the Ritual. A few are afflicted with inertia, but of that class it can be said. with each recurring election, "one by one they pass away." Brother G. W. Rucker, of the Nineteenth District. reports that he held a two-days' Lodge of InstJ;'uction at Prairie Hill. The attendance was not large on account of rain. but the interest was good. and they had the work fairly well. He failed for good reasons' given, to meet with the Grand Lecturer at a School of Instruction at Salisbury. I regretted his enforced absence very , mUCh. I refer to bis report as D. D. G. :M:. fo~ further information. Brother WlIIiam Baker, of the Twentieth District, has been unable to work up much interest among the Lodges until the last two weeks. Now there are several Lodges which signify their Willingness to learn the work, whl<-h makes him feel as though there is a brighter prospect at hand. He has met frequently with hl~ home Lodge. and they are weB up in the WOI"k. Brother SIdney Beery, of the Twenty-first District, reports that he has notified the various Lodges that he was ready to serve them In the capacity , Gr. L. Pro.-9


130

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

of District Lecturer, which resulted in only one call, and that at such a time that his professional duties would not permit of his attending. He bas visit('d a good many of the Lodges, and the work has.gone forward, and, as a whole, be thinks Masonry stands higher and better in the D'istrict t ban ever before. '.rbere is no dissensi()namong the Craft, and all are well up in the work. Brother Robert R. Kreeger, of the 1-'wenty-second DistriCt, reports that Freemasonry in his District is enjoying a continued period of prosperity and progression, which comes only as the result of the individual arid harmonious efforts on the-part of its members to prepare themselves to creditably fit into tbe places in tbe Masonic Edifice prepared for them by the Supreme Intelligence of the Univede. Much in the way of approaching perfection was accomplished at the session of the Lodges of Instruction held at Kansas City during the winter months, The meetings were largely attended by those who, by reason of long and active participation in Masonic Ceremonies, had approached near perfection, also those of less experience and shortel' Masonic lives; and all seemed equally eager to enlarge their experience and extend their knowledge of the fundamental principles of the Institution, as well as the Ritualistic work. A great deal o( time bas been devoted to visiting Lodges outside of the city, as well as holding Schools of Instruction. At Oak Grove, two sessioils were held, which were well attended by members in the Eastern pOl'tion o( the District, and the advancement made by those present was gratify'ing in the extreme. He says it may not be out of place to observe here that his observation warrants the eonchision that the interest of the members of the Fraternity in the Ritualistic wOI'k increases in pro,portion to the extension of their knowledge of the lessons designed to be taught by the ceremonies of the Degrees. 'l'he brother who realizes that the Ritual is designed for the purpose of. teaching, in a pleasing' and impressive manner, some t,:uth of which the recipient Is much In need, is more than anxious to prepare himself for such work. While the officers and some of the Lodges In this District have not been as careful as they might have, been in their conformity to the work of the Grand Lodge, yet many of them have made so much pl'oficiency that he is pl'oud of theil' attainments. I will add that Kansas Cit;l', owing to the teachings' of ~rother Kreeger and his predecessol;s, has attained the proud eminence of being one of the brightest ;,\1asonic cities in united States. Brother C. L. Frost, of the Twenty-third District, held a two-days' Lodge of Instruction at Waverly, at which much interest was manlfested_ He has visited several of the Lodges, and finds the work w.ell done. See his report as District Deputy. Brothel' R. E! L. Smith, of the Twenty-fourth District, reports that he has visited the Lodges as extensively as circumstances would permit. He gives a list of the Lodges and their condition as to the work, which I reo. (rain from copying, owing to the fact that a majority of the I;ecturers have not done the same. I-Ie reports five of his Lodges in very good condition, three in good condition, four poor and five very poor. He names them, bllt I will not do so. Hope that during the coming year the District Lecturer will visit the poor and very poor Lodges, S0 as to enable them to make a better showing. One Lodge is in such poor condition that he thinks its cbal'ter ought to be arrested. Having, myself, a knowledge of that Lodge, I agree with -him, b.ut do not think it' would be proper to name it. The matter will be referred to the Grand Master. He has. performed his duty well, and the re~urts of hIS worl, will appear in the future.

I


190.5. ]

Grand Lodge of kf issouri.

131'

.Bl'othcl' :\1. K Schmidt, of the Twenty-Fifth DLstl'ict, repol'ts that he #h<1s assisted, during the past :real', in conferl'ing the· f)egl'ees and exemplifying the ,,,ork in a number of the Lodges. While his business engagements have been such as to prevent his ·visiting all ,of the Lodges, yet he has given much instruction in the Lodges and pl'i vately. He has l'esponded to .evel'y call that has been made upon him. Some of the Lodges do theil" wol'1, in an impel'f~t manner, but he is g!ad to repol't that there is visible improvement genel'ally thl'oughout tbe Distl'ict.

,

Brothel' W. C.. Hughes, of the Twenty-eighth District, l'epol·ts that the Lodges in his Distl'ict have not shown the interest he would like, yet wOl'k has been done in almost every Lodge. He has do~e mOl'e in the way of lecturing individually at his office than holding Lodges of Instl'uction. He makes some pertinent sugg-estions, which will be r~ferred to the Gl'and 1\1astE'l'. Brothel' .}. W. Powell, of the Twenty-ninth District, l'epol'ts substantially as he does in his report as D. D. G. 1'1., to which I refel' . . Brother August Hucker, of the Thil'tieth District, is also D. D. G. 1'1., and 1 l'efel' to his report as such. Brother W. A. Clark, of the Thil'ty-fil'st District, refers to his repol'F as Distl'ict Deputy; which sec. Brothcr Julius C. Garrell, of. the Thil·ty-thil'd District, reports that the usual weekly Lodge of Instruction was held during the winter months. The attendance, as in previous years, was very large, and he believes much good was accomplished. He says that George Washington Lodge, ~o. n, deserves special mention, as it was represented at each session by its entire corps of officers. He was seleCted as instructor of the Craftsman's Club, and has devoted considerable time and attention to the duties of that position. He bas visited a. numbcr of hIs Lodges, and is of the opinion that the high standard of excellence established by his pl'edeccssol's is being maintaIned. He says this Is due, in a large measure, to the valuable assistunee whicb hE: has received from R. \V. Bro. Wm, A. Hall. . I will state that owing to his exertions and thosc of his) predecessors, the Lodges in S't. Louis have attained a proficiency which will enable them to favol'al>ly ~'omllal'e with those of any city in lhe United States. Brothel' Luther R. Twyman, of the Thirty-fourth Distl'ict, ha~ been con-Uned closely to business and physically disabled a large portion of lhe time, and has lllade but few visits. His work in the past years has been ample, and we can afford to excuse bis apparent neglecl of work dIEing the past ycal'. Brother Hudolph Talbott. of the 'l'hirty-fiflh Distl'Ict, has visited most of the Lodges in his District and instructed the officers _to the best of his ability. The Craft are working in harmony in the District. Brother Eo K Codding, of the Thirty-sixth District, l'cports that at: the beginning of the l\Iasonic year he notified the several Lodges In the District that he would be pleased to visiL them and give them whatevcl' instruction might bc necessar;y. Foul' Lodges availed themselves of the offer, namely: Lainontc, Green Hidge, Granite and Sedalia. -Be also visited some of the other Lodges. He assisted in the Lodge of Instruction held by the Grand Master and Gl'and Lecturer at Sedalia. He 'says the Lodge!> do not. like the idea of having to pay the District ).,ect:urer for his services, and they can generally flnd some excuse for putting off the official visit. 1 would advise him and all others in like condition to visit such. Lodges, with· or without an invlta-


132

Proceedings of the

(Sept.

tion, and report them for discipline if they faU· to receive the work or comply with the laws of the Grand Lodge as to the expenses of the' Lecturer. Brother George H. Daniel, of the Thirty-Seventh District, makes no" report, but writes me a personal letter explaining why he bas not been able to attend to bis duties more fully tban be has. Brotber H. T. Wrigbt, of the Thlrty-eigbth District, reports substantially as in bis report as D. D. G. M., to wbich I refer. His Lodges are generally in fair condition, and he has' visited most of them, Some of the halls are insecure. 'This is a matter to be referreq to the Grand Master. Brother Edmund J. Koch, of the Thirty-ninth District, has visited mOSl of the LoQges. The Lodges are in a fairly proficient condition, but tbere is room for improvement. Brother C. E. pyle, of the Fortieth District, p.as made several visits to those Lodges wbere be thought his services most needed. He visited Irondale Lodge several times and reports that they 'al'e better equipped for doing the work than ever befol'e. He has also made several visits to Blackwell Lodge, and thinks they have much improved in the work. All the other Lodges in the District bave been doing some good work in the year, and are in good condition.' Brother Joe W. Gravely, of the Forty-1irst District, makes a short report .that he has ·held no Lodges of Instruction in the District, except at Bolivar, which was in charge of the Grand Lecturer. His report say.s that so far as he is informed tbe Lodges are in fair condition. \ Brotber WllI R. Bowles, of tbe Forty-second District, bas held Lodges of Instruction at Greenfield and Everton, and has given instruction to all ,Lodges and on all occasions wbencalled upon. He was unable to visit all the Lodges, but would have done so in case of urgency. He has been in communication witb all, and as far as be has been able to ascertain: tbey are maintaining tbe average or a little more. In the Forty-tbird District tbe District Lecturer resigned his position witbout making any report. No successor was appointed. Brotber Alfred Reynolds, of the Forty-foutth District, bas visited each of bis Lodges, a number of tbem several times; has assisted in conferring the Degrees, and bas given instruction at every oPPol'tunHy. Tbe Lodges in his District, witb possibly one exception' (tbat of Jasper, 398), are in good. healthy condition. 'l'he District, as a whole, is making a good, healthy growth. The Ritualistic work is done in a fairly creditable manner: He 'gives a long list of Lodges visited, showing that he has been an active and enthusiastic worker. He thanks the District Deputy, Brother Frank· G. Ade, •for valuable assistance reI,ldel'ed. He says the State Lodge of lnatl'uction beld by the Grand Master and Grand Lectul'el', at JOJ?lln, was an unqualified suc-' cess. H:very Lodge in the District, and a large number of Lodges in surrounding Districts, were represented. Brothel' Reynolds is an ideal Lecturer. He don't walt for the Lodges to invite bim, but goes and "does things." I can testify that his District is one of the brightest in the State. Brother Bert'S. Lee, of the Forty-fifth District, attended the State Lodge of Instruction, held by the Grand Master and Grand Lectul'er, at Springfield. I can testify that his assistance and that of R. W. BI'o.· D. B. FarDfr worth, D. D. G. ~i.. was highly· appreciated by the Grand Master and myself He has visited such Lodges as he thought needed his instruction, and I can testify has faithfully performed hi~ d;utles as District Lecturer.


