GRAND LODGE A. F. & A. M.
MISSOURI 19]]
OFFICERS OF THE
GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI 1917-1918
WM. A. CLARK, Jefferson City _ JOHN W. BINGHAM, Milan _ JULIUS C. GARRELL, St. Louis _ WM. F. JOHNSON, Boonville : _ W1.L A. HALL, St. Louis _ _ JOHN R. PARSON, St. Louis _ J. R. McLACHLAN, Kahoka _.._..__ JOHN H. MILLER, Kansas City ARTHUR MATHER, St. Louis O. A. LUCAS, Kansas City BERT S. LEE, Springfield..__ JOSEPH S. McINTYRE, St. Louis ORESTES },IITCHELL, St. Joseph _ AUSTIN L. McRAE, Rolla__ W. W. MARTIN, Doniphan _ _ CHARLES C. GARDNER, Kirksville _ JOHN PICKARD, Columbia _ _ FREDERICK D. GARDNER, St. Louis WM. C. HECK, California __ .__ HARRY A. KRUEGER, St. Louis _
Committee
011
Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Grand Senior Warden Grand Junior Warden Grand Treasurer Grand Secretary Grand Lecturer Grand Chaplai1J Grand Chaplain Grand Senior Deacon Grand Junior Deacon Grand Senior Steward Grand Junior Steward Grand Marshal _Grand Marshal Grand Sword Beare1' Grand Pursuivant Grand Orator Grand Orator Grand Tile,"
Fraternal C orrespondenc~,
REv. Drt. CHARLES C. WOODS, St. Louis, Mo. 3504 \Vashington Avenue.
EDWARD HIGBEE KIRKSVILLE
GRAND MASTER,
1916-19]7
BIOGRAPHICAL. EDWARD HIGBEE. Grand Master 1916-1917. Edward Higbee is a son of Jesse and Susan (Newmeyer) Higbee, who were both natives of the State of Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer, and in 1832 moved to Ohio, where he settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land. This he cleared and developed into an improved farm. In the fall of 1849 he moved to the State of Iowa and became the owner of a farm of six hundred and forty acres near Iowa City. He afterwards moved to Davis County, Iowa, and from there to Schuyler County, Missouri. He died in 1897 in Bloomfield, Iowa, at the home of one of his sons. Edward was the fifth child of a family of ten and was born at Ashland, Ohio, January 1st, 1847. He attended the common schools of Johnson County, Iowa, and later was a student at the Iowa State University. He began teaching when only sixteen years old-teaching in the winter and working on his father's farm in the summer. Having it in mind to become a lawyer, he first read law at home, and then, in 1866, was a student at Bloomfield, Iowa, in the law office of General James B. Weaver. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1867. Soon thereafter he moved to Lancaster, Mo., and opened a law office. He engaged In the practice of the law at Lancaster until 1905, when he opened a law office at Kirksville, Mo., moving his family there the following year. His residence is now and has been since that time at Kirksville, and he is still engaged there in the active practice of his profession. The law firm of which he is the senior member has a large clientage, and he yearly tries many important cases in the courts of North Missouri as well as "in the Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court. His standing at the bar is high, as may be witnessed by his being the candidate of his party at the last general election for Jddge of the Supreme Court. In December, 1867, a short time after his removal to Lancas-
ii
Biographical.
tel', he was married to Miss M~try Isabelle Birney, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth A. (Lakin) Birney. To this union there have been born seven children-five daughters and two sons. The two sons are both lawyers, one, Walter, living at Lancaster, and the other, Paul D., living at Kirksville and associated with his father. The daughters are all married. Bro. Higbee is a member of the Christian Church and has been for many years actively engaged in church and Sunday school work. Our Grand Master was made a Freemason in Lodge of Love Lodge No. 259 at Lancaster, Mo. He was initiated December 26th, 1868, passed March 9th, 1869, and raised March 27th, 1869. He was elected Senior Warden in 1870. He served his first term as Master in 1871. He again served as Master in 1874, 1875, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1893 and 1901, eight terms in all. He was appointed D. D. G. Master of the First Masonic District in 1894, and served continuously in that office until 1905, a period of twelve years. Having removed to Kirksville, he affiliated with Kirksville Lodge No. 105. November 20th, 1906, was appointed D. D. G. Master of the Second District that year, and continued to act as such until 1913, or for seven years, making a total of nineteen years' service as D. D. G. Master. He was a member of' the Committee on Appeals and Grievances for six years, from 1903 to 1909. He was Chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence during the administration of Grand Master Bigger. He was appointed Grand Marshal in 1909, Grand Senior Deacon in 1913, was elected Grand Senior Warden in 1914 and Grand Master in 1916. He has been for many years Representative of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia near the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Bro. Higbee was made a Royal Arch Mason in Eastern Star Chapter. No. 29, Memphis, Mo., December 4th, 1882. He dimitted in 1906 and affiliated with Caldwell Chapter No. 53, Kirksville, Mo., June 22nd, 1906. He was Knighted in Memphis Commandery No. 41 January 30th, 1883, dimitted in 1906 and affiliated with Ely Commandery No. 22, Kirksville, May 9th, 1907. He 13erved as its Commander in 1911. He passed the Circle in Centralia Council No. 34 April 10th, 1914. He is also a member of Moila Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at St. Joseph. It can readily be seen from \ the above that our Grand Master has given freely and copiously of his time and talents to the Fraternity he loves so well. Although he belongs to the Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine, his work has been in the Blue Lodge, for there his heart is. Outspoken and fearless, you always
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Preliminary Exercises.
iii
know where to find him. He speaks the sentiments of his heart. He labors for the uplift of the community in which he lives, and is foremost in -every good work. He is now past the meridian of life, but still active and vigorous and in the full possession of all his mental powers; and it is the prayer of his friends and brethren that for many years longer he may be spared to them so that they may enjoy his company and have the benefit of his wisdom, his excellent judgment and his ripe experience. D. M. WJLSON.
IV
Prelil1'linary Exercises.
EXERCISES PRELIMINARY TO OPENING. 9 A. M., September 18, 1917. Prior to the opening of the regular Grand Lodge session an orchestra of 40 pieces, under the direction of Bro. Henry J. Falkenhainer, with the children of the Masonic Home of Missouri, in care of Mrs. Harriet E. Baker, Superintendent, entertained the brethren with the following musical program, which was highly appreciated. Each number was heartily applauded and several responded with encores: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Our Country, "America" Smith-Oarey "Spirit of Independence March." Chorus, "Victory Through Grace." Children of the Home. Piano Duet, "A Soldier's Dream." Nellie Daniels and Clara Bartlett. Overture, "Light Cavalry" Suppe "Dixie Land." Chorus, "Evening Prayers." Small Children of the Home. Selection, "Faust" Gounod Song by Children of Home-"We Are Happy Children." Our Flag, '!Star Spangled Banner" Key-Arnold
APPRECIATION EXPRESSED BY GRAND MASTER. Grand Master Higbee spoke as follows: I thank everyone of you for these splendid songs. I want to say to you boys and girls of the Masonic Home that you don't know how proud we are to have you come and afford us this great pleasure. I hope that God will preserve you during the coming year and that you will be here at our next Annual Communication. I want to say to you boys and girls that there are now 70,000 Master Masons of the State of Missouri who are voluntarily taxing themselves that you may enjoy your Home. I want all of you boys to become Freemasons. Some of you will be Masters of your lodges and some of you may become Grand Masters. I don't know but what that may come true-and all of you girls when you marry' see that you marry only Freemasons. Good-bye.
Courtesy St. Louis Star.
AMERICA'S LOYALTY LEAGUE-Enrolled ninety-two youngsters as members yesterday at our Masonic Home on Delma! boulevard. The picture shows a group of the youngsters about to路 receive their membership certificates.
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
NINETY-SEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
OF THE
GRAND LODGE ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE
STATE OF MISSOURI
HELD IN ST. LOUIS
. COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 18, A. D. 1917, A. 1. 5917
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE NINETY~SEVENTH ANNUAL
COMMUNICATION
OF THE
GRAND LODGE OF
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI The 97th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of l\1issonri convened at Scottish Rite Cathedral, Seventeenth and Locust streets, St. Louis, l\1issouri, September 18th, 1917, at 10 o'clock A. M.
PRESENT. EDWARD HIGBEE WM. A. CLARK JOHN W. BINGHAM JULIUS C. GARRELL. WM. A. HALL : JOHN R. PARSON J. R. McLACHLAN JOHN 'H. MILLER R. W. LILLEY WiL F. JOHNSON O. A. LUCAS BERT S. LEE ,JOSEPH M. McINTyRE ORESTES MITCHELL AUSTIN L. McRAE W. W. MARTIN CHARLES C. GARDNER E; COMBIE SMITH HARRY A. KRUEGER
'.M. W. Grand Master. R. W. Deputy Grand MaRter. R. W.Grand Senior Warden. R. W. Grand Junior Warden. R. W. Grand Treasurer. R. W. Grand Secretary. R. W. Grand Lecturer. R. W. Grand Chaplain. R. W. Grand Chaplain. R. W. Grand Senior Deacon. R. W. Grand Junior Deacon. R. W. Grand Senior Stewa1'd. R. W. Grand Junior Stetpard. R. W. Grand Marshal. R. W. Grand Marshal. R. W. Grand Sword Bearer. R. W. Grand Pursuivant. R. W. Grand Orator. R. W. Grand Tiler.
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Proceedings of the
[Sept. -
OPENING. At 10 A. 1\1. the l\10st Worshipful Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri, was opened in Ample Form. by the l\10st Worshipful Grand Master,. Edward Higbee, assisted by the other Grand Officers. OpenIng ode, "America," sung by Grand Lodge members. Divine guidance and blessing was invoked by R. W. and Rev. Bro. John H. :Miller, Grand Chaplain, in the following words,: We thank Thee, Maker of heaven and earth, dispenser of all good gifts and graces, that Thou hast permitted us to live in this world at this time, and we _entreat Thee to endow us with the spirit of true service a8 long as it shall please Thee to use us to Thy glory and the benefit of our fellow-men. We thank Thee that we have been able, under the influence of Thy teachings, to consider with deepest regret, sincerest sorrow and tenderest pity the suffering multitudes in Europe. We thank Thee that our own beloved land has not unsheathed the sword for purposes of selfish gain, but to secure freedom for all people, and we pray for all who are called to the defense of this great purpose. Bless them and their loved ones, and enable us who remain at home to be true to our obligations to them and our nation. In this supreme hour of sacrifice, inspire, we beseech Thee, every Freemason to fully discharge his duty, and strengthen us to meet with calmness and bravery whatever the future may bring to us. May every Masonic endeavor in Missouri, having for its purpose Thy glory and the benefit' of mankind, receive Thy blessing, a Lord. May praise, honor and glory be given to Thee forever.
Amen.
CREDENTIALS. The Committee on Credentials having reported that a majority of the Lodges \",ere properly represented, and therefore a constitutional number being present, Grand Master
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Grand Lodge of 1l1issouri.
Higbee declared the Grand Lodge open for the transaction 'of all business.
TELEGRAM TO PRESIDENT WILSON. M. '""'/. Bro." Wm. F. Kuhn offered the following telegram to President VVoodrow Wilson, which, on motion, was unanimously adopted by a rising vote: St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 18, 1917. To Woodrow Wilson, President ot the United States:
The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri assembled in its ninety-seventh annual session, with its 70,000 members, pledges to you its loyal support, and prays that when peace comes it will come with righteousness, the triumph of deli:lOcraCy in the world, and that the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man may become universal. EDWARD HIGBEE, Grand Master.
JOHN R. PARSON, Grand Secretary.
RESOLUTION-REMISSION OF DUES,. Wor. Bro. Fred Keily offered the following written resolution from Advance Lodge No. 590 as to remission of dues of members entering the national service-Army, Navy or Red Cross. Same referred to the Committee of Jurispruc1ence by order of the Grand Master: Realizing that the world is undergoing the greatest crisis in all 'history, and that our country has become one of the, principal factors in deciding the future welfare of mankind, and that Missouri will be equal to the occasion by doing her part in proving to the world that all men are created equal and establishing brotherly love between all people of all civilized nations; further realizing the patriotism of the A. F. & A. M., and that many of our members are and will be enlisted in this great cause of world democracy, and appreciating the small pay of some, and the uncertainty of the mail from foreign countries,
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Proceedings of the
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Be It Resolved, That the dues of all kinds in the jurisdiction of Missouri of our brothers enlisted in this patriotic cause, whether he be in the Army, Navy or Red Cross, be suspended during the time of this conflict, or until they shall have been honorably discharged.
Respectfully submitted by Advance Lodge No. 590, A. F. & A. M., Advance, Mo.
DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. I t being announced that the Grand Master and Grand Secretary of Illinois \\iere in waiting and desired to make thi~ Grand Lodge a fraternal visit, 1\1. VVor. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, acting as Grand Senior Deacon, introduced 1\1. Wor. Bro. Ralph Wheeler, present Grand Master of Illinois, and R. W. Bro. Isaac Cutter, present Grand Secretary of the same state. They were escorted to the Grand East and accorded the Grand Honors. Both distinguished brethren responded fittingly with patriotic and fraternal addresses which were enthusiastically received by the brethren. M. War. Bro. Frank E. Whitaker, Past Grand l\1aster of Iowa, was also announced as in \vaiting and wishing to make this Grand Lodge a fraternal visit. He was also presented by M. W. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, conducted to the Grand East and accorded the Grand Honprs. M. W. Bro. \Vhitaker responded, expressing patriotic sentiments.
ADDRESS OF THE GRAND MASTER. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Edward Higbee, then read the following address, which was referred to the usual Committee of all the Past Grand Masters present. M. W. Bro. Xenophon Ryland, Chairman.
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Grand Lodge of MisSOU1'i.
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ADDRESS OF THE GRAND MASTER To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri:
I extend to each one of you, my brethren, most hearty welcome as we meet today in the ninety-seventh annual communication of this Grand Lodge, to consider the welfare of the 70,000 Freemasons of Missouri. May each one of us lift our hearts and voices in thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for the manifold blessings we have enjoyed at His hands. Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Lord God Almighty. We praise Thee with our whole heart. We as a Nation had so long enjoyed the blessings of Peace, flowing from the exercise of Brotherly Love, that we fondly deluded ourselves with the belief that civilized nations had come to look on war as murder. In nearly all enlightened nations it was believed that the rulers, as well as the people, feared God; hence war was impossible. Hannibal, Alexander, Caesar and Napoleon sought national aggrandizement in conquest. With them war was an industry. We fatuously believed that under the conditions of modern civilization nations cultivated the arts of peace, and found moral and material progress in commerce, agriculture, manufactures, education and the arts and sciences; hence the civilized world was stunned and stupefied when three years ago war burst over Europe like a conflagration, and set the world on flre. Our M. W. Brother Jesse, in his masterly address at our last annual communication, congratulated us that our beloved Nation had not been drawn into the awful carnage; that amidst this maelstrom of war and desolation we still enjoyed the blessings which Peace alone can give, and we, with our beloved Grand Master, bowed our heads and joined with our Grand Chaplain in a prayer of thankfulness. Brethren, we now know we were deluding ourselves. It was plain then to many, as it is now to all, that the sinking of the Lusitania was a deliberate act of war against civilization and that we would certainly be drawn into conflict with an enemy amenable to no other argument than force. Germany is writing the blackest page in the history of civilization. :~
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Proceedings of the
[Sept.
The frightfulness of this conflict has been well expressed in a recent magazine article from which I quote:
"THE PRUSSIAN WAR CULT." "It is difficult for Americans to comprehend the quality of mind that rejoices in killing women and children by dropping bombs on dwellings and schoolhouses, when no object of the slightest military value can possibly be gained. They do not understand blood-thirstiness. "The military caste that now rules Germany was brought up in the cult of war, and, after all the fine phrases are said, bloodthirst is the groundwork of the Prussian cult. In order to believe in war for its own sake, as the Prussian nobility mainly does, one must believe in the righteousness of shedding enemy blood wherever it is found. "Tamburlaine and Jenghiz Khan understood it. So did Bismarck. He condemned any leniency toward French civilians who resisted Prussian soldiers as "a culpable laziness in killing," adding: "Our people are good marksmen, but poor executioners." He bitterly regretted taking any more French prisoners, instead of shooting them down on the spot. Concerning a Prussian Colonel who gave a French woman safe conduct to come and plead for her husband's life, the Chancellor expressed the opinion that he was certainly off his head! "In the Prussian cult of war mercy is the grand heresy, the most intolerable fault. The business is to' kill; anyone who does not go to that business joyfully is little better than an apostate and a renegade. The execution of the English nurse, Miss Cavell, was undoubtedly a deep satisfaction to the German military mind-an acceptable offering to its god. "It is against this bloody, brutish, Prussian cult of war that America is now in arms. There can be no peace until the German people renounce its domination."
But, brethren, we must not despair. There is a gentle influence that has been abroad in the world for nearly 1900 years against which "the gates of Hell shall not prevail."
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Grand Lodge of A1issouri.
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"Be patient, 0 be patient! Put your ear against the earth! Listen there how noiselessly the germ of the seed has birth; How neiselessly and gently it upheaves its little way Till it parts the scarcely broken ground, and the blade stands up in the day. Be patient, 0 be patient! The germs of mighty thought Must have their silent路 undergrowth, must underground be wrought; But as sure as ever there's a Power that makes the grass appear, The world shall be green with Liberty; the blade-time shall be here. Be patient, 0 be patient; go and watch the wheat-ears grow, So imperceptibly that ye can mark no change or throe; Day after day, day after day till the ear is fully grown; And then again day after day till the ripened field is brown. Be patient, 0 be patient! Though yet our hopes are green, The harvest field of Freedom shall be crowned with the sunny sheen. Be ripening, be ripening, mature your silent way, Till the whole round world is tongued with fi~e on Freedom's harvest day."
MASONRY IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Freemasons have a great responsibility in this world conflagration. Freemasons never were slackers. Tp.ey were in the forefront in the American Revolution. In fact, they were the leaders in organizing the revolt against British tyranny to fou.nd a nation "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." At the psychological moment Gen. Joseph Warren, Grand Master of Massachusetts, and a band of Freemasons, disguised as Indians, enacted the Boston Tea Party, which precipitated the American Revolution. Victory achieved, they laid aside the sword. The Federal Constitutional Convention, with four exceptions, were Freemasons. Washington, as President of that convention, rendered his country invaluable service. Freemasons have valiantly sustained their country in every crisis. There must be no slackers now. There must be no question about our -attitude in our Nation's peril. Pershing and
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Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Simms and many others of the loyal sons of Missouri are or will soon be at the front. We must contribute to the Red Cross fund and be liberal purchasers of Liberty Bonds. Our brethren will be in the trenches. We must care for the wounded and succor their del1endent widows and orphans. I am glad to note that many of our Lodges have purchased Liberty Bonds and contributed to the Red Cross fund. We must continue to respond to these calls. I hope that every Lodge will do its share in this work. I have been informed that the Grand Lodge of Iowa, at its last communication, subscribed for $10,000 in Liberty Bonds and contributed $1,500 to the Red Cross fund. Brethren, shall we not emulate this patriotic example of our sister Grand Lodge? I earnestly recommend that this Grand Lodge at this session take similar action as far as our revenues will permit. What can we do to demonstrate our interest in the moral and material welfare of our brethren at the front? Shall we grant dispensations to form'regimental Lodges during the war? Already the. question of granting dispensations to form regimental Lodges auring the war is demanding our attention. I have been requested to grant a dispensation to forma regimental Lodge in a regiment of artillery organized at Kansas City. They insist that they should not be cut off from Freemasonry.; that the formation of such a Lodge is much desired as a means of doing great good to the Freemasons in the regiment,' and keeping up an interest in the Institution. Brother Joseph C. Greenfield, of Georgia, in "The Builder," ma,kes the following earnest and eloquent PLEA FOR ACTION. "The American nation is today aflame with patriotic fervor. We are at war with the greatest military nation in the world. The \'a,st majority of the citizens of the United States approve of that war, and, irrespective of political affiliations, stand solidly behind the National Government in all the steps it has taken and is still taking, to prosecute the conflict to a successful conclusion. * * * "The best blood of the country is flocking to the col-
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Grand Lodge of MisSOU1'i.
11
ors; the training camps for officers are overrun with applications from men of intellect, character and business and financial standing; the hoarded moneys of the people, both rich and poor, have been placed at the disposal of the Government, as evidenced by the tremendous over subscription to the Liberty Bond issue; our women have caught the spirit of the times and are co-operating with the Food Commission, with the Red Cross movement and with any and every other agency in which their services can be enlisted. What is the great Masonic fraternity doing as potential factor in the solving of the problems that the National crisis has pressed to the front? "I know many have enlisted, but they did .that as American citizens and not as Masons. A few Lodges, and perhaps a Grand Lodge or two, have subscribed for some bonds. I have waited expecting that those who control the National Grand bodies would issue a call to labor. But I have waited in vain. Subordinate bodies keep grinding out members of a more or less advanced degree, but the Grand bodies have not made any attempt to use the vast forces at their disposal for any phase of the National good. "What can the Craft do? Many things. One of the most important is the moral atmosphere that could be thrown around the various camps. Here at different points, from half a million to two million men will be gathered. ThesE.' camps will be composed of all kinds of men. The proper surroundings are most important. The public prints have lately been filled with stories of the rotten conditions that have afflicted one of our naval training cantonments. The harpies of the underworld flock to such places-they fatten on the bodies and souls of men. Can the Masonic fraternity assume a better work than the correction of these evils? "Can the Supreme Councils of the Southern and Northern Jurisdicti9n, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, the General Grand Chapter and the Imperial Council of the Shrine, do a greater work for the order, for humanity, for America, for God, than keeping clean minds and pure bodies in the men we send out to fight our battles. "It has been reported that one-third of the men in European armies suffer from disease. I do not know whether or not this Is true? I hope not, but can not America point out the way to more exalted manhood? The Ma-
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Proceedings of the
[Sept.
sonic fraternity should be something more than a Masonmaking institution. It should be a man-manufactory-and what higher servjce can it do for the land than safeguarding the men who are offering themselves as food for German cannon? "We have existed for hundreds of years. We have performed great charities, and have received full credit for them. We have in a measure taken care of those of the household of faith. But we have never seen the country in the hour of such national need as at present. "We are living in perhaps the darkest hour of the world's history, and the dawn has not yet appeared. Let the Royal Craft rise to the needs of the hour. Let those whom we have placed in high position, and to whom we have been taught to look for inspiration and leadership, issue a clarion call to action. Do they doubt their right to do so? There are times in the life of an individual and a nation when old methods must be relegated to the rear and new precedents be set. The duty is upon us and we should rise to the occasion. "And just as sure as there is a Divine power controlling and directing all things, just so sure will the rank and file of the craft indorse any steps along these lines, and rallying as a unit to the banner of the Compass and Square, will follow whithersoever it leads, and Masonry will emerge from the conflict purer, better, nobler, for its labors for the order, our country and humanity. BUT LET US DO SOMETHING. MILITARY LODGES. "Shall the several Grand Lodges issue Charters or dispensations to military Lodges during the war? On this question the Craft is not of one opinion. Some favor Masonic Clubs, some favor dispensatio-ns for regimental Lodges, while others favor recognition of the Grand Jurisdictions of France and Belgium, which would permit fraternal relations with Freemasons in those jurisdictions." John Lewin McLeish, of Ohio, says in "The Builder" for Augu~t:
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Grand Lodge of JIIJ issouri.
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GLORIOUS HISTORY. "Military Lodges are almost as old as the institution of Masonry. In America, following the example of the British, Lodges were to be found in the Colonial troops, and there is still to be found a certain cafe in Virginia where Washington met with his Lodge during the period of the old French and Indian Wars. Robert Freke Gould in his scholarly路 work on Military Lodges, mentions ten as working in the Army of the Revolution. The pioneer of these was St. John's Regimental Lodge, deriving its warrant from the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York, under date of July, 1775. Among the others was 'American Union,' which 'moved as a pillar of Light in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Then there was Army Lodge No. 27 of the Maryland line. This was warranted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1780. Washington Lodge numbered two hundred and fifty brethren. All of these ten Lodges were actively at work during the whole period of the protracted struggle for American Independence, and upon the rosters were such names as George Washington, Maj. Gens. Knox, Green, Moultrie, Putnam, Stirling, Sullivan, Lincoln, St. Clair, Montgomery, Worcester, Wayne, Lee and Pinckney. All of the Brigadier Generals were Masons except two. Lafayette was raised in one of these Military Lodges by Washingt<1n .at Morristown, N. J. The gallant French Marquis stated afterwards that he never fully enjoyed Gen. Washington's implicit confidence until after he became a Mason. "When the American Army went into Mexico two Military Lodges accompanied the expedition. Of the Generals, William J. Worth was a Mason, as also John A. Quitman, who after 路the occupation of Mexico City, became Military Governor. Gen. Quitman was also Grand Master of Mississippi. "The prominent Masons participating in our Civil War were as distinguished as those of Revolutionary days. On the Masonic Roster were George B. McClellan, Winfield Scott Hancock, N. P. Banks, John A. McClernand, John A. Logan, George E. Pickett, Robert E. Patte:-son, Benjamin F. Butler, Robert Anderson and others. There were Field Lodges in both Union and Confederate路 Armies. Says Gould: 'The experience of that great conflict was decidedly
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Proceedings of the
[Sept.
unfavorable to their utility. The practice was to issue dis-' pensations. When regiments in which they were held were mustered out, or their individual membership retired to civil life, the Lodges ceased to exist.' More than one hundred dispensations for Military Lodges were granted during the Civil War. The Grand Lodge of Indiana granted as many as thirty-three of these. "During our war with Spain in 1898, formal dispensations for Military Lodges were granted. by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. .Some of our most prominent Masons of that day were President William McKinley, Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Gen. Russell A. Alger, Gen. William R. Shafter and Admiral Schley. "In the light of our past experience, there is every reason for American Grand Lodges to charter Military Lodges during the present war. Of course the number should be limited. "At the present writing, all indications strongly point to long participation by the United States in the Strife of the Nations. "To the youth of America, our first conscripts of 1917, has fallen the great privilege of filling the breach and holding the battle line won foot by foot by the Old Guard of France. To our own Boys in Khaki falls the honor of sustaining the American Fla~ ~rst planted on foreign soil at Vimy Ridge. And not until the united American and British Armies have forced the barbarous Huns back upon their own 'accursed terrain, meted out to them in full portion the utter ruin, the havoc and the desolation they carried into Belgium and France-not until the flags of the Allies are borne in triumph Unter den Linden to float from the Kaiser's kennel-can peace come to the world, unless the unexpected should happen, and that is quite improbable. "With several years sojourn upon foreign soil tolerably sure, there will be many dreary weeks and months in the trenches. What more or better calculated to sustain our soldiers souls through the ennui and monotony of camp life than the Light of Masonry, the meeting of brethren in a Regimental Lodge? To many a sorely tried heart the Five Points of Fellowship will prove an open sesame. There ,will be an outlet to many inner confidences only to be imparted 'upon the Square.'
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"As to issuance of charters, it would be unwise for Grand Lodges to issue such indiscriminately. Rather an agreement between the several jurisdictions limiting their dispensations to one for each regiment, and in some cases one for each division, as circumstances indicate. "Could Masonry today align the craftsmen in a thunderous protestation against war, not even William and his myriad myridons would dare say them NAY. "Every energy of a world united Masonry will soon be needed to repair damages done, succor our baIt and maimed brethren, and cast our bread upon the waters for the widows and orphans. Once united under the Great Lights of Liberty and Masonry which are synonymous, any recurrence of a cataclysm like tllat through which we are passing will be impossible." Brother George E. Frazer, of Illinois, pertinently says: LET THIS WAR FREE MASONRY. "It is very trite to say that this great war is changing the face of the world, but it is a deeply true saying. No age has seen such a religious revival as has swept France since 1914'; no age has seen such industrial progress as England has accomplished in her factories since 1914; no age has seen such patriotism as Belgium has evidenced since 1914; no age has seen one hundred millions of human beings grasp liberty as has .Russia since 1914. The cost has been, and for months will yet be, most terrible. The cost demands results. This is the time for Masons to live .Masonry or else Masonry becomes an outworn ritualism. Our petty territorial jealousies must not prevent our brother路s in the trenches from a full enjoyment of the solaces of the Craft. This is the hour for American Masonry! Rising in the beauty of vital truth, she must free Masonry from outworn barriers. The Square and Compass should know no restrictions that will divide the Allies of Democracy. The Grand Masters of American Masonry have the responsibility and the opportunity; American Freemasons look to them for epoch-making leadership. We do not dare to fail this hour."
Our M. W. Brother Dr. Kuhn protests against chartering Mili-
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tary Lodges. But what shall ~'e do in this great crisis? If Freemasonry is helpful to us in civil life, why should we deny it to our sons and brothers in the trenches who will need its ministrations and helpfulness vastly more than we who remain at home? CENTENNIAL OF MISSOURI LODGE NO. 1. "Little of all we value here, Wakes on the Morn of its hundredth year, Without both looking and feeling queer." Dr. Holmes was not thinking of Missouri Lodge No. 1 when he penned those lines, nor is Missouri Lodge in the same class with "The One Hoss Shay;" This Lodge celebrated its one hundredth anniversary on October 4 and 5, 1916. According to the last annual report, Missouri Lodge No. 1 had 773 members and paid Grand Lodge dues $1,352.75. To what extent this Lodge has been a factor in developing Missouri from a wilderness peopled with savages to its present proud position may never be known. Of this Centennial Clebration the Globe-Democrat said editorially: "Not the least of the Missouri centenaries, in this period of centennial celebrations, is that Of the first Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Missouri Lodge No.1, of St. Louis. There had been an earlier Lodge at Ste. Genevieve, of which Gen. Dodge was the last Master, but it expired during the war of 1812. Missouri Lodge, however, has had an uninterrupted career since it was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee on October 8, 1816, although it was dormant between 1833 and 1842. It is the prolific 'mothe~ Lodge' of Missouri, there being thirty-three Lodges directly or indirectly descended from it in St. Louis alone, with a membership of 14,000. It has had on the rolls of its membership some of the most distinguished Missourians. Senator Benton was a member. Gov. Gamble was one of its Masters. Edward Bates, who came to Missouri when his brother was Secretary of the Territory, was also an early Master. It maintains its high standard of membership and cherishes its inspiring traditions. It is held in reverence not only by the 70,000 Masons of Missouri, but by many thousands elsewhere, tied to it by mystic bonds of affectionate relation.
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"But Freemasonry in Missouri antedates this Lodge or even the Louisiana purchase. Pioneer merchants belonged to French Lodge No. 73, of Philadelphia. Pierre Chouteau and Bartholomew Berthold were among the charter members of the old Lodge at Ste. Genevieve. It is impossible to magnify the influence of Masonry in Missouri, especially in times of civil strife. Important as have been the gentle ministrations of charity, there has been a still greater influence in removing the rancor of religious and political partisanship. Men who have met as brothers and equals in路 a Lodge, laying aside all differences of place and party, can never resume quite such an intolerant attitude toward each other thereafter. The spirit of universal brotherhood is the glory of American civilization, and its growth has been greatly promoted by the Masonic and other fraternal societies." A unique affair connected with this celebration was noticed in The Republic October 6, as follows: "A gold trowel, said to be the most elaborate of its kind in the world, was one of the gifts received by Missouri Lodge No.1, Ancient, Free and Accepted Order of Masons, at the second day's celebration of .the Lodge's one hundredth anniversary at Moolah Temple, last night. "The trowel was the gift of Itaska Lodge, Master Granville Gloor making the presentation. The trowel contains 100 pennyweights of gold and has a jewel-encrusted pearl handle. "At a banquet Grand Master Edward Higbee and the other officers of the Missouri Grand Lodge were honor guests. After dinner talks were made by Rev. C. C. Woods, Herbert Powers, Andrew J. O'Reilly, Dr. Charles Pope, First District Deputy Grand Master, and member搂 of St.Louis Lodges." VISITATIONS. I have visited as many Lodges as time would permit, always being received with marked courtesy. On these occasions I have taken part in the work and delivered short addresses on Masonic subjects. My experience and observation teach me, a Grand Master can make hims~lf' very useful to the Craft by visiting Lodges and
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participating in the work of conferring degrees. If unable to confer degrees and deliver the lectures to the candidates, his visits will be unprofitable. When M. W. Bro. Jesse visited the Lodges at Kirksville he filled nearly every station from Tiler to W. M. His work was faultless, his enthusiasm contagious. By the time he had thus assisted in raising eight or ten candidates, the brethren were inspired with new zeal. His work in this respect was only excelled by his splendid addresses. I refer to this as an evidence of the good results that come from the visits of a real Grand Master who can confer degrees as well as talk. Hence, in my opinion, the resolution adopted at the last communication of the Grand Lodge (1916, foot 185) permitting the Grand Lecturer to select officers from active Masters and District Lecturers present, instead of requiring the Grand Officers to take their respective stations, in exemplifying the work, is a mistake and should be reconsidered. A Grand Officer incapable of doing the work creditably should not be advanced. NECROLOGY. M. W. BRO. CAMPBELL WELLS.
Although our well-beloved Past Grand Master Wells had been failing in health for the past year, the end came unexpectedly December 14,1916, at his home in Platte City. He was born in Platte County, Mo., May 23, 1864. Probably no Brother has been of more real value or had more admirers than Campbell Wells. His pleasant disposition, his willingness to help others, his desire to serve anyone who needed assistance endeared him to all. No labor was too great for him to undertake, if it were in his power to accomplish some good thereby. He gave freely of his time and means to the Masonic Fraternity. His wide experience and good judgment were very valuable to the Masonic Bodies of which he was a member, and it will be difficult to fill his place. Brother Wells was made a Master Mason in Platte City Lodge No. 504, April 27, 1888, and served as W. M. in 1892, 1893 and 1894. He served in several Grand Lodge offices and was elected Grand Master in 1900. Brother Wells also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri for nearly twenty years, and was Chairman of the Executive Committee; and, to his路 ef-
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forts and good路 judgment the Masonic Home is largely indebted for its splendid financial condition. The funeral service was conducted uy the Grand Lodge on Monday, . December 18. An escort of Knights Templar, under command of Rt. Em. Grand Commander Charles F. Blomberg, accompanied the Grand Lodge to Platte City Cemetery, where all that was mortal of our beloved Brother. was committed to Mother Earth, in the presence of a multitude of sorrowing relati ves and friends. GEORGE
WASHINGTON
MASONIC
NATIONAL
MEMORIAL
ASSOCIATION. It was my privilege, as your representative, to attend the Seventh Annual Convention of this association which was held in the hall of Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 of Alexandria; Va., February 21-23, 1917. M..W. Brother Jessee, in his address at our annual communication, said concerning the purposes of this association:
"As. heretofore explained to you by other Grand Masters, the object of this association is to erect a temple as a memorial to Washington, the Freemason, and to preserve in a fire-proof building the relics of Washington, valued at miilions of dollars, and of inestimable value to the Fraternity, not only in the United States, but in the world. They are indisputable proofs of his zeal and love for our institution. This Grand Lodge holds a life membership in this association. I hope the time will soon come when our Grand Lodge will be able to do more for this great enterpise. Some of our Lodges have taken life Il}-emberships, as well as several members of the Fraternity. But we are far from having contributed our proportionate share. No monument is needed to recall to future. generations the name and fame of Washington. But a monument is needed by the Masonic Fraternity to recall to future generations his zeal and devotion to the Fraternity. No brighter star ever glittered in the coronet of Greece or Rome or shed its luster in the diadem of nations; and yet this greatest of men, who, by his sword, wrung from the monarchs of Europe the homage due to a nation that dared to be free; and later, by his wise counsel as President of the Constitutional Convention, aided in formulating that Magna Charta of American
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liberty-the Federal Constitution-which has held States and people together in bonds indissoluble for more than a century. And after laying down the great office to which he was twice elected, he thought it derogated nothing from his greatness to wear the insignia and preside over the deliberations of a Lodge of Freemasons. ~'He who spurned the title of King proudly bore the title of W'Orshipful Master. He who refused to wear a crown rejoiced to wear the badge of a Freemason. What a noble eulogy of our institution that it should have numbered among its faithful disciples one so stainless in character, so devout in religion, so pure a patriot, so virtuous a statesman that his life was the admiration of the world and his death the desolation of his country." This convention was largely attended, twenty-eight Grand Jurisdictions being represented. Many Grand Chapters, Grand Commanderies and Scottish Rite Bodies were also represented. The report of the Treasurer showed cash on hand and amounts pledged $86,944.05. The Grand Lodge of Virginia donated to this fund $5,000; Alexandria Washington Lodge, $5,000; Andrew Jackson Lodge of Alexandria, Va., $2,500; Mt. Ve'rnon Chapter, $2,500; uonations from other Virginia Masonic bodies swelled these contributions to over $17,000. A committee consisting of Louis A. Watres, Grand Master of Pennsylvania; Charles H. Wiggin, Past Grand Master of New Hampshire, and R. T. V.,r. Duke, Past Grand Master of Virginia reported the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: "The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, in its Seventh Annual Convention, after a full and free discussion of the high purpose of the organization, fully recognizing the great importance of the work it has in hand, its strong influence not alone upon our Fraternity, but upon the nations and peoples of the world, cheered by the liberal response thus far made by the Grand Bodies and individual Masons throughout the United States, believes it imperative that we proceed with our lofty intention of erecting a Masonic Memorial to George Washington and the M:;tsonic Fraternity in the form of a Temple in the city of Alexandria, Va., where the several Grand jurisisdictions may perpetuate in imperishable form the memory and achievements of the men whose distinguished services, zeal-
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ous attachment and unswerving -fidelity to the principles of , our institution merit particular and lasting reward, and as a safe repository in which to preserve and protect the invaluable relics of Washington, 'now in a non-fireproof building in Alexandria, Va., in the possession of AlexandriaWashington Lodge No. 22; therefore, be 'it now "Resolved, That this association commits itself to the advancement of its avowed intention and the erection on the Shooters Hill site, generously donated by the Local Memorial Committee of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, of a MemorialTemple to cost not less than five hundred thousand dollars." The historical relics in the possession of Alexandria-Wastington Lodge are of permanent and increasing interest. A catalogue of these would cover several printed pages. I mention a _ few: A -portrait of General Washington, a colored pastel painted from life in 1794. Competent critics prol).ounce this the most authentic of all his portraits. It is valued at $100,000. The first charter to Alexandria Lodge No. 39, issued February 29, 1783, by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; the charter granted to Alexandria Lodge No. 22 by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, dated April 28, 1788, and signed by Edmund Randolph, then Grand Master of Virginia and Governor of the State. It names "our illustrious and well-beloved brother, George Washington, late General and Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States of America," as Worshipful Master of this Lodge. This charter, which is 129 years old, bears perpetual and conclusive testimony that George Washington was an active Freemason and is of very great historical value. A copy of a resolution of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, dated December 17, 1805, changing the name of the Lodge to Ale~andria-Washington Lodge, by which name the Lodge has ever since' been known. The Lodge was permitted to retain the original charter because of its great historical value. Another priceless relic is Washington's Masonic apron, made by Madame Lafayette, on which she embroidered many Masonic emblems on white satin. General Lafayette presented this apron to General Washington at Mt. Vernon in 1784, He wore this apron when, as Master of his Lodge, he laid the corner-stone of the National Capitol and on many other occasions.
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There is also the trowel which he used in laying the cornerstone of the National Capitol. There are also many other portraits, engravings, souvenirs and heirlooms closely associated and connected with General Washington, hanging on the walls and inclosed in glass cases. There are many chairs and benches, part of the original furniture of the Lodge room. There is the leather upholstered chair which Washington donated to the Lodge for the Master's station. This chair is inclosed in a large glass case and is used on the anniversary of his birth and at the installation of officer~. There is the hour glass which it is said Washington and other Masters used in illustrating the lecture of the Master's Degree. Looking on these things I realized as never before that the greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of our art. Why should "\Vashington, burdened and perplexed with the care?; problems and responsibilities of leading the colonies through their struggles for independence, of founding, directing and preserving the Union of States, have frittered away his time in attending the meetings of his Lodge and participating in its ceremonies? How could one so exalted and preoccupied with the cares of State have found time to meet with his brethren and participate in the ceremonies of the Lodge? There is nothing more beautiful and gracious among human institutions than the spirit of Freemasonry. It appeals to men of intellect by its plea for liberty of thought. Washington saw in Freemasonry a beautiful system of morals, a brotherhood whose principles are so broad and liberal as to unite men of every country, sect and opinion into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers, whose religion is Faith in God and the Immortality of the Soul. The luster of his name and character is not confined to Virginia, much less to Alexandria-Washington Lodge. It is the common heritage of all Freemasons. In 1871 the hall of Alexandria-Washington. Lodge was destroyed by fire and with it many priceless relics. Those now in the possession of the Lodge were rescued from the fire. They are kept in a non-fireproof building and liable to be destroyed by fire at. any time. This Lodge proposes to donate these relics to the association as soon as it shall erect a fireproof Temple for their preservation.
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
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A commanding site on Shooters Hill, which overlooks the Capitol building at Washington, has been donated for the Temple. This, it -is said, is the identical site selected by Thomas Jefferson for the National Capitol building. A per capita tax of 25 cents on the Freemasons of the United States would raise a fund sufficient to erect this Temple. If we raise this fund, and raise it promptly, then we can indeed say that we honor and revere the memory of Washington, the Man and Freemason, "first in war, first in peace," and first in the hearts of his brethren. This Grand Lodge has already paid to this fund $500 and the Grand Chapter of :Missouri has paid $900. I recommend that this -Grand Lodge levy a per capita tax of 25 cents on all Missouri Freemasons to be collected and paid over to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association as the contribution of the Freemasons of Missouri for the erection of this Memorial Temple. THE BI-CENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST GRAND LODGE. After consulting with a number of the distinguished Past Grand Masters of this State, I issued the following circular letter: OFFICE OF THE GRAND MASTER. Kirksville, Mo., bctober 21, 1916. To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren of the Lodges of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri, Greetings:
Dear Brethren: June 24, 1917, will be the Bi-centenary of the institution of the first Grand Lodge of Freemasons. It was an epoch in li'reemasonry. Moral conditions two hundred years ago were appalling. God was a myth, Religion a jest; vice and immorality were unrestrained. Men had no tolerance for the opinions of others in matters of religion or politics. The first paragraph of the old Charges, revised in 1723, reads: "A Mason is obliged by his Tenure to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that
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country or nation, whatever it was, yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to be Good men and True, or Men of Honor and Honesty, by whatever Denomination or Persuasion they may be distintinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must have remained at a perpetual distance." An eminent author has said: "If that statement had been written yesterday it would be remarkable enough. But when we consider that it was set forth in 1723, amidst bitter sectarian rancor and intolerance unimaginable, it rises up as forever memorable in the history of men! The man who wrote that document, did we know his name, is entitled to be held till the end of time in the grateful and venerative memory of" his race. The temper of the times was all for relentless partisanship, both in religion and in politics."
The Masonic altar was the one place where men of all creeds and opinions could fraternize. It 1Vas the one place where men learned tolerance and respect for the opinions of others. Freemasonry was non-sectarian in religion, and non-partisan in politics, and so it has ever since remained. A committee appointed by M. W. Grand Master W. A. Hall recommended the observance of June 24, 1917, by the Lodges of this State. See Proceedings 1910, pp. 12 and 93. I therefore earnestly recommend and urge that June 24, 1917, be observed by appropriate services by the various Lodges of Freemasons in this State. I also appoint M. W. Brothers W. F. Kuhn, Xenophon Ryland, C. C. Woods, Campbell Wells, C. H. Briggs and Dorsey A. Jamison a committee to formulate programs and order of services for the various Lodges, and to submit to the Grand Lodge at its next annual communication appropriate resolutions, and to recommend a program for the observance by the Grand Lodge of this two hundredth anniversary. This distinguished committee prepared a program for this observance by all the Lodges of this State, and for the Grand
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Lodge at this communication, and as June 24 fell on Sunday, it authorized the celebration to be held on either June 23, 24 or 25. The D. D. G. M.'s were charged with the duty of carrying out this program in their several districts and to report to the Grand Master. The observance of June 24 is an ancient and time-honored custom. It is social and educational in its. nature. There are too many Freemasons who know little, if anything, of the history, traditions and mission of Freemasonry, or of the transition from Operative to Speculative Masonry. Joseph Fort Newton says: "Long before our era we find the working tools of the Mason used as emblems of the very truths which they teach today. In the oldest classic of China, THE BOOK OF HISTORY, dating back to the twentieth century before Christ, we read the instructton: 'Ye officers of the Gov路 ernment, apply the compasses.' Even if we begin where THE BOOK OF HISTORY ends, we find many such allusions more than seven hundred years before the Christian era. For example,路 in the famous canonical work called THE GREAT LEARNING, which has been referred to the fifth century B. C., we read that a man should abstain from doing unto others what he would not they should do to him; 'and this,' the writer adds, 'is called the principle of acting on the square.' So, also, Confucius and his great follower, Mencius. In the writings of Mencius it is taught that men should apply the square and compasses morally to their lives, and the level and the marking line besides, if they would walk in the straight and even paths of wisdom, and keep themselves within the bounds of honor and virtue. In the sixth book of his philosophy we find these words: "'A Master Mason, in teaching apprentices, makes use of the compasses and the square. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the compass and square.' "If further proof were needed, it has been preserved for us in the imperishable stones of Egypt. The famous obelisk known as Cleopatra's Needle, now in Central Park, New York, the gift to our nation from Ismail, Khedive of Egypt, in 1878, is a mute but eloquent witness of the antiquity of the simple symbols of the Mason. "When it was taken down in 1879 to be brought to
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Proceedings of the
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America, all the emblems of the builders were found in the foundation. The rough Cube and the polished cube in pure white limestone, the square cut in syenite, an iron Trowel, a lead Plummet, the arc of a Circle, the serpentsymbols of Wisdom, a stone TrestIeboard, a stone bearing the Master's Mark, and a hieroglyphic word mel;tning TEMPLE-alI so placed and preserved as to show beyond doubt that they had high symbolic meaning. "They bear witness not only to the unity of the human mind, but to the existence of a common system of truth veiled in allegory and taught in symbols. As such, they are prophecies of Masonry as we know it, whose genius it is to take what is old, simple, and universal, and use it to bring men together and make them friends." But these and many other absorbingly interesting things will be better treated by our distinguished and eloquent Grand Orators. I mention them, however, to indicate how interesting and instructive we may make the observance of June 24. .
.-
Again, as these observances arc semi-religious in their nature, it is believed that Sunday is peculiarly appropriate for such occasions, when Freemasons and t.heir families and friends are at liberty to come together and hear instructive addresses. A number of the Dist.rict Deput.y Grand Masters make this recommendation in their reports. I therefore suggest for the consideration of this Grand Lodge that Section 49 of the By-Laws be amended to read: "St. John's Day. Should either of the St. John's Days fall on a secular day any Lodge desiring to celebrate t.he same may select the Sunday preceding or succeeding such day for such celebration." SUGGESTIONS AS TO LODGE TRIALS. Lodge trials as conducted are cumbersome and too often fail . in their purpose. From several years' experience as a member of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, I have come to the conclusion that our procedure might be improved by the appointment of a committee to try the accused, instead of calling in the entire membership of a Lodge to pass upon his guilt or innocence. The committee might be named by the Master or D. D. G. M. or selected after the manner juries are drawn in our courts. In many
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instances trials 'are protracted, lasting tmough several sessions. The majority of the members are unable to or will not attend through these sessions, and too often it results that only those members who have made up their minds in advance remain through the trial. They too often disregard the evidence and vote according to their preconceived opinions. :Moreover, the witnesses who have testified, and whose judgments are more or less biased, are required to vote on the guilt or innocence of the accused. This, it seems to me, is anomalous, and should not be permittp-d. It is of the utmost importance 'that trials should be con-' ducted so as to safeguard the interests of the accused and of the Craft. Our records show that in many cases findings so reached have been set aside on appeal. On the one hand, many innocent brethren have been humiliated and their characters unjustly besmirched, while, on the other, many clearly proven guil.ty have been .acquitted, to the scandal and disgrace of the fraternity. In my opinion, every trial should be路 conducted before a committee or jury of disinterested brethren, whose findings should be based solely on the evidence and not on their preconceived opinions.
IN THE MATTER OF W. BRO. WM. MANDELCORN. Charges having been presented to me in vacation by Bro. Nelson A. Albertson, a member of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F, & A. M., in good standing, charging W. Bro. William Mandelcorn, Worshipful Master of said Lodge, with official and unmasonic conduct while exercising the office of Worshipful Master of said Lodge, I caused a true copy of the charges to be served on the accused. On investigation whereof I believed said charges to be well founded. It was therefore ordered (August 4, 1917) that 'V. Bro. William Mandelcorn be suspended from the office of Worshipful Master of said Lodge, and notified to appear before the Grand Lodge, A. F . . & A. M. of Missouri, at its next annual communication to answer the charge so presentea. against him. A copy of this order was mailed to R. W. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M., Thirty-third Masonic District, to be served on W. Bro. Mandelcorn.
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CHARTER ARRESTED. In the matter of Rochester Lodge No. 248. On April 11, 1917, Dr. E. S. Ballard, D. D. G. M., wrote me as follows:
"I desire to call your attention to another matter in regard to Rochester Lodge No. 248 at Helena, Mo. On February 3, 1917, at the request of the W-orshipful Master, I presided at a trial oJ two of the brethren in this Lodge. The counsel for the accused asked for further time, which was granted by vote of the Lodge. March 3, 1917, I again presided and Bro. Slade was given a Masonic trial and found not guilty. The trial of Bro. Roberts was postponed on account of the lateness of the hour. I intended to go to Helena April 7th and hold this trial, but was unable to get away on the train, and later in the day a snowstorm prevented driving by auto. I was shocked Sunday morning to read in the St. Joseph Gazette that Bro. Ketchum, the accuser in this case, had shot Bro. Roberts in the anteroom of the Lodge the night before. I have no facts in the case, other than a telephone message- this morning that Bro. Roberts would get well. "I await your instructions as to what, if any, procedure to take in this matter. The Lodge membership is very much worked up over the two trials and the shooting affair. If you so desire 1 will make a detailed report of the case, as it needs to be straightened out for the good of Freemasonry and the Lodge at Helena. Awaiting your desire and advice in this matter, 1 remain." I ordered that charges be preferred against Bro. Ketchum. On June 23 R. W. Bro. Ballard wrote me: "Some time ago I wrote you concerning the trouble in Rochester Lodge No. 248 at Helena, Mo., in which Bro. Ketchum shot Bro. Roberts. Pursuant to your instructions 1 ordered the Worshipful Master to file charges against Bro. Ketchum. This was done, and the Worshipful Master informs me that at their last regular meeting Bro. Ketchum was tried and found not guilty by a vote of 8 to 4, only twelve members being present. He also informs me that the Junior Warden was instructed to get all the evidence in the case, but when the trial was held he failed to have
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any evidence and the prosecuting witness failed to appear. Bro. Ketchum denied the charges and claimed he shot in self-defense. I understand from talking to the Worshipful Master that they would have no trouble in proving that the gun belonged to Bro. Ketchum. I hardly know what to say about this Lodge. When I was present at the trial of Bro. Slade I had to plead with the brethren to take hold of t.he case and dispose of it for their own interest and that of Freemasonry, but they seemed to be afraid to take sides in the case. I gave them a heart-to-heart talk on their dutie', as Freemasons, but they would not stir. The trials of Bros. Slade and Roberts have been appealed to the Grand Lodge, and I suppose they will be settled then and the whole affair straighened out. In the meantime what is to be done? A shooting scrape in the ante-room of a Masonic Lodge room looks bad and the membership of the Lodge ought to know what to do without being told. They were told what to do and what was liable to happen if they did not do what was right, but they are sitting tight and saying nothing. I can not see any other course to pursue but for you to reprimand them or take their charter away from them until they clean out their membership." On June 29 W. Bro. Fidler, Master of the Lodge, wrote me, in reply to inquiry, as follows: "In the first place, Bro. Ketchum brought charges against Bro. Slade and Bro. Roberts. "On March 3d ult. Bro. Slade was acquitted by a vote of 10 to 15. Bro. Rob'erts' trial was set for our next meeting, April 7th, and this was the evening when Bro. .Roberts was shot. This was a stormy evening and only four brothers were in the Lodge room ,,,hen the shooting occurred. Bros. Ketchum and Roberts met in the ante-room. There were no lodge on this evening. At our next regular meeting, May 5th, Bro. Roberts' trial came up and he was acquitted by a vote of 5 to 8. At our next regular meeting, June 2d, was the time of Bro. Ketchum's trial. "I opened lodge,. transacted our other business and was ready for the trial. Bro. Ketchum and his two counsels were present and ready for trial, but the J. W. was not there. I sent to his home after him; he' came, said he knew nothing and had done nothing. Bro. Tate, a member
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of Ravenwood Lodge, after considerable persuading, consented to help the J. W. Bro. Ketchum presented his denial of the charge in writing to the Secretary; he did not testify. Four brothers were called to testify. Three of the four that were in the Lodge room and the doctor \vho dressed the wound; the fourth brother that was in the Lodge room. was not present. Bro. Roberts, the prosecuting witness, failed to appear. Bro. Ketchum was acquitted by a vote of 8 to 4. These trials have got the Lodge in a bad mixup. I have a hard time of getting the. brethren to attend Lodge; in fact, you can see by the number present that the attendance is dwindling. The trials of Bros Slade and Roberts have each had an appeal taken to the Grand Lodge. Pardon such a long letter, but, trusting this information may be of importance to you, I beg to remain." The simple recitation of the facts as contained in the foregoing letters demonstrates that the condition of this Lodge is such that its longer existence is detrimental to the interests of Freemasonry. I therefore ordered that the charter of Rochester Lodge No. 248 be arrested. BORDER LEGISLATION. A resolution adopted by' this Grand Lodge in 1913 (see proceedings, 1913, p. 142; proceedings, 1916, p. 194) permits residents of this State to petition Lodges in adjoining States. But a Lodge in this State is not authorized to receive a petition from a resident of an adjoining State who resides nearer a Lodge in this State than one in his own State. There should be reciprocity. I recommend that Section 113, G. L. By-Laws be amended by adding thereto the following clause: "Provided, that a Lodge in this State desiring to receive a petition from a resident of an adjoining State shall first obtain a waiver of jurisdiction from a Lodge of such adjoining State having jurisdiction, and from the Grand Master of said State."
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Grand Lodge of 1I1issouri.
31
CONFERENCE AT MEMPHIS, TENN. I was invited to attend a conference of the Grand Masters of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri, held at Memphis, Tenn., Augu~ 16th to consider the question of border jurisdiction. Being engaged as a member of the District Board for the Second . Division of the Eastern District of Missouri, I authorized R. W. Bro. J. R. McLachlan to attend as my proxy. His report is herewith submitted. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee has adopted the following edict on this subject: "5. State Lines.-This Grand Lodge freely concedes to Lodges in States adjoining ours the privilege of receiving and initiating citizens of Tennessee whose residences shall be nearer to such Lodges than to any Lodge in Tennessee; provided, such Lodges are chartered by a Grand Lodge with which we are in correspondence; provided, also, the same privileges are extended to the Lodges of this State by said Jurisdiction." "Kahoka, August 24, 1917. Edward Higbee, Grand Master, Kirksville, Mo. Dear Brother: In' compliance with your request, I went to Memphis, Tenn., as your representative, pursuant to a call from the Grand Master of Tennessee, to discuss the question of border legislation. The Grand Master of Arkansas, the Grand Master of Tennessee and your representative were the only ones in conference, as the Grand Master of Mississippi failed in his appearance. No others were invited, as all other jurisdictions bordering on the State of Tennessee are in harmony with the Grand Lodge of that Jurisdiction, with the edict of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee as promulgated at the last regular communication. This is only intended to apply to those who are located a distance from a Lodge in their respective jurisdictions, or by the inaccessible location of a Lodge in their own State it is next to impossible to reach them. All- parties present were very favorably disposed toward such legislation and it was agreed to that the question should be brought to. the attention of our respective Grand Lodges for their consideration. In conclusion, I will say that, as your representative, I was received most. courteously by everyone, royally en-
- 32
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
tertained by the brethren of the Memphis Lodges, and, with the visiting Grand Lodge dignitaries, was taken by auto over the city, to the enjoyment of all. Thanking you for the honor of representing you and trusting that I have done so in a creditable ~anner, I am yours fraternally, J. R. McLACHLAN." DISPENSATION TO CONFER DEGREJ<JS IN ADVANCE TIME PRESCRIBED BY SECTION 110.
OF
I have received very, very many requests to grant dispensations to permit Lodges to ballot on petitions before they had lain over four weeks, as provided by Section 125, and to advance candidates before the time for the next stated communication after a candidate had been initiated or passed as provided by Section 110. 'fhese requests were in cases where the petitioner had enlisted or had been drafted into the military service. Masters of Lodges have appealed to me by letter, by telegraph, by telephone and by personal application for such dispensations, but the Grand Master has no power to suspend by dispensation either Sections 110 or 125, or any other law of the Grand Lodge. Paragraph J of Section 9 reads that "he (Grand Master) shall have no power to suspend the operation of any law of. the Grand Lodge." Here were young men going into foreign lands to fight for the maintenance of. our country and our institutions, who earnestly desired to become Freemasons. Some had received one, some two degrees. It seems to me that the Grand Master should be entrusted with the discretion to grant dispensations waiving the limitations and restrictions of these sections of our By-Laws. Under normal circumstances these limitations and restrictions are wise and should be strictly enforced, but exigencies arise and will continue to arise. There are many well authenticated instances in our civilconftict where Freemasonry has mitigated the horrors of war and saved the lives of Freemasons captured by the enemy, but t~e Grand Master must obey the laws of the Grand Lodge. He has no power to set aside '01' suspend them in their general application. They are wise, as demonstrated by experience, but when our sons and brothers are suddenly called into military service and knock at our doors that they may be enabled to find brothers when exposed to perils in defending our Flag, our country and our institutions, we find that we are .impotent because unable to
1917.]
Grand Lodge of 1I1issouri.
33
waive these formal limitations that never- were intended to apply in such exigencies. Another instance that calls for relaxation. While in Alexandria, Va., last February, I attended a meeting of the AlexandriaWashington Lodge No. 22 and witnessed the conferring of the third degree by the working team of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The attendance exceeded the capacity of the hall of Alexandria-Washington Lodge; so the meeting was held in the hall of another order that afforded ample room. Last October I granted a dispensation to a Lodge on a somewhat similar occasion to hold its meeting in the Odd Fellows' Hall, which had been kindly tendered for the purpose. I found that I exceeded my authority and subsequently refused a like request for a dispensation where the hall of the Lodge was inadequate to accommodate the members and visiting brethren. I therefore recommend that the Grand Master be given some reasonable discretion to grant dispensations in such and similar exigencies. I have granted the following SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS. LAYING CORNER-STONES.
R. B. Campbell, D. D. G. M., Thirty-fifth District-Lay .comerstone of Baptist Church at Butler, September 26, 1916.
S. B. Vickers,. D. D. G. M., Forty-third District-Lay cornerstone of Carnegie Library at Nevada, September 25th. F. R. Jesse, P. G. M.-Lay corner-stone of Independent Evangelical Protestant Church, St. Louis, October 14, 1916. C. H. Briggs, P. G. M.-Lay corner-stone of Christian Church at' Fayette, October 19th. R. L. Fulks, W. M. of California Lodge No. 183-Lay cornerstone of Christian Church at California, May 30, 1917. Robert A. May, D. D. 路G. M., Sixteenth District~Lay cornerstone of courthouse at Bowling Green, September 13, 1917.
34
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Stoutsville Lodge No. 592, November 25, 1916. Hebron Lodge No. 354, January 5, 1917. East Prairie Lodge No. 384, December ]8, 1916. Carl Junction Lodge No. 549, December 27, 1916. Portland Lodge No. 242, January 20, 1917. . Philadelphia Lodge No. 502, January 11, 1917. Steele Lodge No. 634, June 15, 1917. Lodge of Light No. 257, June 7th. Marion Lodge No. 616, June 26th. Moundville Lodge No. 628, June 30th. Bosworth Lodge No. 597, July 24th. REMOVAL. St. Francisville Lodge No. 588, from St. Francisville to Wayland. MISCELLANEOUS. St. Louis Lodge No. 20-Permission to occupy Moolah Temple for purpose of annual Installation of Officers, December 27th. Beacon Lodge No.3-Permission to occupy Moolah Temple for Public Installation of Officers, January 3, 1917. Advance Lodge No. 590-Special meeting and Public Installation of Officers, January 9th. Pomegranate Lodge No. 95-To hold special meeting in hall of Magnolia Lodge, February 20th. Steele Lodge No. 634-To meet temporarily in hall at Hayti until another hall can be procured. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40-To appear in public with regalia at a flag-raising at Mt. Moriah Temple, May 26th. Mizpah Lodge No. 639-To appear in public with regalia at flag-raising at Mt. Moriah Temple, May 26th. H. A. Stearns, D. D. G. M., Fifty-third District-To install o(fieel'S of several Lodges in a park at Thayer, June 23d. F. K. Eberlein, D. D. G. M., Forty-fourth District--To hold picnic on June 27th to observe Bi-Centennial. R. A. Breuer, D. D. G. M., Thirty-second District-To permit Easter Lodge No. 575 to meet in K. P. hall (temporarily) at St. Clair. R. A. Breuer, D. D. G. M., Thirty-second District-To permit Owensville Lodge No. 624 to remove to another hall and inspect and dedicate same.
1917. ]
35
Grand Lodge of Missouri. REBALLOTS.
Beacon Lodge No. 3 (3). Triangle No. 638. Versailles No. 117. Tuscan No. 360. • Craft No. 287. Bridgeton No. 80. Jefferson No. 43. Benj. Franklin No. 642. Barnesville No. 353. Mt. Moriah No. 40 (2). California No. 183. Western Star No. 15. DISPENSATIONS
Jennings No. 640. Advance No. 590. Lincoln No. 138. Northeast No. 643. Wellston No. 613. Centertown No. 611. Four Mile No. 212. Magnolia No. 626. Crescent Hill No. 368. Western Light No. 396. Heroine No. 104. Frankford No. 192. GRANTED
FOR
NEW
LODGES.
December 28, 1916-Morgan Lodge, Versailles, Fifty-first L istrict. January 29, 1917-Harmony Lod~e, St. Louis, Thirty-third District. ~ March 29, 1917-Algabil Lodge, St. Louis, Thirty-third District. May 17, 1917-Euclid Loige, St. Louis, Thirty-third District. May 26, 1917-Warrenton Lodge, Warrenton, Thirtieth District. DISPENSATION CONTINUED FROM 1916. June 14, 1916-Clarkton Lodge, Clarkton, Fifty-first L istrict. DECISIO:r--;S. 1. The committee on the petition of a canciidate for the degrees having reported unfavorably, alJallot r...111st Le taken. Objections may be made to receive a petition or to initiation or advancement, but not to l:alloting on the petition. Sections 103, 123, 141, G. L. By-Laws. 2. absent Master not on turned Lodge,
The committee on a petition for the degrees being all at the meeting at which the repOI t was due, the vVorshipfuI appointed a new committee, who reported unfavorably, bat the ground of physical disqualifieation. The Secretary rethe fee to a friend of the can1idate, a member of the who inquired how to proceed.
36
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Answer. A ballot should have been taken. Return the fee to the Secretary that a ballot may be taken on the petition as provided by Section 126, G. L .. By-Laws. 3. A member of a Lodge was suspended for $9 delinquent dues. After more than one year he petitioned for reinstatement, accompanying his petition with a draft for $15 to apply on dues. Question. If his petition should be rejected, should the Lodge retain the $9 and return the other $6? Answer. The brother owed the Lodge $9 for dues when suspended, which should be retained, and if his petition for reinstatement should be rejected the $6 should be returned to the suspended brothe~ 4.. A Secretary of a Lodge writes as follows: "Our Lodge has a petition for the degrees from a man who is 67 years of age and white headed, but seems to be in possession of all his faculties, but some of our members consider him in his dotage. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F. and very enthusiastic in Lodge work. Is he eligible? Answer. If the candidate is in the possession of his mental faculties, then he is not in his dotage, and his age is no objection. Dotage is feebleness or imbecility of understanding or mind, childishness of old age; senility. 5. A member of Lowry City Lodge was acquitted on the following charge and specifications: "That said Brother - - - , on or about June 20, 1916, and on other dates and times, did take my wife away from home and remain away most of the night, and called upon her in my absence in my home, and did continue to do these things until my home has been broken up." Would such acquittal bar a' charge for adultery with the wife of the accuser? Ans~er. The charge on specifically involve adultery. that offense. I am of the charge will not bar a charge
which the accused was tried did not He was not tried on a charge for opinion that the acquittal on the for adultery.
6. The W. M. of Versailles Lodge presented the following question:
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missoui'i.
37
"Twenty or more of the members of Versailles Lodge No. 117 .have presented a petition to the Lodge asking a recommendation of Versailles Lodge that said petitioners be granted a charter for the formation of a new Lodge in Versailles. By what vote of the Lodge numerically can the recommendation be legally given? And are the petitioners who are members of Versailles Lodge entitled to vote on the question of granting'the prayer of their petition? Answer. In my OpInIOn a majority vote \\ ill carry the recommendation. The petitioners who are members of Versailles Lodge are entitled to vote OIl the question. Section 72, G. L. By-Laws does not disqualify them. 7. Is a brother who has served as Warden in a Lodge U. D. and who has not previously served as Master or Warden in a Lodge eligible to the office of Master at an election held subsequent to the constitution of the Lodge under its charter? Answer. No. Any Master Mason may be elected and installed as a Master of a new Lodge at its organization under its charter, but not at a subsequent election, unless he has previously served as Master or Warden in a chartered Lodge. See Sections 78 and 91, G. L. By-Laws. 8. The Secretary of Willard Lodge No. 620 writes that Willard Lodge granted a member a certificate of good standing for the purpose of transferring his membership to another Lodge, and that he has been elected a member thereof without having passed his examination on his proficiency on the first section of the degree of M. M. as required by Section 121, and that he is withholding his Dimit until informed what to do. Answer. The Dimit should not be granted until the member has passed a satisfactory examination on his proficiency. Section 121, G. L. By-Laws. 9. Question~ A gentleman of good repute, exemplary character, and possessed of all the necessary qualifications, desires to apply for membership and receive the degrees in Freemasonry. He is employed as superintendent of cooperage in the mechanical department of a brewery. He is not in any way'connected with the manufacture or sale of the product. Would his present occupation make him ineligible? Answer. His occupation does not render him ineligible to petition a Lodge for the degrees under Section 182, Grand ~odge
Proceedings of the
38 By-Laws. 194.
[Sept.
See Decision No.2, Grand Lodge Proceedings '1915, page
10. R. W. Brother J. M. Carnahan, D. D. G. M. Forty-seventh District, submitted the following question:
"Last ~all a Brother Master Mason died and the Lodge was unable to conduct his funeral. His widow nO'N desires us to hold Masonic services at his grave." R. W. Brother Carnahan ruled that he knew of no Masonic law that would authorize the Lodge to hold funeral services as requested. That it was his understanding that the funeral services of a Masonic brother must be conducted at the time of the interment. I approved this ruling. Section 257, Grand Lodge ByLaws, authorizes a Masonic funeral service in connection with the burial of a deceased Master Mason in good standing. I find nothing in the law which would authorize the holding of funeral services over the grave of a deceased brother after his burial, nor any service adapted to such an occasion. 11. Is a petitioner for the degree who has a wooden leg with a flexible knee joint, and who is able to conform to the ceremonies, eligible? This question was sUbmittB~ to R. W. Bro. Emsley C. James, D. D. G. 1'1., who ruled that th'e petitioner was eligible. This ruling is approved. .' 12. Is a Roman Catholic eligible to petition for the degrees in Freemasonry? Answer. Freemasonry makes no religious test except the petitioner must be an unfeigned believer in the one living and true God. 13. Zalma Lodge No. 545, having a small hall, requested a dispensation to hold a sess~of the Lodge in the I. O. O. F. hall for the purpose of conferring degrees and serving a basket dinner, at which it was expected there would be a large number in at路 tendance from other Lodges. A dispensation was refused, it having been ruled that a Lodge can not legally meet and work in a building that has not been dedicated and consecrated to Masonic purposes. See Proceedings 1916, page 216. This seems to be the construction heretofore placed on Section 82 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. .,' .
14.
Jacksonville Lodge No. 541 requested my consent and
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
39
approval to incur indebtedness for the purchase of ten acres of land adjoining the town of Jacksonville for a Masonic cemetery. The land would cost $1,500, and to survey and improve the same ~ould cost an additional $300. Having full confidence in the business ability of the officers and members of Jacksonville Lodge, I gave my consent and approval as requested. 15. I gave my consent and approval to Portageville Lodge No. 166 to borrow $250 for the completion of a hall occupied by said Lodge and Odd Fellows conjointly. Also to Hiram Lodge No. 362 to borrow $5,500 to purchase and improve a hall. 16. Question. Is a petitioner for the degrees rendered ineligible from the fact that he is not a naturalized citizen of the United States? Answer. The qualifications of a candidate are prescribed by Sections 113, 115 and 116, Grand Lodge By-Laws. If the candidate is a resident and has the other qualifications it does not seem necessary that he should be a naturalized citizen. 17. The testimony of profanes was taken by a committee appointed by the Worshipful Master pending charges preferred against a member of the Lodge. The committee did not file the testimony so taken with the Secretary, but permitted one of the counsel in the case to retain it, who declined to allow counsel on the other side to examine it. Complaint having been made to me, I ruled that as soon as the committee had completed taking the testimony th~y should have filed it with the Secretary of the Lodge, so that either party could have an opportunity to examine it, and that counsel in refusing to permit opposing counsel to examine it were guilty of unmasonic conduct, and, unless he apologized in open Lodge for his conduct, I directed that charges be preferred against him. We have no place for shysters in a Masonic Lodge. 18. A member of a Lodge who, on a plea of guilty to an indictment for forgery and embezzlement, was sentenced to the penitentiary for. two years and received a pardon at the end of eighteen months, petitioned for restoration. I was asked what is the procedure. Answer. I think it would be an exceptional case if the Lodge could afford to restore him, but the Lodge can judge the propriety of this action. Section 250 of the Book of Constitutions provides the procedure.
40
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
19. Complaint was made to R. W. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M., that the Worshipful Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., refused to permit the reading of the names appended to a petition of a proposed new Lodge, submitted to Itaska Lodge for its approval, when one of the members of the Lodge requested that it be read. R. W. Bro. O'Reilly ruled that the Worshipful Master was in error; the names must be read. I approved the ruling. 20. R. W. Brother C. A. Shaw, D. D. G. M., submits the following question: "We are continually recel Vlllg requests from non-resident members asking for dimits or certificates of good standing, often receiving dues up to the time of the dimits only. This causes arguments, and we are asking for a decision on this point, whether a member is required to pay a full year's dues or only to the time of the dimit." An.swe'r. When a brother takes a dimit he pays dues to the date of his dimit. See latter part of section 157, Grand Lodge by-laws. 21.
F. W. Wiseman vs. Charles A. Truitt:
On February 21, 1917, Triangle Lodge No. Charles A. Truitt guilty of unmasonic conduct specifications filed against him by Brother F. expelled him from all the rights and privileges
638 found Brother on the charge and W. Wiseman, and of Freemasonry.
Brother Truitt having appealed to me to review the evidence on which he was so found guilty and expelled, I asked R. W. Brother A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M., who presided at the trial, to give me his opinion as to whether or not there was any substantial evidence to support the charge and specifications. On March 14, R. W. Brother O'Reilly wrQte me as follows: "I must confess that when I heard, the evidence I was very much surprised that there appeared so little to sustain the contention of gross unmasonic conduct. The evidence on the whole indicated to my mind a most路 deplorably slipshod manner of. conducting a business affair, and from the testimony the complaining witness was as much at fault as the defendant. The magnitude of the transaction appeared to justify the keeping of a set of books, at least a journal and a day book. There was evidence to show numerous expenditures of varying amounts, but there 'was no record, at
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of 1l1issouri.
41
least no complete record, kept. The case was one for the consideration of a referee rather than a hearing as a criminal procedure. Evidence was introduced by both sides showing that each party paid bills out of their respective pockets, and no record. Bills were paia by the ticket seller of such bills paid, which the evidence of both sides represented was turned in as cash received and no record kept of the transaction as should be kept in a co-partnership. The complainant testified that he knew of some cases of this sort, but claimed that it was not always the rule. When the testimony in the main for the prosecution rested I felt that if a motion was made and if I was presiding as Judge of a court with power to act, I would dismiss the proceedings for lack of evidence of any gross unmasonic conduct. The subsequent proceedings did not show anything of great importance, either one way or the other." I have examined and considered the evidence on the trial of this case and am of the opinion that the differences between Brothers Wiseman and Truitt arose wholly out of their co-partnership business matters, and that there is no substantial evidence tending in any degree to prove fraud or moral turpitude on the part of the accused. I have hesitated to intervene in this matter, but the circumstances in this case are exceptional. The precedent established by this Grand Lodge in the case of Alphonso C. Stewart vs. William H. Mayo makes it my duty to review the action of Triangle Lodge in this matter. See Proceedings 1901, 25 and 109. Being convinced from an examination of the evidence that there is no substantial evidence tending in any degree to support the charge and specifications, the action of Triangle Lodge in finding Brother Charles A. Truitt guilty and expelling him from the rights and privileges of Freemasonry is hereby set aside and Brother Charles A. Truitt is restored to all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry and membership in Triangle Lodge No. 638, and the case will be referred to the Grand Lodge at its next annual communication. 22. The Prayer Chain Letter:. R. W. Brother W. C. Heck wrote me as follows: "March 23, 1917. "You are doubtless familiar with the 'Ancient Prayer Chain Letter', which has been going the rounds for some
42
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
years. I have been getting them occasionally, but lately have received several signed by Freemasons, stating that the sending was a Masonic request, and that it was said by Masons in ancient times that all who wrote it and passed it on to nine friends would be free form calamity and experience some great joy on the tenth day, and who did not pass it on to nine others would suffer some calamity. The letter concludes with the warning, 'DON'T BREAK THE CHAIN'. "I have always felt that there was nothing in the Word of God justifying any such statement. It is superstition, pure and simple, and directly in conflict with Masonic teaching. "I have always firmly and consistently broken the chain, and as yet no calamity has come to me, nor have I heard of any who did comply as receiving any special blessing. "I am surprised at the number of Freemasons who are lending themselves to this sort of thing. This week brethren here have shown me this letter, two from St. Louis, one from New York, one from Illinois, and others from Jefferson City. "I believe it has gained such headway that a statement from the Grand Master given publicity through the Masonic press, or through letters to the lodges, would be timely. "We certainly do not want so silly a piece of superstition charged up to Freemasonry. No telling to what it will lead; the first letters had no reference to Masonry, but now they 'make it a Masonic request, and fasten it onto our ancient brethren."
an
Answer. Freemasons believe in God; believe in prayer. They are taught never to mention H~s name but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator, to implore His aid in all their laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief good. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. That prayer breathes faith and confidence in the Father's love and submission to His will. In my opinion this prayer chain letter savors of rank superstition and should meet with the condemnation of all intelligent people. 23.
A question of residence.
The petitioner for degrees has
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
43
been in New Haven since September 1, 1916, employed as school teacher, and has been in the jurisdiction of Evergreen Lodge for the past six months !lnd lived in this county all of his life. He was born in Harrison County and his parents reside at Ridgeway. At the general election held last November he voted at New Haven. Should he not be re-elected as teacher in our schools he wiII no doubt leave here. Question. Is he in the jurisdiction of New Haven Lodge, or in that of the lodge at Ridgeway? Answer. The question of. residence as defined in Section 113, Grand Lodge By-Laws, is one of fact, in which the intention largely controls. If the petitioner was entitled to vote at New Haven at your last general election, I would say he is eligible to petition your lodge for the degrees. 24. A member of Center Lodge No. 147 of Marion, Kansas, requested Ingomar Lodge No. 536 of Willow Springs, Mo., to prefer charges against a member of Center Lodge for a Masonic offense committed while in the jurisdiction of Ingomar路 Lodge, and to prosecute the case to its finality. I was. asked if Ingomar Lodge has authority to exercise penal jurisdiction in the case. .i\nswer. I am of the opinion that Ingomar Lodge has no jurisdiction in the case, although the offense may have been committed within its jurisdiction. Section 228, Book of Constitutions, 1892, reads: "Penal Jurisdiction. A lodge has penal jurisdiction over all its members, and over all its Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, wheresoever residing, and over all Masons, affiliated or unaffiliated, residing or sojourning within its territorial jurisdiction." The exercise of penal jurisdiction under this section over Freemasons of other Grand Jurisdictions while sojourning in this state resulted in complications and much friction with sister Grand Jurisdictions. So that section was amended in the Book 路of Constitutions of 1908 to read as follows: "Sec. 201. Penal Jurisdiction. A Lodge has jurisdiction to try any Missouri Mason, affiliated or unaffiliated, for any offense committed within its jurisdiction. See also section 203." In my opinion these amendments deny penal jurisdiction of a
44
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Freemason having his membership in' a sister Grand Jurisdiction. That this is the effect of the amendments nq.ted is shown in the case of St. Louis 'Lodge No. 20 vs. Julius Rotter (Proceedings 1912, page 73, 1. c. 76), where the Committee on Appeals and Grievances used the following language: "The principal object and intention of inserting in the last revision the word 'Missouri' was to limit the jurisdiction of the lodge to try only Missouri Masons." The fact that Center Lodge requests Ingomar Lodge to exercise penal jurisdiction in the case does not alter the law, because consent can not confer jurisdiction. Authority to try the case must be found in our own law. 25. The question of difference of opinion among the brethren of Mercer Lodge No. 35, almost amounting to friction,' arose over the question of who is eligible to confer degrees, some contending that any brother who knows the work was the proper person. to preside in conferring degrees, .while others contend that only the Master, Wardens or some Past Master is eligible. Answer. Section 87, G. L. By-Laws, authorizes the presidin~ officer to request the assistance of any duly qualified brother in conducting the business' or in conferring the degrees. I think the clear meaning of this section is that the Worshipful Master may call any brother to the chair, or to any other station in the lodge, while a degree is being conferred, whether such brother be a Warden or Past Master, provided only he is competent to perform the work. I think this practice encourages the younger members to make themselves proficient in the work. I fudher think that it is good policy for the Master to encourage proficient members to participate in the work of conferring degrees. 26. Sarcoxie Lodge No. 293 owed a debt of $4,000. A resolution was offered setting aside the rent from the lower story, which amounts to $60 per month; for the purpose of paying the debt and interest. The resolution was read and laid over for thirty days, when it was carried by a majority of two votes. Question. Did the resolution require a majority of a twothirds vote for its adoption, or was it an amendment to the ByLaws? Answer. This was a business proposition and required only a majority vote for its adoption. It was in no sense an amendment to the By-Laws.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
4S
27. M. J. Williams removed from Kansas to Pollock, Missouri. He petitioned Pollock Lodge No. 349 for affiliation, accompanying his petition with a receipt for dues in Liberty Lodge No. 123, Kansas, on which was endorsed a certificate of good路 Masonic standing, and was elected to membership in Pollock Lodge. Liberty Lodge complained of this action on the part - of Pollock Lodge, and claimed that Brother Williams was still a member of Liberty Lodge. I ruled the petition of Brother Williams for affiliation should have been accompanied with a dimit from Liberty Lodge, without which the action of Pollock Lodge in electing him a member thereof was unauthorized and void. Section 157 of our Grand Lodge By-Laws does not authorize a member of a lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction to transfer his membership to a lodge in this state without a dimit. I therefore ordered that the action of Pollock Lodge be set aside.
28.. A member of a lodge who is in his dotage applied for a dim it for the mere purpose of .withdrawing from the Order. He is a Past Master and had been active in the lodge for many years. He assigned as his reason that he is old and Masonry is not what it used路 to be and he can be as good a Mason out of the lodge as in it.
Question.
Should the lodge grant a dimit as requested?
Answer. Some old members who cease to attend lodge are apt to be neglected by the brethren. They become sensitive and their first impulse is to call for a dimit. The time has come when they especially stand in need of the fellowship and ministrations of the brethren. For an old brother in such circumstances to sever the bonds of fraternal fellowship is a tragedy. If he is in his dotage the dimit should n'ot be granted. Dotage is mental imbecility due to old age, and if the brother's mind is so impaired by old age that he is incapable of acting with discretion in the matter then he is incapable of asking for a dimit and it should not be granted. I suggested that the Master, with other discreet brethren known to be his friends, visit him, assure him of their strong personal interest, point out that the time has come when in all probability he will need the assistance and fellowship of the brethren, tell him how they would appreciate it if he would occasionally visit the lodge, and assure him that the lodge is proud or him as its oldest member. I subse<1uently received 'a letter from the secretary of the lodge informing me that .the course suggested had been pur-
46
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
sued with gratifying success, and that the application for a dimit had been withdrawn. 29. Should the secretary of a lodge turn over to the treasurer the fee accompanying a petition for the degrees, or should he hold it until the ballot is taken upon the petition? Answer; It is the duty of the secretary to receive all moneys due the .lodge and pay them over to the treasurer. The fee accompanying a petition for the degrees is due the lodge and should be regularly paid over to the treasurer. 30. The following inquiry was submitted to R. W. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M.: Brother W. was initiated in Herrin's Prairie Lodge No. 639, of Herrin, Illinois, in 1909, and removed to St. Louis in 1910 without having been advanced. Desiring advancement he was advised by the W. M. of Trinity Lodge No. 641, St. Louis, that he should regularly petition for the degrees. His petition was accordingly presented, resulting in his rejection. What is his status? After corresponding with Herrin Prairie Lodge and learning the facts, R. W. Brother O'Reilly ruled that the candidate was a member of that lodge, but not in good standing; that Trinity Lodge had no jurisdiction; that its action in receiving his petition and balloting thereon was unauthorized, and that Brother W. does not stand in the light of a rejected candidate; that on being restored to good Masonic standing in Herrin's Prairie Lodge he can on request receive the degrees in any lodge designated in this jurisdiction. The ruling of W. Brother O'Reilly is approved. Undounbtedly the action taken by Trinity Lodge was due to a misconstruction of section 107 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. 31. Mountain Grove Lodge No. 158 requested Tucumcari Lodge No. 27, N. M., to confer the degrees on a candidate who had been elected by Mountain Grove Lodge to receive the degrees. I forwarded this request to the M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico, who later wrote me, inclosing a letter from the Secretary of Tucumcari Lodge, stating that "in路 the preparation of the candidate we discovered that his left leg had been taken off at or just below the thigh, and that he had a cork leg. We were somewhat at a loss just what to do, but being satisfied he could conform to all the requirements of an E. A., we conf~rred that degree upon him.
1917.]
G1'and Lodge of lvlissouri.
47
However, we are not so satisfied that he can conform to all requirements in the remaining degrees. In this connection will call your attention to case No. 14, page 236, Grand Lodge Proceedings 1916. This case, however, differs from our case, in that the candidate had lost his left leg below the knee, but you will note the decision states 'that a man who has lost the left leg below the knee and wears a cork leg is eligible if able to conform to the ceremonies; a cork leg discounts a cork head'." Referring this letter to Mountain Grove Lodge, the Secretary wrote me that the Investigation Committee reported that the candidate used路 a cork leg jointed in the knee. I then wrote the M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico, quoting section 106 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, and stated that if the candidate were not able to conform to the cere路monies then he should not hav~ received the first degree. That if the examining committee of Mountain Grove Lodge overlooked his physical disqualification, it was their fault, and not that of the candidate, and that if the candidate was not provided with a cork leg with a flexible knee joint he will not be entitled to advancement until he provides himself with such artificial limb. 32. R. W. W. 1. Stuart, D. G. M., of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, complained to me of the action of Lowry City Lodge No. 403 in electing Brother John P. Earhart, a member of Wetmore Lodge No. 530, Wetmore, Kansas, to membership in Lo"\vry City Lodge, without having taken a dimit from Wetmore Lodge, in viol'ation of the laws of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. I corresponded with the Secretary of Lowry City Lodge and learned that Brother Earhart petitioned Lowry City Lodge for affiliation, and accompanied his petition with a certificate of good Masonic standing in Wetmore Lodge, which was not addressed to any lodge. I ordered Lowry City Lodge to set aside its action in electing Brother Earhart to membership therein, which was promptly done, and communicated my action to R. W. Brother Stuart, D. G. M. of Kansas. The action of Lowry City Lodge would have been unauthorized under section 157 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, even if Brother Earhart's membership had been in a Missouri Lodge. R. W. Brother Stuart wrote me, expressing entire satisfaction with my action, and that he had requested Wetmore Lodge to issue a dimit to Brother Earhart on his application. 33. Question as to residence of a young man who has been in the U. S. Navy for eight years and has been four years in the
48
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Asiatic Station in China. Prior to entering the Navy he lived with his father and mother, who have resided in Lamar in this state for fourteen or fifteen years, and was a member of the family. While in Chinese waters he declined to petition a Masonic Lodge at the Asiatic Station for the degrees, because he wanted to join the lodge at his home in Lamar. Answer. This question requires the construction of Sec. 113, G. L. By-Laws. A man's residence is the place of his fixed or permanent abode, and is largely a question of intention. The law contemplates that every man has a residence. When once gained it is not lost until another is acquired. If at the time Mr. Andrews enlisted in the U. S. Navy Lamar was his residence, and he has not since acquired another, then, in my opinion, he is eligible to petition your lodge for the degrees. If it be a fact that he declined to petition another lodge because he consi<;lered Lamar as his home, that fact should receive due consideration. By Sec. 5800, R. S. Mo., a soldier or marine in the regular arm or navy of the United States is not entitled to vote at any election in this state, but section 113, Grand Lodge By-Laws, does not exclude a soldier or marine. IN THE MATTER OF J. S. GOSSOM. 34. J. S. Gossom, an attorney at law, had been a resident of Caruthersville, in Pemiscot County, Missouri, for ten or twelve years. He removed with his family to St. Louis, Missouri, April 6, 1915, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. On February 3, 1916, he petitioned Missouri Lodge No.1, A. F. & A. M., for the degrees. He was elected and received the degrees of E. A. and F. C. Afterwards, on August 14, 1916, Caruthersville Lodge No. 461, A. F. & A. M., complained to Missouri Lodge No. 1 that Brother Gossom was路a resident of Caruthersville at the time he petitioned for the degrees, and that Missouri Lodge had invaded its jurisdiction. By mutual consent the two lodges referred the matter to M. W. Brother Frank R. Jesse, then Grand Master of Missouri; for decision, who, on his retirement from office, referred the matter to me as unfinished business. I have submitted the matter to R. W. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M. of the Thirty-third District, and to R. W. Bro. Virgil P. Adams, D. D. G. M. of the Fifty-first District, for investigation, who have each submitted reports. R. W. Brother O'Reilly has made a very thorough investigation of the facts and submitted much evidence in support of his conclusion.
