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History
Of Freemasonry In Ohio
From 1791 to 1912 by W. M. Cunningham and John G. Reeve=
s
THE
HISTORY OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE By
W. M. CUNNINGHAM, M. A.,
VOLUME
3 Part
II Copyright,
1914 By J. H. Bromwell Grand Secretary Cincinnati, Ohio
1896 M.·. W.·. WM. B. MELISH, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge Convened at the Cathedral of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, in Cincinnati, Wednesday, October 21, A. D. 1896, with M.·.
W.·. William B. Melish, Grand Master, in the Chair, all the Grand
Officers in their stations, Past Grand Masters O. A. Woodward, Wm. M.
Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, C. C. Kiefer, S. S. Williams, L. Burdick, I
Goodale, J M. Goodspeed, Allen Andrews, and C. F. Clapp, Past Deputy Grand
Masters Win Akers, J. L'H. Long, Emeritus Grand Secretary D. Caldwell and=
the
representatives of 481 Lodge attendance; total attendance, 641. The Grand Master read his annual address, reporting that in compliance
with the orders of the Grand Lodge at its last session he had received
competitive bids and awarded the contract for seven Past Grand Master's
jewels to Michie Brother of Cincinnati, at the price of $650.00; and in
January, 1896, presented, in the name of the Grand Lodge, a jewel to each=
of
the following Past Grand Master of Ohio, viz.: Chas. A. Woodward, of
Cleveland; Wm. M. Cunningham, of Newark; Reuben C. Lemmon, of Toledo; Cha=
s.
C. Kiefer, of Urbana; Jos. M. Goodspeed, of Athens; S. Stacker Williams, =
of
Newark; and Carroll F. Clapp, of Warren. Each of these beloved Brethren
acknowledged receipt of your token of appreciation in fitting terms, and
returned you their heartful thanks for the honor conferred. The committee charged with the duty of procuring jewels for the Distri=
ct
Lecturers, to be the property of the Grand Lodge, and worn by the District
Lecturers during their terms of office, reported they had procured
twenty-five jewels at a cost of $375.00; and I transmitted to each Distri=
ct
Lecturer the official badge of his office, and received due acknowledgment
from each. The District Lecturers visited 397 Lodges, and 101 Lodges were not
visited, the expense being $1,079.47, an average of $2.72 for each Lodge
visited this expense being paid from the Grand Lodge Treasury, an investm=
ent
resulting in great good to Lodges. The Grand Master constituted the following new Lodges which received
charters at the last session of the Grand Lodge and installed their Offic=
ers: November 1, 1895, Yondota Lodge No.572; November 8, 1895, Carthage Lod=
ge
No.573; December 11, 1895, Norwood Lodge No.576. November 30, Gibsonburg Lodge No.575 was constituted by R.·.
W.·. Barton Smith, Deputy Grand Master; November 25, New Burlington
Lodge No.574, was constituted by R.·. W.·. Nelson Williams,
Senior Grand Warden, as proxy for the Grand Master. On July --, 1896, a dispensation was issued for a new Lodge at West
Milton, Miami County. On May 25, 1896, issued dispensation permitting J. B. Covert Lodge No.=
437
to move from Withamsville to Tobasco, and on October 2, 1896, they remove=
d to
a new and commodious Lodge room and have entered upon a new era of
prosperity. Venice Lodge No.200 found themselves without a suitable Lodge room,
reduced in numbers, and in 8traitened circumstances, filed their annual
report, paid their Grand Lodge dues, and surrendered their charter and
effects to the Grand Lodge, and certificates of good standing were issued=
to
the Brethren entitled to them and the charter and effects received by the
Grand Secretary. The Revised Code was placed in the hands of Brothers A. P. Crane, R. C.
Lemmon, and L. Burdick of the committee to complete the index, compile and
arrange the forms, etc., they being residents of the same city. The task
assigned to Brothers Lemmon and Burdick was promptly attended to and plac=
ed
in the hands of the printers; but the index was delayed, and finally plac=
ed
in the hands of Brothers Burdick and Lemmon who promptly completed it and=
the
completed book left the publisher's hands for distribution to the Lodges =
on
February 10, 1896, and therefore it is to Brothers Lenimon and Burdick the
thanks of this Grand Lodge are due for the large amount of work they were
unexpectedly called upon to assume at short notice. The new Code contains=
511
Decisions, 41 Resolutions, 92 Sections of a Code, 16 Rules of Order, 29 B=
y-Laws,
17 Articles of the Constitution, and 6 divisions of the Ancient Charges, a
total of only 712 items of law; and cost between $2,500 and $3,000. The b=
ooks
were distributed in the manner ordered by the Grand Lodge at its last
session, and the prices fixed for those on hand are, paper backs, 50 cent=
s;
cloth bound, $1.00; leather bound, $2.00. DECISIONS OF LAW "The Grand Master has made no decision of during his term. This
announcement may bring about a stroke of paralysis to some of our elder
Brethren who have attended Grand Lodge for a score of years. The Committe=
e on
Grievances has only one case to worry over. The effect it will have on the
learned and usually hard worked Committees on Jurisprudence and Grievances
can not be foretold, but it is hoped they will conclude they are entitled=
to
'a day off' and spend the time enjoying the hospitality of the Cincinnati
Brethren." Coshocton Lodge No.96, some years ago granted dimits to a number of
Brothers who preferred the dead fruits of Cerneanism to the fellowship of=
the
Lodge. Nothing is known by the Lodge regarding the use, if any, made of t=
hem.
Now these former members ask for duplicates of the dimits issued to them.=
The
Grand Master advised the Lodge to make careful inquiry into the character=
of
the Brother since the original dimit was issued. If he ever became a memb=
er
of another Lodge he is not entitled to a copy. If he ever joined a so-cal=
led
Lodge of "Cerneaus," or other clandestine body, either with or
without a deposit of his dimit, he has forfeited his Masonic character, a=
nd
his right to a copy of his dimit, and he should explain the loss of the
original, and the reason for his protracted non-affiliation. The Grand Master reports a number of personal visitations to Subordina=
te
Lodges, among which was Cincinnati Lodge No.133, on October 30, 1895, on =
the
occasion of the celebration of its Golden or Fiftieth Anniversary; the
reception tendered the Grand Master by his own Lodge, Lafayette No.81, on
December 30, 1895; on January 27, 1896, Monitor lodge No.445, on which
occasion a beautiful Past Master's jewel was presented to Past Master Bug=
bee,
who was taken by surprise, and set the audience in a roar by stating he h=
ad
unwittingly, through the solicitation of Brother Hoyt, contributed to the
purchase of his own gift, but discovered his mistake when the Grand Master
presented a Past Master's jewel to Past Master Thomas Kite and announced =
this
was the jewel to which Brother Bugbee had contributed; on August 24, 1896,
Vattier Lodge, No.386, on which occasion the Grand Master, on behalf of t=
he
Lodge, presented to every living Past Master of the Lodge an elegant Past
Master's jewel; on October 13, 1896, a reception to tile Grand Master by
Mystic Lodge No.405, at which he was accompanied by R.·. W.·=
;.
S. G. W. Nelson Williams and M.·. W.·. Past Grand Masters S.
Stacker Williams and C. F. Clapp, and Grand Tyler J. Randall. Special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to dedicate the
Halls and Lodge rooms of Lodges: November 21, 1895, to W. Bro. Henry Moser, Hall of Mercer Lodge No.121;
December 19, 1895, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, Hall =
of
Tippecanoe Lodge No.174; April 8, 1896, to M.·. W.·. Bro. C=
. F.
Clapp, Hall of Mahoning Lodge No.394. LITIGATION OF THE GRAND LODGE Since the last session of the Grand Lodge the Supreme Court of Ohio
decided the case of "Hershiser v. Williams" and affirmed the
judgment of the Circuit and Common Pleas Courts, thus sustaining the
authority of the Grand Lodge to forbid the members of the Fraternity from
joining or attending organizations of the Cerneaus, or in any other way
giving recognition to these spurious bodies. It will thus be seen that the Grand Lodge is fully sustained in its ri=
ght
to pass the resolution which it did at Toledo, and in forbidding all
affiliation with "Cerneaus." The courts place their decision up=
on
the principle that the Grand Lodge alone has the right to determine what =
is
Masonic and what is un-masonic conduct, and that when it has determined a
question of this character the Masons are bound to observe the law as
established by the Grand Lodge, and the courts will not help any one in
rebellious attitude toward the Grand Lodge to which he owes his obedience=
. This substantially ends all litigation in regard to "Cerneaus,&qu=
ot;
and is an authoritative recognition of the right of Free Masons to govern
themselves in all matters concerning the Fraternity. LAYING CORNER STONES On June 9, 1896, escorted by some three hundred members of Hanselmann
Lodge No.208, and other Lodges, preceded by the First Regiment Band, the
M.·. W.·. Grand Master laid the corner stone of the Sixth
District School in Cincinnati, with due Masonic ceremonies, in the presen=
ce
of several thousand citizens and school children. On June 4, 1896, under dispensation from the Grand Master, the Master,
Wardens, and Brethren of Highland Lodge No. 38, assisted by the R.·=
;.
W.·. Grand Chaplain, Rev. H. D. Ketcham, laid the corner stone of =
the
new High School building in Hillsboro, in the presence of a large concour=
se of
Masons and citizens. On September 20, 1896, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Carro=
ll
F. Clapp, as proxy of the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, assisted =
by
Perry Lodge No.185, and escorted by Canton Commandery No.38 and Salem No.=
42,
Knights Templars, laid the corner stone of the High School building at Sa=
lem
with Masonic ceremonies. The terms of Brothers Jacob H. Bromwell and Chas. C. Kiefer, as Truste=
es
of the Masonic Home having expired, they were, on December –, 1895,
reappointed to serve as such Trustees for a new term of three years. The Trustees of the Masonic Home having reported that the buildings wo=
uld
soon be completed but the general fund would be exhausted, and nothing le=
ft
for furnishing, the Grand Master addressed a circular letter to the
Subordinate Lodges calling their attention to this fact, and to the donat=
ions
already made by a number of Lodges for furnishing rooms, and requesting
subscriptions and donations for that purpose, which met with a prompt and
generous response from a number of Lodges which contributed the sum of
$5,766.50, of which $4,849.00 was to the furnishing fund, and $917.50 to =
the
general building fund. The amount realized from Grand Dues ordered to he =
paid
to the Home at the last session will this year amount to $7,957.06. This =
sum,
in addition to the donations of the Chapters of Ohio, and that recently m=
ade
by the Grand Commandery, will meet the balance due on the building contra=
cts
and place the Home entirely out of debt, with the furnishing, improvement=
s of
grounds and operating expenses to be met, and the Grand Master urges on t=
he
Grand and Subordinate Lodges to meet these in a plain business manner and
calls attention to the Masonic outing given by the authority of the Maste=
rs
and Wardens of Cincinnati in September last, when Chairman M.·.
W.·. Levi C. Goodale and his committee paid to the Home over $1,20=
0 as
the profits of one single pleasure excursion on the river. Calls attention to the deaths of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Ma=
ster
Asa H. Battin, who served as Grand Master from 1872 to 1874, and died at
Steubenville, June 3, 1896, and Bro. W. H. Sedgwick, Sr., District Lectur=
er
of the nineteenth District, who died at Grandville, October 24, 1895. In January last the Grand Master permitted New England Lodge No.4 to
reinstate to membership Eros. Michael Slattery, Horace F. Smith, and Cice=
ro
Ellsbree, who were members of the Lodge when its charter was arrested, and
had filed with said Lodge oaths of fealty to the Grand Lodge of Ohio and =
to
New England Lodge, this in accordance with authority given by the Grand L=
odge
as appears on page 82 of proceedings of 1894. The Lodge rooms of Royalton Union Lodge No.434, of Lyons, and Frankfort
No.309, of Frankfort, with their charters and effects, were destroyed by
fire. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand
October 15, 1896, $25,292.21, which includes the $7,957.06 due the Masonic
Home out of the Grand Dues, and which is the only out standing liability =
of
the Grand Lodge so far as unpaid bills are concerned. The Grand Secretary reported that notwithstanding the depressed condit=
ion
of business, and the increase in the Grand Lodge dues, the net increase h=
as
been gratifying and the membership, August 31, was 40,839. His report
contains a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements, and shows
that in addition to the extra donation of $5,000 to the Masonic Home at t=
he
last session, the Grand Lodge had a number of extra expenditures the past
year. M.·. W.·. Bro. T. S. Parvin, Past Grand Master and the
present Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, was introduced, recei=
ved
and welcomed, that responded in fitting terms, alluding to the fact that =
he
had received his initiation into the mysteries of our Order in N. C. Harm=
ony
Lodge No.2, of Cincinnati, and his very great pleasure in meeting with the
Grand Lodge on this occasion. Rev. Bro. J. M. Walden, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Ma=
son
of many years standing, was introduced and welcomed, and responded in an
eloquent manner. The Trustees of the Scottish Bite Bodies tend the use of their Cathedr=
al
to the Grand Lodge during its sessions free of charge, which was accepted
with thanks. A charter was granted to West Milton Lodge No.577, located at West Mil=
ton,
Miami County. A duplicate charter was issued to Frankfort Lodge No.309, located at
Frankfort, Ross County, in lieu of the original destroyed by fire along w=
ith
their Hall and effects, October 10, 1896. The Committee on Charters reported against granting a dispensation for=
a
new Lodge at Clarington, Monroe County, which report was approved by the
Grand Lodge. The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence to whom was referred portions of
the Grand Master's address, reported as follows: Approving the position taken by the Grand Master on the subject of lost
dimits, and his clear and cogent statement of the law, and the reasons for
it, we recommend the following be adopted as the true interpretation of t=
he
law on the subject: "Where a Brother applies to a Lodge for a copy of a dimit granted=
him
for the reason that he has lost the original one, it is the duty of the
Lodge, through a committee or otherwise, to make careful Inquiry. If the
Brother, after receiving the dimit, ever became a member of a Lodge, he h=
as
no right to demand, and should not receive, a copy of his dimit; and if,
while on dimit, the Brother had been un-masonic in his conduct, no copy
should be granted him. If he feels injured by the action of the Lodge, his
remedy is to petition or memorialize the Grand Lodge;" which was ado=
pted
by the Grand Lodge. On the subject of "Physical Qualifications" they report in
substance, that perhaps the Grand Master should not be required to pass u=
pon
the question whether a given defect disqualifies the applicant, but this
should be left to the Lodge; and recommends the following as the true con=
struction
of the law on the subject: "A candidate for the Degree of Entered Apprentice should be able,
physically as well as intellectually, to receive and impart all the
essentials for Masonic recognition, and this the Lodge may determine;&quo=
t;
which was adopted by the Grand Lodge. On the subject of the occupancy of Masonic halls by Chapters of the Or=
der
of the Eastern Star, the same committee reports: "That Section 79 of=
the
Code as amended in 1894 and 1895, and as reported and printed in the new =
and
revised volume, is the law in regard to the attitude of Masonry towards t=
he
Order of the Eastern Star, and supplants all resolutions and decisions
heretofore made on the subject. Chapters of this society, when constitute=
d as
specified in that section, may use Masonic property with the permission of
the Masonic bodies occupying the property, and with the consent of the Gr=
and
Master, and not otherwise;" which was adopted by the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations reported against approving=
a
By-Law submitted by Science Lodge No.50, having for its object exemption =
from
the payment of dues of such of its members as have been paying dues for
twenty-five years; which report was adopted by the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Necrology submitted testimonials of the private and
Masonic lives and character of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master =
Asa
H. Battin, and Bro. Dr. W. H. Sedgwick, Sr., which are printed in the
proceedings. Brother Barton Smith of Toledo was elected M.·. W.·. Gra=
nd
Master; Nelson Williams of Hamilton, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand
Master; E. C. Gulliford of Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand
Warden; E. L. Lybarger, Spring Mountain, R.·. W.·. Junior G=
rand
Warden; R. R. Rickly, R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and J. H.
Bromwell, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they, with the
appointive Grand Officers, were duly installed. Columbus, Ohio, was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 20, =
A.
D. 1897, as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of this Gr=
and
Lodge. The proposed amendment to Section 2 of the Code, laid over from last
session, which fixed the amount of the Subordinate Lodge dues at not less
than $2.00 annually, was taken up and adopted. The Committee on Accounts reported fixing the amount to be paid Bro. A=
. P.
Crane for his services on the Code Committee at $350.00 and that of
M.·. W.·. Bro. R. C. Lemmon at $150.00; which was approved.=
A resolution was adopted instructing the M.·. W.·. Grand
Master to appoint the Worshipful Master of each Lodge in the state a
committee to solicit donations of fifty cents from each member of his Lod=
ge
for the use and benefit of the Masonic Home. A committee of three was appointed to carefully examine the Revised Co=
de,
and report to the next session any omissions, errors, conflicts, etc., and
any corrections necessary to make the same conform to Masonic Law. Two proposed amendments were offered to Section 79 of the Code: One to
strike out all after the words "Grand Lodge" in the thirteenth
line; and the other to strike out the words "with the consent of the
Grand Master" in that section; both of which were laid over to the n=
ext
annual session. The following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That=
the
R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary be instructed to procure a suitab=
le
jewel for presentation to our retiring R.·. W.·. Grand Mast=
er,
as a token of the appreciation of the Grand Lodge F. and A. M. ( the Stat=
e of
Ohio, of his labors in its behalf." The Committee on Foreign Correspondence report covering 348 pages, and=
reviewing
the proceedings of 62 English speaking and 11 non-English Lodges, is prin=
ted
in the proceedings. The M.·. W.·. Grand Master in his address pays the follo=
wing
compliment to M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. W. Cunningham and his repo=
rts: "It is pleasant to note the kind words said concerning the chairm=
an
of our Committee on Foreign Correspondence, M.·. W.·. Bro. =
Wm.
M. Cunningham, and the high esteem and respect accorded him and his work =
for
this jurisdiction. It may be that his reports are not read as fully in Oh=
io
as they deserve, but the reading Masons, and learned Masonic critics
through-out the world accord him a high position among Masonic scholars a=
nd
writers." 1897 M.·. W.·. BARTON SMITH, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the Auditorium of the Board of Trade, Columbus,
Ohio, Wednesday, October 20, A. D. 1897, with R.·. W.·. Bro.
Nelson Williams, Deputy Grand Master, in the Chair, the Grand Master being
unable to be in attendance; all of the Grand Officers present, except the
M.·. W.·. Grand Master, Bro. Barton Smith, and Bro. Merwin
Jackson, W. Senior Grand Deacon, who were unavoidably detained; and Bro.
Jacob Randall, Grand Tyler, who had died since the last session. The
following Past Grand Masters C. A. Woodward, W. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemm=
on,
C. C. Kiefer, J. M. Goodspeed, S. S. Williams, L. Burdick, L. C. Goodale,
Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, and W. B. Melish; Past Deputy Grand Master J.