] 905.]

Grand

~odge

of ~M issour-i.

133

Brother I C. M. Mitchell, of the Forty-sixth District, ha,; not held any Lodges of Instruction, but has given a great deal of private instruction to officers in many of the Lodges. The Lodges are all getting along well. doing a great deal of work. Brother T. W. Cotton, of the Forty-seventh District, held a two-days' Lodge of Instruction at VanBuren at which three Lodges were represented. He has also visited several of th~ Lodges. I refer to his report as D. D. G. M., which is identical with his report to me, for further information. Brother Fred A. Kage, of the Forty-ninth District, has held no Lodge of Instruction during the year. but he visited the Lodges, assisted in conferring the Degrees and Instructed a great many Brethren in 路private. He thinks the Lodges are In fair shape in the Ritualistic work. Brother Kage is one of the "old wheel horses," and always discharges his duties fully. To him is owing the fine condition of the Lodges in his District. Brother James A. Boone, of the Fiftieth District, reports that his District has been so much enlarged by tke reconstruction of the Districts at the last session that it has been ImpossIble for him to visit all, the Lodges, some of which are at somewhat inconvenient points to get to, but he has responded in all cases when called upon, and has sometimes gone when not called. (In this he has shown the t'rue spirit of a District Lecturer.) He has taken all occasions possible to give instruction in the' work. A Ilumbel' of the Lodges are doing gOOd work, nearly all are passable, 'if not quite all. He has. vlsltE'd a number of the Lodges, assisted in conferring tbe degrees and remained with them an extra day or two instructing tbem in tbe work. In all cases, wben it has been practicable, he has paid attention to' details and endeavored to promote accuracy路 in the work. He thinks he can see a marked improvement in all the Lodges within the last three or four years, during which he has been visiting them. He is also an "old timer," and, as in past years, has faithfully discharged his duties. Brother J. W. Beall, of the Fifty-first District, held a tbree-days' Lodge of Instruction at Portageville, witb a good attendance, and reports that they bad the work well in hand, also gave instruction to Four Mile Lodge, and reports them In good shape and doing good work. ITas held Lodge of Instruction in Malden Lodge, and reports that- tbey work well. He has visited most of the Lodges, and they are all doing very fall'. Brother John S. Taylor, of the Fifty-Fourth District, has not been able to visit all the Lodges because of their location. Three of them are each situated about a day's drive from Ozark. and to visit them would require a week's time, and it has been impossible for bim to devote the time to them that they shoJld have. He is informed that two of these distant Lodge~ are well up in the work" but cannot say as to the condition of Protem Lodge, which Is sixty miles distant from him. The Lodges in his own county are all In good condItion and do tbe work in a satisfactory manner. He has' devoted consIderable time to private instruction and is satisfied that the Lodges in the District are in fairly good condition regarding the work. I Brother John E. Adamson, of tbe Fifty-FIfth District states that owing to the condition of his health he has been unable to hold a Lodge of Instrnction in his District. He has visited some few Lodges and assisted in conferring the Degrees and finds that the work is done reasonably well. In the past he has been a faithful worker, and as he has now recovered his health I doubt not that in the coming year he will be able to report good work well done.


134

. Proceedings of the

[Sept.

Brother W. A. PhIpps, of the Flfty·Sixth District, speaks well of the new Lodge located at Tiff City. He says that they are w~)) up in the Ritual and confer,the Degrees wei!. This is as it SllOUld be. !\o new Lodge should be started unless the officers are fairly qualified to perform theil- duties. He held a thl'ee days' School of Instr.uction at Pineville, .which was well attended and much interest was manifested. .'rhey have some good material and can mal,e' a good Lodge, He found a good deal of contention in the Lodge over a number of different matters, some trivial, others more serious. He undertook to heal their differences and bring about a spirit of harmony. His labors, whiie not entirely successful, have brought about a better feeling. I advise that Lodge to lay aside a)) differences and strive to see who can best work and best agree. He visited Ritchey Lodge and. they were eager and anxious to become profieient as we)) as to curry into their every-day life the living principles of the Fra-, tel'llity. He held a three days' Lodge of Instruction at Seneca. The Mastel' is a physician with a large practice, the cares and duties of which co:nsume almost his entire time. He is a good man a~d :Mason, but is seldom able to attend the meetings of the Lo~ge. 'rhe Wardens are young men, intelligent and eager to learn. He thinks the Lodge has material to make a good, strOllg Lodge and will with proper encouragement. The other Lodges in the District are in good, healthy condition, and most of them are gl'owing and prosperous. He says he has endeavored to impress on the Fratel'llity not only the importance of rendering we)) the Ritualistic work, but also that of the great principles of the Order that tend, if practiced, to lead up,' step by step, toward the high ideals of life and the betterment of human charactel·. I recommend Ilis pl'actice to all the District Lecturers.' The Lecturers who ha,e been appointed to the work are in every way worthy and well qualified. Some of the younger Lecturers report the old Past ~1asters object to the work as .given by them, stating that they had received the work twenty-five years ago from the Grand Lecturer. These old Brethren do not recollect that possibly they had ne,er been thoroughly and completely posted in the work, or that theil' memories may be, lil,e that of the ordinaJ:Y human being, more or less treacherous, They may, however, rest assured that the work as given by the District Lecturers is that of the Grand Lodge. 1 do not appoint any man ·as Lecturer until I am thoroughly satisfied of his proficiency.• Slight verbal changes have been made in the work from time to time as the Grand Lodge saw fit. These older Brethren should, and most of them do, assist rather than discourage the Lecturers in their work.

,

Some of the Lecturers seem to think that they are not authorized to visit a' Lodge which does not invite them. This is not the mea~ing of the law of the Grand Lodge. 'rhey should visit ra~her those' I.Jodges that do not invite them than those who do. Enthusiastic bright Lodges are anxious to perfect themselves in the work. Dead Lodges do not want the District Lecturer to. visit them. As I have said in a previous report the • District Lecturer should visit especialIy those that need instruction, and he should do so at his own convenience. If a Lodge wiII not receive instruction he shonld, of course, report that fact to the Grand Lecturer, who will lay the matter' before the Grand Master for his action. Every Lodge under the law of the Grand Lodge rilust pay the District Lecturer five dollars a day for his services and alI his necessary expenses. If the Lodge cannot alIord to do this it must eel·tify that fact to the Grand Secretary, who, by order of the Grand ~Iaster, wiII issne a check for the expenses of the


1905. ]

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

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District Lecturer. I am fearful that a number of the Lecturers are entirely too modest in this respect. When I was a student at law my preceptor informed me "that modesty is a virtue that highly adorns a woman, but very much out of place in a lawyer." I beg my Brother Lecturers to lay aside so much of their modesty as may enable them to discharge their duties properly. I beg them not to wait for an invitation, but to go where they think they al'e needed, and if the Lodge does not p('rform its duty, to report at onc~ to the Grand Master 01' Grand Lecturer. '.rhe District Le~turers constitute a noble band of workers, and have nearly all performed their duties with the utmost fidelity. Fraternally SUbmitted, ALLAN McDOW'ELL.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTiON. I

R. ,\'. Bro. Allan McDowell offered the following amendment 'to the Constitution, which was read aloud by the Grand l\Jaster and ordered printed in the Proceedings: . ResolHcl, That Section 2, Article V, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge be amended by_ adding in line 12, page 6, after the word "Lodges," the words "YoUng thereon," so' that the Section as amended shall read as follows:

SEC. 2. Alteration Of Constitution-How ConsUl1wwterl.-This Constitution shall not be altered, amended or repealed, except in the manner following: The proposition to alter, amend or repeal this Constitution shall be made in writing, or. one of the first four days or' the 'regular Annual Com-lllunication of the Grand Lodge, and shall be read aloud by the Grand Master, and shall be filed and printed with the Journal of Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and referred to the several Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The alteration, amendment or proposition t.o repeal, so referred, shall be read in each Subordinat.e Lodge by the WorshipfUl Master thereof, in open Lodge, at three several stated meetings of the Lodge: and upon the third reading thereof the Worshipful Master shall put the question distinctly to each member present in the following form: "Shall the entire amendment of the Constitution, as read, pass?" And each member shall atlswer aye 01' no, and the Secretary of each Lodge shall carefully record an expliCit account of all proceedings had respecting such proposition to amend, and transmit to the Grand Lodge, at its first regulat' Annual Communication thereafter, a duly' certified copy thereof, signed by the WorshipfUl Master, and attested by himself under the seal of his Lodge (if there be a seal, or, if not; under his private seal). .If it shall appear from such proceedings that a ma,iority of all the Lodges Yoting thereon have concurred in the proposition to alter, amend or repeal the Constitution as the same was referred to them, then the question shall be again put to the Grand Lodge, upon one of the first foul' days of its regular Annnal Commu,ilication, and if a ma,iority of all the votes present be cast in favo\' of the proposition to ame'nd, alter O\' nh1Cal, the same shall be ~nd become a pal路t of this Constitution, and not other,vlse"


136

Proceedin.gs of the

[Sept.