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Brother Gossom was a candidate for nomination to the office of Circuit Judge in the Thirty-eighth Judicial Circuit, including Pemiscot and New Madrid counties, at the primary election held August 1, 1916. From this and other facts in evidence it is confidently asserted that his removal to the City of St. Louis was merely temporary. This circuit was created by an act approved April 6, 1915, the very day Brother Gossom removed to St. Louis. His contention is that after he petitioned Missouri Lodge for the degree he looked over the field and concluded he had a fair chance to be nominated for the office of Judge of that circuit, and that he accordingly filed for the nomination. It is shown by the statements of several Master Masons of Pemiscot County that many of those opposing Brother Gossom's nomination did so on the ground that he was a resident of the City of St. Louis. Brother Cossom's intention in removing to St. Louis is controlling. He asserts positively that it was his purpose to make that city his residence, and that he had no thought of removing to Caruthersville until he concluded to try for the nomination for the office of Circuit Judge. There are many facts and circumstances in evidence in the report submitted by R. W. Bro. O'Reilly to support his conclusion that Brother Gossom was a bona fide resident of the City of St. Louis at the time he petitioned Missouri Lodge No. 1 for the degrees, and I concur in his judgment. I therefore hold that Brother Gossom was within the jurisdiction of Missouri Lodge No. 1 on February 3, 1916, when it received his petition, and that it did not invade the jurisdiction of Caruthersville Lodge No. 461. 35. Four candidates, residing within the jurisdiction of West View Lodge No. 103,' petitioned Trowel Lodge No. 440 for the degrees. West View Lodge waived jurisdiction on condition that Trowel Lodge pay the fees for the degrees to West View Lodge. Question. Should Trowel Lodge pay the fees to West View Lodge or can the latter lodge require that the fees for the degrees be paid to it as a condition of waiving jurisdiction? Answer. The fees should be paid to West View Lodge'. That Lodge could make this requirement as a condition of waiving. jurisdiction. 36. An entered apprentice having removed out of the juris路 diction of his lodge, makes application for membership on certifi路 cate of good standing as such. This was done under section 163.
so
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Some brothers claim an entered apprentice can not dimit, claiming an amendment to this effect. How about it? I find no amendment to section 163, G. L. By-Laws. An entered apprentice is not entitled to a certificate of good standing, but if he has removed out of the jurisdiction of his ~odge he is entitled to a dimit. By section 157, a member who desires to transfer his membership to another lodge in this jurisdiction may do so upon a certificate of good standing as provided in said section. This has no application to an E. A. or F. C. It only applies to Master Masons. 37. A man makes application for the degrees, two of the committee report on it the night it is presented, reporting favorably. I satisfy myself that the man will not pass the ballot, and to save the man's father, who put in the petition for his boy, humiliation (the father is a good man, a good Mason and a K. T.), I advised him to withdraw it, and advise the boy to form better associates than those he had. The father thanked me, saying that I had acted as a Mason should; he appreciated me warning him and not <allowing it to reach the ballot. He withdrew the petition. I allowed him to do this under Section 102, Art. VIII. The Master and others say I had no right to do this' and that the路 petition is not withdrawn. How about it? . Answer. The petition can not be withdrawn after it has been referred to the committee. Section 102, G. L. By-Laws, as amended, 1914, p. 157. 38. Cambridge Lodge No. 63 writes: "Several of our brethren express a desire to pay a life membership fee in the lodge. Our By-Laws make no provision for such a payment, although in the Constitution we find there is such a section permitting lodges to make such a provision. We would like to have some idea as to grade same, whether there should be a fixed amount regulated according to age. Our annual dues are $5.00." Answer. Section 151, G. L. By-Laws, needs no construction. So far as my information goes, all lodges charge annual dues. Some exempt members from dues after the memb.er attains a certain age, or, after one has been a member of the lodge for so many years and attains a certain age. But in all these cases the lodge will have to pay the Grand Lodge dues. I think section 151 authorizes a lodge to fix a definite sum wliich, when paid, would be in full for all dues in the future. For i~stance, if a member is 50 years of age, and dues are $1.00 per
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year, according to the mortality tables found in R. S. Mo. 1909, Section 8499, based upon the member's expectancy, the net value of the income for the remainder of his life would be $10,631. Your dues being $5.00 per year, he could pay your lodge five times that sum and be acquit for the rest of his life. 39. Forsythe Lodge No. 453 issued a certificate of good standing to a member on May 18 whose dues were paid to July 1. He petitioned Pleasant Hope Lodge 467 for affiliation and was elected a member June 28, and Forsythe Lodge was notifiel;l. At its next meeting, July 7, Forsythe Lodge issued a dimit, but claimed dues for the month of July. Answer. According to Section 157, G. L. By-Laws, the petitioner became a member of Pleasant Hope Lodge when Forsythe Lodge issued his dimit. He should pay Forsythe Lodge for dues for July. A fraction of a month is taken as a whole month. Sec. 146. 40. A candidate was initiated, passed and raised in Cosmos Lodgs No. 282, and removed to Champaign, Illinois, before' he was lectured. Can Cosmos Lodge request the lodge at Champaign, Illinois, to lecture and examine him in open lodge as to his proficiency on the first section of the third degree? And if the lodge at Champaign shall report to Cosmos Lodge that he has passed a satisfactory examination, will the brother be entitled to a dimit from Cosmos Lodge? Answer. Yes. Had the brother removed before receiving either or all of the degrees, Cosmos Lodge might have requested the lodge at Champaign to have conferred all of the degrees, or the remaining degrees, whi~h would necessarily include lecturing the candidate upon the several degrees so conferred. I am therefore of the opinion that Cosmos Lodge may request the lodge at Champaign to lecture the brother, and when that lodge shall certify to Cosmos Lodge that' the brDther has made suitable proficiency in the first sectioD; of the degree of Master Mason on examination in open lodge, he will then have complied with Section 121, G. L. ByLaws and be entitled to a dimit. It is objected, however, that Masonic lodges in the State of Illinois do not lecture their candidates nor examine them as to their proficiency in the third. degree. If this be true the lodge at Champaign can decline the request. But if we assume that it can not perform that function, why not assume it also in reference to all other Grand Jurisdictions? Then what will be the status of such members who remove before standing examination? Why not presume that if a lodge
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[Sept.
can conteI' the third degree it can also lecture the candidate? If we can not request a lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction to lecture and examine the brother because its work may differ from ours, then why should we permit a bro'ther with a dimit from such lodge to affiliate? When elected a member he wiII be entitled to vote, hold office and dimit, notvi'ithstanding he may not have passed a satisfactory examination in open lodge, at least, according to our requirements. 41.
Myrtle Lodge No. 338 vs. Cowgill Lodge No. 561.
Brother H. K. Thompson, a member of Myrtle Lodge, petitioned Cowgill Lodge for affiliation and was elected a member thereof September 1, 1906. His petition wae not accompanied by a rIimit or certificate of good standing. The records of Myrtle Lodge failed to show that either was ever issued. Cowgill Lodge paid the Grand Lodge dues on Brother Thompson for the years 1907 to 1916, inclusive, $12.50. Myrtle Lodge suspended Brother Thompson for $18.75 delinquent dues. Myrtle Lodge claims that Brother Thompson is still a member of that lodge. Decision: On this state of facts the action of Cowgill Lodge in electing Brother Thompson a member by affiliation was null and void. I ordered Cowgill Lodge to pay over to lVlyrtle Lodge all dues paid by Brother Thompson, and, as Cowgill Lodge had paid Grand Lodge dues to the amount of $12.50 on Brother Thompson when he was not a member of that lodge, I ordered a Grand Lodge warrant drawn in favor of Cowgill Lodge for that sum. 42. Section 182, G. L. By-Laws, does not prohibit a Master Mason from renting property to a liquor dealer. 43. Marceline Lodge No. 481 granted .the following certificate to an Entered Apprentice who removed to New Mexico: "To Whom It May Concern:
"This is to certify that Jessie F. Mathis was initiated in this lodge and is in good standing. At his request and at a stated communication of Marceline Lodge No; 481, A. F. & A. M., held. December 27, 1910, by unanimous consent he is granted this waiver of jurisdiction (or certificate of dimission) whereby he may apply to any lodge in the jurisdiction he may reside. By order of the Lodge, (Lodge Seal) L. E. PANCOST, Sec." Brother Mathis applied to Temple Lodge No. 6 of NeN Mexico, submitting the foregoing certificate with his application. The
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M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico inquires as to the status of the Brother in Missouri, he being of the opinion that an Entered Apprentice can not sever his membership except by a dimit, and that a dimit can not be granted except to a Master Mason. That therefore tlie proper procedure is for the Entered Apprentice to request his own lodge for advancement, and, if granted, his lodge, through the proper grand officers, should request the lodge where he is located to confer the degrees. That when he becomes a Master Mason he is entitled to a dimit and not until then. I replied to the M. W. Grand Master that the certificate issued to Brother Mathis by Marceline Lodge No. 481 is a dim it under our law and authorized by Section 163 of the Book of Constitutions, 1908, and entitles hini. to petition a lodge in any grand jurisdiction for affiliation. 44.
MASONIC ADVERTISING.
On June 9, 1917, I addressed the following letter to Mr. R. J. Smith, D. D. G. M., Kansas City, Mo.: R. W. Brother Smith: I call your attention to several items in the Kansas
City Freemason of May 25, 1917. 6, there is the following:
At top of column 1, page
"WESTPORT LODGE No. 340, A. F. & A. M.
By Frank A. Marshall, W. M. Don't overlook the following members of this lodge .when making purchases in their line. They advertise regularly in this paper and are worthy of your support. All other advertisers are members of the fraternity and will appreciate your support. The advertising members of this lodge are as follows:" (Here follow the names of members and their business.)
•
Similar notices follow in this issue as to certain named members of Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446, South Gate Lodge No. 547, Gate City. Lodge No. 522, Temple Lodge No. 299 and
S4
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[Sept.
Heroine Lodge No. 104. Each of these notices apparently emanate from a past or present officer of the lodge. Section 187, Book of Constitution, 1908, reads: Masonic Emblems and the Word "Masonic", Use of Prohibited.-Any Mason using the word "Masonic", or any term, sign or symbol of Masonry for commercial or other business enterprises, shall be deemed guilty of unmasonic conduct; provided, that this section shall not apply to Masonic books, journals or periodicals, or a legitimate trade in Masonic supplies. The Kansas City Freemason and the Brothers whose names are thus advertised as Freemasons are soliciting the patronage of the Craft on the ground that they are members of one or the other of these lodges. In my opinion, each of these advertisements is a flagrant violation of section 187; the more so that it apparently has the路 sanction of each lodge; that of Westport Lodge purporting to have been written by the Worshipful Master. The advertising members are prostituting their Masonic connection to further their business enterprises. The Kansas City Freemason is making revenue out of advertising them in their business relations as Freemasons. If this is permitted to continue every Freemason in Kansas City will have to resort to this mercenary method or suffer loss in his business. Is it not too plain for argument that this is a gross violation of section 187 and that unless discontinued the practice will bring odium on Freemasonry and degrade it to the level of commercialism. Stop for a moment and reflect. Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morals (not a' system of boosting business). It is ethical in its principles and teaching; its tenets (doctrines and principles) are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; its cardi~al virtues, or foundation principles, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice; its religion a belief in the One Living and True God. Each one of these brethren, when he knocked at the door of the lodge, declared upon his honor that he was not influenced by mercenary motives, and that he was prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the instituti~n, a desire of knowledge and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellow creatures. Tested by these lofty, sublime and altruistic prin-
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
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ciples, which have exalted Freemasonry above all other Fraternal organizations, it must be apparent that advertising one's membership in connection with his business is selfish and mercenary, and violative of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. I ordered that this advertising business be stopped at once, and that a copy of this be mailed to the Seci'etary of each lodge named and be read in open lodge. 45.. The following notices appeared in a Kansas City newspaper: Rotary-Masonic dedication, 'grand opening and Ad Club dances at Professor Wolfe's new $50,000 hall, postponed possibly about two weeks on account of damages to the new hall by fire and smoke Sunday morning; new dates will be announced in these columns in ten days; telephone for full particulars about the fire; classes and Wednesday evening receptions the same as heretofore will he held tonight and until further notice. Prof. Wolfe, 2906 Brooklyn Ave. Home Lin. 304, Bell Wabash 2004W. Masonic Dedication and House Warming Party, which was postponed from April 17, will be held Tuesday, May 1; bring your Masonic or Eastern Star receipt; Grand Opening Ball Wednesday evening, May 2; Prof. Wolfe's new $50,000 Dancing School Building, 31st and Prospect; phone for further details. Prof. Wolfe, Home Linwood 304; Bell '''abash 2004W. Prof. Wolfe is a member of Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446 of City. My attention having been called to these notices, I that Prof. Wolfe discontinue advertising in violation of 187 of our by-laws, otherwise that charges of unmasonic be preferred against him.
Kansas ordered section conduct
46. Cosmos Lodge No. 282 conferred the degree of Master Mason on a proficient Fellow Craft of Keystone Lodge and, insisting that it was an act of courtesy and that it felt honored in being able to serve her sister lodge, declined to accept a check for $5 from Keystone Lodge for conferring the degree as provided in Section 166, Grand Lodge By-Laws. Further correspondence ensued between these lodges as to the construction of section 166, which reads: .
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[Sept.
"When a lodge confers the degrees at the request of another lodge in this jurisdiction, the requesting. lodge shall pay to thB lodge conferring the degrees $5 for each degree conferred." Cosmos Lodge asks: 1. Is Section 166, Grand Lodge By-Laws, mandatory? 2. If yes, will you kindly so instruct Cosmos Lodge? ally.
Answer: I think Keystone Lodge reads section 166 too literSection 183 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws reads (1892): "When a lodge confers the degrees at the request of another lodge it does not thereby acquire jurisdiction and the fees belong to the requesting lodge unless it shall see fit to relinquish them."
Under this section unseemly disputes about the fees arose between lodges and section 166, was adopted to prevent such disputes. I do not think it ever was intended that a lodge conferring degrees at the request of another lodge might not do so as an act of courtesy. Section 166 requires the requesting lodge to pay the lodge conferring the degrees $5 for each degree conferred, but it does not require that the lodge conferring the degrees at the request of another shall accept the fees. Had all the lodges in the past shown the fraternal spirit manifested in this instance between these lodges, there would have been no need for section 166. Hence, I am of opinion that Cosmos Lodge may properly waive its right to receive the fee, and, having done so in a beautiful spirit of fraternity, Keystone Lodge should accept .the action of Cosmos Lodge and express its appreciation of the courtesy. 47.
Park Lodge No. 617 vs. Joseph H. Robinson. On June 26, 1916, the Junior Warden of Park Lodge No. 617 filed charges against Dr. Joseph H. Robinson, an Entered Apprentice of Park Lodge, specifying that in his petition he averred that he had never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation, when, as a matter of fact, he. had petitioned and been rejected in
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
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the following lodges in Kansas City: Gate City Lodge No. 522, December 16, 1911; Westport Lodge No. 340, December 10, 1912; Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446, April 9, 1914; South' Gate Lodge No. 547, May 20, 1915. '''And that in violation of his duty as a Mason he has practiced fraud and deceit upon this Lodge and upon the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri, by concealing said facts from said Lodges; that said fraud and deceit practiced aforesaid was a continuing one from and including the time of the presentation of these charges, and to the scandal and disgrace of the Masonic Fraternity. "That he purposely withheld from the Lodge and the Committee of Investigation the fact of his rejection as aforesaid, and that he has received his Entered Apprentice Degree through fraud and imposition." The accused entered a plea of not guilty. The cause was tried July 17, 1916, resulting in a finding of not guilty; the vote standing 13 guilty an.d 7 not guilty. An' appeal was duly taken by the Junior Warden to the 'Grand Lodge by the direction of R. W. Mathonet, D. D. G. M. On September 18, 1916, the day before the last regular communication of this Grand Lodge, the Worshipful Master and Junior Warden, by proxy, appeared before the Committee on Appeals and Grievances and dismissed the appeal pursuant to th'e provisions of Section 246 of the Book of Constitutions. Thereupon the Grand Lodge adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That the dismissal of the appeal in the case of Park Lodge No. 617 against Joseph H. Robinson, an Entered Apprentice, by ,the Worshipful Master and Junior Warden of said Lodge, be set aside and for naught held; that said case be reinstated before the Grand Lodge, and that the entire matter be referred to the incoming Grand Master, with directions to investigate all charges against the accused, as well as the action of said Park Lodge No. 617 in receiving the petition of the accused, in electing him to receive the degrees, and conferring on him the degree of Entered Apprentice; and to take such action as he may deem advisable (Proceedings 1916, p. 108). Pursuant to this resolution, I directed R. W. Brother R. J.
58
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Smith, D. D. G. M. of the Twenty-second District, to thoroughly investigate said matters, who called to his assistance seven Past Masters of Lodges in Kansas City. They began their investigations on December 13, 1916, and took the evidence of twenty-nine witnesses, including that of the accused. I received the transcript of the evidence on July 13, 1917. The material part of Dr. Robinson's petition for' initiation relevant to this inquiry is as follows: "He avers he has never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation (or, he has heretofore petitioned .... Lodge, No , located at , for initiation on or about the day of , and was rejected.) His age is 33 years; he was born 17 Dec., 1883, at Kansas City, Mo. His occupation is druggist and his residence is 3816 Michigan Ave. Business address 10th and Troost Ave. Dated May 8, 1916. Joseph Robinson. "We, the subscribers, cheerfully recommend the above applicant as a fit and proper person for the Mysteries of Masonry. George D. Keynon, N. O. Ferguson." It was presented to Park Lodge on May 8, 1916, and referred to a committee consisting of R. E. Fisher, F. E. Darling and E. J. King, who reported favorably June 12, 1916, at which time the petitioner was elected and initiated. It is conceded that Dr. Robinson had petitioned and had been rejected by the four lodges mentioned in the charge, his last rejection路 being in South Gate Lodge on May 20, 1915. He petitioned Park Lq,dge twelve days before the year expired.
Dr. Robinson was a practicing physician when he signed the petition, having his office in the National Reserve Bank Building. This petition is on the form prescribed by Section 116 of the Book of Constitutions, 1908, which recited that "he has never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation, etc." Many lodges, however, continued to use the old form of petition prescribed by Section 133 of the Book of Constitutions, 1892, which reads, "He has l!ot been rejected in any lodge within twelve months." Forty-two original petitions, nearly all of which were addressed to Park Lodge, are attached to the record in this appeal, thirty-two of these are on the obsolete form.
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Dr. Robinson had been divorced from his wife and was living with Bro. William A. Boswell, at 3816 Michigan, a member of South' Gate Lodge No. 547, who had known him intimately for fifteen years. He had taken Dr. Robinson's petition into South Gate Lodge and knew there was a member of that Lodge who would blackball him should he again petition it for the degrees. A short time before Dr. Robinson petitioned Park Lodge he asked Brother Boswell if his year had expired, saying he would like to try it again as soon as the year was up. Shortly thereafter Brother Boswell, while attending a meeting of South Gate Lodge, asked Brother Waters, Secretary of that Lodge, if Dr. Robinson's year was up, al!d Brother Waters told him the year had expired. Boswell got the blank petition from Brother Ferguson, a member of Park Lodge, to'ok it to Dr. Robinson's office, and told him to fill it out and sign it. Dr路. Robinson was very busy at the time and neither he nor Boswell read the petition. I quote from the evidence of Brother Boswell at page 98 et seq.: Q. How did it come that Dr. Robinson described himself as a druggist at TeT!th and Troost? A. He h'ad an option on this drug store at Tenth and Troost, and was going to buy it. He was staying at my house at this time I took it in, and he and his wife were having some trouble. I knew how she was. She was hotheaded, and I knew what kind of a: temper she had, and she asked me about it. I said I would put it in as a druggist, as he had an option on the store at the time.
On page 99:
Q.
You say he had an option on it? Yes, sir. If I am not mistaken, he had the papers to it. He was talking of buying this place for about six weeks; I thought he had bought it. Q. You say the Doctor at this time :was living at your house? A. Yes, sir. Q. 'What address? A. Thirty-eight sixteen Michigan. A.
Foot page 100: Q. He is not accustomed to using foul language? A. He has been around 1:ny house, and he is as nice a man as any man around the house.
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[Sept.
On page 103: Q. I will ask you whether or not Mrs. Robinson ever called you over th'e phone, or came to see you frequently, after Doctor Robinson petitioned Park Lodge for membership. A. Yes; she came out pretty nearly every other night at the station. Q. I will ask you whether or not at that time she attempted to discuss' with you a number of Masonic degrees. A. Yes, sir. Q. I will ask you whether or not she seemed to know what was going on in every lodge that Doctor Robinson applied in? A. One day we ~et down in the Doctor's office, or in your office, and there were four or five Masons there, and she came down to the station and told me everything that was said down there; she named over several Masons she was getting her information from. Q. Did she make the statement to you that he (Doctor Robinson) never should become a' Mason unless he took her back? A. That was what she said. She named over three Masons, and said whatever they said went. She said whenever he took her back and showed the world he was to end everything, whY,she would let him be a Mason. She said these men had the power.
On page 110: A. The Doctor stayed at my house about a month, and I told him if I was him I would put it in as a druggist, and put that address at Tenth' and Troost. Boswell delivered the petition to Ferguson, Treasurer of Park Lodge, with Dr. Robinson's check for $25, and told him that Dr. Robinson was going to buy that drug store. Boswell was a friend of Dr. Robinson and his wife, and afterwards was instrumental in bringing them together, and they have remarried since the appeal. At this time, however, it seems Boswell feared Mrs. Robinson would make trouble for Dr. Robinson, and the impression I get fr.om the evidence is that Boswell's motive in advising Dr. Robinson to describe his business as a druggist at Tenth and Trooot was to conceal the matter from Mrs. Robinson, who seemed to be
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keeping close watch on the Doctor's movements, and told Boswell that he, Dr. Robinson; should never be a Mason unless he took her back. Brother King, Secretary of Park Lodge, says that notices of Dr. Robinson's petition were sent to the other lodges. In making his investigations on Robinson's petition King inquired of Brothers Kenyon, Ferguson and Boswell, and went to Dr. Robinson's office in the National Reserve Bank Building two or three times to see what sort of people they were. He found Dr. Robinson to be a very busy man. He saw him at Kenyon's place of business. He knew Robinson's petition had been turned down in other lodges. Dr. Robinson told King about his option on the drug store and that he was going to be in there and that he was a druggist. Brother Darling, in making his investigation, inquired of Bro. Kenyon, who was a druggist, and knew quite a number of doctors. He had favorable reports from Kenyon and Boswell, both of whom he says "are high Masons and had known him for a long time, and I took their word for it. I knew he was a doctor. This was the extent of my investigation. I was right busy at the time, my wife was sick and I was taking her down every other night for treatments and was home about all the time and could not get away." I find from the evidence that before the committee reported on the petition of Dr. Robinson that they held a consultation with the Master. They learned that Dr. Robinson had an option on the drug store. and that he was a physician with his office in the National Reserve Dank Building, knew he had been rejected in other lodges, but were informed by Freemasons intimately acquainted with Dr. Robinson that he was a man of good character, and on this information they reported favorably on his petition. I further find that Dr. Robinson told Boswell he wanted 'to try again as soon as his year was up; that Boswell inquired of Waters, Secretary of South Gate Lodge, who told him that the year had expired. That thereupon he procured a blank petition from Ferguson, took it to Dr. Robinson, told him to fill it out and sign it and give his business as a druggist at Tenth and Troost, which he did, neither he nor Boswell reading it. The petition was presented to Park Lodge twelve days before the year expired, but I find no evidence that will warrant the conclusion that Dr. Robinson knew of this error or that he' intended to deceive or conceal the fact that he had been rejected in other lodges, or that he misdescribed his business or business addresg in his petition with any intention to deceive Park Lodge or anyone else as to his
62
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
identity. Dr. Robinson had the right to rely on the statement of Waters, Secretary of South Gate Lodge. Noy do I find any evidence that the Committee of Investigation or any member of the Lodge were deceived. My conclusion is that Boswell advised this to keep Mrs. Robinson off the Doctor's trail. The finding of Park Lodge that the accused was not guilty is therefore approved. The evidence took a wide range and includes reports touching Dr. Robinson's life and practice before his petition was presented to Park Lodge. This, however, was irrelevant to any offense embraced in the specifications, and, of course, may not be considered in disposing of the charges against the accused. This is the law governing trials in this Grand Lodge and accords with the rules of jurisprudence in all civilized nations. When Paul appealed from Agrippa to Caesar the King was embarrassed as to how to frame the indictment. He expressed his embarrassment when he said to Festus: "It seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not withal to signify the crimes against him." But this evidence is relevant to the action of Park Lodge in receiving the petition of the accused, in electing him to receive the degrees and conferring on him the degree of Entered Apprentice. Dr. A. M. Wilson, who was Dr. Robinson's teacher in medical school, .says his reputation is not good among doctors, but he likes him personally. John W. Cook once heard Dr. Robinson cursing and using obscene language on the street. It appears from the evidence that at this particular time Dr. Robinson was having an altercation on the street with his Ford car. There were altogether four witnesses who testified to Dr. Robinson's bad reputation, based on reports. Among these was Dr. Sutton, who says his reputation was not good before he came here, "but he has played the game straight here." Dr. Sheafe's testimony is very damaging. That in 1913 or 1914 he saw Dr. Robinson's advertisement on beer advertisements. Dr. Sheafe further testified that Dr. Robinson uses obscene language; that he wanted to be a Mason and wear a Shriner's pin. Claggett testified he went to Dr. Robinson's office, found many patients, was favorably impressed and acquired no information derogatory to Dr. Robinson's character. On the other hand, Dr. Leyser, who had officed with Sheafe in the National Reserve Bank Building for three and half years, testified Dr. Sheafe drinks whisky very freely, and . he, Dr. Sheafe, stole a formula from Dr. Robinson's office,
Dr. onethat and,
1917.]
Gra11,d Lodge of Missouri.
63
when taken to task for it by Dr. Robinson, he became very angry at him and has had it in for Dr. Robinson ever since. He further testified that Dr. Robinsons's reputation for truth and morality were the very best; that he is a high-class gentleman; that the Doctor has a large practice, and no doctor in the city has a better class of patients; that a few years ago a beer advertisement had the Doctor's name on it; that an agent for a brewery, learning that Dr. Robinson prescribed beer for his patients, used that as a means of advertising his beer. The therapeutic value of beer, however, is not involved in this inquiry. Seven other Freemasons, who had been much in Dr. Robinson's company, and some of whom had known him intimately for years, and employed him as their family physician, speak of him as a refined gentleman, of clean habits and speech. Raymond M. Havens, a member of Rural Lodge, and who has held all the chairs in the Scottish Rite, thinks he started all this investigation and trouble. He states that Mrs. Robinson called to see him after Dr. Robinson's initiation in Park Lodge, and, acting on her statements, he wrote a letter asking to have an investigation. This, he thinks, was the genesis of this imbroglio. He further states that after a fun and complete investigation he has found Dr. Robinson to be a high-class man, a man of excellent character and good reputation, and that he would not hesitate to recommend him for membership in any body of Masons. He sums it up by saying it is a tempest in a teapot. Section 103 of the Book of Constitutions, 1908, requires the Committee of Investigation to thoroughly inquire into the character and fitness of the applicant and make report in writing at the stated meeting at which the ballot is due. I have referred to the character and extent of the investigation made by the committee. It may be, and I believe, that the investigation was not as thorough as it should have been. They knew the applicant had been rejected in other lodges. Under these circumstances the committee should have sought information in those lodges. Rejection in four lodges is a very bad record. It looks bad to say the least. It was a loud call for thorough work on the part of the committee. But we have all known of good men being rejected. It should be remembered, however, that his last rejection was in South Gate Lodge, and Brother Boswell, a member of that lodge, would not have him re-petition it, because he knew one member thereof was hostile to him. I can readily
64
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
understand that the committee having knowledge of these circumstances may, in good faith, have concluded that such rejection was no impeachment of the applicant's character and fitness. I am presuaded that Brother King acted in good faith. Notwithstanding his favorable report, he was one of the thirteen who voted guilty at the trial, ,vhich he would not have done had he been a partisan of the accused. But conceding that the investigation by the committee was superficial, is there anything in the evidence tending to show that the membership had knowledge thereof or were derelict to their high duties to the Craft in thus electing Dr. Robinson and conferring on him the degree of E. A.? I think not. The fact that at the trial 13 out of 20 of the members of Park Lodge participating in the trial voted the accused guilty, to my mind argues strongly that Park Lodge was jealous of its reputation, and vindicates it against any charge of dereliction of duty in the premises. T~o of these 13 who voted guilty at the trial testified on the investigation held by R. Wor. Bro. Smith, that since the trial they have made further inquiry and are now of the opinion that Dr. Robinson is innocent of the charges made against him. After a careful examination of the evidence my conclusion is that Park Lodge stands acquitted of any dereliction of duty in the election of Dr. Robinson to receive the degrees and conferring on him the degree of E. A. NEW QUARTERS. Last June I was informed by the Grand Secretary that the Roe Building, in which the Grand Lodge offices had been located for a number of years, had been leased t.o a hotel company and that alterations were already being made. A~ it would be impossible to carryon the business of the Grand Lodge under such circumstances, I authorized the Committee on Lease of Offices to secure other quarters. This they did by leasing offices in the Board of Education Building, Ninth and Locust streets. The new location and the rooms are superior in every respect to those formerly occupied. The Board of Education built a fireproof vault, painted the floors and ceilings and arranged electric lights to suit the convenience of the Grand Lodge. The pasteboard boxes containing the returns of each of the 640 lodges in the state are filed in the new vault, b:ut are in a dilapidated condition from the use of many years and should be
1917. ]
65
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
replaced by metal boxes. The card index cabinet is entirely filled. Curtains, awnings and other furnishings are needed to make the appearance of the offices commensurate with the dignity of the Grand Lodge, and I recommend a liberal appropriation for this purpose. CONCLUSION. And now, Brethren, my stewardship is about to close. There路 are many things that I have not had time even to mention, one of these the reports of the District Deputy Grand Masters. To this noble band of co-workers, as well as to the District Lecturers, who have so loyally assisted me, I wish to express my sincere thanks. It would be invidious to mention the many Brethren to whom I am under obligation for counsel during the past year. I may, however, be pardoned in making special mention of our illustrious Grand Secretary, M. W. Brother John R. Parson, and to our most courteous and efficient Grand Lecturer, R. W. Brother J. R. McLachlan, whose kindly counsel and suggestions have been as a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. But more than all, to you, my Brethren, am I indebted for the most distinguished honor conferred in calling me to this exalted position of honor, trust and confidence. I have given much of my time to the consideration of the welfare of the Craft and of the many questions that demanded. solution, and now submit the record of my year's work. May the Merciful Father bless us, and keep us, and present us all faultless before His Throne. .Fraternally submitted, EDWARD HIGBEE, Grand Master.
66
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
REPORT OF MASONIC' HOME BOARD. R. W. Bro. S. E. Waggoner, President of Home Board, presented the report on Masonic Home of Missouri, which was received, adopted and ordered printed in the proceedings (see Appendix). M. W. Bro. James W. Boyd and W. Bro. S. E. Waggoner urged every member of the Grand Lodge to visit the IVlasonic Home this afternoon (cars being furnished for that purpose) and announced that all are invited to partake of luncheon to be served at the Home to the visitors.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS. M. W. Bro. Xenophon Ryland, Chairman, presented and read the following report on Grand l\1aster's address, which \vas adopted: To the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri: Brethren: Your committee to which was referred the address of the Grand Master for consideration and distribution of its subject-matter fraternally SUbmits the following: Appreciating a faith' that God directs our ways righteousness as we morally and materially pursue culture and civilization we have evidently overlooked a devil was loose upon the earth producing conditions souls of men.
in paths of the lines of the fact that that try the
We were not deluded, but faith led us to be hopeful that unholy conditions presented might be overcome and a righteous course preserve us from conflict. Scholastics taught that "N'ature abhors a vacuum", so the American ideals causing wars of our experience, as progression made history, precluded a submission to the doctrine that "Might made Right" and an unselfish faith in God-given existence for all of his creatures under conditions himself permitted, forced us from vacuity and we have entered the struggle, once again, for God and righteousness. As the Grand Master has well presented, the conflict is not alone the clash of arms by an array of hosts, but the duty devolves on individuals and organizations to make sacrifices and indicate interest, morally and materially. The
proposition
to
create
military
lodges
for
moral
effect
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of ll1issouri.
67
among the vast armed organizations is one that involves expediency and the sanction of a rule. We therefore recommend that so much of the address of the Grand Master treating of that subject be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence. We commend the Grand Master for placing in our annals a historical synopsis of the Centennial of Missouri Lodge No. l. The visitations of the Grand Master and his valuable comments concerning them are worthy of careful consideration and we commend perusal. So much of the address relating to the honored dead we recommend to the consideration of the Committee on Obituaries. That portion of the address concerning the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, with its recommendation for the levy of a per capita tax, should have careful scrutiny by the Committee on Ways and Means, and we recommend its reference to said committee. We approve the action of the Grand Master concerning the Bi-Centennial of the First Grand Lodge, and the arrangement of the special eommittee for the celebration by the constituent lodges, but the suggestion amending the law of the Grand Lodge we think should be submitted to the wisdom of the Committee on Jurisprudence, and we recommend that it be so referred. The suggestions of the Grand Master concerning lodge trials, involving a serious change of the entire system, should have the careful consideration of the Committee on Jurisprudence, and we recommend its reference for that purpose. Suspension from office of the Worshipful Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., and the facts concerning same, as reported by the Grand Master, should have the attention of a special committee of five, suggesting that it be named from the constituency outside of the City of St. Louis to remove it from possible prejUdice, and we so recommend. Arrest of charter of Rochester Lodge No. 248, A. F. & A. M., and the report of the Grand Master stating the facts which led to his action, we think should have the consideration of a special commitee of five, and we so recommend, suggesting that appeals are pending before the Committee on Appeals and Grievance in the individual cases,' but that committee will hardly consider the action of arrest. Special dispensations for laying corner-stones, election of officers, removal of lodge from one place to another, and for miscellaneous matters, all being within the provisions of law, merit approval, and we so recommend. We likewise recommend approval of those cases of re-ballot on petitions as reported by the Grand Master, the law giving him discretion on the facts as presented, and sufficiently protecting the membership. Dispensations, issued and pending, for the formation of new lodges, are within the province of the Committee on Lodges U. D.,
68 -and we reeommend committee.
Proceedings of the reference
of
each
for
[Sept. consideration of
that
Border legislation and conference relative to the same; requests to shorten the lawful time limit on petitions and confcrring degrees and decisions numbered from 1 to 47 should have the consideration of the Committee on Jurisprudence and a reference of those portions of the address treating of the subject-matters named to said Committee is recommended. We recommend that the whole subjectmatter of the case of Park Lodge against J. H. Robinson be referred to Committee of Appeals and Grievance. That portion of the address termed by the Grand Master "New Quarters", having reference to the offices of the Grand Secretary, removal, etc., is properly within the province of the Committee on Ways and Means, and we recommend its consideration by that committee. The Grand Master has been devoted and faithful. His duties have been exacting and problems submitted often perplexing, but his capabilities have enabled him to handle the affairs of the craft successfully while conserving its dignity. We thin~ his administration merits approbation of the craft and we so commend it in the record. Fraternally submitted, XENOPHON RYLAND, ALEX~<\J.'lDER M. DOCKERY, CHARLES C. WOODS, ROBERT F. STEVENSON, JAMES W. BOYD, JOHN R. PARSON, ARTHUR M. HOUGH, DORSEY A. JAMISON, CORONA H. BRIGGS, WM. i..~. KUHN, A. S. HOUSTON, D. M. WILSON, JOHN T. SHORT, R. R. KREEGER, WM. A. HALL, CLAY C. BIGGER, ARCH A. JOHNSON, JACOB LAMPERT, V AN FREMONT BOOR, TOLMAN W. COTTON, FRANK R. JESSE.
1917.]
Grand Lqdge of lVlisSOU1'i.
.69
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS. l\1. W. Bro. A. l\1. Hough moved that the consideration of proposed new by-laws and amendments be made the special order of business tomorrow, \iVednesday, morning, immediately after the election of Grand Lodge Officers. Adopted.
CALLED FROM LABOR. At 1:25 P. 1\1. the Grand Lodge was CALLED FROl\1 LABOR until 2 :20 P. 1\1. FIRST DAY-AFTERNOON SESSION. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO ORDER at 2 :20 P. M. by the Most \iVorshipful Grand 1\IIaster, Edward Higbee. The Grand Officers in their respective stations.
REPORT OF HOME BOARD IN MATTER OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BOARD AND CLEARMONT LODGE NO. 507. M. W. Wm. F. Kuhn made report and submitted accompanying papers concerning the differences between the Masonic Home Board and Clearmont Lodge No. 507, which, on motion duly seconded and carried, was referred to a special committee of five. The following committee was路 appointed by the Grand Master: H. N. Martin, G. W. Walker, W. P. Summers, R. L. 1\/fcHenry and H. H. Finley.
70
Proceedings .of the
[Sept.
REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY. :LVI. W. Bro. John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, presented the follO\~,ing report showing the remarkable record that for the twelfth consecutive time he had secured returns and dues of every lodge in this jurisdiction. '1.'0 thc GI'and Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Missouri: According to the Grand Lodge law, the following report of official work in the office of Grand Secretary' is presented for your consideration, covering the period between September 7, 1916, and September 10, 1!l17: NEW LODGEf-:.!. Eight new lodges: !:~artered at the last session of the Grand Lodge, were set at work according to law, and are named and located as follows: Chartered September 21, 1916. Pomegranate Lodge No. 95, at St. Louis, Thirty-third District. Pyramid Lodge No. 180, at St. Louis, Thirty-third District. Peculiar Lodge No. 530, at Peculiar, Cass County, Thirty-fourth District. Jennings Lodge No. 640, at Jennings, St. Louis County, Fiftyseventh District. Trinity Lodge No. 641, at St. Louis, Thirty-third District. Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 642, at St. Louis, Thirty-third District. Northeast Lodge No. 643, at Kansas City, Jackson County, Twenty-second District. Grain Valley Lodge No. 644, at Grain Valley, Jackson County, Fifty-ninth District. LODGES CONSOLIDATED. Five lodges, consolidated with other lodges, returned their charters for file in this office as shown below: No. 320, Many Springs Lodge, consolidated with Alton Lodge No. 255, September 8, 1917. No. 499, Paynesville Lodge, consolidated with Clarksville IJodge No. 17, May 5, 1917.' No. 505, Avalon Lodge, consolidated with Wheeling Lodge No . .434, March 8. 1917. No. 544. Mexico Lodge, consolidated with Hebron Lodge No. 354, December 25, 1916. No. 609. Victory Lodge, consolidated with Mt. Zion Lodge No. 327, April 16, 1917. LODGE ARRESTED. The charter of Rochester Lod~e No. 248 at Helena was arrested for cause, by the Grand Master, July 12, 1917, and the books. charter and cash in the treasury, amounting to $102.35, have been received by the Grand Secretary.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
71
PROCEEDINGS DISTRIBUTED. The Proceedings of 1916 were printed and distributed forty days after the session. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. By order of M. W. Bro. Edward Higbee, Grand Master, commissions were sent to the fifty-nine District Deputy Grand Masters by him appointed. COMMISSIONS TO GRAND REPRESENTATIVES. Grand Master Higbee Grand Representatives of Lodges: Canada Mississippi New Jersey New york Texas
appointed the Missouri near
following Brethren as their respective Grand
Rt. W. Bro. Donald Sutherland, Princeton Rt. W. Bro. John Foggo Dixon, Natchez Rt. W. Bro. Charles C. Scott, Paterson Rt. VV. Bro. E. Walter Moses, Dalton Rt. W. Bro. Dan S. :McMillin, Whitewright DUPLICATE CHARTERS.
By order of Grand Master Higbee, duplicate charters were sent to the following lodges: Holt Lodge No. 49; fire, November 7, 1916. Amsterdam Lodge No. 141; fire, February 3, 1917. Earl Lodge No. 285; charter destroyed; duplicate March 14, 1917. Pilot Knob Lodge No. 182; fire, March 16, 1917. Jonesburg Lodge No. 457; damaged by water; duplicate May 25, 1917. Bunker Lodge No. 275; fire, July 28, 1917. LODGES UNDlDR DISPENSATION. Grand Master Higbee granted dispensations for five new lodges, as follows: December 28, 1916, Morgan Lodge, Versailles, 25 petitioners, Fifty-eighth District. January 29, 1917, Harmony Lodge, St. Louis, 28 petitioners, Thirty-third District. March 29, 1917, Algabil Lodge, St. Louis, 38 petitioners, Thirtythird District. May 17, 1917, Euclid Lodge, St. Louis, 39 petitioners, Thirtythird District. May 26, 1917, Warrenton Lodge, ,Varrenton, 22 petitioners, Thirtieth District. (The dispensation of Clarkton Lodge U. D. [1916] was continued one year from the 1916 session of the Grand Lodge.) LIBRARY EDITION OF THE MASONIC MANUAL. Complying with the order of the Grand Lodge, "a library edition of Masonic Manual to be sold at $1.00 each" was published in December, which has been well received by the Fraternity. REMOVAL OF GRAND LODGE OFFICE& In June, your Grand Secretary was very unexpectedly notified that the Roe Building, where the offices of the Grand Lodge had been located for many years, would be altered into a hotel building. Our lease had a year to run, but as it would be impossible to transact business with the work of alteration going on, we were obliged to look for other quarters. vVe were very fortul1ate in finding rooms in the Board of Education Building, Ninth and Locust streets, at the same rate per square foot as we had been paying in the Roe Building, and, with the approval of the Grand Mas-
72
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
tel' of the Grand Lodge and the Committee on Lease of Offices, we took a five years' lease with the privilege of five years' extension of same. In consideration of our giving possession of our old quarters before the expiration Cif our lease, the 'agent of the Roe Building agreed to donate the .June rental and pay the moving expenses, which he did, at a cost of over $400. The new offices arc larger and better than those heretofore occupied, the location more desirable in every respect, and we are well pleased with the change. AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION. Votes on the proposed Amendment to Art. V. Sec. 1 of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, as shown on pages 107 and 187 of the 1916 Proceedings, have been received from twenty-nine lodges, as follows: Lodge. . Number. Missouri 1 Meridian 2 Geo. Washington 9 St. Marks ~ . . . . . . . . . . . .. 93 Pomegranate !l5 Seaman 126 Green City lfi9 Occidental 163 Gray Summit 173 Pride of the 'Vest. 179 Clay 207 Good Hope 218 Albert Pike 219 Kansas City 220 Keystone 243 Neosho 247 Hope 251 Lodge of Light 257 Aurora 267 Tuscan 360 Charleston 407 Cache 416 Itaska 420 Anchor 443 West Gate 445 Lambskin .: 460 Rose Hill 550 Maplewood 566 Olive Branch 576
Ayes.
Noes. 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 ]
1 1
21 Recapitulation. In favor of Amendment Against Amendment
21 8
BLANKS FOn. ANNtJAL RETURNS. Two copies were mailed June 1st to each lodge, together with circular giving full information as to time and manner of making returns; and, on July 10th, a sealed circular was sent to all nonreporting lodges calling attention to the law governing making of returns and payment of per capita tax. Notwithstanding these full and explicit directions, there were twenty-five delinquents on Al)gust 1st. All of these delinquents have now reported and paid Grand Lodge dues.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of 11lissouri.
LODGES REPORTING TOO LATE TO
73
BE INCLUDED.
tPilot Knob Lodge No. 182, Richville, Douglas County, Fortysixth District. *Mt. Ararat Lodge No. 382, Topaz, Douglas County, Forty-sixth District. tReported Sept. 14th, too late to be included in financial statement or membership tabulation. "'Reported September 11th, too late to be included in financial statement or membership tabulation. LODGE RETURNS. Returns from 637 of the 639 lodges generally show an increase numerically as well as financially with a net gain of 3,291, an increase of 404 over last year. There are two non-reporting lodges which have not complied with the Grand Lodge law as to making returns and paying Grand Lodge dues. There is, however, a marked improvement in the reports this yea)', the secretaries generally beginning their recapitulation with the correct "number of members reported last year"; this is the basis of a good report and gladdens the heart of your Grand Secretary. STATISTICAL. Number of chartered lodges in the jurisdiction................ 639 Number of lodges making returns............................. 637 Number of members in lodges making returns 69,753 Number of members (1916) in two non-reporting lodges...... 60 N'umber of lodges U. D....................................... 6 Number of members in lodges U. D"......................... 295 Number of members in Rochester Lodge No. 248 (1916) arrested 36 Total number of Master Masons 70,144 Net gain in membership for the year 3,291 BLANKS FOR REPORTS OF DISTRIC'r DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. Blanks for these reports were sent July 1st, with a letter stating the blank was merely a guide and they were not necessarily confined to the form. SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS. Laying Corner-Stones. H.. B. Campbell, D. D. G. M., Thirty-fifth District-Lay corner-
stone of Baptist Church at Butler, September 26, 1916. S. B. Vickers, D. D. G. M., Forty-third District-Lay cornerstone of Carnegie Library at Nevada, September 25th. F. R. Jesse, P. G. M.-Lay corner-stone of Independent Evangelical Protestant Church, St. Louis, October 14, 1916. C. H. Briggs, P. G. M.-Lay corner-stone of Christian Church at Fayette, October 19th. R. L. Fulks, W. M. of California Lodge No. I83-Lay cornerstone of Christian Church at California, May 30, 1917. R. A. May, D. D. G. M., Sixteenth District-Lay corner-stone of new courthouse at Bowling Green, September 13th. W. N. Marbut, D. D. G. M., Fifty-fifth District-Lay cornerstone of new Methodist Church at Monett.
74
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Stoutsville Lodge No. 592, November 25, 1916. Hebron Lodge No. 354, January 5, 1917. East Prairie Lodge No. 384, December 18, 1916. Carl Junction Lodge No. 549, December 27, 1916. Portland Lodge No. 242, January 20, 1917. Philadelphia Lodge No. 502, January 11, 1917. Steele Lodge No. 634, June 15; 1917. Lodge qf Light No. 257, June 7. Marion Lodge No. 616, June 26. Moundville Lodge No. 628, June 30. Bosworth Lodge No. 597, July 24. Dexter Lodge No. 532, August 20. REMOVAL. St. Francisville Lodge No. 588, from St. Francisville to Wayland. MISCELLANEOUS. St. Louis Lodge No. 20-Permission to occupy Moolah Temple for purpose of annual installation of officers, December 27. Beacon Lodge No.3-Permission to occupy Moolah Temple for public installation of officers, January 3, 1917. Advance Lodge No. 590-Special meeting and public installation of officers, January 9th. Pomegranate Lodge No. 95-'1'0 hold special meeting in hall of Magnolia Lodge, February 20. Steele Lodge No. 634, to meet temporarily in hall at Hayti until another hall can be procured. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40-'1'0 appear in public with regalia at a flag-raising at Mt. Moriah Temple, May 26th. Mizpah Lodge No. 639-'1'0 appear in public with regalia at flag-raising Mt. Moriah '.remple, May 26th. II. A. Stearns, D. D. G. M., Fifty-third District-To install officers of several lodgeS in a park at Thayer, June 23rd. F. K. Eberlein, D. D. G. M., Forty-fourth District-To hold picnic on June 27th to observe bi-centennial. R. A. Breuer, D. D. G. M., Thirty-second District-To permit Easter Lodge No. 575 to meet in K. P. hall (temporarily) at St. Clair. R. A. Breuer, D. D. G. M., Thirty-second District-To permit Owensville Lodge No. 624 to remove to another hall and inspect and dedicate same. Beacon Lodge No.3, to hold special meeting on second floor of Mt. Moriah Temple, August 31, September 3 and September 7, for purpose of work. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40, to meet on second floor of Mt. Moriah Temple September 1st and until repairs are completed on third floor. Mizpah Lodge No. 639, to hold meeting on second floor of Mt. Moriah Temple, September 4th, until repairs are completed. Otis H. Storey, ''iT. M. of Senath Lodge No. 513-Permission to remove to another hall. REBALLOTS. Beacon Lodge No.3 (4). Triangle Lodge No. 638. Versailles Lodge No. 117. Tuscan Lodge No. 360. Craft Lodge No. 287. Bridgeton Lodge No. 80. Jefferson Lodge No. 43. Benj. Franklin Lodge No. '642. Barnesville Lodge No. 353. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40 (2). California Lodge No. 183. Western Star Lodge No. 15.
Jennings Lodge No. 640. Advance Lodge No. 590. Lincoln Lodge No. 138. Northeast Lodge No. 643. Wellston Lodge No. 613. Centertown Lodge No. 611. Four Mile Lodge No. 212. Magnolia Lodge No. 626. Crescent Hill Lodge No. 368. Western Light Lodge No. 396. Heroine Lodge No. 104. Frankford Lodge No. 192.
1917.]
75
Grand Lodge of Missouri. COUR'l'ESIES RECEIVED AND GRANTBD.
We have received requests from twenty-nine lodges of other Grand Jurisdictions to confer degrees for thcm, and we have made forty-four requests to other Grand Jurisdictions to confer degrees tor lodges in Missouri. These requests have been regularly approved by the Grand Masters of the several Grand Jurisdictions. TRANSPORTA'l'ION AND HOTELS. The committee reports that no reduction can be secured in the usual railroad fare, which is 2 cents per mile each way. Circulars, giving hotel rates, etc., were mailed to the lodges August 25th and copies of same may be found in the Grand Lodge. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. All petitions sent to this office have been delivered Chairman of the Commitee, Rt. W. Bro. Karl M. Vetsburg.
to
the
GRAND LODGE PROPERTY. Meramec No. 95. September 6, 1917, your Grand Secretary received from Brothers J. M. Horn and Herman E. Dreyer, Trustees of Meramec Lodge No. 95 (defunct), formerly located at Eureka, Mo., warranty deed to the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons, for lot in the Town of Eureka, described as follows: 50 ft. by 142 ft. in block 12 of the Town of Eureka; bounded as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of block 12 and running north on the east line of Central avenue 50 feet, thence east 142 feet to a sixteen-foot alley, thence south 50 fcet to Second street, thence west on the north line of Sccond street 142 feet, to the beginning; and the deed was recorded at Clayton, Mo., October 4, '1916, at 9:30 a. m., in book 393, page 237. This deed is now on file in the Grand Secretary's office. Also some cash has been received from the above named lodg-e, which will be found listed in cash receipts. The books and charter of this defunct lodge, whose charter was arrested at the last session of the Grand Lodge for cause, are now on file in this office. Ritchey No. 530. Ritchey Lodge No. 530 (defunct), arrested in 1916, too late to be included in the report, has sent in books, charter and $10 derived from sale of their furniture, which appears in cash receipts. Des Moines Lodgc No. 180. Des Moines Lodge No. 180 (defunct), whose charter was arrested at the last session of thc Grand Lodge, has sent in books, charter and $43.68 derived from sale of furniture, which appears in cash receipts. MASONIC HOME. Donation of $6,000 to the Masonic Home was paid by warrant No. 22 issued September 22, 1916; also $175.53 to cover five-sevenths of back dues collected up to June 30, 1917, by warrants Nos. 43 and 138, aggregating $6,175.53. In addition to this amount I have also collected and turned over to the Masonic Home since September 7, 1916, $50 from Aux Vasse Lodge No. 357 on account of Hospital Fund, and $7,629.31 paid by various lodges in closing up the Masonic Home Improvement Fund, together with $1.90 interest, totaling $7.6'81.21. The per capita tax for 1917 to and including September 10th,
76
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
together with arrears received since July 1, 1917, amounts to $122,250.35, five-sevenths of which-$87,321.68-has been turned over, at weekly inter"als, to the Masonic Home. Recapitulation. Donation $ Five-sevenths of back dues to June 30, 1917................
6,000.00 175.53
$
6,175.53 50.00 7,629.31 1.90
From Aux Vasse Lodge No. 357 on Hospital account From Ma1';onic Home Improvement Fund From Interest
. . .
Five-sevenths of per capita tax, 1917 to Sept. lOth......
$ 13,856.74 87,321.68
Grand total paid to the Home since Sept. 7, 1916 .... $101,178.42 GRAND LODGE FINANCES. Receipts. Cash balance, September 7, 1916 . Back dues, 1916, collected $ 245.75 From defunct lodges for certificates........... 76.00 From Meramec Lodge No. 95 (defunct)........ 206.64 From Merarnec Lodge No. 95 (defunct) sale of furniture , . 10.00 From Mer'amec Lodge No. 95 (defunct) certificate of deposit $1,000 at 4 per cent. . 1,040.00 . From Ritchey Lodge No. 530 (defunct) sale of furniture . 10.00 From Des Moines Lodge No. 180 (defunct) . 43.68 From Rochester Lodge No. 248 (arrested), cash in treasury . 102.35 From Masonic Manuals (pocket) . 1,630.50 From Masonic Manuals (library) . 147.00 From dues receipts . 406.00 From books, Constitutions . 49.50 From dispensation fees, lodges U. D. (5) . 150.00 From charter fees (5) . 100.00 From refund on pay roll, John T. Short. . 3.00 From refund Southwestern Tel. Co . 30.25 From sale 1916 Proceedings . 10.00 From St. Louis Board of Relief, 1 grave Bellefon taine Cemetery . 10.00 Interest, daily balances Sept. 1, 1916, to Aug. 31, 1917 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420.23 Grand Lodge 1917
dues,
1917,
up to
and
inclUding Sept.
10,
Total receipts from Sept. 7, 1916, to Sept. 10, 1917 Disbursements. Pay roll 1916, warrant No.1 $9,570.50 Balance due on 1916 pay roiL................. 56.01 Masonic Home of Missouri, five-se'lenths of back dues, 1916............................. 175.53 Masonic Home of Missouri, donation to 6,000.00 Masonic Home of Missouri, five-sevenths of 1917 per capita tax , 87,321.68 Expenses of Grand Master , 1,000.00 Expense of Grand Master to P. G. M. Wells funeral ..... .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 10.00
$ 38,371.66
4,690.90 43,062.56 122,250.35 $165,312.91
1917.]
77
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Expense of Grand Master to Washington Mas. l\1emorial . Salary of Grand Secretary . Salary of Grand Lecturer . Expenses of Grand Lecturer . Salary of Grand Treasurer . Rent of Grand Lodge offices (11 months) . Salary assistant to Grand Secretary . Salary assistant to Grand Secretary . Printing, postage, stationery and incidentals . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Committee on Chartered Lodges . Committee on Pay Roll . Southwestern Telephone Co . Kinloch Telephone Co . Rev. C. C. Woods, Fraternal Correspondent. . Fire insurance on Grand Lodge office furnishings . Mendle Printing Co.-Printing Proceedings, supplemen t, Wells Memorial, etc . Charity, according to report of Committee on Charity . Polar Wave, ice . City tax on Grand Lodge furnishings . St. Louis Union Trust Co., premium bond Grand Secretary . American Surety Co., premium on bond Grand Treasurer ~ . National Laundry Co. (aprons) . Becktold Pub. Co., binding Manuals . Expenses 1916 session of Grand Lodge . P. G. M.'s jewel-F. R. Jesse " . Painting portrait P. G. M. Jesse . H. A. Krueger, Grand Tiler . "V. 1. Mills, stenographer Appeals and Grievances Committee . James A. Boone, Special Deputy . Grand Officers' expenses to funerals of P. G. M.s Williams and Wells . Floral emblem (funeral) . Donation to Geo. Wash. National Mas. Memorial Ass'n . Printing pocket Manuals . Garrison-Wagner, printing Bi-Centenary pamphlet ' . Samuel F. Myerson. printing Library Manual .. Wm. K. Spinney, Auditor 1916 . Steiner Engraving Co.. aprons ............•.... Mendle Printing Co., large blank-returns . Rob't R. Wade, Kansas City, transcript in case of Park Lodge No. 617 " . Cowgill Lodge No: 561, refund on illegally elected member . Lee M. Edgar, reporting 1916 Proceedings and transcript . Kennard Carpet Co., cleaning rugs . Herkert & Meisel, office case . Expense J. R. McLachlan, convention on Border Legislation, by order of Grand Master .
50.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 682.07 200.00 1,150.00 1,200.00 840.00. 650.00 589.05 25.00 100.00 61.50 97.55 400.00 8.05 1,902.90
Cash balance on hand September 10, 1917
350.00 19.25 9.40 75.00 62.50 8.65 715.90 375.90 100.00 50.00 150.00 29.00 4.55 82.94 20.25 500.00 280.00 66.50 293.00 50.00 40.00 182.75 42.10 12.50 60.00 26.60 3.50 35.00
121,235.13
.
$ 44,077.78
MASONIC HOSI)ITAL FUND. A Bmall balance remains unpaid on the Masonic Hospital Fund. The account stands as follows: Grand total, Sept. 10, 1917
Subscribed. $102,975.32
Paid. $102,722.82
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
78
MASONIC HOME IMPROVEMENT FUND. In accordance with the action of the Grand Lodge at 1912 session, blanks were sent out calling attention to the special per capita tax for the benefit of the Masonic Home Improvement Fund, to which a gratifying response has been received. The sum of $109,871.89 has been contributed to this fund by our chartered Lodges, together with $7,311.00 from miscellaneous sources and $12.63 interest, making a grand total of $124,824.83 up to September 10, 1917, as shown below: No. 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 1,6 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Lodge. Missouri $ Meridian . Beacon . Howard . United . Ark .. . . O'Sullivan . 'Villiamsburg . Geo. Washington . Agency . Pauldingville . Tyro . . Rising Sun .. . . Cyrene . Western Star . Memphis . Clarksville . Palmyra . Paris Union . . . . . . St. Louis . Havana . 'Wellington . Florida . Wyaconda . Naphtall . . Ava . Evergreen . St. John . Windsor . Huntsville . Liberty . Humphreys . Ralls ., . Troy . Mercer . . Cooper . Hemple . Callao . DeWitt . Mt. Moriah . Bismarck . Middle Grove . Jefferson ., .
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7,1916. 1,570.00 510.00 1,115.50 90.50 847.00 260.00 123.00 14.50 1,432.00 126.00 69.00 128.00 192.00 77.00 143.50 293.50 97.00 202.00 183.00 696.00 42.50 73.00 57.00 113.00 408.00 50.00 66.50 425.00 144.00 299.00 323.50 90.50 185.00 186.50 308.00 276.00 75.50 90.00 110.00 1,796.00 167.50 74.50 279.50
$ ........
163.50 37.00
23.50
25.00 6.50
33.50 13.50 24.50
100.50 20.00
13.50
30.00
Balance Due. $ ...... "
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917. ] No. 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95
Lodge. Fair Play ..............• Bonhomme . Wentzville ..•.......... Fayette . Fulton . Holt .. Xenia . Livingston . Wakanda . Weston . Index . Arrow Rock . Tipton . Richmond . Monticello . Centralia . New Bloomfield .. , . Waverly . Vincil ...........•...... Cambridge ..•.........• Monroe . Pattonsburg . Grant City . Rocheport . Kennett . Sullivan . Armstrong . Savannah . Gorin . Eureka .. Warren . Silex . Independence . Lebanon .. St. Joseph ......•....... Polar Star . Bridgeton . Central . Jackson . Laclede . Webster Groves . Miami •................. Brookfield . Washington . Defiance . Friendship ..•.......... Russellville . Madison . Perseverance . St. Marks ..•........... Vienna ......•.......... Meramec .
79
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 80.50 100.50 72.00 194.50 204.50 52.50 140.00 69.50 341.00 176.00 97.50 66.50 81.50 200.00 54.50 166.00 123.50 90.00 107.50 266.50 26.50 129.00 144.00 65.50 229.50 197.00 28.50 260.00 96.00 138.00 78.00 77.50 481.00 203.50 564.00 905.00 137.00 59.50 111.50 186.50 440.00 85.50 292.00 163.50 71.00 270.00 114.00 141.50 267.00 322.00 73.50 111.15
Balance Due.
21.50 78.00 54.50
87.50 46.00 109.00 31.50
55.00
21.50 1.00 87.50
71.00
77.00
20.00 61.50
59.00 73.50
89.00 25.00
80 No. 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
Lodge. St. Andrews . Bethany . 'Vebster . Mt. Vernon . Ash Grove . Bogard . Bloomington . West View . Heroine . Kirksville . Gallatin . Greenville . Pineville . Stanberry . Marcus . Trenton . Maitland . Plattsburg .. , . Twilight . Laddonia . Barnes . Versailles . Kingston . De So to . Compass . Erwin . Triplett . Hermann . Union Star . Gentryville . Seaman . Athens .•............... Lorraine . l\1:onett . Hume . Potosi . Farmington '.' Star of the West . Olean . Braymer . Phoenix . Delphian . Lincoln . Oregon . Papinville . Amsterdam . Pleasant Grove . Irondale . Modern . Latimer . McGee . Cass .
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 102.50 116.00 106.00 115.00 143.50 121.85 45.00 61.50 610.50 540.00 208.00 135.00 57.00 277.00 169.00 482.00 36.50 i44.00 335.25 18.00 154.00 140.00 221.50 341.50 129.50 874.50 92.00 98.50 70.50 58.00 234.00 234.00 26.50 479.50 46.00 111.00 168.00 116.00 104.00 169.25 201.50 119.00 60.25 115.00 87.50 34.50 128.00 99.00 152.00 190.00 108.50 245.50
Balance Due.
60,00 33.00 82.50 41.50 27.15 50.00 60.50
73.50 89.50
118.00
24.00 20.50
76.00 20.50 15.00 61.00
19.75
.50
No. 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 \ 168 169 170
171 172 173
174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199
81
Grand Lodge of iVf issouri.
1917. ] Lodge.
Purdy . Lexington ..•........... Birming . Milton . Linn Creek . Bloomfield . Ionic . Springhill ..•••......... Ashland . North Star . Mountain Grove . Green City . Pleasant ...........•.... Clifton Hill .......•..... Whi tesville . Occidental . Joachim . Maryville . Portageville . Revere . Colony . Camden Point . Benevolence . Hartford . Censer ........•........ Gray Summit . Sturgeon . Newton .....•.......... Point Pleasant . Texas . Griswold . Pride of the West . Des Moines . Novelty . Pilot Knob . California . Morley . Chamois . Morality . Hermon ..............•. Hannibal . Zeredatha . Putnam . Wilson . Frankford . Angerona . Wellsville . Bolivar . Quitman . Carthage . Allensville . New Hope .
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 97.50
Balance Due.
35.00
294.~0
77.50 27.50 65.00 96.00 78.50 57.00 124.50 64.50 220.50 158.50 110.50 67.50 68.00 730.00 142.00 218.50 152.00 61.00 14.00 84.50 69.00 100.00 261.00 82.50 178.00 15.75 79.00 256.00 48.50 518.00 24.00 33.00 81.50 222.00 113.00 70.00 83.50 82.00 ·538.00 564.00 171.00 78.00 52.50 47.50 145.00 202.00 65.50 378.50 47.50 123.00
20.00 28.00 68.00 112.50 19.50 38.50
33.50
11.00
21.50
65.00
45.00 28.00
61.50 25.75 11.00 15.00
31.00
86.00
21.50
48.50
No. 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240
241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
82
Lodge. Sonora . Ravenwood . Westville . Brumley . Rowley . Trilumina . Somerset . Clay . Salisbury . Poplar Bluff . Unionville . Hickory Hill . Four Mile . Rolla . Forest City . Hornersville . Hale City . Barbee . Good Hope . Albert Pike . Kansas City . Mystic Tie . La Belle . Woodlawn . Hamilton . Salem . Salin.e . Cypress . Shelbina . Claflin . St. James . Cardwell ..............• Polo . Bucklin . St. Francois . Weatherby . Sedalia . La Plata . Rushville . Hopewell . Manes . Palestine . Portland . Keystone . Middle Fabius . Knob Noster ,. Montgomery City . Neosho . Rochester . Carroll . Glensted . Hope .
Paid Paid Since 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 13.50 111.50 94.00 42.00 86.00 387.00 130.00 293.00 186.50 346.00 282.50 65.50 178.50 360.00 96.00 90.00 172.00 113.00 553.50 305.25 1,239.00 87.00 225.00 36.00 222.00 234.00 133.50 76.50 216.00 16.50 126.00 106.00 60.00 34.50 33.00 75.00 301.50 147.00 88.50 81.50 34.00 190.00 75.00 878.00 157.00 40.00 165.50 269.50 62.00 116.00 71.00 54.00
Balance Due.
39.00 13.00 42.00 109.50
23.00
10.75
28.00 114.00
68.00 50.00 35.50 114.00 156.50 25.50 21.50
40.50 5.00
3.00 55.00
69.50
No. 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275· 275 276
277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300
83
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917.] Lodge.
Alanthus . Laredo . Butler . Alton . Shekinah . Lodge of Light. , . Ravanna . Lodge of Love . Mechanicsville . Florence . Holden ...............•• Summit . Kirbyville ......•......• Corinthian ..•.......... Social . Aurora ..•.............. Lodge of Truth . Rock Prairie . New Salem . Solomon ' . Granite . St. Clair . Cold Spring ..•......... Tranquillity . Bunker . Grand River . Wm. D. Muir . Essex .................• Hogle's Creek . Reeds Spring . Fenton ...........•..... Cosmos . Stockton .......••••.... Canopy •.......•.•....•. Earl .......••.......••.. Urich . Craft ........•.....•.... Hermitage . Graham •....•.......... Fairmount . Edina . Lamar ....••........... Sarcoxie •••............ Mound City . Moniteau . Sparta . Ozark . Sampson ...•........... Temple . Doric " *Defunct, 1915.
Paid Paid Since 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 85.50 184.00 257.00 60.50 166.00 67.50 128.00 185.50 71.00 23.50 156.50 196.00 62.00 351.50 122.50 527.00 110.50 42.00 133.50 654.50 342.00 133.00 119.50 57.00 18.00 175.50 84.50 80.00 212.50 101.00 119.50 622.50 40.50 219.00 92.00 85.00 165.00 70.09 75.50 100.00 126.00 125.50 160.50 179.50 109.00 52.00 52.50 101.50 2,262.00 68.50
Balance Due.
24.00
21.50
64.00
22.50
36.00 30.00
30.50
36.50 75.00
43.00 31.50 30.50
61.00 39.41
43.00
44.00
22.50
84 No. 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310
311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336
337 338 339 340
341 342
343 344 345
346 347 348 349 350
351 352
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
Lodge. White Hall . Lick Creek . Osage . Signal . Clarence ..•............ Ashlar . New London . Parrott . King Hiram . Sikeston . Kearney . Cuba . Kingsville . Pine ,. Jerusalem . Rural . Osborn . Eldorado . Paulville . Many Springs . Jonathan . Hardin . Corner Stone . McDonald . Dockery . Linn . Mt. Zion . Cainsville . Kennedy . Bertrand .......•....... Charity . Excello . Chillicothe . Breckenridge . Joplin . Hallsville . Blue Springs . Myrtle . Fidelity . Westport . Rockville . Circle . Agricola •............... Moberly . Fellowship . Arlington . Spring Creek . Wadesburg . Pollock . Tyrian . Mosaic . Friend .
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 1,1916. 79.00 180.00 284.00 62.50 193.00 123.00 99.50 196.50 48.50 181.00 122.00 161.50 97.50 78.50 108.00 1,176.00 67.00 8.50 3.00 45.50 63.50 71.00 1,094.00 329.50 125.00 164.50 299.50 98.00 99.50 68.00 786.00 73.50 257.00 158.50 480.00 91.50 103.00 50.00 59.50 860.00 101.00 41.50 106.50 761.50 674.50 76.00 101.00 69.00 83.00 99.00 16.00 144.50
Balance Due.
26.00 99.50 24.00
32.00 43.50 48.00 13.00 33.00
23.50 83.50 100.50 15.50 63.00 71.50
7.50
17.00
14.00
76.00
28.00
15.00
49.50 14.00
No.
85
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917. ]
Paid Paid Since 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916.
Lodge.
353 Barnesville 354 Hebron 355 ,Adelphi 3'56 Ancient Landmark 357 Aux Vasse 358 Northwest 359 Garrett 360 Tuscan 361 Riddick 362 Hiram 363 Fraternal 364 Higginsville 365 Bayou 366 Adair 367 Barry 368 Crescent Hill 369 Composite 370 Williamstown 371 Sheldon 372 Nonpareil 373 Belle 374 Wilderness 375 Waynesville 376 King Hill 377 Ancient Craft 378 Berlin 379 Billings 380 Queen City 381 Ionia 382 Mt. Ararat 383 Pythagoras 384 East Prairie 385 Richland 386 Dayton 387 Woodside 388 Chula 389 Arcana 390 Marionville 391 Raytown 392 Christian 393 Bee Hive ., 394 Lucerne 395 Hatfield 396 Western Light 397 Gower 398 Jasper 399 Pike 400 Decatur 401 Carterville 402 Malta 403 Lowry City 404 Rosendale
. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . " .. .. . . . . . .
171.00 179.00 85.00 61.50 97.50 83.00 40.50 1,600.50 90.00 190.00 93.00 52.00 34.00 388.00 60.00 149.50 183.00 106.50 151.50 36.50 98.00 48.00 124.50 279.50 50.00 84.50 115.00 88.50 328.00 43.00 229.50 146路50 148.00 51.00 41.50 51.00 185.50 189.50 85.00 106.00 33.00 105.50 40.00 48.50 104.00 29.50 63.50 100.00 156.50 128.00 97.00 94.00
Balance Due.
139.00 30.50
40.00
56.50 28.00 31.00
38.50
125.00 14.50 92.00
9.50 11.50 15.50
101.50
103.50 35.00
27.50
86 No. 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453
454 455 456
[Sept.
Proceedings of the Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916.
Lodge. Everton Malden Charleston Montrose Louisville Iberia Joppa Appleton City Valley Greensburg Hunnewell " Caehe White Water Clear Creel( Star 4 Ita5ka Ulbana Gate of the Temple Galt Samaritan Green Ridge Rothville Glenwood Pittsville New Madrid Winona Cement Competition Mack's Creek Wheeling Rockbridge Gothic Lafayette Temperance Mt. Olive Trowel Excelsior Burlington Anchor Ada West Gate Ivanl'.oe Jacoby Schell City Bois D'Arc Belton Raymore Verona Forsyth Continental Hinton Wallace
. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . .
71.50 130.00 175.00 76.00 41.50 56.50 :'.\1.00 125.50 121.50 87.50 86.50 699.50 95.25 80.00 49.50 800.00 29.00 626.00 160.00 189.00 95.50 106.50 129.00 35.50 106.50 106.00 93.00 33.00 29.50 129.00 76.00 62.00 91.50 199.50 55.00 82.50 161.00 22.00 1,001.50 125.50 996.50 1,890.50 68.00 75.00 97.00 84.00 78.00 84.00 66.25 65.00 40.00 139.50
Balance Due. 22.50
67.00 64.00
21.00
15.00 32.50
30.50 35.50 2.00 111.50 10.00
84.00
26.00 8.00
98.50 72.50 39.50
30.00
59.25
No. 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470
471 . 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483
484 485 486 487 488
489 490 491 492
493 494 495
496 497 498
499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508
87
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917.] Lodge.
Jonesburg .....•........ Melville .......•........ Hazelwood '" Lambskin . Caruthersville .. Santa Fe . Clifton . Aullville . Gaynor City . Southwest . Pleasant Hope . Red Oak . Plato .. Nodaway . l\1:ineral . Pickering . Nineveh . Guilford . Golden . Mt. Hope . Henderson . Racine . Rich Hill . Jewel . Marceline . Cli n tonville . Fairfax . Kirkwood . Cold Water . Cairo . Chilhowee . Lock Spring ...........• Lakeville . Montevallo . Vandalia . Daggett . Vernon . Lewistown . Unity . Robert Burns . Equality . Pee Dee . Paynesville .. Jameson . Buckner . Philadelphia . Prairie Home . Platte City . Avalon . Lathrop . Clearmont ......••..... Saxton .
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 154.00 75.50 119.00 592.00 120.00 109.05 174.00 15.00 66.00 41.00 82.50 103.00 75.00 247.00 110.00 94.00 99.00 80.00 130.50 203.50 47.00 82.00 188.00 141.00 350.50 186.00 149.00 200.00 94.00 119.00 93.50 93.00 86.50 50.00 179.00 82.00 60.50 88.50 58.00 64.50 114.50 107.00 56.50 79.00 155.00 57.50 69.50 167.00 56.00 138.00 31.50 45.00
Balance Due.
55.50 39.50 55.00 61.00 40.00
79.50
46.50 39.00
99.00 31.00
29.50
10.50
25.00 54.00
4.00
.......... 30.00 29.00
88 No.
Proceedings of the Lodge.
. 509 Van Buren . 510 Biswell . 511 Skidmore .. 512 Webb City . 513 Senath 514 Granby •................ . 515 Galena . 516 Milford . 517 Seligman 518 Oriental . 519 Crane •...•............. . 520 Clifton Heights 521 Lockwood •............. 522 Gate City . . 523 Stinson . 524 Spickardsville 525 Cunningham . 626 Wayne . 527 Higbee .......•......... 528 Conway . 529 Niangua ......•......... 530· Ritchey . 531 Lane's Prairie . 532 Dexter . 533 Comfort ..•............. 534 -Columbia . 535 Blackwell . 536 Ingomar .......•....... 537 Bethel . 538 Stella .. 539 Dawn .•................ . 540 \Vinigan 541 Jacksonville . 542 Ferguson . 543 Mansfield .. 544 Mexico . 545 Zalma . 546 Prairie Hill . 547 South Gate . 548 Clinton .. 549 Carl Junction .. 550 Rose Hill . 551 Pendleton . 552 Calhoun . 553 Clarksburg ....•........ 554 Foster . 5'55 Summerville . 556 Prairie . 557 Blairstown . 558 Moscow . ·Arrested 1916.
[Sept.
Paid Paid Since 1912 to 1916. Sept. 7, 1916. 189.50 76.50 137.00 293.50 166.50 26.00 107.00 42.50 76.50 95.50 125.50 476.00 48.50 1,230.00 69.00 102.50 96.50 191.00 221.00 170.00 8.50 17.50 93.50 84.50 74.00 130.00 108.50 188.00 102.00 69.50 92.50 108.50 88.00 175.50 127.50 41.00 99.00 5.0,0 967.50 253.00 108.50 873.50 63.00 77.50 92.00 80.00 120.00 85.00 86.00 118.00
Balance Due.
21.50
78.00 17.50
46.00 47.50
34.00
31.00
32.00
27.00 29.50
29.50 25.00
28.50 17.00
41.00
6.50
1917.]
No.
89
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Lodge.
Clarksdale . Nelson . Cowgill . Deepwater . York . Jamesport . Tebbetts .. Maplewood . Miller . Naylor ., . Tiff City . Republic . . 571 Hayti 572 Rutledge . 573 Bernie . . 574 La Monte . 575 Easter . 576 Olive Branch . 577 Ewing . 578 Forest Park . . . . 579 Grandin . 580 Houston . 581 Illmo . 582 Koshkonong .. 583 Novinger .. 584 Red Bird . 585 Shamrock . . 586 Criterion . 587 Branson . 588 St. Francisville . . 589 Grove Spring 590 Advance . 591 Barnett .. . . 592 Stoutsville . . 593 Union.. . . 594 Blodgett . 095'" Cecil ........ . . 595 Emmanuel . 596 Puxico . 597 Bosworth . . 598 Leadwood . 599 Elvins .. .. 600 Cosby . 601 Clayton . 602 Acacia . 603 Morehouse . 604 Strasburg . . 605 Walker . 606 Craig . 607 Eminence I'" •••••••• 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570
"'Arrested 1916.
Paid Since Paid 1912 to 191'6. Sept. 7,1916. 109.00 50.00 137.00 46.00 681.50 163.00 98.50 186.00 83.50 77.00 53.00 163.50 105.50 93.50 • 36.00 94.00 70.00 234.00 34.50 324.00 84.00 67.00 127.50 113.50 54.50 31.00 40.00 75.00 76.00 65.50 34.50 41.50 119.00 61.50 60.00 62.50 2S.00 17.00 100.00 93.50 126.00 140.50 76.00 229.50 476.00 68.00 54.50 65.50 65.00 104.50
Balance Due.
8.50 49.00
25.00
1S.00 38.00
44.50
43.00 35.00 26.00 23.50 13.50 21.00
25.00
10.00 18.50 24.50 28.50
Proceedings of the
90 No. 608 609 610
611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 63fi 636 637 638 639
Paid 1912 to 1916.
Lodge. Strafford . Victory . Clark . Centertown .. Mokane . 'Vellston . Mt. Washington . Chaffee . . . . . . . . ., .. IVlarion . Park........... . . Grandview . . Fairview . Willard . Anderson " Norwood .. Maple .. Owensville .... . . Sheffield . . Magnolia . . Wallace Park . Moundville . . . . . . . . .. Valley Park . East Gate . Tower Grove . Belgrade .. .. .. Archie . . Steele . . Tuscumbia . Weaubleau . Mountain View . Triangle . . Mizpah .
Total chartered lodg'es to Sept. 7, 1916
57.50 56.50 90.00 67.50 84.00 205.00 114.00 99.50 67.50 87.50 59.50 51.00 87.50 89.50 70.50 46.00 76.50 58.00 37.50 65.00 11.50 37.50 37.00 62.50 5.00 27.00 28.00 26.00 23.50 13.00 38.50 49.fiO
$109,871.89
MisccllaneousSt. Graal Commandery, K. '1'.$ 25.00 Charles B. Adams . 25.00 Whately N. Chandler . 1.00 Aaron Fuller . 100.00 F. R. Hogan . 25.00 Anthony F. Ittner . 5.00 Jacob Lampert . 1,000.00 .. C. H. Meinhard 10.00 Mrs. Betty Wiedmann . 11 0.00 Harry H. Zucker . 10.00 Grand Lodge of Missouri . 6,000.00
[Sept.
Paid Since Sept. 7, 1916.
Balance Due.
9.00
20.00
23.50
$ 7,629.31
$ 1,727.75
1917.]
91
Grand Lodge of Missouri. RECAPITULATION.
Total from miscellaneous sources $ 7,311.00 Total from interest on daily balances . 12.63 Total from Chartered Lodges to Sept. 7, 1916 . 109,871.89 Total from Chartered Lodges from Sept. 7, 1916, to Sept. 10, 1917 . 7,629.31 Grand total Sept. 10, 1917
$124,824.83
Fraternally submitted,
Grand Secretary.
92
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
REPORT OF THE GRAND TREASURER. M. W. Bro. Wm. A. Hall presented report of Grand Treasurer, which was adopted. St. Louis, Sept. 10, 1917. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri: Dear Brethren: Herewith I submit my report as Grand Treasurer, together with my books and vouchers. The following is a list of receipts and disbursements, in detail, since my last' report: RECEIPTS. Balance on hand Sept. 7th, 1916 $ 38,371.66 1916 . 1.50 SeNt. 7 Interest on deposits 229.25 25: Rec~~ved f~?m Gr~nd Sesretary . 55.85 28, 30, Interest on deposits :::::::::::::::::: 63.01 206.64 . Oc,~. 5, Rec~Jved f~?m Gr~nd Sesretary 32.20 12, 25, 46.80 78.35 . Nov. 9, 21, 65.55 29, 54.10 Dec. 11, 91.85 19, 103.70 26, 46.00 1917 Jan. 3, 81.40 55.50 " 9, 12, 路84.00 16, 70.75 51.20 19, 23, 67.05 29, 91. 70 Feb. 6, 70.50 12, 62.70 20, 64.20 28, 76.40 78.30 Mch. 8. 13, 80.50 22, 73.65 31, 109.15 1,040.00 Al?ril 4, 11, 67.65 ". 19, 55.85 46.00 M~'y 1, 9, 30.70 15, 104.78 21, 59.90 31, 86.65 76.85 JU,?e 11, 22, 53.65 2,007.25 Juy 2, 3, 4,065.25 5, 3,327.50 6, 1,774.50 6. 46.80 1,190.00 " " 7, 9, 3,906.00 10, 3,346.00 11, 4,341.00 12, 2,594.00 13. 2,843.75 14, 6,099.50 16, 4,056.25 17, 7,580.75 18, 52.35 18, 5,087.75
1917.]
A~F
93
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
4,460.50 6,245.50 2,985.75 4,560.50 6,962.75 5,439.00 7,00D.25 5,005.00 3,595.25 8,988.10 6,952.50 5,115.75 328.75 414.75 81.45 143.75 217.75 388.50 10.50 75.25 80.50 110.25 180.65 40.25 167.25 66.75 222.25 210.00 82.25 78.75 160.10 73.50
19, 20, 路21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9,
10, :.11 . 13; 14, 16, 21, 21, 24, 27, 28, 29, Se.l?t. 4, 6, 7 10; 1916 .oct. 31, Interest on der.0sits Nov. 30, Dec. 31, 1917 Jan. 31, Feb. 28, lVIch. 31, April 30, May 31, June 30, July 31, Aug. 31, u
Total receipts
.
34.23 32.93 28.07 25.71 24.40 20.75 22.66 20.42 20.23 42.59 83.73 $165,312.91
DISBURSEMENTS. Warrant 1916 No. Sept. 21 1 Wm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer, payroll ... $ 22 2 Chas. H. Pope, expenses of 1916 Session of Grand Lodge . 22 3 Albert Meyer, portrait of Grand Master Frank R. Jesse . 22 4 Barr Jewelry Co., Past Grand Master's Jewel for Frank R. Jesse . 22 . 5 Becktold Book Binding Co., Manuals Lee M. Edgar, reporting proceedings of 22 6 Grand LOdge, 1916 . 22 7 Walter n. Shrodes, Chair'man Committee on Payroll . 22 W. 1. Mills, stenographer, Committe on Appeals . 22 C. L. Alexander, Chairman of Commtitee Chartered Lodges . 22 10 Wm. K. Spinney, auditing books and accounts of Grand Secretary and Treasurer . 22 11 Steiner Engraving & Badge Co., 200 aprons
.
9,570.50 375.90 50.00 100.00 185.82 60.00 100.00 29.00 25.00 50.00 40.00
94
P1'oceedings of the 22
12
22 22
13 14 路15 16
22 22
22
Oct.
17
22 22
18 20
22
21
22
28
22 23
28
24
29 29 29
25 26 27
29
28
29 30 16
29 30 31
23
32
24
33
25
34
28
35
28
36
28 28 28
37 38 39
31 28 31
40 41 42
30
43 44
Nov. 2
28
45 46
28
47
28 28 28
48 49 50
28 28 28
51 52 53
28
54 55
Dec. 8
56
20 20
57 58
[Sept.
,c.
H. Briggs, expenses of com~i.ttee attending funeral of W. M. VVllllams, P. G. 1\1 . James A. Boone, Special Deputy . Geo. Washington Memorial Association . J. M. Dill, charity . Mrs. K. M. Deane, charity , V\T. H. Beach, charity , ,., James H. Goodrich, charity . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, postage, stationery, etc. . . Edward Higbee, acct. expenses of Grand l\1aster . Masonic Home of Missouri, donation . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for Sept. . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for Sept. . . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Grand Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, rent of Grand Lodge offices . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery and incidentals . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . H. A. Krueger, Grand Tiler . American Surety Co. of N. Y., premium on bond of Wm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer .. Spalding Stationery Co., printing, postage, stationery, etc. . . St. Louis Union Trust Co., premium on bond of Grand Secretary . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery, etc . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for Oct. . , J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for Oct. . . Assistant to Grand Secretary ; . Assistant to Grand Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent for offices for Oct . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . Edmond Koeln, Collector, taxes for 1916 . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for Oct . Ma:;:onic Home of Mi'3Souri, 5/7 of per capita tax to Sept. 25, 1916 . Spalding Stationery Co., printing and incidentals . Polar Wave Ice Co., ice . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for Nov . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for Nov , . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Gl'and Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge offices for Nov . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . C. C. W'oods, P. G. M., Fraternal Correspondent . Sol V\Tagg-oner, fire insurance on office furniture, etc . Mendle Printing Co., printing Proceedings Grand Lodge . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for Nov . Edward Higbee, Grand Master, expenses .. John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery and incidentals ... ; ..
.41.91 4.55 500.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 28.70 250.00 6,000.00 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 100.00 6.50 150.00 62.50 32.75 75.00 100.00 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 6.50 9.40 67.13 165.00 19.60 9.10 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 6.50 52.40 100.00 8.05 1,759.15 65.69 250.00 100.00
20
59
20
60
20
61
20 25
62 63
25
64
25
65
25
66
25
67
1917 Jan.
68
1916 Dec. 30 30 30 30 30 30 1917 Jan. 2
75
79
13
80
]3 13 13
81 82 83
30
84
30
85
30 30 30
86 87 88
30
8.9
7
90 91 92 93 94 95
10 27
96 97
27
!IS
2 6
Bi-Cente.
John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for December . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for December . 71' Assistant to Grand Secretary . 72 Assistant to Grand Secretary . 73 H. H. 'rittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge offices for December . 74 Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc .
13
30 2 7
Garrison- 'Vag-ner Printing Co., nary program and envelopes
100.00 81. 75 35.75 8.65 10.00 8.25 8.50 6.78 17.50 66.50
69
13
2
Wm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer, account salary . Mendle路 Printing Co., printing Supplement to Book of Constitutions . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, postage, stationery, etc . National Laundry Co., washing 786 aprons Edward Higbee, Grand Master, expenses to attend M. VV. Bro. 'VeIls' funeral . John VV. Bingham, Grand Senior Warden, expenses M. 'V. Bro. Wells' funeraL ..... D. M. 'Vilson, P. G. M., expenses attendingM. '"liT. Bro. Wells' funeral . C. II. Briggs, P. G. M., expenses attending M. W. Bro. Wells' funeraL . Jacob Lampert, P. G. M., expenses attending M. 'V. Bro. Wells' funeraL .
250.00
70
76 77 78
2
Feb.
95
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917. ]
27
99
27 27
100 101
J.
R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for December . Ki nloch Telephone Co., telephone . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . 'Vm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer, shortage on payroll warrant. ' . Mendle Printing- Co., printing memorial to M. ,V. Bro. Camp bell 'VeIls . Samuel Murray, floral emblem for funeral of M. '"liT. Bro. Wells .. Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Sam'l F. Myerson Printing Co., manuals .. Jacob Levy, proxy for W. M. of Lodge No. 377, omitted il'om payrolL . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for January . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for January . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Grand Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge offices for January . John n. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery, etc . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone .Kinloch Telephone Co., telephone service .. Mendle Printing Co., printing Manuals . Mendle Printing Co., index cards . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for January . Becktold Printing Co., binding Manuals . Edward Higbee, Grand Master, expenses to meeting George 'Vashington Memorial Association . John H. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for February . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for February . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Grand Secretary ' .
208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 25.05 49.96 19.55 6.50 7.46 24.75 20.25 71.03 293.00 24.30 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 100.00 46.75 6.50 19.50 280.00 37.25 91.00 208.00 50.00 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00
96
Mch.
June
July
Proceedings of the 28
102
28 28 28 28
103 104 105 106
14
107
27 30
108 109
30
110
30 30 30
111 112 113
30 30
114 115
30 30
116 117
9 9
11
118 119 120
23 28
121 122
28
123
28 28 28
124 125 126
30 30
127 128
2
18 29
129 130 131
29
132
29 29 29
133 134 135
2
5
136 137
19
138
28
139
28 28 28
140
29 2
143 144
2
145
3
141 142
146
5
147
6 7
148 149
H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge offices for February . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Mendle Printing Co., printing blank returns Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone .... J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for February . VVm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer, payroll 1916 to balance account. . Edward Higbee, Grand Master, expense . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for March . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for lVTarch . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Grand Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge cffices for March . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery, etc . C. C. 'Voods, Fraternal Correspondent. . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for March . Kinloch Telephone Co., telephone service .. Sou thwestern Telephone Co., telephone .... Becktold Printing & Book Mfg. Co., Manuals . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc: . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for April . J. H. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for April . Assistan t to Grand Secretary _ . Assistant to Grand Secretary . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand Lodge offices for April . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . J. H. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for April . Polar Wave Ice Co., ice . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for l\1ay . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for l\1ay . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Grand Secretary . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery, etc . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for l\1ay . Masonic Home, 5/7 of back dues collected froln Lodges . John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary for June . Assistant to Grand Secretary . Assistant to Gr'and Secretary . .J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for June . Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Kinloch Telephone Co., service from April 1, 1917, to June 30, 1917 . Cowgill Lodge No. 561. amount per capita tax paid on H. R. Thompson of Myrtle Lodge No. 338 . Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses for June . Polar Wave Ice Co., ice . . C. C. Woods, Fraternal Correspondent
[Sept. 100.00 13.75 182.75 6.50 77.64 24.25 250.00 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 12.25 50.00 100.00 80.05 19.50 3.75 322.08路 48.70 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 3.75 87.53 7.70 48.36 250.00 208.33 100.00 70.00 100.00 3.75 77.74 10.53 250.00 100.00 70.00 208.33 26.48 19.50 12.50 3.75 85.33 2.45 100.00
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917.]
A~,g.
14 19
7 7
150 151 152 153
19 21 28 31
154 155 156 157
31 31 31
158 159 160
31 31
161 162
31 31
163 164
31
165
16 11 18 25 29 29 29 29
166 167 168 169 170
171
172
173
174
29
175
29
176
29
177
29
178 179 180
1 1 1 1 2
5 10
181 182
183
184
185
97
250.00 Edward Higbee, Grand Master, expenses . 8,831.78 Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 16,521.61 Robert R. \-Vade, transcript in 'case of J. 42.10 R. Robinson and Park Lodge No. 617 . 38.37 Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 21,726.07 Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 23,265.54 John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary 250.00 for July . 100.00 Assistant to Grand Secretary . 70.00 Assistant to Grand Secretary . J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary 208.33 for July . 100.00 C. C. '\Voods, Fraternal Correspondent. . John H. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, 50.00 postage, stationery, etc . 3.75 Southwestern Telephone Co., telephone . H. H. Tittmann, Trustee, rent of Grand 100.00 Lodge offices for May . Board of Education, rent of Gr'and Lodge offices, July . 125.00 Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 15,571.32 67.91 Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . 543.21 Masonic Home, 5/7 pet: capita tax . 190.00 Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 148.22 John H. Parson, Grand Secretary, salary 250.00 for August . Assistant to Grand Secretary . 100.00 Assistant to Grand Secretal'y . 70.00 J. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, salary for August . 208.37 Wm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer, account salary' ~ . 100.00 John R. Parson, Grand Secretary, printing, postage, stationery, etc . 50.00 Board of Education, rent of Grand Lodge offices for August . 125.00 Spalding Stationery Co., printing, etc . 21.20 Masonic Home, 5/7 per capita tax . 356.43 .J. Kennard & Sons Carpet Co., cleaning rugs, etc. . . 26.60 Herkert & Meisel Trunk Co., case . 3.50 Southwestern Telephone Co.,' telephone . 3.75 Kinloch Telephone Co.,. telephone . 19.50 J. 'R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, expenses attending Border Legislation Conference at Memphis, Tenn . 35.00 Masonic Home of Mo., 5/7 per capita tax to Sept. 10 . 167.50 $121,235.13
R~CAPITULA TION.
Total receipts Total disbursements Balance
September
$165,312.91 121,235.13 10,
1917.:
$ 44,077.78.
Fraternally submitted, WM. A. HALL, Grand Treasurer.
98
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
ST. LOUIS UNION BANK. St. Louis," September 14, 1917. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M., City. Gentlemen: . Beg to advise your balance, as shown by our books at the close of business September 14th, was $44,077.78. Yours truly, L. E. WILLIAMS, Assistant Cashier. St. Louis, September 12, 1917. To t~e M. '\V. Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missouri. Gentlemen: As I have been appointed Auditor of the Grand Lodge of Missouri for the year 1916-17, I have examined the book records and accounts of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, and found them correct. The following report is the result of my findings, viz: I have verified the receipts from the reports of each subordinate lodge and other sources, and "have found them correctly entered in the cash book of the Grand Secretary. The receipts are deposited daily in the St. Louis Union Bank to the credit of the Grand Lodge. All disbursements are paid by warrants on the said banl<, signed by the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, and countersigned by the Grand Treasurer, and these are aJl properly entered in the Grand Secretary's cash book. The reports of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer in detail will be found in the printed proceeding-s under the head of Grand Lodge Finances. The balance, $44,245.28, is on deposit at the credit of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of the State of Missouri, at the St. 40uis Union Bank. Balance deposit St. Louis Union Bank, September 7, 1916 .. $ 38,373.16 Received for Lodge dues and other sources 126,939.75 Total received and on hand
_
$165,312.91
DISBUHSEMENTS. '\Varrants issued cover Nos. 1 to 185, inclusive
$121,235.13
Cash beok balance. September 10, 1917 $ 44.077.78 Check No. 185 to Masonic Hom~ (outstanding)............ 167.50 Deposit to credit of Grand Lodge at St. Louis Union Bank, September 10, 1917 $ 44,245.28 Fraternally yours, H. CLAY PERKINS, Auditor. Suite 348-51 Pierce Bldg.
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
99
PETITION, OF MEMBERS OF SECOND MISSOURI FIELD ARTILLERY. M. VV. Bro. Van F. Boor presented a petition from members of the Second 1\1issouri Field Artillery for dispensation to confer degrees, which was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence to report at this Session.
IN RE-WM. MAN,D'ELCORN. The Grand .IVlaster appointed as special committee to try charges by Bro. Nelson A. Albertson against Wor. Brother Wm. Mande1corn, suspended Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420 of St. Louis: Brothers Wm. T. Jamison, A. L. McRae, P. O. Sansbetry, J. P. Tucker and Orestes Mitchell.
C'ALLED FROM LABOR. At 2 :45 P. 1\1. the Grand Lodge was CALLED FR01\1
LABOR until 7 :30 P. M. to afford members an opportunity to visit the Masonic Home. FIRST DAY-EVENING SESSION. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 8 :00 P. 1\1. by R. VV. Bro. \-\1m. A. Clark, Deputy Grand .Master, other Grand Officers being in their respective stations.
OBSERVANCE OF BI-C'ENTENNIAL. Announcement-that tomorrow, vVednesday, night there will be held by this Grand l.."odge a Bi-Centennial Observance and Celebration of the institution of the Grand Lodge of England. All 1\1aster 1\1asons invited to be present.
EXEMPLIFICATION OF' WORK. The R. W. Deputy Grand Master then placed the Grand Lodge in charge of the Grand Lecturer, R. VV. Bro. J. R. McLachlan, who, assisted by Grand Officers and other brethren, exemplified the entire First Degree and the Second Section of the Second Degree.
100
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
CALLED FROM LABOR. . At 10:10 P. M. the Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 9 o'clock tomorrow morning, the Grand Lodge singing a closing ode and repeating the Lord's Prayer.
101
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
1917.]
S'ECOND DAY-l'v10RNING, SESSION.
St. Louis, \iVednesday, September 19, 1917. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 9' A. 1\1. by M. \iV. Grand :l\1aster Edward Higbee, the other Grand Officers beirlg in their, respective stations. Opening Ode, "America". Prayer by R. VV. and Rev. Bro. R. Chaplain.
vv.
Lilley, Grand
ATTENDANCE. Reported by Grand Secretary that the attendance was as follows: Masters and 路their proxies.,., 357 Senior Wardens 103 Junior Wardens 6路6 Past Masters 320 Grand Lodge Officers 20 Past Grand Masters............................................ 20 District Deputy Grand Masters and Lecturers.................. 69 Total
'
955
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE. 1\1. VV .. Bro. C. C. \iV oods, Chairman, presented the report of Committee" on Fraternal Correspondence, which was adopted, and on motion ordered printed in the Proceedings. (See Appendix.)
DISTINGUISHED VISITOR. It was announced that }\1. VV. Bro. ]. S. Reamy, Grand 1\1aster of Arkansas, ,vas in ''I'aiting .and desired to make this Grand Lodge a fraternal visit. He was introduced, welcomed to the Grand East and accorded the Grand Honors. 1\1. W. Bro. Reamy responded with a fraternal and patriotic address.
102
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
MINUTES READ AND APPROVED. l\1inutes of the several sessions of yesterday were read by the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Lodge.
STANDING COMMITTEES. The Grand Secretary read路 the following list of standing committees: I
JURISPRUDENCE-B. B. Bigger, Chairman; Dorsey A. Jamison, VV. L. Hamrick, Grant Emerson, Moses Whybark, R. \IV. St~ckman, Fred Hudson. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES-Karl M. Vetsburg, Chairman; Homer N. Lloyd, N. A. Franklin, Thad. B. Landon, John Pickard, Forrest C. Donnell, Alfred H. Smith. WAYS AND MEANS-Frank R. Jesse, Chairman; A. M. Dockery, R. Kreeger, H. N. Martin, John M. Carnahan, John T. Short, C. C. Bigger.
n.
CREDENTIALS-Aug. F. Weeke, Chairman; Charles C. Gardner, Carl A. Swenson, Charles T. Kornbrodt, H. R. Mason, Walter A. Coon, Arthur Morey. PAY ROLT...-Waltcr R. Shrodes, Chairman; T. H. 'Walton, H. H. Vogts. CHARTERED LODGES-C. L. Alexander, Chairman; Hurd, W. P. Davis, Jr., P. Summers, Claude Madison.
Thos.
F.
LODGES U. D.-James A. Boone, Chairman; W. G. McGee, R. W. Peck, Byron Cosby. CHARITY-Robert A. May, Chairman; T. W. Cotton, C. C. Bigger, Andrew J. O'Reilly, .John W. Brown. REPORTS DISTRICT DF}PUTY GRAND MASTERS-Augustus F. Braun, Chairman; Ed. 'V. Clark, H. M. Link, W. B. 路Woods, Anthony F .. Ittner. MASONIC BOARDS OF' RELIEF-Louis Moller, Chairman; Van F. Boor, M. T. Balsley, A. R. Timmerman. RITUAlr-D. M. vVilson, Chairman; R. R. Kreeger, Short, J. R. McLachlan, Wm. A. Hall, Chas. C. Gardner.
John
T.
MASONIC HOME-Chas. H. Pope, Chairman; John F. Miller, Jr., Edward Speer, G. C. Sparks, Julius Edwards. CORRESPONDENCE---C. G. Woods, Chairman. AUDITINC'r-H. Clay Perkins, Chairman; 1.,. H. Abrams. GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS-Xenophon Ryland, Chairman. UNFINISHED BUSINESS-Moses 'Yhybark, Chairman; A. Breuer, D. M. Wilson, P. O. Sansberry, George Walker.
Ransom
TRANSPORTATION AND HOTELS-F. F. Wm. Krenning, Chairman.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of 1l1issouri.
103
SPECIAL COMMITTEES. RECOGNITION OF :F'OREIGN GRAND LODGES-Wm. F. KUhn, J. W. Boyd, R. F. Stevenson, C. C. Woods. MANUALS-John R. Parson, Geo. Cilluies Reilly, John H. Gundlach.
A.
Mayhall,
C.
C.
Gardner,
RITUAL-D. M. Wilson, R. R. Kreeger,. John T. Short, J. H. McLachlan, Wm. A. Hall, Chas. C. Gardner. LEASE OF OFFICES-A. Jesse, John R. Parson.
M.
Dockery,
Jacob
Lampert,
F.
R.
MASONIC TEMPLE-Thad B. Landon, John T. Short,.James L. Heckenlively.
RESOLUTION-RECEPTION COMMITTEE. 1\1. W. Wm. F. Kuhn offered the following written resolution for appointment of a special "Committee on Visitors", which was unanimously adopted:. Resolved, That the Grand Master, prior to the opening of the Grand Lodge, shall appoint a committee consisting of three, to be known as the "Committee on Visitors". It shall be the duty of this committee to receive, introduce, accommodate and look after the entertainment of visiting Grand and Past Grand Officers ot Sister Grand jurisdictions. All expenses incurred by this committee shall be presented to the Committee on Ways and Means. WM. F. KUHN, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL.
RESOLUTION-UNIFORM BONDS. M. W. Bro. Van F. Boor offered the following written resolution: . Adopted. To
the Mos't WorshipfUl Grand Missouri:
Lodge,
A.
F.
&
A.
M.,
State ot
Be It Resolved, That the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Missouri, for the purpose of obtaining uniform and better protection at a much lower cost, adopt a uniform schedule plan for bonding the officers of the Grand Lodge, the officers and trustees of the Masonic Home, and the financial officers of the subordinate lodges and Boards of Relief, and that. a committee be appointed to investigate and report at the present session of the Grand Lodge. V. F .. BOOR, ANDREW J. O'REILLY, CHAS. T. KORNBRODT, F. F. WM. KRENNING, JACOB LAMPERT.
104
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
The Grand Master appointed on said committee M. W. Bros. Van F. Boor, Arch A. Johnson and R. VV. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly.
RESOLUTION-LIBRARY. W. Bro. R. C. Blackmer offered. the following written resolution for appointment of special committee of three on library in Grand Secretary's office: Adopted. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Most Worshipful Grand路 Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri: 'I'he undersigned desire to offer to the consideration of this Honorable Body the following resolution: \Vhereas, There exists at this time in the Grand Secretary's office what once was the beginning of a Masonic library, and whereas these books have in the years that have gone by been subject to the general decay of time and the accumulation of dust and have been of use to no one within the memory of men now living, and whereas it has become desirable for Grand Lodges of other jurisdictions to found libraries for the better instruction of their members on Masonic subjects, be it Resolved, That the Grand Master be requested to appoint a committee of three to mal{e such an examination of said collection of books as may be possible, ascertain its present condition, its value, make a catalogue of the books and make some recommendation to the Grand Lodge as to its future disposal. It is the opinion of the signers of this resolution that if the library is of any val ue .for Masonic instruction it ought to be placed at the disposal of the members for reading and study, under some liberal regulations. If it has no value it ought to be disposed of permanently. R. C. BLACKME:R, WM. F. KUHN,~ F. R. JESSE.
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS. SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SEC. 182.
M. W. Bro. C. H. Briggs offered the following (first) substitute路 for pending proposed amendment to Section 182 of Grand Lodge By-Laws, and same was referred to Committee on Jurisprudence: FIRST SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 182, GRAND LODGE BY-LAWS. *'1'0 amend Section 182 by striking out entire section and substituting the following therefor:
Section 182. Same. (a) No lodge shall receive a petition for the degrees or for affiliation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as a distiller, brewer, brewery agent, wholesale or retail liquor dealer or salesman, or agent, superintendent or foreman for such manufacturer OJ: dealer, a saloonkeeper, bartender, or one who serves intoxicating liquors as a vocation, or of anyone who is engaged in any capacity in the handling, manufacture or selling of intoxicating liquors as a beverage; or of anyone owning a building or stock in a corporation whose exclusive purpose or use is for the manufacture or sale either by wholesale or retail of intoxicating liquors. Any Freemason who may hereafter begin the business forbidden in this section shall be expelled; and he who shall sign or recommend any petition or application for a dramshop license, or become bondsman for dramshop keeping, shall be suspended or expelled. Provided, nothing in this section shall be construed as to make it retroactive, or applying to anyone holding a purely clerical position. (b) Any lodge failing to enforce the provisions of this section shall have its charter arrested or suspended. W. F. KUHN, A. M. HOUGH, C. H. BRIGGS.
R. W. Bro. Thos. F. Hurd offered the follO\ving proposition to amend Section 152 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws: PROPOSITION TO AMEND SECTION 152 OF THE BY-LAWS (1908).
Resolved, That Section 152 of the By-Laws of 1908 be amended as follows: Strike out the words "two-thirds" in the 44th line of said section and insert in lieu thereof the word "majority", so that the last路 paragraph of said section shall read as follows: "A Brother who shall remain in arrears more than one year after his suspension shall not be reinstated to membership by the 路Not adopted.
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payment of his dues except upon a written application and by a majority vote of the members of the lodge present at the time his application is acted on. The vote shall be by paper ballot." THOMAS F. HURD, Paris Union N'o. 19, XENOPHON RYLAND. ARCH A. JOHNSON, W. W. MARTIN, D. M. WILSON.
R. W. Bro. B. L. Tatman offered the following proposed arnendment to Section 176: '1;'0 amend Section '176 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge by striking therefrom the wOTd "all" in the fourth line of said section, and inserting in lieu thereof the words "two-thirds of" so that when said section is so amended it will read as follows: Section 176. Waiver of Concurrent Jurisdiction. A lodge outside of such city or town shall not receive a petition for the degrees from a person residing in the territory of such concurrent jurisdiction until two-thirds of the lodges in such city or town shall have waived jurisdiction. BERNAL L. TATMAN; D. D. G. M.
Proposition to amend Section 111 of Grand Lodge ByLaws was offered as follows: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION Ill, BY -LAWS. Be It Resolved, That Section 111 be amended by repealing said Section 111, and, in lieu thereof, adopting the following as such section: Section 111. Same. Anyone of the three degrees may be conferred upon not more than five candidates at one and the same time, at any special or stated Communication; Provided, that such candidates shall be received separately in the First, Second and Third Degrees and .shall pass separately through the second ,section of the Third Degree. Provided, further. that before degrees shall be conferred on more than one candidate a dispensation from the Grand Master shall be obtained. THAD B. LANDON, ANTHONY F. ITTNER, WILLIAM F', WOODRUFF. R. W. STALNAKER, PERCY A. BUDD, JOHN C. ROBERTSON.
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SERV~:CE.
R. W. Bro. Thos. F. Hurd read the following written resolution, which was adopted: Most WorshipfUl Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri: Many of our young men, Masons and sons of Masons, have joined the colors. You will appreciate how important it is and how invaluable the data would be as representing the Craft's contribution to the service of our Country, and beyond all else you will agree that it is only proper the names of our brothers and the sons of our brothers in arms should be a part of the cherished archives of our Grand Lodg-e; to this end we earnestly recommend that the Grand Secretary be instructed to order all Masters and Secretaries of the various lodges throughout the State to secure a list of Masons who have joined the colors, and as far as possible giving data. whether in the army, navy, marine, medical, ordnance, ambulance, aviation or in the officers' training camps-indicating whatever rank the brothers may occupy in any branch of the service. Likewise to furnish a list of the sons of Masons who have been called or who have enlisted, but may not at present be mem,bers of the Fraternity, that the welfare of the Craft be extended them wherever they may go. When the lists have been completed to have them sent to the office of the Grand Secretary that the names may be properly filed and the lists made a record in the Grand Lodge report for 1918. And, further, should casualties occur to any brother or son, the family be requested to furnish any datain their possession to said committee, so that the record be made complete. Also, should any promotion be made for m'eritorious act or deed that such information be included in the report. This work is being done by several Grand Jurisdictions,and it appeals to us very strongly. Should you in your judgment believe that this is placing too much of a burden upon the Grand Secretary and his office, we have the authority to inform you that the Missouri Freemason of St. Louis will offer to do the work, compiling in card index form with filing- cabinets and place them, complete and without cost, in the Grand Secretary's office, where they will thus become a part of the Masonic history of the State. In the iatter case, they doing the work, it would be necessary to have your official order, a copy of which will be sent to the proper parties, together with the necessary blanks and Instructions. They feel that they are able to handle this work with satisfaction to you and the Craft. They would ask permission to use the names and other data thus obtained as news items for their publication, publishing the same from week to week as the lists reach their office. Please bear In mind _that this is only a suggestion on our part and that we do not wish to appear presumptuous in suggesting that the Missouri Freemason do the work that properly belongs to
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the Grand Secretary, but their zeal for our Order and their love for our Country prompts them to offer their service in' a work that we feel will redound to the honor of our beloved Order. EDWARD HIGBEE, Grand Master of Missouri. ROLLIN C. BLACKMER, Past Master Forest Park Lodge No. 578. HOW ARD LEE BERGEN', Past Master Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40.
REPORT OF COWUMITTEE ON LEASE OF GRAND LODGE OFFICES. M. VV. Bro. Jacab Lampert presented and read the following report, which was adopted: St. Louis, September 19, 1917. To the M. W. Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: Dear Brethren: Your Committee on Lease of Offices begs leave to report the following: In June, 1917, your committee was informed by the Grand Secretary that he had been unexpectedly notified that the Roe Building, where the Grand Lodge offices had been located for many years, would be altered into a hotel. Our lease had one year to run, and, knowing that it would be impossible to conduct the work of the Grand Secreta.ry's office during the alteration of the building, your committee was obliged to seck qua.rters elsewhere. We were extremely fortunate in locating in the Board of Education Building, Ninth and Locust streets, at the same rate per square foot we had been paying, and with the approval of the Grand Master and this Grand Lodge committee we took a lease for five years, with the privilege of a five-years extension. We also were fortunate in having the lessors of the Roe Building agree to donate the June rental and also pay moving expenses at a cost of over $400 to them. The new offices are more commodious than those heretofore occupied and the location is one of the best in the city. Fraternally submitted, A. M. DOCKERY, JACOB LAMPERT, F. R. JESSE, JOHN R. PARSON, Committee.
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RESOLUTION-TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. W. Bro. L. F. Jefferies offered the following written resolution, which was referred to Committee on J urisprudence: To the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Missouri: We, the undersigned Master Masons, members of this Grand Body, present the following resolution: Resolved, That the territorial jurisdiction of the Masonic Lodge of the City of St. Joseph, Missouri, be, and it is hereby extended so as to include the territory now in the jurisdiction of Saxton Lodge No. 508, A. F. & A. M., and that the territory now in the . jurisdiction of Saxton Lodge be, and it is hereby added to and included in the jurisdiction of the lodges in St. Joseph. L. F. JEFFERIES, W. D. PYNE, J. C. PRYOR.
ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS. The hour for the election of Grand Lodge officers for the ensuing year having arrived, the Grand l\1aster appointed the following brethren as tellers: John Pickard, C. W. Spiers, O. F. Lander, A. Fuhrmann, B. L . .Tatman, Carl A. S'wenson, A. M. Harlan, Caesar Wollman, Percy A. Budd and A. P. Watkins.
RESOLUTION-LODGE VOTE. The following written resolution----:-by ten representatives-that the vote on election of Grand Officers shall be by lodge vote, was presented, signed by said representatives of ten lodges: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M.: We, the undersigned representatives of ten lodges, respectfully request that in the election of officers for the Grand Lodge that the vote be taken by lodges represented: E. O. SF-LECMAN, Mt. Zion Lodge 327. C. B. BURLEY, Laclede Lodge 83. R M. NUNNELEE, Bloomfield Lodge 153. E. C. WHITE, Composite Lodge 369. JESSE LAREAU, Barnes Lodge 116. C. A. FINLEY, Riddick Lodge 361. W. II. TURK, Mt. Vernon Lodge 99. PAUL COCKMAN, Clifton Lodge 463. A. C. ROACH, Koshkonong Lodge 582. J. R. POLLOCK, Four Mile Lodge 212.
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The Grand Master decided that the balloting would proceed by lodge vote, and then by individual vote. . The election of Grand Lodge officers proceeded, with the following result:
"\TiD. A. Clark, Grand :Master. John Vi. Bingham, Deputy Grand :Master. Julius C. Garrell, Grand Senior "Varden. Wm. F. Johnson, Grand Junior Warden. \iVm. A. Hall, Grand Treasurer. J ol1n R. Parson, Grand Secretary.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NECROLOGY. 1\1. VI/. Bro. Corona H. Briggs, Chairman, presented the following report of Committee on Obituaries, which wa's . adopted: To the Grand Lodge of Missouri: Your C()mmittee on Obituaries offers the following: "To the past go more dead faces every year." Many whose lives were given to the service of the Craft all over our State have gone to their reward. Their places are being filled by those whom they have taught t.he great lessons of our Fraternity, but we would not forget the long and faithful service of the tried and true who have done ÂŁ0 much to make Missouri Freemasonry what it is today. Memorial pages in our Proceedings will be set apart in their honor, and their virtues are on perpetual record in the hearts of their brethren. Chief among them was one who gave without stint the strength of his vigorous manhood to the service of the Order, and who was one of the best known and best loved members of this Grand Lodge. Campbell 'Yells, Past Grand Mastel', was born in Platte County, Missouri, May 25, 1864, and died in Platte City, Missouri, December 14, 1916, in his fifty-third year. He attended Gaylord Institute in Platte City and spent four years at Bethany College in West Virginia, from which he graduated in 1884. He then engaged in the banking business at Platte City with his father and others until December 1, 1887, at which time he, with his father and brother, organized the "Tells Banking Company, of which he was cashier until his death. After the death of his father in 1898 the bank' was owned and conducted by himself and his brother. He united with the Christia.n Church at Bethany in 1881 and for many years was Sunday School Superintendent at Platte City. He was married November 11, 1891, to Miss Mittie Callahan of
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Platte City, who survives him with two children-Catherine Jane and 'William C. While an active Democrat he never sought political preferment, but served many J"ears on the School Board at Platte City. Many of his friends believed he could have been Governor of Mis-' souri had he been willing to run for that office. By appointment of Governors Stephens and Dockery he served from May, 1897, to May, 1909, as a curator of the University of Missouri, being a member of the Executive Board during the twelve years and taking an active interest in all University affairs from football to the highest educational and moral standards. He was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in Platte City Lodge No. 504, April 28, 1888, passed May 12 and raised July 7. He was elected Senior Warden in 1891 and was \V"orshipful Master in 1892-1893 and 1894. He was appointed' District Deputy Grand Lecturer in 1893 and served seven years. In the Grand Lodge he was Senior Grand Steward in 1894 and was regularly advanced, and elected Grand Master in 1900. He received the Capitular Degrees in Platte Ciy, Royal Arch Chapter No. 21, in 1888, and served as High Priest in 1897. He received the Order of High Priesthood in S1. Louis April 21, 1897. He passed the Circle in, Shekinah Council of Royal and Select Masters No. 24 at Kansas City April 22, 1899, and received the Super-Excellent Degree April 25, 1900. The Orders of Christian. Knighthood were conferred upon him in Belt Commandery N'o. 9 at Platte City in May, 1889. He was elected Eminent Commander in 1898. He was Grand Sword Bearer in 1901, Grand Junior Warden in 1902, Grand Captain General in 1903, Grand Generalissimo in 1904, Deputy Grand Commander in 1905 and Grand Commander in 1906. He was Grand Representative near the Grand Bodies of Missouri of the Gra.nd Lodge of Georgia., the Grand Chapter of South Dakata and the Grand Commandery of Kentucky. He was a charter member of Daisy Chapter No. 86, Order of the Eastern Star, organized in 1897, and was Worthy Patron in 1898. In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees from the Fourth to the Thirty-second in "Testern Consistory No. 2 at Kansas City in November, 1897. He was elected Venerable Master of Kadosh in 1913 and filled that office at the time of his death. He received the Knight Commander Court of Honor in the Supreme Council at Washington in 1903. In 1905 the Royal Order of Scotland was conferred upon him and he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, TJlirty-third Degree Hon. He was made a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Moila Temple at St. Joseph May 27, 1891. He became a charter member of the Elysian Groto of the Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm at Kansas City in 1914. He had been a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri from 1897, was Chairman of the Executive Committee, and for the last twelve yael'S was a '.rrustee of the Endowment Fund and Treasurer of the Home. He was elected the first Chancellor Commander of Platte City Lodge No. 296, Knights of Pythias, in 1894, became an Odd Fellow !n 1896 and was elected Noble Grand in 1897.
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It may be doubted whether any man of his age had entered more fully into the Masonic life of Missouri or was more widely known and generally beloved. A Christian without cant, a kind and faithful husband, a wise and tender father, a useful and public-spirited citizen, a successful man of business, he possessed the qualities which made him a leader of men and naturally constituted him an important factor in the meetings of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, as well as in the Scottish Rite Bodies. He was a good ritualist, and his work as Grand Master and Grand Commander commended him to the Craft as a wise and efficient administrator. His brethren and fraters trusted and loved him,' and he always proved himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him. Perhaps the best service he rendered the Craft was as Trustee of the Endowment Fund and Treasurer of our Masonic Home, to which he gave the strength of his vigorous manhood for twenty years, but he was useful everywhere, and a shadow falls upon us as we realize that his genial smile and hearty hand-clasp will greet us no more.
He lived in a house by the side of the road And was the friend of man. At Platte City, on Monday, December 18, after an eloquent eulogy by his lifelong friend, Rev. Fred V. Loos, Past Grand Chaplain, the Masonic burial service was conducted by Most Worshipful Brother Edward Higbee, Grand Master of Missouri, in the presence of his neighbors and friends. Grand Commander Charles F. Blomberg was in charge of the Templar escort, and scores of members of the Craft from various parts of the State were there to honor his memory. Their presence in such numbers bore testimony to the hold he had gained upon the hearts of his brethren by his manly worth and true devotion to thc great principles of Freemasonry. Samuel M. Kennard, Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodge from October, 1882, to October, 1903-twenty-one years-died at St. Louis December 7th, 1916. Bro. Kennard was born at Lexington, Ky., January 11, 1842, and came to S1. Louis when about 15 years old. At the beginning of the Civil War he joined the Confederate army as a member of Landis' Battery; taken prisoner at Vicksburg, upon being exchanged he became a lieutenant in Guibor's Battery, later served under General Hood and for a time was aide de camp to General N. B. Forrest. At the close of the war he returned to St. Louis and became a partner with his father in the carpet business. He was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason June 17, 1870, his being the first petition for degrees received by Tuscan Lodge 360, and he being the first candidate on whom that lodge conferred the degrees. He received the Royal Areh in Kilwinning Chapter November 12, 1875. and the Orders of Knighthood in St. Aldemar Commandery May 9, 1891. He was for years a conspicuous figure in the business and civic life of St. Louis; was first president of the Veiled Prophet Association and the St. Louis Exposition; was a director of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and one of the organizers of the
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Planters Hotel Company, the Business Men's League and the St. Louis and Mercantile Clubs. He was also an active member of St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and beloved by all with whom he was associated. His wife and six children survive him.
From other Grand Jurisdictions we have the following names: ARKANSAS'. Robert Liddell, Grand Senior Deacon, was born in Weekly County, Tennessee, January 8, 1850, and died at his home in Rector, Arkansas, February -3, 1917, aged sixty-seven years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1912 and in 1916 became Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge. He was County and Circuit Clerk of his county eight years, County Judge four years, State Senator four years and Sheriff and Collector four years. He was for fifty years a member of the Presbyterian Church, which he served as a ruling elder. CALIFORNIA. William Abraham Davies, Past Grand Master, was born at Utica, New York, February 5, 1827, and died at his home in San Francisco June 20, 1916, aged eighty-nine years. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1864, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1867, Grand High Priest in 1873 and Grand Commander in 1874. He was Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter sixteen years, Grand Recorder of the Grand Council seven years and Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery fifteen years: He moved to California in 1852, engaged for some years in the jewelry business, followed mining for a time and held various official positions under State and Federal authority. He gave the best that was in him to the Fraternity in its various branches. CONNECTICUT. James McCormick, Past Grand Master, was born at Flushing, New York, March 29, 1831, and died at his home in Windsor, Connecticut, June 24, 1917, aged eighty-six years. He was Grand Mas- . tel' in 1881 and 1882. He was Grand High Priest in 1885 and 1886. In 1894 he waf'; elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter and Grand Recorder of the Grand Council, and held both offices as long as he lived. He was a cigar manufacturer and became widely known as a tobacco expert. He was a devout member and lay reader of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, Windsor, and for many years its Senior Warden.
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FLORIDA. Samuel Pasco, Past 路Grand Master, was born in London June 28, 1834, and died in Tampa, Florida, March 13, 1917, aged eighty-three years. He was elected Grand Master in 1870 and served three years. In 1909 he was elected Grand High Priest. In early manhood he came to Massachusetts and was educated in Harvard University. He soon removed to Jefferson County, Florida, where he made his home.' In the Civil vVar he was a Confederate soldier. He served his county as Clerk of the Circuit Court, was Chairman of the Constitutional Convention of 1885 and Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1887. During that session of the Legislature he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served twelve years. On l1is retirement he was appointed by President McKinley as the only lawyer and Democrat on the first Panama Canal Commission. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. James. Carnell, Past Grand Master, was born in Leicester, England, September 30, 1849, and died at his home in Ormond, Florida, June 17, 1917, aged sixty-eight years. He was Grand High Priest in 1399, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1901 and 1902, Grand Commander in 1905 and Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1912. For many years he was a member of the Committee on \Vork in both Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter, and traveled the length and breadth of the State in the performance of his duties without any remuneration. Going to Florida in 1876, when giyen up by his physicians, he gave forty years of fruitful service to the Craft in all its branches, and no Freemason in the State was better known and loved. IDAHO. Jonas v'Varren Brown, Grand Chaplain and Past Grand Master was born June 27, 1825, and died at his home in Boise, Idaho, September'16, 1916, ageq ninety-one years. It was said that among the notable pioneers of the State the record of Judge Brown-miner and prospector, lawyer and public official, and above all a citizen of real public spirit-stands preeminent. ILLINOIS. Albert Bartlett Ashley, Past Grand Master, was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, September 9, 1838, and died November 1, 1916, aged seventy-eight years. He was elected Grand Master in 1909 and re-elected in 1910. He was one of the Grand Lec. turers thirty-eig-ht years and for many years a mem,ber of the Board of Grand Examiners. From his youth he followed a seafaring life until April, 1861, when he entered the United States Navy, where he served on the steam frigate Mississippi under Lieutenant George Dewey. In June, 1862, he left the Navy and entered the Federal Army as a private, rising to the rank of Captain. For many years he was manager of coal mining companies, at one time having charge of twenty-two mines in Illinois and Indiana. In 1893 he resigned and went to La Grange, Illinois, where he engaged in the real estate business.
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INDIANA. George E. Grimes, Past Grand Master, was born in Putnam County, Indiana, 'November 7, 1850, and died at his home in Crawfordsville, Indiana, January 30, 1917, aged sixty-six years. He was elected Grand Master in 1904. At路 the age of seventeen he began a business career at Ladoga, Indiana, which continued until he was sixty years old. He was proprietor and operator of the Ladoga Woolen Mills five years, and for twenty-five years was cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' National Bank of Ladoga. In 1910 he removed to Crawfordsville and gave his attention to his farm properties. Alfred W. Emery, Past Grand Master, was born at Eliot, Maine, June 26, 1848, and died at his home in Indianapolis April 12, 1917, aged sixty-nine year& He was elected Grand Master in 1905. Though he made his home in Indianapolis for the last five years, yet for forty years he was a residen t of Evansville and for many years Secretary of the Evansville Cotton Corporation. He was for years a member of the School Board and a Trustee of the Evansville Orphans' Home. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Ghurch. KANSAS. William Mitchell Shaver, Past Grand Master, was born at Albany, New York, October 25, 1858, and died at his home in Topeka, Kansas, July 6, 1916, aged fifty-eight years. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1897. He served the Grand Chapter as Grand Lecturer three years and seven years as Grand Secretary, and the Grand Council as Grand Recorder nine years. After practicing' law ten years he became General Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at 'Wichita, Kansas; in 1893. He "was ever throughout his life a dignified Christian gentleman." Augustus Ogden Wellman, Past Grand Senior Deacon, was born at Brookline, Massachusetts, December 19, 1854, and died in Topeka, Kansas, July 10, 1916, in his sixty-second year. lIe was Grand Senior Deacon in the Grand Lodge in 1904, Grand High Priest in 1908, and Grand Junior Warden in the Grand Commandery in 1910. Early in life he removed to Topeka and entered the service of the Santa Fe Railway and was assistant secretary and treasurer of that system at the time of his death. Bestor Gaston Brown, Past Grand Master, was born November 22, 1861, and died July 10, 1917, aged fifty-six years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1893, Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1901, Grand Master of th'e Grand Lodge in 1903 and Grand Commander in 1905. In 1915 he was elected General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. A frequent visitor to Masonic Bodies, Grand and Subordinate, in Missouri, he was probably the best known Kansas Freemason in our State. . "Richly endowed by nature, possessed of rare charm of personal manner and speech, he was a natural leader of men", who was always a welcome visitor. Stricken down in the prime of a
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vigorous manhood, his death is a great loss to the Craft in all its branches. KENTUCKY. William Henry Merien, Past Grand Master, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and died in that city April 10, 1917. As he was made a Master Mason August 16, 1865, it is evident that he was more than three-score and ten. He was elected Grand Master in 1881 and Grand Commander in 1890. When the Masonic Home of Kentucky was organized he became a director and served faithfully more than forty years. He filled several city and county offices. He was manager or the Masonic Temple Theater. He was a life-long member of St. Paul's German Lutheran Church. MANITOBA. George Wellington Baker, Past Grand Master, was born at Ottawa, Canada, August 4, 1854, and died in Winnipeg, Canada, September 1, 1917, aged sixty-three years. He was elec~d Grand Master in 1911. He began the practice of law in Winnipeg in 1881, served the city as Police Magistrate, and in 1914 became a King's counsel. He gave four sons to serve in the trenches and a daughter to nurse the wounded. MARYLAND. Graham Dukehart, Past Grand Junior Warden and Past Grand Lecturer, was born in Baltimore February 3, 1839, and died in that city December 31, 1916, aged seventy-eight years. He was elected Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge in 1883 and was Grand Lecturer from 1886 to 1911. In 1889 路he became Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. In 1906 he was elected Grand Master of the Gra.nd Council and was re-elected in 1907 and 1908. He was elected Grand Commander in 1900 and was also Grand Inspector General. He entered the Federal Army in 1861 and remained in the service until 1866. Returning to Baltimore he engaged in the manufacture of snuff. MEXICO. Richard Edward Chism, Deputy Grand Master, was born in Philadelphia July 24, 1853, and died in the City of Mexico July 4, 1917, aged sixty-four years. He was elected Deputy Grand Master April 5, 1917. He was at one time County Surveyor .of Aiken County, South Carolina, and went to Mexico as a mining engineer in 1880. In 1902 he was admitted to the bar and practiced law until his death. He was the first High Priest of Chapllltepec Chapter and the first Commander of Popocatopetl Commandery, and was the first to confer the higher degrees of the York Rite in the Republic of Mexico.
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MICHIGAN. Abraham T. Metcalf, Past Grand Master, was born at Whitestown, New York, February 26, 1831, and died October 28, 1916, aged nearly eighty-six years. He was elected Grand Master in 1869 and again in 1870. He practiced dentistry a few years in New Orleans, but on the breaking out of the Civil War returned to Michigan and practiced his profession in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek for many. years. He invented the dental engine and the dentists' annealing lamp. He was also the first to introduce the preparation for filling teeth known as sponge gold. He was foremost in the organization of the Michigan State Dental Association and was for many years President of the State Board of Examiners in Dentistry. As a member of the Michigan Legislature he was mainly instrumental in the e>;tablishment of the College of Dental Surgery in the University of Michigan. James H. Farnum, Past Grand Master, was born in Cayuga County, New York, January 6, 1844, and died at his home in Cassopolis, Michigan, January 19, 1917, aged seventy-three years. He was elected Grand Master in 1885. He attended thirty-nine sessions of his Grand Lodge. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Federal Army and served until the close of the Civil War. In 1866 he settled on a farm in Cass County, Michigan, teaching schOOl winters. He then engaged in business. The last ten years of his life he was in the employ of the switchboard factory at Cassopolis until failing health compelled him to retire. MISSISSIPPI. John Silas Brooks, Past Grand Master, was born at New Albany, Mississippi, August 4, 1849,' and died at his home in Lula, Mississippi, March 17, 1917, aged sixty-seven years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1907, Grand C'ommander in 1910, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1911 and Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1912. His father dying when he was a boy, he helped support. and educate his brothers and sisters, taught school and studied ~edi足 cine at night. He was engaged in the practice of medicine up to the time of his last illness. He was a member and deacon of the Baptist Church at Lula. MONTANA. Richard H. Wearing, Past Grand Master, was born in Cornwall, England, September 21, 1848, and died at his home in Butte, Montana September 27, 1916, aged sixty-eight years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1896, Grand Commander in 1903, and in 1910 was elected the first Grand Master of thc Grand C'ouncil of Montana. He engaged in mining in Montana an4 several years ago retired with a competence.
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NEBRASKA. Zuinglc M. Baird, Past Grand Master, was born at Lisbon, Iowa, Novembf~r 23, 1860, and died at Hartington, Nebraska, December 17, 1916, aged fifty-six years. He was elected Grand Master In 1906. NEVADA. William McMillan, Past Grand Master and Past Grand Treasurer, was born in London, Canada, June 1, 1848, and dicd at Battle Mountain, Nevada, July 21, 1917, aged sixty-nine years. He was elected Grand Master in 1888. Ten years later he was elected Grand Treasurer and served three years. He was a resident of Virginia City forty years, served in the State. Lcgislature, was Recorder of his county, and in. 1898 the nominee of his party for Governor, In 1910 was elected Statc Tr'casurer and served fOllr years. NEW YORK. Wiliiam A. Brodie, Past Grand Master, died at Genesco, New York, May 17, 1917. He was the Senior Past Grand Master of New York and for fifty-one years a member of the Grand Lodge, and absent from its sessions only five times during that period. Hc was a patriotic ci tizen, a trustworthy neighbor and friend, a husband and fanler, respected and revered, and a man whose heart beat in unison and whose hands and purse cheerfully assisted with every effort put forth in the cause of a common humanity. Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary, was born in Denmark, January 31, 1840, and died in New York City May 28, 1917, aged seventy-seven years. lIe was Grand Secretary neatly thirty-six years and was conceded to be the best known Fremason in the world. He enlisted in the Federal Army at the beginning of the Civil War and at its close was brevetted colonel "for gallant and meritorious services" at many battles. A Masonie oraLor', he was called upon to serve the Craft in many ways. He was made an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York in 1901 and it is claimed that no other Freemason in England or the United States was elected to honorary membership in so many Masonic lodges. "He died in all his armor and it was bright as was his spirit. His heart, full of faith in God, throbbed with love of his fellow'S, and because he loved deeply, deeply was he beloved, He died unafraid even as he had lived, and, as was his prayer, he served to the very end." NORTH CAROLINA. John Colin Drewry, Grand Secretary, was born in Drewryville, Virginia July 25, 1860, and died at his horne in Raleigh, North Carolina, October 2, 1916, aged fifty-six years. He became Secretary of the Grand Lodge in 1895 and was
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Grand High Priest and Grand Commander in 1902. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen of Raleigh and served in both branches of the State Legislature, was President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, President of the Life Insurance Association of North Carolina and of the North Carolina Agricultural Society. He was a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. NORTH DAKOTA. Theodore F. Branch, Past -Grand Junior Warden, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 28, 1845, and died in that city October 16, 1916, aged seventy-one years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1895 and Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Commander in 1898. He became a citizen of Jamestown, North Dakota, in the eal'ly eighties, but fifteen or sixteen years ago returned to路 Cleveland. NOVA SCOTIA. ,Villiam Marshall Black, Past Grand Master, died at his home at Wolfville, Nova Scotia, aged less than sixty years. He was elected Grand High Priest in 1905 and 1906 and Grand Master in 1909 and 1910. His fellow citizens repeatedly entrusted him with the guidance of municipal affairs and as Mayor of Wolfville he did not disappoint the confidence reposed in him. OHIO. Edward H. Archer, Past Grand Master, was born at Sarshville, Ohio, July 2, 1856, and died at Columbus, Ohio, September 1, 1916, aged sixty years. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1906 and Grand High Priest in 1908. He practiced law some years, was Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Noble County, Ohio, Mayor of Caldwell, Chief Clerk in路 the Adjutant General's office, Chief Clerk to the Commissioner of Railroads and Telegraphs, was associated with Bureau of Supervision and In.spection of Public Offices eight years and for a short time cashier in the State Treasurer's office, which position he resigned in November, 1915, because of failing health. William Joseph Akers, Past Deputy Grand Master, was born in Manchester, England, August 2, 1845, and died at St. Petersburg, Florida, March 23, 1917, aged seventy-two years. He was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1886. He served the City of Gleveland as Director of Charities and as a member of the Board of Education. For many years he was a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home. Selwyn Douglas, Past Grand Master, was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1841 and died in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, January 28, 1916, in his seventy-fifth year. He was Grand Master and Grand High Priest in 1895. He was five years Receiver of the United States Land Office at Oklahoma City, and for many years referee in bankruptcy. He was the first President of the Library Board of Oklahoma City and one of the organizers of the路 Oklahoma Humane Society.
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OKLAHOMA. Leo Edmond Bennett, Past Grand Master ana. Grand Treasurer, died at Mineral Wells, Texas, May 28, 1917. He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory from 1889 to 1893. He was elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma in 1899, Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter in 1910, and Grand Recorder of the Grand Coun~il the same year, and filled these offices until his death. He was Indian Agent and United States Marshal in Indian Territory and afterward was Mayor of Muskogee.
PENNSYLVANIA. .James Burn Youngson, Past Grand Master, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1846, and died in that city October 21, 1916, aged seventy years. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Council and Grand Commander in 1900. At the time of his death he was Chicf F'ood Inspector of the Bureau of Health. In the Civil 'War as a Federal soldier he served in the battles of Fredericksuurg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. For many years he was an official member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. George Wilkins Guthrie, Past Grand Master, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1848, and died in Tokio, Japan, March 8, 1917, in his sixty-ninth year. He was Grand Master in 1910 and 1911. lIe was admitted to the bar in 1869 and rosc to eminence in his profession. He was Mayor of Pittsburgh, an office which had been held by his father and grandfather. At the time of his death he was Ambassador of the United States at the Court of Japan, and because of the ability and tact with which he filled that higoh office his death is mourned in the Empire of Japan as well as in the United States. He was Vice-President and Solicitor of the Dollar Savings Bank of Pittsburgh, President of the Board of Trustees of the St. Margaret Memorial Hospital, vestryman of Calvary Episcopal Church and Chancellor of the Diocese.
TBXAS. Archibald William Campbell, Past Grand Master, was born in Cannington, Ontario, April 23, 1844, and died iIi Dallas, Texas, April I, 1917, aged seventy-three years. He was elected Grand Master in December, 1904. He was for years a member of the Committee on Jurisprudence and Chairman of the Committee on Work, and was probably personally known to more Texas Masons than any other .man. Since 1872 he had resided in Dallas, where he was actively engaged in business.
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WASHINGTON. Robert Crosby Hill, Past Grand Master, was born in Hatbro, Pennsylvania,· September 14, 1829, and died in Port 'l'ownsend, Washington, May 10, 1916, in his eighty-seventh year. TIe was elected Grand Master in 1877. He was engaged in banking in Port Townsend from 1881 to 1915. lIe was Clerk of the Unitcd States District Court in Territorial days. From 1869 to· 1881 he held various county offices in Island County. He served Port ~rownsend as Mayor and filled other public positions. Edward Ross Hare, Past Grand Master, was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 'March 25, 1857, and died in Tacoma, Washington, July 16, 1916, aged fifty-nine years. He was elected Grand Commander in 1892, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1893 and Grand High Priest in 1895. In 1895 he was elected the first Grand Recorder of the Grand Council and held , that office until 1913, when he declined re-election. At the time of his death he was in the Internal Revenue Service at Tacoma. WEST VIRGlINA. George Hatch, Past Grand Master, was born at Stuebenvi11e, Ohio, June 16, 1851, and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1916, ~aged sixty-five years. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1903. For three years he served as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Chapter. His active business life was spent chiefly in Wheeling, West Virginia. William George Bennett, Past Grand Master, was born January 5, 1847, and died at his home in Weston, West Virginia, November 8, 1916, aged nearly seventy years. He was elected Grand Master in 1883, Grand High Priest in 1886 and Grand Commander in 1889. "A native of West Virginia, his whole life was spent among its hills, where he was prominently identified with the industrial and social development ·of the State and was one of its most distinguished jurists." Neil Robinson, Past Grand Master, was born June 30, 1853, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, N·ovember 11, 1916, aged sixty-three years.' He was elected Grand High Priest in 1894 and Grand Master in 1899, and he also filled various offices in the Grand Commandery, "His nobility of character, his whole-hearted support of the church of his choice, his straightforwardness and honesty in all his. dealings, and his kindliness of disposition made him indeed a prince among men." w·YOMiNG. Harry S. Snyder, Junior Grand Warden, was born at Paola, Kansas, .Tune 24, 1861, and died at Lusk, Wyoming, November 23. 1916, aged fifty-five years. After serving a year as Grand Lecturer he was appointed Senior Grand Steward in 1913 and regularly promoted until he was elected .Tunior Grand Warden in 1916. The $20,000 Masonic 'remple at Lusk was built under his leadership as Worshipful Master. .
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For twenty years he was engaged路 in mercantile business at Lusk. The youngest of these distinguished Freemasons was our own beloved Campbell Wells, who was only in his fifty-third year, while one was more than ninety-one, the average being aoout seventy years. None hut He whose all-seeing eye has marked our labors in the lodge below can measure the influences for good that have gone out from lives like theirs. They rest from their labors and their works do follow them. Many whom they have 路taught are . going to the front in defense of the human brotherhood for which Freemasonry stands, and we who remain at home must bend our backs to the burden of sustaining these champions of human Ilberty as long as the warfare must be waged for the Rights of Man. Every lesson we have ever learned from Freemasonry is a clarion ea]] to stand by our Government in this crisis. This world would not be worth living in should our cause fail. The Kaiser proclaims himself the Instrument of the Most High as he precipitates 'upon the world the most appalling and inhuman war humanity has ever known. His god is Thor. We worship a God of Justice and Mercy, and by our faith in Him we are inspir'ed in this struggle to join hands with the heroes across the sea that a government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not perish from the eal'th. ' Fraternally sUbmitted, CORONA H. BRIGGS.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOTELS. The Grand Secretary read for the Chairman the following report of Committee on Transportation and Hotels, \vhich v-vas adopted: . St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 19th, 1917. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri: Your Committee on Transportation and Hotels desires to report that in the matter of transportation it has been unable to render any service, as the railroads would not grant a reduction in the flat rate of two cents a mile. A circular was sent to every_ subordinate lodge setting forth the location of convenient hotels, the rate per day and the car line on which the hotel was located. Your committee cheerfully complied with several requests from delegates to secure suitable hotel reservations for them. Fraternally submitted, F. F. WM. KRENNING.
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REPORT OF GRAND LECTURER. R. w. ]. R. McLachlan, Grand Lecturer, presented the following report, which was adopted; To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri: In preparing this, my twelfth annual report recalling the scenes of my activity for the year and in the perusal of the reports of the District Lecturers, many known and respected faces and many pleasan t incidents in connection with my work are brought to remembrance. and I fain would dwell on thern, rather than to account for my stewardship. if conditions would permit. While the going and coming, the labor here and there, is the regular routine of my yearly duties-the association of 'the brethren. renewing acquaintances, establishing friendships. accepting and enjoying the hospitality of my brethren and their thoughtful and courteous consideration of me, all serve to lighten the burden and make my pathway smooth and easy. Lodges of Instruction were held at the following places: Rev(re (2), H'owell, Montgomery City, Shelbina. Browning, vVright City, Centralia, Columbia, Kahoka, Paris, Doniphan, Neeleyville, Poplar Bluff, Charleston, Dexter, New Haven, Hermann (2), Fulton, Lathrop. Missouri City, Bolckow, Burlington Junction, Stanberry, Lock Springs, Jamesport. Leadwood. St. Marys, Desoto, Jefferson City. New Bloomfield, Dearborn. Edgerton, Rock Port, Oregon, Barnard. Albany, Ridgeway, Bethany, St. Francisville, Edina, Mexico, Holden, Glasgow, vVindsor, Clinton, Harrisonville,' Butler, Lamar, Jasper, Granby, Mount Vernon, Greenfield. Republic, Mansfield. Bolivar, Buffalo, Liberty, Marble Hill, New Madrid, Caruthers路villc, Kennett, Cameron, Princeton, Trenton, Kansas City, Carrollton, Brookfield, Fayette, Versailles, Boonville, Aurora, Webb City, Neosho, South .West CitY,Corder, Wellsville, Canton, Louisiana and Sedalia. The Lodge of Instruction at St. Louis was visited at three different times. On which occasions work was exemplified, questions were answered and if any misunderstandings or disputes existed they were satisfactorily disposed of. In addition to the above I had the pleasure of visiting a number of lodges. some on special occasions and others in their regular work. Among the most notable of these was my visit to Missouri Lodge No. 1 on October 4th and 5th, 1916, in company with the Grand Master, Most W'orshipful Br'other Higbee. The occasion was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of this lodge and the event will long be remembered by those who were participants. This lodge is distinguished as being the oldest in this jurisdiction and the records show that age has not lessened their zeal and activity, but, on the contrary, they are alert, active and zealous in every good work. Brother Solon Ca.meron, the Worshipful Master, and all the officers were excellent hQsts and left nothing undone for our entertainment and enjoyment. Other visitations are worthy of mention, but space will not permit. Suffice it to say that they were events of pleasure and satisfaction to me lind of importance to all. The condition of the working forces in our lodg'es is, generally
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speaking, very good. In the reports of the District LectuI'ers to me several have mentioned the activity displayed by certain lodges that hitherto had been barely existing and expressed their satisfaction at the change. This has been a<.:complished by patience and perseverance. The awakening will come, and it requires action and constant application to maintain the standard of excellence when on<.:e acquired. vVe can judge best by comparison, and one great factor in the upbuilding and maintenance of our work is the nearness to which our lodges are brought by the conveyances we have today. Frequent interchanges of visits are made by the entire working forces, and work is performed in a manner to bring credit to themselves and honor to the lodge which they represent. Many of the Districts have ~rganized associations and meet once or more eaeh year. The time is spent in exemplification of the work, having a good sociable time and ending with banquets. These meetings have proven very beneficial. Meeting with one another is always enjoyable and the question asked me by some of the Lecturers is "How to make it profitable?" I believe that we need more knowledge of the symbolism of Freemasonry and some of the time, at least, should be spent in research and study. And in our meeting together, exchange ideas and thus enlarge our vision. In some of the lodges I have visited, during the spring and summer, I~ found the ranks somewhat depleted by the call of the Government, and some of our brightest young men were in training. Since then I have noted that several of my young friends had been given positions of honor. May they prove equal to the trust reposed in them, distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties, safely return to their homes and friends, is my earnest prayer for them. I acknowledge, with gratitude, the assistance rendered me by the District Lecturers. They faithfully and promptly answered my calls and aided me in every way. They also were active in their respective fields of labor, and when we consider the difficulties under which some of them labor we marvel that so much was done. Some of the lodges are necessarily located in places not easily accessible to the District Lecturer, and it requires some endurance to reach them, but no obstacle is so great but what it is surmounted. If you read the following abstract of their reports you can form some idea of their accomplishment. ABSTRAC'l'S OF REPORTS OF DISTRICT LECTURERS. Brother P. O. Sansberry of the First District conducted three Lodges of Instruction, viz: Gorin, Rutledge and Wyaconda, and reports satisfactory interest, good attendance and progress in the work. Considerable time was spent with individual brethren by appoin tment, and he assisted various lodges in conferring degrees. He reports the lodges in his District as moving along in a commendable manner. Brot.her Charles C. Gardner reports that "all is well in the Second District." Young workers are being added and the old ones are retaining their. activity and zeal. He especially commends the Worshipful Master and membership of Edina Lodge for the work accomplished and progress made during the year. All the lodges
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but one were visited. Adair and Kirksville Lodges have both been doing a wonderful amount of really good work. Brother John Santee of the Third District held Lodges of InstJ'uction at .Pollock, Unionville, Putnam; Lucerne, Winigan, Humphreys, Hartford and Green City and reports fair attendance with renewed interest. Special mention is made of the brethren at Hartford, Pollock and Newton for their efforts and the manner in which they took advantage of the opportunity given them by his presence. Other lodges in the District were instructed by local authorities, with the sanction of Brother Santee, and Freemasonry in that District'is maintaining its usual standal'd. Brother E. M. Wilson of the Fourth District reports that owing to a combination of circumstances he found it impossible to hold Lodges of Instruction in all of the lodges. He visited some of them from one to three times, gave some instrudion and found them in good working order. He intimates that the war has affected some of the lodges and expresses the hope that when peace is restored a revival will take place and work be resumed with renewfd vigor. Brother Joseph E. Reese of the Seventh District visited all lodges, assisted in conferring degrees, and instructed officers in their duties. Lodges of Instruction were held at Ravenwood, Elmo and Barnard and Burlington Junction. A school was held for the District at Maryville during the winter: He reports a prosperous :veal' throughout the District. Brother B. F. V\Tatson of the Ninth District visited a number of the lodges, held Lodges of Instruction with Wallace Park Lodge and Saxton Lodge and during the first three months of the year held weekly meetings for the benefit of the lodges in St. Joseph, which were well attended and. proved profitable to all. Good work is being done and satisfactory progress is evident in all'the lodges. Brother Emsley C, James of the Eleventh District held Lodges of Instruction with the following lodges: Holt, Clay, Hemple, Plattsburg, Vincil and Lathrop. ITe reports general improvement in ritualistic work and a revival in interest and zeal. Brother R. A. Tharp of the Twelfth District visited most of the .lodges, held three Lodges of Instruction and reports a good interest is manifest and a fairly good increase in membership as a result of the year's work. Brother E. W, Tayler of the Thirteenth District visited all but two of the lodges in his charge and held two Lodges of Instructions, one at Linneus and the other at Marceline. He r8pOl'ts that most of the lodges have efficient workers, and in all but one lodge much interest is manifest. The membership remains about the same, Some of the lodges are always active, while others are not so fortunate. Brother George F. Grewington of the Fourteenth District visited eight lodges and held three Lodges of Instruction, which were well attended. All the lodges are doing good work and some are deserving special mention. He thinks that the work done in the District will compare most favorably with any rural District in the State. Brother B. E. Bigger of the Fifteenth District, as usual, was quite active, visiting all but one of the lodges, and held Lodges or Instruction at Lewistown, vViIllamstown and La Grange, besides instructing the lodges at Hannibal at stated times during the winter
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months. At Lewistown all the lodges in Lewis County but one had representatives in attendance. He reports improvement in all lodges with the exception of one, and this one gives evidence of an awakening. The lodges in Hannibal have a number of efficient workers and have spleJ;ldid opportunities to test their skill in that direction. Brother Robert A. May of the Sixteenth District reports that five of the lodges did fairly well and four had made very little progress. A District Lodge of Instruction was held at Louisiana. This with his visitations and personal instruction given on many occasions was the only work done during the year. Bt'other Thomas F. Hurd of the Seventeenth District visited Stoutsville, Santa Fe and :Paris Union Lodges and has kept in touch \-vith other lodges. He reports many of them acti ve with a promising outlook for the future. He had numerous demands on him [or individual instruction, which resulted very satisfactorily in the prolTlotion of the ritual. He observes a gradual improvement in Freemasonry along all lines. Brother T. H. Walton of the Eighteenth District visited Huntsville, Moberly and Clark, found them in good working condition and a good attendance. Hcld a short Lodge of Instruction at Huntsville and put in one afternoon and night at Moberly. His information is that the other lodges are progressing nicely. Brother H. R. Mason of the Nineteenth District held Lodges of Instruction at Triplett, Sumner, I{othville, VVestville and Mussel Fork, besides attending the Fourth District Association meetings held at Prairie Hill, Brunswick, Salisburg and Mussel Fork. HI was very active in assisting in conferring degrees, the installation of officers and other Masonic occasions. He reports improvemen t all along the line and a steady growth in numbers. Brother \V. M. Baker of the Twentieth District visited nine of the twelve lodges under his care and held Lodges of Instruction in each. He reports improvement in the ritual and the lodges in good conditicn. Un account of crop conditions in the past but few of . the lodges have been active, but prospects are more favorable at this time. Brother Henry C. Noland of the Twenty-first District reportsLodges of Instruction at Barry, Farley, Weston, Parkville, Dearborn and Edgerton, wliich were well attended and considerable intet'est manifested. All the lodges havp been doing some work and most of them perform their duties in a creditable manncr. Brother Charles T. Kornbrodt of the Twenty-second District held instructions for the lodges in his District during the months of January, February and Marcil. Sixteen meetings were held. The work was so arranged that each lodge had a certain part to perform, their work graded and compared with that of other lodges. The competition created quite an interest, and the desire路 to excel caused them to exert themsel ves for greater proficiency, ancl the result \vas most satisfactory. Brother Kornbrodt tendered his services to the various lodges, most of which called on him, with gratifying results. He has been untiring in his labors and expresses himself as pleased with the situation in that District. Brother \V. T. Wernwag of the Twenty-third District reports interest in the work on the increase, more proficient workers are noted, and the lodges are enjoying a fair degree of prosperity.
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Lodges of Inst.ruction were held at Higginsville, Aullville, Lexington and Corder, besides aid given the different lodges at various times on the occasion of his visitations. All calls for assistance were promptly responded to. The condition of the working forces in the District is very satisfactory, much of "lhich has been accomplished by their associations and the interchange of visits among the brethren. Brother J. S. Wilson of thc Twenty-fourth District held one Lodge of InstI'uction and that at Miami, where he had an interesting meeting. He reports them in a flourishing condition. He visited all other lodges in the District with the exception of two, assisted in conferring degrees, and reports all in good working condition excepting the lodges at Nelson and Arrow Rock. Interest is being aroused, and he is hopefUl that in the near future these may be brought up to the standard. The District as a whole is in fair condition and good fellowshi p prevails. Brother S. L. Stites of t.he Twenty-fift.h District. visited and gave instruction to the following lodges: Wm. D. Muir, Livingston and Cooper. By request of Otterville Lodge, 11e installed their officers on June 25, after which the bi-centennial ceremonies were observed, closing with an address on Frecm~sonry and patriotism. No other calls were made on him. for his services. He hopes to see the Jodges a little n:ore ::tlive to the importance of the ritual, of which they are deficient in their knowledge, and hopes the revival may come during the coming year. Brother S. r. Cunningham of the Twenty-seventh District held Lodges of Instruction with ~ll the lodges except Tebbetts, Portland, Vandalia and Central. These did not call on him, although informed of his desire and willingness to come at their convenience. He gave much instruction to individuals and considers the standard of proficiency in the District at large is better than for some路 years. He commends the lodge at Williamsburg for their activity and renewal of life. This lodge has barely existed for years, and it is to be hoped that they will gain strength enough to maintain their activity and usefulness fOl' years to come. Aux Vasse Lodge is also favorably mentioned as progressing nicely. Brother .John F,. Reeds of the Twenty-eighth District visited all the lodges but one in his District, assist.ed in degree work and gave instruction on the occasion of these visitations. Considerable time was given to personal instruction of officers. Some work was done, and, in most instances, it was done creditably. A Lodge of Instruction was held at vV路ellsville路 by the Grand Lecturer, which was well attended and appreciated by all. He reports the lodges in good condition, with peace and harmony prevailing. Brother E. A. Fluesmeier of the Thirtieth District visited the various lodges, assisted in conferring degrees and held Schools of Instruction .for the District. One lodge has been set to work under dispensation. He reports some activity among the lodges and fairly good work done. Brother William C. Heck of the Thirty-first District. visited seven of the ten lodges 1n his District, some of them four or five times, assisting them in their work. Lodges of Instruction were held at California, Tipton, Clarksburg, Centertown, Russellville and Jamestown. The last two are especially commended for their zeal and the work accomplished. St. John's Day was suitably observed
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at California, which attracted an immense crowd and served every purpose that could be expected. This and the laying of a cornerstone at California and the public installation of officers at Jamestown, were events in the history of the District that will stimulate the brethren to greater activity and will long be remembered, The year has been one of progress and there is much to encourage him to thinl{ the improvement wil! continue. Brother路 H. A. Breuel' of the Thirty-second District was appointed late in the year to fil! a vacancy caused by the removal from the State of the District Lecturer. Notwithstanding his late appointment, he visited every lodge in the District, giving instruction and arousing interest among the craft. He, as all others do, speaks very highly of the general character of the brethren, but notes the fact that but few are active in the work. Let us hope that, by his efforts, this difficulty may be OVel'come and that he may have a District of workers. Brother Howard G. Cook of the Thirty-third District reports that from October 1st, 1916, to July 1st, 1917, meetings of the Lodge of Instruction, presided over by Right Worshipful Brother Andrew J, O'Reilly, District Deputy Grand Master, were held approximately once a week. Thirty-three meetings were held, with a total attendance of 3,099, consisting of 943 officers and 2,156 members, an aVC1'agr- attendance of 95: compete'nt in~truetions were provided for class work on these occasions, and every phase of the work was given due attention. He expresses his pleasure at the interest manife::ted l)"v the various lodges and the exceptionally high order of work done by their respective offic~rs, and is grateful to the brethren for their loyal support and attributes the success of the meetings to their earnest and sincere efforts. Brother R. B. Campbell of t.he Thirty-fifth District visited every lodge in his District and notes improvement in all, with the exception of Tyrian and Amsterdam, the latter having lost its hall by fire. Lodges of Instruction were held at Rich Hill, Butler and Hume. At all of his visitations assistance was given in the conferring degrees or explaining their various duties. St. John's Day was appropriately observed by the Masons and their families, an excellent program was prepared and carried out, to the enjoyment and satisfaction of those present, and at night the third degree was conferred on two candidates. BrothEr n. "\V. Fristoe of the Thirty-seventh District visited nine of the 路foul'tern Jod~r~s under him, found enthusiastic members in each, and much helpful instructioq was given. A few of the lodges worked with diligence, enabling them not only to increase in numbers, but to maintain and promote their knowledge of the ritual. Two of the lodges did no work. These are so inconveniently located that he was unabl.e to reach them, but says he will conf'ider it hi, fir:"t duty in the fall to visit them, diF;cover the cause of their apathy and endeavor to remedy any defects. He reports the lodges in good condition and there are now no disturbing elements. Brother Carl G. Ross of the Thirty-eighth District visited seven of the nine lodges and held a Lodge of Instruction at Brumley, with good results. Short Lodges of Instruction were also held at Waynesville, Lebanon and Competition, He finds the lodges in fair working condition. vVaynesville is very favorably mentioned for
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their good work. More interest is manifested and there is a decided improvement in all of them. Some of the lodges in this District are very remote from the railroad and conseq'llently not easily accessible for visitations. Brother Charles E. Pyle of the Fortieth District says that from personal knowledge and through his visitations he notes progressiveness throughout the District. He held two Lodges of Instruction, which were well attended, and responded to many invitations to be present and assist in the work. The year has been a profitable one and nothing has occurred to mar the peace and harmony of the brethren. Brother H. H. Finley of the Forty-second District reports that the lodges in his District are in fairly good condition. Lodges of Instruction were held in Greenfield, Arcola and Dadeville. The attendance and interest were such as to give much encouragement for the future. Considerable private instruction was given and at various times he gave assistance in lodge ,vork, while some of the lodges have not been very active, as a whole the situation is favorable. Brother Sam B. Vickers of the Forty-third District visited several of the lodges and held Lodges of Instruction at Milford, Nevada and Schell City. The officers were particularly attentive and the results of such meeqngs were very satisfactory. He reports all the lodges, with the exception of one, in a flourishing condition. Brother George W. Custer of the Forty-fifth District reports holding a Lodge of Instruction at Republic for three days, with good attendance, and the officers doing splendid work. During the midwinter months weekly meetings were held at Springfield, which were well attended by representatives of the Springfield Lodges as well as a number of the rural lodges. Nearly all the lodges were visited by him, and on many occasions he gave instruction to officers outside of the cit~路. With the exce)tion of Niangua Lodge all are doing very good work. Brother Carl A. Swenson of the Forty-sixth District visited most of the lodges in his charge and gave considerable time to instruction of the officers. The working condition of the lodges is good. The District Association has proven quite a factor in arousing the brethren to greater activity and a more united effort is made to familiarize themselves with their duties. Brother J. M. Carnahan of the Forty-seventh District visited five lodges for the purpose of giving instruction in the ritual. There was a splendid attendance and marked improvement was noted. A greater demand on his time for personal instruction was made by the brethren, which is an evidence of their unabated interest. Taken as a whole, the lodges are fairly proficient and efforts are being put forth for still greater proficiency. Brother W. B. Massey of the Forty-eighth District reports the l0dg-rs in the Lead 13e 1 t as Quite active and prasneT'OUS. Thev are doing better work and the efforts that are being put forth will tend to still greater proficiency. He has not held as many Lodges of Instruction as he had desired, but always assisted when called on and did considerable good by giving private instruction to the officers. Brother George W. Miller of the Forty-ninth District answered
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every call and held four Lodges of Instruction. He reports a gain in membership and better work than before. Brother James A. Boone of the Fiftieth District visited and instructed' in four of his lodges and instructed the officers and brethren in about ten others. Reports from the lodges show progress, not only in the increase of membership, but have shown improvement in the work His services were given whenever needed. He observes that "the ]odg3 which puts fo::th effort and relies on its own endeavor is the one that succeeds best". Brother Virgil P. Adams of the Fifty-first District has visited, given instruction and assisted in conferring degrees in thirteen of the fourteen lodges in his District and has found some members in each lodge who ~ire proficient in the work. He has devoted more time than usual in his attention to his duties. Some of the lodges were visited several times, and he says the condition of the Craft i.., 'very satisfactory. Brother H. A. Stearns of the Fifty-third District gave instruction at five different lodges and another at a cOIJvenient place for three others. Several of the lodges are doi!.1g excellent work and all have made improvement. The lodges in this District are, perhaps, more widely scattered than in any other District, and the inconvenience and difficulty in reaching them is very great. Koshkonong Lodge is improving and the attendance is good. Brother Stearns gave considerable private instruction both in and out of the District and the result of his labors is very perceptible. Brother G . .T. Vaughan of the Fifty-fourth District visited every lodge and held Lodges of Instruction from one to three days at each place, viz: Billings, Crane, Galena, Reeds Springs, Branson, Hollister, Protem, FOI'syth and Sparta, and met with a goodly number of enthusiastic Freemasons to receive instruction. He reports them as steadily gaining in numbers and improving in ritualistic work. Brother~T. N. Marbut of the Fifty-fifth District states that while he held no Lodges of Instruction he visited several lodges, assisted in degree work and instructed the officers in their duties to the best of his ability. He was present and assisted the Grand Lecturer at Aurora and Mount Vernon, two places in the Dist'rict, ::l.t which th8 time was spent 11l01;t profitably to all.' He reports the lodges, with one or two exceptions, in good condition and fairly proficient in the work. Brothel' W. A. Phipps of the Fifty-sixth District held no regular Lodges of Instruction, but visited the various lodges, assisted in degree work in almost every lodge in the District and spent considerable time In instructing the officers in their duties and drilling them in their work. He notes a growing desire for better things, and as a result the beautiful ceremonies are rendered more attrac.tlve year by year. The lodges are working smoothly, and nothing has occurred to mar the peace and harmony of the Graft. Brother Allan McDowell Hoyt of the Fifty-ninth District fin.ds the brethren eager to learn, and he has used his best endeavors to that end. He held a Lodge of Instruction at Independence during the months of Janllary and February, eight meetings in all. He also held schools at Buckner, Lees Summit and Grain Valley, all of which were well attended. He found the brethren very retentive of the instruction heretofore received and consequently noted the
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increased benefit derived from these instructions. The officers of the two lodges in Independence and those of Mt. vVashing-ton were particularly commended for their attendance this year, and a few other officers deserve like praise. He reports the brethren as wide awake, the lodges in good condition, and while some of them may not have made any marked improvement, they are at least holding their own. Fraternally submitted, J. R. McLACHLAN.
SPECIAL COl\nvIITTEE ON ARREST CHARTER OF ROOHESTER LODGE. NO. 248.
OF
The Grand Master announced the follov\iing Special Committee on Arrest of Charter of Rochester Lodge No. 248: Arch A. Johnson, George CoslO\v, U. A. House, A. T. Dumm, Harry Bauer.
REPORT' OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS. Rt. W. Bro. B. E. Bigger presented the report of Committee on Jurisprudence, vote being taken separately on each section of report, as follows: Section I-In re Amendment to Constitution: Report of committee adopted. Section 2-In re Sec. 231: Motion to adopt report of committee was carried. Section 3-In re Sec, 157 (a). Sec. 157 (b): Motion to adopt report of committee carried. Section 4-In re Sec. 132: Motion to adopt report of commi ttee carried. Section 5-In re Sec. 50: Motion to adopt report of committee carried. Section 6-1n re Sec. 67: Motion to adopt report of committee carried. Section 7-In re Sec. 111: Motion to adopt report .of committee carried. Section 8-1n re Sec. 69: Motion to adopt report of committee was lost and the committee reversed. Motion, duly seconded, to adopt original amendment to Sec. 69, as proposed, carried. Section 9-1n re Sec. 67: Report of the committee adopted. Section 10-In re Sec. 246: Report of the committee adopted
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Section 11-In re Sec. 182-Motion was made to adopt report of committee; seconded. Lodge vote on question called for by petition of 10 lodges.*
1\-1. W. Bro. C. H. Briggs offered the following (second) substitute for amendment offered a year ago and the (first) substitute therefor offered yesterday: SECOND
SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT.
To amend Section 182 of Grand Lodge By-Laws by inserting after tile word "bartender" the words "or who signs a petition for a dran:-shQi) license." C. H. BRIGGS, WM. F. KUHN'.
*The lodge and individual vote being taken, the second substitute amendment vvas adopted. On motion, the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence as a whole as thus amended 111 Cases 8 and 11 was adopted. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri:
Your Committee on Jurisprudence respectfully submits the following as a lUlrtinl report to this Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge:
1.
At the last Annual Communication of this Grand Body an a.mendment to divisions (4) and (8) of Sec. 1 of Art. V of the Constitution was proposed, now found on page 187, Proceedings 1916. This amendment proposes to limit the right of the Grand Lodge to assess and collect from the several lodges under its jurisdiction such sums of money as may be deemed necessary 'to be npprOlll'iated to the benefit of the Craft, as well as limiting the power to collect from the brethren within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge sums for charitable purposes, unless the same is referred to and approved by a majority of the lodges of the State voting in their. respective lodges and not in the Grand Lodge.
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Your committee feels that; this proposed amendment violates the fundamental usage of Masonry, and is not in accord with a representative form of government: 'ti1at it will perpetually tie the hands of the Grand Lodge against ever raising funds for emergencies, and that the same is not feasible and practical. We therefore recommend that the said proposed amendment be not adopted. (Carried. ) II.
On page ] 88, Pro~eedings ] 916, an amendment proposed at the last Communication amending Section 231 of the Grand Lodge bylaws permitting- the accused to be present during the hearing of evidence and the argument of his trial, even though he may not be in good standing, we recommend the following as substitute for said proposed amendment, as follows; To repeal Section 231 of the Grand Lodge By~Laws and substitut8 in lieu thereof the following: Section 231. Trinls. All Masonic trials shall be in the lodge of the highest (tegree to ,vhich the accused has attained. and both t]le accuser and tlle accused, even though the a(,(~lJsed may not be in good standing, may be present in person during the hearing of the evidence and the argument and may be represented by counsel In good Masonic standing. We recommend the adoption of the above substitute. (Carried.) III.
A proposition to amend by-laws by adding- two new sections known as "157A" and "157B" were referred to the committee, being found on nag-es 188 ann 189. Proceedings 1916, providing for interstate certificates of good standing for the purpose of transferring membership in a lodge In one Slate to this Grand Jurisdiction. or from this Grand Jurisdiction to another such jurisdiction. We recommend that the last sentence in said Section 157B, to wit: "In case of his rejection his membership shall remain in the lodge granti路ng the certificate," be stricken out and that Section 157A be adopted, and that Section 157B as amended be adopted. (Carried.) IV. An amendment to Section 132 of the Grand Lodge by-laws, found on page 189, Proceedings 1916, recommending the addition of the fol1owing to said section, to wit, "157B", was referred to this committee. We recommend the said proposed amendment be amended by adding to the present Section 132 the following, "and 157B", so that it will read as follows: Section 132. Petition for ~ren'bers1Jip Dimft Must Accompany. A lodge shall not entertain a petition for membership, unless the same is accompanied by a Dimit or some other documentary evidence of good standing of the applicant, as provided in Sections 157 and 157B, and that as amended said amendment bc adopted. (CarriE'd.)
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v. A proposition to amend Section 50 of the Grand Lodge by-Jaws having been referred to this committee and being found on page 189, Proceedings 1916, providing for the contracting of debts by lodges and the necessary consent of the Grand Master, and information to be filed with the Grand Secretary. Your committee feels that the proposed amendment is too drastic, and that if adopted, as proposed, we would be continually violating the law in the conduct of our regular business affairs in our lodges. We therefore recommend that Section 50 and all present amendments thereto be repealed and that the following be adopted in lieu thereof: "Section 50. Contract Debts. A lodge shall not be permitted to contract debts for any purpose until sufficient available assets are on hand to meet the payment thereof. Provided, a lodge may be permitted to contr~ct debts for the purpose of building a hall or purchasing a cemetery, with the consent and approval of the Grand M.aster. Lodges obtaining permission to contract debts for building a hall or purchasing a cemetery shall at once notify the Grand Secretary of the amount of the debt incurred, the security given, and when the debt matures. When any debt contracted, as herein provided, shall have been paid, the lodge shall notify the Grand Secretary of such payment. A record of such debts and the payment thereof shall be kept in the office of the Grand Secretary." (Carried.) VI. The proposition to amend Section 67 of the Grand Lodge bylaws, found on page 190, 1916 Proceedings, proposing to reduce the per capita to the Grand Lodge, has been referred to your committee. We beg to report that there has been filed with the committee letters from all of the proposers of said by-law, reque~ting the withdrawal of said amendment, and your committee also being of the opinion that if adopted our Masonic Home would not have sufficient funds to maintain itself in a proper condition and will limit its capacity for doIng the great work in which it is now engaged, we therefore recommend that said amendmen t be not adopted. (Carried.)
VII. The proposition to amend Section 111, Grand Lodge by-laws, by inserting the following in lieu thereof: "Sction 111. Same. Anyone of the three degrees may be conferred upon not more than five candidates at one and the same time, at any special or stated communication, provided., that such candIdates shall be received separately in the First, Second and Third Degrees, and shall pass separately through the second section of the Third Degree." The same having been referred to your committee, and you Committee being of the opinion that the same would be detrimental to the welfare of the lodges throughout this jurisdiction, we recommend that said amendment be not adopted. (Carried.)
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VIII. A proposition to amend Section 69 of the Grand Lodge by-laws, found on pages 190 and 191, Grand Lodge Proceedings 1916', under路 the heading of Mileage and Per Diem, have been referred to your committee, it being the purpose of said by-law to provide that no representative shall receive more than one-fifth of the sum paid by his lodge for that year as dues instead of one-seventh as now provided by law, and your committee, deeming it of great importance that all encouragement possible should be given to the smaller lodges to have a representative at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, but your committee not being sufficiently advised as to the necessary expense entailed by the proposed amendment, we recommend that said proposed amendment be amended by inserting the words "one-sixth" in lieu of the said onefifth, and as so amended said proposed amendment be adopted. l.ost, and original amendment to Section 69, as proposed, was adopted, as follows: "Section 69. lUlleage and Per Diem. The Past Grand Masters, Grand Officers, ,District Deputy Grand Masters, District Lecturers and one Representative from each lodge, and the Chairman of each Standing Committee, who do not draw mileage and per diem fn any other capacity, shall be paid the sum of three dollars ($3.00) for each day they may be in actual attendance upon the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and three cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning therefrom; provided, that no Representative shall receive either mileage or per diem unless all dues from his lodge to the Grand Lodge have been paid by August 1st, and no Representative shall receive more than one-fifth of the sum paid by his lodge for that year as dues, and no one shall receive mileage and per diem in a dOUble capacity."
IX. A proposition to amend Section 67, Grand Lodge by-laws, said proposed amendment being found on page 191 of the Grand Lodge Proceedings of, 1916, the same having been referred to your committee, and said amendment being in exact 'accord with the present law, with the ex.ception of a proviso added by said proposed amendment that whenever it is propo;;ed to increase or decrease the annual dues to the Grand Lodge such proposal sha!! be referred to a vote of the lodges of this 'jurisdiction and reported to the Grand Secretary at least thirty days prior to the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. Your committee is of the opinion that this amendment is a companion to the proposed amendment to the Constitution heretofore reported upon and for the same reasons advanced thereon; that the same is contrary to the usage of Masonry, is not in accord with a representative form of government; that it will completely tie the hands of this Grand Lodge in raising funds in emergency, and that the same is not practical. We therefore recommend that said proposed amendment be not adopted. (Carried.)
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X. The proposi tion to amend Section 246 of the Grand Lodge bylaws, page 192 Proceedings 1916, by striking out the last two lines of said amendment, having been referred to your committee, your committee offers the following as a substitute therefor: Section 246. ApIJeal in Grand Lodge. On receipt of the transcript as provided in Section 243 by the Grand Secretary, the Grand Lodge shall be possessed of the case and shall determine the same on the record so transmitted. The appellant in the absence of fraud may dismiss his appeal at any time before the meeting of the Grand Lodge:' Your committee feels that if the original proposed amendment were carried that it would prevent the happy solution of many vexing problems detrimental to the good of the Fraternity, and by our substitilte we have preserved the right of our Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, in case of fraud upon the Grand Lodge, to set aside the dismissal of any such case. We therefore recommend that the above substitute to said amendment be adopted. (Carried.) XI. A propositicn to amend Section 182 of the Grand Lodge By-laws, found on pages 191 and 192, Proceedings 1916, being a proposition to repeal said Section 182 and providing in lieu thereof a law against the receipt of petitions from any person engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as a distiller, br~wer, brewery agent, wholesale or retail, liquor dealer 0, salesman, 0:' agent, supcnntLndent or foreman for such manufacturer, or dealer, a saloon-keeper or bartender, or one who serves intoxicating liquor as a vocation, or a.ny one who is engaged in any capacity in the handling, manufacturing or selling of intoxicating liquor as a beverage, or of anyone owning a building or stock in a corporation, or a building whose specific purpose or use is for the manufacture of intoxicating liquor; nor shall any Freemason recommend or sign any petition or application for dram-shop license. Any Freemason who may, hereafter, begin such business, or perform or be engaged in any of the acts forbidden in- this section shall be expelled; and any lodge receiving a petition of a person so barred, or having elected to membership a person so barred, and who shall fail to expel such person when 'informed of his ineligibility, shall have its charter suspended or arrested by the Grand Master. Also the following substitute presented yesterday and reading as follows: FIRST SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT. To amend Section 182 by striking out entire section and substituting the following therefor: "Section 182. Same. (a) No lodge shall receive a petition for the degrees or for affiliation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as a distiller, brewer, brewery agent, wholesale or retail liquor dealer or salesman, or agent, superintendent or foreman for
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such manufacturer or dealer, a saloon-keeper, bartender, or one who serves intoxicating liquors as a vocation, or of anyone who is engaged in any capacity in the handling, manufacture or selling of intoxicatinÂŁ liquors as a beverage, or of anyone owning a building or stock in a corporation whose exclusive purpose or use is for the manufacture or sale, either by wholesale or retail, of intoxicating liquors. Any Freemason who may hereafter begin the business forbidden in this section shall be expelled and he who shall sign, or recommend, any petition' or application for a dram-shop license, or become bondsman for dram-shop keeping, shall be suspended or expelled; Provided, nothing in this section shall be construed as to make it retroactive, or applying to anyone holding a purely clerical position. (b) Any lodge failing to enforce the provisions of this section shall have its charter arrested or suspended. W. F. KUHN, A. M. HOUGH, C. H. BRIGGS. Said amendment and substitute having been referred to your commitee, and your committee having given it careful consideration, we believe that the present law of this Grand Body as constituted and interpreted by the Grand Lodge thoroughly covers the matter and that the proposed law is too drastic and injects into our Masonic Fraternity a political question of the most strife-stirring character that will ultimately lead to a disturbance of the peace and harmony of our lodges. We therefore recommend that the proposed amendment and first substitute be not adopted. (The second substitute amendment to Section 182 carried.) The report of the committee, as a whole, as thus amended in cases VIII and XI, was adopted. B. E. BIGGER, DORSEY A. JAMISON, MOSES WHYBARK, WM. L. HAMRICK, WILLIAM A. HALL, tPAUL D. HIGBEE tl(except as to No. 11).