L'H. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary J. D. Caldwell and the
representatives of 486 Lodges, and 24 District Lecturers present, making =
the
total attendance 623. The Deputy Grand Master read the Grand Master's annual address, report=
ing: The death of Colonel Charles Fowler Baldwin, R.·. W.·. P=
ast
Junior Grand Warden, who was born January 6, A. D. 1837, and died at Mt. =
Vernon,
Ohio, October 23, A. D. 1896. His funeral services were conducted by the
Grand Lodge, M.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Clapp acting as Grand Mas=
ter,
on October 26, 1896, Mt Zion Lodge and a large number of visiting Masons
joining with the Grand Lodge, and Clinton Commandery No.5, Knights Templa=
rs,
acting as escort. Also announces the death of our Venerable Grand Tyler, Bro. Jacob Rand=
all,
who died September 13, 1897. Commends the District Lecturer system, and compliments the District
Lecturers on their zeal in the performance of their duties, and the good
results from their visitations and supervision of the work. He had permitted the Order of the Eastern Star to occupy Lodge rooms f=
or
ceremonial and social purposes when the terms of the law had been strictl=
y complied
with, and did not find any difficulties or harm arising therefrom. Calls
attention to the two propositions pending to amend Section 79 of the Code:
one to exclude this Order entirely from the Lodge rooms; the other to gra=
nt
permission to make use of them with the consent of the Masonic bodies
occupying them and not requiring the consent of the Grand Master; and
suggests a modification of the latter so as to more particularly define t=
he
purpose, tenure, and conditions of the occupancy. Calls attention to the remnant of the Cernean litigation, three eases =
in
Cleveland, which were decided in favor of the Grand Lodge in the Circuit
Court of Cuyahoga County, February 27, 1897, and taken by the seceding
plaintiffs to the Supreme Court on error, which court refused to allow th=
em
an injunction. Calls attention to so-called "Degree Peddlers" and says:
"Confidence operators are still fleecing the unwary. Under authority=
of
a self-constituted Grand Lodge, so-called Lodges are formed, and an expel=
led
Mason is eking out a precarious existence by pretending to confer Masonic
Degrees. His victims are usually those whose characters or habits prevent
them from ever becoming Masons." Reports a number of decisions on the questions of Annual Dues, Objecti=
ons
to Candidates, etc., which were approved by the Grand Lodge. Special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to lay, with Mas=
onic
ceremonies, corner stones of Masonic and public buildings: July 13, 1897, to Bro. E. C. Gulliford, the corner stone of the Allian=
ce
Christian Church at Alliance, Ohio; September 23, 1897, to Bro. S. W.
Courtright, the corner stone of the new Methodist Episcopal Church at
Leesburg, Highland County; October 18, 1897, to M.·. W.·. B=
ro.
L. Burdick, the corner stone of the Court House at Upper Sandusky; May 12,
1897, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, the corner stone of
the new Masonic Temple at Washington C. H., Ohio; all of which were atten=
ded
to on the dates named. Reports the appointment of Bros. Henry Perkins and George D. McBride as
Trustees of the Masonic Home. "The Ohio Masonic Home, the glory and pride of Ohio Free Masonry,=
is
completed, and was, on the first day of April, A. D. 1897, opened for the
performance of its great duties and purposes. Its very success, however, =
and
its importance brings to us new cares and responsibilities, and imposes u=
pon
us new burdens." In compliance with the instructions of the Grand Lodge at its last ses=
sion
the Grand Master issued a circular to the Master of every Lodge in the st=
ate
calling attention of himself and Lodge to the action of the Grand Lodge
requesting a donation of fifty cents from each member of the Lodge and ur=
ging
prompt action, which was followed by another, and reports that in respons=
e,
up to October 1, A. D. 1897, the amount realized was $5,806.15, contribut=
ed
by 295 Lodges, which has enabled the Home to carry on its work until this
time. He is of the opinion this manner of providing for the maintenance of t=
he
Home can not be depended on, and suggests that some action be taken towar=
d providing
a permanent endowment fund sufficient for that purpose. Commends the generous hospitality of the Masons of Ohio and the cordia=
l,
fraternal reception and wecome accorded him everywhere, and says: "T=
he
devoted loyalty of the Masons of Ohio is above description. No king ever
received more ardent welcome or more cheerful obedience than is accorded =
to
the representative of the Grand Lodge of Ohio." Reports that as his proxy, M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles A.
Woodward, on May 5, 1897, dedicated the beautiful new Hall of Ellsworth L=
odge
No.505, at Cleveland. The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, Nelson Williams, subm=
its
his reports: The sudden death on November 11, 1896, of Bro. Rev. Thomas J.
Melish, Eminent Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, Knights Te=
mplars;
Right Illustrious Grand Chaplain of the Grand Council Royal and Select
Masters of Ohio; and Excellent Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Roy=
al
Arch Masons of Ohio, and a member of Ohio Consistory of the Ancient Accep=
ted
Scottish Rite, and having attained the Thirty-third and last Degree of th=
at
Rite. He was seventy-five years old. His funeral was conducted by the Gra=
nd
Commandery of Ohio, Knights Templars. Also the death of Bro. Harvey Vinal who died at Springfield, February =
17,
1897, at the age of eighty-nine years, ten months, four days. He was a Pa=
st
Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, and =
his
funeral ceremonies were conducted by Clark Lodge No.101, R.·.
W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams acting as Worshipful Master. Also the death of Brother Jacob Randall, who served the Grand Lodge as
Tyler from October 19, 1864, until his death, having served as Junior and
Senior Grand Deacon at different times before 1864, and he held similar
offices in the Grand Commandery and Grand Chapter of Ohio. His funeral was
conducted by Peed Commandery, and was attended by representatives of all =
the
Grand Masonic Bodies in the state. As proxy of the Grand Master he constituted West Milton Lodge No.577, =
at
West Milton, in due and ancient form, on November 19, 1896, and on Decemb=
er
28, 1896, dedicated the new Masonic Hall of Xenia Lodge No.49, at Xenia; =
and
on January is, 1897, dedicated the new Lodge room of Hamer Lodge No.167, =
at
Wapakoneta, and installed the officers; and on May 12, laid the corner st=
one
of the new Masonic Temple at Washington C. H., Fayette County. During the
year visited thirty-three Lodges, in all of which he was received with th=
at
fraternal warmth and friendship which is characteristic of our Brotherhoo=
d. The Grand Secretary procured the Past Grand Master's jewel unanimously
voted by the Grand Lodge at its last session to the retiring Grand Master
William B. Melish, and at his request I presented it to M.·. W.&mi=
ddot;.
Brother Melish in "due and modern form" at the banquet which cl=
osed
the annual reunion of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Cincinnati,
February 25, 1897, and he "looked thankful, and acted thankful."=
; The R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer submitted his reported sho=
wing
a balance on hand October 15, A. D. 1897, $$626,401.88. The R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary presented his report showi=
ng
the present membership 41,713 a net gain of 874 during the past year, and=
a
table showing the membership, and net gains in each year from 1887 to 189=
7,
ten years, which shows the total gain during that time 8,885, or an avera=
ge
of 888 each year. The amount due the Masonic Home from the 15 cents per capita tax is
$6,256.95. Brother Wm. B. Melish, on behalf of the Trustees of the Masonic Home,
invited the Grand Lodge to visit the Home the afternoon of the first day =
of
the session on a special train provided for that occasion, which was acce=
pted
and the entire Grand Lodge to the number of over 600, spent the afternoon=
in
an inspection of the Home. Corinthian Lodge No.111, was granted a duplicate charter in lieu of the
original which had become so discolored that it is almost illegible. The
Grand Secretary was authorized to correct the date of the duplicate chart=
er
issued to Wellsville Lodge No.180, in 1854, by erasing 1854 and inserting
1849, the date of the original charter, the "1854" having been
inserted by clerical error. A duplicate charter was issued to Bloomfield
Lodge No.422, in lieu of the original destroyed by fire. The Committee on Jurisprudence report that the Grand Master's decisions
and Opinions on the questions of "Conflict of Laws" and
"Objections, are in conformity with law and should be approved, which
was approved. Brother Nelson Williams was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Mast=
er;
Bros, E. C Gulliford, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand master; E. L.
Lybarger, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; F. S. Harmon, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warde=
n.
Bro. R. R. Rickly, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer and
Bro. J. H. Bromwell, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary. Columbus was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1=
898,
as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.=
The Superintendent and Secr=
etary of
the Ohio Masonic Home submitted his report, showing the total expenditure=
s to
April 1, 1897, the date of opening the Home . . . . . . . . . . $167,443.=
42 Furnishing Account - Number of inmates now in Home-Men, 29; women, 9; boys, 9; girls, 9; to=
tal,
56. Average cost per month for maintenance of Home $,1,054.10, or $12,649.=
28
per year. Total number of rooms for all purposes, 134. Total number of bedrooms,=
81,
of which 17 are attic rooms and not suitable for summer use, leaving 64
available for all seasons. The Committee on Charity reported recommending a donation of $4,000 fr=
om
the funds of the Grand Lodge for the Ohio Masonic Home for its maintenanc=
e,
which report and recommendation were adopted. M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham submitted an amendment =
to
Section 16 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws increasing the per capita tax on ea=
ch
member from 50 to 60 cents per year, which under the rule lies over until=
the
next session. The Committee on Jurisprudence reported the two amendments offered at =
the
last session to Section 79 of the Code for consideration and action by the
Grand Lodge. The first amendment to strike out all after the words "Grand
Lodge" in the thirteenth line, which would exclude the Chapters of t=
he
Eastern Star entirely from the Lodge rooms, which was taken up, voted on =
and
lost, and the amendment rejected. The second amendment offered by Rev. Thomas J. Melish, to strike out of
said section the words "with the consent of the Grand Master;" =
so
as to permit the Masonic bodies occupying a Hall to grant permission to t=
he
Eastern Star to occupy the same without requiring the consent of the Grand
Master, was taken up, voted on and duly adopted, and is now the law. Brother Jobn Blyth on behalf of the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star
returned thanks, and announced he had authority to say that said Grand
Chapter had donated $100 from its funds to the Ohio Masonic Home. The following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That the Grand Secretary express to the M.·.
W.·. Grand Master, Barton Smith, the regret of this Grand Lodge th=
at
he was unable to be present at this Annual Grand Communication." The special committee appointed at the last session to examine the new
Code and report any omissions, errors, conflicts, etc., and recommend any
corrections necessary, reported as follows: M.·. W.·. Bro. W. M. Cunningham called attention to the =
fact
that statements had been published in the Columbus daily papers that there
was a probability of a consolidation being effected between this Grand Lo=
dge
and the bogus so-called Grand Lodge of Ohio, presided over by one Justin
Pinney, calling himself Grand Master; denounced all such statements as fa=
lse,
and made appropriate remarks by way of caution and admonition against
allowing the members of said bogus Grand Lodge and members holding allegi=
ance
to it, being given any recognition by the legitimate Masons of Ohio. The R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain, Chairman of the Committee =
on
Necrology, asked leave to print their report in the proceedings without
reading the same, which was granted and the report was so printed. A resolution was adopted authorizing the incoming Grand Master, Nelson
Williams, to procure and present to the retiring Grand Master, M.·.
W.·. Barton Smith, a Past Grand Master's jewel, the Grand Secretar=
y to
draw a proper voucher for the payment of the expense thereof. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report which is
printed in the appendix to the proceedings, covering 336 pages, reviewing=
the
proceedings of 60 English speaking and 11 non-English speaking Grand Lodg=
es. If any Mason interested in the history or literature of the Order will
glance over the index to this valuable paper he will become convinced of =
its
merit, and will not lay the volume down until he has read every page of t=
his
report. Those desiring information on the subject of Masonic Homes will find
reports of fifteen such institutions; on the subject of Clandestinism, te=
n;
Cerneauism, ten; Antiquity of Freemasonry, nine; Anti-Masonic Congress,
three; Method of Wearing Apron, two; Cipher Rituals, thirteen; Freemasonr=
y,
thirteen; Grand Lodge Sovereignty, seven; non-affiliation, fourteen; and
other subjects too numerous to mention. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association held its annual meeting at which
eighty-two Venerable Brethren were present; S. S. Williams, President; E.
Morrell, Secretary. A large class of candidates was elected, received and welcomed; the us=
ual
banquet enjoyed. The Secretary reported that the proceedings of the
Association from 1872 to 1891, inclusive, had been printed pamphlet form.=
The death of Venerable Bro. Thomas J. Melis Grand Chaplain, and Venera=
ble
Bro. Jacob Panda were reported, and a committee appointed to dra a memori=
al
for each. 1898 M.·. W.·. NELSON WILLIAMS, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the Auditorium of the Board of Trade, Columbus,
Wednesday, October 11 A. D. 1898, with M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson
William Grand Master, in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their
stations, the following Past Grand Masters Bros. Wm. M. Cunningham, P. C.
Lemmon C. C. Kiefer, J. M. Goodspeed, S. S. Williams, Leander Burdiek, L.=
C.
Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, and William B. Melish, Past Deputy G=
rand
Masters Wm. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary J. D.
Caldwell, present, and the representatives of 486 Lodges in attendance
Telegrams conveying the fraternal greetings the Grand Lodges of Kentucky =
and
Missouri were sent, and proper responses received. The Grand Master read his annual address, calling attention to the
destruction of the U. S. S. Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February=
16,
A. D. 1898, and the resulting war with Spain, and congratulates our count=
ry
on its glorious victories in the cause of down trodden and oppressed
humanity, and our Order on the fact that the man whose hands are guiding =
the
destinies of this nation is a member of one of our Subordinate Lodges, an=
d is
paying loyal obedience to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Reports the reappointment of Bro. John M. Stull and M.·.
W.·. Leander Burdick as Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home for term=
s of
three years. Reports the appointment of twenty-five District Lecturers and the fact
that they visited and inspected all of the 500 Lodges in the state except=
27,
of which 11 were in one district and 12 in another; in 19 of the districts
every Lodge was inspected. The total cost of the visitations was $1,202.2=
1,
an average of $2.55 per Lodge. The charters of eleven Lodges were burned during the past year, eight =
of
which were lost in the fire which destroyed the Masonic Temple in Cincinn=
ati
last November. On November 17, A. D. 1897, dispensations were issued to N=
. C.
Harmony Lodge No.2; Lafayette No.81; Cincinnati No.133; McMillan No.141;
Cynthia No.155; Kuwinning No.356; Excelsior No.369; and Vattier No.386, a=
ll
of Cincinnati, permitting them to continue work until this communication =
of
the Grand Lodge. Last year the charter of Oliver Lodge No.447, at Caledonia, was destro=
yed
by fire, and dispensation issued for work until last session, but no char=
ter
granted, and the dispensation was continued to the present session. Dispensations were also issued to the following Lodges whose charters =
were
destroyed by fire to continue work until the present session: December 6, 1897, to LaGrange Lodge, No.399, at LaGrange Four other Masonic Halls burned during the year, but their charters we=
re
saved. On June 17, 1898, Eureka Lodge No.233, at Washington, Guernsey County,
surrendered its charter and effects, which were shipped to the Grand
Secretary, the Lodge not having held meetings for some time. Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places, viz.=
: At the instance of the Grand Lodge of Colorado and the request of her
sister Grand Lodges, the Grand Lodge of Virginia has assumed the conduct =
of
the proper commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the death of
George Washington, the services to take place at Mt. Vernon, his former h=
ome,
on December 14, A. D. 1899, and an invitation was extended to the Grand L=
odge
of Ohio to participate in the observance which the Grand Master accepted =
on
behalf of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master on September 8, 1898, arrested the charter and effect=
s of
New Vienna Lodge No.160, on account of the dissensions existing in the Lo=
dge,
and the charter, books, seal, and jewels were forwarded to the Grand
Secretary. The Grand Master officiated in laying the corner stones of the followi=
ng
Masonic and public buildings in accordance with the Ancient Masonic forms=
and
ceremonies: On December 3, 1897, at the request of the Thirteenth District Improve=
ment
Association of Cincinnati and the Officers and Brethren of Hanselmann Lod=
ge
No.208, the corner stone of a new public school building about to be erec=
ted
by said Association in Cincinnati. He was assisted by M. Past Grand Maste=
rs
Levi C. Goodale and Wm. B. Melish and the Officers and Brethren of Hansel=
mann
Lodge and many other Brethren of Cincinnati. On June 2, 1898, on invitation of the First Baptist Society of the cit=
y of
Columbus, extended through the Officers and Brethren of Columbus Lodge No=
.30,
laid the corner stone of a magnificent new church to be erected by said
Society on East Broad street in the city of Columbus, in the presence of =
two hundred
and seventy-five Master Masons, of whom sixty were Knights Templars of Mt.
Vernon Commandery No.2, and a large concourse of citizens M.·.
W.·. Bro. S. S. Williams and R.·. W.·. Bro. B. B. Ri=
ckly
were present and assisted. The good people of this church organization generally, not having alwa=
ys
been in the deepest sympathy with our Fraternity, the Grand Master was gl=
ad
of an opportunity to show the minister and members of this society that t=
heir
liberalized sentiment, as expressed by their invitation, was highly
appreciated. On July 10, 1898, on invitation of the First Universalist Church Socie=
ty
of Cincinnati, through Walnut Hills Lodge No.483, assisted by Past Grand
Masters Levi C. Goodale, Wm. B. Melish and Allen Andrews and other Brethr=
en,
laid the corner stone of a new Universalist Church building in Walnut Hil=
ls,
Cincinnati. The addresses of M.·. W.·. Bros. L. C. Goodale =
and
Allen Andrews were instructive, forcible and eloquent. I have assurances =
from
the pastor of the church that our services were highly appreciated, and t=
hat
the Fraternity was receiving unstinted praise from the members of his
congregation. On August 28, 1898, at the request and with the assistance of the Offi=
cers
and Brethren of Shelby Lodge No.350, laid the corner stone of the First
Evangelical Lutheran Church to be erected in Shelby. The pastor, Rev. W. =
H.
Singley, who is himself an enthusiastic Mason, paid a glowing tribute to =
our
Fraternity. On August 31, 1898, assisted by a large number of the Grand Officers, =
Past
Grand Master W. M. Cunningham, Governor Asa Bushnell, Brigadier General
Haskell, over one hundred Knights Templars, over live hundred Master Maso=
ns,
and in the presence of a large concourse of citizens, laid the corner sto=
ne of
the magnificent new Masonic Temple in the city of Columbus, in due and
ancient form. Worshipful Bro. John E. Sater, Grand Orator, delivered a sh=
ort
address descriptive of the proposed Temple and Worshipful Bro. D. N. Kins=
man
an historical address of great interest. It may be well to state here that at the time of planning and erecting
this Temple it was prophesied that it would be sufficient to provide for =
the
needs of the Masonic bodies of Columbus for fifty years to come, but with=
in
ten years of its completion it was demonstrated that it would be necessar=
y to
enlarge it, and the bodies purchased two lots immediately adjoining the
Temple on the north, and have now, (1913), finished an addition to the Te=
mple
and this structure now completed is the largest edifice devoted to exclus=
ive
Masonic purposes in the world. On September 24, 1898, at the request of the Board of Education of
Sharonville Special School District, through Sharonville Lodge No.204, la=
id
the corner stone of the public school building now in process of erection=
in
that village. M.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell was present and delivered =
an
eloquent address. On June 30, 1898, M.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Clapp, acting as
proxy for the Grand Master, with the assistance of R.·. W.·.
Bro. R. E. Roberts, Grand Marshal, Bro. O. P. Sperra, District Lecturer, =
Bro.
John M. Stull, President of the Board of Ohio Masonic Home, and in the
presence of over one hundred Master Masons belonging to Newton Falls Lodge
No.462, and adjacent Lodges, and five hundred citizens, laid the corner s=
tone
of a public school building to be erected in the village of Newton Falls.