RECONSIDERATION Of AMENDMENT.

The motion to indefinitely po~tpone the consideration of the AmendmEnts. to the By-Laws proposed in 1904 was, on motion, reconsidered, and it was decided to consider the amendments. ACTION ON AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN 1904.

The amendment to S~c. 211, Art. 18, By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, was considered. M. W. Bro.C. H. Briggs proposed the following amendment: To amend the amendment by adding the words "manufacturing or dealing in intoxicating Ilquors as a beverage" so' that the Section, as amended, shall read: SEC. 211. Unmasontc' Conduct.-All Lodges in this Jurisdiction shal] enforce the Masonic law in reference to unmasonic conduct, and more es路 peclalfy against saloon keeping, habitual drunkenness, signing petition for dramshop license, manufacturing or dealing in intoxicating llquors as a beverage, gambling, blaspheming, profanity, and practices of a kIndred character. C, H. BRIGGS.

On motion of W. Bro. F. W. Brockman the w~rds "or signing petition for dram-shop license" were stricken out.' On motion of W. Bro. Thos.. 'Velch, the words "manufac-' turing or" were stricken out. The amendment'to Sec. 211, Art. 18, as amended, being' put to vote, the same W3.S defeated. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE~

R. W. Bro. C. C. Bigger presented the following report, was adopted:

whic~

To the Most 'WorshiPful Gmnd Loclge Of Ancient Free and Accepted Of the state Of Missouri:

Maso,,~

Your Committee on Jurisprudence beg lea've to submit the following report: After a careful consideration of the forty-three decisIons rendered by the Grand Master and set forth in his report, It affords us pleasure to s.tate that we have found no error in them. In each instance the question has been clearly stated, a 'correct answer returned, and a cogent reason given for the conclusion reached. Hence a review of them in' detail is unnecessary, and we recommend their approval.


1905.]

Grand Lodge of 1.}[ isso'!tri.

137

On the 9th of September, 1905, the Grand Master received charges preferred by David Atkinson, a Master Mason, and a member of St. Josepb Lodge, No. 78, against Benjamin F. Watson, Master of said Lodge. To the letter enclosing the charges the Grand Master replied as follows: "Sec. 281, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, requires that the Grand Master should institute au ,Investigation preliminary to taking any other action. It will be impossible, owing to the short time between now and the next session of the Grand Lodge, to make a thorough or satisfactory ex~mination. "I will have a copy of these charges served on W. Bro. Watson at once, and notify him to appear at the Grand Lodge to answer them. "Just what coursp will be taken in the case I can not say for certain, but the only course that now suggests itself to my mind is to refer the charges to a special committee to make the investigation you ask in your letter. 'rhis will, of necessity, carry the CRl"e over, and the committee will make the investigation after the close of the approaching session of the Grand Lodge. But you and Brother Watson will, doubtless, both be present at the session of the Grand l~odge on the 26th Inst., and I will hear what both of you have to say about it, and will then decide what course to take. You are entitled to a thorough and impartial'investigation. and so is Brother '''stSOD. ,I '''Fraternally, "LEROY B. VALLIANT, Grand Master." A cop,}' of the chargE;s tlnd a notice to Brother Watson to appear before the Grand Lodge on the 26th of September, 1905, to answer the same, was duly served upon Brother Watson, and llpon that day he appeared for that 'purpose when, at the request of the Grand Master, the matter was referred to your, committee, and thereafter both of the~e Brothers appeared before_ your committee; Brother. Watson denying the truth of all the charges and announcing readiness for' trial. While Brothcl' Atkinson announced that he waf, not ready for trial; that his witnesses were not present, and that his understanding from the Jetter of the Grand :Master was that the case would not be heard at this session of the Grand LOdge, and that the only action to be taken at this sessIon would be the :lppointment of a committee to take the testimony in the case; and it at oncE' became evident that the issue between the two Brethren were issues of fact, the merits of which could not be ascertained by your committee or ,determincd b~; the Grand Lod~e at its present session. ,' We, therefore, recommend that the present proceedings be dismissed with(JUt prejUdice, so that if the accusing Brother is so disposed the proceedings may be instituted de novo and go through Its course In regular and timely order under the incoming administration, at the same time expressing the hope that for the Good of the Order, these worthy Brothers will become reconciled and forbear any further contention in the matter. The following resolution was referred t<l your Committee; _ "WHEREAS, Numerous changes have been made in the By-Laws of this (}rand Lodge since the revision and publication of said By-Laws in 1892, and WHEREA.S, Doubt and uncertainty often arise in the minds of the Craft as to what the law now is; therefore, be it . Re8olved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, with instructions to revise and codify the Constitution and ByLaws of this Grand Lodge, and report such revision and codification to the next annual communication of this Grand Body," Sec. 2, of Art. V, provides the only method hy which the ConstitutioJ;l ('an he altered. amended or repealed, A majority of our members. without


138

[Sept.

Proceedings of the

con'ceding that the Constitution needs any reVislOn,' ,arc \of the . ' opinion that to undertake to, rcvise the Constitution in the manner contemplated in the resolution' ,would be a palpable violation of that section of the 'organic law, and hence they recommend that t.he words "Constitution and," as they appear in the resolution, be stricken o'ut, and that the. resolution, as thus amended" be adopted: from this recommendation Brothers Givan and Anderson dissent, and will express their views to the Grand Lodge. All of which is fraternally submitted. 'l'HEODORE BRACE, Chai,'man. C. C, BIGGl!jR, ~ . J AS. A. BOONE; H. K ANDERSON, NOAH M: GIVAN, WM. F. KUHN, Committee.

ACT,ION ON AMENDMENT TO GRAND LODGE BY-LAWS.

1\1. '\V. Bro. Dorsey A. Jamison moved that amendment to Sec. 249 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws be adopted; the SaIne was carried an,<{ the Section, ,as amended, reads as follows: SEC. 249,-Evidence. r.rbe testimony ~f all resident Masons who can attend the Lodge shall be given orally in ope~ Lodge at t~e trial. All such oral testimony shall he taken in shorthand, when practicable, and when not -pract.icable, the Worshipful Master shall appoint a commitlee, who shaH reduce, the said oral testimony to writing at thc time it is given, and when conclUded th~y shall certify thcreto.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MILEAGE AND ,PER DIEM'.

'V. Bro. E. IT. Michel presented the following report, which was ad?pted,: ST. LOUIS,' Mo:, September 28, 1905. To the Grand I,odgIJ of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the ,State of

Missouri: .. BHJo:'l'HHEN.--Your Committ'ee on Mileage and Per Diem beg leave to report that the allowances for mileage and per diem at this; scssion of the Grand Lodge have been distributed as follows: ', Conuuittees ,.... . , .. , '., , $ 202.50 233.3;' D. D., G. Lecturcl·S '.. , ,., , '~ . D, D. G. j>,'Iasters .. , .. '. ' : .. , . , ' ' ; 549.10 Delegates '. . . . . . .. . , ':, . ,' . 4,32D.00 211.40 Grand Officcl's , , ;, " ,, '-.' : :, ' ' . 114.35 Past Grand Masters .. , ,.,., '.. ' :: ' ,', . 'rotal, 190;:; ,; ',: ..' .. ' : :< , .."." .•. i : , Claims fbr 1904, allowed as per SupplementaL Report , :. " ,' ' 'GJ'and total .,' .. ,

,

"

,

, .. , .. ,.,

; •••

,

$5.63U. 70 '51.60

, $5,691.BO


-Grand Lodge of ltiI i~so1t.yi.

1905.] ,

139

In apportioning the mileage and per diem of representatives of Lodges we have acted in accordance with the ruling of the Most 'Vorshipful Grand Mastel' in paying the proxies of the Worshipful Master of a Lodge the mileage and pel' diem in .prefel路ence to the Senior Warden, hims 7lf present. We have also ruled that in case an inferior officer arrived on the first day, and was, properiy credited to the Lodge, that the arrival of the, Worshipful Master on the second or third day would not entitle the fast named officer to the pay, to the exclusion of ,the. highest ranking officer below the Worshipful Master, who registered the day before. We have made this ruling largely as a matter of convenience to the Committee, believing that the tepresentatives of any Lo~ge can easily agree as to t.he disposition of moneys so paid in the event of a dispute. We ask the adoption of this report. Frat~rnal1y submitted. g. H. MICHEL., Chairman. w~L L. LABARGE, ED. A. HOOK, W. R. SHHODES. W. A. AR:\iOUR, Coml1tittee,

ADDITIONAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MILEAGE AND PER DIEM.