CALLED FROM LABOR. At 12 :15 p. m. the Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 1 :15 P. 11.
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SECOND DAY-AFTERNOON SESSION. St. Louis, Wednesday, September 19, 1917. The Grand Lodge. was CALLED TO' LABOR at 1: 15 P. :M. by M. VV. Bro. Edward Higbee, Grand :Master, the other Grand Officers in their respe<;tive stations. Prayer by R. W. and Rev. John H. l\![iller, Grand Chaplain.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE路 ON DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOME BOARD AND CLEARMONT LODGE NO. 507. R. W. Bro. H. N. l\![artin, Chairman, presented the following report, which was adopted: St. Louis, Sept. 18, 1917. To the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: Brethren: We, your Special Committee, to whom was submitted the matter of the controversy between the Masonic Home Board and Clearmont Lodgc No. 507, submit the following report: After completely examining all papers submitted, relative to this case, find that Bro. C. B. Hickman was admitted to the Home on the application of Clearmont Lodge No. 507, Nov. 12, 1907, and remained in the Home until his death, March 6, 1916. That during the time from. Nov. 12, 1907, until March 6, 1916, the report of the Home showed Bro. Hickman as a member of the Home family from Clearmont Lodge No. 507, and no commulllcation ever came to the Home Board that Bro. Hickman was not a member in good :,;tanding of Clearmont Lodge No. 507 until after his death and burial. During the time the application of Clearmont Lodge No. 507 to the Horne Board for Bro. Hickman's admission was pendingfrom July, 1907, to Nov., 1907, Clearmont Lodge No. 507 demitted Bro. Hickman on Nov. 6, 1907, but failed to notify the Home Board of his demit. Therefore, your committee concludes that Clearmont Lodge No. 507 is liable to and owes the Masonic Home Boarrj the amount of Bro. Hickman's burial and funeral expenses ($106.0/'). Fraternally submitted, HIRAM N. MARTIN, RALPH L. McHEN'RY, H. H. FINLEY, W. P. SUMMERS, GEORGE W. W'ALKER
1917路1
Grand Lodge of MisSOU1'i.
. 139
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON D. D. G. MASTERS' REPORTS. Rt. Vv. Bro. August F. Braun; Chairman, presented the following report on District Deputy Grand l\1asters' Reports v which, on motion, was adopted: St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 19th, 1917. To the Most vVorshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in the State of Missouri: Your Committee on the Reports of District Deputy Grand Masters beg leave to submit the following report: This committee had submitted to it for consideration the reports from 51 out of the 59 Districts in this Jurisdiction and can only report to you what we have gleaned from this representation. The Districts reporting are Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59-and it is noted that the reports from 10 of these Districts do not include complete reports from all lodges in them. The purpose of requiring the District Deputy Grand Masters to make written reports each year to the Grand Master is' to info,rm him and the Grafid Lodge as to the condition of the Craft throughout the State and thereby enable the Grand Master to better serve the Craft and to make recommendations to the Grand Lodge with respect thereto. If the Secretaries do not make complete reports to the District Deputy Grand Masters, and then they in turn fail to report to the Grand Master, not only the Grand Master, but the Grand Lodge as well, is hindered in the proper advancement of Freemasonry in our State. This committee, therefore, hopes that the District Deputy Grand Masters will see the necessity of the performance of this part of their duties, and that at our next Grand Lodge' session the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge will be fully informed as to the condition of Freemasonry in every District. After a careful examination of the reports before us, this committee notices that there is in many localities an excessive amount of dues in arrears. The collection of lodge dues is absolutely necessary for the life of the lodges and the carrying on of the work in which Freemasonry is engaged. That W<?rthy Brethren, their wives, widows and orphans, can be properly relieved, it is necessary that all lodge dues be promptly paid. It is recommended that the District Deputy Grand Masters, during the next year, make it a special matter of business to urge upon the officers and members of all lodges in their -respective Districts to give espechil attention to the collection of clues. It is also noted from the reports before us that a number of lodges are not carrying fire insurance commensurate with the value of the property owned by them. It is a business axiom that if property is worth having it is worth insuring against loss, an~ none of our lodges are so well supplied with finances that they can
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afford to be without ample fire insurance upon their property. We trust that next year a better showing may be made as to this i mportan t item. This committee recognizes the arduous duties which are imposed upon the District Deputy Grand Masters, the great amount of time they have to devote to their work, absence from their homes, the great distance which many of them have to travel, and the expenses they have, in the performance of their duty, and we heartily recommend their work to the Craft. They are the personal representatives of the Grand Master and should be so received wherever they go and should receive the hearty co-operation of the officers and members of all lodges. Respectfully submitted, AUGUSTUS F. BRAUN, W. B. WOOD, EDW. W. CLARK, H. M. LINT, ANTHONY F. ITTNER.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF MASONIC HOME BOARD. 路1\1. vv. "Bro. Xenophon Ryland nominated for members of the lrome Board for three years M. \\T. Bros. John T. Short, R. R. Kreeger, D. J\1. Wilson and Arch A. Johnson, and to fill unexpired term of the late M:. W. Bro. Campbell Wells-\\T. Bro. J oIm H. Gundlach. 1\1oved by M:. W. Bro.C. H. Briggs that M. W. Bro. Xenophon Ryland be directed to cast vote of Grand Lodge. Adopted. Bro. Ryland then cast the vote for the above-named brethren.
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE GRANTED FURTHER TIME. The law requiring the Committee on VVays and Means to report the second day, and it being impossible to complete .their report on said day, by request of the committee they were granted until tomorrow to make said report.
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BOARDS OF RELIEF. R. W. Bro. Louis :Moller made the following report of Committee on Masoni.c Boards of Relief, which on motion was adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri: Brethren: Your Committee on Boards of Relief have examined the reports of the nine boards whose reports have been made to this Grand Lodge, and we find as follows: Independence reports: Cash July 1, 1916 No receipts and no disbursements.
$ 122.00
Cash July 1, 1917 Joplin reports: Cash July 1, 1916 Receipts
$ 122.00
: .. $ 194.65 . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246.50
Total Cash Disbursements
$ 441.15 266.49
Cash July 1, 1917
Their report shows cash JUly
$ 174.66
1, 1917,
$164.90
clerical error.
Springfield reports: Cash July 1, 1916 $1,085.09 Receipts •••.........•...................... 164.06 Total Cash $1,249.15 Disbursements . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 107.88 Cash July 1, 1917
$1,141.27
Sedalia reports: Cash July 1, 1916 $ Receipts .....•.•...........................
78.51 19.73
Total ......••.......................... $ Disbursements
98.24 16.47
Cash July 1, 1917
$
81.87
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Kansas City reports: Cash July 1, 1916¡ $ 942.30 Receipts from lodges ....•.................. 2,400.00 Miscellaneous receipts 2,462.80 Total Disbursements Cash
July
$5,805.12 4,053.08 1,
1917
Hannibal reports: Cash July 1, 1916 Reeeipts Total Disbursements Cash July I, 1917
$1,752.04
$ 129.05
56.21 $ 185.26 59.91 $ 125.35
Columbia reports: Cash July 1, I 916 $ 205.55 Receipts from interest...................... 4.00
No
Total disbursements.
$ 209.55
Cash July. 1,1917
$ 209.55
St. Joseph reports: Cash on hand July 1, 1916 $1,239.23 Receipts ......................... 91.04 Total Disbursements Cash July 31, 1917
$1,330.27 134.75 $1,195.52
St. Louis reports: Cash June 30, 1916 $2,182.33 Receipts from refunds 1,408.05 Receipts from Ints. & Dis.................. 24.98 One grave in Bellefontaine lot.............. 10.00 Total
$3,625.36
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GY(I11d Lodge of 111 issouri. Disbursemen tsFor relief $1,237.49 For expenses 125.15 For funerals 453.38 For secretary 176.46 For contingent fund.......... 138.01 For opening grave............ 10.00 Total
disbursements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2,140.4 9
Cash June 30, 1917 ...•......... $1,484.87
Grand total cash on hand July 1st, 1916 Cash receipts
$ 6,178.73 6,887.37
Total
$13,066.10 6,779.07
disbursements
Total cash on hand July 31, 1917
$ 6,287.03
The St. Louis Board of Relief is the only one glvmg a complete detailed report of all of its acts during the past year, and we commend the officers for their excellent report, they having reported three hundred and eighty-three cases requiring attention during the year, of these one hundred and sixty entirely worthy, many doubtful and a great many unworthy, and others having no Masonic claims whatever. Fifteen Worthy Master Masons from sister jurisdictions died and were buried with Masonic honors by St. Louis lodges. We realize that the several Boards of Relief are doing a good work, and that the officers, and members are zealous in the discharge of their duties to the needy and distressed Masons., Your committee feel that this Grand Lodge should' be informed in detail of all their acts. ,Ve therefore recommend that the officers of each Board of Relief be requested to furnish the Grand Lodg-e annually a complete detailed report of all things done by their respective Boards during the year. LOUIS MOLLER, A. R. TIMMERMAN, VAN Ii'. BOOR.
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REPORT OF MASONIC EMPLOYMENT BUREAU. The Grand Secretary presented the following report for tht :Masonic Employment Bureau of St. Louis, which was ordered printed in the Proceedings: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri: Obedient to the Grand Lodge by-laws, the following report of the operation of the Masonic Employment Bureau of St. Louis for the fiscal year terminating June 30, 1917, is submitted for your consideration and approval: FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
RECEIPTS. Balance June 30th, 1916 $ 483.82 Receipts '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2,599.17 $3,082.99
Total DISBURSEMENTS. June, 1916, 'expenses vouchered in July $ 246.40 Rent . 420.00 Salaries . 2,022.00 Stationery, printing and postage . 101.69 Telephones . 122.45 Furniture and fixtures . 27.50 General expense . 113.11 Overpayment refunded to Missouri Lodge No.1. 2.50 27.34 Balance June 30, 1917 .
$3,082.99
The 1915-1916 Bureau received the following advances from lodges to tide the work over un til the next per capi ta was paid: George Washington No.9 $ Mt. Moriah No. 40 . Pride of the West No. 179 .. I{:eystone No. 243 . Cosmos No. 282 . Cornerstone N'o. 323 '.........••........... Itaska No. 420 . West Gate No. 445 . Lambskin No. 46'0 . Olive B'ranch No. 576 .
150.00 200.00 50.00 100.00 94.50 150.00 100.00 150.00 100.00 50.00
$1,144.50
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The 1916-1917 Bureau had to ask only for the following advances: George Washington No.9'...................•.. $ Cosmos No. 282................................ West Gate No. 445............................. Lambskin No. 460..............................
100.00 100.00 150.00 100.00
$ 450.00
June 30, 1918, we will have approximately $300.00 over and "above operating expenses, or a gain of $750.00 over last year-so that, in four years, we shall be in position to suspend one annual per capita assessment.
STATISTIC'AL RECORD. Month Positions Filled July, 1916 139 August, 1916 115 September, 1916 ............. 102 Octob'er, 1916 ................. 125 November, 1916 ............ "' 104 December. 1916 116 January, 1917 112 February. 1917 .............. 121 March, 1917 100 April, 1917 90 May, 1917 99 June, 1917 119 .10
••••••••••••••••
•••••••••
••
10
•••••
••••••
0
I.
I
I
•••••••••
••••••••••
•
II
1
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•••••••••••
•••••••
Total
••••
••••••••••
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•••••
I
10
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••••••••••••••••
1342
Cost $ 219.00 231.11 238.85 207.65 230.71 238.95 250.60 223.50 282.34 218.55 223.85 244.64
Average $1.503 2.01 2.34 1.66 2.218 2.06 2.237 1.847 2.82 2.428 2.26 2.055
$2,89 9.25
$2.09
Average number of applicants sent to positions per month.392 Average number of applications received per month 168 Average number of applications remov.ed for cause per month 38
COMMENTARY. As year succeeds year a retrospective glance over the past is in order. A concise review of the activities unfolded, and results obtained by this most noble branch of applied Masonry is due us as a milestone in the division of time. and as an inspiration for new and increased efforts in the exercise of Brotherly Love which teaches us to regard the whole human species as one family-the high, the low, the rich, the poor-who, as created by one Almighty Parent. and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other. The tenets of a Mason's profession-Brotherly Love, Relief and
•
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Truth, are in no other branch rnore beautifully exemplified than in the activities of the Masonic Employment Bureau, this temple of true friendship, where Masonry unites men of every country, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity. • Here relief is given the distressed, the unhappy are and peace is restored to their troubled minds.
soothed
Here NOT CHAfiITY, but Brotherly Love, brings the needed relief by placing the Brother Mason or his dependents in a position to help themselves in some honorable vocation. The Bureau as a body has visited, on invitation, many of the Masonic Lodges, explaining its mission and creating new interest in its ac~ive operation, encouraging also full attendance of the delegates at its regular monthly meetings, and propaganda among the employers in all lines of business. The spirited manner iri which the Masters of the various lodges have interested themselves in the Bureau's work deserves our highest appreciation. Valuable service is rendered the cause by the Ladies' Auxiliary, through whose activity many positions were discovered and se9m"ed. While the Bureau's efforts are primarily for the purpose of placing the unemployed and are and will be carried out to. the fullest extent, there is behind its aims a greater field and a broader purpose in providing work for all Masons, however high or humble their station, in helping others to help themselves. The Bureau is rriore than a medimTI or convenience for the unemployed. A review of what it has accomplished in the past foreshadows what, with co-operative effort, may be accomplished for its future progress in the building of a broader and more constructive acceptation' of Masonic teaching and principle; it must care not only for a part, but for all of its unemployed; it must become a universal brotherhood of service to all huma'nity in fulfillment of that brotherly love upon which it stands and whieh is the primary and fundamental law and teaching of the Masonic Order; it must extend its efforts by ministering to and serving whomsoever and wheresoever it may. Since its inception it has steadily brought peace and contentment into homes threatened with gloom and misfortune; it deals out NO CHARITY which tends to pauperize and make dependent, but strives fairly and honestly to find the place where everyone of its applicants may have the opportunity to retain and maintain honor, self-respec~ and manhood; and, in urging the united support of our brethren in the St. Louis District, we do so in that spirit of Masonic service, which, seeking for the well-being of others, leads Masonry's followers through its application into closer accord with Him above, under "Whose laws they are committed to serve.
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Failure to secure employment frequently occurs through the desire of applicants to enter new fields where they have no experience and are ill-prepared for the work they want. "'Help one another; a working band Called to their brethren throughout the land, The call of the needy is pressing- 'us sore: And God needs us today more than ever before. Bu t I'll help you and you help. me, And thell what a power for good we'll be." "Rich? Why, rm a millionaire, I'm richer than Croesus there; Not in the cash I hold, Not in mere terms of g-old, But in the dividends . Paid in the love of friends, Paid in the joy I find Dwelling among my kind, Serving their needs and mine, Rich in the thrills divine, Surging within my heart, Trying to do my part; Making the world a place Fuller of Love and Grace." Try it, Brother; give us your co-operation. Fraternally submitted, MASONIC EMPLOYMENT BUREAU OF ST. LOUIS, F. E: SCHUTZE, President. (Seal) Attest: C. E. SCHUMACHER, Secretary.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON LODGES U. D. Rt. W. Bro. James A. Doone, Chairman, made the following report on Lodges Under Dispensation, which ,vas adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri: Your Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation beg to report as follows: Dispensations were granted as 'follows: To Clarkton Lodge at Clarkton in Dunklin County, dated June 14th, 1916 (continued). Morgan Lodge at Versailles in Morgan County, dated December 28th, 1916. Harmony Lodge in the City of St. Louis, dated January 29, 1917. Algabil Lodge in the City of St. Louis, dated March 29, 1917.
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Euclid Lodge in the City of St. Louis, dated May 17, 1917. Warrenton Lodge at Warrenton in Warren County, dated May 26, 1917. .-,ii;-JiE} The following work was done by these lodges: Ini tiated, 104; passed, 81; raised, 72; affiliated, 51. They now have a total membership of 295, have property valued at $2,091.20, and cash on hand $2,408.6t>. We have carefully examined the records and returns of all these lodges, and find the .reports accurate and records' in good shape and well and correctly kept, except that Morgan and Algabil record the result of the report of the Committees on the Investigation of Candidates, violative of Section 104, Grand Lodge By-Laws. We admonish the secretaries of those lodges' to amend this fault in future. While the committee does not think that the population of Versailles is sufficiently large to justify the establishment of a second lodge at that place, yet, under the peculiar circumstances, into which we have carefully inquired, we believe fhat the best interests of the order will be promoted by granting a charter to the new lodge. In view of the good work done, and good record made by all these lodges, we recommend that charters be granted to each. Clarkton Lodge was left over from last year and se~ms to have elected and reported a new staff of officers. We recommend that the staff of 1917 be the officers for the new lodge. /
Fraternally submitted, .lAS. A. BOONE, BYRON COSBY, W . .J. McGEE.
CALLED FROM LABOR. At 5:40 P. lVI. the Grand Lodge was. CALLED FROM: LABOR until 7 :30 this evening.
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
SECOND DAY-EVENING SESSION. St. Louis, Wednesday, September 19, 1917. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 7 :30 P. M. by M. W. Bro. Edward Higbee, Grand Master, the other Grand Officers being in their respective stations. "America", sung by the Grand Lodge. Prayer by 1\1. W. Bro. C. H. Briggs, acting Grand Chaplain. The committee presented the following
Program. Bi-Centennial Observance of the Organization of the Grand Lodge of England, June 24, 1717, Wednesday Evening, Sept. 19, 1917, at 8 O'clock, by the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Missouri. M. W.
Bro.
Edward Higbee, Grand Master, Presiding.
Invocation-R. W. John Henderson Miller, D. D., Grand Chaplain. Selection-"Remember Now Thy Creator." Grand Lodge Double Quartette, W. Bro. J. J. Kessler, Director. Reading of Congratulatory Resolutions to the United Grand Lodge of England. *M. W. Bro. Corona H. Briggs, D. D., Past Grand Master. Selection-Grand Lodge Double Quartette. Address-HOur Country." M. W. Bro. Alex M. Dockery, P. G. M. Selection-Patriotic Song. Gr:and Lodge Double Quartette. Address-"The Moral and Religious Aspect of the First Half of the' Eighteenth Century." W. Bro. E. Combie Smith, D. D., Grand Orator. Selection-Old 'rime Melodies. Grand Lodge Double Quartette. Address-UThe Craft."
Evolution
of
the
Operative
Into
M. W. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, P. G. M.
*Appears
on third day.
the
Speculative
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By the Grand Master: Dr. English, who was to deliver the first audress, wrote me some time ago that he would be utterly unable to be with us this evening, he having a conflicting engagement that he couldn't avoid filling. I left the place vacant and was delighted to learn that Governor Dockery had come back to see us and Ilas consented to take the time and place that was allotted to Dr. English. I know that you will all be glad to hear Governor Dockery. Particularly as this is his fiftieth anniversary of attendance on the Grand Lodge of Mis~ouri. I know there is no need of introducing him; you all know Governor Dockery.
OUR COUNTRY. By M. VV. Brother Alexander M. Dockery, Past Grand Master of Missouri. Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren: I had the delightful privilege last evening of attending the annual banquet of the Past Grand Masters' Association at the Marquette Hotel and was called upon for some remarks. My distinguished good friend, our Grand Master, has requested me to repeat that speech here tonight. This, of course, is impossible, because the effort was entirely impromptu, and I do not even have the manuscript of the usual "impromptu" speech at my command; but I did say to our Grand Master that I would talk briefly in place of the eloquent Grand Orator, who is prevented from keeping his engagement tonight. Brethren, I come from the National Capital, the focus of the grandeur and glory of the American people. You find there in some form or other expression of the marvelous achievements of the wonderful people who have maintained and developed the American Republic. The few rnonths just past have been months of especial interest at Washington, as it has been the conspicuous center of the world's stage in industrial, political and military activities. Visiting commissions from the great nations of the earth, both belligerent and neutral, came to our Capital in recognition of the opulence of our material resources, and because this Republic is today the most commanding exponent of human liberty. (Applause.) vVe had the mission from Belgium, and everyone of those splendid men told the pathetic story of her Gethsemane. Hussia sent her mission; England sent her mission; and France-God bless France forever!-sent her mission. (Great applause.) So did Italy; and the last to appear was the mission from Japan. If there is an American or a Missourian who has any doubt today that our country is a world power, he would have been undeceived had he passed through the experiences that have been mine during recent h10nths at 'Vashington. Times have changed, and conditions have changed. Some of our people thought for a while that we were isolated and protected by three thousand miles of ocean-just as we were in the time of George "\Vashington. But, brethren, steam, electricity, invention and all the wonderful advances in transportation facilities, have made the world kin today as never before since the time the Almighty swung the universe into space. Some
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time ago when that German submarine appeared at Newport News, bid us "Good morning", submerged and returned to the other side, I realized then that this nation 路is a part of the great big, round, wide commercial world, and now must play her part as a progressive nation in this most marvelous cenfury of all the ages. Brethren, I want to talk to you a few moments about what I consider to be our .duties growing out of existing conditions. We are at war with one of the most militant powers known to history. \iVe are' at war with a brutal government possessing neither sentiment nor imag-ination. vVe are at war with a people who have learned to obey for more than a century under a system of universal military service. We are at war with a people who have been taught that the Kaiser rules by divine right. And yet some few of our people are asking-even now, after more than three years of the bloodiest and most destructive of all wars, and several months after the United States was forced to take part in the struggle-they are asking why the United States is at war. I want to answer that question briefly, for it may be there are a few Americans who do not really understand our situation. It has been a little more than a hundred and forty years since this Republic was founded. Our forefathers met the British power at Bunker .Hill under the leadership of that patriotic hero and friend of freedom, Dr. Joseph vVarren. But it may be that some people in this country do not yet understand why Warren fought and fell so gloriously at Bunker Hill, or why our fathers struggled there and on other battlefields. with the heroism they manifested during seven years of revolutionary strife. The W'ar of the Revolution was not fought by men aiming at material triumphs. The men 'who constituted the army of George Washington did not stop to consider the price of wheat, the price of oats, or hogs, or anything else that added to their material wealth. Let me state a very pregnant fact in this connection: Of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence fiftythree of them belonged .to what today would be called the wealthy class. Only three of them were poor men. They were not inspired by greed for gold; they were fighting for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And because they made that fight and continued it down to Yorktown with the aid of France, we established a Republic that has been maintained now for nearly a century and a half. So, brethren, the question presented to this generation is whether or not 0111' Government ,and other republics so founded shall continue to endure. When this Government was established, over in Germany, England and all the other nations except Switzerland, kings ruled, or claimed to rule, by divine right. \Vhen this Republic was estab.lished, however, we declared then the great fundamental doctrine of the right of the people to rule, and under the rule of the people we have had several foreign wars and one civil war, from all of which we emerged victoriolls. We are engaged in this路 war not merely to make democracy safe in the world, but primarily to defend the rights of the American people on the high seas. (Cheers and applause.) We are fighting, brethren, because imperialistic Germany, in defiance of the international law of centuries, sunk American ships; because she) has sent our innocent women and little children to the bottom of
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the seas; because she has ruthlessly murdered our people, men, women and children, on the highways of ocean commerce, although international law gave them the right to travel there. And yet we find some one occasionally-not many, thank God!-who thinks that we could still maintain pâ‚Źace with Germany and the Central Powers. Why, of course, we could. You might, by brothers, submit to any indignity without resenting it. But I never yet saw an American worthy of the name who would submit to indignity, and I would be ashamed of the United States if we failed to resent the outrages inflicted upon us by Germany. (Applause.) The whole controversy was closed when under the leadership of the foremost figure of the world at the present time-Woodrow Wilson-this country engaged in war with Germany. (Applause.) And I am glad to say that in entering upon that war we caught the spirit of Decatur. There has been no room for partizanship since the declaration of war. Every man, of course, has the right' to his views upon domestic questions; but when we reach the shore line of our country, then partizanship ceases and we become American citizens. (Great applause.) Some few persons claim that we should not have resented these outrages upon the high seas. If there is one thing with which I am somewhat familiar, it is the history of the American navy made in vindicating the rights of American citizens on the seas. In foreign wars our army in one instance only failed to accomplish what was expected. But the American navy from the time of John Paul Jones down to George Dewey has never failed to do its full duty. (Applause.) It will maintain the honor of the Republic now. I do not know when I was more profoundly impressed than I was recently by a cartoon in a New York newspaper in which appeared the shadowy portraits of John Paul Jones, Decatur, Lawrence, Farragut and Dewey looking with astonished gaze at a placard on the side of an American merchant ship declining that by the insolent command of the Kaiser the vessel, although on a peaceful mission, could not traverse the highways of the ocean. It is full time for some of our so-called American pacifists to catch the spirit of John Paul Jones, the first admiral of the American Navy, who, when summoned by the captain of a British frigate to s.urrender his ship, shouted, "No! I haven't begun to fight yet." He did begin to fight at once, however, and won the battle. It would be well, also, for them not to forget the martial spirit of Lawrence, who, mortally wounded, his life blood ebbing away, whispered his last comman'd, "Don't give up the ship." (Ap~ plause.) And then in more recent days, how inspiring was the command of Farragut when he issued the famous order, "Go ahead. Damn the torpedoes!" (Applause.) It would be well, too, for them not to .forget the intrepid example of Dewey at Manila' Bay, who in vigorous terms warned a German officer not to place his ship offensively in the way of the American Navy-and he did not. No German officer could intimidate Dewey! (Applause.) And now, brethren, speaking for just a moment of the war with ,Spain, I rejoice that although it was not much of a war measured by loss of life and expenditure of money, nevertheless that struggle brought one grea.t, overshadowing result-the reunion forever of the North and the South. (Cheers and applause.) I was at Washington when Fitzhugh Lee came back from Cuba
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after having valiantly defended American rights on that island. I was there when old Joe Wheeler marched up Pennsylvania avenue wearing the uniform of a Major General of the United States Army. I visited Camp Alger frequently over in Virginia, across from the National Capital, and I saw gathered there, before they marched away to Cuba, sons of the men who had followed Lee and Jackson and sons of the men who had followed Grant and Sherman. I realized then that the "bloody chasm" was closed forever. If you had entertained any doubt on this question it would have been dissipated had you seen with me the recent and perhaps last great parade of the surviving soldiers of the Confederacy at the National Capital. It was inspiring to every true patriot to see the men of the blue and the men of the gray marching side by side, each one carrying the Stars and Stripes. There was one banner especially applauded along the line of march. It was carriedby an old Confederate who had charged with Piekett up the bloody slopes of Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, and on it was written, "Damn the man who doesn't stand for his country, right or wrong." (Applause, loud and long.) It expressed the spirit of Stephen Decatur when he proposed the immortal toast, "My country, in her relations with foreign countries, may she always be right; but, right. or wrong, my country!" I thought as I viewed that parade, and I think now, that a government capable of reconciling and reuniting so completely its citizenship within fifty years after the closeQf a great civil war is a government worth living for, and, if needs be, worth dying for. (Great applause.) And now, brethren, let me say just a word in conclusion: We are in the midst of a great war; we are treading new paths. Not in all history has there been a war like the present one. It is to be a war of sacrifice; it will involve the expenditure of vast sums of money, and I fear the loss of many American lives. Somebody, of course, will make money while the war is going on-that has always been the case during every war; but we must fight it out along the lines upon which we have entered the struggle to a triumphant victory, or the United States wiII have to take an inferior place among the nations of the earth. Do you want to see that result? (Cries: "No! No!") Of course you do not. Every man, therefore, must do his duty. This is no time for slackers; neither is it an opportune moment -.for Americans to become grasping "profiteers". Under the leadership of the President we must press forward to a victory which will bring an honorable, enduring peace to all the peoples of the earth. (Applause.) The sure policy to bring lasting peace quickly is that which uses vigorously the resources of the American - people. The President is commander-inchief and our leader, and it is profoundly gratifying that he and Congress have the active support of such great Americans as 'V'iTil]jam H. Taft, Charles Evans Hughes, Elihu Root and others. And then then~ is Theodore Roosevelt and William J. Bryan, who are loyally standing side by' side in support of the Government!. (Laughter and applause.) But some one has said that it is not constitutional to send our boys across the sea. They seem to think they would rather fight Germany over here. (Laughter.) I do not like the Germans well enough to want them closer to me than I can help. (Laughter.) I
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would rather have them across the sea, where England, France, Italy and other nations can help defeat them. "We must send our allies money and continue to send our own boys to assist in bringing this war to a triumphant and speedy close. I repeat, that every Arnerican must do his duty, and rejoice that in this war against a foreign power the Government is supported by practically everyone of the hundred million Americans. Our soldiery will battle side by side with the French soldiers, but it is not the first time that the French and Americans have thUl:l fought. In the War of the Revolution France sent Lafayette and her navy and made generous loans to aid us in securing our liberty. This is the first time, however, that American soldiers have fought side by side with the French across the sea. "re are now sending our bravest and our best young manhood to help France and to vindicate the rights of American people and of humanity. I trust that the ashes of none of our boys will be left over there, but if any Missourians fall and the Government can not bring them back to rest under the soil of old Missouri, I want them laid to rest in the soil of glorious France. (Great cheers and applause.) But I have ain:ady occupied too much time and will now y(eld the floor that you may hear the address of Rev. Dr. Smith, the splendid Masonic Grand Orator, and also the address of Dr. Kuhn, another one of our inspiring orators. And now, thanking you for the attention you have given me in this rambling taJl{, I yield the floor. (Long and continued applause.)
The Grand lvr aster: -Brethren, R. VI. Brother E. Combie Smith, Grand Orator, will address you.
"THE MORAL AND RELIGIOUS ASPECT OF THE FIRST HA,LF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. Address by R. W. Bro. E. Combie Smith, D. D.: Most 'Vorshipful Grand Mastel" and Masonie Brethren: Mine is no easy task, viz., to d,路aw your minds from the路 world war, which is upperinost in all our thoughts, to consider a period in history somewhat remote. The difficulty is more apparent as I foPow the Hon. Mr. Dockery, wl10se speech, so enthusiastically received, struck the keynote of this hour. I 11ave wondered whether the builder of this program framed it before this mighty Republic had become an active participant in the great struggle? For, I believe, had he sensed tlH~ spirit of this Communication, he ,,,"ould have instructed this speaker to have spokEn on "The Relation of Masonry to the V\Torld ,,'al'" or some kindred topic dealing with our world-wide Fraternity. There are Masonic Brethren in the forts and trenches of Europe who have been impressed into this awful holocaust per force of that military autocracy which threatens the liberties of the world; Brethren, in whose hearts there can
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be no feeling of bitterness of resentment toward their Brother Masons on the other side. There are feelings so deep that though they be suppressed, they can not be killed. When they at our altars sUbscribed to the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God, they also assented to the doctrine of the Brotherhood of man. Against the background of these accepted truths their present work of slaughter must be hateful in the extreme. As a fundamental principle for the time of reconciliation and readjustment-so soon, we hope, to come-that doctrine will lie as a cornerstone in the Temple of Peace. But the builder of this program, Most \Vorshipful Grand Master, possessed an insight deeper than appears on the surface of my theme, which is, "The Moral and Religious Aspect of the Fil~St Half of the Eighteenth Century." For one gifted with the acumen which Most Worshipful. Brother Kuhn possesses, doubtless discerned in the period of time assigned me to treat of the l'ise of those streams of tendency whose end is the present avalanche of blood and of tears. \Vhen we were boys in school the histories "\vhich we studied wel'e largely the compilation of dates and events which emphasized, the achievements of military conquerors, the glamour of kings and courts, and the SUbtlety of diplomatic intr'igues. But within the generation of the older men present another type of historian has arisen, whom we call. the "philosophical historian." He touches lightly the phantasmagoria of court,s and princes, colors with subdued glamour the profession of arms, and gives his thought to the discovcry of those streams of tendency in the social evolution of the race whose culmination, in part, are the pride or shame of the present day. It is he who has discovered that, "Through the ages one inCrEasing- purpose runs, And the rille of God is widened with the process of the suns." that though, "Right [be] fOl'ever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne, Yet the scaffold holds the future, And bchind the dim unknown Standeth .God, wi thin the shadows, Keeping watch above His own." Come with me for a few minutes, that we may have a glimpse of the world as it appeared in the closing years of the seventeenth century and the opening years of tIle eighteenth century: Behold, gay and gallant France at the zenith of her colonial I:0wer and kingly glory; setting the pace for the fashions and practices of the nations around her. Her policies controlled and her monarchs gr)verned by the Cardinals RicheJieu and Mazarin, who, by their strength and wisdom made France by far the most powerful slate in Europe. Behold, the little German princes of the Rhine, each an indepf ndcnt ruler of a tiny state. Germany a mere tail to a French kite, its leaders feebly draggling after where Louis soared. Yet, Germany, on the eve of forgetting its petty jealousies in the hope of empire and leadership foreshadowed in its ruler, Emperor Frederick the Great. Behold England, profiting by the experience of wasting warfare, giving herself to com-
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merce, colonial expansion; throwing off the blight of the Stuarts, and the burden of the Papacy. and beginning to inhale the air of democracy and free repI'esentation in her Parliament. The sun of Spain is setting; Holland is losing her flag from the sea. Behold Russia, as yet almost unknown to Europe, a semi-barbarous frontierland; helpless against the strength and resources of civilization until Peter the Great shows the way. The Balkans in constant turmoil; Austria and Hungary warring with Turkey; Poland, independent and strong. Japan, the hermit nation, has not yet seen a single ray that flashes from western civilization. Giant China, the Rip Van 'Vinkle of the east, fast in the sleep of centuries. And none are conscious that in the Orien t yonder two yellow races shall cast their portentous shadows across the twentieth century for the weal or woe of coming generations. Behold America, beginning to drain Europe of its best blood, offering asylum to the oppressed of their peoples, and laying broad and deep those moral foundations upon which the future life of democracy shall build. Ecclesiastical oppression and political tyranny have driven Huguenots from France and Puritans from England to form a new type, which, blending with others, shall produce the coming super-man. Science and invention lend their aid to the development of commerce, while colonization opens new routes of trade. 'Nith gigantic strides the world's business gl'ows; 'and in its train vast fortunes al'e made and lost. "Get rich quick" schemes are floated by designing prospectors. of which the Mississippi Scheme and the South Sea Bubble are outstanding examples. Arkwright has inventEd the Spinning Jenny and England' supplies the world with cotton fabrics. During this period a remarkable change has swept over Europe. The dominant spirit of the time ceases to be artistic, as in the Renaissance, or religious, as in the Reformation, or military, as during the Civil Wars that followed it. The central figure of the world was no longer king, priest, or general. Instead, the man on whom all eyes were fixed, who towered above all his fellows, was a mere author, possessed of no claim to notice but his pep. This was the age of the risen intellect. Bach lays the foundation of modern music and' the first modern novel is published. Franklin begins his experiments in electricity in America, and Voltaire governs thought in Europe. The influence of the Reformation under. LI1~her has largely spent itself. Its echoes are still soundipg throughout the western world, but in diminutive strain. Germany has forsaken Luther and embraced Voltaire. and Goethe. France goes to school to Diderot, and England' to Addison and Pope. Bolingbroke and Montesquieu take Voltaire for model, and the rule of unfaith and cynicism throughout Europe is complete. It is an age of crass materialism, class hatred and social vice and violence. The Roman Catholic church has lost the confidence and respect of the people; its authority is refuted and denied. Never had religion seemed at a lower ebb. In England, Montesquieu, speaking of the higher classes, says, "Everybody laughs, if one talks of religion." Drunkenness and foul talk were thought no discredit to Walpole; the Prime Minister, the Duke of Grafton, was in the habit of appearing with his mistress at the play. Purity and fidelity to the marriage YOW WEre sneered out of fashion. The masses of the peop:e ",er('
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ignorant and brutal to a degoree which it is hard to conceive. Of schools there were practically none. The criminal class grew bold in the face of ruthless laws, which only testified to the terror of society. In the streets of London gin-shops invited their passersby to get drunk for a penny, and dead drunk for twopence. The government of France was notoriously in the hands of Louis' mistresses, Pompadour and the others, and their misrule sowed the seeds of the bloody Revolution soori. to follow. The population of France has decreased ten per cent during one reign. Germany lies prostrate under the burden of her war debts. The orthodox churches have lost their hold upon the people. The clergy has become recreant and indolent. They are diverted from their parishes. Spiritual idealism has departed from rich and poor alike, "And so there grew great tracts of wilderness, Wherein the beast was more and more, And man was less and less TILL ARTHUR CAME." The man sent of God for these perilous times is not named Arthur, but John. John Wesle~ was one of .nineteen children, the ftower of his mother's training and culture, than whom no son had better. Enjoying the. pre8ence of the Holy Spirit, who witnessed to his acceptance with God, .John Wesley collaborating with George vVhitfield and his Brother Charles vVesley started a revival of' religion in England and America, the force of which still is felt throughout the world. Their voice was heard in the wildest and most barbarous corners of the land, among the bleak moors of the north, in the dens of London, and among the Cornish miners wher'e "tears made white channels down their blackened cheeks." Time will not permit further allusion to this great religious and moral awakening. Suffice it to say that it was a fulcrum upon which the whole social fabric of Western Europe and America was lifted to higher levels. It gave birth to the modern Sunday School movement, which in itself became the mother of popular education. To it the genesis of the Anti-Slavery goes back; and Prison reform begins. It became the mightiest motive power in the social regeneration of the people. I am not quoting the language of the theologian, but of such historians as Lecky and Green when I say that. the Wesleyan revival accomplished more for the people of England than all the legislation of its Parliaments, and that on the same authority it saved England from a revolution which soon drenched France with blood. From this fountain of spiritual freshness and beauty came those waters which have made goreen and beautiful the lives of millions on all continents and seas. I ask your indulgence in closing, that I may publicly express my appreciation to Brother Doc,kery who so eloquently expressed our sentiments regarding the Flag of our Country which will be borne home from the blood-drenched fields of France with fresh lustre in its stars. The Flag that has never known defeat. Our forefathers followed it at Saratogoa and Yorktown. They fought under it upon the seas in 1812. Your fathers followed it In that fratracidal strife in the early sixties, which now, thank God, is
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healed in our common love for Old Glory and her history. (Applause.) You followed it into Manila Bay and Santiago, and this night the third of my sons is following it.....,--only God knows where -in response to his Nation's call. (Great and continuous applause.) I know not what shall meet him as he Cl"OSSeS the treacherous seas, or whether in trench, on open field, or in the air, he may meet his fate. But one thing I know, that beneath Old Glory he has enlisted in a cause that is just, a cause that is righteous, and that it will never be furled until tyranny falls, barbarism is subducd, and "the world is niade safe for Democracy." "'Tis fine Amid its To view But now So it's 1 want To the 'Where
to see the old world, and travel up and down famous palaces and cities of renown, . the crumbly castles and the statues of the Kings, I think I've had enough of antiquated things.
Home again, and Home again, America for me; a ship that's Homeward bound to cross the rolling sea Land of youth and Freedom, beyond the ocean's bars, the air is full of sunlight, and the Flag is full of Stars.
0, London And Paris 'Tis sweet But when
is a man's town, there's power in the air, 'tis a woman's town, with flowers in her hair; to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome, it comes to living, there is no place like home.
I love the German firwoods, in green battalions drilled; I love the gardens of Versailles, with flashing fountains filled; But, 0, to take your hand, my dear, and ramble for a day In the generous western woodland, where nature has her way. I know that Europe's wonderful, but something seems to lack; The past is too much with her, and her people looking back. But the glory of the present is to make the future free; I love our land for what she is and what she is to be. So it's Home again, and Home again, America for me; I want a ship that's westward bound to sail the rolling sea, To the blessed land of "room enough," beyond the Ocean's bars, Where the air is full of sunlight, and the Flag is full of Stars>' (Applause.)
The Grand l\1aster: It is unnecessary to introduce the next speaker to this audience, Dr. Kuhn. '
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE OPERATIVE INTO THE SPECULATIVE CRAFT, THE REVIVAL OF 1717. M: W. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, P. G. M. The formation of the Grand Lodge of Englan,d on St. John's Day in Jun.e, 1717, is the base point on which the Masonic surveyor places his compass; from which he obtains his levels, and lays his chains to plat the field of Masonic history. It is the observation point on which the Masonic historian stands, as he looks backward into the mists of uncertainties and speculation, and on which he looks forward through two hundred years of recorded growth and achievements. This basic point lies ,just this side of tradition and uncertainty. The Freemasonry of today is not that of 1717; neither was the Freemasonry of 1717, that of the traditional past; but through it all there runs a life that has pushed itself upward and forward from an undifferentiated mass into a differentiated, definite unity, into a reality possessed of a personality, with unlimited potentialities. Vvhatever may have been its origin, wherever it may have arisen, is secondary to the great fact, that Freemasonry is here, and is a living thing, throbbing and pulsating with inestimable efficacy. In its successive growth it was never a revival, but always an evolution. • To the question, Whence came Freemasonry? there have been many answers. Some are purely fantastic, others clearly absurd, while many show deep research and study. But even here there is necessarily an element of conjecture, and until more reliable data. are found, this uncertainty will remain. The history and origin of Freemasonry must be traced by certain fundamentals peculiar to it. These lie in its special symbolism, in its laws and in its ethical and religious conceptions. In this research the Masonic student should be warned against two classes of blind guides~the wild-eyed Masonic archeologist, and the fantastic Masonic symbologist. There is no limit in time or space for either of them, when vagary and fancy seizes the reins and drives them on in a furious pace. In studying the origin of Freemasonry; we must make the distinction between a mere secl'et society and a brotherhood. A secret society is the outgrowth of primitive minds and primitive conditions. A brotherhood is the product of culture and enlightenment. A secret society hedges itself about with a cloak of mystery, superstition and curiosity. A brotherhood has no secrets or mysteries, but bears within it a common bond of mutual helpfulness and a stimulous to investigation in the broad field of intellectual, moral and spiritual development. I admit that to some Freemasons, or rather to some men who are members of a Masonic lodge, Freemasonry is a mere secret society, but let us make the clear distinction that Freemasonry is not such, but that it is a Brotherhood, without, mystery, whose germ is clearly and persistently, pushing upward ,to a greater and fuller recognition of what Life means in all its relations. While
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Freemasonry has in it the obsolete parts of a secret society, indices of its evolution, yet these rUdimentary remnants do not make or constitute Freemasonry. The Masonic student who would trace Freemasonry to some mere secret society has plenty of fantastic material. It is an historical fact that secret societies have always existed in great multiplicity among the most primitive people and savages. It appears as an aboriginal instinct. These secret societies seem to have a common origin in the "Men's House" of the aborigines. In these men's houses gradually arose certain secret ceremonies, even degrees, typifying Youth, Manhood and Old Age, often attended with barbarous rites of torture and mutilation. In some of the African, Australian and Hebrides societies the candidate received a "New Name", and he was taught an esoteric speech. In some a hideous representation of death and the resurrection was presented, even some modern paraphernalia was used, such as masks, "bullroarers" and other devices and equipments to impress the candidate with the important lessons. In passing, I might add that the "bull-roarers" was an instrument capablc of making a prodigious noise. The following taken from "Primitive Secret Societies"-vVebster-is illuminating: "The process which converts puberty institutions into secret societies of peoples more advanced in culture seems, in general, to be that of the gradual shrinkage of the earliest and democratic organizations, consisting of all the members of the tribe. The outcome of this process, on the onc hand, is a limitation of the membership of the organization to those who are able to satisfy the necessary entrance requirements, and, on the other hand, the establishment of a fraternity so formed of various degrees through which the candidate may pass in succession. With a fuller develop men t of secret society characteristics, these degrees became more numerous, and passage through them more costly. The members of the higher degrees forming an inner circle of picked initiates. These control the organization in their own interests. The best examples of this practlce are to be sought in the Australian and African tribes." It will not require a wide stretch of the imagination to find some analogy of thought between primitive minds and some modern thinkers and their methods. Some form of secret and magical societies have always existed among the aborigines of all countries. The snake dance of the Hopi tribe is a part of one of these ceremonies. Their existence with their secret signs has caused some writers to imagine that Freemasonry existed among the American Indians and among the several tribes of the Philippines. The Mysteries of the classic period of Greece and Rome are to some extent kindred to the secret societies of the aborigines.' The Mysteries of Eleusis, of Dionysius, of Mythra, of Osiris, of Dematel', etc., embodied more culture and philosophy, and some of the best and greatest minds of that or a.ny other age were members thereof. Yet all these Mysteries were hedged about with certain profound secrets and occultism known and communicated to the adept only. The central idea of all of them was the presentation in a dramatic, allegorical ceremony, life, death and immortality. This ceremony was monotheistic in its elaboration and strongly ap. proached the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God and the Brother-
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hood of Man. The effect and influence of these Mysteries upon the .minds of men would have been - greater and 1110re beneficent if these societies had not labored under the delusion that symbol and allegory were means to conceal, rather than to reveal. These Mysteries never arose above the mental conception found in mere occult secret societies. The advent of Christianity into Greece and Home wrote "Finis" after the history of the Mysteries. If Freemasonry con tained no' more than wonderful secrets, symbols, allegories, signs, words and degrees, the Masonic archaeologist would have little trOUble in tracing its ancestry to the secret societies of the aborigines of Austr'alia, of the Fiji Islanders, to the North American Indian or to the Great Mysteries. Symbols and symbolism are as old as man. It is the primeval: yet universal, language of the world. Symbols and symbolism are not peculiar to any nation, peoples, secret societies or brotherhoods, whether primitive, mediaeval or modern. Symbols and symbolisOm are not bound down by fast rules and regulations, hence a man with a symbol can have the extreme satisfaction that, as a free. moral agent, he can see in it, and through it, more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed by common mortals. Some of the most amusing stunts on the Masonic vaUdeville stage are performed by the Freemason with a symbol. The point, the circle, line, plummet, square, level, trowel and hammer; these implements of theoretical 'and practical architecture have always been a fruitful source of symbolism. The implement and its symbolism have been a matter of evolution. The cave-man, as he slowly evolved to a higher stage of intelligence, began to use some crude implements in the erection of his simple house of stone.' A piece of flint or a stick may have served asa trowel to fill the crevices of his house with mud. This simple instrument evolved into the modern trowel of t!1e operative Mason of today. The shape of the modern trowel Is based purely on¡ its practicability, and not on any supposed geometrical law. The maul, possibly the oldest opel'ativc instrument, has become a hammer or a gavel. The plummet, level and square are incident to the development of architecture and other geometrical sciences. It docs not follow that because certain operatives used these instruments that they were Freemasons. The discovery of these instruments in old ruins, or pictures thereof cut or painted on old monuments, walls or obelisks, does not prove anything as to the history of Freemasonry. Because a Freemason has a thigh bone does not prove that an Eogyptianmummy was a Freemason, because a t.high bone was discovered in. him. It is related t.hat a Freemason, with a Moslem pin on the lapcl of his coat and a combinat.ion watch charm of the double eagle. cross and crown dangling from his vest, accidentally happened on some Egyptologists as they uncovered the grave of a man' of the late stone age; in t.he grave were the rcmains of the man, food and other things usually found in such tombs, also a stone hammer with a wooden handle attached by withes. When the Fr~emason saw the hammer he exclaimed: "Eureka, this man was a Freemason and the Master of his lodge, because here is his gavel." This incident may not be true, but it is in keeping with some of the eloquence dispensed from Masonic platforms and Masonic papers about" "the great antiquity of our gl'eat and magnificent Order". °
°
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The symbolism based on the implements of the operative is equally ancient and runs through the literature of the greatest teachers of 'ancient and modern times. The Bible is rich in such symbol.ism. The Prophet Amos said: ·"1 will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel." In Proverbs we find: "When he set the compass on the face of the deep I was there." Ezekiel in prophetic vision saw a "City ·fo.ur square". In Second Kings it is recorded that Jehovah "will stretch over Jerusalem'a line of Samaria, and the plummct of the House of Ahab." St. Peter said: "Ye. also. are living stones." In the prophesies of Isaiah we find: "Judgment also will I lay ·to the linc and righteousness to the plummet", and Zachariah said: "For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hands of Zerubbabel." These are only a few quotations. There are many otl:ler examples of beautiful and impressive symbols used by the Old and New Testament writers. This geometrical and architectural symbolism runs through all literature, ancient and m9d'ern, secular and religious. Imagery, symbols, allegqry and trope., are the beauty and sublimity of Biblical literature. The purpose and use of symbolism among all great. religious teachers was to make clear, to elucidate, to make plain, but never to hide or conceal, great truths and precepts. Christ was prolific in the use of symbols,especially in allegorical form. His parables and' allegories are remarkable for their pertinence and graphic in their power to present moral and religious truths with. clearness and comprehension. He never used them to cast a metaphysical fog over his listeners. Because of this extensive use of symbolism in literature it docs not make it Ma.sonic, neither must we in our zeal claim that beeause Amos, Isaiah, Zachariah and St. Peter used the symbolism found in our ritual of today. that they must have been Freemasons. Symbolism b,ased on the tool of the operative or on geometrical figures does not prove, in itself, Masonic descent, any more than secret words, signs and grips prove Masonic genealogy. If secret societies had existed from primitive ages, and symbolism is co-extensive and co-equal with human thought, where lies the genesis of Freemasonry? The answer to this question has been' the subject of much controversy and research. The most satisfactory answers can be found in Vols. I, II and III of Mackey's History, Gould's History, but especially in that little incomparable book, "The Builder", by Reverend Joseph F. Newton. 'Certain analogies exist between secret socie.ties, brotherhoods, cults and mysteries, and even with the church. .These analogies do not prove a common origin,but they establish the fact that men, psychologically, think alike.' There may be shades of difference, but on all great issues and truths these opinions blend into a com· posite whole. . Gregariousness is an instinct common to man and animals.. We love companionship. We love kindred spirits, and in it lies the secret· of brotherhood. Gregariousness with a fondness for the mysterious, coupled with a little 'leaven of superstition, is the father' of the secret societies and' the Mysteries. It may be stated as· axiomatic that the more primitive the intellectual and moral' development of man, the more do secret signs, words, grips and awe-inspiring mysteries appeal ·to hLm It is. for this reason that only certain phases of Freemasonry appeal to certain mem-
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bel's. It.is stating a scriptural truism to say that as a Freemason thinks in his heart, and is able to comprehend,in his mind, so is Freemasonry to him. The symbolism, the laws, and the lofty, ethicaL and religious principles found in Freemasonry point indubitably. to. an .origlll in a cultured religious society of Cathedral Builders in. England. There is no evidence that such a society of builders existed in England prior to the Norman conquest, in .the eleventh. century. There were builders who wrought in stone and timber .prior to this time, but these guilds or societies did not specialize in the building of churches or cathedrals.. In a classical article on architecture in the Encyclopedia Britannica, the following. pertinent statement occurs: "The existing Roman remains show. that there was quite enough architecture' and decorative art introduced into England by the Romans to have formed. a school of Masonic sculptors and builders, if the civilization of the people had beensufficient to make them desire -it. Such a school can hardly be said to have been formed, if we look at the few and comparatively rude remains of buildings certainly erected before the Norman conquest." The same authority further states that: "When. Roman architecture ceased, for nearly seven hundred years, nearly every building was ecclesiastical." The study of .architecture clearly established the fact that no school of. Masonic architecture existed prior to the eleventh century; after that, until near the end of the seventeenth century, such a school' fiourished, as indicated by the large numbe~ of ecclesiastical structures erected. It must also be remembered that the oldest document in reference to Freemasonry is the Halliwell poem, dated some time in the fourteenth century. It is evident, without going into detail, that a fraternity of Cathedral Builders came. into existence with gothic architecture from the eleventh to the twelfth century. The membership was made up of skilled workmen, not only in the practical, but in the, theoretical, art of architecture and all .its cognate sciences. Whence came the men who formed such a fraternity may find .its solution in the existence of former societies like the Roman Collegia and the Comacine Masters. The fraternity of Cathedral Builders was a fraternity erected, possibly, on the remains of former similar organizations, and this new fraternity was the beginning of Freemasonry of today. But what of the assembly of Masons held in York in 926? So far as this assembly relates to Freemasonry it is a myth. But while the holding of such an assembly is only legendary, it can not be said that no such an assembly was ever held. I am inclined路 to believe that such an assembly was held, but it was of the "rough stone masons", ;lnd in no sense an assembly of the Cathedral or Ecclesiastical Builders, Intellectually, in as far as it refers to the Fellows of the Craft and the Masters of this Fraternity of Cathedral Builders, they were of an advanced type. The culture and enlightenment of the age found expression in these cathedrals. The wondrous beauty, symmetry, harmony, ornamentation and color, bear witn.ess to the sltill, intelligence and scientific attainments of the members. Such work can not come from the illiterate or unskilled, but from the minds trained in the sc"iences of architecture, sculpture and art. Gothic architecture, sometimes called Christian architecture,
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brought into use the highest skill in the practical and theoretical science of building. The keynote of the artisan was "Stability, Utility, Reauty." It can be readily seE'n why Euclid, the great geometrician, figured so prominently in the old manuscripts, and it has also appeared a mystery why Pythagorus was dragged, as if by the ears, in to modern Freemasonry, while Euclid and Archimedes, the two great prominent thinkel"S in practical and theoretical . geometry, have been excluded. Intellectually, the Freemason of the Cathedral Builders was an adept in the sciences. The rules and regulations, by which the Craft was governed, might be said to be an application of the Golden Rule. The ethics of these rules and regUlations stand undimmed in the centuries, and may be summed up in this, that it is the duty of a Freemason "To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before God". It has been well said: "If as an ethic of life these laws seem路 simple and rudimentary, they are none the less fundamental, and they remain to this day the only gate and way by which those must enter who would go up to the House of the Lord." To be convinced of this statement, read these Rules and Regulations as found in the old Manuscripts; they are individual to Freemasonry. Freemasonry stands pre-eminent in its morals and religious teachings. It stands alone among secular institutions in the purity and exalted spirit in its religious conceptions. If thel'e is any evidence, above all others, that connects Freemasonry with the Cathedral Builders, it is this golden thread of ethics and religious architecture, which is but the expression of religion in its highest development, and it has been well said: "Architecture has had its origin in religious feeling and emotions, that its noblest monuments among the pagan nations of antiquity were the temples to their gods, as well as those of the Christian nations." A prominent writer on architecture says: "vVith the Christian faith there rose those forms of beauty unknown to the pagan, which culminated in the glories of Lincoln and Canterbury." The spirit of the First Crusade is manifest in this new architecture and finds expression in the religious tenets of the members. Their creed was Christian and Tr路initarian. In nearly all of the sixty or more copies of the "Old Charges" the following formula of belief, or slight modification thereof, is set forth: "In the name of the Great and Holy God, the Wisdom of the Son and the ,goodness of the Holy Ghost, thl"ee persons in One, hc with us now and ever. Amen." This invocation was always given in their lodges and also read to the neophyte. This Trinitarian Creed was peculiar to the Cathedral Builders and remained so even under the formation of the Grand Lodge in 1717, until the adoption of "The Old Charges of the Free and Accepted Masons" in 1723. Upon the adoption of. these Old Charges of Free and Accepted Masons, the formula became purely Deistic; that a Mason "will never be a stupid Atheist", and it was "thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree", viz, a belief in God, the Great Architect of the Universe. The peculiar symbolism, the lofty路 ethical rules. and regulations, and the profound and advanced religious conceptions of Freemasons can find no other origin than that in the Society of the Cathedral Builders of the twelfth century. If such is the origin of Freemasonry, the question arises: vVhy should an operative Graft become a speculative Craft? In the
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middle ages the clergy, or ecclesiastics, were the repositories of learning. It is not, therefore, strange for them to, associate themselves with a society of such technical skill and erudition in the theoretical sciences. The study of geometry in its wide, practical and almost unlimited field, in so many arts, would naturally appeal to them, so that this speculative Mason was, doubtless, a member in its earliest history. The two oldest Manuscripts intimate this fact, so that we are not wide of the mark in believing that speculative Masons were members in the earliest history of this Fraternity of Cathedral Builders, and their numbers continued to increase year by year. Proof of this is found in abundance in lodge minutes. NOblem'en, students, scholars sought entrance, not because of any special symbolism or mysteries, but b~cause of an oppor. tunity for a wider and more general education and to pursue the fascinating study of the "noblest of sciences". Cook's Manuscript indicates the educational and moral purposes of the fraternity', The writer thereof says: "And, moreover, He (God) hath given to man wit and knowledge of divers things and handicraft, by which he may labor in this world, in order to therewith get our livelihood, and fashion many objects pleasant in the sight of God to our own ease and profit. To rehearse all these matters here were too long in the writing or telling. I will therefore refrain; but nevertheless tell you some: For instance, how and in what the science of geometry was first invented and who were the founders both thereof and of several other crafts as is declared in the Bible and othcr histories. You must know that there are seven liberal sci,ences, from which seven all other sciences and crafts in the world have sprung; but especially geometry, the first cause of all other sciences, whatsoever they be. The seven sciences are Grammar, Rhetoric, Dialetic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy." It will be noted that this quotation from the second oldest Manuscript shows unmistakably that one of the great ends of the fraternity was the diffusion of practical knowledge and its curriculum of ~tudics compares well' with the schools of today. Technical skill and study were paramount to any and all symbolism, There is no evidence that symbolism attracted the speculative Mason into this fraternity, or' that there existed within it a school of symbology, neither did its simple ceremonies attempt to elucidate any secret doctrine or waste its time on the mystical ,numbers of pythagorus. vVhatever secr'ets were communicated were purely technical and trade secrets, and, possibly, a word and sign whereby the members might make themselves known to each other. The fraternity of Cathedral Builders was a professional and trade society; symbolism; if any, was incidental. I do not wish to be understood that these beautiful cathedrals were built in a haphazard way, without any attention to the ideas to be conveyed in their symbolic and geometrical structure. The cross as represented by the transept, the nave and the chancel; the pointed arch based on the equilateral triangle, every column, chapiters, entablature, arches, towers, sculpture and decorations; the whole cathedral was a symbolic expression of the religious faith of the builders. No structure ever erected before or since showed such a wealth and beauty of symbols. But this symbolism was an open and manifest expression. It was a secret revealed to the world in stone. In, all
•
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the symbolism路 or the cathedral~ there was no primitive conception of the aborigines, no transcendental moonshine nor metaphysical mist. Numbers had no mystical meaning, except in so far as they' were the practical application of the science of numbers to proportion in structure. The ancient interpretation of' symbols was lost in the new and higher conception, and theorizing gave way to utility' and beauty. With the decline of architecture, the transition of the operative into speculative craft was easy, yet gradual, as evidenced in the "Old Charges" of Free 'and Accepted Masons adopted six years after the formation of the Grand Lodge. These so-called Old Charges apply more to an operative organization than to a specu-. lative, but it will be observe'd in' paragraph four provision is made for the holding of official station by the non-operative. It reads: "Who is also to be noble born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some eminent scholar, or some curious architect, or other artists, descendant of honest parents, and who is of singular great merit in the' opinion of the lodge." The entrance of John T. Dasaguliers, LL. D., into Freemasonry, 1719, and of James Anderson, D. D., at about the same period, was the pivotal point which gradually completed the transition. Dr. Desaguliers: above all others, is the great figure who changed the operative into the speculative craft. By birth, education, training, and in his associations with the scientific and philosophical schools, he was pre-eminently qualified for this work. While such of the symbolism of Freemasonry was introduced at a later period, yet, the sublime symbolism of Freemasonry is the product of this clergyman's son. In 1723 Freemasonry stood at .the dawn of a new age with great opportunities and potentialities in her grasp. Although conceived and born in a fraternity of Christian architects and scholars, retransformed into a new life by two Christian clergymen, it laid aside its special creed and dogma for the promulgation of the great and fundamental creed-the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. In conclusion, I would restate that Freemasonry is a Brotherhood and not a secret society; the secret signs, grips and steps, in its ceremonies today, are remnants of its evolution. These remnants are a hindrance to the full glory of Freemasonry, in that they create curiosity for the aborigines of the twentieth century and a veil of mystery for the illiterate and self-seeking. Signs, grips and steps are nothing, and ritualism is cinly secondary to the all-embracing spirit of Freemasonry-BROTHERHOOD.
CALLED FROM LABOR. At 10 :30 P. M. the Grand Lodge was 'CALLED FROM LABOR. until 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Prayer and benediction by R. W. and Rev. Bro. John H. Grand Chaplain.
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Grand Lodge of
1917. ]
M~ssouri.
167
THIRD DAY.:....:.-MORNING S'ESSION. St. Louis, Thursday, September 20, 1917. The Grand Lodge was CALLED' ITO LABOR at 9 :00 ,A. M. by 1\1. W. Grand Master Edward Higbee, other Grand ,Officer~ occllpying their resp~cti~e stations... '" Hymn, "Nearer, 1\1y God; to Thee.'; , Prayer py R. VV. and Rev. John If. Mi.ller, Grand Chaplain.
MINUTES READ AND APPROVED. The minutes of the several sessions of yesterday were read by the Grand Secretary and approved by the 'Grand . Lodge.
TELEGRAM FROM PRESIDENT. The Grand l\1aster read the following 路telegram' from President \Voodrow \\Tilson: " The White House,' Washington, D. C., Sept. 20, 1'.917. Mr. Edward Higbee, Grand Master Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of' the State of Missouri, St. Louis, Mo: The generous and patri'otic resoluti~n of the Grand Lodge o'f Ancient Free and Accepted' Masoils of the State of Missouri which you were kind enough to tra,nsmit to me in your telegram of September 18th, gives me the deepest gratification and I hope that you will convey to your fellow members my profound' appreciation. . W90DROW 路WTU:;ON.
REPORT OF
BI-OENTE~NIAL
COMMITTEE.
1\1. "'l. Bro. Wm. F. Kuhn, Chairman, presented the following report of SpeciaJ Committee on Bi-Centennia~ Observance of the Organization of the Grand Lodge of England, June 24, 1717, which was adopted: Dear Brethren: Your Committee on the Bi-Cent.ennial Observance of the Organization of the Grand Lodge of England, June 24, 1717, submits the following report: Agreeable to appointment by' the Grand Master, the Committee
168
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
outlined, published and disseminated a plan for this observance by the Lodges on St. John's Day, as follows: To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren of the Lodges A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: The Committee appointed by M. VV. Bro. Edward Higbee, Grand Master, to prepare a suitable program for the Ohservance of the Bi-Centennial Anniversary of the for'mation of the first Grand Lodge of Masons, London, England, on St. John's Day, .June 24, 1917, submits the following: 1st. That the Observance of this Bi-Centennial be placed in charge of the District Deputy Grand Masters, and that the Observance be held Saturday, June 23, or Monday, June 25, 1917, and that each Deputy Grand Master make a full report of the Observance of this Bi-Centennial, as held in his District, to the Grand Ma'ster not later than July 15, 1917. 2nd. That, as far as convenient, the Lodges in each District should unite in the celebration of this Anniversary. To this end, it is recommended that the District Deputy Grand Master of the District arrange for one or more central points, as convenient, where the members of the Lodges and their families may enjoy a day's outing for acquaintance and instruction. 3rd. That the District Deputy Gran'd Masters, or through Committees appointed by them, arrange such program of music, addresses, etc., as may seem desirable. The only obligatory part of the program shall be the reading of the minutes of the preliminary meeting and the minutes of the Communication at which the first Grand Lodge was formed, and also "The Ancient Charges of a Freemason as adopted in 1723." 4th. That the Grand Lodge publish in pamphlet form the above-mentioned historical documents, and furnish five copies to each Lodge, and one copy to each Grand Officer, each Past Grand Officer, each District Deputy Grand Master, and each District Lecturer. 5th. If any Lodges prefer to observe this Historical Event on Sunday, ,June 24, with such religious services as may seem best, the District Deputy Grand Masters shall have full authority to make such arrangements. \짜ith this circular letter there were se~t printed copies of the historical documents for the use of Lodges and Committees. Your Committee was also i~structed to prepare a suitable program of Ohservance by the Grand Lodge, which was rendered last evening and enjoyed by all in attendance. The Committee deemed it best in tranRmitting the Congratulatory Resolutions to the United Grand Lodge of England, that these Resolutions should be prepared in a neat and attractive manner, which has been done. The Resolutions have been handsomely engrossed in twelfth and thirteenth century English lettering on Crane's parchment bond paper of heavy weight, the engrossing is on one side of paper only. Size of engrossed page [our by six and one-half inches, with a wide margin. The cover is of black leather, Morocco, the binding- being limp and lined on the inside with scarlet silk and tied with cord of intertwisted red and blue; the back of the cover carries a stamp
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of 1l1issouri.
169
showing the seal of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and the seal of the Grand Lodge of England in plain gold outline, each in circular form', approxim;:ttely one and one-half or one and three-fourths inches in dameter; on the front of the leather cover the flags of England and the United States crossed, with the square and compas~ and letter "G" superimposed over the crossing of the staffs; the word "Brotherhood" in the open space above between the flags, and the words "England" and "Missouri" below the design; the lettering and all outlines appear in gold, the letter "0" in gold, the compass and square in blue, the flags in proper colors, which required stamping with red, white and blue in addition to the gold outline. Suitable pages for the signature of the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and the Committee are included. The whole is enclosed ill a leather case. The Committee congratulates the Grand Master on his very successful effort in the observance of this great and important Masonic event. Much was' accomplished along educational and historIcal lines and the Craft has a better understanding and comprehension of our fraternity than heretofore. All efforts directed to the research in, and study of Freemasonry should receive more encouragement than this Grand Lodge has given heretofore. The Committee sincerely hopes that this successful observance will not stop, but the Grand Lodge will formulate some plan for a wider diffusion and study of the history and principles of our fraternity. The Committee desires to extend its thanks and that of the Grand Lodge to W. Bro. J. J. Kessler and the double quartette for their gratuitous service in adding to the interest and entertainment of the Bi-Centennial' Observance. The Committee recommends that the pages of the congratulatory resolution to the Grand Lodge of England as engraved be photographed and bound in the proceedings. Fraternally submitted, . 'WILLIAM F. KUHN, XENOPI-ION RYLAND, CHARLES C. WOODS, 路CAMPBELL WELLS, CORONA H. BRIGGS, DORSEY A. .JAMISON, 路Deceased.
Committee.
170
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARRES,T OF CHARTER OF ROCHESTER LODGE NO. 248. . M. W. Bro. Arch A. Johnson presented the following report on arrest of charter of Rochester L.odge No. 248, which was adopted: To the M. W. Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M.: We, your Special Committee to whom was referred the matter of the arrest of the Charter of Rochester Lodge. No. 248, respectfully report: That we approve the action of the M. W. Grand Master in arresting the Charter of said Lodge. We have made investigation to determine whether conditions at this time would warrant a recommendation that this Charter be restored, but we find that the best interests of the fraternity demand that the Charter be not restored. Respectfu lly, ARCH A. JOHNSON, U. A. HOUSE, GEORGE COSLOW.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CHARTERED LODGES. \!I/. Bro. C. L. Alexander, Chairman, presented and read the foIlmving report on Chartered Lodges, which was adopted: To
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, cepted Masons of the State of Missouri:
Free and Ac-
Your Committee on Chartered Lodges submits the following report: Returns have been received from each one of the 639 Lodges, and we wish that we could say that every report was received on time. However, there were twenty-five delinquent lodges this year, as compared with twenty-eight last year. The reports of two Lodges, Pilot Knob No. 182 and Mount Ararat No. 382 were not received until last week, too late to be considered in the Grand Secretary's statistical reports, as his reports must be in the hands of the printer several days before the Grand Lodge meets. It is a coincidence that both of these Lodges arc in the Forty-sixth Ma sonic District and both are in Douglas County. The other delinquent Lodges were Nos. 42, 91, 127, 190, 196. 223. 240, 280, 359, 386, 405, 421, 429, 465, 503, 524, 592, 593 and 637, whose returns were received in August, and Nos. 171, 320, 468 and 529, received in September. Six of these delinquent Lodges were also delinquent last year, viz, Nos. 42, 182, 196, 386, 465 and 468. The representatives of delinquent Lodges are not entitled to mileage and per diem.
1917.]
o
Grand Lodge of Iv! iSSOU1'i.
171
The Secretary of Athens Lodge No. 127, whose returns and remittance were received on August 28, stated that 'the funds of the Lodge were in the private account of the Treasurer of the Lodge, who was very sick in July. The Treasurer died later, and the money of the Lodge .may be tied up in the Probate Court. This Secretary should have sent in his report promptly, even if he could not send the remittance with it. This committee takes this opportunity to say that the funds of a Lodge should be clelJOslted .in some bank in the name of the Lodge, and not in the name of any individual. CONSOLIDATIONS. Paynesville Lodge No. 499, consolidated with Clarksville in May, 1917. Avalon Lodge No. 505 consolidated with Wheeling No. March, 191 7. Mexico Lodge No. 544 consolidated with Hebron No. 354 cember, 1916. Victory Lodge No. 609 consolidated with Mt. Zion No. April, 1917. Many Springs Lodge No. 320 consolidated with Alton N'o. September, 1917.
No. 17 434
in
in De327 in 255 in
CHARTER ARRESTED. The charter of Rochester Lodge No. 248 was arrested by the Grand Master in July, 1917. LODGE
REMOVAL.
St. Francisville Lodge No. 588 was granted a dispensation to remove from St. Francisville to Wayland in March, 1917. OUTSTANDING DUES. Total amount outstanding dues reported in 1917 Total amount of outstanding dues reported in 1916 Increase
,
$42,784.00 42,510.00 $
274.00
Two Lodges in Kansas City, Nos. 522 and 625, report no outstanding dues. Sixteen Lodges in St. Louis report' no outstanding, dues; Nos. 1, 25, 79, 95, 121, 163, 180, 218, 243, 267, 626, 631, 638, ,639, 641 and 642. Only two Lodges in St. Louis have more than $100 outstanding, both large Lodges. The following Lodges, each with a membership exceeding 200, have no outstanding dues: Nos. 5 and 271 at Springfield, No. 28 at Hannibal, No. 344 at Moberly, No. 602 at Columbia and No. 613 at Wellston. Other Lodges with a membership exc'eeding 100 have no dues outstanding: Nos. 34, 62, 100, 154, 177, 195, 208, 310, 407, 476 and 570. Including these Lodges there are. 138 Lodges in the state reporting no outstanding dues. The reports show that as a rule the dues of members are
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
172
paid much more. promptly in the large Lodges. The seven largest cities in the state-St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph, Springfield, Joplin, Hannibal and Sedalia, with a total membership of 26,785, or almost 40 per cent of the entire membership of this Grand Jurisdiction-have only $5,450 outstanding, as against $37,332 for the balance of the state. Some of the Lodges having the largest amount of dues outstanding in proportion to membership are: No. 129, 282 members, $627.00 outstanding. No. 205, 205 members, $586.00 outstanding. No. 228, 100 members, $417.00 outstanding. No. 401, 100 membel's, $330.00 outstanding. No. 464, 39 members, $185.00 outstanding. These five Lodges, with a total membership of 726. have $2.145 outstanding, Or more than twice as much as the thirty-four chartered Lodges in St. Louis. with a membership of nearly 15.000 and only $996 outstanding. Warren LOdge No.. 74 has seventy-eight members, $136 dues outstanding and cush o,'erdruwn $37.59. MEMBERSHIP. Total membership in Chartered Lodges in 1917 Membership in Lodges under dispensation Total Total
membership membership
Net
1917 1916
gain
69,849 295 . .
70,144 66,853
.
3,291
This is the largest net gain in membership we l1ave had, the gain in former years being as follows: . Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916,
net net net net net net net
gain gain gain gain gain gain gain
1,998 .,2,132 2,519 2,500 3,285 2,444 2,887.
RECAPITULATION OF WORK. Ini tiated Passed Raised Affiliated Reinstated Dimitted
5,526 5,639 5,100 1,260 541 1,363
Suspended U. M. C......... 10 Expelled 3 Suspended N. P. D l,OOf Died 1,00: Rejected 84C
Nine Lodges have a membership exceeding 700, as follows: Ivanhoe No. 446 1,410 Temple No. 299 1,332 Mount Moriah No. 40 1,136 Gate City No. 522........... 971 Beacon No.3............... 851
Tuscan No. 360 .. .,......... Missouri No. 1. . .,.......... Kansas City No. 220....... Geo. Washington No.9.....
818 767 755 741
0
1917.]
All of these Lodges are in Kansas City and largest Lodges outside of ~hose cities are: Gate of the Temple 422 at Springfield Charity No. 331 at St. seph
as
E'ight Lodges follows:
Ivanhoe No. 446 Gate City No. 522 Temple No. 299 Magnolia No. 626
173
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
have
No. 503
St.
Louis.
The
United No. 5 at Springfield 48C Moberly No. 344 at Moberly 437
Jo-
each
482 raised seventy 187 122 J 07 97
or
more candidates,
Mount Moriah No. 40 Beacon No.3................. '\Vestport No. 340 Kansas City No. 220
95 92 86 72
The following Lodges not located in St. Louis or Kansas City have each raised twenty-five or more candidates: Kirksville No. J 05 ' . Gate of the Temple No. 422 . V\-Tellston N'o. 613 . Fellowship No. 345 . United No.5 ~ . Webster Groves No. 84 . Sedalia No. 236 . Granite No. 272 ; . St. Joseph No. 78 . Carthage No. 197 .. Charity No. 331 .
Kirksville Springfield St. Louis County Joplin Springfield \Vebster Groves Sedalia Sedalia :.... St. Joseph..................... Carthage St. Joseph....................
50 50 34 31 30 27 27 27 26 25 25
Thirty-three Lodges report no work at all as compared with forty-five Lodges reporting no work last year. The totals for the larger cities follow: Total Members. St. Louis, "'37 lodges 14,77'6 Kansas City, 14 lodges 7,723 St. Joseph, 4 lodges 1,293 Springfield, 3 lodges 1,307 Joplin, 2 lodges............ 646 Hannibal, 2 lodges......... 561 Sedalia, 2. lodges.. ... .. .. .. 479
Raised. 1,290 879 96 103 49 31 54
Net Dues outGain. standing. Assets. 1,089 $ 996 $314,314 3,749 178,430 822 34,400 308 73 23,388 44 30 46 47,055 85 11,656 12 7 12,667 51 275
"'Three lodges Under Dispensation in St. Louis are included. REFER TO GRAND MASTER. There are six lodges with twenty members or less, as follows: 路Williamsburg No.8, 18 members, raised I, net gain 1. Newton No. 175, 20 members, raised I, net loss 1. Woodlawn No. 223, 16 members, no work. Report received August 21.
174,
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
Mt. Ararat No. 382, 20 members, delinquent. No report until September 11th. Louisville No. 409, 19 members, raised l. Prairie' Hill No.' 546, 15 members; initiated and passed 1. We would respectfuily suggest to the incoming Grand Master that the above mentioned lodges be referred to his District Deputy Grand Ma.sters for their respective districts, particularly Nos. 223, . 382 and 546. ~ThE;l Secretary of No. 8 remarks: "Our lodge has been unfortunate for the last three years. We are very weak, but at present everything looks bright. We are getting appiications from some young men, which we needed badly. We should increase five or six members in the next ninety days." Perhaps a visit from the District Deputy Grand Master will still more encourage this lodge. We also refer to the incoming Grand Master, Raytown Lodge Ko. 391. This lodge reported two members suspended for nonpayment' of dues and two members expelled. The recapitulation, however, shows none expelled. In answer to a letter from the Grand Secretary the Secretary of Raytown Lodge says the .two, reported suspended werc expelled and the two reported expelled had dimitted. Thi!:; Secretary has ignored later letters from the Grand Secretary, and from this Committee, asking him to furnish the correct names of members expelled, if any. It is a serious matter indeed to take away ti-ie standing of a Master Mason and put stigma on his name by erroneously reporting him expelled, as the names of expelled members are printed in the proceedings, and we therefore request that the District Deputy Grand Master for this district be requested to investigate this matter and report the correct names to the Gratid Secretary. One of the members reported expelled is reported affiliated by a Kansas City lodge on a Dimit from Raytown Lodge. 'Ve also refer to the incoming Grand Master, King' Hiram Lodge No. 309. This lodge is in arrears $38.00, of which $8.75 is a balance due from 1916. The lodge reports total assets of $775.00. We also refer Everton Lodge No. 405 which is in arrears $23.50. Secretary says: "Our Grand Lodge dues are $80.50. I am sending y'ou $57.00. Have been unable to collect all dues; as soon as I can collect will send the balance of $23.50." The Lodge reports $42.00 CilSh on hand and $6'0.00 dues outstanding. We also refer Madison Lodge No. 91. The Secretary says: "This Lodge is absolutely dead. Can you revive it? Members won't attend or pay dues." Lodge has 71 members,assets $949.00, inci~ding $250.00 dues outstanding. Raised one in 1917.
a
INTERESTING ITEMS. In examining the return~ we found many interesting items, a few of which we will mention: Alton ,Lodge No. 255 reports "one member who was 98 years old last August, and who drives his own team eighteen miles to attend the lodge meetings." , New Bloomfield Lodge No. 60, out of ninety-six members, "has eight members of the same family, all brothers."
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Misso路uri.
175
Ava Lodge No. 26 reports "value of real estate 路at $1,250" with no insurance. Worshipful Master says order no insurance." Holla Lodge No. 213 "paid off all outstanding indebtedness, and donated to charity and Red Cross and bought Liberty Bonds." Hardin Lodge No. 322 reports "completion of new haH at路 cost of $6,000, fully subscribed. Building modern in every respect.. including lodge room, banquet hall and offic~for the Secrctllry." The Secretary of Hardin Lodge sends a fine report, but of course that is expected from a lodge that provides an office for its Secretary. Many lodges report members and officers in the service of the Unite'd States in some branch of the army or navy. There were two very unusual occurrences: One Secretary (we will not mention the number of his lodge) sent a check to the Grand Secretary . for $100 more than the per capita tax of his' lodge amounted to. Another Secretary sent his personal check to pay the per capita tax of his lodge and the check was protested.. The protested check was later taken up with the lodge check. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS. This committee noted an improvement in the .returns last year and we are glad to say that the improvement continues, and that an increasing number of the Secretaries are beginning to appreciate the importance of sending accurate information to the Grand Secretary.' The returns show, however, that the records of many lodges have been kept by. careless and incompetent Secretaries, and if the lodge records are not accurately kept it is of course impossible. to give correct data to the Grand Secretary. For. example, the ,new. Secretary of No. 306 remarks: "Report does not balance. This report is correct; must hav.e remitted for more than we had last year." On 路checking the report it was found that the names of three Master Masons were omitted who were reported last year.. On calling the attention of the new Secretary to the omissions, he wrote "That one had died; books show that another was suspended for nonpayment of dues, but books do not show any date.. Master a"nd others think at least three years ago. The third moved away from here more than a year ago, and I have searched all records; name not on register, not on dues ledger, not indexed; may be a member, but if he is, no records in books turned over to me to. show it." The new Secretary omitted to furnish naines of the officers of the lodge. The entire report of No. 10 was written with a lead pencil, and part of the report of No. 141 was written in lead pencil. Twelve reports were not signed by the 'Worshipful Master-Nos. 6, 90, 103, 170, 196, 260, 266, 313, 478, 541, 556 and 608. The report of No. 277 was not signed by the Secretary. The lists of members in eight reports were not alphabetically arranged-Nos. 8, 18, 170, 200, 297, 321, 419' and 543. It was discovered in some cases that members were reported suspended for nonpayment of dues whose dues had' been remitted. In many reports recapitulation showed initiations, passings and raisings, but the names of members on whom degrees were conferred were not given. In 'many other reports recapitulation showed losses by: death, dimission, suspension or expulsion, but no names were given. In some cases names were given, but no dates. All of this is necessary information which the Grand Secretary
176
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
must have for his records, and many of these omissions would be discovered if the vVorshipful Master would merely g'lan~e at the report when he signs it. Much of the confusion in the returns would be avoided if the Secretary would stnrt his recapitulation with the correct number of members returned last year. For example: No. 212 had 85 members last year; started recapitulation this year with路 88. No. 284 had 125 members last year; started recapitulation this year with 123. No. 285 had 58 members last year; started recapitulation this year with' 61. No. 363 had 55 members last year; started recapitulation this year with 49.' lithe ~eeretaries had taken the trouble to look up last year's report they would have started with the correct number and discovered that their reports did not balance before they were forwarded to the Grand Secretary. There. is no excuse for starting with the wrong number in the recapitulation. The Grand Secretary sends two blanks for making returns, and every Secretary should make the first copy for himself and file it away; he should also tIiMl禄ln)' on his recortl book a copy of the rec81禄ltulntion of the work and membership, and he will then have correct copy for the succeeding year. The Grand Secretary also furnishes two copies to every lodge of the Annual Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, so that even if a secretary loses the copy of his report he. can refer to the Grand Secretary's Tabular Statement and find how many members were returned by his lodge the previous year. In the Grand Secretary's records each lodge is charged with so many members. and if the lodge report is short one member the Grand Secretary must look for that lost man just the same as a bookkeeper does when he is out of balance, with this difference, however, the bookkeeper, if he be short, may put a dollar in the cash drawer; but the Grand Secretary can not slip in a "mysterious stranger" in place of a Master Mason. Special mention was made in the report of this committee last yea.r of the many errors and omissions in the returns of Nos, 366 and 576, but it is a pleasure to state that both of these lodges send excellent reports this year, With a few exceptions the lodges in this jurisdiction are in splendid condition, both numerically and financially, and have plenty of work on ha路nd. In conclusion, we desire to extend our thanks to the Grand Secretary, and his efficient assistants, for the many courtesies and help . extended to the members of this committee while in his office compiling the data for this report. HespectfuJi y submitted, C. L. ALEXANDER, Chairman, CLAUDE MADISON, W. P. DAVIS, JR., THOMAS F. HURD, P. SOMMERS.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
177
LODGES, UND!ER DISPENSATION PLACED ON PAY ROLL. W. Bro. W. R. Shrodes moved that one representative from each Lodge under Dispensation be placed on the pay roll. Carried. W. Bro. Shrodes also made a verbal report of the Lodges from which no representative is reported by Credentials Committee; also, Delinquent Lodges.
REPORT OF MASONIC HOME VISITING COMMITTEE. R. VV. Bro. Chas. 'E. Pope presented a report of this Committee, which was adopted, as follows: To the Most 'Worshipful Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri: In submitting its report for the year just closed, your Visiting Committee is gratified to make known to you, and through you to the Brethren throughout the State, that the condition of the Masonic Home-its social, spiritual and benevolent atmosphere, its management and general efficiency-is not only highly satisfactory, but deserving of much praise and commendation. Our Masonic Home has a general two-fold purpose and mission, the character and operation of which are protective and constructive: that is, it was established and is being maintained for the purpose of affording a home and protection for our homeless and orphaned Masonic children, and for our aged and infirm Brethren who have been overtaken by misfortune and affliction. It also affords the means of an education, of moral and religious training for the children-inmates, thus fitting them for self-support, for useful careers and good citizenship. It seems that the mission of the Masonic Home, as 路just defined, i~ being, in a very large and satisfactory measure, fulfilled. The. protective element of its mission, which is prompted by charity and brotherly love, is immediate, direct and is obvious to the most casual visitor; while its constructive element, which is actuated by practical wisdom, may be judged by the character of the boys and girls who 'gO out from the institution equipped for the battle of life. As to the educational advantages afforded the children of the Home, they are such as are afforded to all the children of the City of St. Louis-the free public schools. Free and unattended, clothed as other schOOl children, with no distinguishing marks of an institution upon them,. the boys and girls of our Masonic Home are enjoying the advantages of the most efficient schools of a great city. The same is true of their church and religious facilities.
178
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
They ar'e free to attend church services and Sunday school of any Protestant church of their choice, while every Sunday afternoon there are held reIlgious exercises in the Home Ch'apeI. Thus are being extended to the. young and old of our Masonic Home the best educational advantages and religious facilities that a great metropolis affords. As Freemasons we should never forget, in our affectionate and sentimental regard for the Masonic Horne, that it is a business institution no less than a benevolent and charitable one, and that its success and effectiveness must depend upon its sufficiency of funds and efficiency of management and administration. Every Missouri Freemason should keep these facts clearly and steadily in view, and ever be ready bY' thought, word and vote to strengthen, expand and make more effective the work of this worthy institution. A previous report has called attention to the few legacies entrusted to our work. It surely seems that a larger number of men of such social and financial attainment as grace our 'bodies would desire to make substantial remembrance in their wills to our trust funds whereby the activities, of the Home might be so greatly increased. That the Masonic Home is worthy of its name-that the atmosphere and environment are present, and that the spirit of home pervades the institution-are evident from the general appearance and manifest spirit of the inmates, young and old. How gratifying to Freemasons that this is so, and how faithfully and intelligently we should strive to keep it so. In this institution the true spirit of Freemasonry is embodied and epitomized. Here we have 路a concrete, living expression and exemplification of the tenets of our Order. Here is made manifest the spirit of Brotherly Love in giving' relief to the needy and the afflicted; and herein is Tr'uth made vital in giving a practical demonstration of true brotherhood. Ever since its establishment as a Masonic institution, the Home has been an especial object of pride to all Missouri Freemasons, In a very peculiar and, intimate sense it touc)1es the heart and sUrs the emotions, and awakens that generous and sincere sympathy which is the very essence of the spirit of our noble Order. It is sad enough for parents and children to be forever separated, even under the most favorable and mitigating conditions; it is pathetic enough indeed for the aged to become feeble and helpless, even with sufficient means for their support; but when lack of home and material sustenance are added to these misfortunes and afflictions, the human heart is stirred to its very depths. The only adequate expression of sympathy under such circumstances is to gi ve relief. Particularly are the splendid activities of th~ ladies' of the Eastern Star to be commended. The peculiarly feminine instinct which makes the fullness of the domestic home embraces within its comprehensive affection, those who are so vitally in need of the love, consideration and thoughtfulness which are pre-eminently the characteristics of our Masonic Sisters. It is the one touch necessary to adequately round out the benevolence of the Brethren. In conclusion, your Committee can not refrain from expressing the wish that every Missouri Freemason might visit the Home and see for themselves what it is, what it is doing, and what might
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
179
be done to make it a bigger, a better, and a more effective instrumentality in demonstrating those three great tenets of Freemasonry-Brotherly Love,. Relief, and Truth. Fratel"nally submitted, CH.(\S. H. POPE, JULIUS R. EDWARDS, J. F. MILLER, JR, G. C. SPAHKS, EDWARD SPEER.