Bro. R. E. Roberts delivered a splendid oration, which was highly
appreciated, he having been at one time the Superintendent of Schools in =
this
village. The Grand Master dedicated the following Masonic Halls in due Masonic
form: January 25, 1898, the new Halt of Frankfort Lodge No.309, at Frankfort=
. Reports a large number of visitations and inspections of the work of
various Subordinate Lodges and occasions of celebrations of semi-centenni=
al
and other important Masonic events at alt of which he was received and
welcomed in the kind and fraternal manner becoming the representative of =
this
Grand Lodge. The Grand Master made ten decisions, which were referred to the
Jurisprudence Committee and approved, and the committee referring to his
suggestion preliminary to Decision No.1, on the subject of "physical
qualifications" reported the following declaration, which was adopte=
d by
the Grand Lodge. "Resolved, That a candidate for the Degree of Entered Apprentice
should be able, physically, as well as intellectually, of himself, and
without exterior aid or assistance from another, to receive and impart all
the essentials for Masonic recognition; and the question as to his
sufficiency in such respects is a subject presented to the Lodge petition=
ed
for its determination." Under the head of "Clandestine Masonry" he calls attention to
the fact that members of the Clandestine Lodges organized by the bogus and
clandestine so-called Grand Lodge organized at Worthington, had been maki=
ng
efforts to visit and impose themselves upon the legitimate and regular Lo=
dges
of this and other states, and their members, and in order to warn the cra=
ft
against and protect them from these intruders and imposters, he had issued
circular letters containing a list of the names and location of the irreg=
ular
clandestine, and un-Masonic Lodges as far as could be ascertained, and
warning the Officers and Brethren that all members or adherents of said
clandestine Lodges or the so-called Grand Lodge must be excluded from all
regular Lodges of Masons, and to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in
the examination of all visitors before they are admitted, in addition to
requiring the test oath of every applicant and satisfaction that the visi=
tor
is not a member or adherent of any of such clandestine bodies before
admitting him; copies of which circular letters were mailed to each Lodge
with instructions that they be read in open Lodge, and copies kept posted=
at
the Secretary's desk and in the Tyler's room. Refers to the edict issued by Grand Master Christian Dam, of the Grand
Lodge of Peru, South America, removing "The Great Light in
Masonry," the Holy Bible, from the altars of its obedience and
substituting therefor the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, that but few
Lodges in Peru obeyed this decree, and at the Annual Communication of the=
Grand
Lodge held June 12, A. D. 1898, the Grand Lodge defeated Brother Dam and
elected Bro. J. A. Ego Aguirre Grand Master, revoked the decree, and rest=
ored
the Holy Bible to their altars. Our Grand Master had prepared a proper ed=
ict
on the subject in his usual felicitous style, but receiving information of
this action, filed it away for "future reference;" but a number=
of
distinguished Brethren from Maine to California exhausted the entire
vocabulary in publishing decrees condemnatory of the action of Brother Dam
and to which the Masonic student desiring to further investigate the subj=
ect
and the beauties of the English language on occasions of this kind, is
respectfully referred. The Past Grand Master's jewel voted to the retiring Grand Master,
M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, of Toledo, at the last Annual
Communication, was procured, and by arrangement, on the evening of January
28, 1898, at the banquet at the close of the work of the midwinter meetin=
g of
the Valley of Toledo Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Grand Master,
Nelson Williams, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, presented the jewel to
M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, with proper expression of the =
high
regard and esteem in which he is held by the Masons of this state and
elsewhere, to which Brother Smith responded feelingly and eloquently,
expressing his sincere thanks for this remembrance and tribute. The Grand Master on June 9, 1898, received through the Secretary of New
England Lodge No.4, F. and A. M., the petition of H. A. Pletcher, a former
member of said Lodge, for reinstatement in said Lodge and this Grand Lodg=
e,
in which petition he forever renounces all connection with or allegiance =
to
all clandestine bodies and declares his allegiance to the Grand Lodge. On October 18, 1898, he received a similar petition from Daniel W. Wri=
ght
who was the Worshipful Master of New England Lodge No.4, at the time its
charter was arrested, and afterwards became the first Grand Master of the
so-called Clandestine Grand Lodge organized at Worthington, and who also
renounced all connection with and allegiance to said Grand Lodge and all
bodies declared clandestine by our Grand Lodge, and pledged his allegianc=
e to
the latter. His renunciation of the spurious Grand Lodge and its subordin=
ates
and adherents is the most stinging rebuke which could be administered to
these misguided men. These petitions were referred to a special committee, which made a len=
gthy
report reviewing the facts and the true Masonic spirit which should govern
these cases, recommended charity and forgiveness, and the adoption of the
following resolution: "Resolved, That the requests of Daniel W. Wright and H. A. Pletch=
er
be granted, and that they be reinstated as Masons;" which report and
recommendation were adopted by the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master congratulates the craft on the completion of the Maso=
nic
Home as follows: "On an elevation overlooking the enterprising city of Springfield=
and
crowning the most beautiful spot in the neighborhood stands our magnifice=
nt
monument to the beneficence of Ohio Free Masons. Finished according to
original designs, and paid for, it rises in beauty and grandeur to please=
the
eye and gladden the heart of every Brother who is privileged to look upon
it." Refers to the detailed report of the Board of Trustees, says the most
important question is how to provide for its maintenance, and urges the
amendment of Section 16, increasing the annual dues to sixty cents per
member, and the appropriation of one half that sum to the Home. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand Oct=
ober
15, 1898, $24,484.15. The Grand Secretary presented his report; the net membership, August 3=
1,
1898, being 42,848, a net gain for the year of 1,135, and bringing the
average gain for the last eleven years up to 908. He recommends the prepa=
ration
of a duplicate set of Subordinate Lodge Annual Returns, and the deposit of
one set at the Masonic Home for preservation. The amount of per capita tax
due the Masonic Home is $6,377.20. Recommends he be authorized to sell a
portion of the old Grand Lodge Reports on hand. On motion ordered that where Special Dispensations had been issued to
Lodges whose charters had been destroyed by fire, allowing them to contin=
ue
work, they might retain them as historical mementoes after the Grand Mast=
er
had cancelled and properly indorsed them. An invitation was extended to Grand Lodge and the ladies accompanying
them, to visit the Masonic Home at Springfield on a special train this
afternoon, which was accepted, and about 500 availed themselves of the
opportunity. The Committee on Accounts reported the Grand Treasurer's and Grand
Secretary's accounts correct that the Grand Secretary report the cost of
duplicating the Subordinate returns to the next session of this body, and
approving the sale of part of the old proceedings; which was adopted. Duplicate charters were issued to the following Lodges in lieu of their
originals destroyed by fire, viz.: N. C. Harmony No.2; Cincinnati No.133; Cynthia No.155; Excelsior No.36=
9;
Oliver No.447; Oberlin No.380; Lafayette No.81; McMillan No.141; Kuwinning
No.356; Vattier No.386; La-Grange No.399; and Grand Rapids No.289; and th=
eir
dispensations extended ten days and until these charters can be issued. The committee finds in case of some of these Lodges the names of those=
in
the original charters are lost, the minutes having been destroyed, and
recommend hereafter the committee report the names of the charter members,
which shall be printed in the proceedings, thus preserving these charter
names. Charters were granted for the following new Lodges: Dalton No.578, at New Vienna, Clinton County The recall and arrest of the charter of New Vienna Lodge No.160, by the
Grand Master, was approved and made perpetual; and on the petition of
thirty-five Masons in good standing, residing in New Vienna and vicinity,=
a
charter was granted to them establishing a new Lodge at that place to be
called Dalton Lodge No.578, and the Masonic property formerly belonging to
Vienna Lodge No.160, now in the hands of the Grand Secretary, except the
charter and books, was donated by the Grand Lodge to Dalton Lodge No.578;
which report and several recommendations were adopted by the Grand Lodge.=
The application for a dispensation for a new Lodge at Corning was refe=
rred
to the incoming Grand Master for his investigation and action. The Grand Lodge refunded and donated to Dalton Lodge No.578, the chart=
er
fee of $100 paid by said Lodge for its charter, the same having been paid=
by
the former members of New Vienna Lodge No.160, who applied for this chart=
er. On recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence the Grand
Lodge recognized the Grand Orient of Belgium as an independent Grand body,
and extended fraternal recognition, with an exchange of Grand
Representatives. The Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chap=
ter
of Royal Arch Masons of the United States, M.·. W.·. Bro.
Reuben C. Lemmon, was introduced, received with Grand Honors, and welcome=
d,
and responded in a touching manner, thanking his Brethren and Companions =
of
the state of Ohio, for their loyal assistance and support in all his Maso=
nic
work. M.·.Ex.·. Companion Brenton D. Babcock, Grand High Pries=
t of
the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio was introduced, received w=
ith
Grand Honors and welcomed, and responded in a suitable manner. On recommendation of the Committee on Charity, the Grand Lodge
appropriated $6,000 for the use of the Masonic Home, and on motion of
M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale, the per capita tax to the O=
hio
Masonic Home for the year 1898 was fixed at thirty cents instead of fifte=
en
cents, as at present. The proposed amendment of Section 16 of tho By-Laws, increasing the an=
nual
Grand Dues on each member of Subordinate Lodges from fifty to sixty cents,
was taken up, and unanimously adopted, and the Grand Dues fixed at sixty
cents annually. Brother E. C. Gulliford, of Cleveland, was elected M.·. W.&midd=
ot;.
Grand Master; Bro. E. L. Lybarger of Spring Mountain R.·. W.&middo=
t;.
Deputy Grand Master; Bro. F. S. Harmon, of Akron, R.·. W.·.
Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Ike M. Robinson, of Chandlersville, R.·.
W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, re-elected R.&midd=
ot;.
W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. H. Bromwell R.·. W.·.
Grand Secretary. Columbus was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 25, A. D. 1=
899,
as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.=
The Grand Lodge voted to become a member of the General Masonic Relief
Association of the United States. The special committee on the Washington Memorial Service reported in f=
avor
of authorizing the Grand Master, who shall hold office at that time, or h=
is
duly authorized proxy, to attend as the representative of this Grand Lodg=
e;
which was adopted. The report of the Superintendent and Secretary of the Masonic Home was
presented and is printed in the proceedings. Number of residents, men, 43;
women, 15; boys, 18; girls, 13; total, 89. The cost of maintenance of the
Home for the past fiscal year was $15,693.73; a detailed statement of whi=
ch
appears in the report. Received from the executor of the late Mrs. Elvira Ainsworth, of Lodi,
Ohio, the sum of $950.00 of the $1,000 bequeathed by her to the Home for =
library
purposes, and $100.00 donated by the Grand Chapter of Ohio, Order of the
Eastern Star. A Past Grand Master's jewel was voted to M.·. W.·. Nelson
Williams, retiring Grand Master, and a committee of which M.·.
W.·. Wm. B. Melish was chairman was appointed to procure and prese=
nt
the same on behalf of the Grand Lodge. The newly elected and appointed Grand Officers were duly installed. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report covering
274 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of 60 English speaking and 11
non-English speaking Grand Lodges; and containing another interesting let=
ter
from that distinguished author and eminent Mason, R.·. W.·.
Bro. William James Hughan, of Torquay, England, and containing a number of
important facts and items appertaining to Masonry, among which is the fact
that out of the two hundred and sixty-six men who went down to their deat=
h in
the Battleship Maine, eighty-three were Masons; and in reviewing the
different proceedings, comments on the subject of Cerneauism and
Clandestinism 19 times; Book of the Law, 9; Freemasonry, 11; Masonic Home=
s,
11; Making Masons at Sight, 6; Antiquities of Freemasonry, 7, etc. Attention is also called to the un-masonic action of the Grand Lodge of
Washington at its last session which was in effect the recognition of Neg=
ro
Lodges and their authority to confer Masonic Degrees. This is the first a=
nd
only recognition of Negro Masonry by any Grand Jurisdiction in the United
States. The recognition above referred to is limited to Negro Lodges holding
charters from the Grand Lodge of England. M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham, chairman, in commentin=
g on
this action, says: "As R.·. W.·. Brother Upton was a member of the
committee having the subject of colored Masons under consideration, his l=
abor
in behalf of Negro Masonry has evidently been a success. "There being no Negro Lodges whatever holding charters as such fr=
om
the Grand Lodge of England, the matter of color not being a prerequisite =
in
that or other European Grand Lodges, * * * the inference is therefore
unavoidable that the colored Lodges of the so-called 'Prince Hall', (Afri=
can
No.459), descent in the United States, are the colored Lodges referred to,
all of which have been declared clandestine and irregular in Ohio,
Massachusetts, and elsewhere, after the most careful and painstaking rese=
arch
as to their Origin and history by writers in both Grand Lodges. "The warrant of the so-called 'Prince Hall' Lodge, which was ille=
gal
in its issue and an invasion of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, and the name of which was really African No.459 of Boston,=
was
recalled before any considerable work was done in it, and became moribund
after Prince Hall's death in 1807, and in 1813 was stricken from the roll=
of
the Grand Lodge of England. See proceedings Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1875, 18=
76,
1877." The fact is shown by a perusal of the reports of Foreign Correspondenc=
e of
the Grand Lodge of Washington for some years past, that its author
R.·. W.·. Bro. William H. Upton, has been the avowed advoca=
te
and defender of Cerneanism and Clandestinism, both white and colored, and=
we
refer to the pertinent remarks of that eminent Masonic author and jurist,
M.·. W.·. Josiah H. Drummond, Past Grand Master of Maine, a=
nd
for years the chairman of its Committee on Foreign Correspondence, who, in
his review of the proceedings of Washington in his report for 1898, speak=
ing
of the report of Bro. W. H. Upton, says: "This report shows the caliber, characteristics, and character of=
its
author so plainly upon its face that an extended notice of it would give =
it
an importance that it does not possess. The fact, however, that it is
published in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Washington, calls for =
one
observation, that the author of it crowds more misrepresentations, actual=
and
by implication or innuendo, into a given space than we have ever before s=
een.
It is undoubtedly true that many of them are the result of his unconsciou=
s,
gross ignorance of what he writes about; but there are many others for wh=
ich
this excuse can not be given." As this matter will require some attention in next year's proceedings,=
we
defer further remarks until then. OHIO MASONIC VETERAN ASSOCIATION Met in the Masonic Temple with the Officers and a large number of memb=
ers
present. S. Stacker Williams was elected permanent President for the
remainder of his natural life. A committee was appointed to recommend a
suitable badge for adoption at our next meeting to be worn by the members=
of
the Association. A large class of candidates was elected, received and welcomed; a
collection taken for printing the proceedings, and a banquet provided by =
the
local Lodges enjoyed. 1899 M.·. W.·. E. C. GULLIFORD, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at Valentine's Theater, Toledo, Wednesday, October
25, A. D. 1899, with Grand Master E. C. Gulliford in the Chair, all the G=
rand
Officers in their stations, and the following Past Grand Masters, C. A.
Woodward, Wm. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, S. S. William=
s, Leander
Burdick, L. C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Barton Smith, and Nel=
son
Williams; and Past Deputy Grand Masters Wm. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, and
Emeritus Grand Secretary J. D. Caldwell and the representatives of 490
Lodges, present. The Grand Master read his annual address, calling attention to the dea=
th
of Bro. Enoch Terry Carson, who died at Cincinnati, February 23, A. D. 18=
99,
and his funeral services, which were of the most impressive nature, were
conducted in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, in which he had spent so many h=
ours
of his arduous labor in the cause of Masonry. Brother Carson was born in
Hamilton County, Ohio, September 18, 1822, was made a Master Mason in McM=
akin
Lodge No.120, December 15, 1845, and from that time until his death was an
active worker in all the Grand and Subordinate Bodies in Masonry, both in=
the
York and Scottish Rite, and at his death, was an active member of the Sup=
reme
Council of the A. A. Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction =
and
the Illustrious Deputy for Ohio. Also the death of Past Grand Master C. C. Kiefer, which occurred at
Urbana, March 12, 1899. He was Past Grand Master of the M.·.
W.·. Grand Lodge of Ohio, Past Grand high Priest of the M. E. Grand
Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Past Grand T. I. Grand Master of the G=
rand
Council Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, and the Past R. E. Grand Comman=
der
of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Ohio; an Honorary Thirty-t=
hird
Degree member of the A. A. S. R., Northern Jurisdiction; ex-Grand Secreta=
ry
of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio; Grand Recorder of the Order of High
Priesthood of Ohio; and a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home from its
organization. His funeral obsequies were held at his home in Urbana,
conducted by Harmony Lodge No.8, of which he was an honored member. The
remains were then conveyed to Dayton, escorted by Reed Commandery No.6,
Knights Templars, and interred under the ritual of the Order of Knights
Templars, by that Commandery. Reports that the Grand Representation between Tennessee and Ohio,
heretofore existing, had been renewed and the Grand Representatives
appointed. That 462 of the 500 Lodges bad been inspected by the District
Lecturers at an expense of $1,145.60, the total amount of Lodge property
reported being $1,197,959.17, and cash on hand, $419,600.93. As to Clandestine Masonry, he says: "So far as I have been able to
learn, Clandestine Masonry in Ohio is fast becoming a thing of the past. =
The
Lodges are closing their doors, and the members openly renouncing their a=
llegiance
to these so-called Masonic bodies." Recommends the purchase of a set of Consecration vessels and a committ=
ee
was appointed to procure the same. Calls attention to the action of the Grand Lodge of Washington in
recognizing Negro and other Clandestine Masonry at its session of 1898, a=
nd
the apparent renunciation of this at its last session, and to the fact th=
at
the whole subject is fully treated in the report of the Committee on Fore=
ign
Correspondence, to which he refers. Salineville Lodge No.348, located at Salineville, Columbiana County,
surrendered its charter, August 15, 1899. Reports a number of visitations at which he was received with the hono=
rs
due the representative of this Grand Lodge. Issued special proxies to the following Brothers to constitute the Lod=
ges
chartered at the last session and install their Officers, all of which we=
re
promptly executed: October 28, 1898, to Bro. S. B. Evans, Dalton Lodge No.578; November 1=
0,
1898, to Bro. W. A. Belt, Enterprise Lodge No.579; November 29, 1898, to =
Bro.
T. C. Wilkinson, Flat Rock Lodge No.580; November 22, 1898, to Bro. E. F.
Draper, Peebles Lodge No.581. Issued special proxies to the following Brothers to dedicate the follo=
wing
Masonic Halls and rooms, which duties were performed at the times stated:=
December 24, 1898, to Bro. W. E. Holcombe, new Hall of Caledonia Lodge
No.416; June 27, 1899, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, Mas=
onic
Temple at New Holland; September 21, 1899, to Bro. T. C. Wilkinson, new H=
all
of Sager Lodge No.513; September 23, 1899, to Bro. John Blyth, new Hall of
Mt. Gilead Lodge No.206. The Grand Master dedicated the following Masonic Halls: December 27, 1898, new Hall of East Townsend Lodge No.322; April 12, 1=
899,
new Lodge rooms of Lorain Lodge No.552. The Grand Master officiated in the laying of the corner stones of the following Masonic and public buildings, in due and ancient Masonic form.<= o:p> May 18, 1899, the corner stone of the new Courthouse of Ottawa County,=
at
Port Clinton, assisted by Oliver H. Perry Lodge No.341. June 23, 1899, the corner stone of the Moore Masonic Temple, at Delawa=
re,
in the presence of Hiram Lodge No.18, (organized in 1811), and over 1,500
visiting Masons, their families and friends. The Moore Masonic Temple,
together with the land on which it is situated is the magnificent gift of
Bro. Sidney Moore to Hiram Lodge, and is to be finished with finest mater=
ial
in the best style known to art. Brother Moore was made a Master Mason in
Hiram Lodge, February 12, 1856, and has passed through all the degrees in=
both
the York and Scottish Rite, including the Thirty-third Degree. September 28, 1899, the corner stone of the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Cleveland. The eleven Blue
Lodges and three Commanderies, with bands of music, acted as escort for t=
he
Grand Lodge. Issued proxies to the following Brothers to lay corner stones of Mason=
ic
and public buildings: July 18, 1899, M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams to lay the
corner stone of the Brumbach Library building at Van Wert; September 30,
1899, M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale to lay the corner ston=
e of
the new Masonic Hall of Avon Lodge No.542 at Cincinnati; both of whom
performed the duties assigned to them. Petition were presented to the Grand Master for the establishment of n=
ew
Lodges at the following places: At Collinwood, Cuyahoga County, by 39 Brethren; Toronto, Jefferson Cou=
nty,
by 39 Brethren; both of which are recommended and referred to the Grand
Lodge. Also the petition of Gibson Lodge No.301, located at Birmingham, Erie
County, for permission to remove to Wakeman, Huron County. Also the petition of fourteen Masons formerly members of New Vienna Lo=
dge
No.160, whose charter was arrested by M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson
Williams in September, 1898, praying that the charter issued to Dalton Lo=
dge
No.578 be recalled, and the former charter of No.160 be restored. Reports that the three Cleveland cases in the Cernean litigation, which
have been pending in the courts for some years, were decided in favor of =
the
Grand Lodge by the Supreme Court of Ohio, March 7, 1899, that court
sustaining the Circuit Court in its decision in the case of Hershiser v.