Vv. Bro. E. I-I. :Miehel then presented an additional report, which was adopted, as follows: ST.

LOUIS, MO.}

September 26',1905.

To The G'rand Loclgc of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State ot, ]jf'i880uri:

BRETHREN.-Your Committee on Mileage and Per Diem, to whom' has been referred the protest of W. Bro. J. M. Dillingel', Of Humphreys Lodge, Ko. 32, who claims that he did not receive mileage and per diem for attendance upon the Grand Lodge in 1904, although present and registered with the Cl:edentials Committee, beg to report that: it is apparent that the Committee on Mileage and Per Diem in 1904, having paid Brother J. J. Dillinger, of Owasco, for mileage and per diem as District Deputy Grand Master of tbe Third District, presumed it was the same Brother who represented Lodge Ko. 32, and, under the law, presumed that they should pay Brothel' Dillinger in but one capacity. It is evident, however, that Brother .T. .J. DiHinger, of the 'rhird District, is not. Brother J. M. Dillinger, of Humphreys Lodge, Ko. 32, and that Brothel' J. M. Dillinger is entitled to mileage and per diem to the extent of $12.00, being one-fourth of the amount Humphreys Lodge, No. 32, paid to the Grand Lodge in 1904. We recommend that his claim be 'allowed, Regarding the claim of Brothel' J. B. Kuckles, WorshipfUl Master of St. Clair Lodge, ?\o. 273, who claims that l:l. mistake was made by the Committee on Credentials in crediting him to Lodge No. 277, while the Payroll Committee did not get his name into the list at all, we ,beg leave to report that the faCts' are borne out by the records, and we, thei.'efore, l'ecominend that "the claim. which amollnts to $14.75, be allowed and paid at'thiS' sessi'on of the Grand Lodge.


140

[Sept.

Pr.oceedings ot the

In the matter 'of the claim of BL'Other .1. :\1. Williamson, of Hogle's Creek Lodge, No. 279, at Wheatland, the Brother received $10.75 in 1904, and claims his expenses were $16.00, and asks the Grand Lodge to pay the balance, under S'ection 93, page 7, of supplement. We nnd that the Lodge had no representative in 1903, but had paid $42.00 to the Gra~d Lodge. In 1904 they paid $43.00, making a total of $85.00. In accordance with the above named section of the Amended By-Laws, Brother Williamson was entitled to the full amount of mileage and per diem due, which was $17.30. Having received $10.75 of this, he is entitled to the balance of $6.55, which we rec路 ommend shall be paid him at this session of the Grand Lodge. In the matter of M. W.. Bro. James W. Bovd, of St. Joseph, who acted as Chairman of the Committee on Grand Master's Address in 1904, and' was not on the pay-roll, we recommend' that his mileage and per diem. amounting to $18.30, be paid to bim at this .session of tbe Grand Lodge. Fraternally ~ubmitted, E H. MICHl'}L, Cha路i.rman.

REPORT OF 'COMMITTEE ON CHARITY.

M. W. Bro. F. J. Tygard 'presented the following report, which was adopted: 1'0 The Grana Lodge of A'ncient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of

Missouri : Your Committee on Charity beg to report tbat we have examined and carefully considered all applications for cbarity wbich bave been referred to us, and we recommend payments as follows: $100 to the widow of George Frank Gouley, former Grand Secretary, to be paid through the Masonic Board of Relief of New York City; $100.00 to the widt>w of M. W. Bro. J. D. Vincll, late' Grand Secretary, to. be paid in quarterly installments, also the further sum of $100, to be paid at once, to reimburse her, in part at least, for incurred 'expenses attending the sickness and death of ,our Brother; $100 to Wyaconda Lodge, No. 24, for benetltof Brother John F. Alberti; $100 to Craft Lodge, No. 287, for the benefit of Brother Wm. Beach; $75 to Sturgeon Lodge, No. 174, for benefit of Brother F. P. Vance; $50 to North Star' Lodge; No. 157, 'for benefit of Mrs. 'Harriett Kidd; $50 to Clarksville Lodge, No. 17 for the benefit of Brother A. T. Jamison: $40 to Portlaild Lodge, No. . 242, f~r the beneJit of Brother W. J. Jackson. . I There is also an application made by Latimer Lodge, No. 145, asking for remission of dues for this and next year, which we beg to refer to Committee on Ways aiJd Means. Ft'aternally submitted. F. J. TYGARD, F. H. McCULLOUGH. :E'. W. SMITH, JNO. W. LINDS'AY. JACOB LAMPERT: Oommittec, NOTE.-By direction of Grand Lodge the sum of

One Hundred Dollars

wa~

added to the appropriation of the Committee on Charity for the family of K. M. Dean, Mexico, Mo.


1905. ]

Grand Lodgeot lvIissouri.

141

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS.

W. Bro.'Wm. Sessinghaus presented the following report o( the Committee on Credentials, and the same was adopted: ST.

LoUIS}

Mo.} September 28, 1905.

,

To The Grand Lodge, of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the state of MW80uri:

, Your Committee on Credentials submit the following report: At the present session of ·the M:. W. Grand Lodge th,ere are present 465 . representatives, from 367 Lodges, 18 Past Grand Masters, 33 Grand RepresentatiYes, 41 District· Deputy Grand Masters, 32 District Deputy Grand LectUrers and 245 Past Masters. F'ra temally submitted. WM. SEf;SINGHAUS, Ohairman. FRED A. RAITHEL, , •J. D. DUNr...~P, M. J. TRIMBLE, L. B. TOWNER, B. P. MILES, Oommittee.

The Grand Lodge was o'clock this afternoon.

CALLED FROM LABOR

until- 2: 30

THIRD D,AY-AFT}j~RN()ON Sli::8SION.

THURSDAY,

The Grand Lodge was

CALLED

TO

September 28,1905. LABOR

at 2:30 P. M. by

M. W. Bro. Leroy B. Valliant, Grand Masler; Grand Officers in their proper stations. MEETING OF THE GRAND LODGE, 1906.

On motion of M. W. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn it was decided to hol'd the session of the Grand Lodge in i906 at Kansas City.


14~

Proceedi1(~'S

of the

[Sept.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS.

:!VI. VV. Bro. A. :!VI.' Dockery presented the follO\\Ting report, which was adopted. To TlIe Grand Lodue of A.ncient }1','ee and A.ccepted Masons of the State of ilfi8sduri: S'T. LOUIS) September 28, 1905.

Your Committee on Ways and Means submits the following fiscal state, ment, together with recommendations thereon: The report of the Grand Secretary shows an available cash balance of $43,853.58 in the treasmy on the 21st of the present month. As against this balance, however, must be charged $10,000.00 heretofore appropriated to aid in the construction of an addition to the Old People's Home, and $19,571.50, due to the Ilome on account of current Grand Lodge dues. It is apparent, therefore, that the balance in the treasury available for the liabilities of the coming year is but a little in excess of '$14,000.00, and economy must be' obsen'ed by the Grand Lodge in limiting ~xpenditures to actu~l necessities. 'We recoillmend the following appropriations: For Charity, as shown by the report of the Committee on Charity adopted at this session of the Gl'and lodge , $ Office Rent of Grand Secretary , , .. ,., Printing, Postage. Stationer~', fS'tenogmphic Work and incidentals .. Pri~ting Proceedi'ngs, 1905 " .' , . Binding Proceedings, 1905 .. , . Salary Gl'and Secretary ,., , .. , , . Salary ])'oreign Correspondent ., ,.,.,." Salary Grand Lecturer ,' , .. , .. , , Expenses Schools for District Deputy Grand Lecturers.,.", .. ,. r':xpenses Grand Master .' '\ ' ,.. , ,,." . Salary Gl'and Treasurer, 1906., , , . Salary Grand Tiler, 1905 , , .. , ". Portrait Grand :l\1aster ; , .. , , , Premiums on Bonds Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer , , Expenses of this session of the Grand Lodge .. , , "", Aprons for Grand Lodge session. , .. , , . , . , . .' , Amount of Payroll, as adopted , ,',.: , , , Expenses and Per Diem of Special Deputies and reimbursement of Lodge wbere trial is held in other tban Home Lodge by order of the Grand Lodge , , , .. ,'" Account of Woodward & Tieman Printing Co., wbich sbouldhave .. been allowed, at last session , , , , . For regilding and cleaning picture frames of Past Grand Masters in office of Grand Secretary . Typewritten copy of report of Special Committee in case Benton Lodge, No. 353' ,, F. ,V. Mott, services at session, 1904 , . Special appropriation, family K. M. Dean, MeXiCO, Mo , .. Organist at tbis session Grand Lodge ,.,. , .. , . Total appropriations ":

'

,

715.00 960.00 1,400.00 1,600.00 55.00 2,500.00 500.00 2,250,00 500.00 500.00 200,00 150.00 50,00 150.00 路388,11

46,00 5,691.00 I

21.06 714.5i) 75,00 1.50 100.00 100.00 15.00

$18,682.47


143

Grand Lodge of il1issouri.

1905.]