REPORT' OF COMMITTEE ON CHARITIES,. R. VV. Bro. Robert A. May presented the following report on Charities. Adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Ancient, Free and' Accepted Ma:sons of the State of Missouri: Your Committee on Charity' respectfully reports that we have considered the several applications for charity which have been brought before us, and we make the following recommendations: 1. That the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) be contributed to Monticello Lodge No. 58 A. F. & 'A. 'M., 'to be disbursed' for the benefit of Mrs. Virgie Anderson and children, the widow and children of Brother W. W. Anderson, deceased, who was a member of that Lodge, in good standing, at the time of his death. 2. That the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be contributed to. Craft Lodge No. 287 A. 1<'. &' A. M., to be disbursed for the benefit of Brother \Villiam H. Beach, a me'mber of that Lodge. 3. That the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) be contributed to Portland Lodge No. 242 A. F. & A.' M., to be disbursed for the benefit of Brother James H. Goodrich, a member of that Lodge. 4. That the sum of 路One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be contributed to Brother A. S. Houston, Past Gran'd Master, to be by him disbursed for the benefit of Mrs. K. M. Deane, widow of Past Grand ehaplain K ..M. Deane, of Mexico, Missouri. Fraternally submitted,' ROBERT A. MAY. T. W. COTTON, C. C. BIGGER, A. J. O'REILLY, JOHN W. BROWN.
180
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
RESOLUTION路-MASONIC RELIE,F ASSOCIATION OF UNITED S,TATES AND CANADA. R. \V. A. J. O'Reilly offered路 the following written resolution for the appointment of delegates to the Relief Association in Omaha, September 25 to 27, 1917. Same adopted: To
the Most vVonhipful Missouri:
Gl'and
Lodge
A.
F.
&
A.
M.,
State
of
Whereas the Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Cana.da will meet in Biennial Session to be held at Omaha, Nebraska, September 25, 26 and 27, 1917, and as this Grand Lodge is a member of the Association; then be it Ue!ilolvecl, That the incoming Grand Master appoint delegates to attend the meeting who shall report the proceedings at the next communication of this Grand Lodge. ANDREW .J. O'REILLY, V. F. BOOR
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. R. V/. Bro. Karl 1\L Vetsburg, Chairman, assisted by other members of the Committee, presented the report of Committee on Appeals and Grievances-vote being taken on each case separately, as follows: I. Wm. D. Lanter vs. \iVm. J. Key. Report of Committee adopted . . II. Mt. T\![oriah Lodge No. 40 vs. Ralph A. Ruebel. Report of Committee adopted. III. Harris and Aaron E. Ettenson. Report of Committee adopted. IV. Lambskin Lodge No. 460 vs. Edmund 1\1. l\1ulhall. Report of Committee adopted. V. Petition of John A. Lee for Restoration. Report of Committee adopted. VI. Bosworth Lodge No. 597 vs. David Harris. Report of Committee adopted. VII. Petition for Restoration by Daniel Vol. Richmond. Report of Committee adopted. VIII. Park Lodge No. 617 vs. Joseph H. Robinson. Re-
1917. ]
•
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
181
port of Committee adopted unanimously, reversing Park Lodge No. 617 and the accllsed expelled from the Order.. IX. F. \iVm. Wiseman vs. Charles A. Truitt. Report of Committee adopted. X. Twilight Lodge No. 114 vs. ]. \iValter Carryer. Report of Committee adopted. XI. Cornerstone Lodge No. 323 vs. PaulO. Sommer. Report of Committee adopted. XII. W. C. Ketchem vs. James Slade. Report of Committee adopted . .X III. \iV. C. Ketchem vs. ]. D. Roberts. Report of Committee adopted. XIV. H.ochester Lodge No.. 248 vs. W. C. Ketchem. Report of the Committee adopted. XV. Application of Wm. G. :Manson for Restoration. H.eport of Committee adopted. XVI. Petition of James D: Gordon for Restoration. Report of Committee adopted. On motion, 'duly ,carried, the report of the Committee as a whole was adopted, as follows:
"T.
B. Lan tel' . vs.
f
\\lm. J. Key.
1.
This case originated by the filing on February 3rd, 1917, by Brother \'\T. B. Lanter against Brother Wm. J. Key, of Lebanon Lodge No. 77, of charges of unmasonic conduct based upon the foJlowing specifications: "That said Brother Wm'. J. Key, on or about the first day of August, 1916, and prior thereto and subsequent thereto, was intoxicated in a public place and was addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors; and, on or about the first day of August, 1916, at Keysville, Missouri, was engaged in a common fight and' row in public with divers and sundry persons to the undersigned unknown; and that said Brother Wm. J. Key, on or about the 'sixth day of September, A. D. 1916, near the Post Offke of Keysville, Crawford County, Missouri, did, without just cause,' murder and kill one Frank W. Weaver, in violation of his duty as a Mason and to the scandal and disgrace of the Masonic Fraternity." The accused filed a general denial and plea of "not guilty" to the charges. The first specification in the charges was withdrawn by the accuser with the consent of the Lodge. The accuser and accused being present and announcing ready
182
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
for trial. the charges were tried by the Lodge on February 15th, 1917. By a large majority, the Lodge. voted the brother guilty and expelled him, and the Secretary notified tj1e brother of his expulsion on February 16th, 1917. Under date of April 13th, 1917, the accused took an appEal. which appeal was filed with the Secretary of the l,odge on April 16th. 1917, and served upon the counsel for the accuser on the same date. . . '. . The matter is before the Committee upon this appeal. DECISION. Section 241 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, as amended (see proceeQings of 1916, page 184), provides that, "All appeals shall be filed with the Secretary of t.he Lodge within thirty (30) days after the trial and judgment, and not afterwards." The record in this case discloses the fact that the trial was had' and the brother expelled on Februnry 16th, 1917. The appeal was not filed with the Secretary until April 16th, 1917, almost sixty (60) days after the trial and judgment of the Lodge. Your Committee i~, therefore, unable to entertain the appeal and recommend that the same be dismissed 路for lack of jurisdiction. KARL M. VETSBURG. N. A. FRANKLIN, JOHN PICKARD, FORREST C. DONNELL, THAD B. LANDON, HOMER N, LLOYD, Committee. II. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 40 vs.. Ralph A. Ruebel.
f STATEMENT.
This case originated by the filing by the Junior. Warden against Brother Ralph A. Ruebel, an Entered Apprentice, of charges of unmasonic conduct, based upon the following .specific~tions: 1st. "That the said Ralph A. Ruebel has contracted a 2nd. I further charge that said Ralph A.Ruebel is guilty of unmasonic conduct in this-that he constantly uses the vilest of language, taking the name of Deity in vain and employing language too vile to be here set out. 3rd. I further charge that the said Ralph A. 'Ruebel publicly plays a game of chance known as 'craps'; that he has played said game at the Ford Motor Car Company in the City of St. I-auis during the last three months; that ~1e offers to 'shoot' with any and everybody for money.': The answer of the accused denies .his g).lilt.
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Grand Lodge of Afissouri.
183
In substantiation of the charges, the following testimony was introduced: First Specification: Second Specification: The testimony under the second specification varies. Some of the witnesses testified that the accused did not swear or use profane language any more than the average individual, while others testified in unmistakable terms that he used, habitually, language of the vilest, most blasphemous and most prof~n,e, ,character, so much so in fact that, we do not care to spread it upon the records of this Grand Lodge; and, further, that the witness was loud and boisterous, using the profanity and speaking of his affliction in a voice loud enough to be heard above the din and noise 'of the factory at a distance of at least twenty feet. Third Specification: The evidence under the third specification is not convincing. It shows, and the accused admits, that he made a practice of carrying dice about with him; that he offered to play the game with different fellow-employes for sums ranging from a nicl<el to the contents of his pay envelope. There is no evidence, however, that there was any actual gambling for money indulged in by the accused, and the latter attempts to :excuse his conduct with the statement that his remarks were intended as a joke. The vote of the Lodge upon. the several specifications was al! follows: First Specification: Guilty, 51. Not guilty, 32. Second Specification: Guilty, 33. Not guilty, 45. 'rhird Specification: Guilty, 21. Not guilty, 47. ' The necessary two-thirds vote being lacking, the Master declared the accused acquitted, from which the Junior ~arden, in due time, perfected his appeal. DECISION.
'j
The evidence adduced at the trial is far }'from convincing on the' question. as to whether or not the accused -has ever Contracted We are inclined to believe that the accused was not and is' not now suffering with that affliction. We do' not feel, however, that that fact is essential to th,e determination of this appeal. The offense with which the accu'sed is charged in tIle first specification is not so much the contraction of the' d'isease as the conduct of the accused' during the time when' he thought he Was so afflicted. To be sure, the record shows the accused is but 22 years of age; but the record' also discloses the fact that Ill'; n::alized full well'the seriousness of his condition. In spite of this fact, the accused was so deficient in a sense of the proprieties, so lacking in' his sense of decency and morality as to publish broadcast'the news of his supposed'~affliction and to attribute- the same to a 16-year-old high school girl. ' Add to this the' testimony in regard to the habits of the accused in matters' of speech, and we believe that the accused is 'neither worth'y of retaining his present membership nor of advancing in the Fraternity. I 'For the foregoing Teasons, we recommend that the judgment of the Lodge in acquitting the accused be set' aside and for naught held, and that the ac'clised brother, Ralph A. Ruebel, be and he is hereby expelled from' all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry.
184
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
In re, Harris Ettenson, Appellant, and Aaron Edward } Ettenson, Appellant, Appeal from action of St. .Joseph Lodge No. 78, A. F. & A. M. III.
On Monday, September 17th, 1917, and prior to the convening of the Grand Lodge, the appellants in writing withdrew their respecti ve appeals. We therefore recommend that in compliance with such request such appeals be and the same are hereby dismissed. KARL M. VETSBURG, JOHN PICKAf:W, HOMER N. T,LOYD, N. A. FRANKLIN, FORREST C. DONNELL, THAD n. LANDON, Committee. ' Lambskin Lodge NQ. 460, A. F. & A. M., Accuse)', vs. Edmund M. Mulhall, Accused.
f
IV. This is an appeal taken from the action of Lambskin Lodge No. 460, A. F. & A. M., in suspending accused for a period of one year fro'in the twenty-second day of August, 1917, taken by Worshipful Brother Charles E. Schumacher, a member th'ereof,. and Past Master of that Lodge. The charge was preferred at a regular meeting of Lambskin Lodge on the 17th day of July, 1917, and is as follows: "I hereby charge Brother Edmund M. Mulhall, a member of Lambskin Lodge No. 460, A. F. & A. M., with unmasonic conduct as follows: Specification: That said Edmund M. Mulhall on or about February 9th, 1916, also April 12th, 1916, and May 16th, 1917, and several times thereafter, appeared at the Lodge, while in the capacity of Stereoptician of the Lodge, in an intoxicated condition and utterly unfit for the performance of the duty to which he was appointed, and that he had been frequently warned and caused to leave the Lodge Hall on above named account, in violation of his duty as a Master Mason and to the disgrace and scandal of the Masonic l<'raternity. And I declare upon my honor as a Mason, that I make this charge fo" the general good of Masonry and in the defense of the interest of the Fraternity." To this charge, the accused made answer as follows: "In answer to the charges preferred by Brother Geo. W. Longan, which I received路 a copy of by registered mail, Friday; July 13th, 1917, I will not attempt to deny, but in extenuation of the offense charged, I will state that fo'r the last seven years, J have suffered from attacks of neuralgia; at times the pain was excruciating; it was then that to alleviate the pain I resorted to alcoholic stimulants. Of course, at these times I should have
1917.]
Grand Lodge ,of Missouri.
185
stayed away from Lodge, but I· thought I would not be noticed, that T would get by some way, but I see now that T was wrong. I am not a habitual drunkard, nor have I ever been. I have been in my present position for over twelvc years and have never lost a day. If I had been a drunkard, I would not have held the position one month. It humiliates me very much to make this corifession, and no onc but myself knows what I have sufferec' since these charges were preferred. I have confidence in the members of Lambskin LQdge, and know they will not be unjust to me or Lambskin l,odge. Whatever the outcome of this trial will be, I will always remember the pleasant times I had, and will always have a warm spot in my heart for Lambskin Lodge, and its members." The trial was had on the 22nd day of August, 1917, resulting in a conviction, the vote being: Guilty, 33. Not guilty, 3. Thereupon, a vote was taken for expulsion, resulting 11 for and 26 against. For suspension, 33 for, 6 against. Suspension for four years, 15 for, 22 against. Suspension for three years, ] 5 for, 22 ag-ainst. Suspension foJ:' two years, 15 ior, 20 against. Suspcnsion for one year, 35 for, 2 against. The accused had been a Master Mason about five (5) years and for some time was ster~oPtician of his Lodge, missing but few meetings in the last ·few years. The charge of being intoxicated at the Lodge is a serious offense, and particularly so after the accused had been warned that his repeated conduct would result in charges being preferred. The' explanation of the' accused, is that he had suffered from attacks of neuralgia: that at times the pain was excruciating, and' that he had resorted to alcoholic stimulants to alleviate the pain. The accused further states that he realizes he should have stayed away from the Lodge, but that he thought he would not be noticed: that he would "get by" some way, but is thoroughly convinced that his conduct was absolutely improper.' He has held a position as clerk at the Cit~' Infirmary for the past twelve (12) years, and it appears has never lost a day during that time, even bein~ compelled to work on Sundays most of the time. It does not appear that the accused is a drinking man. nor that he associates with a drinking class, and except for his attendance at Lodge, he very seldom goes anywhere of an evening, but remains at home with his wife. ' Of course, the seriousness' is in the effect that such conduct has upon the Masonic Fraternity, its tendency being, of course, to bring it into disrespect and disrepute. There is no evidence and no ·charge of any other misconduct on the part of the accused other than as stated in the charge. The vote indicates that the members attending at the trial were almost unanimously of the opinion that a year's suspension was a sufficient punishment: This .large membership, must, of necessity, know the habits and the reputation of the accused better than this Committee doe·s frpm the written record before ·us, particularly so when no evidence was introduced except the letter of the accused.
186
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
"Te' do not believe that we should interfere with the judgment of the Lodge in this respect, and we have assurances that since charges were preferred the accused has not touched intoxicants in any form: that it has been a severe lesson to him, and that he does' not propose to indulge any furthe~ We' therefore recommend that the judgment of the Lodge be affirmed. KARL路 M.路 VETSBURG, JOHN PICKARD, HOMER N. LLOryD, N .. A. FRANKLIN, FORREST C. DONNELL, '.rHAD B. LANDON, Committee. Petition of John A. Lee for Restoration.
V. STATEMENT. In the official proceedings of the 84th Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge held in September, 1904, on page 140 in' the report of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, is found the record of the expulsion of the petitioner by this Grand Body. From that record, it appears that while Lieutenant-Governor of this state and President of the Senate, John A. Lee received from a certain D. J. Kelly. the sum of Eighty-five Hundred Dollars ($8500.00), Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000.00) of which was turned over to a member of the Senate Committee on, Criminal Jurisprudence as a bribe for .this member and other members of that Committee. The remaining Fifteen, Hundred Dollars ($1500.00) was retained by the said John A. Lee for. his serv.ices, in connection with the notoriou:!: "alum" law which was before the, State Legislature in the session of 1903. . ', .. Charges .were preferred ,and trial was had in Polar Star Lodge No. 79 on November 27th, 1903. The accused was ~ot present, but was,represented .by counsel and pleaded guilty to the charge. The vote on expulsion was: Nays, 34. Ayes, 16. A., vote on suspension for seven (7) years resulted: N.ays, 14. .Ayes, 33. The accused was,' thereupon, declared by the 'Vorshipful Master to be ,s.uspended for a term of seven (7) years. Thereupon, Brothers "TaiteI'. H. Ashton and Robert Burnie perfected an appeal to the Grand Lodge, alleging, as ground for the appeal, that the punishment" tix~d .was. not adequate 路to the offense. The Committee on Appeals and, Grievances, at the close of their discussion of this case, say: '.'The Lodge which suspended the accused for only seven (7) years was guilty of failure to discharge its whole duty. We, recommend that the judgment of the Lodge be reversed and that J.ohn A. Lee be and is hereby expelled from all the rights and. privileges of Freemasonry." This recommendation was adopted by the Grand Lodge.
1917. ]
187
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
After a lapse of thirteen (13) years, the said John A. Lee sends to this Grand Lodge a petition for reinstatement. From 'the pltpers tiled in this case, it appears that the petitioner, after resigning the high office of Lieutenant-Governor in 1903, went to Ghieago and practically began life anew, and during the entire period from the date of his expulsion to the present time adequate testimony shows that he has lived an honorable and upright life. In perfecting his petition for reinstatement, he first appealed to Polar Star Lodge. On the receipt of his petition, this Lodge appointed a Committee of Investigation, composed of Brothers W. Scott Hancock, Frank C. Shoemaker and Robert Burnie. This Committee requested Circle Lodge No. 938, Oak Park, Illinois, to investigate the record of this petitioner. The Secretary of Circle Lodge, under seal of the Lodge, makes the following report to the Committee representing Polar Star Lodge: "The Committee which was appointed from Circle Lodge No. 938, A. F. & A. M., to investigate Mr. John A. Le~, re~~ding No. 200 Maple Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, wish to make the following report: 'It is their unanimous opInIOn that 'Mr. Lee is in ever'y way worthy of reinstatement in the Masonic Fraternity, and would be a credit to the institution if so reinstated. .':.
They founl;l him to be a Christian gentleman, and one which ,would in every way reflect credit upon our ancient and honorable fraternity.' (Signed) Very Fraternally yours, J. HORACE JEFFERSON, Secretary." The CommittEe of Polar Star Lodge, on receipt of this report from Circle Lodge, made a unanimously favo'rable report to' 'Polar Star Lodge, which report was discussed and. adopted 'by that Lodge. DECISION. It will be noted that Brother Robert Burnie, who路 ol'iginally took the appeal to the Grand Lodge which resulted in ~he expulsion of the petitioner, is also a member of the Committee of Polar Star Lodge wnich unanjmously recommended his' reinstatem,ent.'
The evidence before the Committee is ample and convincing to show that during the entire period since his expulsion the petitioner has "made good"; therefore, your Committee recommend that, without in any sense approving the conduct of the petitioner prior to his expulsion and without giving weight to any cdnsideration whatever save that of his apparent continuous "re'ctitude of conduct in the years since that路 occurrence and 'his present sincere desire to re-acquire Masonic membership, his petition' for reinstatement be granted.
188
Proceedings of
till?
[Sept.
Brother Franklin of the Committee does not sign the report, and wishes it stated that he is in doubt concerning the wisdom of our recommendation. KARL M. VETSBU HG, HOMER N. LLOYD, FORREST C. DONNELL, THAD B. LANDON, JOHN PICKARD, . Committee. VI. Boswort~S.LOdge No.
Dav~d
Harris.
597
t ~ STATEMENT.
In this case, the accused is charged in three specifications, as follows: "1. That said David Harris did, during the latter part of the year 1912 and first part of the year 1913, - - - . 2. Th'at said David Harris did neglect and mistreat his wife and family, and did, during the year 1913, obtain a divorce from his wife by fraud and misrepresentation. . 3. That the life, conduct and behavior of the said David Harris has been such as to bring reproach and censure upon the Order." The charges were preferred by one Brother John Eisenhour of Bosworth Lodge No. 597; notice was given the accused of the pendency of the charges. The record does not show that the accused entered a plea to the charges, but he was present at the路 trial and testified therein. On. January 9th, 1917, the trial of the accused was held in Bosworth Lodge No. 597, which resulted in his expulsion, the vote of the Lodge being as follows: . First charge: Guilty, 12. Not guilty,' 6. Second charge: Guilty, 14. Not guilty, 4. Third charge: Gullty, 13. Not guilty, 4, 1 not voting. On all three specifications: Guilty, 14. Not guilty, 4. Punish路ment: For expulsion, 14. Against expulsion, 4. Accused appeals from this decision of his Lodge, and the same i" now before us for final adjudication. A brief summary of the facts are as follows: DECISION. Your Committee have carefully considered' the proceedings and the evidence and have reached the conclusion that the charges are warranted and that they are sustained by th'e testimony and proofr submitted. Your Committee therefore recommend that the action of Bosworth Lodge No. 597 in expelling Brother David Harris from all the privileges of Freemasonry be affirmed.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
189
VII.
In the matter of Petition for Restoration to good Masonic Standing of Dan W. Richmond. STATEMENT. The petitioner, Dan W. Richmond, was expelled September 17th, 1915, by Gate City Lodge 路No. 522, on charges of unmasonic conduct in that he permitted three blasphemous, indecent and defamatory articles to be published路 in a magazine known路 as "The Dum Dum", which was issued in Kansas City, Missouri. On March 17th, 1916, 路he filed with Gate City Lodge a petition for restoration to good Masonic standing, .which was, on April 1st, 1916, rejected. Thereafter, he filed with the Grand Lodge a petition for restoration, which was considered before it at the session of 1916. Owing, however, to the presentation of numerous rumors derogatory to the character of petitioner' by the officers of Gate City Lodge on the very eve of the report of the 1916 Committee on Appeals and Grievances, the Grand Lodge was requested by said Committee to continue the application of the petitioner until the communication of 1917, without prejudice to him.' This was accordingly done. The Committee further recommended that the incoming Chairman of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances take such steps as he may deem expedient to ascertain the character anc fitness of the petitioner. for restoration. In the course of its report upon the petitioner's application for restoration, the 1916 Committee on Appeals and 'Grievances has the following to say of the evidence considered by it: "The evidence shows that while, in name, the petitioner was editor and publisher of said magazine, ~Tet said magazine was really controlled, managed and published by one L. E. Claypool; and that said articles complained of were not written by the petitioner, but by another. The evidence further shows that prior to the filing of said charges that the petitioner, when complaint was made to him regarding said articles, immediately stopped the publication of such articles and changed the policy of said publication and, severed his relations with the writer of said articles of which complaint was made. The evidence further shows that after his conviction, the petitioner immediately ceased publishing said magazine and engaged in another business. The petitioner did not appeal from the decision of Gate City Lodge in expelling him, and stated that he did not do so for the reason that he was persuaded not to do so by several members of Gate City Lodge who were interested in his prosecution, who assured him that if he would not do so he would be reinstated as soon as he filed his application, which they advised him to do at an early date." (See proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1916, page 118.) Pursuan t to the rBcommendation of the 1916 Committee on Ap'peals and Grievances, the incoming Chairman of said Committee notified Gate City Lodge, Mr. Richmond, and the local District Deputy Grand Master that if either of them had any data to
190
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
present touching the petitioncr's character and fitness, the Committee would be pleased to' receive the same. The District Deputy Grand Master accordingly made an in vestigation of the mattcr and reported the results thereof. Numerous letters and affidavits were also submitted to the Committee from persons acquainted with Richmond. Upon the original record, plus the information thus obtained, the present Committee is now prepared to pass upon his petition for restoration. DECISION. Much of the information received by us has been complimentary in its reference to Richmond, but sufficient data not of said character has been submitted to cause us to come to the conclusion that the burden to show himself clearly worthy which is assumed by a petitioner who, after expulsion, seeks restoration to Masonic fellowship, has not been sustained by Richmond. We are not unmind,ful of the mitigating circumstances and statements found and referred to by the 1916 Committee on Appeals and Grievances and above set out, but in view of the facts, as appear from the evidence before both that Committee and ourselves: First. That Richmond owned a half interest in the able publication; Second. That excerpts therefrom closely approached filth and irreverence; Third. That petitioner permitted his namc to appear title page as Editor and Publisher and handled of the. magazine,
objectionobscenity. upon the the funds
we agree with the judgment of Gate City Lodge holding him to' be guilty' of unmasonic conduct. Believing, as we do, that his conviction was proper, and bearing in mind that only two years have elapsed sinec his expulsion, and further in view of the doubt in our minds as to whether sufficiently convincing proof and lengthy test of his steadfastness to Masonic principles have been respectively had and afforded since his removal from the Lodge, we are of the opinion, and so recommend, that for the present his petition should be denied without prejudice to the petitioner. FORR~~ST C. DONNELL, KARl. M. VETSBURG, JOHN PICKARD, HOMER N. LLOYD, N. A. FRANKLIN, THAD B. LANDON, Committee.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
191
VIII. Park Lodge No. 617, A. F. & A. M., } vs. Joseph H. Robinson. INTRODUCTION. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, in his annual address to this Grand Lodge at the present communication, considered at length various matters arising out of the trial of Joseph H. Robinson before Park Lodge No. 617, his acquittal by said Lodge and the appeal which was taken by the Lodge at the order of the District Deputy Grand Master. This appeal was dismissed immediately prior to the 1916 session of the Grand Lodge by the officers of Park Lodge, but, by resolution of the Grand Lodge, was reinstated with instructions to the Grand Master to investigate the matter and take such action as he may deem advisable. Action was taken by the GrandMaster, and his report submitted to the present communication of this Grand Lodge. His report was by the Grand Lodge, at the suggestion of the Committee I)"" 'J'~and Master's Address, thereupon referred to the Committee t'" .\ ;lpeals and Grievances for its report and recommendation, which we accordingly make as follows, to-wit: STATEMENT. On June 26th, 1916, the Junior Warden of Park Lodge 617, A. F & A. M., preferred' charges of unmasonic conduct against Joseph H. Robinson, an Entered Apprentice, who was initiated as such in said Lodge on June 12th, 1916. The conduct complained of was that the defendant, Robinson, did on May 8, 1916, aver in his petition for initiation into said Lodge that he had never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation, whereas in fact the defendant had previously petitioned a number of Masonic Lodges in Kansas City and had been rejected by them,. said Lodges and the respective dates of his rejections including- the following: Gate City Lodge No. 522, December 16, 1911, Westport Lodge No. 340, December 10, 1912, Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446, April 9, 1914, South Gate Lodge No. 547, May 20, 1915. It is charged that the defendant concealed and purposely withheld said facts from Park Lodge and the Grand Lodge; received the degree of Entered Apprentice through said fraud and imposition, and is guilty of fraud and deceit upon said local Lodge and this Grand Lodge. To this charge,defendant filed a' pl.ea of not guilty, and further alleged that the charges agains't him had been instigated and inspired by the ill will and malice of persons without the Masonic Fraternity. A motion filed by the Junion Warden to strike out that portion of defendant's answer was sustained over defendant's objection, and the case proceeded to trial upon the charge and plea of not guilty. Defendant admitted that on December 16, 1911, he had peti-
192.
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
tioned Gate City Lodge No. 522 for initiation, and it was admitted by his counsel before the Committee that defendant was rejected by said Lodge. In his petition to Gate City Lodge, he describes himself as a "physician", gives his business address as 707 Waldheim Building, and avers that he has never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation. Evidence on behalf of prosecution was introduced, and it was admitted by defen"dant that on November 12, 1912, defendant had petitioned for initiation into Westport Lodge 340, stating his occupation as physician, address 707' Waldheim Building, and that he had not been rejected in any Lodge within twelve months. This petition was rejected on December 10, 1912. Defendant admitted that on September 9, 1914, he was rejected by Ivanhoe Lodge 446. Evidence further shows there was presented to South Gate Lodge 547 on April 15, 1915, a petition signed by defendant, wherein his name reads "Joseph H. Robinson, M. D.", his occupation given as physician, residence Baltimore Hotel, business address 215 National Reserve Bank Building. In this petition, he filled in the word "No", so that petition read, "He has heretofore petitioned NO Lodge No , located at , for initiation on or about the .... day of , and was rejected", all insertions and signature of defendant made in identical, purple ink. This petition was rejected May 20, 1915. . Evidence further showed that on May 8, 1916, a petition for initiation was presented to Park Lodge No. 617, signed ".Joseph Robinson", that in this petition occur the printed words, "He avers he has never before peti.tioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation (or, he has heretofore petitioned . .•.. Lodge No. . ...• located at , for initiation on or about the day of ....• and was rejected)". None of said blank spaces set apart for name, number and location of the Lodge by which the applicant had been rejected or the date of his petition to such Lodge was filled out, so that the application to Parl{ Lodge reads, "He avers he has never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation". Further testimony was before the Committee to show very clearly that previous to the filing of the petition in Park Lodge, the defendant had presented various petitions which had been rejected, and some were admitted by the defendant, some petitions having one wording regarding previous petitions, and others the other wording. Defendant testified that in his petition to Park Lodge he had given his occupation as a druggist to prevent further persecution, the evidence being very lengthy and the points well covered in both questions and answers. ..' On the evidence, the Lodge voted 13 for guilty, 7 not guilty. Pursuant to instructions of the District Deputy Grand Master, an appe.al was taken to the Grand Lodge, assigning as grounds: 1. That· the verdict was against the evidence;
2. That defendant by his evidence and through his counsel admitted his guilt; 3. That members voting upon the verdict did not hear all of the evidence.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
193
The appeal reached the Grand Secretary on or about September 12, UH6. On September 18, i916, the Junior Warden of Park Lodge by proxy and counsel, appeared before the Committee on Appeals and Grievan,ces and filed an application in writing asking dismissal of the appeal under Section 246, and the dismissal was granted (proceedings 1916, page 130) .. This action of the Committee was affirmed by the Grand Lodge, but the resolution hereinbefore referred to was offered and adopted and the dismissal set aside, the case reinstate.<:l and the entire matter referred to Grand Master Higbee, with instructions to investigate and take such action as he deemed advisable. The Grand Master requested District Deputy Grand Master Smith of Kansas City to make the investigation, and the latter secured the co-operation of seven Past Masters to act as jury and hear the evidence. Twenty-nine witnesses were examined and crossexamined in great detail. At the outset, over objections of defendant's counsel, defendant was excluded from the hearing except during the time of giving his own testimony. The District Deputy stated before the Committee that defendant was excluded because it would have been difficult to secure testimony from one or more witnesses had defendant been personally present, and that it proved neces拢ary to threaten two of ,... itnesses with citations in order to secure their attendance. Evidence both pro and con was presen ted as to defendan t's reputation and character, among' the witnesses being a Past Master of Gate City Lodge, a physician in Ivanhoe No. 446, two members of the Investigating Committee of South Gate Lodge 547, a physician testified Robinson's路 reputation in medical fraternity was good as a general practitioner and that for past five' to eight yearf defendant had "played the game straight"; another physician, one of defendant's teachers in medical school, stated that defendant's reputation among physicians was not good, that he liked him per~ son ally, but would not recommend him to his own Lodge. On behalf of defendant, nine witnesses were introduced who testified to the excellence of his reputation, some of their expressions being that defendant路 was "a high-class gentleman", "Treats some of the best people in the city", "no doctor has a better class of patients", "he is a perfect gentleman", "he uses refined language". One waS a physician, another a bank teller, two real estate men, another with local telephone company, another a draughtsman, one an electrical man. One of defendant's witnesses was the man who started the investigatiop. after Park Lodge had elected him. Defendant was questioned as to his attitude towards a certain class of operation which it was claimed he had performed, and his answer was 路to effect that he had never done "it for money". In the resolution of the ] 916 session of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master was also directed to investigate the actions of Park Lodge in receiving the petition of the accused, and this was done at the hands of District Deputy Smith. It appears from the testimony that one member of the Investigating Committee did practically no investigating, a second only interviewed one of the recommenders, and the third (the Secretary), although h., knew of the previous rejections, did not go to any of the doctors 10 inquire concerning defendant, as he stated that he "knew what kind of a report he would. g'et if he went. to them", saw defendant per-
194
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
sonally and intended on the night the report was due to make an unfavorable report, but after consultation with the other members and the Master, decided to report favorably. Park Lodge did not notify other Kansas City Lodges of its receipt of the petition from defendant. The Master, when interrogated concerning his attitude in this case, testified that he thought it was the duty of the Investigating Committee to ascertain the truth or falsity of the rumors concerning previous rejections. OPINION. As 'regards the Lodge and its officers: With respect to the acquittal of Park Lodge on charge of dereliction of duty, we concur with the M. W. Grand Master in his judgment. There is no evidence to show that the membership 3H a whole was guilty of improper conduct, for, in the absence of a showing by or notice' to the membership of facts sufficient to warrant the rejection of the petition of Robinson, the Lodge as such can not be convicted of misconduct in electing him to receive the degrees or in conferring the degree. We are constrained, however, to express in strong and unmistakeable terms, our disapproval of the extreme laxity and carelessness of at least two members of the Investigating Committee, Brothers Darling and Fisher, nor do we feel that the third member, Brother King, made by any means as thorough an examination as the suspicious circumstances and prior rejections demanded. The law requires the' Committee on Investigation to "thoroughly inquire into the character and fitness of the applicant" (Section 103, ByLaws, page 24). Its functions are of supreme importance to the welfare of the Fraternity.' To ignore the responsibilities of membership on such a cornmittee is to endanger the life and influence of the Lodge. We censure, in unmistakeable terms, the carelessness which characterized the Committee's conduct in this instance. We also unqualifiedly condemn the failure of the Secretary to notify the other Lodges in Kansas City of the filing of defendant's petition in Park Lodge. This is specifically required by Section 58 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws in large cities where, through the means of petitions to Lodges in remote parts of the city, applicants may succeed in having their names voted upon without the knowledge of those .who have substantial ground for objection to their initiation. In such cases, the law has wisely prescribed that notice of their petitions must be forwarded to every other Lodge in the city by the Secretary, and in omitting so to do, the Secretary was guilty of a serious breach of duty. We furthermore put the stamp of this Committee's disapproval upon the narrow conception which seems to have been had by the Worshipful Master of his duty in the event of the existence of serious rumors and charges against a petitioner. In his solemn promise at instaUation, the Worshipful Master bound himself to be faithful to the Lodge, and admitted the importance of due inquiry into the character of every applicant. 'Yet, in the face of the existence of grave rumors affecting the standing of the petitioner, the "Worshipful Master neglected to require an investigation thereof
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
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by his Committee, and intimates in his testimony that the matter of investigation is in all cases solely the business of the Committee. We do not agree with such a conception of the duty of a Worshipful Master under such circumstances, and we strongly disapprove his conduct in the instant case. So far as the action of Pal'k Lodge in dismissing the appeal before the Committee on Appeals and Grievances of the 1916 Grand Lodge, we seriously question the propriety of such dismissal in view of the serious charge against the defendant and the nature of the evidence in support thereof, but we are of the opinion that under the Grand Lodge By-Laws the Lodge was within its legal rights in taking the action which it did, subject always to the power of the Grand Lodge to reinstate the appeal. AS REGARDS
DEFENDA1~T
ROBINSON.
We come now to the consideration of the question as to the guilt or innocence of defendant Robinson, and with all respect to the opinion of the learned Most vVorshipful Grand Master, we are compelled, by the overwhelming weight of the evidence, to take issue with his judgment of acquittal, and we unanimously hold that defendant was guilty of such conduct in omitting to state his previous rejections as to demand his expulsion from the Order. vVe are not .unmindful of the objection of defendant's counsel to the method of procedure adopted by the District Deputy Grand Master in conducting the investigation pursuant to the resolution of the Grand Lodge in 1916. vVe have special reference to the objection of defendant's counsel to the exclusion of defendant Hobinson from the hearings. It is a principle of law proclaimed by an amendment to the Constitution of the United States and by the body of the Constitution of the State of Missouri, that a defendant in a criminal prosecution has a right to meet the witnesses against him face to face. Surely Freemasonry undertakes to confer the same rights upon its members in. a quasi-criminal proceeding conducted under its auspices. We do not approve the action of the District Deputy Grand Master in permitting the accused to be excluded from the hearings, and we take this opportunity to state that with the exception of the defendant's own admissions at that investigation and such other evidence as seems to us to be corroborated by his own 'testimony and the other circumstances of the case, we have disregarded all parts of the testimony taken at the District Deputy's investigation which were derogatory to the. defendant. The question in this case, so far as defendant Robinson's guilt or innocence, is: In failing to fill out the blank space which would have notifie路j Park Lodge of his previous rejections by other Lodges, did defendant Robinson do so fraudulently or by innocent oversight? After careful consideration of the evidence, excluding the testimony above referred to, we have concluded that defendant's failure to inform the Lodge of "his previous Masonic rejections was not an innocent oversight, 路but was intentional and fraudulent. Defendant was and is an educated, professional man. As to such a man, the presumption of knowledge of the contents of ::tn
196
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
instrument which he signs applies with full force. Disregarding ~he presumption, however, the physical facts in this, case are so strongly indicative of actual knowledge as to be practically conclusive. Seven lines before the sentence in which the omissions occur, the same hand that omitted to fill the blanks filled out the date. One line below the omissions, the same hand furnished three specific items of information. On the next line, two further blanks are filled by the same hand. Two lines further on, another question is answered, and five lines below, the signature, of the defcndan t is affixed, all in the same' ink and the same hand. That the filling in of the blanks was not. the instantaneous work of a second of time is evident from the testimony both of Robinson and of Boswell, to the effect that Robinson asked Boswell how he should insert his business address; that Boswell inquired as to whether Robinson intended to buy the drug store; that Robinson said he was intending to do so; that Boswell thereupon said to give Tenrh and Troost Avenue as nis address. It seems clear that this matter of business address and occupation had been carefully tlloug-ht out by Boswell and Robinson, and, in order to keep Robinson's wIfe or the supposed hostile member of South Gate Lodge from findii1g out that he was the same man who was applying in Park Lodge, this scheme of inserting an address of a drug store, which Robinson was contemplating buying, but so far as the evidence shows he has never yet bought, was devised. We condemn unqualifiedly the action of Boswell in advising such a course, as well as the willingness and weakness of Robinson in following the advice. The improbability of a mere inadvertent or accidental omission of an entry of such importance as that which would have given the Lodge a knowledge of applicant's series of unsuccessful :tttempts to enter the Fraternity is manifest. Robinson says, however, that he had frequently read Masonic applications which contained a clause to the effect that applicallt had not been rejected within twelve months, and, thinking from Boswell, that his year had expired, he did not read the Park Lod~~e application when he signed it. To quote his language: "Q. Did you read the petition? A. I did not, but I knew the blank that I had been filling ont :was that I had not been rejected within twelve months." The facts are, however, as. disclosed by evidence, that neith(~r the blank petition which he had filled out and signed the year before to South Gate Lodge nor that which he had presented to Gate City Lodge 522, which was the first one so far as the evidence shows that he ha.d submitted, contain any such clause, but, on the contrary, both of said petitions distinctly contain the identical words which appear upon the Park Lodg-e petition, namely: "He avers he has never before petitioned a Masonic Lodge for initiation (or, he has heretofore petitioned Lodge No , located at , and was rejected.)" Moreover, his action with reference to the petition to South Gate Lodge in 1路915 clearly shows that he had read the clause in 'the South Gate petition, for he had inserted in his own handwriting the word "NO" before the word "Lodge", so that his petition to South Gate Lodge read: "He has heretofore petitioned NO Lodge No . . . . . , located at- ... , .. , fOl' initiation," In fact, how-
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
'197
ever, he had previously been rejected. by Gate City, West Port, apparently by Rural and only a little over a year before had been rejected by Ivanhoe No. 446. To be sure, he does not expressly admit that it is his handwriting ih which the word "NO" appears in said petition, but he does say, "I wouldn't say it isn't," ~.nd ,Jur Committee having examined the original exhibit and having noted the ·peculiarly colored ink and similarity of stroke has no doubt whatever that he wrote the word. Much is made of the fact by defendant that thirty-four out ::;f forty-two petitions to Park Lodge contain. the twelve months clause and omit the averment of previous non-.petition, but not a scintilia of evidence appears to show that Robinson had ever seen any on,~ of those specific forty-two petitions in his· previous life. . Other circumstances revealed by the testimony combine to throw doubt upon the credibility of the defendant. Though in his application he states his occupation as druggist, the evidence fails to show any actual participation whatever in the management of any drug store. Indeed, the defendant himself testifies that another man is manager; that Hobinson was still a physician at the time of his petition; that he has merely planned to buy the drug store. had an option on it, but had not stayed there but planned to stay there. Whatever the motive, whether to escape black-ball at the instigation of a member of South Gate Lodge or at the instigation, of his wife, the Fraternity of Freemasonry is entitled to have his occupation and address hones·tly given, so that any member of ·the Fraternity might be able to investigate his character and reputation in the community wherein he resides or at his place of business. The point was made at the trial that Park Lodge had not been deceived; that its Investigating Committee knew that he was not a druggist; that the Committee knew of his prior rejections.· The testimony and statement of Brother McCaull, Junior Wardenelect of Park Lodge, is, however, that he individually, although he 'had been told of one prior rejection, had no knowledge that Robinson had been rejected on five separate occasions by other Lodges and that he does not think that members of Park Lodge knew that fact. Indeed, one member 9f the Investigating Committee, testified that he did not know that Robinson had been rejected by any other Lodge, and it seems clear from the record that no annoucement to that effect was made to the Lodge. Independently of whether or not the members of Park Lodge were in fact deceived, the moral obliquity of defendant's conduct remains the same, and the rights of Freemasonry remain the same. namely, to have an honest, truthful statement from an applicant on every subject touching his fitness to become a member of the Order. Moreover, we are not inclined to have our confidence in defendant's credibility increased by his moral attitude toward which seems to lead him to believe that so long as money is not cr.arged for such a crime, no blame attaches to the physician. Says he, "I won't say that I never had an . . . . .. I have been practicing medicine fourteen years, and I never did an for a consideration of money."
198 .
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
CONCLUSION. In conclusion, we submit to this Grand J...odge our opinion that the concealment by defendant of his prior applications and rejections was deliberate and intentional; that the verdict of the Lodge was against the evidence, and that the offens'e is sufficiently grave to merit expulsion. It is therefore the unanimous recommendation of this Committee that the judgment of Park Lodge No. 6"17 be reversed, set aside and for naught held, and that Joseph H. Robinson be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry.
IX. F. Wm. Wiseman, Accuser', } vs. Charles A. Truitt, Accu;;ed. STATEMENT. This is an appeal by the accused from the judgment of Triangle Lodge No. 638, A. F. & A. M., rendered on the 22nd day of February, 1917, finding the accused guilty on each of four specifications, and fixing his punishment at expulsion. The charges were filed November 18th, 1916. First Speeification: It is charged that the accused, on the 28th day of August, 1914, in the City of St. Louis, procured a loan of nine hundred dollars ($900) from the accuser, the same being evidenced by >a promissory note of that date in that amount and secured by Certificate No. 44 for thirty (30) shares ~f stock of the Unit Amusement Company, a corporation, such loan to be paid as provided, by a contract of even date, from sixty per cent (60 %) of the net p'roceeds arising from the mutual operation of the Euclid Theatre at No. 4873 Easton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, such sixty per cent (60%) to be paid until said nine hundred dollars ($900) was fully paid; that the accused, in violation of his contract. failed and refused to account to the accuser for any profits from the joint operation of said >theatre, the accused claiming that there were no profits, when in truth and in fact, as alleged, the theatre was yielding a profit; and that by such methods the accused cheated and defrauded the accuser out of the payment of said nine hundred dollars ($900) as represented by said note, that the same is still due and unpaid, and, that in addition, the accuser was defrauded of the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) advanced by him on account of rent and expenses of such theatre; it is alleged that the loan was secured on the income of such theatre and by means of representations by the accused of his standing and character in the Masonic Fraternity, and the further representation and exhibition of other assets by the accused, including a half interest in a commissary of the value of six thousand dollars ($6,000), when it is alleged the accused had no property, as represented, but was heavily involved and that such negotiations and such representations res,ulted in a loss to the accuser of more than fifteen hundred dollars ($1500).
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Grand Lodge of Missouri.
199
To this specification, the accused made answer as follows: He admitted that on or about the 28th day of August, 1914, he procured this loan of nine hundred dollars ($900), giving as collateral security thirty (30) shares of stock of the Unit Amusement Company; that he executed the contract and the note, and that the contract provided that sixty per cent (60%) of the net proceeds of the mutual operation should be repaid to the accuser until such indebtedness should be paid, and further alleges that the said indebtedness of nine hundred dollars ($900) had been fully paid and satisfied prior to the filing of the charges, by his surrendering at the instance of the accuser and for his benefit, certain stock of the Unit Amusement Company held and owned by the accused, the accuser 'having previously thereto agreed that if such stock of the accused was turned over to one Kirtley for the accuser, he (the accuser) would deliver the said nine hundred dollar ($900) note to Kirtley to be delivered by the latter to the accused, and that, in pursuance of such agreement, accused surrendered said stock to Kirtley, which was in turn delivered by Kirtley to the accuser, but that the accuser, in violation of his agreement, refused to surrender the nine hundred dollar ($900) note, although the accuser accepted and received the said stock which accused had turned over in accordance with such agreement, and the accused further denies each and every allegation in such specification, and specifically denies that there wel"e any net profits of the Euclid 路Theatre out of which said indebtedness might have been paid according to the contract. Both of the parties were ~epresented by counsel at the trial. The vote of the Lodge upon this specification was: Guilty, 23. Not guilty, 10. Some time in the latter part of August, 1914, the parties (the accuser and the accused) became jointly interested in the operation of the Unit Amusement Company and considered themselves as partners in such operation, and, among other things, they conducted the Euclid Theatre as a joint enterprise from about the 22nd day of September, 1914, to the 30th day of December, the same year. On the 28th day of August, 1914, the accused secured this loan of nine hundred dollars ($900) from the accuser, and, as evidencing such indebtedness, the accused executed his note of that date, the note being on a form prepared by the Third National Bank in St. Louis, altered to fit. the situation, and by this note the accused agreed to pay the sum on or before April 1st, 1915. The words, "For value received, with interest from maturity at the rate of 8 % per annum" appearing in said note were scratched out and erased, and it is provided in the note that there was given as collateral security Certificate No. 44 for thirty (30) shares of stock of the Unit Amusement Company "to be paid as per contract attached". This contract was executed on the 28th day of August, 1914, and recites that for and in consideration of nine hundred dollars ($900) paid to tqe accused, the accuser is to receive a half interest in the lease of the Euclid Theatre, No. 4873 Easton Avenue, to participate with the accused equally in the leasehold and to have the option of participating with the accused in the consummating of a. deal to be mutually arranged with the Unit Amusement Company, and unless, however, a deal is consummated with the Unit
200
Proc~edings
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[Sept.
Amusement Company before November 1st, 1914, "I (meaning the accuscr) to have the privilege of keeping out of Charles A. Truitt's share of the profits of our mutual leaseholds'sixty per cent (60%) of his net income from our mutual operations until said nine hundred dollars ($900) shall have been paid to me; final payment to be made by Charles A. Truitt to me in any event (subject only to the Unit Amusement Company arrangement) by April 1st, 1915. Said nine hundred dollars ($900) are hereby secured by Certificate No. 44 for thirty (30) shares of the capital stock of the Unit Amusement Company." As said before, these parties entered upon the conduct of this Euclid Theatre, the operations having been commenced on the 22nd day of September, ] 914. Mrs. S. T. Harp'er was the ,cashier, her duties being to sell the tickets and turn over the moneys to the proper parties, and she also paid some of the bills. (Record, p. 47.) This Mrs. Harper's deposition was taken by the accuser, and although the deposition shows that the accuser had finished with his testimony, there was no cross-examination of Mrs. Harper. The deposition was NOT introduced by the accuser, for some reason, but was gotten in evidence by the accused over the objection of the accuser. It appears from her testimony that some times the ac'cused would receive the moneys at the ticket window and some times the accuser (R~cord, p. 47). A sort of record of receipts and disbursements appears to have been kept, showing the business of the Euclid Theatre from the 22nd day of September'to the 29th day of November, 1914, but, after that date, no record was kept other than the record of the recei'pts at the window from the sale of tickets. There was no attempt by either of the parties to keep a complete record of their transactions during the time that they were opera'ting this theatre. The cashier, on numerous occasions, paid bills that were presented at the window, and no record was made of these bills, but they were turned over as "cash". It is charged by the accuser that the accused never complied with the contract 'and never paid him sixty per cent (60%) of the net profits, and, on the other hand, the accused answers that there were no net profits. This incomplete record shows that the receipts from September 22nd to November 29th totaled $2,203.35; that the expenditures during that period were $],520.70, leaving a difference or balance of receipts over disbursements of $679.65, and, as stated heretofore, in this amount of $2,203.35 counted as "cash" there was included numerous of these receipted bills presented and paid at the ticket window by Mrs. Harper. It further appears from the record that Wiseman was at this theatre nearly every day during the time of its operations, kept in close touch therewith and was familiar with the details and the management thereof. It further appears that Wiseman paid bills on account of the operation of the theatre, of which no record was kept, and that the accused paid bills for the benefit of the theatre, of which no record was kept. It further appears that from November 29th, to December 30th, 1914, that something in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) was taken in at the window, but, as stated, there is no record of disbursements during that time. The accuser, in order to sustain his contention that there were net profits, says that because the record shows from September
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
201
22nd to November 29th an excess of receipts over disbursements that, therefore, there must have been an excess of receipts over disbursements for the period from November 29th to December 30th, but no evidence to sustain such evidence or conclusion was introduced by the accuser. The accused denied that there were any profits from the operation of this theatre; that it was a losing proposition from the very day it opened; that they were hampered and their receipts diminished by reason of trOUble with the labor unions, and that this trouble kept up continuously during the entire period of the operations, and it is admitt.ed by the accuser that they did have trouble with the labor unions, but that this trouble diminiShed . toward the end of the period of operation. The accused says that whatever moneys he received on account of the operations were used for the benefit of their joint enterprises, and not for his own use or benefit whatever. There never has heen any accounting between the parties to asccrtain and determine the exact situation. The evidence is wholly wanting in any way to substantiate the charge as made, or rather attempted to be made, that' the accused had convert~d to his own use the moneys and property of the accuser. It is infer~ntially alleged that the sum of nine hundred dollars ($900) was secured through the accused's representation of his Masonic standing and character, and the accuser testifies that such representations were made, all of which the accused denies; however, the accuser speCifically testified that when the representations were made to him by the accused of his Masonic character and standing he gave such representations "no serious consideration". Kirtley conducted certain negotiations for Wiseman, and on Wiseman's behalf whereby Wiseman had acquired a controlling interest in this company. Truitt held about eighty-five hundred dollars ($8500) of the par value of the stock; that is, some fiftyfive hundred dollars ($5500) over and above the thirty (30) shares 路hypothecated by him as security for the nine hundred dollar ($900) note. Thereafter, Wiseman desired to dispose of all of his holdings and relieve himself of some sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000) of indebtedness in the form of notes, etc., the payment of which he had personally assumed in connection with his stock purchase. Through Kirtley, Wiseman conducted negotiations with one Gall, whereby Goll was to take over Wiseman's stock holdings in consideration of his assumption of Wiseman's sixteen thousand dollar ($16,000) indebtedness, and Wiseman's release therefrom. In order to complete this deal, Goll demanded that Truitt's stock holdings be secured. So Kirtley, with Wiseman's consent, went to Truitt and told him that if he, Truitt, would surrender to him for Wiseman his (Truitt's) stock holdings, that Wiseman would surrender this nine hundred dollar ($900) note. At that time, Wiseman held three thousand dollars ($3,000) of Truitt's stock in pledge to secure the nine hundred dollar ($900) note, but, in addition, Truitt also held and owned fifty-five hundred dollars ($5500) 路of stock, all of which it was necessary for Wiseman to secure, so that it could also be delivered to Goli. Tru路itt did surrender to Kirtley for Wiseman all of his stock hoidings, thereby enabling Wiseman to close his deal with Goll, and secure his release from sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000) indebtedness, but,
202
Proceedings of the
o
[Sept.
after this deal was closed, Wiseman refused to surrender Truitt's nine hundred dollar ($900) noteo This arrangement is proven by the testimony of Kirtley and by Gall. Gall testified: Q. "Did Mr. Wiseman say anything to you about the note?" A. "The only thing he said, he had a note for nine hundred dollars ($900) against a party by the name of Mr. Truitt. He said the note was not worth much; it might be worth something some day, anft o,,"oulet let Ine have it." Q. "What did he say?" A. ~'At that time he suffl, 'When I get my notes and contracts back from the stockholders of the Unit Amusement Compon}', I wilY turn the note oyer.'" But when the deal with Gall was oclosed, Wiseman, in the presence of Kirtley and Gall, refused to surrender this nine hundred dollar ($900) note in question here. All of this was #prior to the date of the filing of the charges by Wiseman. And so Truitt's liability to Wiseman upon this nine hundred dollar ($900) note was canceled. Second Specification: It is charged that on or about the lOU) day of October, 1914, the accused received from the accuser in the presence of E. L. Kirtley at the Missouri Athletic o Association in St. Louis the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in cash, to be used by the accused as the agent of the I accuser in procuring and buying certain named outstanding stock of the Unit Amusement Company; that shortly thereafter and at frequent intervals the accuser inquired of the accused as to the purchase of said stock and that the accused replied that he had been unable to make such purchases and said that Kirtley had received all of the money for the purchase of said stock when in truth and in fact the accused purchased none of such stock, but retained for his own use' all of the thousand dollars ($1,000) except three hundred and thirty dollars ($330) which had been paid to Kirtley for the purchase of his (Kirtley's) stock, leaving a balance of six hundred and seventy dollars ($670) which had ever since been kept and retained by the accused, although he had no claim or right thereto and that the accused, fraudulently and in violation of law, as well as the property rights of the accuser, retained and kept said six hundred and seventy dollars ($670) and refused to repay it or any part thereof, and said sum was wholly lost to the accuser. In other words, this specification charges embezzlement by the accused of the sum of six hundred and seventy dollars ($670) of the monOeys and properties of the accuser. To this specification, the accused made answer, admitting that on October 10th, 1914, one thousand dollars ($1,000) was paid to him for the purchase of certain named outstanding stock of thi~ Unit Amusement Company, that he had retained all of said thousand dollars ($1,000) except three hundred and thirty dollars ($~30), but denies that he retained the same fraudulently or in violation of the rights of the accuser, and it is further alleged that at the time said thousand dollars ($1,000) was turned over to him by the accuser it' was then and there agreed that the accused would use the same to purchase the certain named outstanding stock of third persons in the Unit Amusement Company, or in the event that b .. should fall to secure such outstanding stock be woulel fleU,,'er to 0
0
.1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri.
203
the uC_~lJser 11is stock 80 helli by 11im in lieu of the stock hel_I by third 11ersons; and that the accused fully complied with his agree-
ment and offered to deliver his own stock to the accuser in accordance with the agreement, but that the accuser refused to receive the same, although the accused was then and there readYr willing and able to comply with his contract. The accuser insisted that the contract was that the thousand dollars ($1,000) was to be used to secure outstanding stock of third persons and he so testified; on the other hand, the accused says that the thousand dollars ($1,000) was to be used for the purchase of outstanQing stock of third persons, but in the event he was unable to secure such outstanding stock that he had the privilege of delivering to Wiseman the stock that he held in the Unit Amusement Company. The verdict of the Lodge was: Guilty, 22. Not guilty, 10. This transaction is closely connected with the transactions involved in the first specification, and the overwhelming weight of the evidence is that the agreement was as stated by the accused; that the accused, through Kirtley, secured options upon this outstanding stock, but that it never was purchased or the option agreement consummated, and that accused offered to dcliver to 'Viseman his stock of the Unit Amusement Company, which Wiseman refused to receive. The accused admits that he used the balance of the thousand dollars ($1,000)-namely, six hundred and seventy dollars ($670), but that this money was used in the joint enterprise in which both the accuser and the accused were interested, and there is no evidence contradicting this testimony. Third Specification: It is alleged that the accused, during the month's of May, June, ,July, August and September, 1915, as agent and officer of the Unit Amusement Company~ collected from sublessees of two outdoor theatres, one known as "Aubert Theatre". the othcr as "California", both located in the City of St. Louis, rents and amounts primarily due and owing to the Unit Amusement Company, but in truth and in fact payable and belonging to the accuser, such money so collected being in excess of three hundred dollars ($300), which amount, in law, should have been turned over to the accuser, but that. the accused retained and converted same to his own use and had refused to pay said sum or any part thereof either to the Unit Amusement Company or to the accuser, and represented that the lessees were not paying rents and charges, and that the accused had ever since retained all of said money, to the loss of the accuser. In other words, it is specifically charged that the accused embezzled the moneys and properties of the accuser. To this specification, the accused makes answer by a general denial. The parties were interested in the operation of the two theatres mentioned, but, as was the case with the Euclid Theatre, no complete records of receipts and disbursements was made in either of these theatres. The only record, other than the return of the ticket sales, was a little red-covered memorandum book about five inches long and three inches wide, the memorandum of the "Aubert", covering three (3) pages and of the "California" two pages, and
204
Proceedings of the
[Sept. _
the evidence was to the effect that the moneys which the cashier of the theatre claimed to have tlll'ned over to Truitt was greater than the amount of 'money that was turned in by Truitt to Wiseman, as the Treasurer of the Unit Amusement Company, but the proof was wholIy lacking to substantiate a criminal charge and would not be sufficient to even make a civil case. It appears that these theatres were open-air affairs, that there were many days that they were not open; that the lessors from whom ,Viseman and Truitt received a portion of the receipts were deficient in capital, and that it was necessary, from time to time, for Truitt to return to them money which they had paid in, accordance with their contract in order to keep the theatres open. The vote of 'the Lodge was: Guilty, 23. Not guilty, 9. Fourth Specification: It is charged that on or about the 17th day of June, 1915, the accused delivered to the accuser a check for one hundred dollars ($100), payable to the accused, signed by Devoto and Larrance and endorsed by the accused, the accused representing that he must have the money on said check that night; that said check was good, when in truth and in fact the check was worthless-was not cleared, and was returned to the accuser, and thereafter and ever since the accused had refused to return the said one hundred dollars ($100) to the accnser, or any part thereof, it being charged that the accused was guilty of misrepresentation and fraud upon the accuser, and that he had been defrauded out of the sum of one hundred dollars ($100). To this specification, the accused makes answer that it is not sufficient to constitute a Masonic offense; admits that he delivered the hundred dollar ($100) check to the accuser, that the accuser paid him the hundred dollars ($100), but that he had no knowledge that such check was not good and that the proceeds of such 'check were used by him in路 the payment of the expenses connected with the gardens jointly operated by the accused and the accuser, and for which both parties were mutually liable. It further appears that these men, Devoto and Larrance, were sub-lessees of theatres in which both of the parties were interested, and that prior to this time Devoto and Larrance had given their joint c'hecks, which had been cleared. The accused testified that .he did secure this hundred dollars ($100) and that he had used it for the mutual benefit of he and the accuser. The vote of the Lodge was: Guilty, 24. Not guilty, 9. Upon these charges and under this evidence, the accused was expelled from all the rights and privileges of Free Masons, the vote being 17 for expulsion and 16 against. The testimony upon each of the specifications pro and con was principally that of the accuser on the one hand and the accused upon the other. Except by the accused's admissions in his answer of matters contained in the, charges, the accuser is not corroborated in any way whatever. On the other hand, as to the manner of the satisfaction of the note mentioned in the first specification, the contract and the agreement mentioned in the second specification, the accused's testimony is entirely corroborated by the testimony of other witnesses in no way interested in this matter.
1917. ]
Grand Lodge' of Missouri.
205
On the 15th day of October, 1914, and during the time that 'the accused and the accuser were Interested jointly in the various enterprises hereinbefore set forth; the accuser executed' to E. L. Kirtley' three (3) promissory notes in thc total sum of sixteen hundred and eighty dollars ($1680.00); one note due on or be'fore August 15th, 1915, in the sum of $500.00; one note due on or before October 15th, 1915, in the sum of $500.00; and one note due on or' before April 15th, 1916, in the s'urn of $680.00. These notes were executed in pursuance of a written ag'ree~ ment signed. by the accuser on the 10th day of October, 1914, which prov.ided that for and in consideration of services rendered to the accuser by Kirtley, the accuser agreed to pay Kirtley, this sum of sixteen hundred and eighty dollars ($1680) in accordance Ivith the notes. . In the Circuit Court of 81. Louis, in the case of Delia Rinard, plaintiff, vs. E. L. Kirtley and Fred E. Kern, defendants, ajudgment was rendered against Kirtley for something like fifteen hun'dred dollars ($1500). An execution was issued upon this judgment, and F. ,Wm. Wiseman the accuser, was summoned as garnishee, and, in accordance with the statutes, three (3) interrogatories were propounded to the garnishee (the accuser herein), as follows: 1st. "At the time you were summoned as garnishee, had you or have you since that time had, or have you now in your possession, custody or charge' goods, money or effects belonging to the defendant Kirtley, and if so, state, what they /are and their value,' and how they came into your possession, etc.", and to this interrogatory, the accuser herein, under oath, answered, "No". 2nd, "At said time, were you or have you since become, or are you now in any wise indebted to the defendant,E. L. Kirtley; if so, state the amount, in what manner. the debt accrued, if ev.i; denced by any instrument or writing, describe the same and state. what has become of said. instrument that to your knowledge was, in, the possession or under the control of the defendant Kirtley or his agent at the time you were summoned as garnishee or has since come' into the possession or . unde~ the control of thcm 0 1 either of them", and to this interrogatory the accuser herein" on October 12th, 1915, under oath, answered, "No",
3rd, "At the time were you or have you since' become, 01' are you now bound by any contract to pay the defendant Kirtley rnoney which is not yet due; if 'yea', state the nature of such contract, the amount Of money to be paid thereunder and when the same was or is to become due and payable", and to this interrogatory, on October 12th, 1915, under oath, the accuser herein answered "No". Wiseman, in explanation, says he made such aI).swers upon advice of his counsel. Kirtley testified that Wiseman told him about having made oath as stated herein, that "he said that he stated' that he did not owe me anything, that I would have to stand by' him on that", This Wiseman denies. Kirtley further testified that about the 2nd day of October, 1915, he called Wiseman's attention to this indebtedness. This Wiseman also, denies. At the time of making these answers under oath, these three'
206
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
notes were outstanding in the possession of Kirtley and unpaid and were not paid until some time in 1916. So that, taking these files and the affidavit of the accuser, in addition to his evasiveness as shown by his answers to questions, his eagerness at other times to testify, convincing us that the accuser's testimony is entitled to but little, if any, credence, except as it is corroborated by other substantial testimony. The accused alleges as his reasons for the reversal of the judg~ ment, as follows: (1) As to Specifications 1, 3 and 4, that there was no competent evidence tending to show the guilt of the accused of the offenses charges in such specifications;
(2) As to. Specification 2, that the judgment was against the overwhelming weight of the credible testimony; (3) That the judgment and finding of the Lodge, as to all specifications, is against the evidence and the weight of the evidence. (4) That the findings, judgment and penalty inflicted were the result of bias, prejudice and passion on behalf of members against the accused. (5) That the Secretary of the Lodge was guilty of perlllCIOUS activity in the trial of the cause, in that, without authority from the Master of the Lodge, he mailed and caused to be mailed postal cards requesting and, urging the attendance, without fail, of such members of Triangle Lodge as were known by him to be unfriendly to the accused, and refused and failed and negleCted to mail such notices to such members as were known to be or supposed to be friends or close acquaintances or friendly to the accused. (6) That prior to the preferring of charges and while same were being contemplated by the accuser, that the accuser called or caused to be called a certain meeting of particular members of Triangle Lodge, and, with the view of injuring the accused's reputation and in -order to create bias and prejudice against him, to the end that he might eventually be expelled from the Lodge wrongfully then and there circulated scandalous and untrue reports of and concerning the accused and thereby prejudiced the minds of the members of the Lodge against him, and that at such meeting and prior thereto the accuser was actively aided and abetted by the counsel and -assistance of the Secretary of the Lodge. (7) Because the specifications and each of them failed to describe a Masonic路 offense. (8) Because, under the entire testimony in the case, the accused was conclusively shown to be not guilty of any offense charged in the specifications or either of them. (9) Because 'the entire testimony of the accuser and his bearing and demeanor on the stand showed that the charges were made and prosecuted by him, not for the general good of Freemasonry and in defense of the interests of the Fraternity, but on account of hatred of the accuser. There is presented with this record a Missouri, January 31st, 1917, which reads.
card
dated St. Louis,
1917.]
207
Grand Lodge of Missouri
"You are requested to attend a Special Communi'cation of Triangle Lodge, No. 638, A. F. & A. M., to be held in Doric Hall, Monday evening, February 12th, 1917, at 8 :00 p. m. sharp. FOn. IUE1UBEUS ONLY.
'l'IUAL OF A nRO'rHER.
This was enclosed in an envelope pm'porting to be that of the Secretary of Triangle Lodge, namely, J. B. Spencer, Secretary, 5335 Ridge Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, and bears the mark of the United States Post Office, "NATIONAL STOCK YARDS Feb. 9-17 11-30 A. M. ILL." addressed to "Lewis Hill, 5930a Theodosia Av., St. Louis, Mo." It will be noted that the trial purports to be set for February 12th; that the notice enclosed in the envelope is dated .January 31st, 1917; that the notice enclosed in the envelope was mailed in the Post Office at National Stock Yards, Illinois, on February 9th, 1917, just three days prior to the date of the trial. The trial of the cause was adjourned from the 12th of February until February 16th, 1917, and another adjournment taken until Wednesday evening, February 21st, 1917. There is, reads:
with
the
record
in
this
case, a
"SPEC. MEET'G, WED. FEB L, 8.00 P
postal card
which
M-~OME
Be sure to come Mac No. 638 Dont fail" The card was addressed to .J. S. McBratney, 6321 Vermont Ave., St. Louis, Missouri. There is also in the record a letter from Lewis Hill, Past Master of Triangle Lodge, addressed to Right Worshipful Brother A. J. O'Reilly, District Deputy Grand Master, 33rd Masonic District, dated February 24th, 1917, which reads as follows: "In regard to the trial of Brother Charles A. Truitt in Triangle Lodge No. 638, I claim that Brother Truitt was not treated fairly in the matter of notifying the members of the Lodge. In the first place, members were not notified five days in advance of the trial. The trial was called for Monday eve., Feb. 12th. I received my notice Saturday morning, Feb. 10th,. at 9 :30 o'clock, which was against the Grand Lodge' Law, I think. The trial, as you know, was adjourned until Fri. eve., Feb. 16th, and then adjourned until Wed. eve., Feb. 21st. "The Worshipful Master admitted to the Lodge in your presence that he did not order a notice sent out for the meeting of February 21st, but regardless of that, the Secretary took it upon himself to send out a Postal Card
208
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
notice, a copy of which I am attaching to this letter, to prove what I say. This notice was sent to members whom the Secretary thought were against the defendant, Chas. A. Truitt, which I think was strictly unmasonic, and believing that such a procedure on the part of the Secretary of any Lodge is a deliberate stab at the vital principle of Freemasonry, wherein we say 'Place your' hand ~o a Brother's back and endeavor to restore him to his former position in society'." There is also attached to the paper a statement signed by Lewis Hill, Past Master of Triangle Lodge No. 638, in which, ~mong other things, it is stated that on or about the first day of December, 1915, at a meeting in the ofCice of the accuser that the Secretary of Triangle Lodge, Brother Spencer, said "That Charles A. Truitt was a d - - thief and that he was no good on' earth, especially in Triangle Lodge." There is attached to the papers in this case, a statement sig,ned by Walter .J. Pattee, a member of Triangle Lodge, who avers that on or about the month of December, 1915, he was requested to attend a meeting of Masonic members of Triangle Lodge in the office of F. Wm. Wiseman; that he did attend such meeting, and that there were present, the accuser, Secretary John R. Spencer and others, and that upon being assembled, the accuser said that an election for officers in Triangle Lodge was approa~hing and that the accused was in line for promotion as Master; that in his opinion the accused should not be advanced for the reason that he (the accuser) was going to submit certain matters to the Grand Jury which in his opinion would result in the indictment of the accused, and that if at the time he was Master of the Lodge it would be a shame and disgrace to Triangle Lodge; he further stated that he expected to prefer charges against the accused which would result in his expulsion from the Masonic Fraternity, and requested those present to refrain from voting for the accused as Master of the Lodge; that Brother .Tohn R. Spencer joined in the request to refrain from voting for Brother Truitt,' and related alleged incidents as an' argument why the accused should not be advanced, and that the accuser requested him some路 fifteen or twenty times to not only himself not vote for the advancement of the accused, but to urge other members of the Fraternit~ to do the same, and that after the charges against the accused were brought, he was requested by the. accuser to interview and talk with other members of the Lodge, urging upon them the necessity of the accused's conviction, and that from these conversations with the accuser he was led to believe that the accused was guilty of the matters charged and entered the trial of the case somewhat prejudiced against him, but upon the hearing ofa portion of the evidence he was thoroughly convinced of the innocence of the accused. '\
Other statements are offered in this case with reference to this meeting having been held in December of 1915, which was nearly a year previous to the date of the filing of the charges in this case.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of lvfissouri
209
DECISION. . The charges in this case and in each specification allege fraud upon the part of the accused. Absent this element, except as to the first specification, and there would be nothing of which the Masonic Lodge could take cognizance. Section 210, Grand Lodge By-Laws, says: "A Lodge shall not entertain a charge against a member for the purpose of adjusting mere legal rights, pecuniary or otherwise, unless such charge specifies fraud on .the part of the alleged offender, or involves moral turpitude * >I< *" The parties to this record, for some time after August, 1914, were partners, engaged in the picture-show business at St. Louis, and the ventures seem not to have resulted in profits, so that there was a loss to each of them. There was no complete record kept of the various transactions, and there neyer has been any accounting between the parties to ascertain the aJ:l.1ount of money taken in, the' expenditures, nor the division, if any, that should be made of the profits, if any. The business was' carried on in a haphazard manner; sometimes one would receive money from the cashier of the theatre~ and sometimes the other. Bills were pafd at the window by the cashier and these receipted bills turned in as "cash". This was a case for a referee in the civil courts and not for adjustment by the Lodge. The Lodge is not interested in the mere business dealings between the parties, nor is it called upon to adjust such matters. . We do not sanction or commend the manner in which tne accused is shown to have conducted his business affairs, but business mistakes and loss of investments do not alone constitute a Masonic or any other offense. Tl1e charges in this case are paramount to a criminal chargethat is, that the accused, through false and fraudulent representations, secured moneys and properties belonging to the accuser to which he was not entitled, and retained and kept such moneys and properties. Fraud is never. presumed, but the burden is upon the party making such charge. to prove the same .by clear and convincing proof. The first specification briefly says: (1) that the accused procured a loan of nine hundred dollars ($900) upon the strength of his r l presentations concerning his Masonic standing, and upon the further representation that he was a man of wealth and financial standing; and, (2) that accused falsely represented that there were no profits arising from the operation of the Euclid Theatre, and thereby the accuser was cheated and defrauded 路of his nine hundred dollars ($900) and five hundred dollars ($500) in addition which h~ paid out on account of such theatre.
210
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
The accuser testified that such representations were made; the accused that he made no such representat'ions. Of course, the use of membership in the Fraternity as a business proposition must be condemned, no matter who the party may be who uses the same; but, in this case, we do not believe that 'the charge in this regard was proven. It is further alleged that the loan, was secured through a representation by Truitt that he had assets and property, including a one-half interest in a commissary of the reasonable value of six thousand dollars ($6,000), when in truth and fact Truitt had no property, but was heavily in debt. The only testimony in support of this comes from Wiseman. It is denied by Truitt. Wiseman has not met the burden cast upon him of proving this charge. . The contract is not ,as alleged in this specification. The specification says that Truitt agreed that sixty per cent (60%) of the net profits of the Euclid Theatre should be turned over to him until the nine hundred dollars ($900) indebtedness was paid. The contract says that sixty per cent (60%) of Truitt's net Inco.me should be paid over to VViseman until the note was paid. Wiseman said there were profits, and in order to substantiate this, he introduced incomplete records of receipts and disbursements' from the 22nd of September, 1914, to the 29th of November, 1914. These show an excess of receipts over disbursements for that period, but the entire time of the operation of the theatre was fl'om September 22nd, 1914, to December 30th, 1914; and from November 29th to December 30th, 1914, there is no record of disbursements, merely a record of receipts amounting to something over five hundred dollars ($500); but Wiseman concludes from the fact that the incomplete record shows an excess of receipts from September 22nd to November 29th, that there must have been an excess of receipts from November 29th to December 30th. This is a mere conjecture-there is no proof. On the other hand, the books showing the receipts during the period from September 22nd to November 30th, include receipted. paid bills as cash; but how many of these receipts are included is not shown by the testimony. It is further shown that bills were paid by Wiseman and other bills by Truitt, and there is no, record of these bills; so, how can it be said from all of these facts that there were profits during this period? The burden was upon Wiseman, but he has not, by evidence worthy of the name, met this burden. The proof is totally lacking. The matter could only be determined from an accounting between the parties of the entire transactions for the entire period that this theatre was operated. On the other hand, the evidence shows that (his note had been satisfied prior to the time that the charges were filed. It 'follows from this that the specification was not proven; that the judgment upon this specification was not supported by the evidence in the ca'se; and that the judgment should have been for the accused. Specification No.2: This specification charges that about the 10th of October, 1914, Truitt received from Wiseman, in the presence 'of one E. L. Kirtley, the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), in cash, which was to be used by Truitt in procuring and buying outstanding stock in the corporation known as the Unit Amusement Company; that soon thereafter Wiseman inquired of Truitt with
1917.]
Grand Lodge of A-lissouri
211
reference to the purchase of stock, but that Truitt represented that he had been unable to make said purchase, and thereafter represented that Kirtley had received all of the money, when in truth and in fact Kirtley had received but three hundred and thirty dollars ($330.00) which had been paid to Kirtley for the purchase of stock, leaving six hundred and seventy dollars ($670) in the possession of Truitt, belonging to Wiseman, and which Truitt had fraudulently and in violation of his contract retained and kept. In other words, this charges an embezzlement by Truitt of. moneys l.>elonging to Wiseman. ' As to this charge, Wiseman testified that on the date named hc turned over to Truitt this sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), to be used in the purchase of certain outstanding stock of the Unit Amusement Company. • On the other hand, Truitt testified that he received this one thou;and dollar,s ($1,000) for the purchase 'of outstanding 'stock, but that if he was unable to secure this outstanding stock he should deliver to Wiseman some fifty-five hundred dollars ($5500.00) of stock which he owned in the Unit Amusement Company, over and above the thirty (30) shares of stock which he had deposited as collateral security with the note mentioned in the first specification. Kirtley was the "go-between", the, intermediary between these pG'.rties. He was the one tJ1rough whom Truitt was to procure this stock. His deposi tion was taken by Wiseman, but for some reason or other Wiseman did not introduce Kirtley's testimony, and it was introduced by Truitt. Kirtley's testimony was as stated by Truitt, and further that he had procured options upon the stock outstanding and mentioned at the meeting' of these parties, but that it was never purchased; and that, thereafter, Truitt tendered this stock to him (Wiseman), but that he refused to accept it. Wiseman has not fulfilled the burden upon him so far as this specification is concerned. It is merely the word of Wiseman against the word of Truitt, but Truitt is corrobora:ted as to the agreement itself. The judgment of "guilty" upon this specification is not supported by the evidence. Specification No.3: This charges that during the months of May, June, July, August and September, 1915, Truitt, as the agent and officer of the Unit Amusement Company, collected from sUb-lessees of two outdoor theatres, known as the "AUbert' and 'the "California", rents and property owing the' Unit Amusement Company but in truth and in fact Pliyable to Wiseman, in excess of three hundred dollars ($'300), and which Truitt was in duty bound to turn over to Wiseman, but that in'stead Truitt retained and converted the money to his own use. This is, in effect, a charge of embezzlement, and the burden of proof was upon the accuser. The evidence as to this specification is wholly lacking. '1'here never has been any accounting between the parties of the management of either of these theatres. All the evidence amounts to is a showing that there was a discrepancy between the amounts of money turned over to Wiseman, according to Wiseman's private books, and the receipts given by Truitt to the cashiers of these theatres. Truitt says that everything was accounted for-either
212
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
turned ov.er to Wiseman or paid out for the theatres, and this testimony is not con tradicted. , There. is no' evidence in the record, even taking the evidence and the judgment of d~positions which was ruled out bY,)he Master, who sat at the trial of this case, to substantiate ,the charge. It falls to the ground. The judgment should be for' t'he accused. Specification No, 4: The fourth specification states that on the 17th of June, 1915, Truitt delivered to Wiseman a certain check for one hundred dollars ($100), payable to Truitt and signed by Devoto and Larrance. and endorsed by Truitt, and that Truitt represented that he must have the money on the check, and that the check was good, when in truth and in fact the same was worthless and was not clear~d, and ,was return~d to Wiseman and that Truitt ever since had refused to return the one hundred dollars ($100) or any part thereof, thereby being guilty of misrepresentation and fra-ud upon, Wiseman. ' • This specification states no offense at all. In or'der to state an offense, it should be alleged,not only that the check was worthless, but that Truitt at the time knew that the check was worthless, and so knowing it worthless' represented that it was good; but, ussumlng this allegation '",ere in the. specification, the proof is n'holly lacking. Devoto and Larrance were lessees of theatres in which Wiseman and Truitt were interested, and frequently theretofore had given their checks. It follows that the judgment upon this specification is not supported by the evidence. The judgment should have been for the accused. It is in evidence that in a court of justice the accuser, '\Viseman, swore falsely upon a material matter. Not a. f"alsehood upon the spur of the, moment and in the heat of trial, but calmly and deliberately made. So, this presents a case wherein the accused has been convicted upon the testimony and conclusions alone of the accuser, and an accuser' who has been shown to have sworn falsely about a material matter in' a court of justice. The Masonic life of a member, however humble he may be, must not be "snuffed out" upon such testimony as this. It follows that the entire testimony conclusively shows the accused not guilty of any of the specifications contained in the charges. There 'remains in this case, two other questions of vital importance to the Masonic Fraternity. It is charged here that the accuser, previo,us to the time of the filing of charges and almost a year previous thereto, called a meeting of certain members of his Lodge, at which he urged that the accused be not advanced to the East; that he expected to proceed to secure an indictment against the accused; and to prefer charges against the accused, and urged the members to vote against the accused and to vote for his conviction. This charge is supported by the statements of persons present at this meeting. It is also charged that the Secretary of the Lodge, Brother John R. Spencer, also urged the members so present at this meeting to not advance 'the accused. Under the law, the members of a Lodge sit as jurors in the trial of one charged with a Masonic offense. Under the State law,
1917.]
Grand Lodge' of Missouri
213
one who has expressed an opinion, or who has knowledge of the matters is' disqualified asa juror. An' attempt is made to secure a jury which is not prejudiced or biased in any way whatever. If, after a jury is sworn, one of the parties should talk with a juror concerning his case, he would be guilty' of an offense. In 'this case, it appears that the accuser, before the charges were filed, attempted to convince the members who would sit as jurors of ,the guilt of the accused. How could it be said, therefore, that' this jury could enter upon the discharge of its duties without fear or favor, bias or prejudice against either one or the other of the parties? This conduct of the accuser, if true; is reprehensible and demands the condemnation of the Lodge. The, law provides that an accused shall meet the witnesses face to face. He has the right to hear the testimony so that he may make answer. How can an accused brother defend himself against charges made behind his back and of which he knows nothing? A Mason can only be convicted upon testimony legally introduced in the court room-namely the Lodge room, and which ,he is permi tted to hear. An accus'er has no more right to secretly inform a brother of the misdeeds of the accused, than has 'a' litigan t in a court of justice to privately discuss his case with the jury. Neither should a member of a Lodge permit a would-be accuser to discuss in s<'cret the merits of his accusation. ' There remains the further question of the alleged conduct of the Secretary, Brother 'John R. Spencer, which is also of extreme importance to the Craft. We have set forth the statements regarding the conduct of the Secretary of this' Lodge, and the post cards adVising of the meeting for the trial of the accused. As a general rule, Masters come and go-that is, they serve but one year in that capacity. But n'ot so the Secretary; he retains his position from administration to administration. The Secretary of a Lodge is undoubtedly in closer touch with the members than ,any other officer. He has and keeps the books and papers. The Secretary, is charged by law to notify, alI members residing , in ,the jurisdictio~ of the Lodge of ~th~ time of the trial. It is said that the Secretary' mailed notices to: those whom he supposed to be opposed to the' accused only. If this is true, the Secretary should be properly' punished. This matter de'inands rigid investigation.
We recommend that the judgment of Triangle Lodge be reversed, set aside and for naught held, and that the accused be restored to all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. We further recommend that the incoming Grand Master cause the actions of the Secretary of Triangle Lodge, Bro. 'John R. Spencer, to be carefully investigated, and: that he take such steps in the '~'natter as may best subserve the interes,ts of the craft.
Proceedings of the
214
[Sept.
Right Worshipful Brother Vetsburg, Chairman of this Committee, having previous to the date of the transactions acted as attorney for one of the parties, took no part in the deliberations upon this case whute,'er, nor in its determination. THAD B. LANDON, JOHN PICKARD, N. A. FRANKLIN, HOMER N. LLOYD, FORREST C. DONNELL, Committee.
x. Twilight Lodge No. 114 vs. J. Walter Carryer.
f STATEMENT.
This case originated by the filing by the Junior Warden of the lodge against Bro. .r. \Valter Carryer of chal'ges of unmasonic conduct based upon the following specification: "That said Bro. J. Walter Carryer did, on or about October ] 2, 1914, at the City of Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, - - - for which he was tried in the Boone Circuit Court in Boone County, Missouri, and convicted of - - on April 16, 1915, which decision was later sustained by the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri on Novem'ber 30, 1915, which was in violation of his duty as a Master Mason, and which was to the scandal and disgrace of the Masonic fraternity." • The answer of the accused, while admitting the conviction, denied that he wail guilty of the offense. In substantiation of the charge, evidence was introduced as follows: - - - . A certified transcript of the proceedings in the Circuit Court of Boone County, including the indictment of the accused, the verdict of the jury finding the defendant guilty and assessing a fine of five hundred dollars ($500), and the mandate of the Supreme Court sustaining the jury's finding, was. introduced in evidence. The accused, testifying in his own behalf, admitted having treated, - - - , but denied having committed the offense. The lodge vote was: For acquittal, 29; for conviction, 10. In due time an appeal was taken and perfected. DECISION Entirely aside from the fact that the accused has been found guilty by a jury of his peers and fined in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500), and that this verdict has been sustained by the Supreme Court of MIssouri, we feel and believe that the evidence ad-
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duced at the lodge trial demands a reversal of the verdict or' the lodge. 'Ve base our finding. not only upon the testimony of - - - . but upon the admissions of the accused himself. The failure of the accused to seek proper assistance and his failure to properly care for the patient, convinces us that the treatment was not that in accord with law and propriety. We believe that in acquitting the accused the members of Twilight Lodge failed to do their duty and therefore recommend that the action of the lodge be set aside and for naught held. and that the accused brother. J. Walter Carryer, be and he is hereby expelled from all the rights and privileges of Free Masonry. For personal reasons, Brothers Donnell, Franklin and Pickard have not participated in this appeal. KARL M. VETSBURG, HOMER N. LLOYD, THAD B. LANDON, Committee.
Cornerstone -Lodge No. 323 vs. PaulO. Sommer.