Williams, reported in 6 Circuit Court Reports, page 147, and which decisi=
on
ends all the Cernean litigation in favor of the Grand Lodge. Brother J. F. Wright, a former member of New England Lodge No.4, prese=
nted
his petition to the Grand Master renouncing all connection with Cerneauism
and clandestine Masonry, and praying for restoration to membership, which,
after careful investigation, the Grand Master approved and granted, and h=
is
action in that behalf was approved by the Grand Lodge. Deputized M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish to present the Pa=
st
Grand Master's jewel voted to M.·. W.·. Nelson Williams at =
the
last session, which duty was performed, and the eloquent response of Brot=
her
Williams is printed in full in the proceedings and is a gem. Calls attention to the Ohio Masonic home, and the report of its Board =
of
Trustees, and says in part: "Let us then amply endow it, that it may meet every recurring wan=
t.
It challenges the admiration of the Fraternity throughout the land. It has
placed the Grand Lodge in the position of a public benefactor. It is the
cynosure of a million friendly eyes, and the object of a thousand grateful
prayers." The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance on hand October 15, 1899,
$35,607.58. The Grand Secretary submitted his report, showing the membership, Augu=
st
31, 1899, 44,201, a net gain of 1,353, the second highest of any one year=
in
the history of the Grand Lodge, the net gain in 1892 being 1,441. Reports=
the
receipts of the charter, jewels, and property of Salineville Lodge No.348=
. Estimates that it will cost from $3,000 to $3,500 to make a duplicate = of the Subordinate returns, binding same and supplying the missing numbers.<= o:p> Calls attention to the fact that M.·. W.·. S. Stacker
Williams would tender his entire Masonic library, consisting of several
thousand Masonic publications, including complete series of Grand Lodge
proceedings of the various Grand Lodges in America and elsewhere, probably
one of the most valuable in the United States, and worth several thousand
dollars, and suggests that the offer be accepted, and the library left in
charge of Brother Williams as its custodian, and proper arrangements made=
and
a standing committee appointed to provide for its care, and the expense
thereof. Reports the per capita tax due the Ohio Masonic Home at thirty cents p=
er
member as $13,260.39; and the sale of the surplus of old proceedings about
five tons. The Committee on Veteran Membership and By-Laws of' certain Subordinate
Lodges exempting members from the payment of dues at a certain age or aft=
er
they bad paid dues a certain number of years, made a lengthy report calli=
ng
attention to the previous action of this Grand Lodge on this subject that
such By-Laws were injudicious and at variance with its policy; which repo=
rt
was adopted. The Committee on Grievance reported that the matter of disputed bounda=
ry
between Harmar Lodge No.390 and Coolville Lodge No.337, had been settled =
by
agreement, the lines being stated in the report, and that Harmar Lodge sh=
ould
pay Coolville Lodge fifty dollars in full settlement of all demands to da=
te,
which was approved by the Grand Lodge, and the boundary so fixed. The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported against the proposed
amendments that a clear ballot on the petition for initiation should enti=
tle
the candidate to all three degrees; and to fix a time limit within which a
rejected candidate could again petition, and the Grand Lodge approved the
report as to both propositions. Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.: Collinwood No.582, at Collinwood, Cuyahoga County Gibson Lodge No.301 was granted permission to remove from Birmingham to
Wakeman whenever a suitable meeting place is secured. The application of Brethren residing at and near Corning, Perry County,
for a dispensation for a new Lodge, was referred to the incoming Grand Ma=
ster
with the recommendation that he grant the same as soon as satisfied a pro=
per
hall has been secured. A duplicate charter was granted to Thrall Lodge No.170 in lien of the
original which has become indistinct by age. The action of the Grand Master on the petition of J. F. Wright of New
England Lodge No.4, for restoration to membership, was approved, and he w=
as
so restored. The action of the Grand Master in arresting the charter of Salineville
Lodge No.348 was approved, as were his several acts in constituting and
dedicating Lodges, laying comer stones, visitations and dispensations. Permission was granted Fairview Lodge No.446, to change its name to
Kirkwood Lodge No.446. The Grand Secretary was authorized to employ a clerk at not exceeding
$40.00 per month, procure the necessary blanks, and at once commence the =
work
of duplicating the Subordinate Lodge returns. The Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home presented their report in connec=
tion
with that of the Superintendent, showing that at the date of the session
there were 59 men, 26 women, 28 boys, and 16 girls, making a total of 129
residents; that the cost of maintenance, including betterments, during the
past year was about $20,000.00. The amounts contributed by the various Gr=
and
Masonic Bodies at their 1898 sessions were: Grand Lodge . . $12,377.20<=
br>
Chapter . . . . . . . . 3,689.75 In addition to this the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star donated $100=
.00
in cash to the general fund; and at Christmas the Subordinate Chapters
donated 545 cans and glasses of fruits and jellies, $79.90 in cash, and an
infinite variety of articles for the use and enjoyment of both young and =
old. Through the efforts of the ladies of Springfield, who gave a lawn fete=
on
the grounds, military uniforms were purchased for the boys, and under the
instruction of Bro. B. B. McIntyre, of Springfield, they have arrived at
great proficiency in drilling and attracted much attention and applause d=
uring
a Memorial Day parade in which they participated. The Grand Lodge donated from its general fund the sum of $4,000 in
addition to the per capita tax, for the use of the Home during the coming
year. The Committee on Grievance to which was referred the petition of former
members of New Vienna Lodge No.160, praying for the recall of the charter
granted to Dalton Lodge No.578, and the restoration to New Vienna Lodge
No.160, of the charter arrested at the last session of this Grand Lodge,
reported in favor of sustaining and approving the former action of the Gr=
and
Master, and the Grand Lodge in arresting the charter of No.160, and in
granting the charter to Dalton No.578, which report was adopted by the Gr=
and
Lodge. M.·. W.·. Bro. S. Stacker Williams, Past Grand Master,
stated it had long been his intention to donate his Masonic library to the
Grand Lodge and that for fear he might not live to be present at this
Communication, he had executed a will a few months ago in which he devised
the library to the Grand Lodge. He was glad, however, to be present to say
that he now tendered it to the Grand Lodge as a slight expression of the
sentiments which he entertained towards his associates n this Grand body.=
Upon motion, and by a unanimous rising vote, the gift was accepted, and
the thanks of this Grand Lodge tendered to M.·. W.·. Brother
Williams. The Grand Master named as a special committee on the library of Brother
Williams, just presented, M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams,
R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell and Bro. L P. Schaus. The Grand Master appointed a special committee on the celebration of t=
he
Washington Memorial: M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale and Bros. A. C. Cable and=
B.
B. Avery. The Committee on Necrology presented proper testimonials to the private
and Masonic character of Bros. C. C. Kiefer, Enoch T. Carson, John H, Jon=
es,
and others, which are printed in the proceedings. Brother E. L. Lybarger, of Spring Mountain, was elected M.·.
W.·. Grand Master; Bro. F. S. Harmon, Akron; R.·. W.·=
;.
Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Ike M. Robinson, Chandlersville, R.·.
W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. W. A. Belt, Kenton, R.·.
W.·. Junior Grand Warden; and Bros. R. R. Rickly and J. H. Bromwell
re-elected Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary respectively and duly
installed. Springfield was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 24, A. D.
1900, as the time of holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge. A Past Grand Master's jewel was ordered purchased and presented to
M.·. W.·. F. C. Gulliford, retiring Grand Master, and
M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, W. Bro. J. W. Neil and Bro.=
A.
J. Davies appointed a committee for that purpose. A committee composed of M.·. W.·. Bros. W. B. Melish and=
L.
C. Goodale, and M.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, was appointe=
d to
procure a set of Consecration vessels for the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a special report of =
the
action of the Grand Lodge of Washington on the Negro question, which
recommended that, as the Grand Lodge of Washington now claims it had
reconsidered its un-fraternal conduct, no further action was now necessar=
y on
behalf of this Grand Lodge. The committee presented its general report covering 316 pages, and
reviewing the proceedings of 60 English speaking and 11 non-English speak=
ing
Grand Lodges. Under the head of "Washington" is given the so-called
reconsideration of the action of the Grand Lodge on the negro question, t=
he
comments of a number of distinguished Masons thereon, as well as the tele=
graphic
protests of a number of Grand Masters, and other distinguished Masons aga=
inst
the action of the Grand Lodge, to which all Brothers who are interested in
the subject are referred. The Ohio Veterans' Association met October 26, at the Masonic Temple, =
the
Officers and a large number of the members present, President S. S. Willi=
ams
in the Chair. But on account of his feeble health, he called on Venerable
Brother L. Burdick to assist him. A large class of candidates was elected,
received and welcomed. A lapel badge button, displaying a square and compasses, with the figu=
res
"21," was adopted to be worn by the members of the Association.=
An
elegant banquet provided by the local Lodges was enjoyed, and a vote of
thanks tendered. 1900 M.·. W.·. E. L. LYBARGER, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the City Hall, Springfield, Wednesday, October=
24,
A. D. 1900, with M.·. W.·. E. L. Lybarger, Grand Master, in=
the
Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations, the following Past
Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters C. A. Woodward, W. M. Cunningham, it. =
C.
Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, L. C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C=
. F.
Clapp, Wm. B. Melish, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, Past Deputy Grand
Masters W. J. Akers and J. L'll. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary J. D.
Caldwell and the representatives of 483 Lodges present; 20 Lodges not
represented. The Grand Master read his address, congratulating the craft upon the
wonderful progress of Masonry in Ohio since the organization of the Grand
Lodge in 1808, six small Subordinate Lodges having grown to over 500 acti=
ve
Lodges with a membership of over 46,000. Highly commends the District
Lecturers for their active and efficient labors during the past year. He
reappointed Bros. George D. McBride and Henry Perkins as Trustees of the
Masonic Home. Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places: April, 1900, Colning Lodge, at Corning, Perry County. July 7, 1900, Temple Lodge subsequently changed to Garrett Wykoff at L=
ima. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute the new Lo=
dges
chartered at the last session, and install their officers: March 27, 1900, M.·. W.·. Bro. E. C. Gulliford, to
constitute Collinwood Lodge No.582; January 4, 1900, Bro. Levi W.
Inglebriglit, to constitute Tronto Lodge No.583; both of whom promptly
performed the duties assigned to them on the days above named. The Grand Master officiated at the dedication of the following Masonic
Temples and Halls: November 14, 1899, dedicated the new Masonic Temple at Columbus, in the
presence of a large concourse of the craft and citizens of the city and
vicinity. January 2, 1900, dedicated the new Lodge rooms of Napoleon Lodge No.25=
6 at
Napoleon. January 12, 1900, dedicated the new Lodge room of Coshocton Lod=
ge
No.96, at Coshocton. January 26, 1900, dedicated the new Masonic Temple at
Delaware, erected by Bro. Sidney Moore, and presented to Hiram Lodge No.1=
8,
by that earnest, loyal and generous Brother. Proxies were issued to the following brothers to dedicate the following
Masonic buildings, all of whom, except Brother Love, reported the perform=
ance
of the duties assigned to them: November 22, 1899, to M.·. W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, to dedi=
cate
the building and rooms of Dunkirk Lodge No.549, at Dunkirk; Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to lay the corner stones=
of
the following buildings: December 15, 1899, to Bro. A. D. Thomas, to lay the corner stone of the
Third Christian Church at Youngstown; July 18, 1900, to M.·.
W.·. Bro. N. Williams, to lay the corner stone of the new Masonic
Temple of Lima Lodge No.205, at Lima, which duties were promptly performe=
d at
the dates named. Reports that the Grand Master, together with the committee appointed f=
or
that purpose, consisting of M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale,
Bros. A. C. Cable and Benjamin B. Avery, and M.·. W.·. Bro.=
J.
H. Bromwell, in pursuance of authority of the Grand Lodge to represent it=
at
the centennial celebration of the Washington Memorial at the cities of Wa=
shington,
D. C., and Alexandria, Va., December 14, 1899, attended these ceremonials,
and participated therein; M.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell
responding for the Grand Lodge of Ohio at the banquet given in the evening
after the ceremonies, and "right well did he maintain the reputation,
not only of this Grand Lodge, but the great state of Ohio, by one of the =
most
rhetorical, eloquent, and appropriate addresses that was delivered during=
the
entire proceedings." Only about one half the money appropriated for this purpose was expend=
ed,
and the balance was returned to the general fund of the Grand Lodge. Reports a number of visitations to Subordinate Lodges, among which are
specially mentioned American Union Lodge No.1, Rufus Putnam Lodge No.364,
Urania Lodge No.311, and New England Lodge No.4, on which occasion he was
accompanied by Bro. Asa S. Bushnell, Governor of Ohio, who during the ban=
quet
informed the members of that Lodge that he had deeded the property which =
he
held in trust for New England Lodge to a Trustee selected by the regular
Lodge, and hoped they would soon come into "possession of their righ=
tful
inheritance." However, the Officers of the bogus clandestine Lodge
instituted suit in the civil court to prevent the recording of this deed,=
and
the regular Lodge from taking possession under the deed, which suit was
litigated and heard in the Common Pleas, Circuit, and Supreme Courts of O=
hio,
and in September, 1907, was finally decided by the Supreme Court in favor=
of
the regular Lodge, and the clandestine Lodge, in September, 1907, surrend=
ered
it to the regular Lodge who held its first stated meeting in the building
since its surreptitious possession by the clandestine Lodge. A full statement of the facts in relation to this controversy and
litigation will be found in the first volume of this history, pages 108-1=
33;
therefore, further mention is unnecessary. The committee appointed and authorized at the last session to procure a
set of Consecration vessels performed that duty, and the bill, $60.00, was
duly paid, and the action of the committee approved. The Grand Master pays a beautiful tribute to that magnificent Masonic
charity, the Ohio Masonic Home, highly commends the economical and busine=
ss
like management of its Officers and Trustees, and urges liberal donations=
and
provision for its proper maintenance and improvement, referring to the
detailed reports of the Superintendent and Trustees for the items of rece=
ipts
and expenditures, and the present needs of the institution. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance in his hands
October 15, 1900, $37,035.23. The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the membership August=
31,
1900, 46,348, a net gain the past year of 2,147. Reports progress in the
duplication of the Subordinate Lodge returns; that the per capita tax due=
the
Masonic Home of 30 cents, amounts to $13,904.40, and recommends an additi=
onal
donation, a part of which should be placed in the endowment fund for
investment. The total of the Grand Dues for this year is $35,593.45. The Trustees of the Masonic Home submitted their annual report, togeth=
er
with a carefully prepared detailed statement of the financial and business
transactions during the past year, and the needs of the institution. The
report shows the number of residents 62 men, 29 women, 24 boys, 23 girls;
total, 138. The amount contributed by the Ohio Grand Bodies at their 1899 sessions
were: Grand Lodge, $17,260.30; Grand Chapter, $4,261.50; Grand Commandery,
$2,500.00; total, $24,021.80. The Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Sta=
r,
donated $100.00, and in addition to this the Subordinate Chapters at
Christmas, donated a large quantity of clothing, canned fruits, candies,
toys, books, fruits, etc., and $256.73 in cash, and a number of other Mas=
onic
bodies and individual Masons made liberal donations, all of which were
thankfully received and appreciated. Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.: The original charter of Scioto Lodge No.6 having become faded and some= what mutilated, the Grand Secretary was authorized to certify a duplicate under the seal of the Grand Lodge, both charters to be delivered to the Lodge.<= o:p> Duplicate charters were granted to the following Lodges in lieu of the
origins destroyed by fire: Monroe Lodge No.189, at Woodsfield; Orion No.353, at KingsvilIe; Somer=
ton
No.354, at Somerton; and Royalton Union No.431, at Lyons; and they were
allowed to continue work under the special dispensations granted them by =
the
Grand Master, until the charters were prepared and delivered. The name of Epler Lodge No.458 was changed to Jackson Center Lodge No.=
458. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations reported a resolution
requiring all Subordinate Lodges hereafter constituted to adopt and use t=
he
uniform Code of By-Laws as laid down in the Code; which was adopted. The Committee on Charity recommended the donation to the Ohio Masonic =
home
of the sum of $2,000 to the general fund, and $5,000 to its endowment fun=
d;
which was adopted. The committee on the S. Stacker Williams library reported that at the
request of Brother Williams they had gone to Newark and formally took cha=
rge
of the magnificent Masonic library donated by him to the Grand Lodge,
consisting of about forty-three hundred volumes, pamphlets, letters, etc.,
including about fifteen hundred and fifty volumes of Proceedings of Grand
Lodges, Grand Chapters, Grand Councils, Grand Commanderies, Supreme Counc=
ils,
Consistories, and Councils of Deliberation, Constitutions of nearly every
jurisdiction in the world, commencing with Anderson's original of 1723, a=
nd
the Dublin Constitution of 1730, etc., of which about eleven hundred volu=
mes
are bound; the whole being in a suitable room which has been occupied by
Brother Williams for that purpose for a number of years, and the committee
arranged to keep it there at a rental of $48.00 per year. That they had
expended $91.28 in binding 126 volumes and recommend that $100.00 be
appropriated and expended each year for that purpose. The Grand Lodge adopted the report and appropriated $48.00 for rent, a=
nd
$150.00 for binding and other expenses. The Grand Master was authorized to employ counsel in the case against =
New
England Lodge No.4, in relation to the John Snow property, to assist and =
render
all proper and necessary legal services in the litigation. The Committee on Accounts report they have audited the books and accou=
nts
of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, and find the books have been =
kept
in a thoroughly businesslike manner, and in every instance correct, and s=
ay,
"Your committee esteem it a great pleasure to be privileged to audit=
the
accounts, etc., of Officers who so thoroughly comprehend and perform their
duties, and whose reports are models of completeness, conciseness, compre=
hension
and correctness." The amendment offered last session to Section XIII of the By-Laws
requiring the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer at the cl=
ose
of each session of the Grand Lodge to select a bank in which the funds of=
the
Grand Lodge shall be deposited in the name and to the credit of the Grand
Lodge, etc., was adopted. Brother Frank S. Harmon, of Akron, was elected M.·. W.·.
Grand Master; Bros. B. B. Rickly and J. H. Bromwell, re-elected R.·=
;.
W.·. Grand Treasurer and R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary,
respectively, and the other elective Officers each advanced one station.
Cleveland was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 23, A. D. 1901=
, as
the time of holding the next annual communication The Grand Officers were
installed. A Past Grand Master's jewel was voted to the retiring M.·.
W.·. Grand Master, E. L. Lybarger, "who has discharged with s=
uch
signal success the duties of his station as Grand Master," and
M.·. W.·. L. C. Goodale was appointed chairman of the commi=
ttee
to secure and present the same. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report which w=
as
ordered printed in the proceedings. The report covers 323 pages, reviewing
the proceedings of 61 English speaking and 12 non-English speaking Grand
Lodges. A large portion of these reviews treats and comments on the ill advised
and un-masonic action of the Grand Lodge of Washington recognizing
clandestine and Negro masonry and its professed rescission of the same. A
number of Grand Lodges severed their fraternal relations with the Grand L=
odge
of Washington, and interdicted visitation and fraternal intercourse with =
the
members of its Subordinate Lodges; and refused to accept the so-called
rescinding of its action as in good faith, or sufficient, while others, c=
ondemning
the action in positive terms, and specially the Brothers who concocted and
imposed the resolutions on the Grand Lodge, were inclined to spread the
mantle of Masonic Charity over the mistake of their Brethren, and accept =
in
good faith their professions of rescission. These questions are discussed in this report under the heads of the
various states as follows: "Clandestinism and Cerneanism," 24 reports; "Negro
Masonry," 29 reports; "Washington Hill advised action," 39
reports; and attention is again called to the Fraternal Correspondence re=
port
of 1899, where the subject is reviewed under topics, "Cerneanism and
Clandestinism," 32 reports; Negro Masonry," 35 reports;
"Washington ill advised action," 40 reports; and the telegraphic
protests on pages 379 to 384, proceedings of 1899. These reviews, comments
and pro-tests are too lengthy to even summarize here, but the Grand Lodge
Proceedings of 1899 and 1900, containing them, are in the library or
secretary's office of every Lodge in Ohio, easily accessible to all membe=
rs,
who are fraternally requested to carefully read and study this question in
all its bearings and they will then understand and appreciate its importa=
nce
to the Masonic Fraternity, and the invaluable services rendered the craft=
in
general, and the Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodges of Ohio in particular=
by
M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham, then Deity Grand Master, =
and
the other level headed Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in the 1877
session in preventing the Grand Lodge adopting similar ill advised action
which would have resulted in bitter dissension in the Grand and Subordina=
te
Lodges and placed in the hands of Clandestinism and Cerneauism, a weapon =
that
would eventually have divided and destroyed the Grand Lodge and many of i=
ts
subordinates. It is a matter of history that many, if not all the advocat=
es
of the recognition of the so-called African Grand and Subordinate Lodges,=
in
a few years afterwards, when Cerneanism and Clandestinism raised their he=
ads
and attempted to invade the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, beca=
me
the most earnest and loyal advocates of exclusive Grand Lodge sovereignty=
and
jurisdiction, and fought manfully in the battles which led to ultimate
victory, and the utter rout of its enemies. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Red Cross room, Maso=
nic
Temple, October 24, 7:30 p. m.; seventy-five members present. Venerable
President S. S. Williams not being able to be present on account of ill
health, a telegram of sympathy was sent him. Bro. Leander Burdick preside=
d.