Your Committee have carefully considered the question of the pl'opriety of the payment of 'money from the treasury without previous appropriation therefor. Ko money should be paid by the Gmnd 'l'l'easurer except in pur~ suance of an appropriation by this Grand Lodge, and upon warrants signed. by the Grand ~faster and attested by the Grand Secretary; provided, however, that it shall be 1awful for the Grand Master to direct the Grand Secretary to issue warrants to meet unusual and emergent conditions. In the event that such an order is made by the Grand Master it should be in writing, stating the reasons therefor, and kept on file in the office of the Gra~d S'ecretary. Fraternally submitted, A. M. DOCKERY: V. F: BOOR, . BERT S. LEE, T.A. DUNN, F. A. KAGE, JKO. J. STEELE, Committee.

SUPPL.EMENTARY REPORT ON MILEAGE AND PER DIEM.

\V. Bro, E. H. :Michel presented the following supplemental report, which was adopted: September, 28, 1905, '1.'0 The Orand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Of the State. of Missou.ri:

In the matter of Clifton Hill' Lodge, . No. 161, just I'efel'l'ed to lIS, W. Bro. H. P. Bond represented the Lodge in 1904, and received $6.75 mileage and per diem. He should have had $12.50, if the Payroll Committee had referred to' IH03 report and ascertained that the Lodge was not represented and received 110 pay in 1903, in which year they paid $:21.00 dues to the I . Grand Lodge. 1:aking the t.wo years togetlwl', they were entitled to $12.50 for 1904, and WCI'e paid only $6.75. We recommend the payment this year of the $;'.75 due Bl'ot.hel路 II. P. Bond. l<-'raternally submitted, E. H. l\lICHEL, Chairman.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS.

W. Bro.\Vm. K. Spinney presented the following report which 'was adopted: '1'0 'I'he OJ'and Lodge Of Ancie11t F?-ee and Acceptcd Masons Of the State Of

Missouri:

I

Your C~mmittee of Accounts submits the following report: We have examined the cash account of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer and have found them cotrect, with proper vouchers for receipts and


144

P.roceedings

of the

'~ayments,

[Sept.

The balance ~n hind, September 21, 1905, is $43.853.58, and is on deposit at the St. Louis-Union Trust Company, the name of this Grand Lodge. The Grand Treasurer's report agrees with the Grand Secretary's statement, and is correct. The following is the financial statement for the year ending S'eptembel' 21, 1905: ' FINANCIAL STATEMENT,

in

RECEIPTS.

Balance, September 17: 1904 , .' , Back Duel'; collected for 1904 , , .. , $ Ten Charter fees-(1904) ' . Seven Charter fees (1905) ., ' . Seven Dispensation fees . Cash from Franklin Lodge, 541 (arrested)' " .. , Saie property Cedar City J:,.odge (arrested) . From dead Lodges .,' .. , , , . From overpayments , , Board Reiie'f, two cemetery iots , Rent Hyland Hall, 332 (arrested)" , .. : . Rent Barnesville I,odge property (arrested) ,., Cash from Benton, No. 3G3 (art'ested) , , .. Refundfd by Jno. W. Owen, Grand Tiler : .. Refunded by Grand Chapter. It. A. M , Refunded by St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78 , , Interest September and October, 11>04 . Interest Kovember 1, 1904, to August 31. 1905 , . Grand Lodge dues, 1905, up to and including Septemb'er 21 , .. " , , '.rotal Receipt.s., . , . , .. , , . '

, . , , .. '

$40,703, i;-{ 265.00 200.00 140.00 210,00 245.36 99.7G 196.51 42.50 20.00 22.22 75.00 457.5~J

26.00 42.45 24.50 123.33, 16'.21-

,,,,

DISBURSEMENTS.

Masonic Home, . , . , , ,', , , . ,', , , ,, , .. " $18.868.00 Payroll Grand Lodge, 1904 "., , ,.......... 5,850.74 Dr: John D. VlnclJ, salal'Y ,., ' 465.00 Grand Lodge expenses, meeti ng 1904 .,.............. 1 45 1.95 F. W. Matt; for servire acting Grand Secretary...... 100,00 Laundering Grand Lodge aprons, etc :. 26.7~ Expenses路 Fraternal BUilding, World's Fair ,.... 248,85 Portrait Wm. F. Kuhn, Past Grand Master . ' '. . . 50.85 Printing Proceedings, 1904 .,." ,............... 1,464.55 Binding Proceedings, 1904 ' " ,. 55.00 Committee on Charity ", , ,............. SOO.OO Relief of Mrs. Mathis ." , '. . . 100.00 Work on Cemetery lot " , 425.00 Prln ting. postage, stationery. stenographic work. . . . .. 1,3a6.65 Rent of Office (eleven months) 880.00 Salary Grand Treasurer, A. C. Stewart. , ~ . 200.09 Salary Grand Secretary. John R. Parson I 2,lfi1.63 Salary Grand Lecturer, Allan McDowell. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2,2!'i0.OO Salary Com. Foreikn Correspondence, R E. ~nderson.. . 500.0a Schools of Instruction, District Lecturers , .. , 673.95

2,356.42 39,143.00 $82,203,15


¡1905.]'

145

Grand Lodge of Missouri.

Expenses District Deputy Grand Masters Ji.'xpenses Grand Officers attending meeting ; Expenses of Grand Master S'alary Grand Tiler (1904) ,RJxpenses funeral John D. VinclI Expenses hospital and funeral '1'11os. E. Garrett Grand Treasurer and Graud Secretary bonds Cabinet and cards for historical record : Taxes , Renton Lodge, 353-inltlatlon fees returned R~tllrned overpayment to Clinton Lodge, !J48

$

. . . . . . . . .

'

.

:27.6;;

19.00 500.00 150.00 151.60 172.92 150.00 195.60 21.90 55.00 7.00-$38,349.57

Balance (In hand September 21, 1905 . Fraternally submitted. W. K. SPINNEY, J. F. HECKENLIVF:LY.. R. K L. SMITH, HOWARD F. LEA,

$43,853.58

Comm.ittee.

REPORT COMMITTEE BOARDS OF RELIEF.

R. VV. Bro. Frank G. Ade which was'adopted:

pres~nted

the following report.;

To 1'lle Grand Lodge of Ancicnt Frce and Acceptcd Masons of the State of. Mis8CJuri: .

Your Committee on Boards 'of Relief beg leave to submit the following l'eport: The report of the St. Louis Board shows cash on. hand July, 31, 1904 .. , " .' . . . . . . . .. . $3,079.!)7 Receipts from Benton Lodge, 353, balance due 1904..... . . . . . . . . . 7.0.00 , Miscellaneous receipts 696.83 Total .. ..:.... . Disbursements

'

$3,846.80 1,201.42

Balance on hand July 31, 1905 ; $2,645.38 Owing to having more than $1,000 on hand, no demand has been made on St. I_ouis Lodges by the Board: excepting the $70 due from Benton I,odge. ~o. 353, for 1904. . The report of the Kansas City Board shows: Balance on hand July 31, 1904 $ 337.84 Receipts, from Lodges-284 initiations ......•............. : 1,420.00 Balance due last report 80.00 ~liscellaneous receipts 716.04 Total D1!':bnrsements

. .

$2,553.88 2.287.82

Balance on hand July 31, 1904 ' , $ 266.06 We find that the balances -due from Kansas City Lodge, 220, and Heroine Lodge, 104, for last year have been paid. . G. L. Pro.-JO

/


146

I: Sept.

Proceedings of the

The report' of St..Joseph Board shows:

on

nal.ance hand .July 31. If)04 :\Iiscellancolls, receipts .,

. .... ~1.0:)G.7:3 122.38

. .

Tolal Disbursements.- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

. .. $1,17!).)1 '. . . . 114.0:;

.

Balance on hand .July ~1, ] 900

$l,065.0r,

Baving more' than $1,000 on liand, the St. .Joseph Board has made no demand on the Lodges dnring the past year. The report of the Springfield Boal'd shows: "~

Bnlance on hand .July :31. ]!)04 Rcceipts from the JJodges-34 initiations Balance duc last year " :\fiscellaneolH; l'eceipts Total . Disblll'sements .. ..•. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

;....... ,. .. . . .

::J8r,.1G 170.00 130.00 243.14

$1.134.~0

.

Balance on hand .July 31, 190!)

'.

28n.58

$ 844.72

We find thc'entirp. balances due from Springfield Lodges for 1904 have • been paid in full. "'e find that all the Lodges in the various cities where there are Boards of Helief al'e sq\iare with their several Boards, a condition of affairs your Committee take great pleasul'e in reporting 10' the Grand Lodge. YO\ll' Committee fur.ther desire to report. that indications point to the fact that Boards of Helief are doing good work for those ~'ho Ine worthy, and purs'ue the unworthy by placing a baITier between 'them and those whom they are in the habit of imposing upon, and would recommend that our Brethren throughollt the State use great Care before extending aid to strangers. u,pon their simple claim of being a )lasoll. '

F'l'aternally subm,itted, FRA?\K G. ADE: T. A. l\llLnlm~, W. H .• 1'OTTERDA~.E, :Jar-I:\' L. ROW:\IA'N, W. 1\. )kCO~KTN.

Committee.

ACTION ON AMENDMENT.

The amendment to Sec. 1, Art. 1 Grand Lodge By-Laws changing the time of lneeting of Grand Lodge, which was proposed at the Session of 1904, was considered, and on vote being taken was declared d~feated.·


190,:),]

Grand Lodge

?f Missouri.

117

. REPORT ON ARRESTED CHARTER OF BENTON LODGE NO. 353.