XI.
f '
This is an appeal by the accused from the verdict of the lodge finding him guilty of unmasonic conduct, and upon which the accused ,was expelled. The judgment was rendered .July 3, 1917, and the appeal taken July 18, 1917. The charges, embraced in ten (10) specIfications, were filed by the Junior Warden at the request of the Worshipful Master on April 2, 1917. The Master, having been advised by counsel for the accused, that it would be necessary in preparing the defense to take testimony upon eight (8) of the specifications at Memphis, Tennessee, caused all but the fourth (4th) and fifth (5th) specifications to be dismissed, and the trial proceeded upon these two specifications. The accused was acquitted upon the fifth specification, so we are only concerned as to the fourth specification. This charges that the accused on the 25th of November, 1916, prepared and presented to the president of the Holman Paper Box Company check No. 2287 on the Mississippi Valley Trust Company in the sum of tlhirty-five dollars ($35.00), such amount being indicated on the check by the figures "35.00" at the time it was so presented and signed by the president of the company; that, thereafter, the accused fraudulently raised said check by inserting the figure "1" before the figures "35.00," and also by placing the words "one hundred thirty-five" in the body of the check so that the check when so changed read for one hundred and thirty-five dollars ($135.00); that the accused, thereafter, cashed said check at the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, and was paid the sum of one hundred and thirty-five dollars ($135.00); that he retained one hundred dollars ($100.00) thereof and has not accounted to the president of the company nor to the company for this one hundred dollars ($100.00), and still refuses to account for the same. To this, the accuse'd plead "not guilty," and at the close of the
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testimony, and after arguments of counsel, a vote was taken upon the fourth specification, resulting as follows: Guilty 34; not guilty 14, whereupon the Worshipful Master declared the accused guilty of the fourth specification. The vote upon the fifth specification was: Guilty, 29; not guilty 17; total 46 and the Master declared the accused' not guilty of specification No.5. The baIlot on the punishment resulted as follows: For expulsion, 25. against, 19; total 44. arid thereupon the Master declared the accused expelled. Notice of appeal was given on the 18th day of July, 1917. The accused alleges as error, and upon which he bases his appeal: First. That the finding is against the evidence and against the weight of the evidence. Second. That the Worshipful Master erred in overruling the application of the accused for a continuance. Third. That the action of the lodge was premat~re. Fourth. That the Worshipful Master erred in admitting incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial evidence on the part of the lodge. Fifth. That the Worshipful Master erred in excluding competent, relevant and material evidence offered by the defendant. Sixth. That the punishment is too severe. not warranted by the facts of the case. Seventll. That the evidence introduced is not sufficient to constitute unmasonic conduct on the part of the defendant. Eightll. Tllat the Worshipful Master erred in permitting the brethren to -leave the room during the progress of the trial. Previous to the introduction of testimony, the attorney for the accused stated that accused had been indicted by a grand jury in the City of St. Louis. and that this case had not been tried; that every man was entitled to a trial by jury; that, therefore, it would be improper and out of place for the lodge to try the accused previous to his trial in the State Court, and so the accused moved that the proceedings be postponed until his case should have been disposed of before a jury in the State Court and his innocence or guilt established therein. The vVorshipful Master ruled that he could not entertain a motion of this kind; that he had been requested by the District Deputy. Grand Master to proceed with the trial of the case; that he had been approached by a committee requesting that he postpone the trial, and that he had received instructions from the Most vVorshipful Grand Master to proceed with the trial of the case, and thereupon, he overruled the application for a continuance. The charges were filed upon the initiative of the Worshipful Master and not by an individual. John B. Holman was the president of the Holman Paper Box Company and had known the accused about fourteen (14) years. In November, 1916, the accused was secretary and held that position for six or seven years previous thereto. On the day in question, as testified by Brother Holman, it being a Saturday, Holman asked the accused to draw him a check for thirtyfive dollars ($35.00), which he intended taking with him on the following day (Sunday) to the care-taker o'f his property in the
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country; that Somm'er drew the check for thirty-five dollars ($35.00) payable to "Cash," but that the amount had not been protectographed, and the place for putting in the amount in 'writing had not been filled out; that Saturday afternoon the accused handed him the thirty-five dollars ($35.00) and he took it out With him the next day and paid his man, and that when' he again saw the check in December following it had be.en raised to one hundred and thirty-five dollars ($135.00). There appeared on the back of tbe check ,the following: "10 .... 100 5,.,. 20 1.,.. 15 135" representing the denominations; that when Holman had signed the' check and 'handed it back to the accused, the accused requested to be advised the denominations in which he wanted the money, and that Holman told him to get twenty dollars ($20) in five-dollar bills, fifteen dollars ($15) in one-dollar bills. The stub in the check book was filled out in the handwriting of the accused, and is as follows: "No 2287. Date 11 /25, 191... Money for Ray 35.00." The bookkeeper made th~ entries upon the books under. the instructions of the accused. The entry in the journal is as follows: Under the month of November, 1916, the date, 25, "J. B. Holman, Ray and county, 135.00." Under date of November 27, 1916,' there appears the following: "J. B. Holman, check 25th punched wrong diffs. of 100.00 deposited." The evidence does not show any amoun t deposi ted on the date indicated, nor between the' 25th of November and the 29th 'of November, except a deposit of the sum of twelve'dollars and twentyfiv... cents ($12.25). Holman testified positively that he only received. thirty-five do) 'lrs ($35.00) from this check and that that was the amount of thl check When it was presented to him for signature; that the ne7. t month, when the check came back, he discovered that it was for one hundred and thirty~llve dollars ($135.00), and then compared it with the stub and discovered the discrepancy, which was some time after he had discharged the accused from his employ. The attorney for the accused objected to the introduction in evidence of the book showing the entries, as heretofore stated, but the attorney for the accused, on cross-examination of the witness, Holman, himself offered these entries in evidence, so if there was a.ny error committed in admitting this te~timony in evidence, it has been cured by this subsequent action of the attorney for the accused. On the 19th of December, 1916, at the place of business of the Holman Paper Box Company, a conversation was had between the accused and Robert E. Collins, a member of Occidental Lodge, in the presence of Leigh Turner, an agent of the surety company carrying the indemnity for the Holman Paper Box Com-
I
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pany, and Collins stated to accused that he wanted to ask the accused about a number of discrepancies and asked for an explanation of the one hundred and thirty-five dollar ($135) check, and"'in answer to his questions, the accused said: "I intended to deposit that money, but I did not"; that he neither affirmed nor denied having raised the check. This was the first part of the conversation. Thereupon, Collins reguested the accused to sit down and reduce his statement to writing, and it is testified he did so. This writing is as follows: "St. Louis, Mo., 12/19/16. "I, PaulO. Sommer, state that I am bookkeeper at the Holman Paper路 Box Company on pay roll, $21.00 per week. I have been bookkeeper for past six years. Since January 1, 1916', I have on different occasions taken money from the Holman Paper Box Company in different amounts; the highest at anyone time is about $75.00. If I am short any large amount it is without my knowledge. Entries were made on books for checks cashed, but money was used at different times for use in business. Carelessness was really the excuse for shortage. Although I would imagine shortage exists of from $800 to $1,000, this I do not know positively. I had a programme in charge at one time when I only received from advertisers certain amount and when I made my report to Treasurer of that organization I would give in the add for more than I colle,cted and in this way may have appropriated some of the abo\;e money. My report for programme was about $600 more than I collected, and, as stated, may have been used towards this cause. . I remember presenting check No. 2287 for $135.00 to Mr. Holman for his signature. Check was already punched at ,that time for $135.00. I got to the bank and notice for said amount. I cashed-gave Mr. Holman his $35.00, had $100.00 left-which I intended to deposit next day when I had in my possession other deposit (of checks), but I did not, and money of $100.00 was used for other purposes. I expected of my own free will to go to MI'. Holman the first of the year 1917 and tell him of this shortagemake him an offer to have his books audited at my expense and pay him back what money I had taken. I do not know where all this shortage could have gone. It has been spent by me, but I don't remember where and how. This Is a true statement. (Signed) PAUL O. SOMMER. Witness: Robert E. Collins, Leigh C. Turner. I make this statement of my own free act. (Signed) PAUL O. SOMMER." In this statement, the accused states that carelessness was the excuse of the shortag-e; that, although he would Imagine that shortages existed of from eight hundred to a thousand dollars, that he
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did not know this positively; that he presented the one hundred and thirty-five dollar ($135.00) check to Holman for signature and that the check was already punched at that time for one hundred and thirty-five dollars ($135.00); that he cashed the check and gave Holman thirty-five dollars ($35.00) and had a hundred dollarf ($100.00) left, which he intended to deposit next day, but that he did not do so and the money was used for other purposes; that he intended to go to Mr. Holman the first of the year and tell him of the shortage and make an offer to have the books audited at his expense and to pay back "what money I had taken." It appears that this statement was signed and that afterwards the accused added to it the following: "I make this statement of my own free act" (Signed) PAUL O. SOMMER." The accused, in his own behalf, testified that when he presented the check for signature it called for one hundred and thirtyfive dollars ($135.00); that it was completely filled out; that 'it had been protectographed; that he went to the bank and got the one hundred and thirty-five dollars ($135.00) and returned and gave the entire amount to one of the girls in the office to be delivered to Mr. Holman by her; that the books of the company were not kept in a regular manner; that he was not the regular bookkeeper, but, as he says, "Jack of all trades." He says that he was compelled to make the. statement that he did in the presence of Mr. Collins and Mr. Turner; that he waÂŁ under duress and that it was threatened that unless he confessed to having taken this hundred dollars ($100.00), he would be immediately placed in the hands of the Prosecuting Attorney and not al~ lowed to go to his home nor depart from the place of business of the paper box company until he had made this confession; that Col-.. lins dictated 'what he should put in the written statement;. that none of the statements was made by him voluntarily, but that he wrote under compulsion exactly' as dictated to him. He afterwardS admitted that the statement, "I make this statement of my own free act," was not dictated, but that he was compelled to add this to his statement. He testified that there was a great deal of commotion about the place and loud talking; that one of the girls outside of the private office had a nervous collapse, but thnt he Wtll!! not at nIl nervous himself.
His testimony as to the confusion and loud talking was corroborated to some extent by other witnesses, and other witnesses also testified that he waS urged to make a statement, but the witnesses do not hear out the assertion that the statement was pro-cured through threats, uuress or undue influence. He made no explanation of the entry, ".J. B. Holman, check 25th punched wrong; diffs. of 100.00 deposited," except to deny that he made the entry. Counsel for the accused objected 'to the introduction of the written statement in evidence and assigned as his reasons: First. That it contained a number of statements about items and matters that had nothing to do with the issues in this case. Second. That it was obtained under such clrcu.mstances as to discredit, disqualify it and destroy its admissibility; and,
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Third. That the accuser had laid no proper foundation to justify its admission and a request was made that the same be delayed until the accused could introduce evidence to show the circu,mstances under which the statement was signed, meaningl thereby that he intended to show that the statement was made ,under compulsion and duress .and therefore not admissible. The testimony of the accused. as to his having signed the paper under duress and because or' the threats made to him is in reality but ;the conclusion of the witness. DECISION, 1. The second and third reasons g~ven for the reversal of the jlldgment are: (a) That the Worshipful Master erred in overruling accused's application for continuance; and, (b) 'fhat the action of the lodge was premature. The Masonic Lodge has provided, by law, its methods of procedure for the prosecution of charges of unmasonic .conduct. The law provides that the trial of offenses shall be in open lodge and by the members of such lodge. The members of the lodge, therefore, sit. as jurors in the trial of offenses against the Masonic law: The record shows that the trial of this case was proceeded with i1' accordance. with Masonic law; therefore, the accused was tried in accordance with路 law, and of this he has no right to complain. It is provided, however, by Section 229 that the record and, testimony filed in a court of competent jurisdiction and duly certified showing' indictment, arraignment, conviction and sentence or acquittal of the accused, according to the forms of law, for the same offense for 'which he is being. tried by the lodge, is legal and competent evidence for or against the accused, but "is ,not conclusive as to tbe guilt or innocence of the accused." so that evidence of a .trial 'and conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction is competent testimony, but is not conclusive upon the lodge. Of course 路it would not have been admissible' in this case to have offered in evidence the fact of the indictment of the accused in the Statc Court, but this fact was not shown by the accuser, but by the accused himself, but for the purpose, as stated by counsel, of laying the foundation for a continuance. Applications for a continuance in a State Court are usually and ordinarily addressed to the sound discretion of the trial judge, and, except for an abuse of such discretion, the denying of an application for continuance can not be urged as error except, of course, where' it is shown that the refusal of a continuance prevents a party from having a fair and impartial trial or from properly presenting his testimony, But such matters are not urged here by counsel for the accused. The most that can be said of the objection to proceeding with the trial and of the motio'n for a continuance, as contended for by counsel for accused, is that one accused of an offense has a right to a trial by jury, but, as heretofore stated, a member of the lodge can ask for nothing more than a trial in accordance with Masonic law, such is a trial in accordance with law. Frequently, it would be better where one accused of a Ma-
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sonic offense is also under indictment in the State Gourt for the same offense, to postpone the action of the lodge until the matter might be disposed of in the State Court, but this procedure is not compulsory upon the lodge, and absent any showing that the denial of this motion for a continuance prevented the accused from ,having a fair and impartial trial, we can not see that the Master committed error in denying the application. This point is ruled against the accused. 2. it is also urged that the finding is against the evidence and against the weight of the evidence. In the State Court, where there is conflicting evidence, it is a matter .for the decision of a jury and the Appellate Court will not ordinarily interfere with the finding of a jury upon conflicting testimony where there is substantial testimony supporting the judgment of such jury. We believe that the evidence in this case in a very substantial manner supports the charge as made. There is some conduct of the accused, as shown by the testimony, that clearly indicates his guilt; namely, the entry made after having cashed the check, that the hundred dollars ($100.00) had been deposited, when in truth and in fact he did not do so. This point is ruled against the accused. 3. It is urged that incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial evidence was introduced on behalf of the lodge. Presumably this refers to the written confession. It is the law that a confession,' to entitle it to admission as testimony, must be given voluntarlly by the accused and not as the result of threats or under duress or false representations. As stated, there is slight testimony bearing out the accused's contention, but this was' a matter in the first instan'ce for thc determination of the Worshipful Master. He was satisfied that there was no duress from all the testimony; he presided at the trial, saw the witnesses and observed their demeanor upon the stand, and unless the record before us shows substantially that there was duress, we should not interfere. This point is ruled against the accused. 4. It is also urged that competent, relevant and material evidence offered by the accused was excluded by the Worshipful Master. There is no support for this contention. 5. It is urged that the testimony introduced was not sufficient to constitute unmasonic conduct. Certainly this contention can not be given very much, if any, consideration. The appropriation of the moneys and property of another constitutes an offense under the State law, and certainly an offense of this character is unmasonic. It indicates a delinquency on the part of the accused; ,it affects his moral standing. We are taught to obey the laws of the land and to be good and peaceful citizens. One who wrongfully takes the property of another violates the law and is not entitled to Masonic membership. This point is ruled against the accused. 6. It is next urged that the punishment is too severe and not warran ted by the facts in the, case. The evidence in this case indicates premeditation upon the part of the accused, and not an offense committed upon the spur of the
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moment or under circumstances indicating that there was no intention of committing wrong. An offense committed in the heat of pas sion or when the mind is to some extent unbalanced by surrounding circumstances, presents facts in mitigation. There are no mitigating circumstances spown by this record. We do not believe that we shoUld interfere with the judgment of the lodge in the fixing o,f the punishment. 7. The last assignment of error is that the Worshipful Master permitted the brethren to leave the room during the progress of the trial. The record shows that the Master was extremely careful and impressed upon the members that no one would be entitled to vote unless he had heard all of the testimony. There is no testimony in support of this contention and it is, therefore, ruled against the accused. This disposes of all of the contentions made by the accused. On the whole, we have no hesitancy in saying that the evidence supports the charge. We have gone through' this record with extreme care because of the fact that the offense is a grievous one. Under the State law, it constitutes a felony and places the accused, if convicted, without the pale of good society. Th.e accused is a young man, but so much more the reason for convincing him that laws are made to be obeyed and not to be violated in this manner. We, therefore, recommend that the judgment of the lodge in convicting the accused and in excluding him from membership be affirmed. Right Worshipful Brother Karl M. Vetsburg, Chairman of the Committee, being a member of Cornerstone Lodge and having been present at the trial of the case, did not participate in the deliberations of the committee upon this case, nor take part therein. THAD B. LANDON, JOHN PICKARD, N. A. FRANKLIN, HOMER N. LLOYD, FORREST C. DONNELL, Committee.
XII. W. C. Ketchem vs. James Slade.
}
STA'l'EMENT. This case originated, by the filing on January 6, 1917, by Brother W. C. Ketchem against Brother James Slade, of chargeE of unmasonic conduct based upon the following specification: - - - . In substantiation of the charge, Brother Ketchem testified that he has taken Brother Slade home for dinner one day; that Mrs. Ketchem had objected to his presence, and, upon inquiring the cause of her objection, he was told by Mrs. Ketchem that - - Several other witnesses testified that they had heard Slade admit - - - . The defendant, while filing an answer denying his guilt, did
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not testify at the trial. There was some additional testimony, which we deem it unnecessary to record. The lodge acquitted the accused by a vote of 15 for guilt to 10 for acquittal; from this verdict an appeal in due form was taken by the accuser. DECISION. All of the evidence adduced at the trial points conclusively to the guilt of the accused. We believe the lodge, in acquitting him, failed to do its duty. We, therefore, recommend that the yerdict of the lodge be set aside and for naught held, and that the accused, James Slade, be and he is hereby expelled from all the rights and. privileges of Free Masonry.
XIII. W. C. Ketchem ~ • vs. . J. D. Roberts. This case originated by the filing on January 6, 1917, by Brother W. C. Ketchem against Brother J. D. Roberts, in Rochester Lodge No. 248 of charges of unmasonic conduct, based upon the following specification: - - - , In substantiation of the charge, Mrs. Ketchem testified - - - . So far as the record transmitted to us discloses, no answer was filed by the accused; neither did he testify at the trial. However, several witnesses were introduced in his behalf by whom it was shown that the accused was working for the railroad company: and living at Topcka, Kansas, from April 17, 1916, to June 30, 1916, and at Pratt, Kansas, from July 2d to July 12th, 1916. The record transmitted'to us is further defective in that it does not show the result of the ballot or the vote of the lodge upon the question of the guilt of the accused; however, as the accuser, Brother Ketchem, has taken an appeal in due form, we assume that¡ the accused was acquitted by the lodge. DECISION. From the foregoing, it will be seen that all of the evidence introduced at the trial points to the guilt of the accused. The date of the commission of the offense is not clear. The charges specify " that the offense was committed on or about the 20th of May, while' the testimony of Mrs. Ketchem is to the effect that the offense was committed the' last of .June or the first of July. There is no evidence introduced on behalf of the accused denying the commission of the offense, but merely an alibi tending to prove that, on the dates specified in the charges and testified to by Mrs. Ketchem, the accused was not living in Helena, but working and residing at either Topeka or Pratt, Kansas. In spite of the uncertainty as to date, all of the evidence adduced at the trial points to the fact that the accused is guilty of the
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offense with which he is charged. We, therefore, recommend that the judgment of Rochester Lodge No. 248, A. F. & A. M., in acqlJitting said Brother J. D. Roberts be set aside and for naught held, and that the said Brother J. D. Roberts be and he is hereby expelled from all the rights and privileges of Free Masonry. XIV. Rochester Lodge No. 248 vs. W.路 C. Ketchem.
f. STATEMENT.
This case originated by the filing on May 5, 1917, by the Junior Warden of the Lodge against Brother W. C. Ketchem of charges of' unmasonic conduct based upon the following specification: "That said Brother W. C. Ketchem, on or about the 7th day of April, 1917, at the town of Helena, in the County of Andrew, State of Missouri, did, without just cause, willfully shoot Brother J. D. Roberts in violation of his duty as a Mason and to the scandal and disgrace of the Masonic fraternity." To this charge, the accused entered a general deniel. The only other record before your committee is a transcript of the evidence. This trial was had at about the time the charter of this Lodge was arrested by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and, while we note from the message of the latter that the accused was acquitted, we have not before us the date of the trial, the result of the ballot, the appeal or the notice thereof;路 in fact, there is nothing before your committee to indicate that an appeal was ever taken from the judgment of the lodge. DECISION. In view of the foregoing, your committee feels that it is without jurisdiction in the premises, and recommends that the matter be dismissed. KARL M. VETSBURG, JOHN PICKARD, N. A. FRANKLIN, THAD B. LANDON, FORREST C. DONNELL, HOMER N. LLOYD, Committee.
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XV. APPLICATION OF WM. G. MANSON FOR RESTORATION MASONIC STANDING.
TO
The record before the committee shows that the applicant was Worshipful Master of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. 1<...... & A. M., and was expelled by the Grand Lodge on the 29th day of September, 1909 (see Grand Lodge proceedings, 1909, pages 99 and 100). Charges were originally preferred against him by a member of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. F. & A. M., accusing him of drawing a knife on a member of said lodge and cursing and abusing said brother and with making false cllarges against the brother, and .with denouncing and cursing Masonry and all its members, and stating that there was "nothing in the order." These charges W2re referred to a committee duly appointed with power to investigate and, report. The accused was duly requested to appear before said committee at the taking of the testimony on the charges; this, he failed to do. The committee found the charges to be sustained, especially that the brother had denounced Masonry in profane language and said "there is nothing to it." . In his petition for restoration, he says: "I am very sorry indeed for any offense I may have committed against the fraternity. I feel greatly humiliated by not being permitted to com路mune with the brethren. "Believing that the duration of the punishment is ample' to atone for the offense committed, and promises if restored to comply strictly with the laws and regulations of the fraternity. Yours respectfully, (Signed) W. G. MANSON." In support of his petition for restoration, the applicant offers the recommendation, or rather, proceedings of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A F. & A. M., as follows: "Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. 1<'. & A. M. A. J. Clay, Secretary, Desloge, Missouri. August 2, 1917. At a sta'ted communication of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A.F. & A. M., August 1, 1917, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Desloge, Mo., August 1, 1917. To the vVorshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. F. & A. M.: ",Vhereas, W. G. Manson was expelled by the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Missour'i, at its session of 1909; therefore, be it Resolved, That Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. F. & A. M., recommend his restoration to good Masonic standing. Fraternally submitted, (Signed) A.J. CLAY.
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I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the resolution as read before and unanimously adopted by Ioriic Lodge No. 154, August 1, 1917. (Signed) A. J. CLAY, Secretary." DE.CISION. On this showing, should the former brother be restored to all the rights and privileges of Free' Masonry? We think not. The proceedings of Ionic Lodge No. 154, A. F. & A. M., fail to recite such facts as satisfactorily indicate to us the recent conduct of the applicant, or the state of his mind toward or concerning the institution of Free Masonry itself, against which he has so grossly offended. The record before us fails to show affirmatively such facts as we deem necessary to justify us in restoring him to the privileges of Free Masonry. The applicant, at the time of the commission of his offenses, had been and was Worshipful Master of his lodge. He was, therefore, presumably acquainted with the tenets of the order. Such reprehensible acts and derogatory remarks, therefore, as were shown 'to have been committed and uttered by him against the Order of Free Masonry can not be palliated or excused on the ground of ignorance or misconception of the, ideals of the Fraternity. Upon such a brother, occupying so high a position in the order, the obligation is peculiarly binding to clearly prove his conduct subsequent to the acts for which he was expelled and the state of his mind at the time of his application for restoration. In view of the absence of such proof, we are not favorably inclined toward his petition. It 1s theretore the unanimous opinion and recommendation of this committee that the petition of Wm. G. Manson for restoration be denied without prejudice. KARL M. VETSBURG, JOHN PICKARD, N. A. FRANKLIN, HOMER N. LLOYD, FORREST C. DONNELL, THAD B. LANDON, Committee. XVI.
PETITION OF JAMES B. GORDON FOR RgSTORATION TO GOOD MASONIC STANDING. The applicant was formerly a member of Kirksville Lodge No. 105, A. F. & A. M. He was charged with unmasonic conduct in that - - - . He 'was charged in a second specification with having committed the offense on the 19th day of January of that year. At the trial, after having been given due notice, the accused appeared, by counsel, and entered a plea of "not guilty," but in a letter to the lodge he practically admitted his guilt on both specifications. A vote of the lodge was taken,' and he was found guilty on
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Grand Lodge of Missouri
227
the first specification by a vote of 15 tQ 7. On the second specification, although the def.endant had admitted his guilt, the lodge voted "not guilty." A vote was then taken on the question of expulsion, which resulted in the accused's favor. Finally, the lodge voted to suspend the member for a period of six (6) months. From this decision of the lodge, Brother Chas. C. Gardner and others appealed to the Grand Lodge, where the decision of Kirksville Lodge was reversed and the former member expelled. This was at the session of the Grand Lodge in September, 1915. The petition in the case now has for its purpose the restoration of Mr. Gordon to good Masonic standing. He is supported by a resolution of Kirksville Lodge No. 105, A. F. & A. M., which is in these 'words: "Kirksville, Mo., August 12, 1917. Board of Grievance Committee, A. F. & A. M. of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri: Greetings: Whereas, James B. Gordon was expelled by the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri in September, 1915, upon an appeal from this lodge; be it Resolved, That this lodge believes that Brother Gordon has been living a moral life for the past two years and would be no longer a reproach upon Free Masonry. We, therefore, recommend that the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri, restore Brother Gordon to full Masonic standing in this lodge. (Signed) CHAS. C. GARDNER, N. H. BAUM, PAUL D. HIGBEE, HARRY E. ALLEN. (Seal) (Signed). CLAUDE T. HALL, Secretary." In justice to Mr. Gordon, your committee feels its 'duty to state that not only was Kirksville Lodge of the opinion that the mem~ bel' should be restored to good standing, but this recommendation is signed by Brother Chas. C. Gard'ner and others, who appealed the original case from said Kirksville Lodge. The only question before this committee is whether or not the former member has been punished sufficiently or has had sufficient time to demonstrate h!s repentence and assure of his good conduct in th-e future. We are of the opinion that sufficient time has not elapsed, 'and 'we recommend that the petition be denied without prejudice. KARL M. VETSBURG, FORREST C. DONNELL, N. A. FRANKLIN, HOMER N. LLOYD, THAD B. LANDON, JOHN PICKARD, Committee.
228
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
EDITING REBORT OF APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. Moved by 1\1. \V. Bro. Xenophon Ryland that the report of this Committee be edited by Grand Secretary before being published. Carried.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS. Rt. \"1. Bro. B. E. Bigger offered the following amendment to Sec. 27, subdivision (f) of the Grand Lodge ByLaws: To amend Section 27, Subdivision (f) of the Grand Lodge Bylaws, by striking out said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: (f) Jurlspru(lence. A Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom shall be referred the decisions of the Grand Master, all propositions to amend the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and no such amendment shall be voted upon by the Gnlnd Lodgf until such amendments have been so referred and reported upon by said committee, and other questions of law as directed by the Grand Lodge. Said committee shall meet on Monday preceding the opening of the Grand Lodge in the city where the same is to .bc held, and the members of said committee shall be paid the usual mileage and per diem for their services while in attendance upon said committee. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master to transmit to said committee, on or before the first day of the meeting of said committee, the decisions to be reported by him in his annual address. B. E. BIG'GER, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL, WM. L. HAMRICK, MOSES WIlY BARK, PAUL D. HIGBEE, Committee on Jurisprudence.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES. M. V\T. Bro. Robt. F. Stevenson read the following report of this Committee, which was adopted: To the Grand Lodge of Missouri: Your committee would submit the following report: There has been transmitted to the committee a request for fraternal recognition by the Grand Lodge of Panama. Your committee' has not had time in the few hours since the request came in to
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of lHissouri
229
its hands to give this matter the careful consideration that it merits. It therefore asks further time in this report. The committee is also in receipt of an eloquent and highly sympathetic letter from the Grand Lodge of France for fraternal recognition, especially in view of the fact that many soldiers in the ranks of our Army in France are Masons. Your committee is deeply tOlJched wi th this appeal and sincerely wishes that this appeal could be granted. In 1909, the Grand Lodge of Missouri refused to recpgnize the Grand Lodge of France for reasons fully set forth in the proceedings of that year. The Grand Orient of France is an atheistic and political body. The Grand Lodge of France is not strictly an atheistic organizatioq, yet it is not deistic. It does not require of the petitionel' a belief in Deity. God has been stricken from its ritual, yet for a petitioner who may believe in God a symbolic interpretation is permitted. The great light, the Bible, has been removed for years as a part of thc furniture of the lodge. The "Book df the Law" among the English-speaking people, among the Latin races, among the Norse, the Teuton and the Slav is the Holy Bible. This "Book of the Law" must be a part of 路the furniture of a lodge and must lie on our altars. Your committee holds now, as it has in. the past, that a belief in Deity and the open "Book of the Law" on our altars is the very fundamental principle of the fraternity of Free Masons. To recognize anything else means chaos and anarchy. For this reason, your committee must again deny fraternal recognition to the Grand Lodge of France. Your committce is not unmindful of the heroic struggle in'" which the soldiers of France are now engaged. As citizens of the United States our hearts beat in unison with the brave men of that country, and as citizens of the great Republic we have pledged our all to the people of the Republic of France. The ashes of the heroes of our country and of France may mingle in the blooddrenched soil of that fair land, the grass may grow green over their graves and the ftowers may bear beautiful testimony to the valor of men battling in a common cause. We are willing to make the sacz:ifice, and sincerely hope and pray that out of it will be born a new Grand Lodge of France which will recognize the G'od who gave them victory and will replace on its altars that' book which has been the solace, comfort and stay of her own soldiers in the battlefront and in death itself. Fraternally SUbmitted, WM. F. KUHN, ROBT. F. STEVENSON, CHAS. C. WOODS, J AS. W. BOYD.
Proceedings of the'
230
[Sept.
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE, DECISIONS OF GRAND :MASTER. Rt. W. Bro. B. E. Bigger made the following Supplemental Report for the Committee on Jurisprudence, which was adopted, separately in each case:
No. 1. No.2. No.3. adopted. No.4. No.5. No.6. No.7. No. 8. No.9.
Report adopted. Report adopted. In re Chas. A. Truitt.
Report' of Committee
Report adopted. Heport adopted. Report adopted. Report adopted. H.eport adopted. Report adopted.
On motion, the report as a whole was adopted, as follows: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of the State of Missouri: Your Committee on Jurisprudence respectfully sUbmits the following as a partial report to this annual communication of the Grand Lodge. I.
We approve of and recommend the approval Lodge of the following decisions made by the Grand Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,' 11, 12; 13, 14, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 42, 44, 45 and 46.
by this Grand Master, to wit: 15, 16, 17, 18, 37, 39,40, 41,
II.
We can not approve Decision No. 20, because the decision is in conflict with Section 146 and Section 156 of the Grand Lodge ByLaws. Section 146 provides that dues shall be paid annually in advance, and Section 156 provides "only a member whose dues are fully paid," etc., may have a dimit. We therefore recommend that Decision No. 20 be disapproved.
, 1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
231
III.
Decision No. 21, being in regard tQ the case of F. W. Wiseman vs. Chas. A. Truitt, was decided by the Grand Master in accordance with the precedent referred to by him in the decision, and we therefore approve his decision; but your committee is of the opinion that the original decision (see Proceedings, 1901, pp. 25 and 109) is bad law and dangerous, as the law of this Grand Body and that in the future these decisions should not be controlling, and we therefore recommend that in the future the Grand Lodge and its officers do not follow the decisions as the law, as said decisions are in conflict wHh the expressed statutory law of this Grand Lodge. IV. The Grand Master was right in regard to Decision No. 30 in holding that the Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge No. 641, St. Louis, Missouri, was in error in receiving the petition mentioned in said decision; but your committee can not approve of the wording of said decision, because this Grand Lodge can not by its laws control the standing of an E. A. initiated into a lodge in a foreign Grand Jurisdiction. Section 107 only applies to E. A.'s or F. C.'s initiated within this Grand Jurisdiction, and Section 109 governs the transfer of such E. A.'s or F. C.'s from one lodge to another in this Grand Jurisdiction.
V. Decision No. 33 is on the question of jurisdiction and it is like Banquo's ghost; it will not down. We can not approve of Decision No. 33 because the same is in contlict with the last ruling of this Grand Body on a similar case (see Proceedings, 1915, page 28). The purport of Section 113 is to cover the question of residence, but said section expressly provides that: "A lodge can not receive a petition for the degrees of one who has no settled home," and we deem the decision of the Grand Master in conflict with said section and said decision above referred to. We the.refore recommend that Decision No. 33 be disapproved. VI.
Decision No. 36 is correct, but an E. A. or F. C. is not entitled to a dimit, but is entitled to a certificate of dlmisslon (see Section 109). With this correction, the decision should stand approved.
yrr. Section 151 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws provides-that the lodge may, "by its by-laws," provide for Life Memberships, and with the understanding that Decision No. 38 is construed in the light of a definite stun being. fixed by said By-Laws, but not in any other manner, we recommend that the decision be approved.
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
232
VIII.
Decision No. 43 is based upon a certificate of dimission issued by Marceline Lodge No. 481, but the Grand Master inadvertently uses the word "dimit" in a part of his decision when it should have been "certiffcate of dimission," and with this change the decision should be, and We recommend that same be approved. The form of certificate of dimission set out, while it may cover the case, it might, and appears to have been in thIs case, misleadIng, and your committee suggests the following form for a Certificate of Dimission: To Whom H May Concern: THIS IS TO CERTIFY that Brother
was
initiated an Entered Apprentice on the .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 19 Craft on
,
day of
(and passed to
the
.
the degree of Fellow
day of
19
)
in
this lodge, and is in good standing as such, on the date hereof. At hIs request and at a Stated Communication of ...
.. .. Lodge No
.
. . Missouri,
.
, A. F. & A. M., located at. held
on
the
.. .
day of : 19 , he is granted this Waiver of JurIsdiction (or certificate of dimission) whereby he may apply to any lodge in the jurisdiction in which he may reside. By order of the lodge. (Lodge
Seal)
Secretary.
The Chairman of the Committee on Credentials referred the followIng question to the Grand Master: Brother Mandelcorn, who was Worshipful Master of Haska Lodge No. 420, and who heretofore was removed from office oy the Grand Master pending the action of this Grand Lodge, on the . first day of the Grand Lodge, offers to register as the Master of said Haska Lodge No. 420. The Grand Master decided that said brother, having been removed from office, and as the Senior Warden was acting as the Worshipful Master of Haska Lodge No. 420, the said Senior Warden was the representative of that lodge in this Grand Lodge and entitled to draw per dIem as such and that the said Brother Mandelcorn was not entitled to act as the representative of Haska Lodge. We believe that the Grand Master has properly declared the law, and we therefore recommend that said decision be approved. Fraternally submitted, B. E. BIGGER, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. L. HAMRICK, MOSESWIIYBARK, PAUL D. HIGBEE.
,
1917.]
233
Grand Lodge of Missouri
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE. RESOLUTIONS. Rt. "V. Bro. B. E. Bigger read the following Second Supplemental Report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, which was adopted section by section, separately: Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.
1. 2. 3. 4. j.
6. 7.
Report Report Report Report Report Report Report
of of of of of of of
Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee
adopted. adopted. adopted. adopted. adopted. adopted. adopted.
On motion, report of Committee adopted as a whole. To the M. W. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M., of the State of Missouri: Your Committee on Jurisprudence respectfully submits the following as its report to this annual communication of the Grand Lodge: I.
The following resolution was referred to your the Grand Lodge:
committee by
. "Resolved, That the territorial jurisdiction of the Masonic Lodges of the City of St. Joseph, Missouri, be, and it is. hereby extended so as to include the territory now in the jurisdiction of Saxton Lodge No. 508, A. F. & A. M.• and that the territory now in the jurisdiction of Saxton Lodge be. and it is, hereby added to and included in the jurisdiction, of the lodges in St. Joseph." Your committee appreciates the position that Saxton Lodge now occupies. and it is one of the illustrations of the promiscuous granting of charters without considering the effect it will have upon neighboring lodges, but your committee' is bound by the law of the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge By-Laws provide that the jurisdiction of lodges shall extend from the corporate limit of the city or town equi-distant to the nearest lodge, and that said jurisdIctional territory is by air-line and we can not transfer one lodge into the corporate limits of a city in which it is not located be-
234
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
cause contrary to the By-Laws (see Section 170 and 175, Grand Lodge By-Laws). Furthermore, this resolution is an attempt to change the Grand Lodge By-Laws by resolution, and the Grand Lodge By-Laws can be only altered .01' amended in the manner set forth in Section 264 and amendments. thereto. We therefore recommend that the resolution be not adopted. II.
The following resolution was referred to your committee for its report thereon: "Realizing that the world is undergoing the greatest crisis in all history, and that our country has become one of the principal factors in deciding the future welfare of mankind, and that Missouri will be equal to the occasion by .doing her part in proving to the world that all men are created equal and establishing brother-love between all people of all civilized nations, further realizing the patriotism of the A. F. & A. M., and that many of our members are, and will be enlisted in this great cause of worlddemocracy, and apprec.iating the small pay. of some and the uncertaInty of the mail fromforeigncountries.beit "Resolved, That the dues of all kinds in the jurisdiction of Missouri of Our brothers enlisted in this patriotic cause, whether he be in the Army, Navy or Red Cross, be suspended during the time of this conflict, or until he shall have been honorably discharged." Respectfully submitted by Advance Lodge No. 590, A, F. & A. M" Advance, Mo. We commend the .spirit that prompted the resolution, but as the Grand Lodge By-Laws can not be altered by resolution, and the adoption of such resolution would be an attempted amendment of the By-Laws, we do not feel that the Grand Lodge should adopt the same; bu t we believe that the Grand Lodge should commend any lodge that shall legally grant any relief to any brother serving in the Army, Navy or Red Cross work, or devoting their time to the service of their country. We therefore recommend that said resolution be not adopted. \ .
III. The recommendation of the Grand Master concerning the alteration of the law provided for the observance of st. John's Day has been referred to )TOUr com'mittee. We feel that the present law is satisfactory and can be used to the advantage of the fraternity if the proper interest is taken in the observance of St. John's Day. Therefore, we disapprove the recommendation of the Grand Mas-
ter.
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
235
IV. The recommendation of the Grand Master concerning lodge trials has been referred to your committee. We feel that there i:;. considerable merit in the suggestion made by the Grand Master, but your committee has not had the time to give the matter any consideration and we feel that the recommendation is of sufficient merit to warrant the careful consideration of the Committee on JurisprUdence, and we therefore recommend that the recommendationof the Grand Master be referred to the incoming Committee on Jurisprudenc~, to report at the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge.
v. The suggestion and recommendation of the Grand Master concerning border legislation has been given careful consideration by committees on jurisprudence heretofore, as well as by special committees, and all have seen fit 'to abide by the law as it is now written. Your present committee concurs in the position taken by these former committees, and we therefore recommend that the recommendation of the Grand Master be disapproved and the law stano as now written. VI. The recommendation of the Grand Master concerning the shortening of time for the presentation of petitions and the passing from the first to the second degree, or from the second degree to the third degree, having been referred to your committee, we feel that any such action at this time would be in direct conflict with and violation of the fundamental law of this Grand Body. We therefore recommend the rejection of the recommendation of the Grand Master. . However, in this connection we would call attention to the fact that the various lodges located near the different cantonments and training camps will be glad to confer degrees for lodges located within this Grand JuriSdiction on proper request, and that in case any brother has been elected in any lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction he need not be deprived of receiving the degrees of Masonry because he has, temporarily at last, moved from the jurisdiction of his local lodge. VII. The question .of military lodges has been referred to your Committee, as well as the 'petition of a number of Brethren in and near Kansas City, Missouri, for a dispensation for the formation of a military lodge. The whole history of military lodges is filled with complications, difficulties, and with some good things growing out of it, but the necessity for the organization of such lodges in this day and age' is not of such vital importance as during the period of
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
236
our Revolutionary vVar when such lodges flourished most extensively. However we may feel as to the merits or demerits of this controversy, in order to grant the dispensation requested, or other dispensations for military lodges, this Grand Lodge would violate and set at naught some fifteen or twenty of its present Grand Ledge By-Laws, and your Committee believes that our Grand Lodge should not, no matter how worthy the cause, willfully violate and transgress the fundamental law of this Grand Jurisdiction. . We therefore recommend that the petition presented by and on behalf of Monroe Seibert Hughes, and others, for' a dispensation for a military lodge be refused, and that this Grand Lodge decline to entertain or grant dispensations for military lodges any place at this time. Fraternally submitted, B. Eo BIGGl<:;R, WM. L. HAMRICK, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL, PAUl.. D. HIGBEE, MOSES WHYBARK.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PAY-ROLL. W. Bro. Walter R. Shrodes, Chairman, made the following report of Committee on Pay Roll, which was adopted: St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 20, 1917. To the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: Your Committee on Pay-Roll at this session of the Grand Lodge begs to report that the allowances paid for mileage and per diem have been distributed as follows: Grand Lodge Officers Past Grand Masters District Depu ty Grand Masters District Lecturers Chairmen of Committees Appeals and Grievances Committee Lodges Under Dispensation Representatives of Chartered Lodges TotaL
$ 335.05 . 353.15 . 967.55 . 191.85 . 123.90 . 185.65 . 53.25 . 7,279.30
,'
$9,489.70
'Fraternally submitted, WALTER R. SHRODES, H. H. VOGTS.
1917.J
237
Grand Lodge of Missouri GRAND OFFICERS.
Edward Higbee Wm. A. Clark John W. Bingham Julius C. Garrell Wm. A. HalL John, R. Parson John H. Miller R. W. Lilley W. F. Johnson O. A. Lucas
$ 21.30
. . . . . . . . .
15.60 23.50 9.00 9.00 9.00 25.60 21.30 19.20 25.60
E. Combie Smith Orestes Mitchell Austin L. McRae W. W. Martin .J. R. McLachlan Chas. C. Gardner Harry A. Krueger B. S. Lee .J. S. McIntyre
. . . . . . . . : ..
9.00 27.20 15.60 21.25 20.30 21.30 9.00 23.30 9·.00
. . . . . . . . .
16.50 25.60 21.60 23.30 9.00 25.60 20.10 9.60 12.60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.00 24.30 20.30 21.60 20.90 11. 70 25.60 25.60 24.55 28.85 25.15 20.10 12.70 17.90 19.90 21.80 24.95 24.55 25.85 27.60 9.85 19.60 24.80
PAST GRAND MASTERS. Xenophon Ryland AI.ex M. Dockery Chas. C. '\Toods Robt. F. Stevenson James W. Boyd Arthur M. Hough Dorsey A. Jamison Corona H. Briggs Wm. F. Kuhn D. M. Wilson
. . . . . . . . ..
$ 22.10 24.05 9.00 9.00 27.20 16.50 9.00 23.30 25.60 23.50
John T. Short. .. · R. R. Kreeger C. C. Bigger A. A. Johnsqn .Jacob Lampert Van F.' Boor T. W. Cotton F. R. Jesse A. S. Houston
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. H. N. Martin : $ J. W. Brown . E. W. Prentiss . J. E. Reese . H. S. Teare . E. S. Ballard ...•......... E. C. James . R. A. Tharp . E. W. Tayler . B. E. Bigger . R. A. May . T. F. Hurd . H. R. Mason . J. P. Tucker . R. J. Smith . W. T. Wernwag . J. S. Wilson . S. L. Stites . S. P. Cunningham . J. E. Reeds . J. W. Powell . E. A. Fluesmeier . R. A. Bruer .
20.30 24.80 27.35 28.10 29.45 27.20 25.80 22.30 21.00 16.20 14.65 18.85 21.00 26.00 25.60 23.65 20.35 19.85 15.60 13.20 13.10 12.25 13.80
A. J. O'Reilly R. B. Campbell ; A. M. Harlan H. \\T. Fristoe C. G. Ross C. l'~. Pyle J. M. Chamberlin H. H. Finley S. B. Vickers Felix Eberlein C. A. Swenson J. M. Carnahan W. B. Massey G. W. Miller .r. A. Boone V. P. Adams H. A. Stearns G. J. Vaughan W. N. Marbut W. A. Phipps B. L. Tatman Edwin Nelson Allan McDowell Hoyt
238
[Sept.
Proceedings of the DISTRICT LECTURERS.
P. O. John B. F. G. F. H. C.
Sansberry Santee Watson Brewington Noland
. . . .
$ 21.0Q 22.50 27.20 19.50 26.00
C. T. Kornbrodt. J. A. Oliver H. G. Cook G. W. Custel·
. . . .
25.60 17.75 9.00 23.30
. . . .
9.00 9.00 17.10 9.00
. . .
40.60 32.75 24.00
.
9.00 9.00
CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES. Aug. F. Weeke 'Valter R. Shrodes Clarence L. Alexander August F. Braun Louis Moller
$
. . . ..
9.00 25.60 9.00 27.20 9.00
C. H. Pope H. C. Perkins Moses Whybark F. F. Wm. Krenning
APPEALS AND GRIEVANC'ES COMMITTEE. Karl M. Vetsburg $ 24.00 H. N. Lloyd.............. 24.50 N. A. Franklin........... 39.80
Thad B. Landon John Pickard Forrest C. Donnell
LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION. Morgan Lodge $ 19.60 Warrenton Lodge.. . .. . . . 9.65 Harmony Lodge........... 6.00
No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.. 10. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 24.
LODGE.
Algabil Lodge Ellclid Lodge
REPRESENTATIVE.
.
PAID.
Missouri. J. M. Gibson $ Meridian.'.....•...... P. C. Butts........................ Beacon E. R. Nyroth....................... Howard C. A. Edmonston.................. United W. E. Becker..................... Ark C. H. Tucker...................... O'Sullivan G. A. Brim........................ Williamsburg L. E. Tate......................... Geo. Washington W. J. Kennedy.................... Agency A. E. Krumme.................... Tyro B. R. Bean ;.... RisIng Sun Walter Hausen Western Star James Bradford MemphIs F. D. Mason...................... Clarksville John Bartlett :.............. Palmyra T. M. Barbee...................... ParIs UnIon A. T. Vaughn..................... St. Louis ..........•... H. W. Reller...................... Welllngton W. C. Call........................ Wyaconda J. O. yager.......................
9.00 9.00 9.00 16.00 23.30 19.80 15.25 4.75 9.00 15.00 9.75 26.45 19.75 21.80 14.05 14.10 18.85 9.00 12.50 15.25
1917. ] No. 25. 26. 28. 29. 30. 31. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 4'1.
43.
44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 50. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 62. 63. 67. 68. 69. 70.
71. 72. 73.
74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 82. 83. 84. 86. 87. 89.
Grand Lodge of Missouri LODGE.
239
REPRESENT ATIVE.
Napthall ..•......., F. J. Hoffman Ava ....•.......•.•... J. C. Bralley St. John ..........•... W. H. Blackshaw Windsor ..........•... J. H. Walton Huntsville D. C. Griffiths Liberty .••........ J. J. Barkley Ralls ....•..•..••••... G. C. Layne ; Troy .............•... H. P. Reeds MeI;'cer ...••.•••..•... H. R. Spencer Cooper •.•..••......... A. J. Schmidt Hemple Walter Grimes Callao H. L. Bal{er DeWitt 0. B. Schnapp Mt. Moriah " .. C. F. Drehmann Bismarck W. McGeorge Jetrerson' J. L. Tate Fair Play C. W. Grant Bonhomme J. M. Brewer Wentzville J. A. Reid Fayette M. H. I)avis Fulton F. A. I-Iurd Xenia J. A. Aiken Wakanda ......•...... Otto. Hall Weston W. B. Calvert. Index J. R. VVoolery Arrow Rock ......•... T. B. Morris Tipton S. W. I-Iurst Richmond J. T. Baber Monticello ........•... J. W. Lillerd Centralia .......•......r. c. Hunt New Bloomfield .•..... 0. C. 'l'hompson Vinci! J. L. Baron Cambridge L. F. Hains Rocheport. R. F. Baldwin Kennett J. A. Lowe Sullivan H. H. Grahan1 Armstrong J. O. IIume. Jr Savannah f • • • G. C. Sparks Gorin A. H. Mackey Eureka G. W. Rucker Warren ........•..•... W: L. Wright Silex W. D. Middleswartz Independence ....••... B. M. \Vheeler Lebanon ..........•... G. W. Reeves St. Joseph Harry Baum Polar Star .........•.. . A. B. Oeth Bridgeton ........•... W. J. Goddard Jackson V. C. Vance Laclede , .C. B. Burley Webster Groves J. W. Wright Brookfield .•......•... E. E. Cramer Washington 0. J. Wilson Friendship W. E. Walsh t •••
PAID. . . . , . .-. . . . . . . · . . . . . · . . . . . . . .. ~ .. ,. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.00 18.50 16.20 21.60 18.30 25.00 16.50 12.60 26.15 19.20 11.50 13.75 13.0( 9.00 13.75 16.50 10.75 10.40 8.70 18.60 17.05 19.25 21.65 23.50 12.25 8.75 10.75 23.45 10.75 16.45 17.45 24.95 19.70 10.50 22.85 13.10 14.00 28.15 13.25 16.75 19.25 11.00 24.80 14.70 27.20 9.0C 9.95 15.50 19.85 9.60 21.25 25.25 22.50
Proceedings of the
240 No. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 109. 110. 111. 112. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 126. 128. 129. 131. 132. 133. 135. 136. 137 139. 140. 142. 144. 145. 146. 148. 149. 151. 162. 163. 154. 156.
LODGE.
[Sept.
REPRESENTATIVE.
Perseverance R. R. Gass........................ St.Marks .........•... J. M. Shy Vlenna B. F. Branson..................... Pomegranate N. A. Owens....................... St. Andrews Albert Brant...................... Bethany D. C. Poland...................... Webster J. R. Bruce....................... Mt.Vernon W. H. Turk Ash Grove F. R. McAmis...................... Bogard R. L. Carter...................... Bloomington J. D. Watkins..................... WestView ·. . D. S. Miller Heroine Hugo Doebler..................... Kirksville J. F. Miller, Jr.................... Gallatin J. T .. Cope......................... Greenvllle B. A. Milster : Stanberry D. G. Hockensmitq................ Marcus D. L. Glaves....................... Trenton J. H. Clawson..................... Maitland Chas. Smock Twillght. M. Walden........................ Laddonia E. J. Shobe........ Barnes Jesse Lareau Versailles R. H. Woods...................... Kingston W. F. McFall..................... De Soto G. A. Auerswald.................. Compass T. A. Brown...................... Erwin ............•... E. F. Meyer....................... Triplett , C. E. Fleetwood................... Hermann G. C. Gunther..................... Union Star W. E. Robison Seaman E. B. Seitz......................... Lorraine , 0. P. Bennett..................... Monett. ·.C. E. Vaughn...................... Potosi. W. B. Settle Farmington ......•... C. A. Tetley StaroftheWest W. R. Edgar, Sr Braymer G. S. DowelL..................... Phoenix J. E. Thompson................... Delphian G. King Oregon T. C. Gifford...................... Papinville J. B. Campbell.................... Pleasant Grove J. H. Gunn........................ Modern W. E. Rector Latimer ..........•... T. B. MitchelL.................... McGee G. E. Poe ·.......... Purdy C. E. Williams.................... Lexlngton' G. C. Marquis..................... Milton W. E. Fleming.................... Linn Creek J. W. Vincent.................... Bloomfield E. M. Nunnelee................... Ionic J. M. Wood....................... Ashland C. W. Ellis....................... < •••
PAID. 14.65 16.85 12.35 9.00 17.20 25.45 20.50 23.25 24.35 20.75 14.25 15.00 25.60 21.30 24.05 18.65 26.66 15.25 24.80 20.50 17.75 15.25 19.5C 10.50 24.65 11.70 17.25 9.00 13.25 13.80 12.50 10.80 12.50 25.90 13.lC' 14.60 14.45 23.75 14.70 11.50 15.00 10.25 17.50 17.00 17.80 14.00 17.75 23.65 6.75 16.00 16.25 12.95 15.50
Grand Lodge of Missouri
1917.] No.
LODGE.
REPRESENT ATIVE.
Mountain Grove ..•... Roy Sholtenberger . 15~ Green CJty ~ E. & Pfeiffer . 16l. Clifton Hill. O. T. Sears . 163. OccidentaL .......•... Walter Edwards . 165. Maryville J. A. Smith . 166. Portageville ' K. T. Swilley . 167. Revere L. P. Mathews . 168. Colony , R. II. Carder . 173. Gray Summit. *B. A. Thornhill . 174. Sturgeon T. B. Garnett. . 176. Point Pleasant. Chas. Pikey . 177. Texas W. J. McGee . 178. Griswold R. L. Mory . 179. Pride of the West. C. B. Jansky .. 180. Pyramid G. M. Hart . 183. California R. L. Fulks . 184. Morley R. H. Leslie . 185. Chamois C. S. Lierman . Note: Refunded $3.00 on account of abEence. 186. Morality A. G. Davis . 187. Hermon W. E. Condict . 188. HannibaL r. D. Moore : . 189. Zeredatha W. P. Davis, Jr .. 191. Wilson Grover Golliher . 192. Frankford e L. T: Tucker . 194. Wellsville S. S. Cox .. · . 195. Bolivar ' W. S. White . 197. Carthage R. C. Grissom . 198. Allensville A. C. Brewit. . 199. New Hope ........•... R. E. Black . 202. Westville , 'lV. O. Hinds . 203. Brumley T. A. Brockman . 204. Rowley· J. A. Davidson . 205. Trilumina 1. Wittrup . 206. Somerset F. A. Cozad . 207. Clay W. M. Agin . 208. Salisbury S. F. Trammel . 210. Unionville T. B. Vallentine · . 212. Four Mile J. R. Pollock .. 213. Rolla F. W. Webb . 216. Hale City C. W. D. Bultz ........•........... 217. Barbee M. D. Jackson . 218. Good Hope E. A. Roworth ..............•..... 219. Albert Pike 0. P. Bloss . 220. Kansas City ......•... P. H. Horton . 221. Mystic Tie ' D. M. Wills . 222. La B'elIe A. G. Doran . 224. Hamilton W. J. White . 227. Cypress H. D. Hall : . 230. St. James W. D. yowell . 231. CardwelL J. A. White . 233. Bucklin R. P. Nickerson . 236. Sedalia W. T.· Wallace . 158.
c •••
f •••
f •••
241 PAID. 25.15 22.75 17.25 9.00 28.10 18.00 9.25 8.50 10.75 16.90 13.50 25.50 8.25 9.00 9.00 18.00 16.50 12.00 8.75 13;50 16.20 27.20 12.00 8.75 14.50 25.60 27.80 12.75 13.10 16.00 11.25 26.25 20.15 16'.25 24.70 19.15 24.80 21.50 15.60 21.00 18.50 9.00 25.60 25.60 9.75 19.10 24.05 15.25 15.00 15.25 18.00 20.30
Proceedings of the
242 No. 237. 239. 241. 242. 243. 244. 246. 247. 249. 250. 251. 253. 254. 255. 256. 258. 259. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. 267. 268. 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 276. 277. 278. 279. 281. 282. 283. 284. 285. 286. 287. 290. 291. 292. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 299. 300. 302. 303. 305.
LODGE.
[Sept.
REPRESENTATIVE.
La Plata •......... C. A. Flynn . Hopewell C. M. Fitzpatrick ; . Palestine .........•... Chas. Bortfeld . Portland ......••..•... S. H. Gilbert ...•................. Keystone C. S. Rich . Middle Fabius J. H. Morgan .. Mon tgomery City .•... C. E. Whitehead . Neosho ........•...... E. L. Mahan . Carroll .....•.....•... J. M. Goodrich . Glensted ..•....... L. B. Hawks . Hope ............•.... F. I-I. Tieman . Laredo .••..••.•...... J. E. Murphy .. ;; . Butler C. E. Culver . Alton ......•.......... C. S. Gohn . Shekinah " .. E. Santschi '.' . Ravanna ....•.•.•.... D. M. Foster . Lodge of Love ..•. ' E. 'L. Atterberry . Holden .......•....... R. C. Brownlee . Summit H. W. yankee . Kirbyville J. E. Trout. . Corinthian ....•.•.•... E. G. Favorite . Social •...........•... L. B. Stephens . Aurora ..........•.... 0. W. Arndt . Lodge of Truth V. D. Gordon . New Salem ....•..•... Andrew 'Cannon . Solomon ..........•... B. B. Jones . Granite ...........•... W. A. Wheal ' . St. Clair Oliver Brown . Cold Spring .•..•..... Elmer Hobson . Grand River .•.••••... G. O. Ellis . Wm. D. Muir .••.•.... Guy Long , . Essex .........••.•... J. L. Crutcher . Hogle's Creek J. B. Taylor ............•. ; . Fenton F. H. Carter . Cosmos ...••...•..... A. F. Deitsch . Stockton , .M. D. Gwinn . Canopy .•.........•... F. L. Robertson . I<.:arl: R. D. ,Kinkade . Urich G. C. Herrold . Craft ...•..•••..•••... C. C. Clark . Fairmount , Elmer Lafrenz . Edina ....•..•..•.•... G. H. Hickman . Lamar Hoyt Humphrey . Sarcoxie .•.••.••..•... G. W. Wood . Mound City F. J. Bridgmon . Moniteau .••.•........ H. A. Meyer . Sparta ' P. S. Ladd . Ozark ....•.......•... S. H. Spencer . Temple : •... H. M. Wethy . Doric J. F. Miller . Lick Creek J. N. McElroy . Osage •.••..•••••••... H. B. Klumph . Clarence W. L. Hamrick . c •••
0 •••
PAID. 17.45 13.00 10.45 9.75 9.00 22.45 14.05 27.60 15.50 9.25 12.25 20.25 25.90 12.00 11.15 20.20 21.25 21.25 24.10 12.75 22.10 14.80 9.00 16.75 12.35 23.30 20.30 22.00 16.00 24.00 15.00 13.00 26.00 10.30 9.00 19.75 25.15 13.75 15.25 18.35 17.25 16.25 20.50 23.25 23.25 16.25 14.50 9.25 25.60 12.25 17.10 25.70 19.25
1917.] No. 306. 307. 308. 310. 311. 312. 314. 316. 318. 319. 322. 323. 324. 325. 326. 327. 329. 331. 332. 333. 334. 335. 337. 339. 340. 341. 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 349. 353. 354. 355. 356. 360. 361. 362. 363. 364. 366. 368. 369. 370. 371. 372. 373. 376. 377. 380. 381. 383.
Grand Lodge of Missouri LODGE.
REPRESENTATIVE.
Ashlar ..........•., G. W. Brundrett . New London G. E. Mayhall . Parrott C. A. Harvey : . Sikeston .T. W. Swain . Kearney C. M. Thompson . Cuba R. R. Hardesty . Pine ..........•...•... S. W. Hilton . Rural W. R. Ashton . Eldorado ........•... . .T. A. Evans . Paulville L. C. Schenimann . Hardin H. F. Hoover '" Corner Stone .....•... F. T. Naumann . McDonald ....••.••... H. H. Wait . Dockery ..........•.. . .T. A. Loomis . Linn .Tno. Fener . Mt. Zion .........•.... E. O. Selecnlan . Kennedy C. R. Lamar . Charity ..........• , H. H. Powell •..................... Excello ........•..•... W. N. Franks . Chillicothe •.......... Miles Elliott . Breckenridge .•...•... E. B. Russell . .Toplin ........•..••... G. W. MacPherson . Blue Springs W. D. Warren . Fidelity ' .. W. T.· Hope . Westport. ' .•...... F. A. Marshall · . Rockville ; .••.•' . . .T. E. Hock . Agricola ...•........ . .T. .T. Beatty . Moberly " '.' .. B. E. Henderson . Fellowship W. P. Armstrong . Arlington ......•..... C. .T. Kunz . Spring Creek C. L. Arth u r . Pollock ..........•... Otis Reinhard . Barnesville ..•...•.... H. T. ·Chitwood . Hebron ........•.••... W. S. Wilkins . Adelphi T. L. Boydston . Ancient Landmark~ .T. N. Farris · . Tuscan ........•.•• , .. Goo. Coslow : . Riddick C. A. Finley . Hiram .......••••..... F. E. Greenlee . Fraternal. .......• , A. W. Watters, .Tr . Higginsville ....•.. , . . .T. M. Edwards . Adair ........•..•• " .. Byron Cosby . Crescen t Hill. C. Raj 1. . I • • • A. Composite ....••..•.. . E. C. White . Willamstown Walter Laswell . Sheldon ....•.•...•... H. T. Huston . Nonpareil T. W. Phillips . Belle E. A. Lindner , ..' . King HilL A. R. Timberman : . Ancient Graft. R. M. Stanley . Queen City ..••••••... G. L. Lauer . Ionia .•. ~ •...•.•..•... S. A. Gunn . Pythagoras W. T. Priest. .
243 PAID. 15.75 15.00 25.50 18.90 24.00 14.20 7.50 25.60 10.75 11.50 21.00 9.00 24.80 14.00 16.40 24.95 10.50 27.20 8.75 22.50 22.75 28.85 12.50 11.25 25.60 13.25 13.25 14.90 28.85 17.10 13.25 14.00 18.95 12.60 13.50 6.75 9.00 12.50 20.30 11.45 19.15 21.30 21.50 21.25 14.75 17.75 10.50 15.30 27.50 23.50 22.20 15.60 27.35
Pro'ceedings of the
244 No.
LODGE.
[Sept. PAID.
REPRESENT ATIVE.
384. East Prairie ......•... C. D. Mitchell 385. Richland •............. E. L. Payne 389. Arcana.·.....••...•... C. S. Stewart Geo. Keast 390. Marionville N. R. Holcomb 392. Christian 393. Bee Hive .........•... G. W. Ball 397. Gower ............•.. . A. J. Walkup 400. Decatur S. D. Douthitt. 401. Carterville J. A. Daugherty 402. Malta J. G. Nye 403. Lowry City 1. E. Austin 404. Rosendale W. B. Wood ' .. A. S. Metzger 406. Malden C. E. Swan k 407 Charleston 408. Montrose C. C. Arnold , John Ferguson 410. Iberia 411. J.oppa ............•... A. M. Curtis 412. Appleton City •....... W. V. Ingels 415. Hunnewell ........•... H. W. Carr , , B. E. ThOlnas 416. Cache 418. Clear Creek ..•....... G. W. Thomas 420. Itaska .....•....•..... R. C. Gans W. J. Craig 422. Gate ot the Temple • 424. Samaritan .•......•... C. R. Hosking 425. Green Ridge ....•.•... E. E. Bagby 426. Rothville .......•.•... W. L. Richeson " Z. O. ·Briant. 427. Glenwood 430. Winona " ....•... F. O. Smith 431. Cement G. W. Battreal 432. Competition ReUben Noble 433. Mack's Creek J. T. Edwards 434. Wheeling .........•... H. D. Clem 437. Lafayette , 'Vm. Wilson G. B. Snider 440. Trowel 441. Excelsior A. G. Panzer 443. Anchor .•............. W. C. I{ruse · 445. West Gate : .. B. ""V. Grissom W. F. Woodruff 446. Ivanhoe 448. Schell City J. M. Darrow 452. Verona R. J. Mitchell 453. Forsyth J. B. Hicks 454. Continental. J. S. Rowell 455. Hinton W. H. Wade 456. Wallace O. H. Cramer 459. Hazelwood '" F. A. Snyder 460. Lambskin C. W. Seagraves 461. Caruthersville L. B. Holt. 462. Santa. Fe J . .J. Johnson 463. Clifton Paul Cockman 464. Aullville Ray Phillips 469. Plato " R. B. Ti Hey HO. Nodaway ' W. H. Gilbert 472. Pickering .........•... J. F. Hanna
. . . . . · . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.00 18.60 24.25 2Ui5 12.25 17.00 14.75 17.00 25.00 16.50 1"5.2f 17.00 21.30 19.70 11.50 9.20 9.25 18.75 10.50 9.00 10.75 9.00 23.30 12.70 14.25 16.5(' 18.25 13.50 8.80 19.50 16.25 22.30 13.50 17.10 16.45 9.00 9.00 25.60 9.50 12.00 13.50 10.25 6.00 18.25 17.00 9.00 22.20 15.50 26.30 9.75 17.75 28.10 12.00
Grand Lodge of Missouri
1917. ] No.
LODGE.
245
REPRESENT ATIVE.
475. Golden ..•...•.•...... C. R. Boone H6. Mt. Hope .•....• ' .. ' R. L. Seafoss 477. I-Ienderson J. A. Clift 479. Rich HilL Rob't Burns 480. Jewel. " .. B. M. Stonestreet 481. Marceline o' •• VV. E. Parks 482. Clintonville .......•... A. V. Gilpin 483. Fairfax F. H. Walker, Jr 484. Kirkwood ........•... A. S. Kinyon 485. Cold Water L. J. Baron 486. Cairo ....•.......••... H. S. McI<:inney ' 487. Chilhowee ........•... W. L. Martin 488. Lock Spring E. B. Day 489. Lakeville A. U. Goodman 491. Vandalia J. W. Renner R. W. Pease 495. Unity 497. Equality ',' W. E. Mathews 501. Buckner , F. ,V. Masterson 504. Platte City A. P. Fulcher 506. Lathrop ........•.•... L. R. Weirs 508. Saxton W. D. Pyne : 609. Van Buren .......•... J. R. Dawson 611. Skidmore ',' H. N. McDanieL 512. Webb City P. M. Wal)ace 613. Senath ..........• '" .. O. H. Storey · 614. Granby ..........••... J. Hutsell 517. Seligman ....•.•.••... W. A. Stapleton 518. Oriental. .........• ' .. C. J. Blackburn 519. Crane ' J. S. I-Iemphill 620. Clifton Heights o' • • J os. Si nger 522. Gate City M. L. Mills 523. Stinson ' .. E. E. Anderson 525. Cunningham R. E. Bennett 626. Wayne ..........• ',' .. .T. S. Berryman, Jr 52;. Higbee Lee Thompson 528. COliway T. W. Gourley 531. Lane's Prairie ...•... J. A. Cook 532. Dexter ' ......•... C. H. Grissom 534. Columbia' W. B. Parrett . 536. Ingomar ' W. L. Forester 537. Bethel ..•..•..•.•.•... H. C. Bair 538. Stella W. H. Carnes 540. Winigan •.....•.•.•... S. M. Romine 541. Jacksonville ...••.•... Chas. Woods 542. Ferguson J. H. Aldeston 543. Mansfield .....••. '0, •. J. B. Freelnan 545. Zalma " H. V. Slinkard 547. South Gate W. S. Montgomel·y 548. Clinton J. S. Spore 549. Carl Junction W. H. Smith 550. Rose Hill ......•.•.... W. H. Dickey 552. Calhoun " B. F. Richardson 553. Clarksburg ....•...... H. E. Allee
PAID.
'
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.00 23.00 12.00 24.25 20.95 21.00 23.25 21.50 9.85 14.00 15.00 20.10 15.75 12.75 15.65 12.75 16.15 23.00 21.25 19.25 10.50 20.10 19.75 28.40 23.40 13.00 10.00 12.25 25.45 9.00 25.60 10.25 11. 75 16.80 17.70 18.75 14.50 19.00 11.05 23.70 13.00 11. 75 14.75 14.00 9.70 17.50' 17.50 25.60 22.70 18.25 9.00 8.50 13.00
Proceedings of the
246 No.
555. 656. 558•. 663. 564. 665. 666. 567. 670. 671. 672. 676. 676. 677. 678. 579. 681. 682. 583. 584. 585. 590. 591. 696\ 696. 697. 598. 699. 600. 601. 606. 610. 611. 612. 613. 614. 616. 616 617. 618. 619. 621. 623. 625. 626. 629. 630. 631. 632. 634. 638. 639. 640.
LODGE.
[Sept.
REPRESENT ATIVE.
Summerville Henry Thrasher Prairie .. , ..•...•..... F. Eberhart Moscow .......•..•... C. T. IIil!. york E. J. Mcllanby Jamesport R. W. HilL Tebbetts H. H. Leonard Maplewood .......•... A. S. I<'uller Miller J. S. Stinson Republic F. E. Owen Hayti. ...•....•••• , 1. Kohn Rutledge G. S. Gragg Easter ........•.•••... J. P. Short. Olive Branch J. J. Kessler Ewing ............•... Oscar Leach Forest Park S. B. ·Worthington .. : Grandin ....•....•.... J. M. McGhee IHmo .............•... John Martin Koshkonong ......•... A. C. Roach Novinger." Pearl Hatfield Red Bird J. J. Matlock Shamrock ' ' W. S. Armstrong Advance Tim Hosmer Barnett C. P. Tompkins Emmanuel. O~car Kelly Puxico ...........•... J. E. Daugherty Bosworth .........•... J. E. Eisenhour Leadwood •......••... C. B. Acuff Elvins J. C. Westover Cosby C. L. Allen Clayton J. F. Wi 11 man Craig '" .. C. M. Randall Clark W. B. Graves Centertown ',' .. B. H. Stark Mokane ..•........... R. 1. Gowan Wellston W. H. Evans M't. Washington G. B. Christy Chaffee M. H. Stubblefield Marlon C. W. Cunningham Park ; " ....•. A. W. Burton Grandview A. C. Wintermute Fairview B. 1. Webb Anderson J. H. Dalton Maple ............•... John McCormick Sheffield ....•......... C. A. Holcer Magnolia W. T. Pausch Valley Park ......•... W. T. Vance East Gate W. M. Sams Tower Grove J. B. Oliver Belgrade ........•.... B. F. Newcomb Steele Max L. Kelly Triangle ........•......r. M. Judge Mizpah P. B. Eversden Jennings " .G. L. Waters
PAID. . . . . . . .
·.·
16.25 13.50 12.30 25.60 20.50 12.75 9.00 14.00 . . 24.20 . 16.75 . 12.00 . 11.50 9.00 . . 12.50 9.00 . . 10.50 . 17.30 . 13.00 . 16.25 9.75 . 6.75 '. . 11.50 . 16.50 7.50 . . 14.00 . 12.75 . 13.15 . 13.15 . 10.50 . 9.50 . 17.00 . 13.25 . 11.00 . 14.75 .9.00 . . 25.60 . 17.65 10.75 '" . 15.75 . 12.5D , 6.25 . 11.00 7.7E :. . 25.60 . 9.00 . 7.10 . 25.60 . 9.00 . 8.00 . 9.00 . 9.00 . 9.00 . 9.60
1917.] No. 64l. 642. 643. 644.
Grand Lodge of Missouri LODGE.
247
REPRESENTATIVE.
Trinity Benj. Franklin Northeast Grain Valley
W. P. Morgan E. C. Morgan C. H. Carn1an H. E. Warren
PAID.
'
. . . .
9.00 9.00 23.50 11.50
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMIT'TEE ON BONDS OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS, M. \V. Bro. Van F. Boor made the following report of Special Committee to consider the advisability of having uniformity in form of bonds for officers of the Grand Lodge. Adopted: To the M. VV. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: Your Committee to whom was referred a resolution to consider the advisability of having a uniform form of bond for all of the officers handling our finances, beg to report as follows: It is the custom of each officer seeking a bond to make application to a surety company, or to his personal friends, with the result that there are as many kinds of bonds on as many different forms as there are bonded officers. It is now possible to procure one bond covering all of the offices of all of our. nearly 700 subordinate lodges (the office instead of the individual being bonded), and as such a bond would amount to from $600,000.00 to $1,000,000.00, the offices of the Grand Lodge, the Masonic Home, and the Boards of Relief and Employment Bureau included, a saving of from $600.00 to $800.00 a year. in premiums could be made. A system of collective bonding of this kind is not new. It has many advantages. A bond of this kind once in force will cover each newly-elected or appointed officer without notice to the surety company, as the bond covers the position and not the individual occupying the position. A suretyship bond of this style once written, the payment of the annual premium thereafter is the only requirement necessary to keep it in force. We recommend the adoption of this system of corporate suretyship and that it be handled through the office of the Grand Secretary and that the offices of the Grand Lodge and the Masonic Home be brought under this system at once and that such Boards of Relief and Employment Bureaus and subordinate lodges desiring' to participate shall have the privilege to do so, each paying its pro rata part of the premium. V. F. BOOR, A. J. O'REILLY, ARCH O. JOHNSON.
CALLED路 FROM LABOR. At 1 :00 P. 1\1. the Grand Lodge was CALLED FROM LABOR until 2 :00 o'clock P. M.
248
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
THIRD DAY-"-AFTERNOON SESSION. St. Louis, Thursday, September 20, 1917. The Grand Lodge was CALLED TO LABOR at 2 :00 P. M. by Grand Master Higbee, the other Grand Officers being in their respective stations. Prayer by 1\1. W: and Rev. Dr. Chas. C. Woods, acting Grand Chaplain.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS. W. Bro. August F. \Veeke, Chairman, made the following report of this Committee, which was adopted: Your Committee on Credentials has the honor to tbere are presen t:
report that
Out of the total represen ted 454.
are
of
639
Chartered
Lodges
there
Lodges
Worshipful Masters or their proxies.......................... Senior Wardens or their proxies............................... Junior Wardens or their proxies...............................
399 127 85
Total. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
611
.
In addition there are present: Past Masters Grand Lodge Officers.......................................... Past Grand Masters............................................ District Deputy Grand Masters and Lecturers.................. Represen tatives of other Grand Jurisdictions.................. Distinguished Visitors :.............................. Total Attendance
'.'
471 19 21 56 17 4 1,199
Respectfully submitted, AUG. F. WEEKE, CHARLES C. GARDNER, ARTHUR S. MOREY, H. R. MASON, CARr... A. SWENSON, CHARLES T. KORNBHODT, WALTER A. COON.
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of 111 issouri
249
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE路 ON BRO. WM. MANDELCORN. R. W. Bro. \Vm. T. Jamison, Chairman, made report of Special Committee in matter of charges by Nelson A. Albertson against 'Bro. William l\1andelcorn, the W. Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420, who was suspended by Grand :Master Higbee. Said report of the Special Committee was adopted, as 拢ol1O\vs: In the Matter of Charges Against Brother William } Mandelcorn, Worshipful Master, Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. Ii'. & A. M. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: STATEMENT. Charges having been presented to Most Worshipful Brother Edward Higbee, Grand Master, in vacation, by Brother Nelson A. Albertso.n, member of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., charging Worshipful Brother "William Mandelcorn, 'Vorshipful Master of said lodge with official misconduct and unmasonic conduct wIiile exercising the duties of the office O'f Worshipful Master of said lodge and upon investigation thereof, the Grand Master of date August 4th, 1917, ordered that he be suspended from the office of Worshipful Master of said lodge and notified to appear before this, Grand Lodge at this communication to answer the said charges. 'Vhereupon, in due time, said order of suspension was served upon the said Brother Mandelcorn. At this session said charges coming on to be heard, the Grand Master referred the same to your committee to hear and. report upon the charges against Brother Mandelcorn. Briefly stated, the charges are to the effect that during a regular meeting of said lodge on .June 18th, 1917, while the accused presided as Worshipful Master of said lodge, he did in the presence of members of said lodge and a large number of visiting brethren charge the complainant with nnman})', ungentlemonl)' nnd unmnsonic eonduct and that he ,,'as urnworth)' of holding ony office in the lodge and ordered his removal from various committees upon which he was serving, including the Employmerit Bureau, Board of Relief, other committees and the Board of Trustees; no charge having been preferred against him, that he angrily rapped him down, refusing to permit him to make any statement, saying In a loud voice, "We will hear nothing from you; you can make no defense 'here." That 'he actually yelled at him, "Shut up; you have no defense." All the while vigorously pounding with the gavel and that while so doing he "acted like an enraged beast." That the accused had previously invited a number of Past Masters of
250
. Proceedings of the
[Sept.
said lodge and other lodges of the City of St. Louis to be present to hear him "skin and flay him alive," which conduct was grossly scandalous and unmasonic and unbecoming a Master of a lodge and that the accuser was grossly treated and humiliated in the presence of the members and visitors. Both the complainan t and the accused appeared before your committee in person and by counsel. The testimony discloses the following facts: That at a meeting, on or about the 21st day of May, an Entered Apprentice from a neighboring lodge presented himself for admission to Itaska Lodge while at labor in the Entered Apprentice Degree. Whereupon, Brother Nelson A. Albertson, the accuser, directed the Tiler to refuse him admission, not having referred the matter to the 'Vorshipful Master, to which the Worshipful Master took exceptions, claiming that it was an usurpation of power on the part of the accuser and an invasion of the duties of the Worshipful Master and later it appeared became greatly vexed and angered over such action of the accuser. An effort was made by prominent members of the. lodge to reconcile the differences between these brethren. The Master agreed to submit the matter to some three or four Past Masters named by him, to which Brother Albertson objected, offering, however, to submit the matter to a committee of all Past Masters. This the Master refused to acquiesce in. Soon thereafter and immediately prior to the regular meeting on June 18th, the Worshipful Master caused to be sent out to the members of Itaska Lodge and to the various official members of other St. Louis lodges a notice entitled, "Special-Regular Meeting-" of his lodge, stating "C'ertain matters having been brought to the attention of the' Worshipful Master, it is his desire to lay them before the lodge at this ~eting. Kindly set aside all personal affairs and be there:' It also appears by the undisputed evidence of an officer of a neighbor lodge that the accused while at a meeting of such lodge shortly before this June meeting invited numerous brethren of said other lodge to come over at the next meeting of his lodge, stating that he was going to "raise hell" and that he was "going to show them who was Master." The testimony clearly discloses that while the accused is himself a Hebrew, that he admitted on interview had by Right Worshipful Brother Andrew J. O'Reilly, District Deputy for the 33rd District, that is, the St. Louis District, that he had pledged himself to certain brethren of his lodge that if put in line himself , for Master that when he became Master "he would not put any Jew in line," Not only have we the testimony of Right Worshipful Brother O'Reilly that he so admitted to him, but we have' the positive testimony of Brother Albertson, the accuser, that he admitted the same to him and that a disagreement arose between them as to this matter, Brother Albertson stating to him that if it were true that he had made such a pledge, he cared to have nothing more to do with him. This, indeed, seeIT).s to have been the beginning of the animosity shown by the Master toward the accuser. These statements the accused denies, thus squarely contradicting the District Deputy and the accuser. The evidence conclusively shows that at the m.eeting af June
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251
18th, before the members of the lodge and many visitors, the Master announced that he had invited them there for a specific purpose and proceeded to state that "a member of Itaska Lodge had been guilty of ungentlemanly and unmasonic conduct and was not fit to hold office." Whereupon, he said that that member was Brother Albertson, the accuser, and then proceeded to direct the Secretary to remove him as a member of the Board of Relief, the Employment Bureau, the Christmas Committee for the Masonic 'Home, and from the Board of Trustees, no charge having been preferred against him and no advance notice having been given to Brother Albertson of his intention to remove him. After announcing his removal, when the accuser claimed the 11001' for the purpose of explaining his position, the testimony shows beyond contradiction that the Master, using strong and violent language in a loud and angry voice, rapped the brother down and refused to permit him to make any statement, announcing that he had no defense and that the only thing that he would permit him to say was to admit that he was guilty. The conduct of the Master, by the testimony, was shown to be dictatorial, harsh and wholly unfair toward the complaining brother. 'The testimony also shows that in the administration of his office the Master was dictatorial, arbitrary and g-enerally offensive in the conduct of his office, at times having declared that he was boss, and apparently proceeded upon the theory of what he said must go. The testimony shows that Brother Albertson has been a prominent and useful Mason in his lodge and that at all times he was respectful in his conduct toward the Master and that even upon the occasion in question, while he felt himself deeply wronged by the treatment of the Master and showed much consternation, that he was deferential and polite in his demeanor towards the Master. DECISION. Your Committee is of opinion that the Worshipful Master feeling himself agg-rieved (without just cause) toward the accuser because of his criticism respecting the pledge not to appoint a Hebrew in line (which pledge the committee believes to 'have been made), and because of the direction by the accuser to the Tiler not to admit the Entered Apprentice to which he objected, and because of a petty jealousy as to the invasion of his supposed rights as Master, had become so embittered toward the accuser that he deliberately planned to bring together at the meeting of .Tune 18th large numbers, not only of his own lodge, but from sister lcdg;es, in order that he might proceed to openly criticise and castigate the accuser by peremptorily and without hearing dismiss him from the various appointments and committees which he held and by refusing, him permission to speak' in his own behalf and that his demeanor on that occasion and his general conduct of the affairs of the lodge was that of a boss or bully, autocratic, dictatorial, harsh, offensive and upon the whole unmasonic and unbecoming a Worshipful Master of a lodge, he apparently having forgotten that his duty was in a spirit of brotherly love and kindness to rule his lodge with equal, regularity and justice.'
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Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Your committee finds that the Most Worshipful Grand Master was fully justified in ordering a suspension of the Master, and 'respectfully recommends that the brother be and is hereby removed from the office of vVorshipful Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., and that he be and hereby is suspended from all rights, duties and privileges of a Master Mason for a period of one year. Respectfully submitted, WM. T. JAMISON, AUSTIN L. McRAE, JAMES P.TUCKEH, ORESTES MITCHELL, P. O. SANSBURY (not sitting).
REPORT OF MASONIC
TEMPLE COMMITTEE.
R. \lV. Bro. Thad B. Landon submitted the following report of Committee of three on Permanent Masonic Temple for use of Grand Lodge officers, etc. Adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of the State of Missouri: At the session of this Grand Lodge, in 1916, the Committee on Lease of Offices reported that it had been found inadvisable to contemplate the use of the Masonic Home Grounds, that the Committee favored the Grand Lodge having a permanent hall and offices in the City of St. Louis, but' were not pr'epared to submit details of hall room and offices 'for the purposes contemplated, nor the probable amount 路that might be required for the Grand Lodge to secure therein just what they wanted, and recommended the appointment of a committee of three, whose duty it should be, at such time as convenient, to meet the Committee of Masons in the City of St. Louis, who are promoting the proposed Temple, and secure from them all details relative to Grand Lodge space and hall, as well as the financial part of the proposition, and report same to the Ways and Means Committee at the next Annual Communication. In pursuance thereof, your Committee on Masonic Temple was appointed~ Your Committee (M. W. Brother Short being unable, however, to attend) met with the Committee composed of members from the various Masonic bodies of S1. Louis, and of which Worshipful Brother Vetsburg was Chairman, on February 5th, 1917, at the office of the Grand Secretary in St. Louis. At this meeting, your Committee was advised that the Grand Avenue Masonic Temple in St. Louis was occupied by sixteen .Blue Lodges, three Chapters, three Commanderies, one Council, and several Eastern Star Chapters, under a lease expiring in April, 1920, and that these bodies would be compelled to tind a new home prior to that time; that these bodies had tentatively agreed to erect a Masonic home, costing from Five to Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars;. that to this end, these bodies, exclusive of the Eastern Star, had pledged Two Hundred and Sixty-six Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine Dollars ($266,659.00), and that they expeGted the pledges from the Eastern. Star Chapter to increase
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
this amount to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars '($:t00,000.00); and that they felt that if the Grand Lodge should assist, they could increase their contribution to - Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00); that they desired the Grand Lodge to contribute Two Hundred Thous'and Dollars ($200,000.00); the building so erected to be used by such Blue Lodges, Chapters, Commanderies, Councils, Eastern Star' Chapters, and by the Grand Lodge for its offices and place of meeting. It was suggested that the' Grand Lodge could raise this Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) by the issuance of TwentyYear Bonds, and that such loan could be secured -at not exceeding fi ve per cent (5 %) in terest. No drawings or plans for such a building had been made. They proposed that it be built and operated under the plan used by the Grand Lodge of Indiana arid subordinate .lodges at Indianapolis; and such plan was· submitted to your CommitteE;l. Your· Committee requested the St. Louis ·Committee to· submit their proposition in writing, which was accordingly done, and such written proposition is hereto attached, marked "Exhibit: 1'!, and ,the same is made a part of this report. Since that time, however, and immediately prior to the convening of this session of the. G'r;i.nd Lodge, this plan so submitted has been altered very. materially; The Masonic Temple Association of St. .Louis has been organized, and is now perfecting its· -incorporation. This Association as now constituted is composed of numerous Masonic bodies in St. Louis. r.rhe Association is not ,now in position to submit details or plans nor the probable cost of a building, nor has a site been selected. YOl;lrCommitteej- therefore, feels that it can not at this session ,intelligently report upon the matter. . We recommend that the matter be' continued and report deferred until the Annual·Communication of 1918. (EXHIBIT 1.) St. Louis.' "T·had B. Landon, Esq., Chairman of Special Committee on Grand Lodge Quartets, Orear-Leslie Bldg., Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Right Worshipful Brother: In accordance -with the ·request made ,by you at the meeting held in this city on the 5th da'y of February, 1917, we wish to submit the following written statement in regard to a ··proposed Central Masonic'Temple to b'e built- in ·St. Louis: While the erection of a 'Central Masonic Temple such· as is proposed' to be built' jointly' fOT the Grand Lodge of Missouri :and the several Masonic· bodies of the City -of SC Louis is in a -large measure ·'a 'business and legal proposition' and must be carefully worked out on the business side· on business principles, an.d on the legal side in such a manner as will carefully conserve the rights of all -parties interested, without giving ris'e to friction and controversy,' still there is another sIde from which this whOle matter should be viewed which is of greater and more' far-reaching jmpO'rtance than the busine'ss and legal considerations involved. It has been said that Freemasonry is a:· beautiful· system Of' mo:rals
254
Proceedings of the
[ Sept.
and that its tenets are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These teachings are already beautifully exemplified in the Masonic Home of Missouri on Delmar Avenue, which stands as an enduring monument ,to the generos'ity and fraternal spirit of the Freemasons of Missouri. But the work is not yet compiete. We need a Home, not only for our unfortunate members, their widows and orphans, but we need a fitting and adequate Home for the Grand Lodge itself. We have seen other organizations of greater or less importance of far less antiquity than the Masonic Fraternity, and actuated perhaps by far less lofty and exalted purposes, erect magnificent edifices which will serve them as a Home and reflect credit upon them for generations to come. Why should not Freemasonry, the oldest and best of all Fraternal Organizations, be housed in a structure somewhat at least commensurate with the . dignity of the Institution? We feel that there should be in this city an edifice which will not only be 'adequate for the needs of the Grand Lodge and Graft, but one of sufficient beauty and dignity to make it patent to the world at large that our membership is actuated by a love and loyalty and devotion to our ancient and honorable Institution. It is true that the rugged and in~piring truths of Freemasonry do not need the artificial reinforcement of brick and mortar to lend them life and vitality. They are just as true and just as inspiring whether taught in the humble lodge hall of the remotest rural district or in the most modern and up-to-date hall of our larger cities. Still this is an age of progress, and the world at large looks to an Institution like Freemasonry to show in its outward manifestations a spirit of advancement in keeping with the progress which is so strikingly in evidence on every hand and in every depar.tment of life. The moral and aesthetic value, therefdre, of a. Grand and Central Masonic Temple such as is under consideration at this time can scarcely be overestimated. This Temple is proposed to be built by the several Masonic bodies now meeting in the Grand Avenue Masonic Temple, Grand and Finney Avenues, St. Louis, inclUding sixteen Blue Lodges, three Royal Arch Chapters, three Commanderies, one Council of Royal and Select Masters and a number of Eastern Star Chapters. In 1913 these several bOdies pledged themselves to raise Building Funds, with the tentative agreement that they should be used for the building of a Masonic Temple for Masonic purposes only. The amount of these pledges from the several Masonic bodies, not including the Eastern Star, aggregates the sum of $266,659, which, with contributions expected from the Eastern Star Chapters and individual contributions can reasonably be expected to reach the sum of $300,000. Our Committee feels that, should the Grand Lodge co-operate in the building of a Temple here, the above amount could, th'rOugh increased Lodge and personal subscriptions, easily be brought up to the total sum of $500,000. The several Masonic bodies have been collecting Building Funds pursuant to their pledges, and the above sum of $266,659 is practically available today, should the several bodies desire to use their general funds for that purpos~ The leasehold of the Masonic Temple Association on its present quarters at Grand and Finney Avenues expires in April, 1920, and
1917.]