Bro. F. H. Archer presented an improved record book and received a vote of
thanks. A large class of candidates was elected, received and welcomed as
members. The Secretary reported he had secured the veteran lapel buttons adopte=
d at
the last meeting, and could furnish them at one dollar each to the Venera=
ble
Brothers entitled to them. 1901 M.·. W.·. FRANK S. HARMON, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at Masonic Temple, Cleveland, Wednesday, October =
23,
A. D. 1901, with M.·. W.·. Frank S. Harmon, Grand Master in=
the
Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations, Past Grand Masters=
C.
A. Woodward, Wm. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander
Burdick, L. C. Goodale, C. F. Clapp, W. B. Melish, Nelson Williams, F. C.
Gulliford, Allen Andrews and F. L. Lybarger, Past Deputy Grand Master J. =
L'H.
Long, twenty-four District Lecturers, and the representatives of 483 Lodg=
es
in attendance. The Grand Master read his annual address, announcing the death of Bro.
William McKinley, President of the United States, and calling attention to
the proclamation of the Grand Master in relation thereto, issued September
14, A. D. 1901. Brother McKinley was at the time of his death a charter member of Eagle
Lodge No.431, F. & A. a member of Canton Chapter No.64, R. A. M., and=
a
member of Canton Commandery No.38, K. T. Also the death of W. Bro. John W.
Chamberlin, who was a Past Junior Grand Deacon of this Grand Lodge, a Past
Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio, served as Presid=
ent
of the Council of High Priesthood thirteen years, was Treasurer of the Oh=
io
Masonic Home eleven years, and was serving as Grand Chaplain of the Gener=
al
Grand Council R. & S. M. of the United States at the time of his deat=
h,
August 14, A. D. 1901. Reports that he had reappointed Bros. John M. Stull and M.·.
W.·. Leander Burdick as Trustees of the Masonic Home to succeed
themselves, and Bro. Henry Perkins having resigned, appointed Bro. F. Har=
ford
to fill the vacancy, and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell havi=
ng
resigned, appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. F. L. Lybarger to fill t=
he
vacancy. That in pursuance of the authority of the Grand Lodge he had employed
M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews to assist in the New England L=
odge
No.4 case in relation to the real estate. Had issued a dispensation to Gustavus Lodge No.442 to remove to and me=
et
at Kinsman, and recommended the removal be made permanent, which was appr=
oved
by the Grand Lodge. Highly commends the active District Lecturers who fully performed the
duties of their offices. Sixteen inspected every Lodge in their districts,
four all hut one, and all but twenty-five Lodges in the state were inspec=
ted,
and refers to their reports in detail, printed in the proceedings. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute the Lodges=
, to
whom charters were granted at the last session of this Grand Lodge, and
install their Officers: November 8, 1900, to Bro. L. F. Laudick, Garrett Wykoff Lodge, No.585;
November 23, 1900, to Bro. L. Tussing, Corning Lodge No.584; which duties
were promptly performed. Proxies were also issued to the following Brothers to dedicate Masonic
Temples and Halls: November 9, 1900, to Bro. L. B. Seeley, to dedicate new Hall of Chester
Lodge, No.238; December 1, 1900, to Bro. T. F. Bradbury, to dedicate Hall=
of
Proctorville Lodge No.550; December 12, 1900, to R.·. W.·. =
Bro.
W. A. Belt, to dedicate the Hall of Lima Lodge No.205; December 27, 1900,=
to
Bro. W. A. Belt, to dedicate the Hall of Garrett Wykoff Lodge No.585; Jan=
uary
26, 1901, to Bro. J. L H. Long, to dedicate the Hall of Acacia Lodge No.4=
64;
March 5, 1901, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, to dedicate
Hall of Jamestown Lodge No.352; June 14, 1901, to R.·. W.·.=
I.
M. Robinson, to dedicate Hall of Sharon Lodge No.136; June 18, 1901, to B=
ro.
J. H. Cline, to dedicate Hall of Amesville Lodge No.278. Also proxies to lay the corner stones of Masonic buildings and church
edifices as follows: November 7, 1900, to Bro. John Patterson, the corner stone of Amesville
Lodge No.278 building on November 15; July 5, 1901, to R.·.
W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at
Kenton, Ohio; August 4, 1901, to Bro. W. H. Bussard, the corner stone of =
the
First Universalist Church at New Madison, Ohio; March 15, 1901, to P. Bro=
. J.
H. Bromwell, the corner stone of the courthouse at Xenia, Greene County,
Ohio. Detailed reports were made of the full performance of all these duties,
and will be found in the printed proceedings. The Grand Master convened special communications of the Grand Lodge at=
the
following places and for the following purposes: November 24, 1900, at Madison, to dedicate the Masonic Hall of Lake Sh=
ore
Lodge No.307; November 30, 1900, at Cleveland, to dedicate West Side Maso=
nic
Temple; March 15, 1901, at East Palestine, to dedicate the Hall of East
Palestine Lodge, No.417; April 9, 1901, at Marietta, to lay the corner st=
one
of the new courthouse; August 18, 1901, at Akron, to lay the corner stone=
of
a Jewish Synagogue; September 19, 1901, at Canton, to attend and particip=
ate
in the funeral services and ceremonies of Brother William McKinley, Presi=
dent
of the United States, and a member of Eagle Lodge No.431. Detailed reports of all these communications appear in the printed
proceedings. Reports that the following Lodges have surrendered their charters: New
Birmingham No.231, Milnersville, Guernsey County; Napthalia No.262, Carro=
ll,
Fairfield County; St. Albans No.491, Alexandria, Licking County; Kings Cr=
eek
No.389, Kings Creek, Champaign County. Issued a circular letter to the
District Lecturers requesting Masonic aid for the Jacksonville, Florida
sufferers, which was responded to. Dispensations were issued to eight Lodges which lost their charters by
fire to continue work until this session of the Grand Lodge and duplicate
charters were recommended to be issued them. Reports a number of visitations to Subordinate Lodges for the purpose =
of
attending inspections, witnessing the exemplification of the work, and
attending social sessions, at all of which he was received with true Maso=
nic
hospitality, and with all the respect and honors due his position as Grand
Master of Ohio. In conclusion, pays an eloquent tribute to the private, official, and
Masonic life and character of our lamented Bro. William McKinley. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand Oct=
ober
15, 1901, $37,573.54. The Grand Secretary's report shows the membership,
August 31, 1901, 48,349, a gain of 2,001, the second largest net gain in =
the
record of the Grand Lodge, but is 146 less than last year. The total gross
gain this year is exactly the same as last, 4,706, but the total losses a=
re
146 more than last year. Reports that the duplication of the returns is progressing rapidly, th=
ey
having been copied back to 1877, the volumes from 1889 to 1898 bound and
deposited in the vault at the Masonic Home, and from 1880 to 1889 in the
hands of the binder. The per capita tax due the Masonic Home is $14,504.7=
0,
and recommended that an additional donation be made to the Home of $4,000=
, one-half
for the permanent fund, and one-half to the general fund, which
recommendation was approved by the Committee on Charity and adopted by the
Grand Lodge. The Committee on Charters reported calling attention to the subject of
Special Dispensations to elect and install Officers, etc., out of time, a=
nd
that the Grand Master the past year has been requested to issue nearly th=
ree
hundred such dispensations, and recommends that the Jurisprudence Committ=
ee
frame and present a law to relieve the Grand Master from this unnecessary=
and
onerous burden; and on the question of visiting members and unaffiliated
Masons, present the following resolution: "Resolved, That after January 1, 1902, no Lodge in this jurisdict=
ion
shall permit any one to visit it who does not, at the time of such visit,
present a receipt for the payment of his dues for the year last past or a
dimit issued to him within the twelve months preceding such visitation;&q=
uot;
which report and recommendation was adopted by the Grand Lodge. On recommendation of this committee duplicate charters were granted to=
the
following Lodges in lieu of their originals destroyed by fire, viz.: Shar=
on
No.136; Toledo No.144; Rubicon No.237; Chester No.238; Versailles No.290;=
5.
L. Collins No.396. A duplicate charter was granted Western Star Lodge No.21 in lieu of the
original issued in 1816, and which by reason of age and exposure has beco=
me
almost illegible, the old charter to be canceled and returned to the Lodg=
e as
a souvenir. On application of Eagle Lodge No.431, of Canton, of which Bro. William
McKinley was a charter member, the name of the Lodge was changed to
"William McKinley Lodge No.431." M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Past Grand Master, at =
the
request of the Grand Lodge, delivered an eloquent, beautiful and instruct=
ive
address and testimonial on the character of Bro. William McKinley, which =
is
printed in the proceedings. The following brief summary will be of interest to the Brethren:
"During the civil war, Major McKinley was stationed at Winchester,
Virginia, where was located a hospital for Confederate wounded. In making=
the
rounds one day with the regimental surgeon he noticed the doctor was on v=
ery
friendly terms with several Southerners, giving them tobacco or money, and
inquired the reason, when the surgeon told him they were Brother Masons, =
and
it was not Only a duty but a pleasure to be able to relieve their
necessities; when the Major expressed a desire to become a member of a
Fraternity on which neither prison bars nor rank of office had the slight=
est
effect. "In Winchester there was a regular Lodge of Masons, Hiram Lodge
No.21, officered by Confederate soldiers or citizens on parole, to whom t=
he
desire of Major McKinley was communicated. His petition was received, he =
was
elected, and on May 1, 1865, the degree of Entered Apprentice was conferr=
ed
upon him by J. B. T. Reed, a Confederate Chaplain, who was Master of the
Lodge and on the two following evenings the Fellow Craft and Master Mason
Degrees were conferred on him." After his return home Major McKinley took a dimit from Hiram Lodge No.=
21
and affiliated with Canton Lodge No.60, Canton, Ohio, and when Eagle Lodge
No.431 was organized at Canton, he became one of its charter members, and
continued his membership therein until his death. He received the degree =
of
Royal Arch in Canton Chapter No.84, R. A. M., in December, 1883, and the
degrees of Red Cross and Knight Templar in Canton Commandery No.38, K. T.,
December 18 and 23, 1885. Hills portrait faces page 64 of the proceedings. The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported approving the decision=
s of
the Grand Master, which was concurred in by the Grand Lodge and reported =
on
the proposed amendment to Section 41 of the Code requiring only one ballo=
t to
elect a candidate to all three symbolic degrees that it was inexpedient to
make such radical change in one of the fundamental laws of the Grand Lodg=
e,
which report was adopted by the Grand Lodge. This proposed amendment had =
laid
over from the 1899 session. The Grand Lodge authorized the placing at its expense of a bronze tabl=
et
at the Ohio Masonic Home, commemorating the Masonic services of Bro. C. C.
Kiefer, Past Grand Master, and a committee was appointed to procure and p=
lace
the same. Hanselmaun Lodge No.208, Cincinnati, assembled to celebrate its Golden=
Jubilee,
wired its hearty greetings to the Grand Lodge, and the telegram was order=
ed
spread upon the minutes. Brother Ike M. Robinson was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Mast=
er;
Bros. W. A. Belt R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; O. P. Sperr=
a,
R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; C. G. Ballon, R.·.
W.·. Junior Grand Waren, and R. R. Rickly and J. H. Bromwell
re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, a=
nd
were duly installed. Columbus was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 22, A. D. 19=
02,
as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.=
A committee was appointed to procure and present to M.·.
W.·. Frank S. Harmon a Past Grand Master's jewel. The Committee on Necrology presented their report, which is printed in=
the
proceedings. The Trustees of the Masonic Home presented their report, which is prin=
ted
in the proceedings. The donations from the Maso=
nic
Grand Bodies for the year past, sessions of 1900, were: Number of residents: The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star submitted a proposa=
l to
the Trustees to erect, under the direction and control of the Board of Tr=
ustees,
an Eastern Star Memorial in the shape of a hospital, cottage or chapel as
might be most acceptable to the Board, and if accepted, the funds would be
collected and turned over to the Board to be used in the erection of such
building as may be deemed best by the Trustees, which proposition was
accepted by the Board with thanks. The Grand Chapter, O. E. S. donated
$150.00 to the general fund, and the Chapters sent their usual Christmas
donations, which were thankfully received. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report covering
329 pages, reviewing the proceedings of 59 English speaking Lodges and 13
non-English speaking Lodges. The subject of Cerneanism is reviewed in 9 reports, Clandestinism in 1=
9,
Negro Masonry, 10, and Ill Advised Action of Grand Lodge of Washington, 1=
9.
The subjects of "The Degree of Entered Apprentice," "Honor=
ary
Rank," "Military Lodges," etc., were discussed, and under =
the
head of "Virginia, 1899," an account is given of the services at
the grave of George Washington, at the celebration of the centennial, whi=
ch
will be found interesting. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Lodge room in the
Masonic Temple, Wednesday, October 23. Bro. S. Stacker Williams being una=
ble
to attend, Venerable J. M. Goodspeed, First Vice-President, presided.
Fifty-five Venerable Brethren present. A large class of candidates was elected, received and welcomed. The Secretary was directed to have the proceedings from 1899 to 1901,
inclusive, printed and bound similar to former proceedings. The Secretary was instructed to send greetings to Venerable Bros. S. S.
Williams, President, B. D. Babcock, Vice-President, and John D. Caldwell,
Emeritus Secretary, and to express the sympathy and sincere regrets of the
Venerable Brothers at their inability to be present. The Venerable Brethren partook of a bounteous repast prepared by the l=
ocal
committee for which a vote of thanks was tendered. 1902 M.·. W.·. IKE M. ROBINSON, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the Auditorium of the Board of Trade, Columbus,
Wednesday, October 22, A. D. 1902, with M.·. W.·. Ike M.
Robinson, Grand Master, in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in the=
ir
stations, Past Grand Masters W. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodsp=
eed,
Leander Burdick, L. C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, W. B. Melish,
Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, F. S. Hann=
on,
Past Deputy Grand Masters, W. J. Akers, J. L'il. Long, twenty-four Distri=
ct
Lecturers, and the representatives of 484 Lodges in attendance. The Grand Master read his annual address, announcing the death on Apri=
l 4,
A. D. 1902, of that distinguished veteran Mason, John Day Caldwell, who w=
as
born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 28, A. D. 1816. He was made a Master M=
ason
in Amity Lodge No.5 at Zanesville, August 3, 1844; Royal Arch Mason in
Zanesville Chapter No.9, December 26, 1844; Royal and Select Master in
Cincinnati Council No.1, March 26, 1849; and a Knight Templar in Cincinna=
ti
Commandery No.3, April 19, 1850. In 1865, he became a member of the Ancie=
nt
Accepted Scottish Rite in Cincinnati, and was created a S. G. I. G.,
Thirty-third Degree, for the Northern Jurisdiction, September 16, A. D. 1=
885. In the Grand Bodies of Ohio and the United States he held the following
responsible positions: Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio from 1852 to 1887, and Emer=
itus
Grand Secretary from 1888 until his death; Grand Secretary of the Grand
Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1851 to 1870; Grand Recorder, Grand Council of
Ohio, R. & S. M., 1852 to 1892; Grand Recorder, Grand Commandery of O=
hio,
K. T., from 1851 to 1870; Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter of=
the
United States, R. A. M., and was also Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampm=
ent
of the United States, K. T., from 1862 to 1871. A remarkable fact is that for nine consecutive years, from 1862 to 187=
1,
Brother Caldwell was Grand Secretary of six Grand Masonic Bodies at the s=
ame
time, a record without a parallel in the history of Masonry. The funeral services were held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinn=
ati,
April 7, 1902, the ritual of the Blue Lodge being rendered by N. C. Harmo=
ny
Lodge No.2, and that of the Scottish Rite by Gibulum Lodge of Perfection,
Fourteenth Degree, and his remains interred in Spring Grove Cemetery. Reappointed M.·. W.·. Bros. Nelson Williams and E. L.
Lybarger as Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1,
1902. Commends the District Lecturers for the prompt and efficient manner in
which they performed the duties of their offices during the year past. Refers to the valuable reports of the Committee on Foreign Corresponde=
nce,
and says: "I desire right here to call the attention of the Brethren=
of
this Grand Jurisdiction to the necessity of reading and familiarizing
themselves with the report of your Committee on Foreign Correspondence. B=
y so
doing, they will place themselves in touch and become conversant with the
doings of Freemasonry throughout the world." A dispensation was issued to form a new Lodge at Mendon, Mercer County,
June 21, 1902. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to lay corner stones and
dedicate Masonic Halls: October 26, 1901, to R.·. W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, Deputy G=
rand
Master, to lay the corner stone of the Carnegie building at Greenville, D=
arke
County; November 14, 1901, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson William=
s,
Past Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of Cheviot Lodge building at
Cincinnati; March 31, 1902, to Bro. C. G. Ballou, R.·. W.·.
Junior Grand Warden, to dedicate the Masonic Hall at Hicksville; April 25,
1902, to Bro. Joseph Kirkup, District Lecturer, to inspect the new Masonic
hall of Cheviot Lodge, Cincinnati; June 5, 1902, to Bro. Nelson Williams,
M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, to dedicate the Hall of Cheviot
Lodge; August 7, 1902, to Bro. C. G. Ballou, R.·. W.·. Juni=
or
Grand Warden, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic hall at Sylvania; Au=
gust
16, 1902, to Bro. J. D. Miller, District Lecturer, to lay the corner ston=
e of
the Hall of Mineral Lodge No.259; September 27, 1902, to M.·.
W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish, to lay the corner stone for the home for
Incurables; all of whom promptly performed the duties assigned to them. The Grand Master convened the Grand Lodge in Special Communications at=
the
times, places, and for the purposes following: November 20, 1901, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at
Marion. On the occasion of the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Akron,
R.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, Senior Grand Warden, at the cl=
ose
of the ceremonies, presented, in a beautiful and appropriate address, to =
M.