R. VV'. Bro. \\,7 m. T: Jamison presen ted the foll,owing report, which ~as adopted: '1'0 the Most 1I'Ol'S!Jipful G1'01/([ Jlastcr, Wan!e118, and lJl'r,th1'l:n of the Gru'JlIl r.ollfjc of A ncir,l1t Free and Ac(;(;ptcd Masons of Jfissow'i:'

STATEMEXT, BI:ETllHEx,--Your Committee, appointed to investigate and report upon Benton Lodge. ;\0, 8,,::1. A. F. and A.. :'If.. respectfully submit the following as 'their report: )'0111' Committee called before them a IjLrge number of witnesses, amon~ whom were t.he most prominent and well-known members of sa'id Lodge, and exal;1ined at length int.o the conditions existing in said Lodge, pl'ior. as well as sllbseqllf'nt. to t.he unfortnnate OCCUl'l'ences transpiring at the meeting of ,June 12th, 1D05; and we also endeavored to ascertain the state of feeling among th~ membership of the Lodge at the present time; and. aftcr careful consideration, we report and find as follows: \Yc find that Benton Lodge has a mem'ber'ship of about OIW h\llHll'€'d and thirty-foul' persons; that the strife and contention in said body is confined to a compamtively small milJol'i~y of the membership. "'e find that the neglect of strong influential membel'S of th€' Lodge,--of. which there are a great numbel' in the body,-to attend and actively participate. direct and manage the atl'ail's of the Lodge, during-fa series of yeal's, has resllltpd in the Lodge falling under the domination of what has been so aptly tE'rmed "oneman-power" ; and the exercise of that power has resulted in this instance. as it usually does, in the development of a "Hnle 01' Uuin policy" by those in contrOl, and the effort mad€ to free the Lodge from this control, in the opinioll of your Commit:t'ee, was the i.mmediate cause of tl~e. hitter feeling, and tlw "el'Y inharlllonious conditions that now and fOl' a nnmIJel' of years past have existed in sl'l·id Lodg·e. This feeling culrni'nated at the election of 'the ofiicers in in04, which eleetion resnlted in the overthrow of those .who Iwd so long dominated the a Ifai rs .of the Lodge. By th~ new regime numerous petitions were presented fot' the Degrees by persons' whom youI' Commitlee find to have been of high personal character, a 1111 in every re:.';wct wol'thy and suitabl{~ candidates for :'IIa!'oonic membership, Embitte:'ed by defeat and loss of control, tbreats were olwnly made Oil Ihe llool' of the Lodge. as well as elsewhere, by those deposed fl'om contro1. that there shonld "Be no morc work done in the Lodge." The method by which this threat was to be accomplished subsequently' developed as' ballots were .spread fl'o'D! time to time, on the' applications for the Degrees abo'-e men. tioned, when it appeared I.ha t a most pernicious and execrablc 11l'ostHution of the ballot has been resorted .1.0 in order to'ohstruct the \\'01'1, and deter the progress of the Lodge under its new management, and all the applications fOl' the Degrees were summarily rejected. This condition of affairs was brought to t1J.e attention of the :'IIost "'orshipful Grand :'Ilaster, Leroy B.' Valliant, who, at the re<!IlPsf of the officers of the Lodge, granted it Spedal Dispensation for a re-lJallot npon .the appliclltions presented: and he also appeared in pel'son at the C0111111unica-


148

Proceedings o{ the

[Sept.

tion of the Lodge, held on .June 12th, 1905, and strongly urged upon the members their Masonic duty to dwell together In peace and harmony. and earnestly impressed upon them their duty respecting the. use of the ballot. His efforts were of no avail, for immediately after his retirement from the Lodge, a ballot taken on five of said applications. resulted In each of the applicants being rejected. The Grand Master,finding that "neither admonition, persuasion nor entreaty had any effect,' in order to prevent the discord from spreading, and to save the Lodge from utter destruction, arrested its Charter on July 24th. 1905. and duly reported his action to this Most Worshipful Body. We find the state and condition of feeling in said Lodge to be such that. ' In our opinion, peace and harmony could not, and would not exist In said body if the Charter were restored to it, and we heartily endorse and commend the action' of the Grand ~faster In arresting the Charter, as the only suitable and adequate remedy to meet this most heinous and growing abnse of the sacred privilege of the ballot. We find that one of the highest, most sacred, and time-honored privileges of M:asonry,-:-the use of the ballot,-has been perverted and prostituted to the accomplishment of personal resentments. and the gratification of private l'evenge. 'Ve entirely concur in the condemnation of this perversion of the ballot, so forcibly expressed in the Address of the Grand Master, and from our investigation into the facts of this case we believe that this Lodge has been "converted from a band of friends and brothers, Into a band of Inharmonious, distrustful and unfriendly members." Therefore. your Committee respectfully recommend that the Charter of Benton Lodge, No, 353, A. F. and A. M., be permanently revoked. We, however, find that· among the membership of said Lodge the large majority are good and true Masons, and worthy and well quallfied to conduct and administer the affairs of a Lodge with credit to themselves and honor to the Fraternity, and are ready and willing to perform every Masonic duty that may be imposed· on them; and we further find that the best interests of 'Masonry will be subservcd by the institution of a new Lodge to take the place of the old one. We, therefore. recomm~nd that a Dispensation be granted to Brothers J. B. Thompson. R. C. Blackmer, and Frank Gildersleeve. Past Masters of said Benton. Lodge. and to such other brethren of the membershIp of this Lodge as are named in "Exhibit A," attached to tbls report, or to such of them as may petition tberefor, for the formation of a new Lodge, that tbe Incoming Grand Master be instructed to issue such Dispensation, and that the three Brethren named be appointed to the principal offices of said new Lodge, in the ol'der named, to serve during the Dispensation; and that tbese three Brethren be authorized to fill the subordinate offices and appoIntments of the Lodge. We further recommend that upon the final completion of the ol'ganizatioll of said Lodge by the granting of a Charter, that the Lodge property of Ren· ton Lodge. No. ~53. A. F. -and A. M" be turned over to the new Lodge. Respectfully submitted, WM. T, JAMISON. C. A. ~IOS:MAN, GREGORY S. MILLER. W. L. REYNOLDS•.TR., WM. K. SPTNNF:Y.

Uommittf'c


Grand, Lodge of 111. issouri.

1905.]

149

EXHIBIT A. H. C. Blackmer.

J. B. Thompson. J!'ranl{ Gildersleeve. J. P. Fawden. John Harness. I,eander Stone. Richard Hancack. L. M. Ailen. R. D. Curtiss. T. J. Pierce. W. Eo Kemp. G. A. Jordon. .J. W. Havens. Chas. P. Temple. J. B. Hicks. J. W. Tremayne. G. D. B. Miller: Arthur Mather, S. A. Miller. D. Eo Furnall.

Geo. E. Quidor. R. C. Harris. W. Ii'. Calfas. C. Eo Milson. W. H. Little. .J. H. Quinn. F. W. Dyer. B. O. S'teele. R. L. Spencer. Davis Rich. A. C. Pi rile. J. R. Wilkinson. G. W. Watkins. G. C. Yoder. ~amuel Williams. E. C. Blackburn. W. H. Richardson. E. D. Morris: J. F. Evans. W. A. Britt. Christian Koeln.

~r. Dean . H. Burrows. W. Earl. G. Hodgins. :\1. Walker. .J. B. Hosser. George Taylor. L. E. Esackoff. W. C. Reese. R. M. Crooks. .Julius Rapp, Jr. ,J ohn Larson. n. W. Schmale. H Bennett. Wm. Doll. W. F. Schacht. A. Strickland. Louis Fisher. C. M. Summers. K E. Oehler. J. H. Pamplin'. J. J. O'Brien. Fred. L. Block. Geo. Snodgrass. J. M. Hale~路. .J. C. Tl'avlUa. W. A. Minges. E. R. Livingstone. W. J. Hesse. ,lIT. P. Coons. Ii'. W. Roebbel. J. O. Morse. 'Geo. Hannauer. T'.:. ? Wickersham. C. C. ZIegler. D. H. Shineman. '.r. S. Clark. W. H. Cutter. S'. B. Carman. C. M. Hixon. F. A. Waterhouse.

H. .T. A. S. F.

ST. JOSEPH LODGE NO. 78.

R. \V. Bro. C. C. Bigger announced that all differences in the ranks of St. Joseph Lodge had been settled satisfactorily to all parties concerned.


150

Proceedings of the

[Sept:.

THIRD READING OF 'AMENDMENTS.

The amendments heretofore offered were reaq a third by the Grand Secretary.

tjm~

PRESENTATION OF GRAND MASTER'S JEWE~.

Grand :Master Leroy B. Valliant called R. \V. Bro. A. S. I-Iouston to the stage and spoke as follows: Buo. HOUSTON-I take pleasure in transferring to you the badge of your office. It was presented to me 'by my predecessor, M. 'W.'Bro. Kuhn, to be \,\'orn on official occasions as the badge of the office. In transmitting it to you I hope that you will wear it with pleasure to yourself and I know it will be to the honor of the Fraternity .