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255
a new Central Temple will be built to accommodate the abovemen tioned bodies and such 0 thers as may desire to co-operate by the time the above-mentioned lease, expires. The exact location has not been determined, further than that it must be central and accessible from the several different sections of the city. The exact location would be a matter of agreement between the various bodies meeting in the proposed building. There is a concensus of opinion that the present offices of the Grand Lodge are inadequate; that they are unsafe for Grand Lodge records; that they are not commensurate with the dignity of the Grand Lodge; and that the Grand Lodge should acquire and own a permanent home of its own in St. Louis, with a suitable' auditorium for its Annual Communications, with fireproof vaults for its records, securities and archives, and adequate offices for its executive officers. St. Louis is the seat of the Grand Lodge, and we, feeling that these accommodations could be acquired by the Grand Lodge more reasonably and advantageously by combining with the Association which will build the proposed Temple here, are now offering the Grand Lodge the opportunity to join with us in the building of the proposed Masonic Temple. St. Louis would get from such a structure no benefit other than what would equally accrue to the Grand Lodge and through it to the entire Fraternity. Favorable action by the Grand Lodge would result in the building of a more magnificent monument to the Craft in this city, which would give to the Fraternity a corresponding return. We have considered the additional cost which would result from including thee Grand Lodge quarters in the proposed Temple, and believe that it would cost an additional sum of $200,000,00; and this i~ the sum that we would expect the Grand Lodge to appropriate for that purpose and which would make the total cost aggregate at least $700,000. We believe that raising the sum of $200,000 ought to be an easy matter for the Grand Lodge. As a suggestion a2 to the method of ownership, we hand you herewith the 1907 proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, on page 82 of which you find a copy of the contract between their Grand Lodge and the Temple Associatio'n of Indianapolis.• We offer this not In the belief that all its provisions would be suitable for the Grand Lodge of this State and' our Association, but merely as a basis from which a proper agreement could be drawn in the event our Grand Lodge decided to join in our building project. We are informed that Masonic Temples have been similarly erected in the States of Maryland, Wisconsin and California and probably in other States as well, so that the proposition of joint action between the Grand Lodge and the subordinate Lodges is by no means a new one at this time. Our Committee has fUlly considered the suggestion made by you that we submit a plan whereby our local bodies should provide in the proposed Temple, suitable quarters for the Grand I... odge, to be rented to the latter. We are not in a posi,tion to present such ::to proposition." Fraternally, THAD B. LANDON, JOHN T. SHORT, J. L. HECKENLIVELY.
256
[Sept.
Proceedin[/s of th,e
REPORT OF COMMITTEE W AYSAND MEANS:
O~
'M. "v. Bro. Frank R. Jesse presented the following report of Committee on Ways and l\lcans., A,dapted: To the Most, Worshipful Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Missouri: Dear -Brethren: Your' Committee on Ways and Means subn1its the following fiscal exhibit: The cash in the treasury available at this' time for current expenses for ,the ensuing year is $44,077. 79, and we recommend the following appropriations: Pay-Roll, 1917, Warrant No.1 ' ' $ Printing Proceedings for 1917 " . Expenses of Grand Master .. ',' " ',' . Rent of' Grand Lodge Offices ' . Assistant to Grand Secretary :' ",1' . • • • . . • • • • • • • • • • • Assistant to Grand Secretary .., , . Printing, postage, stationery, extra sten. w'ork,and incidentals Salary o'f' Grand Secretary , ~ . Salary. of ' Grand ·'Le'cturer , . Expense of Grand Lecture,r (to be audited mOnthly) . Salary,' Fraternal Correspondent. .. ; , . Salary, Grand Treasurer . Salary, Grand Tiler '., . , '.' '.' . Portrait of Grand Master Higbee . Premium on bonds of Grand Secretary and G~and Trcasurer Past 'Grand Master's Jewel, for Edward Higbee ....•....... Lee M. Edgar, reportingproceee)ings, and transcript thereof 'Walter R. Shrodes, Chainnan Pa);-Roll Committee . Cla,rence L. Alexander, Chairman C~mmittee 'on Chartered Lpdges , , ' . Telephones in office of Grand Secretary . Charity, according to report of Co'mmittee . W. I. Mills, Stenog. Appeals and Grievances Committee . ReJ)rinting and distribution of Masonic Manuals . Expense of trial in Park Lodge 617, ordered by G. M . Expen'se of etchings, stamping dies, pertaining to Memorial to Grand Lodge of England, ordered by Grand Master.. Engrav~d souvenir-cards of Memorial, ordered by G. M., . Expense of Committee on Masonic Temple '.' Ex,pense of W. E. Robinson for. perfecting transcript for Rochester Lodge' No. 248, whose charter was arrested and funds turned over to the Grand Lodge . Repairs to and furnishings in office of Grand Lodge . H. Clay Perkins, for auditing accounts . Donation to Masonic Home Improvement Fund . Expenses this session of Grand Lodge .
8,868.35 3,000.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 1,200,00 840.00 1,500.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 700.00 400.00 200.00 150,00 50,00 150.00 .100.00 70.00 100.00 25.00 175.00 300.00 105.25 500.00 45.:00 122.05 15.00 51.00
13.00 1,000.00 50.00 6,000.00 420.00
1917.]
257
Grand Lodge of Missouri·
In ternational Board of Relief, U. S. and Canada . R. J, Mills, stcnographer:'.s fee. in trial of tbe matter of the suspension of Bro;, Wm: ' Mandelcorn ; .
300.00 13.00
$34,462.65 F. R. JESSE, A. M. DOCKERY,
JOHN· T. SHORT, R. R. KREEGER, C. C. BIGGER, JNO. M. CARNAHAN, H. N. MARTIN.
APPOINTMENTS. The Grand :Master-elect, M. VV. Bro. Wm. A. Clark, anfollowing appointments: ,.
nounced·:}~e GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND
LECTURER CHA.PLAIN CHAPLAIN SENIOR DEACON JUNIOR DEACON SENIOR STEWARD JUNIOR STEWARD MARSHA)' MARSHAL , SWORD BEARER PURSUIVANT.; ORATOR ORATOR TILER
J. R. McLACHLAN. JOHN H. MILLER. ,ARTHUR MATHER. 0. A. LUCAS. BERT S. LEE. JOS. S. McINTYRE. OHESTES MITCHELL. AUSTIN L. McHAB. W. V\T. MARTIN. CHAS. C. GARDNER. JOHN PICKARD. FREDERICK D. GARD'NER :ViM. C. HECK. . HARRY A. KRUEGER.·
INSTALLATION. M. VV. Bro. c. H. Briggs, as Grand Master, and lVL W., Bro. Van F. Boor, as Grand l\1arshal, proceeded to' install the following Grand Officers for the ensuing year: WM. A. CLARK, .Jefferson City JOHN ,V. BINGHAM, Milan JULIUS C. GARRELL, St. Louis V\TM. F. ·JOHNSON, Boonvil1c WM. A. HALL, St. Louis JOHN R. PARSON, St. Louis
GTIAND MASTER. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. GRAND SENIOR WARDEN. GRAND JUNIOR WARDEN. GRAND TREASURER. GRAND SECRETARY.
258
[ Sept.
Proceedings of the
APPOINTED OFFICERS. J. R. McLACHLAN, Kahoka JOHN H. MILLER, Kansas City ARTHUR MATHER, St. Louis O. A. LUCAS, Kansas City BERT S. LEE, Springfield JOS. S. McINTYRE, St. Louis ORESTES MITCHELL, St. Joseph AUSTIN L. McRAE, Rolla W. W. MARTIN, Doniphan CHAS. C. GARDNER, Kirksville JNO. PICKARD, COlumbia FRED'K D. GARDNER, St. Louis WM. C. HECK, California HARRY A. KRUEGER, St. Louis
GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAKD GRAND GRAND GRAND GRAND· GRAND
LECTURER. CHAPLAIN. CHAPLAIN. SENIOR DEACON. JUNIOR DEACON. SENIOR STEWARD. JUNIOR STEWARD. MARSHAL. MARSHAL. SWORD BEARER. ·PURSUIVANT. ORATOR. ORATOR. TILER.
CHAIRMEN OF STANDING COMMIT·TEES. The Grand Master, M. "VIi. Bro. Wm. A. Clark, appointed the following. chairmen of standing and special committees: JURISPRUDENCE APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES WAYS AND MEANS CREDENTIALS PAy-ROLL CHAHTJ<;RED LODGES LODGES U. D CHARITY REPORTS OF D. D. G. M.'s MASONIC BOARDS OF RELIEF RITUAL MASONIC HOME CORRI·~SPONDENCE
OBITUARIES AUDITING : GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS UNFII'<ISHED BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION AND HOTELS
A. T. DUMM. ROBERT A. MAY. FRANK R. JESSE. AUG. F. WEEKE. B. F. WILSON. CLAREI'<CE L. 'ALEXANDER. JAMES A. BOONE. HOMER N. LLOYD. GEO. S. McLANAHAN. LOUIS MOLLER. D. M. WILSON. .ARTHUR B. TIMERMAN. , . CHARLES C. WOODS. CORONA H. BRIGGS. H .• CLAY PERKINS. XENOPHON RYLAND. BERNAL L. TATMAN. F. :F'. WM. KRENNING.
I
1917. ]
259
Grand Lodge of Missouri
COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. Robert A. May, Chairman; Homer N. Lloyd, Jno. C. Robertson, Thos. F. Hurd, Emmett S. Ballard, W. A. Phipps, Dorsey A. Jamison.
COMMIT'TEE ON JURISPRUD,ENCE. A. Thos. Dumm, Chairman; B. E. Bigger, Arch A. Robert H. Kreeger, Frank R. J~ssc, Ransom A. Breuer.,
Johnson,
SPECIAL COMMITTEES. Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges-vVm. F. KUhn, 'J. \V. Boyd, C. C. Woods: Corona H. Briggs, A. S. Houston, Wm. A. Hall. Manuals-John R. Parson, Geo. A. Mayha11, Johl~ H. Gundlach, Wm. C. Heck. Ritual--'D. M. Wilson, R. R. Kreeger, John McLachlan, Frank R. Jesse, Karl M. Vctsburg. Lease of Offices-A. M. Dockery, Julian M. Gibson. Masonic Temple-Thad Heckenlively. Uniformity
of
B.
Bond-Sol
Jacob
Landon, E.
Lampert,
John
"\Vaggoner,
T.
T. A.
Short,
J.
F. R.
Jesse,
Short, M.
James
Hough,
L.
Dorsey
1\. Jamison.
LIVING PAST GRAND MASTERS OF THIS JURISDICTION. XENOPHON HYLAND, 'ALEXANDER M. DOCKERY, CHARLES C. WOODS, ROBERT F. STEVENSON, JAMES W. BOYD, THEODORE BRACE, GEORGE E. WALKER, JOHN R. PARSON, ARTHUR M. HOUGH, DORSEY A.JAMISON, CORONA H. BHIGGS, JOS. C. FINAGJN, WM. F. KUHN,
R.
A. S. HOUSTON, D. M. WILSON, JOHNT. SHORT, ROBERT R. KREEGER, WM; A. HALL, CLAY C. BIGGER, ARCH A. JOHNSON, JACOB LAMPERT, VAN FREMONT BOOR, TOLMAN W. COTTON, FRANK R. .JESSE, EDW ARD HIGBEE.
•
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
TRANSMISSION OF GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL. 1\1. W. Bro. Edvvard Higbee, retiring Grand Master, in transmitting to Grand ~1aster \Villiam A. Clark, just installed, the Grand Master's Official Jewel, spoke as follows: Most "Worshipful Brother Clark: You' have been chosen Grand Master of the State of Missouri, and to you is committed the welfare of seventy thousand Freemasons. I congratulate the Grand Lodge and the Freemasons of the State of Missouri upon their most wise choice. You have by years of most loyal service demonstrated your fitness to guide the destinies of the Freemasons of the State of Missouri, and we have no doubt that you will uphold the honor of the institution. Now allow me on behalf of the Grand Lodge to invest you with this Jewel, which we have no doubt you will wear with much . 'pleasure to' yourself and with honor to the Fraternity. I again congratulate the Grand Lodge and you. You will during your year as Grand Master meet with a great many of the Freemasons of the State of Missouri, and I charge you that it will be a constantly recurring series of pleasant meetings, with warm hearts and路 always welcomed by the loyal Freemasons of this country, and every honor will be accorded to you and to your high station. I have no doubt it will afford you great pleasure. You will have some disagreeable duties to perform; but we know that your loyalty to Freemasonry and to the right, will guide you in dealing wisely and well with every problem and that you will guard the interests of this grand institution. Again I congratulate you upon your induction into this most distinguished office. (Applause.)
1\10st Worshipful Brother Clark, Grand Master, responded as follows: Most Worshipful Brother Higbee and Brethren: When the chariot of fire and the horses of fire bore the old Prophet from the scene of his earthly labors to the presence of the great Jehovah whom he had served so long and so well, there was one upon . whom his mantle fell and with it a larger portion of 'his spir.it. Now when the wheels of destiny 'have so revolved that this beautiful Jewel comes to me, I assure you that I accept it humbly a"nd. with a full realization of the high responsibilities which its possession entaIls, and the sincere hope that some of the wisdom of .these Brethren' upon whose breasts it has been so .long and so worthily worn' may descend upon and remain with me to the end 路that I may for the time being carryon this work in such a. way that the full glory and reputation of the institution will be firmly established and the world at large be convinced of its good deeds and right dealings. Brethren, I thank you. (Applause.)
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
PRESENTATION OF PAST GRAND JEWEL.
261
MASTER'S
1\1. W. Bro. Frank R. Tesse, Past Grand 1\1aster, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, pres~nted M retiring' Grand Master Edward Higbee a Past Grand lVlaster's Jewe!, saying: Most Worshipful Brother Higbee and Brethren of the Grand Lodge: We walk in the footsteps of our fathers. Human nature has not changed in six thousand years. We honor our heroes in peace and in war as did the people of ancient Egypt and Persia. The athlete of ancient Athens received as a reward for his successes a crown of laurel leaves, and this trifling token was considered by the ancient Athenian as worthy of a lifetime of toil, for it distinguished him as first among his fellows. The hero of the battle field was recognized and honored by a glittering medal or an iron cross. It marked him as first among his comrades; and so we of today delight to honor our heroes, whether of peace or of war, for "Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war." And now" Most WorshipfUl Brother Higbee, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Missouri, I am directed to invest you with this Jewel to distinguish you as one honored first among your brethren. You have served this Craft faithfully for many, many long years, and for the last year you have been its supreme leader in the great battle for human rights, for human liberty and for justice and equality. In that great battle you have become victorious. "You have fought a good fight; you have kept the faith." You are worthy of a crown-as worthy as the athlete of ancient Athens. You are worthy of this token that will be worn as long as' you live, and at your death it will go down to your descendants as a: reminder of their ancestor's victorious struggles in the great cause of humanity, this great cause that the Freemasons of the world are engaged in to make' men. Men, whom high hope inspjres, Men whom patriotism fires, Men w,ho are worthy of their sires. Men 'w'ho will not sham'e their mother, Men who will not fail their brothers, True, however false are others, Useful, loyal, manly men. Accept 'this, my Brother. Wear it always, and may it ever remain-and I know it will-as spotless as it is today. (Applause.)
262
Proceedings of the
[ Sept.
l\/fost Worshipful Brother Higbee responded as follows: Most, Worshipful Brother Jesse and Brethren:. ,1 ,am wh.olly.., unable to' adequately reply to the all too generous '\~ords of my dear Brother Jesse. It was a very proud day when by the suffrages of this Grand Lodge 1 was called to the Grand East. I felt my inability, but I knew that I could always rely upon such friends ~s Most Worshipful Brother .lesse, and our illustrious Grand Secretary, Brother Parson, and in fact anyone of the Freemasons of the State of Missouri, high or low. It was with very much dOUbt as to whether or not I would be able to discharge the duties that were imposed upon me. But 1 have tried in my humble way, and when I knew I lacked wisdom, I didn't hesitate to call upon Brother Jesse and Brother John R. Parson or Brother McLachlan and other Brethren, and they were always generous enough to assist me in every possible way. And now, Brethren, you will have to supply what I am unable tc say as expressive of my feelings on this occasion. 1 had always, thought that when a Lodge elected a man to be Master of that Lodge, that they had conferred the very highest honor that they could possibly confer upon him, and I have often wondered why it was that when a Master retired from office they should so fail in their appreciation of their honors as to abstain from attending the communications of the Lodge. It always seemed to me that Brethren who had been so highly honored, would be placed under obligation to constantly attend the Lodge and assist in the work ,of the Lodge. Now I feel that I am your 'bonded servant so long as life remains, and that whenever and wherever I can be of any assistance to the Freemasons of the State of Missouri, you are' entitled to my services, of whate\'er character or nature that may be. Now, my Brethren, I thank you ,from the bottom of my heart for the great truSt and confidence you manifested in me when you conferred this high office upon me. Of course I have made mistakes. But I have done my best. I have tried to serve you faithfully always during my term of office. I have tried to do the best I could to uphold the honor and integrity of this great institution. And again I thank you for this generous token of your respect and confidence in me; (Applause.)
PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS. On motion, the Grand Secretary was direc;ted to print for distribution the usual number of copies of the Proceedings Df this se-ssion of the Grand Lodge.
1917.]
Grand Lodge of lvIissouri
263
MINUTES APPROVED. The minutes of the two sessions today were read by the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Lodge.
CLOSING. No further business appearing, at 4 :25 P. M. the M. VV. Grand l\laster, Wm. A. Clark, closed the Ninety-seventh Annual Comumincation of the :Most vVorshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of l\1issouri IN Al\1PLE FORl\1. "America," sung by the Brethren as a dosing ode. Prayer by R. \1\1. and Rev. Bro. Arthur Mather, Grand Chaplain.
Grand Secretary.
264
Proceedings of the
DISTRIOT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 1st District-H.路 N. MARTIN, Kahoka. 2d .. JNO. H .. HOLTON, Kirksville. 3d JOHN SANTEE, Greencastle. 4th J. H. CLA\,",SON, .Trenton. 5th E. W. PRENTISS: Bethany. 6th J. A. MARSH, Albany. 7th JOSEPH E.路 REESE, Maryville. 8th H. S. TEARE, Oregon. 9th GHAS. M. THOMAS, St. Joseph. 10th H. YV. SAUNDERS, Maysville. 11th EMSLE Y C. JAMES, Gower. 12th RICHARD A. THARP, Wheeling. 13th E. W. TAYLER, Marceline. 14th GEO. F. BRgWINGTON, BevIer. 15th B. E. BIGGER, Hannibal. 16th ROBERT A. MAY, Louisiana. 17th THOS. F. HURD, Paris. 18th T. H. WALTON. Higbee. 19th HORACE L. MANN, Brunswick. 20th WM. BAKER, Hale. 21st J. P. TUCKER, Parkville. 22d ARTHUR L. \VILLIAMS, Kansas City. 23d WM. T. \VERNWAG, Lexington, 24th J. S. WILSON, Marshall. 25th M. Eo SCHMIDT,Boonville. 26th H. L. WILSON, Columbia. 27th S. P. CUNNINGHAM, Mexico. 28th JNO. E. REEDS, Jonesburg. 29th J. W. POWELL, Elsberry. 30th E. A. FLUESMEIER, Wright City. 31st A. T. DUMM, Jefferson City. 32d R. A. BREU gR, HermanH. 33d ANDREW J. O'REILLY, St. Louis. 34th JAMES F. BLAIH, Belton. 35th R. B. CAMPBELL, Spruce. 36th A. M. HARLAN, Sedalia. 37th H. \V. FRISTOE, Windsor. 38th H T. WRIGHT, Lebanon. 39th EDMUND J. KOCH, Rolla. 40th CHAS. E. PYLE, DeSoto. 41st JNO. M. CHAMBERLIN, Bolivar. 42d H. H. FINLEY, Greenfield. 43d HENRY KRAFT, Jr. 44th B R. ELLIOTT, Carthage. 45th EDW ARD CLARK, Springfield. 46th CARL A. SWENSON, Mountain Grove. 47th J. M. CARNAHAN, Van Buren. 48th W. B. MASSEY, Bonne Terre. 49th G. \V. MILLER, Millersville. 50th .T AMES A. BOONE, Charleston. 51st T. R. R. ELY, Kennett. 52d E C. WHITE, Doniphan. 53d H. A. STEARNS, West Plains. 54th G. J. VAUGHAN, Ozark. 55th W. N. MARBUT, Mount Vernon. 56th W. A. PHIPPS, Neosho. 57th WM. A. MEYERS, Jennings.. 58th EDWIN NELSON, Versailles. 59th ALLAN McDOWELL HOYT, Independence.
[Sept..
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
DISTRICT LECTURERS. .Ist District-P. O. SANSBERRY, Wyaconda.. 2d " C. C. GARDNER, Kirksville. 3d JOHN SANTEE, Greencastle. 4th J. H. CLAWSON, 'l:renton. 5th E. W. PRENTISS, Bethany. 6th J. A. MARSH, Albany. 7th JO,SEPR E. REESE, Maryvil'ie~ 8th H. S. TEARE, Oregon. 9th B. F. WATSON, St. Joseph. 10th '" II. W. SAUNDERS, Maysville. 11th EMSLEY C. JAMES, Gower. 12th RICHARD A. THARP,路 Wheeling. 13th E. W. TAYLER, Marceline. 14th GEO. F. BREWINGTON, Bevier. 15th B. E. BIGGER, Hannibal. 16th H.OBERT A. MAY, Louisiana. 17th THOS. F. HURD, Paris. 18th T. H. WALTON, Higbee. 19th HORACE L. MANN, Brun.swick. 20th WILLIAM BAKER, Hale. 21st H. C. NOLAND. Parkville. 22d CHAS. T. KORNBRODT, Kansas City. 23d Wl\L T. WERNWAG, Lexington. 24th J. S. WILSON, Marshall. 25th S. L. STITES, Pilot Grove. 26th J. A. OLIVER, Columbia. 27th S. P. CUNNINGHAM, Mexico. 28th JOHN E. REEDS, Jonesburg. 29th J. W. POWELL, Elsberry. 30th E. A. FLU~SMEIER, Wright City.路 31st A. T" D.uMM, .Jeffersori City. 32d R. A. BREUER, Hermann. 33d MAX A. WITTMANN, St. Louis. 34th JAMES F: BLAIR,Belton. 35th R. B. CAMPBELL, S'pruce. 36th A. M. HART...AN, Sedalia. 37th H.路 W. FRISTOE, Windsor. 38th H. T. WRIGHT, Lebanon. 39th EDMUND J. KOCH, Rolla. 40th CHA S. E. PYLE, DeSoto. 41st JNO. M. CHAMBERLIN, Bolivar. 42d H. H. 'FINLEY,' Greenfield. 43d :F'RANK E. WOODFILL; Nevada. 44th W. D .. RICHARDSON, Webb City. 45th GEO. W. CUST~R, Springfield. 46th CARL A. SWENSON, Mountain Grove. 47th J. M. CARNAHAN, Van Buren. 48th 'V. B. MAS'SEY, Bonne Terre. 49th G. W. MILLER,. Millersville. 50th ..' JAMES A. BOONE, Charleston. 51st VIRGIL P. ADAMS, Hayti. 52d E. C. WHITE, Doniphan. 53d '.. H. A. STEARNS, West Plains. 54th G. J. VAUGHAN, Ozark. . 55th W. N: MARBUT,Mount Vernon. 56th W. A. pHIPPS, Neosho. 57th vVILLIAM A. MEYERS, Jennings. 58th EDWIN NELSON, Versailles. 69th ALLAN McDOWELL HOYT, Independence.
265
266
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
REPORT'OF COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS. St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 20, 1917. Rent Scottish Rite Cathedral, Sept. 18, 19, 20 $175.00 W. H . .James, custodian, including extra help and incidentals 46.55 furnished .........•..................................... 40.00 United Railways (2 cars) . 15.00 Otto W. Fallert, Grand Organist ...............•............. 25.00 Steiner Engr. & Ba<1ge .Co., 2,000 buttons . 16.00 Koenig Floral Co., decorations . 15.00 George F. Eckhardt, Assistant Tiler ..................•...... Arthur S. Morey, Assistant Tiler . 15.00 15.00 J. S. McIlvaney, Assistant Tiler . 10.00 Henry J. Falkenhainer, rent of piano . 13.00 Spalding Stationery Co. (programs) ........................• Underwood 'l'ypewriter Co., two machines , 3.00 Gertrude Pearl, three days and one evening, stenographer .. 12.00 Margaret Deity, stenographer '; . 2.00 Mildred Hill, two days, stenographer ................•....... 6.00 Incidentals ," . 3.00 Harry Sherman, stenographer, Credentials Committee ......• 10.00 $421.55 A. J. O'REILLY, Chairman.
NEW LODGES. CHARTERED SEPTEMBER Ul, 1917. Lodge. Clarkton Morgan Harmony Euclid Algabil Warrenton
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51st 58th : .33d 33d 33d 30th
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Warren
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, 1918. The Ninety-eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held in St. Louis commencing at 10 o'clock on the morning of the third Tuesday, viz, the 17th day of September, 1918.
1917. ]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
267
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS ADOPT'ED. The following amendments to the Grand Lodge By-Laws were adopted during the session, 1917: Section 50. Contract Debts. A Lodge shall not be permitted to contract debts for any purpose until sufficient available assets are on hand to meet the payment thereof. Provided, a Lodge may be permitted to contract debts for the purpose of building a hall or purchasing a cemetery, with the consent and approval of the Grand Master. Lodges obtaining permission to contract debts for building a hall or purchasing a cemetery shall at once notify the Grand Secretary of the amount of the debt incurred, the security given, and when the debt matures. When any debt contracted, as herein provided, shall have been paid, the Lodge shall notify the Grand Secretary of such payment. A record of such debts and the payment thereof shall be kept in the office of the Grand Secretary. MILEAGE路 AND PER DIEM. Section 69. Mileage and Per Diem. The Past Grand Masters, Grand Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, District Lecturers路 and one Representattve from each Lodge, and the Chairman of each Standing Committee, w-ho do not draw mileage and per dIem in any other capacity, shall be paid the sum of路 three dollars ($3.00) for each day they may be in actual attendance upon. the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and three cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning therefrom: provided, that no Representative shall receive either mileage or per dIem unless all dues from his Lodge to the prand Lodge have been paid by August 1st, and no Representative shall receive more than one-fifth of the sum paid by his Lodge for that year as dues, and no one shall receive mileage and per diem in a' double capacity. Amend Section 132 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws by adding the following to said Sectlon-"157b"-So that when 80 amended said section shall read as follows: Section 132. Petition for Membership Dlmlt MUllt Accompany. A Lodge shall not entertain a petition for membership, unless the same is accompanied by a DimIt or some other documentary evidence of good sta路nding of the applicant, as provIded in Sections 157 and 157b. . Amend the Grand Lodge By-Laws by adding two new sections to be known as Sections 157a and 157b, which saId sections are as follows: Section 157a. Same. Any brother of this Grand .Jurisdiction, free from charges, desiring to transfer his membership to a Lodge of any "recognized" Grand Jurisdiction, which has a law substantially the same, shall have the right to petition such Lodge for membership, which petition shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Good Standing from his Lodge, showing him to be not delinquent In the payment of dues to the Lodge in which he holds membership~ which Certificate shall be substantially in form set forth in Section 151
268
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. Should the Lodge so receiving his petition elect him to membership, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Lodge "so- electing him to notify under seal Qf the Lodge, his former Lodge of such election and request said Lodge to 'forward his Dimit to the Lodge so electing him. Upon the receipt of such notice his former Lodge shall grant him a Dimit and forward the same' to the Secretary of the Lodge electing him. In case of his rejection by the Lodge to which he applied, his membership shall remain in his former Lodge granting the certificate. If the Certifi~ cateof Good Standing herein provided for is not used within Three Months from the date thereof, it shall become null and void and of no effect. Provided, however, that this section shall h1 no wise be construed so as to impair the right of voluntary and absolute dimission. Section 157b. Same. Any brother of any other "recognized" Grand Jurisdiction, free from charges, G"'siring to transfer his membership to any Lodge in this Grand .JuriSdiction shall have the right to petition such Lodge for membership, which petition shall be accompanied by a .Certificate of Good Standing from his Lodge, showing him to be not delinquent in the payment of dues to' the Lodge in which he holds membership. Should the Lodge so receiving his petition elect him to membership, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Lodge so electing him to notify under seal of the Lodge, his former Lodge of such election and request said Lodge to forward his Dimit to the Lodge so electing him. The Dimit shall be filed with the Secretary of the Lodge so electing him and his membership therein shall date from the time his former Lodge granted his Dimit. It shall be the duty of the petitioner to pay his former Lodge such dues as he may be indebted to such Lodge. Section 182. Same. No Lodge shall receive a petition for the. Degrees or for affiliation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as distiller, brewer, brewery agent~ wholesale liquor agent or salesman for such dealer, saloon keeper or bartender, or who signs a petition for it dram-shop license. Any Mason who may hereafter begin. such .business shall be expelled. To repeal Section 231 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, and substi-tute in lieu thereof the following: Section 231. Trials. All Masonic trials shall be in the Lodge of the highest degree to which the accused has attained, and both the accuser and the accused, even though the accused' may not be in good standt'ng, may be present in person during the hearing of the evidence and the argument, and may be represented by counsel in good Masonic standing. Section 246. Appeal In'' Grand Lodge. On receipt of the transcript, as provided in Section 243, by the Grand Secretary, the Grand Lodge shall be possessed of the case and shall determhie the same on the record so transmitted. The appellant, in the absence of fraud, may dismiss his appeal at any time before the meeting of the 'Grand Lodge. :(
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
269
STANDING RESOLUTION AD9PTED (1917). Resolved, That the Grand Master, prior to the opening Qf the Grand Lodge, shall appoint a committee consisting of three, to be known as the "Committee on Visitors". It shall be the duty of this committee to receive, introduce, accommodate and look after the entertainment of visiting Grand and. Past Grand Officers of Sister Grand Jurisdictions. All expenses incurred by this committee shall be presented to the Committee on Ways and Means. WM. F. KUHN, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL.
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF DIMISSION. E. A. OR F. C. To Whom It May Concern: THIS IS TO CERTIFY that Brother was initiated an En tcred Apprentice on the day of. . .. .. ',' 19 , (and passed to the degree of Fellow. C·raft on the · day of .................•... 19 ) in this lodge, and is in good standing as such, on the date hereof. At his request and at a Stated Communication of . .......... .. Lodge No, , A. F. & A. M., located at. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .: Missouri, held on the . day of. · 19 , he is granted this Waiver of Jurisdiction (or certificate of dimission) whereby he may apply to any lodge in the jurisdiction in which he may reside. By order of the Lodge. (Lodge Seal) ' Secretary. B. E. BIGGER, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. L. HAMRICK, MOSES WHYBARK, PAUL D. HIGBEE, Committee on Jurisprudence.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS. The fol1owing proposed amendments were submitted during the session and under the law go over to the next Annual Communication: To amend Section 27, subdivision (f) of the Grand Lodge ByLaws, by striking out said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: (f) Jurisprudence. A Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom shall be referred the decisions of the Grand Master, all propositions to amend the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and no such amendment shall be voted upon by the Grand Lodge until such amendments have been so referred and reported upon
270
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
by said Committee, and other questions of law as directed by the Grand Lodge. Said Committee shall meet on Monday preceding the opening of the Grand Lodge in the city where the same is to be held, and the members of said Committee shall be paid the usual mileage and per diem for their services while in attendance upon said Committee. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master to transmit to said Committee, on 路or before the first day of the meeting of said Committee, the decisions to be reported by him in his annual address. B. E. BIGGER, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL, WM. r... HAMRICK, MOSES WHYBARK, PAUL D. HIGBEE, Committee on Jurisprudence.
R. W. Bro. Thos. F. Hurd offered the following proposition to amend Section 152 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws: PROPOSITION TO AMEND SECTION 152 OF THE BY-LAWS (1908). Resolved, That Section 152 of the By-Laws of 1908 be amended as follows: Strike out the words "two-thirds" in the 44th line of said section and insert in lieu thereof the word "majority", so that the last paragraph of said section shall read as follows: "A Brother who shall remain in arrears more than one year after his suspension shall not be reinstated to membership by the payment of his dues except upon a written application and by a majority vote of the members of the lodge present at the ~ime his application is acted on. The vote shall be by paper ballot." THOMAS F. HURD, Paris Union No. 19, XENOPHON RYLAND, ARCH A. JOHNSON, W. W. MARTIN, D. M. WILSON.
R. W. Bro. B. L. Tatman offered the following proposed amendment to Section 176: To amend Section 176 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge by striking therefrom the word "all" in the fourth line of said section, an4 inserting in lieu thereof the words "two-thirds of", so that when said section is so amended it will read as follows: Section 176. Waiver of Concurrent Jurisdiction. A lodge outside of such city or town shall not receive a petition for the degrees from a person residing in the territory of such concurrent jurisdiction until two-thirds of the lodges in such city or town shall have waived jurisdiction. BERNAL L. TATMAN; D. D. G. M.
1917.]
271
Grand Lodge of Missouri
Proposition to amend Section 111 of Grand Lodge ByLaws was offered as follows: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 111,
BY~LAWS.
Be It Resolved, That Section 111 be amended by repealing said Section Ill, and, in lieu thereof, adopting the following as such section: Section 111. Same. Anyone of the three degrees may be conferred upon not more than five candidates at one and the same time, at any special or stated Communication: Provided, that such candidates shall be received separately in the First, Second and Third Degrees and shall pass separately through the second section of the Third Degree. Provided, further, that before degrees shall be conferred on more than one candidate a dispensation from the Grand Master shall be obtained. THAD B. LANDON, ANTHONY F. ITTNER, WILLIAM :F'. WOODRUFF, R. W. STALNAKER, PERCY A. BUDD, JOHN C. ROBERTSON.
272
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
STANDING RESOLUTIONS. . Standing Resolutions, Amendments to Grand Lodge ByLaws and Approved Decisions, adopted since the publication of Book of Constitutions (1908). ' MASONIC BOARDS OF RELIEF.
By R. W. Brother D. B. Farnsworth: BOARDS OF RELIEF-REPORTS OF. We respectfully recommend that the reports of these Boards, in the future, include a detailed statement of their disbursements, that the Craft may more fully understand and know their work, and be encouraged to emulate them; also that all of their receipts be given in more detail. [Proceedings 1909, page 99.] MASONIC HOME IMPROVEMENT FUND. Resolved, That the special contribution called for .in the report of the Committee on the Masonic Home for the impro'vement of the Home and grounds of fifty cents per annum for four years from each member of the Fraternity under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, except those whose regular annual dues are remitted, and which was levied upon our members by the Grand Lodge by the adoption of the recommendations of said Committee, be collected from the members by the Secretaries of the respective Lodges and remitted to the Grand Secretary at the same time and in the same manner as the regular annual dues; but that a separate statement of the same be made in the Annual Report of the Lodges in a column provided for that purpose, setting out the amount collected and remitted and the amount delinquent, if any. WM. M. WILLIAMS, XENOPHON RYLAND, WM. F. KUHN, A. C. STEWART. [Proceedings 1912, page 72.]. SMOKING PROHIBITED. "Resolved, That smoking in the Lodge room of each and every subordinate Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction is hereby strictly prohibited, not only during the time of conferring of Degrees, but at all times while the Lodge is in session for any purpose." It shall be the duty of the Master of every Lodge to see to the enforcement of this prohibition. [Proceedings 1913, page 162.]
By M. W. Brothers Kuhn and Wells:
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
273
FUNERALS OF GRAND OFFICERS. Resolved, That in the event of the death of one or more ot the first six officers of the Grand Lodge or of a Past Grand Maste.r the obsequies shall be conducted by the Grand Lodge, and the exp'enses of the remaining first six Grand Officers, one Grand Chaplain' and the Past Grand' Masters in attendance shall bfl paid by the Grand Lodge. . [Proceedings 1913, page 87.]
By M. W. Brother A. M. Hough: DIGEST OF LA WS. Resolved, That 'the Grand Secretary shall arrange and append to each publication of the Grand Lodge Proccedings, on pages by themselves, all amended By-Laws and the standing resolutions that are in force, and approved decisions under the head of "Standing Resolutions," and annually add thereto such as may thereafter be adopted, and omit such as may be repealed. [Proceedings 1913, page 86.] BOARDS OF RELIEF-BURIAL LOT. Resolved, That whereas an emergency exists in St. Louis in the matter of lack of space in the present burial lot. Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the St. Louis Masonic Board of Relief. is hereby authorized to purchase a suitable burial lot in St. Louis, in the name of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and pay for the same out of the contributions from the various Lodges in the City of St. Louis as prescribed by Section 59 of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1913, page 137.] Resolved, That the burial lots located in Valhalla Cemetery, St. Louis County, purchased and paid for by the Lodges in the City of St. wuis, in the name of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Missouri, be, and the same are hereby, placed in charge of the St. Louis Masonic Board of Relief, in the same manner as the lots so owned in Bellefontaine Cemetery, and that said Board of Relief shall direct who may be buried therein. A. J. O'REILLY, LOUIS MOLLER, WM. SESSINGHAUS. [Proceedings 1914, page 195.] BORDER LEGISLATION, That a Lodge In a bor(ler State desiring to receive l)ctltlons from and confer Degrees upon residents of, lUlssourl shall first obtain waivers from the Lodge In this State having' jurisdiction and from th~ Grand Master of l\llssourl.
[Proceedings 1913, page 142.]
274
, Proceedings of the
[Sept.
APPLICATIONS FOR CHARITY. Resolved, That all applications for the consideration of the Committee on Charity be made in writing by the officers of the Lodge upon whose membership the applicant bases his or her claim, and that all such applications be filed with the Grand Secretary at least twenty days before the meeting of. the Grand Lodg'e at which the matter is to be consirler€d. A. J. O'REILLY, D. W. GOSNELL, ROY E. STEPHENS. [Proceedings 1914, page 157.]
By M. W. Brother Van F. Boor: GRAND MASTERS' CONFERENCE-REPRESENTATIVES. Resolved, That the Grand Master, and one of the Grand Lodge Officers selected by the Grand Master, be and are hereby designated as the authorized representatives of this Grand Lodge to attend all future Conferences of Grand Masters, or other similar conventions or meetings having for their object the betterment of the laws, rules and regulations governing the Craft, especially having in view more uniform rituals and lectures, both written and unwrittEn, and the cultivation of closer fraternal relations between the Grand Jurisdictions of the world. [Proceedings 1914, page 173.]
By M. W. Brother A. M. Hough: BALLOT-FOR GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. Resolved, That in the election of Grand Lodge Officers, that the vote shall be taken by ballot, and that each officer and member of the Grand Lodge present shall cast one vote and no more: provided, that the vote may be taken by Lodges, if demanded, by the representatives of ten Lodges. [Proceedings 1914, page 192.] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES-WHEN PRESENTED. Resolved, That the Reports of the Committees on Jurisprudence, Appeals and Grievances, and Ways and Means shall be presented to the Grand Lodge for consideration not later than the second day of the session of the Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1914, page 192.] Resolved, That all reports to the Grand Lodge, except the address of the Most '\Vorshipful Grand Master, which have been printed prior to the session of the Grand Lodge, shall be presented and not read, and ordered printed in the Annual Proceedings. [Proceedings 1914, page 192.]
1917.)
Grand Lodge of lV1issouri
275
IMPOSTORS-LIST OF. Resolved, That all Masonic Lodges in Missouri not 'under control of a Board of Relief be furnished with an alphabetical list of names
of impostors with identification means, regular reports, together with a letter suggesting plans and ways of handling applications for relief. D. B. FARNSWORTH, R. W. MILLER, A. W. BAKER, G. W. EARLY. [Proceedings 1914, page 156.] GEO. WASHINGTON MASONIC NAT'L MEMORIAL ASS'N. Resolved, First, That this Grand Lodge approves and endorses the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association and the proposition to erect a Masonic Temple as a Memorial to George Washington, the Freemason, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and hereby enrolls itself as a member of said Association; Second, That the sum of One Hundred ($100) Dollars is hereby appropriated and directed to be paid to the Treasurer of said Association in order to place this Grand Lodge upon the Charter Roll of Honor; Third, That it recommends to such. individual Freemasons and Masonic Bodies in its Jurisdiction as are willing to do so, to become Charter Roll of Honor members of said Association by making like contributions; Fourth, That it hereby authorizes the Grand Master of this Grand Lodge to attend the meeting of said Association in the capacity of Representative of this Grand Lodge at and to represent it at such meetings, and when he shall be unable to be present, or for other cause shall deem it best to do so, from time to time, to appoint an appropriate representative to attend the meetings of said Association for this Grand Lodg-e, and to represent it at such meetings In his place and stead. Fraternally submitted, A. C. STEWART, JACOB LAMPERT, WM. F. KUHM, ORESTES MITCHELL. [Proceedings 1914, page 129.]
By. M. W. Brother A. M. Hough: AMENDMENTS-TIME FOR. Resolved, That all propositions to amend or change the Constitution, By-Laws 路01' Proceedings of this Grand Lodge shall be set for consideration on the morning of the second day of the session, at an hour to be fixed at the session of the first day of the Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1912, page 36..]
By M. W. Brother Wm. F. Kuhn:
276
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
PRINTING REPORT ON CORRESPONDENCE. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to print a sufficient number of advance copies of the report of the. Committee on Correspondence to supply.each member in attendance at the Grand Lodge with one copy. [Proceedings 1912, page 40.]
By M. W. Brother Wm. F. Kuhn: CHANGE OF NAME OF "INFIRMARY" TO "HOSPITAL." Resolved, That the "Infirmary Building" be now and forever l<:nown as the "Hospital" of the Masonic Home of Missouri, and .that wherever the word "Infirmary" appears in these reports it be stricken out and the word "Hospital" be inserted in lieu thereof. [Proceedings 1912, page 62.] APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES COMMITTEE-APPEARANCE BEFORE. Whereas, It is necessary for the Committee on Appeals and Grievances to prepare and submit to the Grand Lodge written opinions in causes coming before them, and in order to do thIs, each member ot said Committee must of necessity familiarize himself with 路the record and testimony in each case; . Therefore, Be It Resolved, That all arguments before saId CommIttee on any matter before it shall be made on Monday preceding' the opening of the Grand Lodge, and no one shall be heard after that date. CAMPBELL WELLS, CLAY C. BIGGER, JOHN T. SHORT, R: R. KREEGER, WM. F. KUHN. [Proceedings 1915, page 65.] MASONIC HOME FUNDS-PAYMENT OF. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer' be hereby directed to turn over to the .Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the' Masonic Home weekly, as collected, all moneys due the Home. [Proceedings ~915, page 147.] LEGISLATION-PROPOSED BY MEMBERS ONLY, Resolved, That no matter be received in writing, such as Amendments to the By-Laws, new By-Laws, Resolutions, Motions, or any similar matters demanding the action of the Grand Lodge, except it be signed by two (2) members of this Grand Lodge who give their Rank and number of the Lodge to which they belong. [Proceedings 1915, page 152.]
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CONFERRING DEGREES-FORBIDDEN. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge does hereby forbid any Lodge to confer more than one of the degrees or sections of a degree at one and the same time, in the same Lodge. The Grand Master is hereby empowered to enforce this edict. WM. F. KUHN. [Proceedings .1916, page 95.] EXEMPLIFICATION OF WORK-AT GRAND LODGE. Resolved, That, at the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge the work shall be exemplified under the direction of the R. W. Grand Lecturer, and for such purposes he shall select officers from active Masters and District Lecturers present. Provided, that officers of the Grand Lodge may officiate in their respective stations if they so desire. O. A. LUCAS, WM. F. KUHN, BERT S. LEE, WM. F. JOHNSON, JNO. W. BINGHAM. [Proceedings 1916, page 58.] QUESTIONS REFERRED TO D. D. G. l\f.'s. Whereas, Questions arise from time to. time on which the official decision of the Grand Master is desired, in the consideration of which the Craft and the Grand Master are entitled to the benefit of the advice and experience of the D. D. G. M. of the District in which the question may arise; therefore, be it Resolved, That such questions shall first be submitted to the D. D. G. M. of the District, who shall forward it to the Grand Master, together with his opinion and suggestions thereon in writing. EDWARD HIGBEE, JACOB LAMPERT. [Proceedings -1916, page 59.] LEGISLATION PROPOSED-MUST ,BE DEBATED BY LODGES. Be It Resolved, That the Grand Secretary instruct the Lodges that all matter coming before the Grand Lodge for action be read and debated at some meeting of the Lodge at least one mOnth before the Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge at which the subject is to be taken up for action.· This order to be sent each Lodge with a copy of the Grand Lodge Proceedings. WM.SESSINGHAUS, P. M., No. 267, JAMES W. BOYD, P. G. M., LOUIS MOLLER, P. M., No. 445. [Proceedings 1916, page 80.] • Appears in printed proceedings following Third Day.-J. R. P.
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[Sept. JJ
MANUAL-LIBRARY FORM. Be It Resolved, By the Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M. of Missouri, That the Grand Secretary be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to have printed sufficient copies of the Manual in library form to be sold at the price of one dollar ($1.00) per volume to supply the demand of the Craft. ARCH A. JOHNSON, No. 271. [Proceedings 1916, page 80.] DISTRICTS-CHANGE OF. Be It Resolved, By the Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M. of Missouri, That Crane Lodge No. 519, located at Crane, Mo.; Galena Lodge No. 515, located at Galena, Mo., and Reeds Spring Lodge No. 280, located at Reeds Spring, Mo., be taken from the Fifty-fifth Masonic District and placed in the Fifty-fourth Masonic District on account of the geographical location of said Lodges, and to more equally apportion the work of the District Lecturers of said Districts; there being at the present time seventeen Lodges in the Fifty-fifth District and but seven in the Fifty-fourth District. . ARCH A. JOHNSON, No. 271, JOHN R. PARSON, No. 267. [Proceedings 1916, page 80.] RECEPTION COMMITTEE-GRAND LODGE. Resolved, That the Grand Master, prior to the opening of the
Grand Lodge, shall appoint a Committee consisting of three, to be known as the "Committee on Visitors". It shall be the duty of this Committee to receive, introduce, accommodate and look after the entertainment of. visiting Grand and Past Grand O.fficer~ of Sister Grand Jurisdictions. All expenses incurred by this Committee shall be presented to the Committee on Ways and Means.. WM. F. KUHN, DORSEY A. JAMISON, WM. A. HALL. [Proceedings 1917, page .... ]
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AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS ADOPTED. By R. Viv路. Brother J os. S. McIntyre: LODGES OF INSTRUCTION. Additional section to Article III. Article III, Section 27. Loc)geH of Instruction. "In each Masonic District having a city with ten or more Lodges, the District Deputy Grand Master and District Lecturer, together with three other members to be selected from three separate Lodge's in such District by the District Lecturer, shall constitute a Committee on Masonic Instruction. Such committee may adopt rules for its government, and shall, for a period of at least four months each year, hold a Lodge of Instrl1ction once a week and appoint such assistant instructore as may be necessary, subject to the approval of the District Lecturer, who shall be the authority in the work and have sole charge of teaching it, as provided in Sec. 23 of this article, and the Grand Lecturer may, upon the recommendation of the District Lecturer, appoi nt some one, or more, suitable Brothers to be present and superintend the instruction on such occasions as, for any reason, the District Lecturer may be unable to be present himself; and, in support of such Lodge of Instruction, the Lodges voluntarily participating in such Masonic instruction may contribute annually to the support thereof such sums as may be necessary to pay the actual expenses of such Lodges of Instruction." [Proceedings 1910, pages 52, 89 and 105.J
By M. W. Brothers WIn. F. Kuhn and Campbell Wells: SALARY OF GHAND SECR]!;TARY AND GRAND LECTURER. Section 12 (paragraph p) and Section 13 (paragraph d). Strike out the words "Twenty-seven Hundred and Fifty" ($2,750.00) in Section 12, par'agraph (p) and insert in lieu thereof the words "Three Thousand ($3,000.00)," so that the section when 路amended. shall read: Sec. 12 (p). The salary of the Grand Secretary shall be Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) per annum, payable 'monthly. Strike out the words "Twenty-seven Hundred and Fifty" ($2,750.00) in Section 13 (paragraph d) and insert in lieu thereof the words "Twenty-five Hundred" ($2,500.00), and add thereto after the words "per annum" the words "and traveling expenses not exceedIng Se"cn Hundred Dollars ($7'00.00) I.eI' annum, audited and." so that the section, when amended, shall read: Sec. 13 (d) The compensation of the Grand Lecturer shall be Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per annum and traveling expenses not exceeding Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) per annum, audited and payable monthly. [Proceedings 1911, pages 92-93 and 149.]
By R. W. Brother J. E. Thompson:
280
[Sept.
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Section 50. Contract Debts. A Lodge shall not be permitted to contract debts for any purpose until sufficient available assets are on hand to meet the pay men t thereof. Provided, a Lodge may be premitted to contract debts for the purpose of building a hall or purchasing a cemetery, with the consent and approval of the Grand Master. Lodges obtaining permission to contract debts for building a h'all or purchasing a cemetery shall at once notify the Grand Secretary of the amount of the debt incurred, the security given, and when the debt matures. When any debt contracted, as her~in provided, shall have been paid, the Lodge shall notify the Grand Secretary of such payment. A record of such debts and the payment thereof shall be kept in the office of the Grand Secretary. [Proceedings 1917, page .... ]
By M. W. Brothers D. A. Jamison and Wm. A. Hall: TRIALS. , To amend Sec. 200 of the Grand 'Lodge By-Laws by the insertion of the word "the" in lieu and in place of the letter "a" between. the' words "for the violation of" and the word "moral" in the third line said section, and by the insertion of the word "or" in lieu of' the word "and" between the Words "moral" and "Masonic law" in the' third line of said section, so that said section when 'so amended shall read as follows: Sec. ,200. Offenses. A Mas,on may be proceeded against by trial, as herei'nafter provided, for the violation of the Moral or Masonic law. [Proceedings 1913, page 143.]
of
By R. W; Brothers Jos. S. McIntyre and Thos. F. Hurd: To amend Sec. 211, Art. XVIII, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. Be it enacted that Art. XVIII and Sec. 211 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri be. altered by striking out in the fourth and fifth lines thereof the language "residing in the Jurisdiction," so that said section as, amended shall read as follows: Sec. 211. ')'Imennd NoHce of Trial. When a the Master shall appoint the time of trial and cused to be notified as hereinafter provided; he members of the Lodge to be notified of the time [Proceedings
charge is preferred shall cause the acshall also cause all of the trial. 1913, page 143.]
By M. W. Brother A. M. Hough: RECEIPT FOR DUES-FORM OF. To amend Section 12 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws by striking out clause (0) of said section and inserting the following in lieu thereof: (0) He shall prepare a uniform Receipt for Dues, of thin economy ledger paper, not more than two and one-half inches by four
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inches, with stub, to- contain the printed autograph of the Grand Secretary and a facsimile of the Seal Of the Grand Lodge, ,A, F.' & A.M'. of Missouri:', which shall be used by all the Lodges in this Jurisdiction. Each receipt shall bear an impression of the Seal of the Lodge. The receipts shall be furnished to the Lodges at actual cost, including postage. The receipt shall be substantially in the following form: No
Lodge No ........... , .. : ...;.. :l\{P.,
A. F. & A. M. ,..••. ,:,19 ..
Received of Bro.. . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Dollars, for No :. dues to : -:. . . l:9;. $ ,.:•..• " _:>._"1 ...... : ' ":. ; .. : Secretary; . Date. ',' , , .. 19 . (Signature of'Member.)· Rec~d.of. ,.' .;... ;.. ; ... '.; ....•... ' . T.his is to certify that. ..... ; ... Lodg>e; No.. '.: .. ;' A. F. '.& A .. M., is ·.a .legally chartered Lodge;·under For:.:". ' , .. the jurisdiction of t.he Grand Lodge A. F. &' A.:M; of Missouri.. ,'" .. ; :; ; • • • oj' • • '. ' . ' -. . . " • • • • (Seal) Grand Secretary." [Proceedings '1914, pages 1-07-205.] .. •• ',
••••
-• • •
•.•••
0
.- • • • •
~
. F'ETITION-CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN. To amend Section No. 102 .by striking out the last line of this section, which reads: "and may bc withdrawn at any time before it is reported on," and inserting thc words: "'andcanilOt be withdrawn after the petition has been referred to the Committee." So that the section, when amended,shall read:
or
Section 102. Sanae. A petition for the degrees membership must be presented :rt a stated meeting of the Lodge a.~d cannot' be withdrawn after the petition has been referred to the Committee.. Wl\L F. KUHN, R. F. STEVENSON. [ProceediYigs 1~14, page 157.]
EMPLOYMEN'l' BUREAU. We respectfully submit the following as an ad.llttonal section to the Grand Lodge By-Laws to be kno:wn a!:! ~ect~on 59a:' t • . Sec. 59a, Art., . V" Employment Bureau.' In. cities where' there are'twenty or mor:e. Lodges, each Lodge shall appoint or elect one of itsmembers,:Who 'sh'all .constitute ,a General Employment Bureau. wh.?se duty "Shal)1?~.to ,aid unemployed x:ner:nbers to: secuneemployment. Suc,h B.uz:eau shalladopt,rules Jar, lts governme.n~;: and each Lodge in such city shall contribute the sum of (25c) twenty-five cents per capita per annum to the Employment Bureau, such contribution to be calculate'd on, and payable with, the annual Grand Lodge returns. Provided, That no contributions. shall be called for when the amount on hand exceed~'the SUm ;cjrU3,OOO.00) three thousand dollars. .,. t·!"·, ~, ...,
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\
Such Bureau shall employ a Secretary and maintain a permanent office, where applicants may apply for employment. ED N. KAERCHER, V. H. F ALKENHAINER, JOHN HERZOG, F. E. SCHUTZE. [Proceedings 1914, pages 68-205.] GRAND LODGE ANNUAL DUES-INCREASE OF. Section 67. _"nnunl Dues. Every Chartered Lodge shall pay annually to the Grand Lodge the sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents ($1.75) for each Master Mason reported in the annual returns. One dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) of this sum shall be used for the support of the Masonic Home, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge. If any Lodge shall collect from a suspended member dues, for the non-payment of which he shall have been suspended. such Lodge shall pay to the Grand Lodge the sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents ($1. 75) for each year's dues so collected, if not previously accounted for. W. F. KUHN. [Proceedings 1915, page 12<) 1 MILEAGE AND PER DIEM. Section 69. lUlIenge Rnd Per Diem. The Past Grand Masters, Grand Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, District Lecturers and one Representative from each Lodge, and the Chairman of each Standing Committee, who do not draw mileage and per diem in any other capacity, shall be paid the sum of three dollars ($3.00) for each day they may be in actual attendance upon the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and three cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning therefrom; provide~ that no Representative shall receive either mileage or per diem unless all dues from his Lodge to the Grand Lodge have been paid by August 1st, and no Representative shall receive more than one-fifth of the sum paid by his Lodge for that year as dues, and no one shall recG!ive mileage and per diem in a double capacity. [Pro~eedings 1917, page .... ] GRAND LODGE MEETING-TIME AND PLACE OF. Section 1. Time nnd Place Of. An Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge shall be held in the City of St. Louis on the third Tuesday of September, in each year, commencing at 10 o'clock A. M.; provided, that the place of meeting for the next Annual Communication may be changed when a majority of the Grand Lodge shall deem it expedient. [Proceedings 1915, page 128.] BY-LAWS-ADDING SECTION. Section 263. By Adding' Section. Any additional section not conflicting with the provisions of these By-Laws, which may be desired,
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shall be proposed in writing, and on being read on two several days, if concurred in by two-thirds of the votes present, shall become a part of these By-Laws. [Proceedings 1915, page 128.]
BY-LAWS'-ALTERATION OR REPEAL. Section 264. By Alteration OJ' Repeal. Any alteration or proposition to amend or repeal any of the foregoing By-Laws shall be reduced to writing and read on one day of the session and be published in the proceedings of this Grand Lodge and lie o'ver until the next Annual Communication, and shall be again read; and, if approved by the majority of the members present, shall become a part路 of the BY-La~s of this Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1915, page 129.]
VISITORS-DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. Section 197. Visitors. A Lodge shall not admit a visitor who shall be unable to establish by documentary evidence and examination, or by personal voucher, as provided in Section 196, that he hails from some Lodge in this Jurisdiction or within the Jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Documentary evidence shall be receipts for dues for the current year, or a certificate of good standing, either of which shall bear the seal of the Lodge and the signature of the Secretary of the Lodge, together with the signature of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Jurisdiction from which a visitor m::l,y hail; or a diploma, duly authenticated by the signature of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Jurisdiction, together with the 'seal thereof. All of which designates a Lodge under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. And such :'Documentary Evidence" shall bear date not more than twelve months last past. [Proceedings 1915, page 129.] BALLOT-ALL MUST VOTE. Section 123. All ~IU8t Vote. When a ballot is taken, all members of the Lodge present must vote, except as provided in Section 121. [Proceedings 1915, page 129.] ENDOWMENT FUND. Section 262lh. Article XX. Endowment }<'uo.1. The Endowment Fund, now under the control and management of the Board of Directors of the 路Masonic Home, and all .additions thereto hereafter made. shall continue to be a permanent fund to help support and maintain said Home, and that only the earnings and income therefrom can be used for that purpose. [Proceedings 1915, page 130.]
284
[Sept.
Proceedings of the DUES-FAlLURE TO PAY.
Section 152. Non-Payment of Dues. When a member shall, fail to pay his du~s within three months after the same become due, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to notify him of such delinquency by delivering to him, in person, a bill for such indebtedness, or by mailing the same to him at his last known place of residence. Should the delinquent: refuse or fail pay 'his dues on or before the next stated communication of the Lodge, after the issuance of such notice, it shall be,the<duty of the' Secretary' to' notify' the Master of such failure, who" shall;' hi op'en ,i.;6age, order 'a notice to be given the delinquent by the Se'cretary; requiring him to appear at 'a specified . SUbsequent stat~d communication' to 'show' cause why' he should not 'be 'suspended for non-payment' of dues. . ',,;! " " ' [Pr'oceedings 1916, page' 95.]
to
"
'
REVISION OF BY-LAWS GOVERNING APPEALS. Section 221,'Testbnony. The testimony of all resident Masons who can attend the Lodge, shall be given orally in open Lodge at the trial. All such oral testimony shall be, takep in shorthand, ,when practicabl~, and w~e~'Aot practicabl~, the .Maste'r shall appoint a BrQJher who shall reduce ~~id_9r~1 testi~oriy to -w,riting at the time it is given. Section 231".~rlU)8." All. Mas.OI)ic trials shall be in the Lodge' of the hig~est degree tOt which. tl;1~ accused has attained, and bo.th'the accuser and the accused,even though the ,accused may potb,e. in good 'standing, may be present in person" <luring the. hearing of the ,evidence and the argument, anp..may be represented by counsel·' in . good, MasonicstandiIJ.~g. ',; .. , .. <I'. i. [Proceed,ings 1917, page .... ,.]. '.;'
Section 240. ,A,ppea:is,:liow'Token. "Appeals must be in wt1ti:ilg, and may be' in tlie fO!I~wing '!?rm:
.
,
, , ' •.......... , l.fo., To the Worshipful 'Master, 'Wardens and Brethren of Lodge, No , A. F. & A. M.:
, 19 .. ·.. .
Brethren, I, , a Master Mason and member of ~ . " ~. Lodge, No " . " .. , do ,declare upon my honor as.a Ma:so~ that I. f!'!~i aggrie.v~d by,.·your :jU4g~ent'in ,the ca,se. of .......' " ~,; ; .. ',.' .'.. ~ and, to the end that justice may be done in the matter, do take an appeal to the Grand Lodge for the following reasons: ~
First, Second"
. :'
'. • ".' .. ;, ' ' ': f-
."
0'; .'. , •• '•••
';
;',' Appellanti '
.•
.Section 2.4l. Time for Appeal. All appeals shallbe filed· with the Secretary of the Lodge within thirty (30) days afteI' the trial and judgment, and not afterwardS:
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Section 242. Notice of Appeal. The appellant. shall, at the time he files said appel;l.l with the Secretary, also file with him a notice in writing to the opposite pa路rty that he has appealed to the Grand Lodge, which notice shall be served on the opposite party by the Secretary or some one designated by him within five (5) days. and the notice with the manner of service endorsed thereon shall be made a part of record of appeal. Service. except as to time, shall be as provided in Sections 213 and 214, Grand Lodge By-laws. Section 243. Perfecting and Transmitting Record. When an appeal and notice shall be filed with the Secretary, he shall endorse thereon the date of filing and immediately send the same to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, together with a certified copy of the charges, notice to the accused. his answer or plea. date of the trial, the result of the ballot on the questions of guilt and punishment. Within sixty (60) days after the trial. the appellant s'hall file with the Secretary of the Lodge a statement of the substantive facts proven at the trial, together with notice to the opposite party of such filing. Said statement shall not set out the testimony of witnesses by questions and answers except where a review is sought on a ruling of the Trial Master on a particular question or answer objected to or moved to be stricken out during the trial or except as hereinafter provided, but shall include a brief recital in narrative form of the substance of the evidence offered or introduced in the trial. Within ten (10) days after the filing of such statement and notice with the Secretary, the opposite party may file objections to such statement. Such objections. shall only point out; First, the omission from such statement of any ultimate fact or of some document or the substance thereof proven or offered at such trial, and. second, that there has been included in such statement a substantive fact, document or the substance thereof which was not proven or offered at such trial. If no objections are filed to such statement within ten (10) days, or within such further time, not exceeding sixty (60) days after the trial, as the Trial Master may. for good cause shown, permit, then the statement filed by the appellant shall be taken as a true and correct statement of the facts proven at said trial. Section 243a. In any case where an appeal is sought to be perfected by filing the statement provided for in Section 243, in lieu of the transcript of the evidence. to which statement objection is filed by the opposite party in which it is alleged that said statement does not contain a fair statement of the facts proven in said case, the Trial Master shall, if in his opinion justice demands. order a transcript of that portion of the testimony in controversy to be made at the expense of the trial Lodge, which said transcript, together with the statement and objections thereto, shall be made a part of the record in said case. Section 243b. Nothing contained in Section 243 hereof shall be deemed to prohibit the appellant in any case from perfecting such appeal by filing with the Secretary of the Lodge, in lieu of such statement provided in Section 243, a transcript which shall contain a true copy of all the testimony in the case, together with notice to the opposite party of such filing, provided, that the opposite party in such case shall have the privilege of examining and noting objections to such transcript within ten (10) days after its filing and before the
286
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
same is sent to the said Grand Secretary, and provided further, that where an appellant filed a transcript of the testimony in the case, in lieu of the statement provided for in Section 243, the cost of such transcript shall be paid by the party ordering same. Section 244. Objections to Transcript. Where a full transcript, in lieu of statement, is filed with the Secretary, together with notice to the opposite party, objections thereto may be made by the opposite party within the time and in the manner provided in Section 243 for filing objections to the statement of facts proven at the trial. Section 244a. Cost of Appenl. The cost of the first appeal shall be charged to the subordinate Lodge; the cost of subsequent appeals shall be paid as directed by the Grand Lodge at the session at which such appeals are heard and may be charged against the appellant, the local Lodge, or, if circumstances justify, paid by the Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1916, page 91.] Section 246. Appeal In Grand I,odge. On receipt of the transscript, as provided in Section 243, by the Grand Secretary, the Grand Lodge shall be possessed of the case, and shall determine the same on the record so transmitted. The appellant, in the absence of fraud, may dismiss his appeal at any time before the meeting of the Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1917, page .... ] PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. Section 132. Petition for Membership' Dlmlt Must Accompany. A Lodge shall not entertain a petition for membership, unless the same is accompanied by a Dimit or some other documentary evidence of good standing of the applicant, as provided in Sections 157 and 157b. [Proceedings 1917, page .... J TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP. Amend the Grand Lodge By-Laws by adding two new sections to be known as Sections 157a and 157b, which said sections are as follows: Section 157a. Sa.me. Any brother of this Grand Jurisdiction, free from charges, desiring to transfer his membership to a Lodge of any "recognized" Grand Jurisdiction, which has a law substantially the same, shall have the right to petition such Lodge for membership, which petition shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Good Standing from his Lodge, showing him to be not delinquent in the payment of dues to the Lodge in which he holds membership, which Certificate shall be SUbstantially in form set forth in Section 157 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. Should the Lodge so receiving his petition elect him to membership, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Lodge so electing him to notify under seal of the Lodge, his former Lodge of such election and request said Lodge to forward his Dimit to the Lodge so electing him. Upon
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the receipt of such notice his former Lodge shall grant him a Dimit and forward the same to the Secretary of the Lodge electing him. In case of his rejection by the Lodge to which he applied, his membership shall remain in his former Lodge granting the certificate. If the Certificate of Good Standing herein provided for is not used within Three Months from the date thereof, it shall become null and void and of no effect. ProvidelI, however, that this section shall in nowise be construed so as to impair the right of voluntary and absolute dimission. Section 157b. Same. Any brother of any other "recognized" Grand Jurisdiction, free from charges, desiring to transfer his membership to any Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall have the right to petition such Lodge for membership, which petition shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Good Standing from his Lodge, showing him to be not delinquent in the payment of .dues to the Lodge in which he holds membership. Should the Lodge so receiving his petition elect him to membership, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Lodge so electing him to notify under seal of the Lodge, his former Lodge of such election and request said Lodge to forward his Dimit to the Lodge so electing him. The Dimit shall be filed with the Secretary of the Lodge so electing him and his membership therein shall date from the tlmehis former Lodge granted his Dimit. It shall be the duty of the petitioner to pay his former Lodge such dues as he may be indebted to such Lodge. [Proceedings 1917, page . '. .. ] Sec. 182. Same. No Lodge shall receive a petition for the Degrees or for affiliation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as distiller, brewer, brewery agent, wholesale liquor dealer or salesman for such dealer, saloon keeper or bartender, or who signs a petition for a dram-shop license. Any Mason who may hereafter begin such business shall be expelled. , [Proceedings 1917, page .... ]
APPROVED DECISIONS. STATUS OF CANDIDATE. 1.
Moberly Lodge, No. 344.
On March 23, 1903, we gave a Brother the Eo A. Degree, he having been previously elected and paid the fee for the three degrees. He was in the grocery business at that time, but sold out and went ,to traveling .for a grocery firm. At present he travels for a whisky house and now wishes to take the two other degrees. He commenced to travel for the whisky house three or four months before the last session of the Grand Lodge. Question. Can we give the degrees to him? Answer. . In my opinion the Brother is not barred from advancement and your Lodge can confer the remaining degrees upon him. Section 182 forbids a Lodge to receive the petition of a person engaged in the business of salesman for a wholesale liquor house,
288
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
after the enactment of the section. As your Lodge, long before the enactment of the section, received his petition and conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree upon him, your Lodg'e does not in this case come within the prohibition of the section. The second part of Section 182 states that any Mason who shall thereafter engage in this business shall be expelled. As the Brother was in the business before the enactment of the section, he does not come within its provisions. His status is fixed and determined by the law in force at the time he was elected to receive the degrees. Section 182, so far as he is concerned, prohibits him from engaging In the business thereafter; but as he was already in the business when the section was enacted, and a Mason, he is not barred thereby. [Proceedings 1909, pages 20 and 151.] 2.
Clifton Heights Lodge, No. 520.
The stable foreman for a brewery company has petitioned this Lodge for the degrees. Question. Is it possible for him to become a member? Answer. Section 182 of the By-Laws, adopted by the Grand Lodge at its last session, relating to intoxicating liquors, contains no language that prohibits a Lodge from receiving a petition from a stable foreman for a brewery company. My judgment is that it would not be safe for the Grand Master to add a ny other occupations than those specified therein. A strict interpretation of this section, which is in derogation of the previous laws and practice of the Grand Lodge, in my opinion, does not prohibit the reception of the petition; it should take the usual course. [Proceedings 1909, pages 20 and 151.]
3.
Weston Lodge, No. 53.
Question. Under the law as passed .by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, can a man who is superintendent or foreman of a brewery become a Mason? Answer. Section 182 of our Grand Lodge By-Laws contains this language: "No Lodge shall receive the. petition for the degrees or affillation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, either as distiller, brewer," etc. Not being able to determine how a person can be "superintendent or foreman of a brewery" and not be engaged in the manufacture of intoxicating liquor as a beverage, it is my opinion that a person occupying such a position cannot legally be made a Mason. [Proceedings 1909, pages 21 and 151.] MANUF ACTURE OF LIQUOR. 4.
Robert Burns Lodge, No. 496.
Two Brethren residing in the jurisdiction of this Lodge, both of whom are in good Masonic standing, are thinking of investing in what
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they call a joint. stock company for the purpose of manufacturing whisky. They are to receive their part of the dividends in whisky manufactured by their company. They' do not want to violate the Masonic laws, and contend that this would not make them dealers. Question. W'ould they be permitted to engage in this class of business? Answer. Section 182, so far as it relates to the question you ask, contains this language: "No Lodge shall receive a petition for the degrees or for affiliation from any person who is engaged in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors a"s a beverage, either as a distiller, wholesale liquor. dealer or salesman for such dealer. Any Mason who may hereafter begin such business shall be expelled." This section, in my opinion,deprives Master Masons of the privilege of retaining membership in any Lodge in this State if they engage in the sale or manufacture of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, after the date of its final adoption, October 1, 1908. Therefore, they must be expelled if they engage in this business under the conditions stated. [Proceedings 1909, pages 21-22 and 151.] STATUS OF CANDIDATE. 5.
Mount Zion Lodge. No. 327.
Question. Doe~ Section 182 apply to. a man employed in the State Beer Inspection Department? Answer. It does not, provided he is not financially interested in the manufacture or sale of intoxicants in any other way than as a State official. [Proceedings 1909, pages 22 and 151.] 16. From a member of Whitewater Lodge, No. 417, we have the following ;.seven questions: (a) Is runring a distiller'y sufficient路 grounds for expulsion? . '1 Answer. It is not, if started before October 1st, 1908. It is, if started since September 30th, 1908.路 (b) Is selling liquor in 'oHe to ff;e'~'gallon lots grounds for expulsion? Answer. Yes. ~. (c) Is selling liquor illeg-ally (say under a gallon and down to a half-pint, when not licensed to sell le-ss than a gallon, and also to minors), sufficient grounds for expulsion? Answer. Yes. (d) Is lying to a. brother Master Mason sufficient grounds for expulsion? Answer. Yes; and he is equally guilty if he lies to a profane. (e) If a certified copy of the testimony of a Master Mason in a court of record can be produced, and the fact proven by a number of good citizens that that testimony was false, is that sufficient grounds for expulsion? Answer. Yes.
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(0 Is it un-Masonic to report a brother Master Mason to the grand jury, or proper authorities, for violations of the civil law? Answer. No. (g) If one dimits and engages in the saloon business, has the lodge granting the dimit the authority to proceed against such person? Answer. Yes.
17. Inquiry from Elvins Lodge. No. 599: "About three years ago three members of this lodge endorsed the notes for a party who was in business as an agent for a brewery. In this way they became responsible and have had to pay quite a sum of money, and the party having no other assets but this brewery agency, these three brethren took over the agency and have been conducting it since that time ; that is, they have hired some one to run it for- them, and one of them is looking after the business details of the concern." Question. Can a lodge give them six months or a year in which to get out of the business? In case the brethren refuse to quit what proceedings would you advise? Answer. A lodge cannot give its members any length of time in which to wind up such a business, no matter how they happened to get into it. Prefer charges against them instanter, establish the facts as stated, and thcn expel them from the lodge. [Proceedings 1914, pages 22, 23, 170.]
STATUS OF CANDIDATE. 7.
Osborn Lodge, No. 317.
A candidate made application, was elected, and received the Entered Apprenticc Degree about five years since; but for good reasons did not present himself fo'r the Fellow-Craft Degree until about a month ago. vVe asked him to make new applicatio~, which he did, and in the ballot was rejected. Several Brethren claimed this was not the proper way to handle the case. Question. How should this case have been handled? Answer. Your Lodge should not have required the Brother who received the First Degree long before our present Grand Lodge laws were adopted to petition for advancement. He has a right to receive the Second and Third Degrees on standing an examination satisfactory to the Brethren. The law of 1892, under which he was elected, gives him this right and demands nothing further from him than to stand such examination. No further balloting is necessary. \Vhen he shows suitable proficiency in the First Degree, he should be given the Second, provided, of course, that no objection is made, in which case charges would have to be preferred as provided by Grand Lodge laws. [Proceedings 1909, pages 23 and 151.]
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LIST OF CANDIDA'l'ES. 9. Anthony F. Ittner, Secretary Missouri Lodge, No. 1. "Under a resolution of the Lodge, I have as Secretary for the past six months published lists of candidates for the Mysteries and for affiliation, to be balloted on at the several stated meetings, for the information of. the members. Some of our' members have contended that this practice is in violation' of Section 183, of the Grand Lodge laws, which says that a Lodge shall not publish the fact that it has conferred or will confer any Masonic Degree upon ·any one." (a) Question. Is this in violation of Section 183? • Answer. You should not give the names of the petitioners in the .monthly Lodge circulars. [Proceedings 1909, page 151.] (b) Question.' Does Section 158 only refer to dimits issued by Lodges in the State of Missouri? In other words, is a Mason from another jurisdiction who presents a dimit less than a year old and by virtue of which it was intended that he should enjoy Masonic privileges for a certain period after its issue, entitled to visit a Lodge in this jurisdiction, or does he cease to enjoy all Masonic privileges' in this jurisdiction, except the right to petition, the same as if the dimit had been issued in this State? Answer. Sections 158 and 197, when considered together, deny the privilege of visiting to all who are not members of some Lodge in this State or of a Lodge within the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge recognized. by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. [Proceedings 1909, page 24.] ·Disapproved; see Report of Jurisprudence Committee on Question a, as follows: 'Ve are also of .the opinion that the publication of lists of candidates to be balloted upon for membership, for the information of the members, by Missouri Lodge, No. I, is not in violation of Section 183, of the By-Laws, and we disapprove of the. decision of the Grand Master in Subdivision a, Decision No.9.
REMISSION OF DUES. 10.
Grand Secretary John R. Parson.
A Lodge whose returns were received today, August 11th, deducts $8.75 for seven members whose dues were remitted July 31, 1909. Question. Is this permissible under Sections 67 and 68? Answer. Lodges must pay on the basis of their membership on the 30th day of. June, as that is the day fixed by Section 68; and no other day can be substituted. Consequently, they owe the Grand Lodge $1.25 for each member whose dues were remitted July 31st.. [Proceedings 1909, pages 25 and 151.]
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7. Salem Lodge. No. 225, asked if a Lodge could remit the whole or any part of a member's dues except for inability to pay, and does the age or occupation of the member make any difference? Answer. No, to both interrogatories. [Proceedings 1914, pages 20, 170.]
RESTORATION AFTER CONSOLIDATION. 11.
Barnett Lodge, No. 591.
A former member of Euclid Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Versailles, Morgan County, Missouri, being suspended by that Lodge for nonpayment of dues, and that Lodge later being absorbed by Versallies Lodge, No. 117, is now ready and willing to pay 'all back dues, and desires to be reinstated and affiliate with some Lodge and, since he now residt~s in the jurisdiction of Barnett Lodge, No. 591, states that it is his desire to affiliate with this Lodge. Question. What would be the proper course for him to pursue in order that he might again become a Mason in good standing? Answer. He will have to make application to Versailles Lodge, No. 117, for reinstatement. That Lodge, under Section 85, of the Grand Lodg-e laws of 1892, by union of the two Lodges, acquired all of the members, property and debts due by, or to Euclid Lodge. Versailles Lodge has jurisdiction over him, no matter where he resides, and no other Lodge can restore him to good Masonic standing or accept the dues ofor the non-payment of which he was suspended. [Proceedings 1909, pages 25 and 151.]
NON-AFFILIATE MAY NOT PREFER CHARGES. 12.
Southwest Lodge, No. 466.
An applicant for affiliation was balloted on and rejected. He then preferred charges against S., the Brother who objected to the receiving of his petition. It is my desire and also that of Brother S. that you send some one from a different Lodge to preside during the trial, which will be held at our next regular Communication, September 25, 1909. Answer. There does not appear, under the conditions stated by you, to be any necessity for sending anyone to preside at the contemplated trial in your Lodge, as the charges, if preferred by a nonaffiliated Mason, should not be entertained. The Master should decline to pel'mit the Lodge to act on them in any way. Section 205, of our Grand Lodge By~Laws, provides that any Master Mason in good standing may prefer charges; and Section 158 states that the holder of a dimit is not entitled to any Masonic privileges except to petition for affiliation, also that "he ceases to be a
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Mason in good standing from the date of his dimit." A dimitted Mason, not being in good standing, is not entitled to the privileges of Secti(\n 205. You must ther~fore, as above stated, refuse to entertain the charges. [Proceedings 1909, pages 25 and 151.] TO PROCURE A DIMIT.
13.
Four Mile Lodge, No. 212.
Since the annual dues are now payable in advance, if a Brother asks for a dimit in January, or any other month of the first six of the year, without having yet paid his dues for that current year. should the Lodge require that Brother to pay his full year's dues before granting him the dimit, or charge him for only the pro rata, or, if he has paid his dues for the current year and asks for a dimit before the year is out, should the Lodge return him the pro rata? This question is now up to this Lodge to decide. Answer. Section 146 requires dues to be paid annually in advance. Section 156 provides for the issuing of dimits when all the conditions specified therein shall have bee'n complied with; the first being "when a member whOSe dues are fully paid, etc," It, therefore, follows that a Brother desiring to dlmit must not be In arrears for an'y pOl'tion of the current year's dues before a dimlt can be granted him; whether he makes application in the first or tenth month of the :)'ear is of no consequence. The Lodge is under no legal obligation to return to him any portion of the amount paid in order to obtain a dimit, except as provided by Section 157., [Proceedings 1909, pages 26 and 151.] 14.
Social Lodge, No. 266.
We have a member who wishes to transfer his membership to the Lodge at New Florence, Mo. His dues amounting to $4.00 have not been paid. Two dollars of this amount is back dues; that is, due to June 1, 1909; and the other $2.00 is for dues in advance to June I, {910. Question. How much shall we collect from the Brother before granting him a dimit? Answer. He must pay the full amount now due, $4.00, before he is entitled to a dimit or certificate of good standing. When this indebtedness has been paid he can proceed as provided by Section 15.7; and, if elected to membership in the Lodge, he selects for affiliation, Social Lodge should retain only the portion of dues paid for the fiscal year 1910 to the date of issuing the dimit, as provided by this section, and return the balance to him. [Proceedings 1909, pages 26 and 151.]
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FAILURE TO ADVANCE. 1. Held, That an E. A. or F. C. who fails to apply for advancement within twelve months must, after that time, petition in regular form and the same course must be followed as for the Mysteries of Freemasonry. If rejected he cannot apply again for twelve months. [Pro~eedings 1910. page 23.] REMISSION OF DUES.
. 2. Held, That since Lodge dues are payable January 1st, they are to be considered as having accrued and may therefore be remitted at any time during the ycr:..r. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.]
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING-REFUND OF DUES.
That a certificate of good Masonic standing cannot be given unless dues are paid in full for the year, since it may possibly not be presented within three months; and if received by another Lodge during that time, on notification, the Lodge granting c'ertificate must refund to the Lodge receiving, the balance of dues to the end of the year. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.]
SECRET ARY MUST NOTIFY.
3. Held, That on suspens}on for non-payment of dues or any other cause, or on expulsion, the Secretary should at once notify the party, if hc is not present at the time of sentence. [Proceedings 1910, pages 23 and 102.] 5. Section 58 of Article V reads: "In any city or town where two or more lodges are situated, the Secretary of each lodge shall notify every lodge in said city or town of all petitions for initiation or membership, and of all rejections," etc. As there was a difference of opinion as to WHgN "the Secretary of cach Lodge shall notify every other Lodge," I decided, for tl:le benefit of several Kansas City Lodges, that the limit of time for so doing should not exceed seventy-two hours after e~ch meeting. [Proceedings 1914, pages 20, 170.]
:. FUNERAL OF A WOMAN.
5. Held, That the Worshipful Master, as such, has no authority to appoint a committee to attend the funeral of a woman-as representatives of Freemasonry. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.]
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ELECTION VOID. 6. Held, That a Brother elected to membership in a Lodge witnout a certificate of good standing, remains a member of the former Lodge, the election being null and void. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.]' POLITICAL ISSUE. 7. Held (in a local option contest), That a 'Lodge, as such, has no right to take part in a question which may become a political Issue. [Proceedings 19111, page 23.] STATUS OF CANDIDATE. 8. Held, That a clerk in the railway traffic department of a brewery may petition for the Mysteries of Freemasonry according to the law, as now recognized. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.] LACK OF SEAL. 9. Held, That the absence of the Lodge seal does not invalidate a Lodge dimit. the form being regular in other respects.路 [Proceedings 1910, page 2:1.]
DIMIT IN OLD FORM. 10. Held, That the action of a Lodge in granting a dimit, with privileges, in the old form, is illegal, null and void, and the dlmit should be recalled. Nevertheless, if received already by another. Lodge, the status should not be disturbed. [Proceedings 1910, page 23.]
LODGE MEETING PROHIBITED. 11. Held, ~hat a Subordinate Lodge cannot hold a meeting during the session .of the Grand Lodge, since, while any Past Master may open the Lodge in the absence of the Master and Wardens, yet as every Past Master is a member of the Grand Lodge, they are supposed to be in attendance as well as the Master and Wardens. [Proceedings 1910, pages 23 and 102.]
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DIMIT WHEN NO CHARGES. 1. Hazlewood Lodge, No. 459.-A charge of gross unmasonic conduct on the part of a Brother was in general circulation in the community, and seemed to be so well founded that a committee was appointed by the Lodge to investigate. This committee called on the Brother for his statement and any explanation he desired to make in regard to his reported misconduct. He refused to affirm or deny the truth of the report and was evasive in his answers. From his demeanor and from other facts ascertained by the committee, they became convinced of his guilt. The Brother offered to take his dimit from the Lodge. He was square on the books and no formal charge had yet been preferred. The question asked, was whether, under the facts stated, the Brother was entitled to a dimit. I answered that on the face of the record, he was. But if the Lodge was satisfied of the Brother's guilt, charges should be preferred at once, the dimit withheld, the Brother tried, and, if found guilty, adequate punishment infiicted. [Proceedings 1911, page 18.]
RESIDENCE. 2. Higbee- Lodge, No. 527.-A young man was born and reared at Higbee, where his parents still reside; he is employed in the United States Hailway Postal Service, running between St. Louis and Kansas City; he works three and is off duty four days of each week; while off duty he is usually at the home of his parents, which he has at all times called his home: he always votes at Higbee and has never exercised the right of citizenship elsewhere. Do the facts constitute the young man a resident within the jurisdiction of Higbee Lodge, and would the Lodge be justified in receiving his petition for the Mysteries of Freemasonry? Answer. Yes. [Pr~ceedings 1911, page 18.]
PROFICIENCY-AS TO VOTING. 3. The by-law requiring all newly-made Master Masons to pass a satisfactory proficiency examination in open lodge before 'being permitted to vote, hold office in the Lodge, or dimit, is more bewildering, and causes more questions to be ask9d than perhaps any other law on our records. Section 123 says "all must vote" when a ballot is taken. Section 121, which says }'ou shall not be permitted to vote until you have passed a satisfactory examination, and we have answered all inquirers that this section prohibiting voting, holding office and dimitting applies only to Master Masons who have received their third degree since September, 1908. [Proceedings 1914, pages 19, 170.]
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NON-AFFILIATE MAY PETITION. 4. A Brother states that he dimitted from a Lodge '~nd petitioned another Lodge in this State for affiliation. His petition was rejected and he remains unaffiliated. He desires to know, first, if he can petition a Lodge for affiliation, other than the Lodge nearest his place of residence, and second, can he visit Masonic Lodges while unaffiliated? Answer: First, an unaffiliated Master Mason may petition any Lodge in the State for membership, and Qe is not confined to the Lodge nearest his place of residence; second, under the Grand Lodge By-Laws, as they now exist, there is no' such thing as (fa dimit with privileges." A non-affiliated Master Mason is not entitled to any Masonic privileges except the mere right to petition for affiliation. [Proceedings 1911, page 18.]
LODGE MAY NOT MEET. 5. A District Deputy Grand Master stated that a Lodge in his District was expecting a large attendance of Brethren at a meeting to confer a number of degrees, and requested a Dispensation permitting the Lodge to meet in an opera house for the occasion. as the Lodge room would be inadequate to accommodate the crowd. I declined to issue the Dispensation and held that a Chartered Lodge could not legally meet and work in a building that had not been dedicated and consecrated to Masonic purposes. [Proceedings 1911, page 19.]
SUSPENSION MORE THAN ONE YEAR. 6. Plato Lodge, No. 469.-A Brother had been suspended for non-payment of dues for more than a year. He paid the dues he owed and petitioned the. Lodge for reinstatement. Was a committee of investigation required? Answer: Yes. [Proceedings, 1911, page 19.]
FAILURE TO INSTALL. 7. Blackwell L'odge, No. 535.-At a meeting of tpe Lodge for the election of officers, the Senior Warden was elected Master and thereafter was duly installed. The Senior Warden-elect was not present to be installed. Was the installation of the Master illegal, he having been the Senior Warden during the preceding year and his successor in that office not having been installed? Answer: No. His installation as Master vacated the office of Senior Warden, and that office will remain vacant until the election and installation of some Brother therein. [Proceedings 1911, page 19.]