.W. Frank S. Harmon, Past Grand Master, the elegant Past Grand Master's j=
ewel
voted him at the last session of the Grand Lodge, and Brother Harmon
responded in a touching manner expressing his high appreciation of the ho=
nor. On consideration of the petition of certain Masons of New Salem praying
for the restoration of the charter of the former Lodge at that place, bei=
ng
satisfied be had no authority to act, the Grand Master advised them to
petition the Grand Lodge. The charter and records of Clarksville Lodge No.323, were destroyed by
fire July 9, 1902, and a duplicate should be issued to the Lodge. The Deputy Grand Master reports that at the request of the Grand Maste=
r, on
October 30, 1901, he laid the corner stone of the Carnegie Library buildi=
ng
at Greenville, Darke County, and assisted in the ceremonies of dedicating
Masonic Halls and Temples, and laying corner stones. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance in his hands
October 15, 1902, $37,724.47. The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the number of members
August 31, 1902, 51,374, a net gain of 3,025, which is 1,024 more than la=
st
year, and 878 more than the gain of the year before last, which, up to th=
at
time, had been the banner year. The duplication of the returns now extends back to 1868, and in another
year can be extended to 1860, which is recommended; which was concurred i=
n by
the Grand Lodge and the appropriation made. The per capita tax due the Masonic Home is $15,412.20, of which $5,000=
has
already been advanced, and the Grand Secretary recommends that an additio=
nal
donation of $10,000 be made to the Masonic Home, one half to the permanent
fund, and one half to the general fund, which recommendation was concurre=
d in
by the Committee on Charity, and adopted by the Grand Lodge. The committee on the Memorial Tablet to Past Grand Master C. C. Kiefer=
at
the Masonic Home, submitted their report, recommending a circular medal-l=
ion
to cost $212.00, which was approved and adopted. The Grand Secretary was instructed to wire the regrets of the Grand Lo=
dge
to M.·. W.·. Bros. S. S. Williams and C. A. Woodward, that
their illness prevented their attendance at this session, which was done.=
M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish announced a special train had
been secured to convey the Brethren and visitors to the Masonic Home and
extended an invitation to all present to join in the excursion, which
invitation was accepted. A charter was granted to Mendon Lodge No.586, at Mendon, Mercer County=
. A
duplicate charter was granted to Clarksville Lodge No.823, in lieu of the
original destroyed by fire. A dispensation was granted for a new Lodge at Scio, Harrison County. The consolidation of Aurora Lodge No.48 and Portsmouth Lodge No.395 as
Aurora Lodge No.48, was approved. A telegram of sympathy and regret at his absence was sent to W. Bro. L=
. P.
Schaus, who was prevented by sickness from attending this session. The Trustees and Officers of the Ohio Masonic Home presented their ann=
ual
report which is printed in full in the proceedings. The residents are: Men, 57; women, 31; boys, 24; girls, 24. Total, 136=
. The amounts donated and contributed by the Grand Masonic Bodies of Ohi=
o,
at their 1901 sessions, are as follows: Grand Lodge . . $18.504.70<=
br>
Chapter . . . . . . . .4,067.75 In addition many valuable donations were made at Christmas and during =
the
year by Masonic Bodies, Chapters of the Eastern Star, and individuals. The
Order of the Eastern Star report very encouraging success in raising the
necessary funds to erect the Eastern Star Memorial building. M.·. W.·. Jewett Palmer, Grand Master of the Grand Counc=
il
of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, was presented and welcomed by the Gr=
and
Lodge, and acknowledged the courtesy in a happy manner. Brother Brenton D. Babcock, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapte=
r of
Ohio, R. A. M., Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, K. =
T.,
and Illustrious Deputy of the A. A. S. R. for the state of Ohio, was
received, escorted to a seat in the East, given the Grand Honors, and
enthusiastically welcomed by the Grand Lodge, and responded in fitting te=
rms. The Committee on Necrology presented their report which is printed in =
the
proceedings. Dayton was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 23, A. D. 1903,
the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. M.·. W.·. Bros. F. L. Lybarger, W. B. Melish and L. C.
Goodale were appointed a committee to procure and present to the retiring
M.·. W.·. Grand Master, Ike M. Robinson, a Past Grand Maste=
r's
jewel. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report covering =
303
pages, reviewing the proceedings of 59 English speaking and 15 non-English
speaking Grand Lodges. In the introductory the committee present a very interesting and
instructive paper on the "Landmarks of Freemasonry," covering p=
ages
71 to 86, which should be read by every Mason and in every Subordinate Lo=
dge. The committee calls attention to the action of the Grand Lodge of
Washington in rescinding its unsatisfactory legislation in regard to the
so-called Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Colored Masonry, and in reenacting =
its
former resolution of non-recognition of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, etc.,=
and
its universal recognition of Grand Lodge sovereignty and supremacy within=
its
own jurisdiction has removed many of the causes leading to the severing of
fraternal relations by many of its sister Grand Lodges, and which will re=
sult
in these Grand Lodges renewing their former fraternal relations and
communication. The attention of the craft is called to the very able review of the
proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Washington, pages 317 to 324, inclusive=
, of
the report, and to the excerpts from the address of the Grand Master of
Washington, pages 319 to 321, and to the resolutions on page 323, passed =
on
recommendation of the Committee on Jurisprudence, as follows: "Resolved, That this Grand Lodge reiterates and reaffirms its
adherence to the doctrine of unequivocal, undivided Grand Lodge Sovereign=
ty
and its inflexible purpose and determination to support and ever maintain
that principle of Masonic law inherent in every Grand Lodge of supreme and
exclusive jurisdiction over all matters of Ancient Craft Masonry within
territorial limits established by its lawful authority. "Resolved, That this Grand Lodge asserts the right to determine t=
he
question of the legitimacy of Lodges domiciled within its territorial
jurisdiction, and we concede the same sovereign right and power to the
several Sovereign Grand Lodges of the United States." Also the following in relation to the Grand Lodge of Hamburg: "Resolved, That this Grand Lodge does hereby withdraw its recogni=
tion
from the Grand Lodge of hamburg." Our committee says: "This ends a controversy fraught with so many
unpleasant and un-masonic features, and which in its inception was so
unnecessary and uncalled for, and may any such never again disturb the
harmony of the craft, and may its memory become like the shadow only of a
disagreeable dream." The committee also treats of the subjects of Cerneanism and Clandestin=
ism,
23 reports; Negro Masonry, 5; Entered Apprentice Degree, 15; Grand Lodge
Sovereignty, 12; Washington Grand Lodge, 5, and many other subjects of
interest to the craft. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association convened in the Chapter Room on=
the
second floor of the Masonic Temple, October 22, 1902, at 7:30 p. in.
Venerable Bro. S. S. Williams not being able to attend, Venerable Bro. J.=
M.
Goodspeed, First Vice-President, acted. All the other Officers and seventy
venerable members were present. A large class of applicants was elected, introduced and welcomed in due
form. The Secretary reported the death of Emeritus Secretary, Venerable Bro.
John D. Caldwell and Venerable Bro. S. B. Evans, and a committee was
appointed to prepare proper testimonials. The Brethren enjoyed an elegant
banquet furnished by the local Brothers for which a vote of thanks was
tendered. 1903 M.·. W.·. W. A. BELT, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at Victoria Theater, Dayton, Wednesday, October 2=
8,
A. D. 1903, with M.·. W.·. Grand Master W. A. Belt in the
Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations, and Past Grand Mas=
ters
W. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, L. C.
Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Wm. B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson
Williams, F. C. Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, F. S. Harmon and Ike M. Bobins=
on,
Past Deputy Grand Masters, W. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, twenty-three
District Lecturers and the representatives from 488 of the 500 active
Subordinate Lodges, in attendance. The Grand Master read his annual address in eloquent and appropriate
language congratulating the Officers and members of the Grand Lodge on the
manifest stability, and unparalleled prosperity and harmony of our Order =
in
this Grand Jurisdiction, summarizing as follows: "The continual growth of Masonry is a fact. More men have been
initiated this past year than ever before in any one year in its history =
in
Ohio. Last year was the banner year up to that date, with its 3,025 increase.
But this year shows an increase of 3,691, or an increase of 666 over last
year's success. This is not all. More Masonic Temples and new Halls, and
grander than ever before, are now in process of erection, or have been
finished this year than Masonry in Ohio has ever known in any one year.&q=
uot; Reports that all of the 498 active Subordinate Lodges in the state were
duly inspected by the District Lecturers during the past year, and highly
commends these efficient and zealous Officers for the prompt and satisfac=
tory
performance of their onerous duties, and says, "It is a conservative
estimate to say that 99 percent of all the Lodges are good, and that they=
are
flourishing the report of the Grand Secretary will substantiate." Reports the reappointment of Bros. George D. McBride, of Gallipolis, a=
nd
Edward Harford, of Springfield, as Trustees of the Masonic Home for three
years from January 1, 1903, and that on February 3, 1903, he spent the day
visiting the Home, inspecting its condition, and enjoying the exercises, =
and
companionship of the residents. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to dedicate Masonic Halls
and lay corner stones at the following times and places: October 24, 1902, to Bro. Rudolph Keller, to lay the corner stone of t=
he
Universalist Church at Attica, October 25; May 25, 1903, to R.·.
W.·. Bro. C. G. Ballou, to dedicate the new Hall of Sylvania Lodge
No.287, at Sylvania; July 10, 1903, to R.·. W.·. Bro. L. P.
Schaus, to lay the corner stone of a Jewish Temple at Columbus, July 19, =
and
of the Masonic Temple at Chillicothe, July 22, 1903; September 11, 1903, =
to
R.·. W.·. D. G. M. O. P. Sperra, to lay the corner stone of,
St. Paul's Church at Columbus, September 12, 1903; all of, which were duly
performed. A large number of special dispensations were issued to Subordinate Lod=
ges
to move into and occupy new Halls, and to elect and install officers. Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places: October 27, 1902, Scio, at Scio, Harrison County. June 27, 1903,
Salineville, at Salineville, Columbiana County. June 30, 1903, West Mansfield, at West Mansfield, Logan County. The Grand Master opened Special Communications at the following times =
and
places and for the following purposes: At Akron, November 23, A. D. 1902, for the purpose of laying the corner
stone of a magnificent City Hospital, the gift to the city of Brother Bar=
ber,
a member of one of the local Lodges. The Knights Templars of Akron and ov=
er
six hundred Master Masons acted as escort to the Grand Lodge and assisted=
in
the pleasant ceremonies of the occasion. At Georgetown, Brown County, January 22, 1903, for the purpose of
dedicating to the use of Masonry, the beautiful new Masonic Temple erecte=
d by
the Masons of that place. Masonry in Georgetown is. now housed and equipp=
ed
sufficiently for years to come. At Greenville, Darke County, February 10, 1903, to lay the corner ston=
e of
the beautiful new stone Episcopal Church being built in this place.
"'Twas in this Church's membership the Grand Master found his wife in
time gone by; so you will not have to think twice to know why he consente=
d to
perform this ceremony." At Miamisburg, April 23, 1903, to dedicate the very unique and beautif=
ul
Masonic Temple devoted and occupied entirely for Masonic purposes. It is
built after the Egyptian style of architecture, which is very pleasing to=
the
eye, and to add to its uniqueness, the same style is carried out inside t=
he
building in the decorations, frescoes and furniture. At Shelby, May 19, 1903, to dedicate the new Masonic Temple erected by=
the
Masons of that place, and which is a credit to the craft. At Zanesville, June 24, 1903, to dedicate the new seven story Masonic
Temple built of granite and fine brick, thoroughly modern in all respects=
, a
credit to the fraternity, a monument to its builders for years to come. At Sylvania, June 20, 1903, to dedicate to the use of Masonry, the new
Masonic Hall erected by the Brethren of that place. At Marion, June 30, 1903, to dedicate to Masonry the new five story
Masonic Temple at that place, three stories of which is devoted to Masonic
purposes. At Columbus, July 19, 1903, R.·. W.·. L. P. Schaus, acti=
ng
as Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of Temple B'nai Israel, expressi=
ng
thereby the good feeling existing among the craft for the church, be its
particular creed what it may. At Chillicothe, July 22, 1903, R.·. W.·. L. P. Schaus,
acting as Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple
being erected by the Brethren of that city. At Williamsport, September 1, 1903, to dedicate the new Masonic Hall of
Heber Lodge No.501. At Martins Ferry, September 7, 1903, to lay the corner stone of a new =
High
School building in that place. At Columbus, 'September 12, 1903, M.·. W.·. D. G. M. O. =
P.
Sperra, acting as Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of St. Paul's
Episcopal Church. At Chillicothe, September 22, 1903, to lay the corner stone of the Wal=
nut
Street Methodist Episcopal Church, which began its existence in 1800. At Toledo, October 17, 1903, to lay the corner stone of the magnificent
new Masonic Temple in process of erection on the beautiful public place in
that city. The opening address was delivered by M.·. W.·. P=
. G.
M. Barton Smith, President of the Toledo Masonic Temple Company. M.&middo=
t;.
W.·. P. G. M. Leander Burdick read a historic sketch, and M.&middo=
t;.
W.·. P. G.M. R. C. Lemmon welcomed the Grand Master and the Grand
Lodge, when the ceremony was performed according to Ancient Masonic usage=
. When a boy the Grand Master was present and saw M.·. W.·.
Bro. R. C. Lemmon lay the corner stone of the former Temple in 1880, which
was destroyed by fire in 1901, little thinking it would be his duty in af=
ter
years to lay away again the same lead casket, and also a new one, in the
corner stone of the next Temple." At Clarksville, November 20, to lay the corner stone of the Clarksville
Township Hall. M.·. W.·. L. C. Goodale as acting Grand Mast=
er. At Bryan, October 23, 1903, to R.·. W.·. C. G. Ballou, as acting Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of Carnegie Public Library.<= o:p> Made a large number of visitations, traveling over seven thousand miles
and reaching nearly every section of the jurisdiction, and was received w=
ith
all the hospitality and honors due the representative of the Grand Lodge.=
Granted authority to The Anvil Masonic Club of Home, Alaska, to solicit
aid to assist in relieving distressed Brethren during the winter months; =
also
Clemente Amitie Lodge No.285 to solicit donations to pay off a mortgage on
the home of a deceased Brother. In this case, $718.00 was promptly donate=
d,
the debt, $634.21 paid, and the balance is on deposit for the relief of t=
he
widow and children when needed, an example of true charity. Reports the receipt of a letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge of the District of Columbia, warning all Grand Lodges of the existe=
nce
of a so-called African Grand Lodge and several Subordinate Lodges in that
District, all of which are clandestine and illegal. Calls attention to the existing decisions and the resolution of 1898 on
the subject of "Bodily Qualifications" and recommends that the
situation be "clarified," and to the fact that a number of Lodg=
es
are and have been for years occupying Halls jointly with other Orders in
violation of Masonic law, and without permission from the Grand Lodge. Reports eight decisions, all of which were approved by the Grand Lodge=
. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance in his hands
October 17, 1903, of $41,984.94. The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the number of members,
August 31, 1903, 55,065, a net gain of 3,691 during the year, a gain of 6=
66
over last year, and a record-breaker. The duplicate returns are now completed back to 1864. Submits the
following crease of membership, number income of the Grand Lodge Grand
Secretary, the table showing the in of Lodges, and annual during his serv=
ice
as past fifteen years:
showing increase in number =
of
Lodges . . . . 13 The per capita tax due the Masonic Home is $16,519.50, of which $5,000=
.00
has been advanced, leaving $11,519.50 still due, and recommends an additi=
onal
donation of $12,000.00 of which $8,000.00 should go to the permanent fund,
the balance to the general fund, which was approved by the Committee on
Accounts, and adopted by the Grand Lodge. Reports he had prepared a supplement to the Code and Decisions covering
the eight years since the publication of the last edition of the Code whi=
ch
would be printed and distributed immediately after the adjournment of the
Grand Lodge, which was approved. M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish presented the report of the
Trustees of the Masonic home, which was ordered printed in the proceeding=
s. The number of residents are: Men, 51; women, 34; boys, 20; girls, 27;
total, 132. Donations made by the Ohio Grand Bodies at 1902 sessions: Grand Lodge $25,412.00 In addition to this the Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, the
various Masonic Bodies, and individual Masons, made liberal Christmas
donations, which are thankfully acknowledged. The Order of the Eastern St=
ar
is making progress in raising funds to erect the much needed hospital. Lake Erie Consistory A. A. S. R. donated $500.00 and Al Koran Temple, =
N.
M. S., Cleveland, $500.00. Six other Masonic bodies of Cleveland donated
$650.00 to the ground improvement fund, and the endowment fund was increa=
sed
by donations from Grand bodies, Subordinate Lodges, and individual beques=
ts
and donations in the sum of $12,456.29, of which $5,000 was from the bequ=
est
and estate of Bro. Hugh Campbell of Cincinnati. M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish also invited the Grand Lodge=
and
visitors to visit the home on a special train this afternoon, which
invitation was accepted. Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. Scio Lodge No.587, located at Scio, Harrison County Salineville Lodge No.348, at Salineville, Columbiana County. This Lodge
was assigned the number of the former Lodge located at Salineville. Fidelity Lodge No.327 was consolidated with Galion Lodge No.414, the
consolidated Lodge to be known as Galion Lodge No.414. The Grand Secretary was authorized in making out the charters of the a=
bove
new Lodges to include with the names of the Brethren named in the
dispensation, the names of such Master Masons as have been raised in each
Lodge up to the date of this session. The following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That any member of the Fraternity who shall disseminat=
e,
use, or be in possession of the ritual contrary to the usages of the
Fraternity, the resolutions of the Grand Lodge, or the directions of the
Grand Master shall be guilty of un-masonic conduct, and subject to Masonic
discipline, and if a Master of a Lodge, he shall be deposed from his
position." The following resolution on the subject of "bodily
qualifications" was adopted, modifying the resolution adopted at the
1898 session: "Resolved, That a candidate for the degree of Entered Apprentice
should be able, physically, as well as intellectually, of himself, and
without exterior aid or assistance from another, to receive and impart all
the essentials for Masonic recognition." The first clause of Section 20 of the Code was amended to read as foll=
ows: "Section 20. No Lodge shall, within three years after any other L=
odge
has conferred a degree upon a candidate, confer the next succeeding degre=
e,
without the unanimous consent of such other Lodge, to be given by ballot,=
and
then only after due inquiry on a petition regularly presented to such fir=
st
Lodge." The committee on S. S. Williams library reported it had 154 volumes of
Grand Lodge proceedings bound at a cost of $78.00, and there remained 300
more volumes of such proceedings to be bound. An appropriation of $100.00=
was
placed in the hands of the committee. The Committee on Necrology presented their report which is printed in =
the
proceedings. The Grand Lodge of Alpina was notified that if it continues its
affiliation with the Grand Orient of France, and its fraternization with =
the
Colored Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, the pretended Worthingto=
n,
(Ohio), Grand Lodge and other clandestine and irregular bodies, this
M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge will withdraw its recognition of said
Grand Lodge of Alpina. Brother O. P. Sperra, of Ravenna, was dected M.·. W.·. G=
rand
Master; Bro. C. G. Ballon, of Toledo, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand
Master; Bro. L. P. Schaus, of Newark, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand
Warden; Bro. Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Junior G=
rand
Warden; Bro. R. R. Rickly re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasu=
rer,
and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and tho=
se
present were installed, and the others afterwards installed by their Lodg=
es. Toledo was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1904=
, as
the time of holding the next Annual Communication. Brothers O. P. Sperra, Geo. D. Copeland and J. H. Allen, were appointe=
d a
committee to procure and present a Past Grand Master's jewel to M.·=
;.
W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, the retiring Grand Master; and the same
committee was directed to procure and present to M.·. W.·. =
Bro.
B. C. Lemmon, Past Grand Master, a duplicate of the Past Grand Master's j=
ewel
heretofore presented to him, the original having been stolen. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their general report
covering 321 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of 62 English speaking
Grand Lodges, and 15 non-English speaking, which is printed in the
proceedings, pages 93 to 414. The introductory has interesting articles on Landmarks, Freemasonry,
Symbolism, Non-recognition and Interdiction, Cerneanism, etc., and in the=
reviews,
Prince Hall Freemasonry, 7; Cerneanism, 16; Clandestinism, 18; Entered
Apprentice Degree, 10; Negro Masonry, 7; Masonic Symbolism, 12; and
Washington Grand Lodge. Under the head of "Minnesota," attentio=
n is
called to the fact that the first Lodge ever organized in that territory =
was
St. Paul No. 223, of and under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio,
issued on August 8, 1849, by M.·. W.·. M. Z. Kreider, of
Lancaster, Ohio, then Grand Master of Ohio. This Lodge was chartered by t=
he
Grand Lodge of Ohio, January 24, 1853, and on February 7, 1853 M.·.
W.·. A. T. C. Pierson, acting as proxy for M.·. W.·.=
W.