Bro. Ifousto路n responded as

follow~ :

M. W. GRAND MASTER AND BRETHREN-For this manifestatiop of your approval and confidence, and for the honor you have so generously bestowed upon me, I thank you.. I have repeatedly said, when neither position seemed to be within my reach, that I would rather be Grand l\faster of M~sons of the great Btate of Missouri than to be Governor of the Commonwealth; and now that I have by yonI' kindness and favor attained to tpis responsible positio'n, I say to you frankly, my Brethren, that this is the happiest moment of my life. I pledge my most earnest effort in the discharge of the duties of, this exalted' office, and invite your cordial and hearty co-operation. I thank you. "

The Grand Master-Elect then announced the following appointments: GHA1\D LECTURER,...... GHAND CHAPLAJN.. : GRA:l\D CHAPLAIN GRAND SENIOR DEACON GRAND:JuNlOR DEACON GRAND SENIOR S'l'E\VAHD GRAND路.JUNIOR STEWAHD, GRA]\D MARSHAL _~ GRAND MAR.SHAL GRAND SWORD BEA,:lmR GRAND PUR.SUIVAN'l' GRAND ORATOR ~' ' GRAND ORATOI~ GRAND TILEJ?., :

.ALLAN McDOWELL. St. LOlli!;. 'v. C. ATWOOD. Brooldielrl. H. P. BOND, Clifton Hill. ' EMANUEL F. HARTZELL, St. Joseph. C. C. BIGGER, Laclede. WIVI. A. HALL, St. Louis. R. E. L. SMITH, Marshall. ~ALI"RED REYNOLDS, .Joplin. V\~l\f. E. HOKE, St. Louis. ,.ARCH A. JORNSO:-J, Springfit>ld. W1\1. SOuTHERN, .JR., Indepc~dence. SIDKEY BEERY,Platte Cit~,. , .. FRANK W,SMITH, Palmyr. JOHN W. OWEN, St: LOllis.


J !JOi5.1

Grand Lodge of 111 issouri.

151·

INSTALLATION.

At the request of Grand Master Valliant, :M. 'V. Bro. C. H.' Bdggsthen proceeded to install the following Grand Officers assisted by ~1. ,V. Bro. Wm. F'. Kuhn as Grand Marshal. A. S. HOFSTOK ..Mexico _ D. ~L WILSOK, ~1ilall _ .JOHl\ T. SHOH·l'. Jefferson City HO'BEBT H. K'HEEGER., Kansas City A. C STEWART, St. Louis .JOHN R. PARSON, St. Louis

GHA~J) MASTEH. DEPGTY GRA!\]) ~IASTER. GI~Al\D SE~I(}R WARDEN. GRAND.JUNIOR WARDEN. GRAKD TREASURER . GRAXlJ SIi;CRETARY.

APPOINTED OFFICERS. ALLAX~lcDOWELL.St.

Louis W. C. ATWOOD, Brookfielrl H. P. BO}.;'D, Clifton Hill EI\lA~T'EL F. HARTZEI L. St..Joseph C. C. BIGGER, Laclede W:I\I. A. HALL. St. Louis _ R E. L. S~Il'l'H. Marshall ALFRED REYNOLDS .•Toplin .. _ Wi\!. E. HOKE. St. Louis.. ARCH. A..JOHNSON, Springfielrl Wl\I. S01JTIIERl\ ..JR., IndepeJldence .. : ·SID.K"BY BEERY. Platte City NRAKK W. SMTTH. Pa]Ill~'ra _ .JOHN W. OWEN, St. Louis

GRAND LECTGHEH. GRAXD CHAPLAIN. G:HAKDCHAPLAIN. GRAX!) SEl\lOR DEACOX. GRA~D .JUNIOR DH;ACON. GRAND SE:\JOR.STEV,TARD. GRA};,D JUXlOR STEWARD. GRAND l\f ARSHAI.... GHAKD MARSH AI.... GHANO SWORn BEAR}~R. GRAND PURSUI\~ANT. GRAKD OHATOR.' GRAN n ORATOR GRANO TILBR.

The Grand- :Master, 1\1. 'V. Bro. A. S. Houston appointed the follo,ving: CHAIRMEN STANDING COMMITTEES . .JUHISPRGDE::\CE APPEALS A::\D GlUEVANCES .. _ PAY ROLL WAYS AND MEANS CREDE~TJALS _ _ CIIARITY ~ CHARTERED LODGES ~ LODGES U. D REPORTS D. D. G.l\fASTERS OBlT17ARIES CORRESPO};'DENCE UXFIXI8HED BVSINESS BOARDS OF RELH:F ACCOP::\TS 1\L\SO::\IC HOl\'fE THA:\SPORTATION AND HOTELS

W1\1. 1\1. WILLIAMS. DORSEY A. JAl\lIS01\. JAl\mS H. FRAME. " JOHN .J. STEELE. '1'. A. l\flLBC'RK. J AMES W. BOYD. •.. :i\IARTIN T. BALSLEY. J AMES A. BOONE. A. L. ROSS. ·.. C. H. BRIGGS. R. E. ANDERSON. PRED. A. RAGE. E. H.l\l1CHEL. LOUIS 1\lOLLER. JOE l\IcGREGOR. J. O. HOGG.


路152

'Proceedings of the

[Sept.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES. CODU'IOATION OF LAWS-A. M. Hough, Noah M. Givan. Allan McDowell. RITuAL-Allan McDowell. D. M. Wilson, R. R. Kreeg6r. Wm. A. Hall, C. W . . Bolster. RECOGNITION }<'OREIGN GRAND LODGES-E. F. Allen, Allan McDowell. Camp路 bell Wells, Joshua B. Thomas, W. R. Stubblefield. PAST GRAND MASTER'S JEwEL.-Campbell Wells, E. Ii'. Allen, J. W. Bo~'d.

The minutes of the day's sessions were read and approved .. CLOSING.'

No further business appearing the M. \V. Grand Master, Bro.. A. S. Houston, then closed the Eighty-Fifth Annual Communication of the M. \\T. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of the State of Missouri in AMPLE FORM. Prayer was offered by R.. \V. Bro. H. P. Bond, Grand Cbaplain.

JOHN R..

P~RSON,

Grand Secretary.

"


1905.]

Grand

Lod~~e

of

.~1 issouri.

153

'SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.

The following- amounts have been received since the closing of my report September 21, 1905, and the same will appear in 1906 report: Western Star Lodge, No. 15 (balance) ,.,.,.:j; 1.00 Bismarck Lodge, No. 41 , ,." """ 60.00 Monticello Lodge, No. 58 :............... 24.00 Purdy' Lodge, No. 148 (balance) , 1.00 Alton Lodge, No. 255 (balance) ,. . . . . . . . .. 1.00 Urbana Lodge, No. 421. ' , 23.00 Galt Lodge, No. 423 .....•............................. ,. 38.00 . Clearmon t Lodge. No. 507 (balance) ' ,......... 1.00 Cunningham Lodge, No. 525... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31.00 Spring Creek Lodge, No. 347 ' , ,. 20.00-$200,00

NON.~REPORT'NG LODGES.

'l"he following Lodges have not 'reported or paid Grand Lodge dues for. 1905 :' Tipton Lodge, No. 56. Cainsvllle Lodge, No. 328. Riddick LOdge, No. 361. Warsaw Lodge, No. 378. Herndon Lodge, No. 487,


151

Proceedings of the

l Sept.

DISTRICT DEPUTV GRAND MASTERS. 1st District -JGD\VAH.D HIGBEE, Lancastel路. 2d G. A. GOBEN, Kirksville. 3d .1::\0. C. SL:,ATE, :\1ilan. 4th D. :\1. FOST)~Rt :\fen:er. 5th TANDY A. DUNN, Bethany. 6th .JOHN W. BAHKLBY, Albanj'. 7th EDWIN F. HA:\IL):,\, ?lIaryville. W. K GUJIUIAN, H.od_port. 8th !jth GEO. W. WRIGHT, 8t. ,loseph. . 11. P. LA \YHE::\CE. Gallatin. loth FHA::\K H. :\IATllEW8, Liberty. 11th 12th I路mUBI';K BARNEY, Chillicothe. \Y. C. A'l'\YOOD, Brookfield. 13th 14th SIDN)~Y H.. \'lOOD, Lal'lata. 15th FHANK SMITH, Palmyra. 16th GEO. Eo MAYHALL, -New London. 17th A. '1'. VAUGHAl\', Paris. H. A. HAT)i')ELD, Moberly. 18th G. W. RUCK~R, BnmswiclL 19th \YJL BAKER, Hale. ~Oth J.P. TUCKEH, Parkville. 21st VAN F. BOOR, Kansas City. 22d C. L. FRO~T, Odessa, 2:3d 24th R. E. L. SMITH, Marshall. W. F . .TOH!\SON, Boonville. 2iHh rHANK BR1;TO::\, Sturgeon. 20th FRA::\K R. .1 ESSE, Mexico. ~7th .101l::\ E. REEDS, High IIiI\..路 :!Sth .1. W. PO\YELL, Troy. . 2!Hh E. A. FLTiES:\lEIEH, ","right: City. :30th W. A. CLARK, Jefferson City. 31st .TOIl::\ ISBELL, \Yashington. 3:!d :;3d .1ACOB LA:\11'ERT. St. Louis. , AHTHl:R CO:'iGEH. HalTisonville. 34th 3:'itb VV. W. ROSS, Butter. 36th E. E. CODDING, Sedalia. CHAS. P. BOWDE:"', Appleton City. 37th 38th H. T. WRIGHT, Lebanon. H0th ED..T. KOCH, Rolla. 40th' CHA~'. E. PYLE. DeSoto. WILLARD B. DUNNFJGAN, Bolivar. 41st 42d WILL R. BOWLl'~S, Greenfield. Al\'DEHR00' ..1. \YRAY. Lamar. 43c1 44th FRA~K G. ADE, .Toplin. DBX1'FJR B. FAH~SWORTH, Springfield.. 43th 46th C. 1\1. MITCHELL, Mountain Grove. '1'. ,V. COTTON, Vall Buren. 47th ED HE);)))路;nso::\. Farmington. 48th F. A KAGI';;, Ca.pe Girardeau. 4fltb .lAS. A. BOm.HC, Charleston. ::iOth J. W. BEALL, Malden. 51St ::;2d' W. \Y. ~rAHTIj\'". Doniphan. :'i:~d A. T. HOLLEXBECK, West Plains. ::;4th G..J. VAUGH~, Ozal'k. ::i5th. .JOHN E. ADA:\1S0N, Miller. 56th .T. :\1. Z. WITHROW, Neosho.