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DRUG STORE SELLING LIQUOR. 8. Adelphi Lodge, No. 355.-A member of the Lodge owns an interest in a drug store in which intoxicating liquors are sold as a beverage illegally. This Brother does not have the management ot the store and docs not make the sales himself. He knows of the illegal Gales of intoxicating liquor at the store and receives his share of the profits from the business. In so doing, does this Brother violate the Masonic law? Answer: Yes. When he, as part owner of the store, knowing of the illegal sales of intoxicating liquors therein. and so knowing, receives his share of the profits of the business, he violates the letter and spirit of Section 181 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1911, page 19.] LIQUOR SELLING-WAITER. 9. D. D. G. Master Homer N. Lloyd of Clayton asks: "Is a man employed in a small hotel dining room and rathskeller, both of which are conveniently arranged in connection with a large saloon (which is the chief attraction and support of the 'whole works'), and whose duties are to serve meals at the usual time, and intoxicating liquors at any time when so requested by patrons, l~ligible?" Answer. No. He is barred by Section 182 of Article XVII. 11. From United Lodge, No.5, the following question comes: Is a Brother who is filling the position of "waiter to the steward at the Elks' Club" violating the Masonic law? Answer. He is. There is no difference in serving behind an Elks' bar where intoxicating drinks may be gotten and in serving behind the bar of a regular saloon. You are warranted in having charges preferred and in giving him a trial. ' [Proceedings 1914, pages 20, 21, 170.]
NON -PROFICIENT MASTER MASON. 3. Rose Hill, No. 550.-Question: Is a newly made l\Iaster Mason, who has not passed the examination on the first section of the Degree of Mastcr Mason, he having just received said degree and having had no opportunity for such examination, eligible to vote on the petition of an applicant for degrees? Answer: No. [Proceedings 1911. page 18.] DUES-INCREASE OF. 1. Urich Lodge, No. 286, increased its dues by an amendment of its By-Laws from $3 to $3.50 a year for a period of four years to cover the assessment levied by the Grand Lodge of 50 cents a year for four years on the members for a fund to make betterments and improvements at the Home, and asked if that was lawful. We answered that their dues could be legally increased in that manner and for that purpose and that at the end of the fourth year,
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and without further legislation, their dues would automatically drop from $3.50 to $3 a year. [Proceedings 1914, pages 19, 170.] CANDIDATE-MAY SOLICIT. 2. Is it unlawful for a profane to invite other profanes to petition for the mysteries at the same time he does, which results in getting together a class of candidates? Answer. The Lodge has no control over a petitioner in a case like this until he has been elected. The most natural thing for a man to do, after he has decided to petition a Lodge for the degrees, and even .after he does so, is to 路tellhis most intimate friends about it and invite them to do likewise, and at the same time he does, and if the result is the formation of a class of candidates there is nothing improper about it. The by-law which says it is un-Masonic to solicit membership from profanes applies, of course, only to members of the Lodges. A Lodge that would censure or criticise or black ball a class of petitioners because they k~ocked at its door at the same time, having no other reason, should not be permitted to retain its charter. [Proceedings 1914, pages 19, 170.] EMPLOYMlDNT BUREAU. 18. I<'rom Gate City Lodge, No. 522: Is the establishment of an employment bureau in connection with the Board of Relief, which increases the expense of the board more than double, legal? Answer. The establishment of such a bureau by a Board of Relief is lawful and wholly within the bounds of what a Relief Board is expected to do. There is no limit as to 'the number of departments, divisions, subdivisions or bureaus that a Relief Board may establish and maintain for the purpose of aiding the worthy distressed Free Mason in good standing. [Proce~dings 1914, p~ges 23, 170.] POOL T ABLE-LODGE MAY BUY. 19. Question from John C. Senate, D. D. G. M., at Milan: Can a Masonic Lodge buy a pool table and put it in either its reception room or dining room to be used by Masons only? And, can . a club composed of Masons only buy a pool table and with the consent of the Lodge put it in either its reception or dining room? Answer. Yes, to both interrogatories. [Proceedings 1914, pages 23, 170.] PETITION MUST LAYOVER. 9. Carthage Lodge, No. 197.-Can a petition for affiliation be legally voted on two weeks after it is received, and the committee of investigation appointed? Answer: No, it must .have lain over four weeks. [Pro~eedings 1911, page 19.]
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20. A member of Gate City, No. 522, filed his petition for affiliation with Ivanhoe, No. 446, at their regular communication July 9th. On July 18th he requested from his Lodge a certificate of good standing under the provisions of Section 157, and it was issued that date and received by the Secretary of 446 two days later. He was elected August 13th. The first regular communication of Ivanhoe following the date the certificate of good standing was issued was July 23rd. 'Ve held (September 16th) that the ballot had been spread two weeks too soon; that the Brother's election to membership was premature and consequently null and void, an<l that the ballot should again be spread on the application September 24th-the next regular Gommunication. [Proceedings 1914, pages 23, 170.]
DIMITTED AND REMOVED-CANNOT AFFILIATE. 10. Lodge of Love, No. 259.-A member of the Lodge removed to the State of Colorado. .While living there he w:rote the Lodge, as it understood from his letter, that he desired a dimit. The dimit was granted and forwarded to the Brother. He immediately returned it to the Lodge with a letter stating it was 'a mistake, as he did not want to terminate his membership in the Lodge, that what he desired was a certificate showing his good Masonic standing in the Lodge. Thereupon the Lodge had the Brother regularly petition for affiliation, and proceeded to elect him to membership. Was the action of the Lodge regular? Answer. No. What the Lodge should have done, upon learning that the dimit had been granted through a mistake, was to rescind Its a.ction granting the same. If granting the dimit under the circumstances terminated his membership, the Lodge could not lawfully receive his petition for affiliation, as he at that time was a, resident of another State. [Proceedings 1911, page 20.] PER CAPITA TAX NOT' DEDUCTED. 11. Marceline Lodge, No. 481.-ln 1906, a member of the Lodge left Marceline, and some time afterwards information came to the Lodge of the death of the Brother, and In its annual returns to the Grand Secretary, this member was so reported. Recently the Lodge learned that the report of the death of this member was a mistake; that he was living In an adjoining State. The question arose, did' the Lodge owe Grand Lodge dues for the year 1906 and thereafter? Answer: Yes. [Proceedings 1911, page 20.] LODGE MUST ELECT ACCORDING TO BY-LAWS. 13. Camden Point Lodge, No. 169.-Can a Lodge call a meeting for the election of officers of the Lodge on a date different from that fixed by Its By-Laws? Answer: No. [Proceedings 1911, page 20.]
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JURISDICTION OF ST. LOUIS LODGES. 14. The question was asked by a District Deputy Grand Mast~r how far the Jurisdiction of the Lodges in the City of St. Louis extended? Answer: Half way by air line from the City Limits to all adjacent Lodges outside the City. [Proceedings 1911, page 20.] PETITION OF NON -RESIDENT. 15. New Madrid Lodge, No. 429.-Can a Lodge in this State lawfully receive the petition and elect and confer the degrees on a candidate who, at the time, resides in another State, and if not, can the Grand Master lawfully authorize the Lodge to do so? Answer: No. The Grand Lodge By-Laws forbid the Lodges of this State to receive the petition, either for the degrees or for affiliation, of a non-r~si颅 dent of the State, and the Grand Master has no power to suspend the operation of this law of the Grand Lodge. [Proceedings 1911, page 21.] FAILunE TO ADVANCE. 16. Clinton Lodge. No. 548.-If an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft fails to present himself for advancement for a year, and then petitions for advancement, is a committee of investigation required on his petition, even though the Brethren of the Lodge know him well and could readily vouch for his moral character? Answer: Yes, the committee should never be dispensed with. The Lodge has no legal路 right to ignore a plain provision of the By-Laws. [Proceedings 1911, page 21.] RESTORATION IN TRIAL LODGE ONLY. 17. Charleston Lodge, No. 407..!....-Charges of unmasonic conduct were preferred against a member of Charleston Lodge, No. 407, in East Prairie Lodge, No. 384, the accused residing within the jurisdiction of East Prairie. Lodge at the time. Due notice of the pendency of the charges was given to Charleston Lodge, and that Lodge requested East Prairie to proceed with the trial. This路 was done, the accused found guilty, and his punishment fixed at suspemdon for two and one-half years. Before the expiration of the period for which he had been suspended, the accused petitioned Charleston Lodge for reinstatement, and that Lodge granted his petition and reinstated him. Did Charleston Lodge, under the law, have the right to reinstate the Brother? Answer: No. As the accused was tried, found guilty, and his punishment fixed by East Prairie Lodge, that Lodge alone had the right to reinstate the suspended Brother. The Lodge pronouncing the final judgment has the right, alone, to modify its action. [Proceedings 1911, page 21.] 10. Fellowship Lodge, No. 345, has this kind of a case: A member of this Lodge asked for and received a dimit. 'rhen he went
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into the saloon business. The Junior Warden preferred charges and he was expelled. He has now quit the saloon business and wants to be restored to good Masonic standing. Answer. He would have to petition the Lodge which first dimitted him, and afterwards expelled him, under Section 250, for restoration, and, if successful he would then be at liberty to petition for affiliation in the usual way. [Proceedings 1914, pages 21, 170.]
BALLOT MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED. 18. Vandalia Lodge, No. 491.-When ballotting on a petition for the Mysteries of Freemasonry, a member took a black-ball from the ballot box, and holding it up so all present could see it, then cast it. Afterwards, he publicly boasted that he had come all the way from Chicago to cast a black- ball against the petitioner. ~uestion asked, was the member guilty of unmasonic conduct, and if so, what action should be taken by the Lodge? Answer: The Brother was guilty of most reprehensible and unmasonic conduct, and charges should be preferred against him and he should be punished as the Lodge shall determine. [Proceedings 1911, page 21.] DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE-VISITORS. 19. Keystone Lodge, No. 243.-Has the Grand Master power to relieve the Lodges of the State from enforcing the provision of Section 197, requiring visitors to produce documentary evidence that they come from a regular .Lodge in this, or some other Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of Missouri? Answer. No. That provision of the By-Laws was enacted by the Grand Lollge,路 as a safeguard against impostors, and like all laws of the Grand Lodge, must be upheld and enforced by the Grand Master. fProceedings 1911, page 21.]
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING AFTER EXPULSION. 20. Missouri Lodge, No. I.-A member was expelled for un!(lasonic conduct. No appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge. In time lhe expelled member petitioned Missouri Lodge for reinstatement. The ballot on his petition for reinstatement was not unanimous, but more than two-thirds were favorable. He thereupon was restored to good Masonic standing, but not to J;..odge membership, and was entitled to a certificate to that effect. The question was asked, should the certificate of good Masonic standing be issued by Missouri Lodge, or should 'it come from the Grand Lodge through the Grand Secretary? Answer: The certificate of good Masonic standing should be issued by Missouri Lodge, because it was the Lodge that pronounced the judgment and also reinstated the Brother, and the Grand Lodge had never acquired jurisdiction over him. [Proceedings 1911, page 22.J
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DIMI:T- IN OLD FORM ILLEGAL. 1. Brother Livingston Culbertson, a member of Papinsville Lodge,
No. 140, wrote to the Secretary of the Lodge that he desired to change his membership to Burne Lodge, No. 130, and asked his Lodge to grant him a dimit for that purpose. Papinsville Lodg'e, No. 140, issued him a dimit on the old form in use under the Grand Lodge By-Laws of 1870, as amended by the By-Laws of 1880. The Brother at once petitioned Hume Lodge for affiliation, attaching the dimit to his petition. His petition disclosed the fact that he lived across the State line in the State 9f Kansas. Hume Lodge rightfully refused to receive his petition. 'He thereupon returned his dimit to Papinsville Lodge, together with his dues in said Lodge for a year, and requested he be retained as a member of the Lodge. Papinsville Lodge, No. 140, asks what they should do in the premises. Decision: In his' application for the dimit, Brother Culbertson complied with the requirements of Sec. 157, which provides for the granting of a certificat'e of good standing to a member who desires to affiliate with another Lodge in this State. The Lodge was at fault in not issuing him a certificate as provided by Sec. 157 in place of the dimit actually issued; and that, notwithstanding the Lodge issued a dimit, he had the right to treat it as a certificate of good standing, and that his membership was not terminated in Papinsville Lodge, that by his immediate r'eturn of the dimit issued, together with his dues, he retained his membership in Papinsville Lodge. .lProceedings 1912, pages 12-13 and 103.] DIMIT-CANNOT BE RETURNED. 2. Troy Lodge, No. 34, on February 11, 1911, on application of Brother Thos. H. Moore, who prior to said date had moved to the State of California, granted him a dimit. In .January, 1912, he returned the dimit, stating that he did not want to join a Lodge in California, and would like to have a certificate of good standing such as would enable him to visit a Lodge in California.. Question: COUld the Lodge take back the dimit and issue him a certificate of good standing? Decision: The Lodge having regularly issued him a dimit, he ceased to be a member and the Lodge had nO authority to take back the dimit and issue him a certificate such as he desired. The difference between this and the case from Papinsville Lodge, No. 140, is that, in the present case the Brother got WhD,t he called for when dimit was issued him, while in the former case a certificate of good standing' should have been issued in the first instance rather than the dimit. [Proceedings 1912, pages 12-13 and 103.] CANDIDATES-LIST OF. 3. R. W. Brother Frazer P. Gibbs, D. D. G. M., Thirty-third District, asks if Sec. 183, of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, prohibits the sending in sealed envelopes, of a list of names of candidates to be balloted on for the degrees to members of the Lodge. Answer. No. [Proceedings 1912, pages 12-13 and 103.]
304
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
TIME AND NOTICE OF TRIAL. 4. Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, asks where charges of unmasonic eonduct are preferred against a member, is it mandatory that the Master appoint a time for trial, or may the Master exercise his discretion as to whether he will cause the trial to be had, taking into consideration the facts known to him as to the difficulty of making proof of the charge? Answer: Sec. 211, By-Laws, makes it imperative'that the Master should proceed with the trial. [Proceedings 1912, pages 13 and 103.] STATUS OF CANDIDATE. 5. Rockville Lodge, No. 341, received a petition for the degrees from a man who forty years prior thereto had petitioned and was elected to receive the degrees in a Lodge in He~ry County, but who failed to present himself for initiation. Question: Has the Lodge the right to receive his petition, or does the Lodge in Henry County retain juri~diction. notwithstanding the fa~t that he now resides in the jurisdiction of Rockville Lodge. Decision: Sec. 167, of the By-Laws, was not intended to retain perpetual jurisdiction in a case like this. Sec. 113 would prevent the Lodge in Henry County from receiving this petition as the candidate did not reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge. Rockville Lodge had the right to receive the petition. [Proceedings 1912, pages 13 and 103.] LODGES CANNOT T AKE PART IN POLITICS. 6. Hannibal Lodge, No. 188, asks whether members of the Masonic Fraternity should sign their names to such a document as the following: "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: "'Ve, the undersigned citizens of Hannibal, Mo., and members of the Masonic Fraternity, have known . for a number of years, and have always known him to be 'a broad-minded man in his religious and political views." Answer:
No. [Proceedings 1912, pages.13 and 103.] STATUS OF CANDIDATE.
7. Heroine Lodge, No. 104, asl{s whether an advertising manager for a wholesale liquor house, whose duties are to send out advertIsing matter for his employer, is eligible under the By-Laws for membership in the Masonic'Lodge. Decision: He is not eligible under Sec. 182, Grand Lodge By-
Laws. [Proceedings 1912, pages 13 and 103.]
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EXPELLED-MAY PETITION FOR RESTORATION. 8. McDonald Lodg-e, No. 324, expelled a member on charges preferred against him, charging him with misrepresenting the facts concerning his residence and eligibility in his petition for the degrees. He afterwards petitioned the Lodge for reinstatement, as provided by Sec. 250 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. . Question: Has the Lodge jurisdiction to entertain his petition for reinstatement? Answer: Yes. Sec. 250 makes no distinction in case of expelled members as to the cause or charges upon which judgment was rendered. [Proceedings 1912, pages 13-14 and 103.] MAY NOT CONFER DEGREES OUT OF 'rIME. 9. Cache Lodge, No. 416, at a regular Communication passed several candidatcs to the Degree of Fellow-Craft. The next regular Communication of the Lodge as fixed by its By-Laws would convene at 7 :30 P. M., Dec. 9. Question: Could the M. M. degree be conferred on these Brethren at a special mccting convened at 11 o'clock A. M., Dec. 9, which meeting would continue through the day into the regular meeting in the evening as fix'ed by the By-Laws'.' D.ecision: Under Sec. 110, Grand Lodge By-Laws, the Lodge could not confer the degrees prior to the time fixed by the By-Laws for the next regular meeting. The Grand Master has no authority to suspend this By-Law of the Grand Lodge by issuing a Dispensation. [Proceedings 1912, pages 14 and 103.]
• TRIAL-ON ALL SPECIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRED. 10. Tuscan Lodge, No. 360, received charges of unmasonlc conduct against one of its members. The specifications were numerous, and a trial would necessarily require' the taking of a great mass of testimony. . Question: Could thc' Lodge require the accusing Brother t9 stand the expense of taking the testimony as a condition precedent to the trial. Answer: No. Question 2: ''Vas it compulsory on the part of the Lodge that they proceed to trial on all of the specifications, or could the Master or prosecuting officcr of the Lodge require the accuser to elect one or more specifi~ations upon which the trial,should be had and for the purpose of saving expense?
Decision: A Lodge has the right to protect itself against unnecessary expense and may require the accusing party to elect which of several specifications he desires to havâ‚Ź the trial proceed upon; the remainder. of the specifications contained in the charge to stand continued until trial is had. [Proceedings 1912, pages 14 and 103.]
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[Sept.
LODGE MUST TRY SALOONKEEPER. 11. September 11, I was notified that a member of Cardwell Lodge, No. 231, was engaged in the saloon business. I instructed R. W. Brother Virgil P. Adams, D. D. G. M., in whose district the Lodge is located, to investigate the charge, and if it was well founded. to order the Lodge to proceed to file charges and expel the delinquent member. [Proce~d!ngs 1912, pages 15 and 103.] CANNOT BE INSTALLED WHILE UNDER CHARGES. 13. Charges of unmasonic conduct were preferred in Ita:ska Lodge, No. 420, against the Secretary-elect of that Lodge after his election and prior to the date of installation. The question was asked as to whether he could be installed while the charges were pending against him? Answer: No, the general welfare of the Lodge requires that an officer should not be installed l'\gainst whom charges of unmasonic conduct are pending. [Proceedings 1912, pages 15-16 and 103.] CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE. 14. My attention has been called to a recent issue of a Masonic Journal published in Kansas City, made up largely of advertisements of candidates for political offices, giving their Lodge membership and Masonic history. Such publications in a Masonic Journal are in violation of Masonic law. (Sec. 187 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws.) In a subsequent issue of the same Journal the editor apologizes for the political issue of the paper, saying that he was not informed as to the law on the SUbject. • [Proceedings 1912, pages 16 and 103.] SPECIAL PER CAPITA TAX. 1. That a Lodge may pay the entire special per capita tax on itl! present membershiI1 for the four ycars out of its treasury and be thereby exempt from further payments by reason of increase in membership. 2. That it was optional with the Lodge whether said special per capita tax was paid out of its treasury or collected from the members. 3. That the law passed at the 1912 session with reference to said special per capita tax was compulsory, not voluntary, and any member failing to pay same, upon proper notice and demand, was subject to Masonic discipline. [Proceedings .1913, page 15.]
¡That the incoming Grand Master and his successors in office be, and he and they are hereby requested and directed to take such steps as may he necessary and proper under the laws of this Grand Lodge to enforce the collection of the special per capita tax for the Improvement Fund of the Masonic Home of Missouri, adopted at
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and passed at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held September, 1912. *See report of Committee on Jurisprudence. [Proceedings 1913, pages 15 and 161.] REJECTION NOT TO BE ENDORSED ON DIMIT. 4. That the Secretary of a Lodge in which a petition for affiliation has been rejected has no right to state this fact on the face or back of the djmi~. [Proceedings 1913, page 15.] PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. 5. That a man who has lost the left leg below the knee and wears a cork leg. is eligible if able to conform to the ceremonies. A cork leg discounts a cork head. 6. That a man having lost his second, third and fourth fingers of the right hand is ineligible. [Proceedings 1913. page 15.]
DRAM SHOP LICENSE. 8. That the possession of a Dram Shop License in his own name to sell liquor Is SUfficient ground on which to prefer charges against a member. [Proceedings 1913. page 15.]
WORSHIPFUL MASTER SHOULD WEAR HAT. 9. That the W. M. should wear his hat while officiating as such, whether in Lodge or elsewhere. [Proceedings 1913, page 15.]
WORSHIPFUL MASTER SUSPENDED FROM OFFICE. 10. That a W. M. under suspension from office has a right t<l visit his Lodge. [Proceedings 1913. page 15.]
SOLDIER INELIGIBLE. 11. That In the case of a soldier, who owns property in a certain town and calls it his home, but has been in the U. S. Army for fifteen years. and expects to re-enlist, and who has not been in the State for twelve months nor within the jurisdiction of the Lodge six months, I held that he was ineligible. being unable to comply with Sec. 113. [Proceedings 1913, page 15.]
308
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
DROPPING FROM MEMBERSHIP ILLEGAL. 12. That in the case of a member who was "dropped" from the roll of membership without suspension, I held that it is illegal to "drop" a member without notifying him to appear at a stated time and show cause why he should not be suspended, and then proceed to vote by paper ballot whethcr he shall bc suspended or not. (Sec. 152.) Not having acted in accordance with said section, I further held that said Brother is a member in good standing, and instructed the Secretary of the Lodge to make demand upon him for all dues accruing since the time he was "dropped." And, if said member should pay the accrued dues, the Secretary was further instructed to remit to the Grand Secretary the amount of Grand Lodge dues owing on said member from the year he was "dropped" to .1913, inclusive. [Proceedings 1913, page 15.] EASTER SUNDAY NOT A MASONIC OCCASION. 13. That in the case of a Lodge requesting a Dispensation to • attend divine service in a body on Easter Sunday, I held that it is evidently the spirit of the Masonic Law and the previous practice of the Grand Lodge and Grand Masters to discourage public processions of Subordinate Lodges except upon Masonic occasions, as defined in Sec. 47. Sec. 48 also reads: "A Subordinate Lodge shall not appear in public procession without a Dispensation for that purpose from the Grand Master, except on Masonic occasions." In view of the law and the precedents above referred to, it is my opinion that this power of the Grand Master to grant Dispensations should not be exercised except in cases where the occasion carries with it some peculiar Masonic significance. No reasonable construction of this rule gives authority to the Grand Master to exercise his judgm~nt in creating other occasions wherein a Lodge may appear, otherwise the intention would have been made clearly manifest. It is laudable to attend divine service, and the individual Freemason may exercise his right of conscience without either interference or direction, and' in no way has he sUrrenQ.ered this right by his voluntary connection with this institution, whose aim and object is to establish the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. The spirit of toleration in Freemasonry is so broadly defined and so universally protected by the institution, that I feel I would be derelict to my duty in lending official sanction to the violation of a fundamental principle. I therefore refused to grant the Dispensation. [Proceedings 1913, page 16.] SALOONKEEPER FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION. 14. That no Lodge in this Jurisdiction has the right to entertain charges against a Brother belonging to an Illinois Lodge for engaging in the saloon business in this State. Illinois does not bar saloonkeepers nor employes thereof from membership. ¡"Committee approves, but are of the opinion that a Freemason holding membership in another State, and residing in this State, who
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violates the law of this Grand Lodge, Is not entitled to the rights and privileges of a Freemason in this State." 路See report of Committee on Jurisprudence. [Proceedings 1913, pages 16 and 161.] SECRETARY MUST ISSUE RECEIPT. 15. That the Secretary of a Lodge must issue receipt for Lodge dues to a member, notwithstanding said member has refused to pay the special per capita tax for the Masonic Home Improvement Fund. [Proceedings 1913, page 16.] CANNOT HOLD ELECTION. That a Lodge could not hold Election of Officers prior to date set in their By-Laws, although the Lodge had a provision In their By-Laws to that effect. [Proceedings 1913, page 16.] 16.
ENTERED APPRENTICE MA Y DIMIT. That an E. A. living outside of the Jurisdiction of the Lodge In which he received his degree is entitled to a dimit without standing examination. [Proceedings 1913, page 16.] 17.
MEMORIAL DAY NOT A MASONIC OCCASION. 18.
That Memorial Day Is not a Masonic occasion. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.]
NAME OF MEMBER-CANNOT CHANGE. That the name of a member on the Grand Lodge records could not be changed until said change had been made according to law. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] 19.
PETITIONER NOT QUALIFIED U. D. 20. That Brethren not being qualified petitioners for the formation of a Lodge ..U. D. could not be elected to membership or office. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.]
SECRETARY NOT ENTITLED TO INTEREST. 21: That the Secretary of a Lodge is not entitled to Interest on the Lodge funds. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.]
310
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
ALIENS ELIGIBLE. 22. That one who has not acquired citizenship is eligible for the degrees. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. 23. That a Lodge could receive petition from one whcse feet were of unequal size. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] SUICIDE. ~.
24. That a M. M. in good standing who had committed suicide was entitled to Masonic burial. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] 4. From Butler we received a reqUEst for a ruling upon the propriety of a Lodge giving the remains of a Brother Masonic burial who had been guilty of both homicide and suicide. Also whether or not the Lodge could lawfully refuse to bury him. Answer: As the Brother was dou btless not responsi ble ~or hi's acts at the moment the terrible deeds were committed, his reason surely having been dethroned, it is perfectly proper and your duty to give his remains burial with Masonic ritES. [Proceedings 1914, pages 20, 170.] BELIEF IN DEITY. 25. That petition for degTees mm~t state that the applicant is a firm believer in the One living and true God. (Sec. 116, page 27, Book of Constitutions, 1908.) [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER SOCIETY. 26 That charges could not be entertained against a member because of his holding membership in the Order of Knights of Columbus. [Proceedin.:;s 1913, page 17.] COLLECTIVE BALLOT ON SUSPENSION. 27 ballot.
That it is irregular to suspend delinquents on a collective Each must be voted on separately. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] HALL DESTROYED-LODGE MAY MEET.
28. That a Lodge, having lost its hall by fire, could hold meetings in a hall duly dedicated and c.onsecrated regardless of a pro-
G,'and Lodge of Missouri
1917.]
311
VISIOn in their By-Laws that place of meeting could only be changed by an amendment regularly presented and lying over two regular communications. [Proceedings 1913, page 17.] UNSOUND MIND-CANNOT BRING CHARGES AGAINST. ~l!. Brother Davis was tried by New Madrid Lodg-e, convicted ltnd expelled for calling another member of the Lodge a rascal and scoundrel, by a vote of nineteen "guilty" and nine "not 路guilty." Three of the nineteen who voted "guilty" were not entitled to vote because ~hey had not passed the proficiency examination required by Sec. 121, on page 28 of the By-Laws, their degrees having been received since September 30th, 1908. If路 the presiding officer had allowed only those to vote' who were legally qualified to do so the Brother would have been acquitted. A t the time of the trial and for several years prior thereto the accused Brother was very sick. He was a victim of locomotor ataxia, was still suffering from the effects of a stroke of apoplexy upon both his mind and body, was old and feeble and in his dotage and not responsible for what he said. Believing that a Lodge has no right to place a Brother of unsound mind on trial, we ruled that he had been unlawfully expelled and directed the Lodge to restore him to good Masonic standing. After reaching this conclusion and writing the decision, but before. mailing it, we were advised by wire of the death of the Brother. We sent the following telegram to the Secretary of the Lodge: "Having decided that O. L. Davis was illegally expelled and having reinstated him to good Masonic standing before his death, you are directed to bury his remains with Masonic honors if his widow requests it." We have been advised that the remains were given Masonic burial by the officers and members of the Lodge. The papers in the case have been turned over to the Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee. [Proceedings 1914, page 24.]
ASSESSMENT-IMPROVEMENT FUND. 24. Griswold,No.178, of Bellflower, asks: "Where the Lodge is collecting the assessment for the building fund of the lVIasonic Home from the individual members, how much should we collect from members who were raised in May, 1914?" Answer: $1.50. Members joiriing between June 30th, 1913, and July 1st, 1914, will each be liable for $1.00. The four-year period for which this assessment of 50 cents per member per year was levied is divided, as we understand it, as follows: 1st 2d 3d 4th
year-from year-from year-from year-from
June June June June
30, 30, 30, 30,
1912, 1913, 1914, 1915,
to to to to
July July July July
1, 1, 1, 1,
1913. 1914. 1915. 1916.
312
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
27. An officer from Lathrop Lodge asks if a Brother refuses to pay the assessment of 50 cents for the Masonic Home Improvement Fund, has the Lodge a right to prefer charges against him? Answer: Yes, but before doing so thoroughly explain to him that the money is for the purpose of making needed betterments and improvements at the Home; that the Home belongs to him as much as to any other Brother in the State, and that the sum total asked for is but $2.00, and that owing to the uncertainties of commercial life his own application for admission to the Home or Hospital may be the very next one se'nt in by his Lodge [Proceedings 1914, page 27.] DUES, ACCRUE FROM DATE OF INSTITUTION. 26. Manes Lodge was instituted under Dispensation in March, 1913, and organized under Cha-rter in October, 1913, and asked from which date it should charge dues. Answer: Fro'ill date of institution under Dispensation. , [Proceedings 1914, page 27.] RESTORATION. 28. An expelled Br'other' of Independence petitioned, his Lodge for restoration and failed. He wants to file his petition again. Can we entertain it or must he apply to the Grand Lodge. Answer: Having made one application to your Lodge and failed, he, of course, now has the right to petition tl).e Grand Lodge for restoration, but it is my opinion that he now has the opti'on of petitioning either body any reasonable number of times. [Proceedings 1914, page 27.] STA TUS OF CANDIDATE. 29. One of the professors of our Normal School at Maryville is desirous of petitioning for the degrees. About twenty years ago he received the Entered Apprentice degree in San Francisco. He has forgotten absolutely everything about the work and cannot even remember the name of the Lodge, and the records of the Lodges in San Francisco were destroyed by the conflagration which followed the earthquake. 'Vhat procedure would you advise? Answer: 'Ve wrote to the Grand Mastel' and Grand Secretary of California. They replied that the professor's name did not appear on the lists of members of California since August 1st, 1912; that they had no record back of that. and that they claimed no jurisdiction. We then authorized Nodaway Lodge, No. 470, to entertain his petition for the three degrees. [Proceedings 1914, page 27.] FUNERAL OF SOJOURNER. 30. In cities where there are two .01' more Lodges the Board of Rellef shall keep a record of the dates and the names of the Lodges conducting funerals of the remains of sojourning Free-
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masons, and' each Lodge in its regular turn shall <;onduct such funerals when requested to do so by the Board of Relief. [Proceedings 1914, pages 27-28.] RELIGION OR POLITICS. No.2. Question: "Does the fact that a man is a Roman Catholic justify a Masonic Lodge in refusing him a courtesy that would be shown anyone else, such as thanking him for a favor?" Answer: A Masonic Lodge, as such, does not in any sense participate in matters of religion or politics. It is wholly improper for a Lodge to take any action that could be construed as favoring or antagonizing religious. or. political moves. Freemasonry knows no Democrats, Methodists, Prohibitionists. or Cat.holics, but deals with the "whole human species as one family." [Proceedings 1915, page 27.] TR~VELING
NO.3.
,ACTOR-INELIGIBLE.
In Decision No.3 the question was:
"Is a traveling' actor wh.o, with his family, spends about nine months of each ye'ar on the .road, going from State to. State, and even to foreign countries, but claiming a Missouri town in which he remains'during his vacation as his home, eligible for the Degrees of Freemasonry'?" 'rhe Grand Master answered as follows: "The provisions of Section 113, Grand Lodge BY-Laws, appear to preclude this class .of路applicants, and, we believe, wisely so; however, in view of the decision rendered by the Grand Lodge in 1914, the conditions 'being very similar, we decided he can." Under similar facts, your Committee on Jurisprudence, in 1914, reported that in its opinion, such a traveling actor was not eligible to membership under Section 113 (Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1914, page 170), thereby disapproving the decision of Grand Master Boor (page 20), but the Grand Lodge upheld the decision of the Grand Master and disapproved the decision of your Comm'ittee; and it is upon this decision that the present Grand Master made his ruling. Grand Master Lampert, in an analogous case. held that a soldier who owned property in this' State and called it his home, but had been in the United States Army for fifteen years and expected to re-enllst,. and who had not been in the State for twelve months, nor within the jurisdiction of the Lodge six .months, was ineligIble (Proceedings of 1913, page 15), and this decision was approved by the Committee on Jurisprudence and adopted by the Grand Lodge (page 162). It thus appears that the Grand Lodge has, upon analogous circumstances; made inconsistent. rulings. .vVe believe that the Grand Master, in view of the decision of the Grand Lodge in 1914, was correct 路in his ruling, but we disapprove of the decision of the Grand Lodge ot 1914, because it cJearly contravenes Section 113 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, and we recommend that the decision of the present Grand Master, for the reasons above expressed, be disapproved. (Proceedings 1915, page 28.]
314
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
FEES IN CASE OF WAIVER. No.4. Decided that when one Lodge requests of another waiver of jurisdiction over a candidate for the Degrees of Freemasonry, that the Lodge granting the request has a legal right to demand a part or all the fees as a condition on which the waiver is granted. [Proceedings 1915, page 28.] VISITORS-DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. No.6. Question: "A member of the fraternity who is from another jurisdiction, one not requiring payment of dues in advance, presents in May, 1915, receipt for dues in said jurisdiction for the year 1914. 'Would the Gr~nQ Lodge regulations admit him to a Missouri Lodge?". Answer: A Brother from a Grand Jurisdiction recognized by Missouri, bearing documentary evidence (receipt for dues) dated "not more than twelve months last past, such Grand Jurisdiction not requiring payment of annual dues in advance,. can legally be admitted to a Missouri Lodge." [Proceedings 1915, page 30.] MILEAGE AND PER DIEM-PROXY ENTITLED TO. No.7. The question in Decision NO.7 of the Grand Master is as follows: "When a Past Master, holding' thc proxy of the Worshipful Master, and the present Senior \Varden both from the same Lodge attend the Grand Lodge, which should represent his Lodge and draw mileage and per diem?" The 'Grand Master desires the opinion of the Jurisprudence Committee on this subject. Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge provides, among other things, as follows: "The proxy so deputed shall be entitled to the same privileges and p~rform the duties of him or them deputing him." Section 69 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws provides that the mileage and per diem shall be paid, among oth('r things, to "one representative from each Lodge," etc. It is our opinion that the Master, being the senior in office, is entitled to draw this mileage and per diem. In view of the fact that the above-quoted portion of Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge provides that "The pr'oxy so deputed shall be entitled to the sa.me privileges and perform the same duties of him or them deputing him," we are of the opinion that the party holding the proxy should stand in the shoes of the Worshipful Master and, in the Worshipful Master's absence, he would be entitled to the mileage and per diem, instead of the Senior or Junior \Varden. [Proceedings 1915, page 30.]
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EXPELLED-MAY PETITION. No. 1. Question: An expelled Mason petitions for reinstatement, receives a two-thirds vote and is granted a certificate of good stand-' ing. Does this entitle him to any other Masonic privilege than to petition for membership? If so, what? Also, may be petition any lodge in the State for membership, or can he petition only the lodge which expelled him and which also issued the certificate of good standing? . Answer: Upon the case stated the party is not entitled to any privilege other than to petition for membership. He may petition any lodge in this State. He is not required to petition only the lodge which expelled him. [Proceedings 1916, page 14.] DEAD-CANNOT BE REINSTATED. No.2. Question: For the sixth time it has been asked. A Brother is suspended for non-payment of dues and afterward dies. Can he be reinstated if his relatives or friends pay what he owed at the date of his. suspension so that he can be given a Masonic burial Answer: No. [Proceedings 1916, page 14.] FAILURE TO ADVANCE. NO.3. Question: Can a Worshipful Master legally proceed to confer the second or third degree on an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft who has not presented himself within one year for advancement (although he has good cause for not having presented himself sooner and there is no objection offered to his advancement) without first having him petition in regular form? Answer: No. [Proceedings 1916. page 15.] CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING-E. A. OR F. C. NO.4. Question: Maya lodge issue a certificate of good standing to an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft for the purpose of joining another lodge? Answer: No. Certificates of good standing can only be issued to Master Masons. [Proceedings 1916, page 15.] CERTIFICATE FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION. NO.5. Question: Maya. petition be received for afflllation of a Master Mason from another State on a certificate of good standing? Answer: No. A petition from a' foreign jurisdiction should be accompanied by a dimit. [Proceedings 1916, page 15.J
316
Proceedings of the
[ Sept.
FAILURE TO AnVANCE. No.6. Question: A Fellow Craft fails to appear for his third degree in one year. Is he in good standing as a Fellow Craft? Answer: Yes. May he still continue to sit in a lodge of Fellow Crafts? Answer:
Yes.
He has not passed his proficiency examination; may he attend lodge and pass this examination? Answer:
Yes.
Maya Fellow Craft or Master Mason lawfully teach him the proficiency lecture before he is elected to be raised? Answer:
Yes. [Proceedings 1916, page 15.] E. A. MAY DIMIT.
No.7. Question: Six years ago a brother was made an Entered Apprentice in Lexington, Mo., examined as to his proficiency and on presenting himself for advancement an objection was made, but charges not filed. He moved to St. Louis, where he now lives. He wants to take the other degrees in 路St. Louis. Will he h~ve to petition to take the remainder of the degrees, and, if so, what lodgethe lodge at Lexington or the lodge at St. Louis, which he wishes to join? Answer: He may apply to Lexington Lodge for a certificate of dlmission under section 163 of Grand Lodge By-laws, petition the St. Louis Lodge for affiliation, accompanying such petition with the certificate of dimission from Lexington Lodge and upon his election to membership in the St. Louis Lodge would be entitled to receive the degrees ipso facto without petitioning for such degrees to any lodge. [Proceedings 1916, page 15.] FAILURE TO ADVANCE. No.8. Question: An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft fails to present himself for advancement within a year, but has a good and sufficient excuse for not doing so. Should he be required to petition for ad vance men t? Answer: Yes. The good and sufficient excuse clause In section 107 refers to repayme'nt of the fee. [Proceedings 1916, page 16.] EXAMINATION AS TO PROFICIENCY. NO.9.. 'Question: A brother is made a Master Mason in a lodge in illinois Which does not require an examination as to his proficiency in the third degree. On dimit from his lodge In illinois he Is eleCted to membership in a lodge in Missouri and is elected an officer
19l7.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
317
therein. Will he have to stand an examination as to his proficiency in the third degree before he can be installed? Answer: No. The Masonic status of a brother is fixed by the law of the jurisdiction wherein he was made a Mason. Our law requiring an examination as to proficiency in the third degree, and ) impos-ing penalties for failure to do so, only applies to Master Masons raised in this jurisdiction. [Proceedings 1916, page 16.] EXAMINATION AS TO PROFICIENCY. No. 12. Question: Can a lodge in this jurisdiction request another lodge, also in this jurisdiction, to examine artd vote on the proficiency of a Brother in the lecture of the third degrM? Answer: Yes. Authority to confer the third degree necessarlly carries with it authority to examine and vote on his proficiency. , [Proceedings 1916, page 16.] RANK-ENTITLED TO. No. 13. Question: Our Worshipful Master has moved out of the State to reside al1d we have elected the Senior Warden as Worshipful Master. Is the Worshipful Master who moved 'away entitled to the rank of Past Master? Answer: Yes. He will be at the conclusion of the term for which he was elected. Question: Will the Senior Warden who ,was elect(Jd WorshIpful Master be entitled to the rank of Past Master? Answer: elected.
Yes, at the conclusion of the term for which he was [Proceedings 1916, page 16.] PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS.
No. 14. The Grand Master of Texas asked for rulIng on the following question: Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 446, havIng asked Pentagon Lodge No. 1080 of the Grand Jurisdiction of Texas to confer the degrees on a candidate who had been elected to receive the degrees In Ivanhoe Lodge, but had moved to Texas, It was discovered by the master of ceremonies of Pentagon Lodge, whlle the candidate was being prepared, that one joint of the middle toe of the left foot was missing, which made him ineligible to receive the degrees under the laws of Texas, and the candidate was excused, and Inasmuch as the Brother would be a member of a lodge in Missouri, should the degrees be conferred on him? I was asked, If, according to our laws governing physical qualifications, he was qualified to receive the degrees which Ivanhoe No. 446 had requested Pentagon Lodge No. 1080 to confer. Answer: In our jurisdiction it has never been held that a missing joint from the middle toe of the left foot would hinder a person
318
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
otherwise qualified from becomIng a Freemason, and In order that there might be no dispute In such matters, Grand Master Kuhn, several years ago, introduced and secured the passage of an amendment to PhysIcal DIsqualification, Section 106 of our By-laws, whIch provided, "Nothing herein contained shaH be so construed as to render. anyone ineligible to the prIvileges of Masonry who can by the" aid of artificial appliances conform to the necessary ceremonIes." Under which by-law it was decIded by Grand Master Lampert and approved by the Grand Lodge, "That a man who has lost the left leg below the knee and wears a cork leg is eligible if able to conform to the ceremonIes; a cork leg ¡dIscounts a cork head." [ProceedIngs 1916, page 17.] DUES-BACK-LODGE MAY RETAIN. No. 15. Question: A Brother suspended for non-payment of duel! tendered the amount he owed at the time of his suspension and petitioned to be reinstated, but was on vote of the lodge rejected. What shall we do with the money? Answer: Keep it. He owed It to you; and you have it. [Proceedings 1916, pag'e 17.]
• LIQUOR-MANUFACTURE OF. No. 16. Question: Is one who is engaged In the manufacture 01 WeIss beer containing 2 per cent aclohol eligible to petition for the degreeS? WeIss beer is not considered an IntoxIcating liquor. Answer: No. Ten' drinks of beer containing 2 per cent of alcohol is just as Intoxicating as one drInk of whisky containing 20 per cent of alcohol;. and makes you feel a great deal worse. [Proceedings 1916, pag-e 17.] ELECTION NULL AND VOID. No. 17. Question: A member of a lodge In this jurisdiction petitions another lodge in this jurisdiction for membership by afflllatIon. 'and was elected and regularly pays his dues. No certificate ot good standing or dimit was ever issued to hIm by the lodge of which he first was a member. After some years the lodge of which he was first a member suspended him for non-payment of dues. What is his Masonic standing? Answer: He stands a suspended member of the lodge of which he was first a member. [Proceedings 1916', page 18.] TRIAL-NEW, CANNOT GRANT. No. 18. Question: A Brother is tried and convicted In his lodge for unmasonlc conduct. Has the Worshipful Master power to grant. ,the accused a new trial? Answer: No. [Proceedings 1916, page 18.]
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
319
JURISDICTION TERRITORIAL. No. 19. Q'uestion: We have an application for membership from a Brother lately dimitted from an Oklahoma Lodge who lives just across the line in Oklahoma and just a mile from our lodge路 in Missouri. Can we elect him to membership, provided we get the consent of the lodge in Oklahoma in whose jurisdiction he resides? Answer: No. Under Section 113, By-laws, we have no extra territorial jurisdiction. [Proceedings 1916, page 18.] PETITION FOR DEGREES. 1. . The
committee on the petition of a candidate for the degrees haVing reported unfavorably, a ballot must be taken. Objections may be made to receive a petition or to initiation or advancement, but not to balloting on the petition. Sections 103, 123, 141, Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 35.] PETITION FOR DEGREES. 2. The committee on a petition for the degrees being all absent at the meeting at which the report .was due, the Worshipful Master appointed a new committee, who reported unfavorably, but not on the路 ground of physical disqualification. The Secretary returned the fee to a friend of the candidate, a member of the Lodge, who inquired how to proceed. Answer. A ballot should have been taken. Return路 the fee to the Secretary that a ballot may be taken on the petition as provided by Section 126, Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 35.] PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT. 3. A member of a Lodge was suspended for $9 delinquent dues. After more than one year he petitioned for reinstatement, accompanying his petition with a draft for $15 to apply on dues. Question: If his petition should be rejected, should the Lodge retain the $9 and return the other $6? Answer: The brother owed the Lodge $9 for dues when suspended, which should be retained, and if his petition for reinstatement should be rejected the $6 should be r~turned to the suspended brother. [Proceedings 1917, page 36.] DOT AGE-WHEN NOT IN. 4.
A Secretary of a Lodge writes as follows: "Our Lodge has who is 67 years of in possession of all consider him in his
a petition for the degrees from a man age and white headed, but seems to be his faculties, but some of our members dotage. Is he eligible?
[Sept.
Prl?ceedings of the
320
Answer. If the candidate is in the possession of his mental faculties, then he is not in his dotage, and his age is no objection. Dotage is feebleness or imbecility of understanding or mind, childishness of old age; senility. . [Proceedings 1917, page 36.] ACQUITTAL-WILL NOT BAR CHARGE. 5. A member of Lowry City Lodge was acquitted on the following charge and specifications: "That said Brother , on or about June 20, 1916, and on other dates and times, did take my wife away from home and remain away most of the night, and called upon her in my absence in my home, and did continue to do these things until my home has been broken up." Would such acquittal bar a charge for adultery with the wife of the accuser? Answer: The charge on which the accused was tried .did not specifically involve adultery. He was not tried on a charge for that offense. I am of the opinion that the acquittal on the charge will not bar a charge for adultery. [Proceedings 1917, page 36.] RECOMMENDATION-BY MAJORITY VOTE. 6. The question:
W.
M.
of
Versailles
Lodge
presented
the
following
"Twenty or )TIore of the members of Versailles Lodge No. 117 have presented a' petition to the Lodge asking a recommendation of Versailles Lodge that said petitioners be granted a charter for the formation of a new Lodge in Versailles. By what vote of the Lodge numerically can the recommendation be legally given? And are the petitioners who are members of Versailles Lodge entitled to vote on the question of granting the prayer of their petition?" Answer: In my opinion a majority vote will carry the recommendation. The petitioners who are members of Versailles Lodge are entitled to vote on. the question. Section 72, Grand Lodge ByLaws does not disqualify them. [Proceedings 1917; page 36.] W. M. OF NEW LODGE. 7. Is a brother who has served as Warden in a Lodge U. D. and who has not previously served as Master or Warden in a Lodge eligible to the office of Master at an election held subsequent to the constitution of the Lodge under its charter? Answer: No. Any Master Mason may be elected and installed as a Master of a new Lodge at its organization under its charter,
1917.]
Grand Lod'le of Missouri
321
but not at a subsequent election, unless he has previously served as Master or Warden in a chartered Lodge. See Sections 78 and 91, Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 37.] EXAMINATION-AS TO PROFICIENCY-BEFORE DIMIT. 8.
The Secretary of Willard Lodge No. 620 writes that Willard granted a member a certificate of good standing for the' purpose of transferring his membership to another Lodge, and that he has been elected a member thereOf without having passed his examination on his proficiency on the first section of the degree of M .. M. as required by Section 121, and that he is withholding his Dimit until informed what to do. Answer. The Dimit should not he granted until the member pas passed a satisfactory examination on his proficiency. Section 121, Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 37.] Lod~
PETITION FOR DEGREES-WHO MAY. 9. Question: A gentleman of good repute, exemplary character, and possessed of all the necessary qualifications, desIres to apply for membership and receive the degrees in Freemasonry. He is employed as superintendent of cooperage in the mechanical department of a brewery. He is not in any way connected with the manufacture or sale of the product. Would his present occupation mal{e him ineligible? Answer: His occupation does not render him ineligible to petition a Lodge for the degrees under Section 182, Grand Lodge ByLaws. See Decision No.2, Grand Lodge Proceedings 1915, page 194. [Proceedings 1917, page 37.] FUNERAL SERVICE-AT TIME OF BURIAL. 10. R. W. Brother J. M. Carnahan, D. D. G. M. Forty-seventh District, subm!tted the following question: "Last fall a BrQther Master Mason died and the Lodge Was unable to conduct his funeral. His widow now desires us to hold Masonic services at his grave." R. \V. Brother Carnahan ruled that he knew of no .Masonic law that would authorize the Lodge to hold funeral services as requested. That it was his understanding that the funeral services of a Masonic brother must be conducted at the time of the interment. I approved this ruling. Section 257, Grand Lodge By-Laws, authorizes a M;:tsonic funeral service in connection' with the burial of a deceased Master Mason in good standing. I find nothing in the law which would authorize the holding of funeral services over the grave of a deceased brother after his burial, nor any service adapted to such an occasion. [Proceedings 1917, page 38.]
322
Proceedings of the
[Sept.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. 11. Is a petitioner for the degree who has a wooden leg with a flexible knee joint, and. who is able to conform to the ceremonies, eligible? This question was submitted to R. W. Bro. Emsley C. James, D. D. G. M., who ruled that the petitioner was eligible. This ruling is approved. [Proceedings 1917, page 38.'] ROMAN CATHOLIC-ELIGIBLE TO PETITION. 12. Is a Roman Catholic eligible to petition for the degrees in Freemasonry? Answer: Freemasonry makes no religious test except the peti~ tioner must be an unfeigned believer in the one living and true God. [Proceedings 1917, page 38.] LODGE MAY NOT MEET. 13. Zalma Lodge No. 545, having a small hall, requested a dispensation to hold a session of the Lodge in the 1. O. O. F. hall for the purpose of conferring degrees and serving a basket dinner, at which it was expected there would be a large number in attendance from other Lodges. A dispensation was refused, it having 'been ruled that a Lodge can not legally meet and work in a building that has not been dedicated and consecrated to Masonic purposes. See Proceedings 1916, page 216. This seems to be the construction heretofore placed on Section 82 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 38.] DEBT-LODGE MAY CONTRACT. 14. Jacksonville Lodge No. 541 requested my consent. and approval to incur indebtedness for the purchase of ten acres of land adjoining the town of Jacksonville for a Masonic cemetery. The land wO.}lld cost $1,500, and to survey and improve the same would cost an additional $300. Having full confidence in the business ability of the officers and members of Jacksonville Lodge, I gave my consent and approval as requested. [Proceedings 1917, page 38.] 15. I gave my consent and approval to Portageville Lodge No. 166 to borrow $250 for the completion of a hall occupied by said Lodge and Odd Fellows conjointly. Also to Hiram Lodge No. 362 to borrow $5,500 to purchase and improve a hall. . [Proceedings 1917, page 39.]
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
323
ALIENS ELIGIBLE FOR DEGREES-WHEN. 16. Question: Is a petitioner for the degrees rendered ineligible from the fact that he is 路not a naturalized citizen of the United States? Answer: The qualifications of a candidate are prescrib'ed by Sections 113, 115 and 116, Grand Lodge By-Laws. If the candidate is a resident and has the other qualifications it does 'not seem necessary that he should be a naturalized citizen. [Proceedings 1917, page 39.] '.rRIALS-TESTIMONY PII,.ED WITH SECRETARY. 17. The testimony of profanes was taken by a committee appointed by the Worshipful Master pending charges preferred against a member of the Lodge. The committee did not file the testimony so taken with the Secretary, but permitted one of the counsel in the case to retain it, who declined to allow counsel on the other side to examine it. Complaint having been made to me, I ruled that as soon as the' eo.mmittee had completed taking the testimony they should have filed it with the Secretary of the Lodge, so that either party could have an opportunity to examine it, and that counsel in refusing to permit opposing counsel to examine it were guilty of unmasonic conduct, and, unless he apologized in open Lodge for his conduct, I directed that charges be preferred against him. We have' no place for shysters in a Masonic Lodge. [Proceedings 1917, page 39.] RESTORATION, IN TRIAL LODGE ONLY. 18. A member of a Lodge who, on a plea of guilty to an indictment for forgery and embezzlement, was sentenced to the penitentiary for two years and received a pardon at the end of eighteen months, petitioned for restoration. I was asked what is the procedure. Answer: I think it would be an exceptional case if the Lodge could afford to restore him, but the Lodge can judge the propriety of this action. Section 250 of the Book of Constitutions provides the procedure. [Proceedings 1917; page 39.] NAMES OF PETITIONERS MUST BE READ ALOUD. 19. Complaint was made to R. "V. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M., that the Worshipful Master of Itaska Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., refused to permit the reading of the names appended to a petition of a proposed new Lodge, submitted to 路Itaska Lodge for its approval, when one of the members of the Lodge requested that it be read. R. W. Bro. O'Reilly ruled that the Worshipful Master was in error; the names must be read. I approved the ruling. [Proceedings 1917, page 40.]
324.
PToceedings of the
[Sept.
PRAYER CHAIN LETTER. 22. The Prayer Chain Letter: R. W. Brother W. C. Heck wrote me as follows: "March 23, 1917. "1;ou are doubtless familiar with the 'Ancient Prayer Chain Letter', which has been going the rounds for some years. I have been getting them occasionally, but lately' have rcceived several signed by Freemasons, stating that the sending was a Masonic request." In my opinion this prayer c'hain letter savors of rank superstition and should meet with the condemnation of all inteIligent people. [Proceedings 1917, page 41.] RESIDENCE-ESTABLISHED BY VO'.rrNG. 23. A question of residence. The petitioner for degrees has been in New Haven since September 1, 1916, employed as school teacher, and has been in the jurisdiction of Evergreen Lodge for the past six months and lived in this county all of his life. He was born in Harrison County and his parents reside at Ridgeway. At" the general election held last November he voted at New Haven. Should he not be re-elected as teacher in our schools he will no doubt leave here. Question: Is he in the jurisdiction of New Haven Lodge, or in that of the Lodge at Ridgeway? Answer: The question of residence as dejined in Section 113, Grand Lodge By-Laws, is one of fact, in which the intention largely controls. If the petitioner was entitled to vote at New Haven at your last general election, I would say he is eligible to petition your Lodge for the degrees. [Proceedings 1917, page 42.] NO PENAL JURISDICTION OUTSIDE OF MISSOURI. 2'4. A member of Center Lodge No. 147 of Marion, Kansas, requested Ingomar Lodge No. 536 of Willow Springs, Mo., to prefer charges against a member of Cenfer Lodge for a Masonic offense committed while in the jurisdiction of Ingomar Lodge, and to prosecute the case to its finality. I was asked if Ingomar Lodge has authority to exercise penal jurisdiction in the case. Answer: I am of the opinion that Ingomar Lodge has no jurisdiction in the case, although the offense may have been committed within its jurisdiction. See Sec. 201 (1908). The fact that Center Lodge requests Ingomar Lodge to exercise penal jurisdiction in the case does not alter the law, because cons'ent can not confer jurisdiction. Authority to try 'the case must be found in our own law. [Proceedings 1917, page 43.]
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
325
DEGREES MAY BE CONFERRED-BY WHOM. 25. The question of difference of opinion among the brethren Mercer Lodge No. 35, .almost amounting to friction, arose over ti,e question of who is eligible to. confer degrees, some contending that any brother who knows the worK was the proper person to preside in conferring degrees, while others contend that only the Master, Wardens or some Past Master is eligible. . Answer: Section 87, Grand Lodge By-Laws, authorizes the presiding officer to request the assistance of any duly qualified brother in conducting the business or in conferring the degrees. I think the clear meaning of this section is that the Worshipful Master may call any brother to the chair, or to any other station in the lodge, while a degree is being conferred, whether such brothel' be a Warden or Past Master, provided only he is competent to perform the work. I think this practice encourages the younger members to make themselves proficient in the work. I further think that it is good policy for the Master to encourage proficient members to participate in the work of conferring degrees. [Proceedings 1917, page 44.] (,I
DEBT MAY BE INCURRED BY MAJORITY VOTE. 26. Sarcoxie Lodge No. 293 owed a debt of $4,000. A resolution was offered setting aside the rent from the lower story, which amounts to $60 per month, for the purpose of paying the debt and interest. The resolution was read and laid over for thirty days, when it was carried by a majority of two votes. Question: Did the resolution require a majority of ~ twothirds vote for its adoption, or was it an amendment to the ByLaws? Answer: This was a business proposition and required only a majority vote for its adoption. It was in no sense an amendment to the By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 44.] PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP-DIMIT MUST ACCOMPANY. 27. M. J. Williams removed from Kansas to Pollock, Missouri. He petitioned Pollock Lodge No. 349 for affiliation, accompanying his petition with a receipt for dues in Liberty Lodge No. 123, Kansas, on which was endorsed a certificate of good Masonic standing, and was elected to membership in Pollock Lodge. Liberty Lodge complained of this action on the part of Pollock Lodge, and claimed that Brother Williams was 'still a member of Liberty Lodge. I ruled the petition of Brother Williams for affiliation should have been accompanied with a dimit from Liberty Lodge, without which the action of Pollock Lodge in electing him a member thereof was unauthorized and void. Section 157 of Our Grand Lodge By-Laws does not authorize a member of a lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction to transfer his membership to a lodge in this state without a dimit. I therefore ordered that the action of Pollock Lodge be set aside. [Proceedings 1917, page 45.]
326
[Sept.
Proceedings of the DOTAGE-NO CAUSE FOR DIMIT.
28. A member of a lodge who is in his dotage applied for a dimit for the mere purpose of withdraw:ing from ,the Order. He is a Past Master and had been active in the Lodge for many years. He assigned as his reason that he is old and Masonry is not what it used to be and he can' be as good a Mason out of the Lodge as in it. Question: Should the Lodge grant a dirilit as requested? Answer. For an old brother in such circumstances to sever the bonds of fraternal fellowship is a tragedy. If he is in his dotage the dimit should not be granted. [Proceedings 1917, page 45.] SECRETARY-MUST PAY FEES TO TREASURER. 29. Should the Secretary of a Lodge turn over to the Treasurer the fee accompanying a petition for the degrees, or should he hold it until the ballot is taken upon the petition? Answer: It is the duty of the Secretary to receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay them over to the Treasurer. The fee accompanying a petition for the degrees' is due the 路Lodge and should be regularly paid over to the Treasurer. . [Proceedings 1917, page 46.] ST ATUS OF CANDIDATE. 30. The following inquiry was submitted to R. O'Reilly, D. D. G. M.:
'\T.
Bro. A. J.
Brother W. was initiated in Herrin's Prairie Lodg'e, No. 639, of Herrin, Illinois, in 1909, and removed to St. Louis in 1910 without having been advanced. Desiring advancement he was advised by the W. M. of Trinity Lodge No. 641, St. Louis, that he .should regularly petition for the degrees. His petition was accordingly presented, resulting in his rejection. What is his status? After corresponding with Herrin Prairie Lodge and learning the facts, R. W. Brother O'Reilly ruled that the candidate was a member of that Lodge, but not in good standing; that Trinity Lodge had no jurisdiction; that its action in receiving his petition and balloting thereon was unauthorized. The rUling of W. Brother O'Reilly is approved. Undoubtedly the action taken by Trinity Lodge was due to a misconstruction ')f Section 107 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws. [Proceedings 1917, page 46.] PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. 31. Mountain qrove Lodge No. 158 requested Tucumcari Lodge No. 27, N. M., to confer the degrees on a candidate who had been elected by Mountain Grove Lodge to receive the degrees. I forwarded this request to the M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico, who later wrote me, inclosing a letter from the Secretary of Tu-
1917.]
G1'and Lodge of M'issouri
327
curncari Lodge, stating that "in the preparation of the candidate we discovered that his left leg had· been taken off at or just below the thigh, and that he had a cork leg. We were somewhat at a loss just what .to do. but being satisfied he could conform to all the requirements of an E. A., we conferred that degree upon him. However, we are not so satisfied that he can conform to all requirements in the remaining degrees. In this connection will call your attention to case No. 14, pagE:> 236, Grand Lodge Proceedings 1916. This case, however, differs from our case. in that the candidate had lost his left leg below the knee. but you will note the decision states 'that a man who. has lost the left leg below the knee and wears a cork leg is eligible if able to conform to the ceremonies· ... Referring this letter to Mountain Grove Lodge, the Secretary. wrote me that the Investigation Committee reported that the candidate used a cork leg join ted in the knee. I then wrote the M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico, quoting Section 106 of the Grand Lodge By-La.ws, and stated that if the . candidate ,,,ere not able to conform to the ceremonies then he should not have received the first degree. That if the examining committee of Mountain Grove Lodge overlooked his physical disqualification, it was their fault, and not that of the candidate, and that if the candidate was not provided with a cork leg with a fiexible knee joint he will not be entitled to advancement until he provides himself with such artificial limb.. [Proceedings 1917. page 46.] PETITION FOR MEMBEllSHIP-DIMIT MUST ACCOMPANY. 32. R. W. W. 1. Stuart. D. G. M.• of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, complained to me of the action of Lowry City Lodge No. 403 in electing Brother John p •. Earhart. a member of Wetmore Lodge No.. li30, Wetmore, Kansas, to membership in Lowry City Lodge, wi tl.'.iut having taken a dimit from Wetmore Lodge, in violation of til e laws of the' Grand Lodge of Kansas. I corresponded with. the Secretary of Lowry City Lodge and learned that Brother Earhart petitioned Lowr.y City Lodge for affiliation. and accompanied his petition with a certificate of good Masonic standing in Wetmore Lodge, which was not addressed to any Lodge. I ordered Lowry City Lodge to set aside its action in electing Brother Earhart to membership therein. which was promptly done, and communicated my action to R. ViT. Brother Stuart, D. G. M. of Kansas. The action of Lowry City Lodge would have been unauthorized under Section 157 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, even if Brother. Earhart's membership had been in a Miss'our! Lodge. [Proceedings 1917, page 147.] INV ASION OF JURISDICTION. 34. J. S. Gossom. an attorney at law, had been a resident of Caruthel.'sville. in Pemiscot County. Missouri,' for ten or twelve years. He removed with his family to St. Louis. Missouri, April 6, 1915, where he engaged in the practice of his profession.
328
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
. On February 3, 1916, he petitioned Missouri Lodge No.1, A. F. & A. M., for the degrees. He was elected and received the degrees of E. A. and F. C. Afterwards, on August 14, 1916, Carut11ersville Lodge No. 461, A. F.& A. M., complained to Missouri Lodge No. '1 that Brother Gossom was a' resident of Caruthersville at the time he petitioned for the degrees, and that Missouri Lodge had invaded its jurisdiction. By mutual consent the. two Lodges referred the matter to M. .W. Brother Frank R. Jesse, then Grand Master of Missouri, for decision, who, on his retirement from office, referred the matter to me as unfinished business. I have submitted the matter to n. W. Bro. A. J. O'Reilly, D. D. ¡G. M. of the Thirty-third District, and to R. '\T. Bro. Virgil P. Adams, D. D. G. M. of the Fifty-first .District, for investigation, who have each submitted reports. R. W. Brother O'Reilly has made a very thorough investigation of the facts and submitted much evidence. in support of his conclusion. There are many .facts and circumstances in evidence in the report submitted by R. W. Bro. O'Reilly to support his conclusion that Brother Gossom was a bona fid₏ resident of the City of St.. Louis at the time he petitioned Missouri Lodge No. 1 for the degrees, and I concur in his judgment. I therefore hold that Brother Gossom was within the jurisdiction of Missouri Lodge No. 1 on February 3, 1916, when it received his petition, and that it did not invade the jurisdiction of Caruthersville Lodge No. 461. [Proceedings 1917, page 48.] LODGE WAIVING JURISDICTION-SHOULD
REQUEST F}<]}<JS.
35. Four candidates, residing within the jurisdiction of West View Lodge No. 103, petitioned Trowel Lodge No. 440 for the degrees. West View Lodge ,vaived jurisdictiO'n on condition that Trowel Lodge pay the fees for the degrees to West View Lodge. Question: Should Trowel Lodge pay the fees to West View Lodge or can the latter Lodge require that the fees for the degrees be paid to it as a condition. of waiving jurisdiction? Answer: The fees should be paid to West View Lodge. That Lodge could make this requirement as a condition of waiving jurisdiction. [Proceedings 1917, page 49.] E. A.-ENTr.rLED TO CERTIFICATE OF' DIMISSION. 36. An entered apprentice having removed out of the jurisdiction of his Lodge, makes application for membership on certificate of good standing as such. This was done under Section 163. Some brothers claim an entered apprentice can not dimit, claiming an amendment to this effect. How about it? Answer:. I find no amendment to Section 163, Grand Lodge ByLaws. An entered apprentice "is not entitled to a certificate of good standing, but if he has removed out of the jurisdiction of his Lodge he is entitled to a certificate of dimission. See Section 109. By Section 157, a member who desires to transfer his membership to
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
329
another Lodge in this jurisdiction may do so upon a certificate of good standing as provided in said section. This has no application to an E. A. or F. G. It only applies to Master Masons. [Proceedings 1917, page 49.] PETITION-CAN NOT BE WITHDRAWN. 37. A man makes application for the degrees, two of the committee report on it the night it is presented, reporting favorably.' I satisfy myself that the man will not pass the ballot, and to save the man's father, who put in the petition for his boy, humiliation (the father is a good man, a good Mason and a K. T.), I advised him to withdraw it, and advise the boy to form better associates than those he had. The father thanked me, saying that I had acted as a Mason should; he appreciated me warning him and not allowing it to reach the ballot. He withdrew the petition. I allowed him to do this under Section 102, Art. VIII. The Master and others say I had no right to do this and that the petition is not withdrawn. How about it? Answer: The petition can not be withdrawn after it has been referred to the committee. Section 102, Grand Lodge By-Laws, as amended, 1914, p. 157. [Proceedings 1917, page 50.] PROPER FEE. FOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP. 38. Cambridge Lodge 'No. 63 writes: "Several of our brethren express a desire to pay a life membership fee in the Lodge. Our By-Laws make no provision for such a payment, although in the Constitution we find there is such a section permitting Lodges to make such a provision; We would like to have some idea as to grade same, whether there should be a fixed, amount regulated according to age. . Our annual dues ate $5.00." Answer: Section 151, Grand Lodge By-Laws, needs no construction. So far as my information goes, all Lodges charge annual dues. Some exempt members from dues after the member attains a certain age; or, after one has been a member of the Lodge for so many years and attains a certain age. But in all these cases the Lodge will have to pay the Grand Lodge dues. I thinK Section 151 authorizes a Lodge to fix a definite sum, which, when paid, would be in full for all dues in the future. For instance, if a member is 50 years of age, and dues are $1.00 per year,' according to the mortality tables found in R. S. Mo. 1909, [ection 8499, based upon the member's expectancy, the net value of the income for the remainder of his life would be $10,631. Your dues being $5.00 per year, he could pay your Lodge five times that sum and be acquit for the rest of his life. [Proceedings 1917, page 50.] CERTIFIGATE OF GOOD STANDING-REFUND OF DUES. 39. Forsythe Lodge No. 453 issued a certificate of good standing to a member on May 18 whose dues were paid to July 1. He petitioned Pleasant Hope Lodge 467 for affiliation and was elected a
330
[Sept.
Proceedings of the
member June 28, and Forsythe Lodge was notified. At its next meeting, July 7, Forsythe Lodge issued a dimit, but claimed dues for the month of July. , Answer: According to Section 157, Grand Lodge By-Laws, the petitioner became a member of Pleasant Hope Lodge when Forsythe Lodge issued his dimit.. He should pay Forsythe Lodge for dues -for July. A fraction of a month is taken as a whole month. Sec. 146. [Proceedings 1917, page 51.] CANDIDATE-STATUS OF. 40. A candidate was lnitiated, passed and raised in Cosmos Lodge No. 282, and removed' to Champaign, Illinois, before he was lectured. Can Cosmos Lodge request the Lodge at Champaign, Illinois, to lecture路 and examine him in open lodge as to his proficiency on the first section of the third degree? And if the Lodge at Champaign shall report to Cosmos Lodge that he has passed a satisfactory examination, will the brother be entitled to a dimit from Cosmos Lodge? Answer: Yes. [Proceedings 1917, page 51.] PETITION FOR
MEMBERSHIP~DIMIT
MUST ACCOMPANY.
41. Myrtle Lodge No. 338 vs. Cowgill Lodge No. 路561. Brother H. K. Thompson, a member of Myrtle Lodge, petitioned Cowgill Lodge for affiliation and was elected a member thereof September 1, 1906. His petition was not accompanied by a dimit or certificate of good standing. The records of Myrtle Lodge failed to show that either was ever issued. Cowgill Lodge paid the Grand Lodge dues on Brother Thompson for the years 1907 to 1916, inclusive, $12.50. Myrtle Lodge suspended Brother Thompson for $18.75 delinquent dues. Myrtle Lodge claims that Brother Thompson is. still a member of that Lodge. Decision: On this state of facts the action of Cowgill Lodge in electing Brother Thompson a member by affiliation was null and void. I ordered Cowgill Lodge to pay over to Myrtle Lodge" all dues paid by Brother Thompson, and, as Cowgill Lodge had paid Grand Lodge dues to the amount of $12.50 on Brother' Thompson when he was not a member of that Lodge, I ordered a Grand Lodge warrant drawn in favor路 of Cowgill Lodge for that sum. [Proceedings 1917, page 52.] RENTING PROPERTY TO IJIQUOR DEALER. 42.
Section 182,
Grand Lodge
By-Laws,
does not prohibit a
Master Mason from renting property to a liquor dealer. [Proceedings 1917, page 52.]
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missou.ri
331
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING E. A. OR F. C. 43. Marceline Lodge No. 481 granted the following certificate to an Entered Apprentice who removed to New Mexico: "To Whom It May Concern: "This is to certify that Jesse F. Mathis was initiated in this Lodge and is in good standing. At his request and at a Stated Communication of Marceline Lodge No. 481, A. F. & A. M., held December 27, 1910, by unanimous consent he is granted this Waiver of Jurisdiction (or certificate of dimission), whereby he may apply to any Lodge in the Jurisdiction he may reside." By order of the Lodge, (Lodge Seal) L. E. Pancost, Sec'y.
Brother Ma'this applied to Temple Lodge No. 6 of New Mexico, submitting the foregoing certificate with his application. The M. W. Grand Master of New Mexico inquires as to the status of the Brother in Missouri, he being' of the opinion that an Entered Apprentice can not sever his membership except by a dimit, and that a dimit can not be granted except to a Master Mason. That therefore the proper procedure is for the Entered Apprentice to request his own Lodge for advancement, and, if granted, his Lodge, through the proper Grand Officers, should request the Lodge where he is located to confer the degrees. That when he becomes a Master Mason he is entitled to a dimit and not un-til then. I replied to the M. W. Grand Master that the certificate issued to Brother Mathis by Marceline Lodge No. 481 is a Certificate of Dimission under our law and authorized by Section 163 of the Book of Constitution (1908), and entitles him to petition a Lodge in any Grand Jurisdiction or affiliation. [Proceedings 1917, page 52.]' 路CERTIFICATE OF DIMISSION. To Whom It May Concern: This is to certify that Brother . was initiated an 'Entered Apprentice on the day of .................. , 19 .... (and passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on the day of , 19 ) in this Lodge and is in good standing as such, on the date hereof. At his request and at a Stated CommunIcation of Lodge No , A. F, & A. M., located at , Missouri, held on the day of , 19 , he is granted this Waiver of JurisdIction (or certificate of ditriission), whereby' he may-apply to any Lodge in the Jurisdiction in which he may reside. By order of the Lodge, ................... , Secretary. (Lodge Seal) 路Form for Certificate of Dimission recommended by Committee on Jurisprudence and adopted by the Grand Lodge.
332
Proceedings of the FEE FOR
CO~FERRING
[Sept.
DEGREE NOT OBLIGATORY.
46. Cosmos I5bdge No. 282 conferred the degree of Master Mason on a proficient Fellow Craft of Keystone Lodge and, insisting that it was an act of courtesy and that it felt honored in being able to serve her sister Lodge, declined to accept a check for $5 from Keystone Lodge for conferring the degree as provided in Section 166, Grand Lodge By-Laws. Cosmos Lodge asks: 1. Is Section 166, Grand Lodge By-Laws, mandatory~ 2. If yes, will you kindly so instruct C'osmos Lodge? Answer: I do not think it ever was intended that a Lodge conferring degrees at the request of another Lodge might not do so as an act of courtesy. Section 166 requires the requesting Lodge to pay the Lodge conferring the degree $5 for each degree conferred, but it does not require that the Lodge conferring the degrees at the request of another shall accept the fees. [Proceedings 1917, page 55.]
1917~]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
INDEX. Page Absence of Lodge, seal 295 Acquittal-WlII not bar charge .. 320 Advance, failure to... 294-301-315-316 A liens, eligible for the degrees. when 310-323 Amendments, time for consideration 275 Amendments to By-Laws, alteration or repeal 283 Amendments to By-Laws, adding 'section 2 R2 Appeals In Grand Lodge 286 Appeals to Grand Lodge, how taken 284 Appeals to Grand Lodge, testimony ',' .284 Appeals to Grand Lodge, time for.284 Appeals to Grand Lodge, notice of.285 Appeals to Grand Lodge, record .. 285 Appeals to Grand Lodge, cost of. 286 Appeals to Grand Lodge, objection to transcrlpt. .................•. 286 Appeals and Grievance Committee, appearance before 276 Assessment, Improvement Fund .. ........................... 272-311 Ballot, all must vote 283 Ballot, collective, when prohibIted 310 Ballot, may not be disclosed 302 Ballot. for Grand Lodge Officers. 274 Belief In Deity. requisite 310 Boards of Relief 272 Border Legislation 273 Brother, unsound mind-cannot bring charges against. 311 Burial lot ; 273 By-Laws. adding section 282 By-Laws. alteration or repeal 283 By-Laws. Lodge must elect according' to 300 Cannln"lte. may sollclt. 299 Candidate, status of .... 287, 288, 289, 295. 304, 312. 317. 326, 330 CanOldates for political office .... 306 Candidates. list of 291. 303 Certlflcate of' Good Standing and Refund of Dues 294. 329 Certlflcate of Good Standing, after expulsion 302 Certlflcate of Good Standing, from another Jurisdiction 315 Certlflr.ate of Good Standing, E. A. or F. C 315. 331 Charl':cs. cannot be preferred by nron-afflllate 292 Charity. 9.nnllcatlon for 274 ColleC'tlvc hallot on suspensions, prohlhlted 310 Conferences of Grand Masters. whf) may attend 274 Conferrln!':' del':'rees. forhidden 277 Consideration of amendments. time for 275 Correspondence. printing reports on 276 Dead. cannnt he reinstated 315 Dehts, Lf)(!!!'e shall not contract.. 280 Debt. Looge may contrar.t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280, 322, 325 Degree. failure to receive ..... 287.290 Del:!'rees. may be conferred by whom 325 DE"/!'T"ees, may not confer out of time ,305 Dc/!'rees, may not confer more than one 277 Detty, belief tn, requisite 310
333
Page Digest of Laws : 273 Dlmit. cannot be returned to': Lodge 303 Dimlsslon, E. A., form for 331 Dlmit, Entered Apprentice may .. ................. ' 309.316 Dimit, In absence of charges 296 Dlmit, In old form, Illegal. 295, 303 Dimlt, rcjectlon not endorsed on .. 307 Dimit, to procure 293 Dlmltted and rcmoved, cannot affiliate 300 Districts 54 and 55, change In 278 Documentary evidence, visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283,302,314 Dotage, no cause for dlmit. 326 Dotage, when not In 319 Dram-shop license 307 Dropping from membership illegal ' 308 Drug store selling liquor ; .. 298 Dues, failure to pay 284 Dues, increase of 298 Dues, receipts, form of 281 Dues, accrue from date of Institution 312 Dues (back), Louge may retaln 318 Dues. Refund of and Certificate of Good Standing 294 Dues, remission of ; .291,294 E. A.-form for certificate of dlmlssion 331 E. A.-may dlmit. 309.'316.328 E. A.-record lost, may re-petitlon.312 Easter Sunday. not a Masonic occasion 308 Election, cannot hold 309 Election. null and void 295, 318 Employment Bureau 281, 299 Endowment Fund 283 Examination, as to proficiency . . . . . . .. . 316, 317, 321 Exemplification of Work. at Grand Lod,goe : 277 Expelled, may petition 305, 312, 315 EXl)ulslon, Secretary must notify. 294 Failure to advance .. 294,301.315, ::116 Failure to Install 297 Failure to receive degree 287, 290 Fee for' conferring degree, not obligatory 332 Fees. In case of waiver 314 Fees. In case o,f life, membership. 329 Funeral' of a woman, may not attend' 294 Funerals of Grand Officers 273 Funeral of Sojourner ..•.......... 312 Funeral service" at time of budal.:I 21 Geo. Wa!'<hing-ton Masonic Nat'l Memorial Ass'n. . 275 Gnod Stanciln/!', certificate of .. 294,302 Grand Lecturer. salary of '. 279 Grand T.Jodg-e dues. increase of 282 Grand Lodge meeting, time and place 2S2 Grand Lodge Officers, ballot for .. 274 Grand Lodge Reception Committee · 278 Grand Masters. conference of 274 Grand Secretary. salary (If 279 FraIl destroyed, Lodge may meet. :1l0 HORPital ~ 27 .. Iml)ostors. lists of 275 Infirmary , 276 Install. cannot, under charges 306 Install. failure to ,., 297' Instrnction, Lodge of 279 Invasion of Jurisdiction 327
334
Proceedings of the ~ ~~~~
Jurisdiction, Invasion of .. Jurisdiction, St. Louis Lodges 301 Jurisdiction, territorial 319 Legislation, by members only 276 Legislation (proposed) must be debated by lodges 277 Life mcmbershlp, fees In case 329 Life membership. proper fee for. 329 Liquor, advertising 304 Liquor, manufacture of. 288,318 Liquor selling 288,289,298 Liquor selling (walter) 298 Lodge, may not confer degrees out of time ·.········ 305 Lodge, may meet when hall destroyed 310 Lodge, may not meet, where .. 297,322 Lodge meeting prohibited, when .. 295 Lodge, must elect according to By-Laws 300 Lodge seal, lack of · .. 295 Lodge, shall not contract debts ... 280 Lodge, waiving jurisdiction, should request fees · 328 Lodges of Instruction ····· 279 Lodges U. D., dues accrue ··· .312 Manual, library form ····· 278 Manufacture of liquor 288,318 Masonic Home Improvement Fund.272 Masonic Home Fund, payment of. 276 Masonic offense 280 Master. Mason, non-proficlent. 298 Mcetlng of Lodge prohibited, when 295 Membership, In other societies 310 Membership, restoration of . .................... 292, 305, 312, 315 Membership, transfer of 286,287 Memorial Day, not a Masonic occasion , 309· Mileag"e and per diem, who may draw 282, 314 Name of member, cannot change .. 309 Non-affiliate may not visit · 297 Non-affiliate may not prefer charges .•..................... 292 Non-affiliate may petition any Lodge ..•...................... 297 Non-proficient M. M. may not ballot 296, 298 Non-resident, petition of ··· 301 Offense, Masonic 280 Penal Jurisdiction, in Missouri only 324 Per capita tax, not deducted 300 Per capita tax, special 306 Petition for affiliation; must lie over 299 Petition of non-resident ·· 301 Petition, cannot withdraw 281, 329 Petition for membership, dimlt must accompany ... 286,325,327, 330 Petition for degrees or affiliation, who mayor may not. .... 321 Petition for degrees, must ballot on '.' 319 Petition for reinstatement, amount owed 319 Petitioners' names,. must be read aloud 323 Petitioners, U. D., not qualified, when 309 Physical qualifications . 3 Puilt;~~l' 'i~~~~: . L~d'ge' 3~Z~~~~' ~;~~ 26 part in 295 304 Politics or religion ".313 Pool table, Lodge may buy 299 Prayer chain-letter 324 Pr't'g reports on correspondence. 276 Proficiency 296, 298
[Sept.
Proxy, entitled to mileage and pfz.age di~m 314 candidates for polltIca.l offIce 306 Publication, candidates' names . ........................... 291, 303 pUbll~atloll, Digest of Law 273 QU~s,tlOnS, referred to D. D. G. . s 277 Rank, entitled to 317 Receipt must be issued by Secretary 309 Receipt for dues, form of 280 Reception Committee .of Grand Lodge •........................ 278 Recommendation, by majority' vote .........•................. 320 Recor~ lost, E. A. may re-petition.312 Rcjec.tIon not endorsed on dlmit .. 307 ReligIOn or politics 313 Remission of dues 291, 294 Renting property to liquor-dealer. 330 Reports of Committees, when presented ......•.................. 274 Rep.orts of Grand Officers 274 ReSIdence, established by voting .. ............. '.' 296, 324 Restoration, after consolidation of Lodge 292 Restoration, expelled member may petition for 305 312 315 Restoration, In trlai Lodgeo'nly. '. ............................ 301, 323 Revision of By-Laws governing appeals 284,285,286 Roman Catholic, eligible to petition 322 Salary, G. S. and G. L 279 Sal?o~ keeper from another jurisdIctIon 308 Saloon keeper, Lodge must try 306 Seal of 'Lodge, lack of .. , '.. 295 Secretary must issue receipt 309 Secretary must notify 294 Secretary must pay to Treasurer .. 326 Section 182 287 Secretary not entitled to Interest on Lodge funds 309 Smo~lng", p~ohibited 272 SoldIer, Ineligible to petition, when, P~blicati~n,
Stat~~'~f' ~a~did~t~: : 287: 288: 289', '23905~
. . 304.312,317,326,330 SUIcide .. entitled to Masonic burla1.310 SuspensIOn more than one year ... 297 Suspension or expulsion, Secretary ml;lst notify 294 TestImOny, how taken 284 Transfer of membership 286,287 Tr~vellng actor ineligible 313 Tr!al, new, cannot grant 318 TrIal, on all specifications not re '. ...........• ~ 305 quired Tr!al, time and notice of ..... 280, 304 TrIal. In Lodge of highest degree.284 Trials. testimony filed with Secretary : ..........•...... 323 Unsound mind, cannot bring charges against Bro. of 311 Visitors, documentary eVide'~~~' ~f
Vote",' ~;'y'~~t 'b~ 'dis'c'I~~~i83, 302, i~~ Yot~, who may ::::296·298 Votmg for Grand Lodge Officers.'. 274 Vote. all must ....•............... 283 .Walv~r of Jurisdiction 273,328 Washmgton Memorial Association. 275 W. M. of new Lodge, who may be.320 W~rshipful Master, should wear at ...................•. 307 Worshipful Master, suspende'ci 'f~~~ Office ma.y visit .............•.. 307
•
1917.]
Grand Lodge of Missouri
335
~rnUll1Jjollgr1 1\.
1ft & 1\. !WI. of !ltssuuri.
Kirksville, December 29, 1916. To the Fr'eemasons of Missouri: Dear Brethren: We have met with a great misfortune in the loss of M. W. Bro. Campbell Wells. Although our well-beloved Past Grand Master Wells had been failing in health for the past year, the end came unexpectedly December 14, 1916, at his home in Platte City. Probably no Brother has been of more real value or had more admirers than Campbell Wells. His pleasant disposition, his will-' ingness to help others, his desire to serve anyone who needed assistance, endeared him to all. No labor was too great for him to undertake, if it were in his power to accomplish some good thereby. He gave freely of his time and means to the Masonic Fraternity. His wide experience and good judgment were very valuable to the Masonic Bodies of which he was a member, and it will be difficult to fill his place. M. W. Brother Campbell Wells was born in Platte County, Missouri, May 23, 1864. He was educated in the Public School and Gaylord Institute of Platte City and in Bethany College, West Virginia; and, after graduating therefrom he returned to Platte City and engaged in the banking business. In 1887 he, with his father and brother, organized the Wells Banking Company, which he served as cashier to the time路 of his death. Brother Wells was made a Master Mason in Platte City Lodge No. '504 April 27, 1888,. and served as W. M. in 1892, 1893 and 1894. He served in several Grand Lodge offices and was elected Grand Master in 1900. He received the Royal Arch Degree in Platte City Cha,pter No. 21, and served as High Priest in 1897. The Orders of Christian Knighthood were conferred upon him in BeltCommandery, No.9, at Platte City, Mo., in 1889. He served as Eminent C'ommander during 1899, and Grand Commander during 1906-07. Brother Wells was a devoted member of the bodies of the Scot- , tish Rite; the several degrees, grades and orders from the Fourth to the Thirty-second Degree, incluslve, were received by him in Western Consistory, A. and A. S. R. at 'Kansas City, Mo., on November 16, 17, 18 and 19, 1897, and he served as Master of Kadosh of the Consistory for the years 1913 to 1916. The Supreme Council of the bodies of the Scottish Rite conferred upon him in Washington, D. C., the rank of K. C. C. H. in the month of October, 1903; and on October 19, 1905, he received the honor of the Thirtythird Degree of Masonry entitled "Inspector General Honorary", which is conferred upon comparatively few Masons in recognition of meritorious work and high character. Brother Wells received the Order of A. A. O. N. M. S. in Moila Temple, st. Joseph, May 27, 1891. Brother Wells assisted in' forming Daisy Chapter No. 86, O. E. S., September 20, 1897, in Platte City, and served as Worthy Patron in 18118.
336
. Proceedings of the
[Sept.
Brother Wells also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri for nearly twenty years, and was Chairman of the Executive Committee; and, to his efforts and good judgment the Masonic Home is largely indebted for its splendid financial condition. His friends in all parts of the State urged Brother Wells to make the race for Governor, but he preferred his Masonic and educational work, serving the Missouri State University as Curator for fourteen years, and was considered one of its most valuable officers. He also served on the School Board of Platte City. The funeral service was conducted by the Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. M. of Missouri, on Monday, December 18, M. W. Bro. Edward Higbee, Grand Master, presiding. An escort of Knights Templar under command of Rt. Em. Grand Commander Charles F. Blomberg, accompanied the Grand Lodge to Platte City Cemetery, where all that was mortal of our beloved Brother was committed to Mother Earth in the presence of a multitude of sorrowing relatives and friends. Unto the grave we have resigned the body of our Brother, there to remain until the resurrection, while his immortal soul partakes of the joys which have been prepared for the righteous from the beginning of the world. Aftd may Almighty God, in His infinite goodness, extend His mercy to him and all of us, and crown our hope with everlasting bliss in the boundless realms of Eternity. The sympathy of the Masonic Fraternity and of the community goes out to the widow and family of our honored Brother, who never failed to take time to show them his affection and interest, no matter how engrossed with business or offiCial duties. We shall not see his like again. . Let this Memorial be read in each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction. Fratern ally, EDWARD HIGBEE, Grand Master. Attest: JOHN R. PARSON, Grand Secretary.
..-
- ...._---------------------
-..路_-----------------I11[III----1337
-'.---------------------------.'-
339
-..---------------..--341
.1_
-1--------------------------1-
1_
_.. 343