B. Hubard, Grand Master of Ohio, constituted St. Paul Lodge No.223, under=
its
charter. Shortly after this St. Paul Lodge, with the other two Lodges in =
the
territory, viz., St. John's No. 30, of Wisconsin, and Cataract Lodge No.1=
21,
of Illinois, joined in the organization of the M.·. W.·. Gr=
and
Lodge of Minn& Bota, February 24, A. D. 1853. R.·. W.·.
Bro. Daniel Franklin Brawley, prominent among the founders of the Grand
Lodge, and its first Senior Grand Warden, and later Deputy Grand Master, =
was
born near New Paris, Preble County, Ohio, January 11, 1818. The first Jun=
ior
Grand Warden, Bro. Abraham Van Vorhes, was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, =
and
for a number of years was a prominent citizen of Ohio, residing in Athens
County, and a member of the Ohio Legislature, and in 1838, was the editor=
and
publisher of the "flocking Valley Gazette." The eighth Grand Master, M.·. W.·. Bro. Rev. James Clint=
on
Braden, was born at Plymouth, Ohio, May 1, 1835. "At the breaking ou=
t of
the civil war his sense of duty transferred him from the pulpit to the
camp." Ohio was also the birth place of the twenty-first Grand Master,
M.·. W.·. Bro. Azariah T. C. Pierson, for many years the
scholarly writer of the Foreign Correspondence reports of the Grand Lodge=
of
Minnesota. As in Ohio, in 1876, the question of the recognition of the so-called
Prince Hall Grand Lodge, (colored), was introduced, and in 1877, received=
its
final quietus by the adoption of pertinent resolutions declaring the
irregularity of said body, and asserting its own sovereignty and supremac=
y. In 1890, there was an attempted invasion of Cerneanism, but the Grand
Lodge very promptly asserted its absolute supremacy and its right and dut=
y to
decide upon the regularity or irregularity of bodies claiming to be Mason=
ic
and using its Esotery, and the report of the committee against Cerneanism=
was
adopted by a vote of ayes, 262; noes, 110; and the reception or conferrin=
g of
the Cernean degrees in Minnesota was declared a Masonic offense. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Masonic Temple, Dayt=
on,
at 7:30 p. m., October 28, 1903. The Venerable President S. S. Williams not being able to attend, First
Vice-President J. M. Goodspeed acted. All the other Officers and a large
number of the members were present. A large class of applicants was elected, introduced, and welcomed, aft=
er
which the Brethren present partook of an elegant banquet prepared and
provided by the local committee, spending two hours in eating and making
speeches. A rising unanimous vote of thanks was tendered the local commit=
tee
for their hospitality. 1904 M.·. W.·. O. P. SPFRRA, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the Valentine Theater, Toledo, Wednesday, Octo=
ber
19, A. D. 1904, with Grand Master O. P. Sperra, in the Chair, all the oth=
er
Grand Officers in their stations, the following Past Grand Masters W. M.
Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, L. C. Goodale,
Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, F. C. Gullifor=
d,
F. L. Lybarger, F. S. Harmon, I. M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, W. B. Melish, P=
ast
Deputy Grand Masters W. J. Akers and I. L'll. Long, twenty-three District
Lecturers, and the representatives of 489 out of 503 Lodges in attendance=
. The following distinguished members of the Order were introduced, welc=
omed
and invited to the East: M. Ex. Comp. Lewis P. Schaus, Grand High Priest =
of
the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M.; M. Ill. Comp. Nelson Williams, Grand
Master of the Grand Council R. & S. M. of Ohio; R. Em. Sir C. F. Clap=
p,
Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Ohio, and Bro. B. D.
Babcock, Thirty-third Degree Illustrious Deputy of Ohio A. A. S. R., N. M.
J., each of whom made eloquent and appropriate replies. The Grand Master read his annual address, among other things announcing
the death of our distinguished Bro. S. Stacker Williams, at Washington C.=
H.,
Ohio, April 3, A. D. 1904, and his burial, April 5, at Newark, Ohio, wher=
e so
many years of his active Masonic life were spent. A circular announcing h=
is
death was issued, and sent to the various Grand Jurisdictions of the worl=
d, a
copy of which is printed in the proceedings. He was elected Grand Master =
of
this Grand Lodge in 1885, 1886, and 1887. It was during his administration
that the controversy growing out of the Cernean question was most vigorou=
sly
agitated in Ohio, and there can be no doubt that to the firm and vigorous
stand taken by him in upholding the authority and supremacy of the Grand
Lodge, and the intelligent manner in which the dispute was handied both in
the Grand Lodge and civil courts was to be credited the suppression of
spurious Masonry in our jurisdiction. He was an earnest and intelligent collector of Masonic literature and =
some
years ago donated to the Grand Lodge his large and valuable library, which
accepted the gift and has maintained it since. He also announced the death of Bro. Asa S. Bushnell, of Springfield,
Ex-Governor of Ohio, whose munificent liberality and generosity in
contributing to the establishment of the Ohio Masonic Home endeared him to
the hearts of the Masons of this Grand Jurisdiction. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute Lodges
chartered at the last session, dedicate new Masonic Temples and Halls, lay
corner stones of Masonic and public buildings, at the following places, v=
iz.: November 20, 1903, to P. M. Bro. W. M. Melville, to lay the corner sto=
ne
of the First Christian Church of Lima; November 20, 1903, to M. P. G. M. =
W. A.
Belt, to constitute West Mansfield Lodge No. 588, November 27; November 1,
1903, to Bro. John W. Moore to constitute Salineville Lodge No.348;
constituted November 27; November 1, 1903, to P. M. W. T. Perry, to
constitute Scio Lodge No.587; constituted November 9; May 24, 1904, to B.=
S.
Fogle, District Lecturer, to dedicate the new Lodge room of Continental L=
odge
No.570; dedicated May 31; June 21, 1904, to R.·. W.·. L. P.
Schaus, to dedicate the new Lodge rooms of Coshocton Lodge No.96; dedicat=
ed
June 24; July 11, 1904, to Bro. S. H. Peterman, to lay the corner stone of
the Methodist Protestant Church of Mt. Vernon, July 17; August 8, 1904, to
R.·. W.·. D. G. M. C. G. Ballou, to dedicate the Lodge room=
of
Sager Lodge No.513, August 10; August 1, 1904, to R.·. W.·.=
Gr.
Or. G. D. Copeland, to lay the corner stone of Miami Military Institute,
located at Germantown, August 5; August 22, 1904, to Bro. T. C. Coates,
District Lecturer, to dedicate the new Lodge room of Racine Lodge No.461,=
at
Racine, August 23; April 14, to Bro. J. W Moore, to dedicate the Hall of
Allen Lodge No.276; dedicated May 25. All the above duties were promptly performed at the times above stated,
and duly reported to the Grand Master. The Grand Master personally officiated at the following Masonic
ceremonies: On September 4, 1904, laid the corner stone of the South Presbyterian
Church at Cleveland, Ohio. On September 5, 1904, laid the corner stone of the Masonic Temple of
Yeatman Lodge No.162, at Cincinnati. On October 9, 1904, laid the corner stone of the Defiance Public Libra=
ry
building, at Defiance. On September 30, 1904, dedicated the new Masonic Temple at Canton. Official reports of all these occasions are printed in the proceedings,
and at every one the Grand Master was received and treated with the utmost
fraternal kindness and courtesy. On December 22, 1903, the Grand Master re-appointed Bro. John M. Stull=
of
Warren, and M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Leander Burdick as
Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home for three years from January 1, 1904. On November 3, 1903, M.·. W.·. P. G. M. Allen Andrews was
employed as attorney to represent the Grand Lodge in the litigation of New
England Lodge No.4, of Worthington, in relation to the title of the prope=
rty
claimed by said Lodge. Dispensations were issued for the following new Lodges: Reports a number of visitations, at some of which he was presented with
souvenirs as follows: On October 7, by York Lodge No.563, a handsome Past
Grand Master's Apron; on April 25, 1904, in his home Lodge, Unity No.12, a
handsome jewel; at Marietta, a handsome gavel; at a banquet given in his
honor at Hotel Euclid, Cleveland, by the Worshipful Masters of the
Twenty-Second Lecture District, a handsome cane, an elaborate piece of wo=
rk,
embellished with Masonic emblems. Every Lodge in Ohio was inspected during the past year. Finding from t=
he
reports of the District Lecturers that some Masters were not enforcing the
law in relation to the suspension of members in arrears for dues, he orde=
red
them to perform their duties, which probably accounts for the large numbe=
r of
suspensions this year. Reports several decisions which were approved by the Grand Lodge. Reports the presentation of the Past Grand Master's jewel to M.·=
;.
W.·. Past Grand Master W. A. Belt, March 25, 1904, at a social mee=
ting
held under the direction of Latham Lodge No.154 - a very enjoyable occasi=
on. Recommends that new jewels and aprons be procured for the Grand Office=
rs. Reports a visit to the Ohio Masonic Home and highly commends the
management. The Deputy Grand Master reports his officiating and performing the Mas=
onic
services at the funeral of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master S.
Stacker Williams, April 15, 1904, and his attendance at the various
dedications and laying of corner stones. The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance in his hands October 10,
1904, of $44,592.04. The Grand Secretary presented his report, showing the membership August
31, 1904, 58,243, a net gain of 3,178; being the highest of any year exce=
pt
last year. The per capita tax due the Masonic Home was $17,472.90, of which $3,00=
0.00
has teen advanced, leaving still due $14,472.90, and recommends that an
additional donation of $12,000.00 be made, one half to the permanent fund=
and
one half to the general fund, which recommendation was concurred in by the
Committee on Charity, and unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge. The report of the Committee on Necrology was presented, paying a proper
tribute to M.·. W.·. P. G. M. S. S. Williams, Bro. Asa S.
Bushnell, and the other dead of our own and sister Grand Jurisdictions. M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Grand Generalissimo of=
the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States, was introduced,
and welcomed with Grand Honors, and acknowledged the courtesy in a speech
full, as usual, of wit and eloquence. Charters were issued for the following new Lodges: Hyde Park No.589, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County The dispensation to Eureka Lodge at Ohio City was extended to the next
Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. A duplicate charter was granted East Townsend Lodge No.322, in lieu of=
the
original destroyed by fire October 4, 1904, the Grand Master having issue=
d a
dispensation to said Lodge to continue work until this session. Brother C. G. Ballon, of Toledo, was elected M.·. W.·. G=
rand
Master; Bro. L. P. Schaus, of Newark, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand
Master; Bro. Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Senior G=
rand
Warden; Bro. George D. Copeland, of Marion, R.·. W.·. Junior
Grand Warden; Bro. R. R. Rickly, R. .W. .Grand Treasurer, and J. H. Bromw=
ell,
R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive offi=
cers
were duly installed. Cincinnati was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 18, A. D.
1905, as the time of holding the next Annual Communication. M.·. W.·. Bros. F. S. Harmon, Barton Smith and C. F. Cla=
pp,
were appointed a committee to procure and present to the retiring Grand
Master a Past Grand Master's jewel. On motion the Grand Master appointed a special committee to procure new
jewels and aprons for the Grand Lodge Officers and report at the next ses=
sion
of the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence call attention to the fact that
the printed proceedings of many Grand Lodges show that they now require t=
he
presentation of documentary evidence of good Masonic standing of visitors=
who
are not properly vouched for, in addition to the usual personal examinati=
on.
The procurement of diplomas by each Master is made a special feature in m=
any
Grand Lodges. For the protection of Subordinate Lodges of this Grand
Jurisdiction against visitations from clandestine Masons, and for the
convenience of its lawful membership, in their Masonic visitations, your =
committee
would recommend that the possession of a receipt for dues, certificate of
membership, or diploma be urged upon every Master Mason within this Grand
Jurisdiction. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its general report
covering 334 pages and reviewing the proceedings of 62 English and 16
non-English speaking Grand Lodges. The introductory contains a valuable a=
nd
interesting letter from V. W. Bro. William James Hughan, P. G. S. D., of
Torquay, England, on the Entered Apprentice Degree, Masonic History, etc.;
also Historical, by W. J. Chetwode Crawley, of Ireland, on the Higher
Degrees, etc., Freemasonry, Symbolism, Grand Honors, etc., as well as the
interesting discussions and data found in the reviews of the several Grand
Lodge proceedings, all of which are commended to the careful and earnest
seeker after Masonic knowledge. 1905 M.·. W.·. C. G. BALLOU, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinnati,
Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1905, with M.·. W.·. Grand Mas=
ter
C. G. Ballou in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations,
and Past Grand Masters W. M. Cunningham, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick=
, L.
C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, W. B. Melish, Nelson Williams, E.=
C.
Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, F. S. Harmon, I. M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P.
Sperra, Past Deputy Grand Masters W. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, twenty-th=
ree
District Lecturers, and the representatives C 492 of the 505 active Lodge=
s,
in attendance. M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Grand Generalissimo of=
the
Grand Encampment of the United State 0f, Knights Templars, Bro. Graff M.
Acklin, Genera Conductor of the Work in the General Grand Council of R. &=
amp;
S. M. of the United States, and Bro. W. A. Beiter, M. E. Grand High Pries=
t of
the Grand Chapter of Ohio B. A. M., were introduced, welcomed with the Gr=
and
Honors, and given seats in the East, and each responded, acknowledging the
courtesy, and extending greetings to the Grand Lodge. M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish announced there was present=
a
member of this Grand Lodge who had been such for fifty years, and had been
present at fifty-one consecutive sessions of the Grand Lodge without a si=
ngle
omission, and introduced M.·. W.·. Bro. William M. Cunningh=
am,
of Newark, Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge; and called upon Bro. A.=
D.
Thomas, District Lecturer, who in a few well chosen remarks, alluded to t=
he
fact that Brother Cunningham was born on the Licking river, March 9, 1829,
entered the Grand Lodge as the representative of Newark Lodge No.97 at its
Annual Communication, October 23, A. D. 1855, at Mansfield, and has atten=
ded
every Annual Communication since, during which time he served the Grand L=
odge
and other Masonic Bodies of the state in many positions, the Grand Lodge =
as
District Lecturer for thirteen years; as Grand Master for two years, 1878=
and
1879; as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence with marked
ability for the past twenty years; and concluding as follows: "Most Worshipful Brother Cunningham - This Grand Lodge appreciates
your long and faithful services in its behalf, and to more fittingly
commemorate this unusual event, your friends, including the Past Grand
Masters, the present Grand Lodge Officers and District Lecturers, with a =
few
others, have had struck a special gold medal in your honor, and it is with
extreme pleasure that I now pin that jewel on your breast. "Accept it, not for its intrinsic value, but rather wear it as a
token of our love, esteem, and respect, and as an acknowledgment of our h=
igh
appreciation of your efficient services." In order to allow the distinguished Brother to recover from his surpri=
se
and embarrassment M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, P. G. M.,
recited a beautiful poetic tribute which he had composed for the occasion=
. M.·. W.·. Brother Cunningham, still overcome with emotio=
n at
this distinguished mark of consideration and esteem by his Brethren,
feelingly expressed his thanks and hearty appreciation of their fraternal
kindness. The committee on aprons and jewels for the Grand Officers reported they
had purchased a set of jewels at a cost of $281.50, and a case for the je=
wels
and consecration vessels for $20.00; and a set of aprons for $154.35 which
was approved. A cut of the Grand Lodge aprons and the jewels is inserted
between pages 12 and 13 of the proceedings and is here reproduced. The Grand Master read his annual address, congratulating the Brethren =
on
the continued advancement and prosperity of our Order in this Grand
Jurisdiction, the net gain for the year being 3,393, an increase over the
former year of 215, the present membership being 61,636. "Great
improvement has been made in the meeting places of the Lodges. Many beaut=
iful
Temples have been dedicated to Masonry, and the moral standard of the
Fraternity has been elevated." Announces the death on September 6, 1905, of our beloved Brother
M.·. W.·. Reuben C. Lemmon, M.·. W.·. Past Gr=
and
Master of this Grand Lodge; M. E. Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Cha=
pter
R. A. M. of Ohio; M. Ex. Past Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chap=
ter
R. A. M. of the United States. "Probably no Mason in Ohio was more
widely known or more highly respected." A special communication of t=
he
Grand Lodge was convened at Toledo, October 8, for the purpose of conduct=
ing
the Masonic ceremonies at his funeral. The Grand Master issued a circular
paying an eloquent tribute to his private and Masonic life and character,=
and
his portrait faces page 20 of the proceedings. Highly commends the District Lecturers for the prompt and efficient
performance of their duties, every Lodge in the state having been inspect=
ed,
and over thirty thousand of the sixty thousand members being in attendanc=
e at
the inspections. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to lay corner stones,
dedicate Masonic and public buildings, etc., at the following places: October 26, 1904, to M.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, P. G. =
M.,
to lay the corner stone of the hospital at the Masonic Home, Springfield;
December 16, 1904, to R.·. W.·. D. G. M. L. P. Schaus, to
dedicate the Lodge rooms of Center Lodge No. 326, on December 16; April 1=
3,
1905, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, to dedicate the Ha=
ll
of Bolivar Lodge No.82 at Eaton; May 12, 1905, to W. Bro. H. D. Weaver to
dedicate the Hall of Leetonia Lodge No.401, at Leetonia; May 23, 1905, to=
R.·.
W.·. Bro. G. D. Copeland, J. G. W., to dedicate the new Masonic Ha=
ll
of Ashley Lodge No.407 at Ashley; June 23, 1905, to W. Bro. E. W. Matthew=
s,
Sr., to lay the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple of Cambridge Lodge
No.66, at Cambridge, June 26; June 27, 1905, to Bro. W. T. McLean, to
institute the new Lodge at Bradford, Darke County; August 8, 1905, to
R.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, S. G. W., to dedicate the n=
ew
Masonic Temple at West Alexandria, August 10; September 1, 1905, to Bro. =
J.
W. Moore, to dedicate the new Hall of Carroll Lodge No.124 on September 5;
September 19, 1905, to W. Bro. O. S. Gilchrist, to lay the corner stone of
the new Masonic Temple of Aurelius Lodge No.308, at Macksburg, September =
19;
October 10, 1905, to Bro. J. W. Moore, to dedicate the Lodge rooms of Aug=
usta
Lodge No.504, at Augusta; all of which duties were promptly performed and
reported. The Grand Master constituted the new Lodges to which charters were gra=
nted
at the last session as follows: December 3, 1904, Hyde Park Lodge No.589, at Cincinnati; November 23,
1904, Amelia Lodge No.590, at Amelia; November 25, 1904, Peerless Lodge
No.591, at Crooksville. Recommends that charters be granted to Bradford Lodge at Bradford, Dar=
ke
County, and Eureka Lodge at Ohio City, Van Wert County. There have been twenty-two Special Communications of the Grand Lodge at
which six corner stones have been laid, ten Temples have been dedicated,
three new Lodges constituted, one Lodge instituted, one for District
Lecturers' instructions, and one for funeral service. Reappointed M.·. W.·. Bros. Nelson Williams and E. L.
Lybarger, Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, A.=
D.
1905. On the date of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple at Toledo, the
Past Grand Master's jewel voted to M.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Spe=
rra,
was presented to him by M.·. W.·. Bro. F. S. Harmon, and
Brother Sperra responded in most fitting terms. The question of Masonic history having been mentioned from time to tim=
e,
but no definite action taken, the Grand Master appointed a committee of f=
ive,
consisting of M.·. W.·. Bro. W. M. Cunningham, P. G. M.,
Chairman; R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary;
M.·. W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, P. G. M.; M.·. W.·.
Bro. Leander Burdick, P. G. M.; Bro. T. C. Coates, District Lecturer, to =
take
up this matter and push it to a speedy conclusion. Reports a number of visitations at which he had the pleasure of meeting
9,162 Masons and traveled over 11,000 miles, in attending to the duties of
his office. On May 10, was present at the Ohio Masonic Home at Springfield, the
occasion when the Order of the Eastern Star turned over to the Masonic
Fraternity the splendid hospital building which they had completed and
thoroughly equipped from turret to foundation stone, at a cost of $13,523=
.48.