Grand, Lodge of Jl1拢ssour路i.

1905. ]

DISTRICT LECTURERS.

-

~

-

1st District-J. R. McLACHLAN, Kahoka. J. J-l. HOLTON, I\:irksville. 2d JOHN C. SENATE, 1\lilan. :3d 4th D. M. FOSTER, Mercer. TANDY A. DUNN, Bethany. 5th JOHN W. B'ARKLEY, Albany. 6th ADOLPH STAUBLE, Maryville. 7th 8th W. E. GIERMAN, Rockport. WM. 1\1. CAMPBELL, St. Jpseph. 9th 10th H. F. LA WRI~NCE, Gallatin. 11th C. W. BOLSTER. Plattsburg. 12th PRESTON RA N DOLPH, Chillicot.he. 13th W. C..ATWOOD, Brookfield. 14th SIDNEY R. WOOD, La Plata. 15th FRANK W. SmTH, Palmyra. 16th GEO:E. MAYHALL. New London. THO~lAS F. HURD, Paris. lith 18th 1\1. J. LILLY. Moberly. . ,. 19th G. W. RUCKER, Brunswick. 20th Wl\L BAKER, Hale. 21st SIDNEY BEERY. Platte City. 22d R. R. KREEGER, Kansas City. " C. L. E'ROST, Odessa. 23d " 24th R. E. L. SMITH, Marshall. 25th 1'1. Eo SCI-I 1\H DT, lloonville. 26th l'RANK BRUTON, Sturgeon. 27th FRANK R. J ESSE, Mexico. 28th .IN0. Eo REEDS, High Hill. 2;)th J. W. POWELL, Troy. ::lOth E. A. FLUES:\H=TER, Wright City. W. A. CLARK, Jefferson City. 31st WALTER B. MATTOX, Sullivan. 32d 33d JULIUS C. GARRELL, St. Louis. J AS. F. BLAIR, Belton. 3路1th RUDOLPH TALBOTT, Butler. 35th E. E. CODDING, Sedalia. 36th CHARLES P. BOWDEN, Appleton City. 3ith H. T. WRIGHT, Lebanon. 38th ED. J. KOCH, Rolla. 39th 40th CHAS. E. PYLE. De Soto. 41st JOE \V. GRAVELY, Bolivar. 42d WILL R. BOWLES, Greenneld. 4M JOSEPH A. COX, Lamar. ALFRED REYNOLDS, .Joplin. 14th BERT S. LEE. Springfield. 45th 46th C. 1\1. MITCHELL, Mountain Grove. 47th T. W. COTTON, Van Buren. E. C. HICKOK, Farmington. 48th F. A. KAGE, Cape Girardeau. 49th JAS. A. BOONE, Charleston. 50th J. W. BEALL, Malden. 51st w. W. MARTIN, Doniphan. 52d 53d WM. J. ZORN, West PJainl;. 54th G. J. VAUGHN, Ozark. 55th .JOHN E. ADA;\ISON, Miller. W. A. PHIPPS, Neosho. 56th

155


156

Proceedings of the

[Sept.

NE\\l LODGES. CHARTERED SEPTEMBER 28, 1905. Lodne.

No.

. Location.

570 571. 572 573 574 575

Republic Hayti Rutledge Bernie La Monte St. Cla.ir

Gounty .

District.

\

Republic Bayti Rutledge Bernie La Monte Easter

Greene Pemiscot '" tlcotland Stoddard Pettis Franklln ..:

~

:45th 518t .' lst ~ 50th 36th >32nd

ANNUAL COl\ll\lUNICAl'lON, 1906.. The Eighty-Sixth Annual Commnnication of the Grand Lodge will be held at Kansas City, commencing at 10 o'clock on the morning of the last Tuesday (Viz., the 25th day), of September, 1906. I

.


Grand Lodge of Missouri.

1905. ]

PROPOSED

157

AMEND~IENT.

The following amendment was submitted during the session'by R. W. Bro. Allan M9Powell, and u*nder the law,' goes over to the next Annual Communication CONSTITUTION. That Section 2, Aticle 5 of the COIlf;titutioll of tile Grand Lodge be amended by adding in line 12, pa/re 6, after the word "Lodges," the words "voting, thereon," so that the section as amended shall read as follows: l(,esolved;

8ECTION 2.-AJ.TERATION OF CONSTITUTION.-How CONSUMMATED.

'This Constitution shall not be altered, amended or repealed, except in the manner following: The proposit~on to alt('r. amend or repeal this Constitution shall be made in writing, on one of the first four days of the regular Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. and shall be read aloud by the Gralld Master. and shall be filed and printed with the Journal of Proceeding-s of the Grand Lodge, and referred to the several Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The altera路 tion, amendment or proposition,to repeal, so referred. shall be read in each Subordinate Lodge by the Worshipful Master thrreof. in open lodge, at three several stated meetings of the Lodge; and upon the third readin/r thereof the Worshipful Master ihall put the question distinctly to each member present in the following form: "Shall the entire amendment of the Con!'titution as read, pass~" And each member shall answer. aye or no, and thc secretary of each Lodge shall carefully record an explicit account of all proceedings had respecting such proposition to amend, and transmit to the Grand Lodge, at its first regular Annual Communication thereafter, a duly certified copy thereof, signed by the Worsh'ipful Master, and attested by him路 self under the seal of his Lodg(', (if there be a seal, or, if not, under his private seal). If it shall appear from such proC'eeflings that a majority of all the Lodges votinj;t thereon have concurred in the proposition to alter. amend or repeal the Constitution as the same was referred to them, then the question shall be again put to the Grand Lod/re, upon one of the first four days of its.l?egular Annual CommuniC'ation, and if a majority of all the votes present be cast in favor of the proposition to amend. alter or repeal, the same' sha.ll be and become a part of this Constitution. and not otherwise,



] 905.]

Grand Lodge of 111issouri.

159

BIOGltAPIIICAL. LEROY B. VALLIANT, GRAND MASTER. 1904-05.

Leroy Branch Valliant. was born in th(j Sta.te of AlalJam<l. but in his early childhood his father moved to Mississippi and he W<lS reared in that State. He attended school in Holly Springs, Miss. ~ where he \,"as prepared . for College; from there he entered the University of Mississippi at' Oxford, and after the regular four years' conrse gra(lu<lted with the degree' A. B. Afterwards he graduated from the La,,' Department of Cumberland Uni\'ersityat Lebanon, Tenn., with the degree .LL. B. During the civ\1 war he served in the Confederate Army <IS Captain in the Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment. He ma,rl'ied l\Jiss Theodosia '1'. \Vorthingtou, daughter of HOli. Isaae \Yorthington, late of 路Wa.shington County, Miss. In 1874 he moved to St. Louis where he has re'sided ever ~i>nce. He practised law in St. Louis fron; 1874 until November, 1886, when he was elected to the office of .Judge of the Cire-uit Court, and re-elc~ted in Nove~nber, 18U2. He filled. the office of Judge of the Circuit Court in St. Louis unti.J 18H8, when he was elected to the office of Judge of the Suprell1e COlll't of ~fissouri; he was re-elected to that office in'IU02, and is l~O\\' sen'ing his second term as Judge ()f the Supreme Court. ~lASO~IC.

JudgeValliant's J\lasonic record is as follows: He was iuit.iated, passed and raised in Polar Star Lodge, No. 7V, and sen'ed his Lodge as 'Worshipful Mastel' in 1889. He was exa.lted in Kih\'inlling' Hoyal 4rch Chapter, No. 50, August, 1886, and. served as High Priest of that Chapter for two terms, 18!J2-1893. He \-vas ]{ nighted in St. Louis Commandery, No.1, and served as Comma.nder in lsnu. He also received the 3:~o Ancient Ac.cepted Scottish Rite on :March 2, l!JOO. He is now a member of' Polar Star Lodge. No. 7n; Kilwinning Royal Arch Cha,pter, No. 50; Biram Council, No.1; St. Louis COlllmandery, No. 1;' St. Louis Lodge of Perfection, Ko. 1; St. Louis Chapter Rose Croix, No.1; Missouri Council, No.1; Knight's Kadosh and Missouri Consistory, No.1, M. R. S. Having filled the various stations in the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. 1\1., he' was elected Grand Master in 1904 and filled the station until the close of the Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, Octobe1' 28, 1905. I



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APPENDIX.




GRA D LODGE ~.

F. & J:t. M. -01'-

The Grand LQdgewill convene in Kansas City,8epl25,1OO.8.


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