The building, with all its equipments, was turned over free and clear of =
all
incumbrance, for the exclusive use of the Ohio Masonic Home, and stands a=
s a
monument of the liberality, charity and beneficence of the Order of the
Eastern Star of Ohio and its faithful cooperation with the Masonic Frater=
nity
in caring for and relieving the wants of the aged and unfortunate members=
of
the craft in this jurisdiction. The Grand Master officiated at the following additional Special
Communications of the Grand Lodge: At Chillicothe, October 27, 1904, the dedication of the new Masonic Te=
mple
erected by the Brethren of that city. At Portsmouth, November 24, laying the corner stone of a new Masonic
Temple to be erected by the Fraternity at that city. At Uhriehsville, May 16, 1905, the dedication of the new Masonic Templ=
e at
that place. At Yeatman Lodge Hall to dedicate the new Temple of Yeatman Lodge No.1=
62,
at Cincinnati. At Toledo, June 6, 1905, to dedicate the beautiful new Masonic Temple
erected by the Brethren of that city. At Granville, September 7, 1905, to lay the corner stone of the Granvi=
lle
Memorial Monument in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the foundi=
ng
of that place. At Toledo, on the occasion of the funeral of M.·. W.·. R=
. C.
Lemmon, September 8, 1905. By Bro. Mills Gardner, as proxy of the Grand Master, at Washington C. =
H.,
October 16, 1905, to lay the corner stone of the Judy Memorial Chapel. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand Oct=
ober
10, 1905, $41,579.52. The Grand Secretary presented his report. The net gain for the year is
3,393, second to that of 1903, which remains the banner year. The members=
hip
August 31, 1905, being 61,636. Reports the duplication of the Subordinate
Lodge Returns completed, the duplicates bound and deposited in the vaults=
of
the Masonic Home for safe keeping. A number of the loose sheet returns of
early years were lost and can not now be supplied. The per capita tax due the Masonic Home was $18,490.80, of which $6,50=
0.00
has been advanced, leaving a balance of $11,990.80 still due, and recomme=
nds
an additional appropriation of $12,000.00, one half to the permanent, and=
One
half to the general fund, which recommendation was concurred in by the
Committees on Charity and Accounts, and adopted by the Grand Lodge. Recommends that a committee be appointed and a fund created and set ap=
art
for the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the organization of =
the
Grand Lodge, which will occur in 1908. The committee appointed to prepare a special tribute to M.·.
W.·. Bro. R. C. Lemmon, who died on September 6, 1905, reported a
beautiful testimonial, which was ordered printed in the proceedings (page=
s 59
to 62). The Trustees of the Masonic Home presented their report, an abstract of
which is printed in the proceedings. Number of residents: Men, 67; women,=
37;
boys, 29; girls, 27; total, 160. Amounts contributed by the Ohio Grand Masonic Bodies, 1904: Grand Lodge . . . $2=
9,472.90 MASONIC HOME HOSPITAL Diseases incident to children making it necessary to isolate the sick
ones, and temporary ailments among the adult inmates requiring a 'Sick
Bay" where they can be treated, have heretofore taxed the facilities=
of
the Home to the utmost. This necessity for hospital facilities attracted the attention of Bro.
John Blyth and others prominently connected with the Order of the Eastern
Star, who appealed to their order for funds with which to erect a hospita=
l to
meet the needs of those of the Home who may become temporarily ill. The
appeal met with a hearty response and resulted in the erection, under the
direction of the trustees, of a hospital for the purposes above named, at=
a
cost of some $14,000. The corner stone of the building was laid with appropriate ceremonies =
by
the Grand Lodge F. and A. M., of Ohio, October 26, 1904, Past Grand Maste=
r O.
P. Sperra acting as M.·. W.·. Grand Master, assisted by a f=
ull
corps of officers and in the presence of the officers and members of the
Grand Chapter, O. E. S., of Ohio, (which body came over from Columbus 700
strong), and many other interested spectators, Clark and Anthony Lodges a=
nd
Palestine Commandery of Springfield acting as escort for the Grand Lodge =
and
the Grand Chapter. A beautiful address was delivered by Mrs. Alice H. Smith, Grand Matron=
of
Cleveland, to which a fitting response was made by Past Grand Master Sper=
ra;
after which the corner stone was laid in accordance with Masonic form,
followed by appropriate addresses by able speakers; the children of the H=
ome
rendering the vocal music for the occasion, the exercises being further
enlivened with music by the Cadet Band of Springfield. The work on the building proceeded rapidly during the winter and sprin=
g,
and on the 10th of May, 1905, occurred the dedication, the following prog=
ram
being observed: PROGRAM INVOCATION - Gertrude B. Williams, Norwalk, Ohio, Past Grand Matron, O=
. E.
S. MUSIC - By the Children of the Home. THE GRAND CHAPTER O. E. S. OF OHIO-N. W. Dick, Columbus, Ohio, Grand
Patron. THE GROWTH OF THE ORDER - Lorraine J. Pitkin, Chicago, Illinois, Right
Worthy Grand Secretary, O. E. S. FINANCIAL STATEMENT - Ella B. Shearer, Marysville, Ohio, Grand Secreta=
ry,
O. E. S. MUSIC PRESENTATION OF BUILDING AND ITS CONTENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MASON=
IC
HOME - Jeanette S. May, Toledo, Ohio, Grand Matron, O. F. S. ACCEPTANCE OF BUILDING AND ITS CONTENTS - John M. Stull, Warren, Ohio,=
President
of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home. THE RELATIONSHIP EXISTING BETWEEN THE MASONIC ORDER AND THE ORDER OF
EASTERN STAR - C. G. Ballon, Toledo, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M. BENEDICTION - Ellen A. Minuse, Toledo Ohio, Grand Chaplain, O. E. S.;
followed by an eloquent impromptu address by M.·. W.·. Past
Grand Master Levi C. Goodale, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Brother John Blyth, of Fulton, Ohio, acted as chairman and master of
ceremonies. The Occasion was a most happy one, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who w=
ere
fortunate enough to be present. Thus is brought to a successful issue this labor of love on the part of
our friends of the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio, and may the building
thus erected and furnished stand many, many years as a testimony to the
earnest, self-sacrificing work and devotion to the interests of charity of
the members of this noble order. Where all did so well it is difficult to particularize. We can not
refrain, however, from commending the self-sacrificing devotion and earne=
st
hard labor of the Eastern Star committee having the matter in charge and
their faithful predecessors in office, the committee at the outcome being
composed of Bro. John Blyth, of Fulton, (who has been chairman from the
commencement), Mrs. Alice H. Smith, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Gertrude B.
Williams, of Norwalk, who were assisted by the able and efficient Grand
Secretary of the Grand Chapter, Mrs. Ella B. Shearer, of Marysville, Mrs.=
Eva
J. Penn, Grand Treasurer, of Westerville, and many other faithful workers=
. But all did well, and all have a right to feel proud of the completion=
of
this beautiful building. It is now occupied by twenty adult patients, all of whom are more than
satisfied with their pleasant and cheerful quarters. The furnishings are handsome and complete. In fact, everything about t=
he
hospital is first-class and reflects credit on the generous donors. Charters were granted to the following Lodges: Dispensation for a new Lodge at Ostrander, Delaware County. The Committee on Necrology reported fitting testimonials to the depart=
ed
Brothers of this and sister jurisdictions, which are printed in the
proceedings. The Committee on Jurisprudence approved the decisions and acts of the
Grand Master, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge. Brother L. P. Schaus, of Newark, was elected M.·. W.·. G=
rand
Master; Bro. Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Deputy G=
rand
Master; Bro. Geo. D. Copeland, of Marion, R.·. W.·. Senior
Grand Warden; Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, of Zanesville, R.·. W.·.
Junior Grand Warden, and R.·. W.·. Bros. R. R. Rickly and J=
. H.
Bromwell re-elected Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, respectively, and
they, with the appointive Officers present, were duly installed. Columbus was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 17, A. D. 19=
06,
as the time of holding the next Annual Grand Communication. M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish offered the following, which=
was
unanimously adopted: "Whereas, This Grand Lodge was organized in the year 1808, and wi=
ll
probably desire to and should celebrate in some appropriate manner the
centenary of this interesting occasion. "Resolved, That a special committee of seven be appointed by the
incoming Grand Master to take into consideration the proper manner of
observing this event, and to report to this Grand Lodge at its next Annual
Communication, a recommendation as to a suitable program, and the probable
expense thereof." The Grand Master afterwards announced the following
committee: M.·. W.·. Bros. W. B. Melish,. W. M. Cunningham,
Leander Burdick, O. P. Speira and R.·. W.·. Bros. Horace A.
Irvin and J. H. Bromwell. A committee consisting of M.·. W.·. Bros. W. A. Belt, Ba=
rton
Smith and Leander Burdick, was appointed to procure and present to
M.·. W.·. Bro. C. G. Ballou, retiring Grand Master, a Past
Grand Master's jewel. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented its report covering =
376
pages, reviewing the proceedings of 65 English speaking and 16 non-English
speaking Grand Lodges. The introduction is very interesting, containing letters from Bros. W.
James Hugh an of England; Robert Freke Gould, author of Gould's History, =
and
many other eminent Masonic writers; The Early History of Freemasonry in
America, in Philadelphia, in 1730, and Massachusetts, by Henry Price, in
1733, etc.; Notes on African Masonry, Prince Hall Masonry, Negro Masonry,
Clandestinism, Cerneanism, Dimits, Diplomas, Certificates, Entered Appren=
tice
Degree, etc. As this report is accessible, all desiring information on th=
ese
and other Masonic subjects are advised to read the entire report. In conclusion, Brother Cunningham feelingly calls attention to the fact
that this is his twenty-fourth annual report as chairman of the committee,
the fiftieth year of his membership in the Grand Lodge, and the fifty-fir=
st
year of his consecutive annual attendance on this Grand Body. He personal=
ly
knew W. Fielding, Grand Master in 1830, W. J. Reese, 1834, W. B. Thrall,
1843, W. B. Hubbard, 1850, and every Grand Master since 1850, and his
connection with Ohio Masonry, past and present, is a special personal
gratification to him. OHIO MASONIC VETERAN ASSOCIATION Met at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 7:30 p. m., October 18, Venerable =
Bro.
J. M. Goodspeed, President, in the Chair, seventy members present.
Twenty-three new members were elected, received and welcomed. Venerable B=
ro.
Leander Burdick was elected President. The Brethren repaired to the banquet room and partook of a bounteous r=
epast
prepared and furnished by the local committee, for which a unanimous vote=
of
thanks was tendered. Venerable Bro. Leander Burdick offered a memorial upon the death of
Venerable Bro. Reuben C. Lemmon, who died at Toledo, on September 6, 1905=
. 1906 M.·. W.·. LEWIS P. SCHAUS, GRAND MASTER Grand Lodge convened at Masonic Temple, Columbus, Wednesday, October 1=
0,
A. D. 1906, with Grand Master Lewis P. Schaus in the Chair, all the other
Grand Officers in their stations, Past Grand Masters Wm. M. Cunningham, J=
. M.
Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, L. C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Wm=
. B.
Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, F. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, I=
. M.
Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballon, Past Deputy Grand Maste=
rs,
W. J. Akers, and J. L'H Long, twenty-four District Lecturers, and the
representatives of 486 of the 507 active Lodges in attendance. The Grand Master read his annual address, calling attention to the dea=
th
of Bro. Brenton D. Babcock, of Cleveland, January 10, 1906; Bro. John M.
Stull, of Warren, who died at Jacksonville, Florida, January 30, 1906, and
Bro. John Blyth, of Fulton who died February 4, 1906, with proper
testimonials of respect to the Masonic character and virtues of each of t=
hese
distinguished Brothers. Reports dispensations issued to Jenkins Lodge No.471 to move from
Hammondsville to Irondale, one mile west to secure a proper and safe Lodge
room; and to New Harmony Lodge No. 435, to move from New Harmony to Mt Or=
ab,
about six miles. Dispensations for the following new Lodges: October 23, 1905, Ostrander, at Ostrander, Delaware County. On September 6, 1906, received application for a dispensation for a new
Lodge at Clarington, Monroe County, which is referred to the Committee on
Charters and Dispensations. Proxies were issued to the following Brothers=
to
dedicate Halls and lay corner stones: February 17, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. F. S. Harmon, to
dedicate the Lodge room of Lake Shore Lodge No.307, at Madison, March 1,
1906; June 2, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, to
dedicate the new Lodge room of Pharos Lodge No.355, at St. Paris; Septemb=
er
14, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Pro. O. P. Sperra, to lay the corner
stone of the Church of the Redeemer, (New Jerusalem), at Lakewood; all of
which were duly performed and reports filed. On June 2, 1906, appointed Pro. John E. Bruce, of Cincinnati, acting G=
rand
Secretary, to serve during the absence of Pro. J. H. Bromwell from the st=
ate. Reports the reappointment of Pros. George D. McBride, of Gallipolis, a=
nd
Edward Harford, of Springfield, as Trustees of the Masonic Home to succeed
themselves, and of Pro. Frank S. Harmon to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Pro. John M. Stull. Pro. Frank S. Harmon, thanking the Grand Mas=
ter
and Grand Lodge for the honor, stated his business engagements would prev=
ent
his giving the necessary time and attention to the duties of Trustee and
asked to be excused, and suggested the appointment of M.·. W.&midd=
ot;.
Pro. C. F. Clapp, and his excuse was accepted and Brother Clapp appointed,
and the three appointments were confirmed by the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master congratulated the Grand Lodge on the prosperity and
advancement of the Order in this state for the nearly one hundred years p=
ast
since the organization of the Grand Lodge, and among other pertinent thin=
gs,
said: "I sometimes think we fail to fully appreciate those hardy old
pioneers, who, in the early days of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, traveled
hundreds of miles on horseback or in rude wagons to these Annual
Communications. There were no palatial hotels, no fine Temples such as we=
now
have, to make their meetings pleasant and comfortable, but they esteemed =
it a
privilege to assist in the deliberations of this Grand Body, and they
returned to their homes with their knowledge quickened and their apprecia=
tion
of the glorious truths of Masonry intensified." The net gain in membership during the year was 8,469, being 76 more th=
an
last year, and the highest in the history of the Grand Lodge except 1903.=
The Grand Master officiated at the following Masonic ceremonies,
constituting Lodges, laying corner stones, and dedicating Masonic Temples=
and
Halls: November 8, 1905, constituted Eureka Lodge No.592, located at Ohio Cit=
y. The attention of the Grand Master being called to circulars advertisin=
g a
so-called "Masonic Fair," he issued an edict prohibiting the us=
e of
the word "Masonic" in advertising or other purposes not authori=
zed
by the Grand Lodge. The litigation which has been pending in the courts in relation to the
property of New England Lodge No.4, at Worthington, was decided by the
Circuit Court of Franklin County in favor of the loyal Lodge, and is now pending in the Supreme Court of Ohio. Calls attention to the "Traveling Trowel" started by Justice
Lodge of New York City on a journey throughout the various Grand
Jurisdictions, each presentation being made a special feature of large so=
cial
Masonic functions, and the object to be secured was a further intensifyin=
g of
Masonic principles, and the renewing and extending of Masonic friendships=
. In
May this Trowel reached Ohio, being presented to the Masons of this state=
at
Toledo, by the Masons of Michigan. The meeting was large and enthusiastic,
and it is hoped may result in much good to the craft. The Grand Lodge was
represented by your R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master Horace A.
Irvin. Called the District Lecturers together at Columbus, December 14, 1905,=
for
instruction and consultation, nineteen of the twenty-five lecturers being
present. R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master H A. Irvin and
M.·. W.·. O. P. Sperra, member of the Ritual Committee, als=
o in
attendance. Every one of the 505 chartered Lodges, as well as the two Lodges under
dispensation, were inspected during the year, and a written report receiv=
ed
from each. The following is a summary of the reports: Number of Lodges who own their Lodge rooms or Temples . . . . . . . . =
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Expenses of District Lecturers, including Columbus meeting, $1,448.79.=
M.·. W.·. Pro. W. A. Pelt, reported as Chairman of the
Committee on Past Grand Master's jewel, that the committee procured a jew=
el,
and presented it to M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Pro. C. G.
Pallou, at his home Lodge, Wakeman No.522, at Waterville, on the evening =
of
February 9, A. D. 1906. Reports the visitation of forty-six Lodges during the year, at which he
was received with the highest fraternal regard and esteem. On April 18, 1906, intelligence was received that San Francisco, Cal.,=
and
the Pacific Coast, had been visited by a terrible earthquake, followed by
disastrous fire and great loss of life and property, and prompt communica=
tion
was had with the Grand Master of that jurisdiction, and a letter of appeal
issued to the Lodges of this jurisdiction which responded nobly with
donations of $10,162.40, which was supplemented with additional donations,
raising the amount to $10,209.60. From this fund remittances were made to M.·. W.·. Bro. M=
. H.
Flint, Grand Master of California, amounting to $8,025.00, when a letter =
was
received from him stating that in his opinion they had on hand sufficient
money for their present needs, and requesting that no further remittances=
be
made at that time which leaves a balance on hand of $2,184.60, which the
Grand Master suggests be held on deposit to meet any similar emergency. Received a communication from the Grand Lodge of Alberta requesting
recognition, which was reference to the Committee on Foreign Corresponden=
ce. The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master reported that at the
request of the Grand Master he had officiated a the ceremonies of receivi=
ng
the "Traveling Trowel" a Toledo, which was delivered to him as =
the
representative of the Grand Lodge with appropriate ceremonies and later
returned by him to the Brethren in charge to resume its journey in the ca=
use
of Fraternity throughout the world. The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing the balance on hand,
October 5, A. D. 1906 $44,242.22. The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the membership, August
31, 1906, 65,105; that the annual returns of all active Lodges were in on
time, but one had to be returned and the Secretary failed to get his
corrections back in due time. The per capita tax for the Masonic Home
amounted to $19,531.50, of which $5,000.00 had been advanced, leaving sti=
ll
due the Home, $14,531.50, and he recommends an additional donation of $12=
,000.00
be made, $6,000.00 to the permanent fund and $6,000.00 to the general fun=
d,
which was concurred in by the Committees on Charity and Accounts, adopted=
by
the Grand lodge, and the appropriation made. M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, as Trustee of the Ohio
Masonic Home, presented the printed report of the Superintendent, and ask=
ed
that such portions as may be desirable, be printed in the proceedings, wh=
ich
was so ordered. Brother Melish also extended an invitation to the Grand L=
odge
and visitors to visit the Home on a special train provided for that purpo=
se;
which was accepted. The following distinguished guests were introduced to the Grand Lodge,
welcomed by the Grand Master, saluted with the Grand Honors, and invited =
to
seats in the East: M. Ill. Bro. Barton Smith, Deputy of the Supreme Council of the A. A. =
S.
B. for the state of Ohio; M. F. Sir Wm. B. Melish, Grand Generalissimo of=
the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States; M. Ex. Compani=
on
Win. T. McLean, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Maso=
ns
of Ohio; and M. Ill. Companion F. H. Archer, Grand Master of the Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio. M.·. W.·. Bro.=
Wm.
B. Melish was requested by the other guests to respond for all, which he =
did
in his usual happy style. Charters were granted to the following new Lodges: Ostrander No.594, at Ostrander, Delaware County Dispensations were granted for new Lodges as follows: Brookville, at Brookville, Montgomery County The latter application was referred to the incoming Grand Master for
investigation and action. The committee on the S. S. Williams monument reported progress, and was
continued. The Committee on Jurisprudence reported the following amendment to Sec=
tion
25 of the Code, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge: "Section 25-A member may, by consent of the Lodge, dimit and unti=
l he
again affiliates, he voluntarily renounces all claim to the benefit of Lo=
dge
organization. Such a member may at any time within three years, not having
joined any other Lodge, return such dimit to the Lodge granting it, pay t=
he
annual dues since the date of such dimit, and he may thereupon, if no cha=
rges
have been preferred against him, be reinstated as a member of such Lodge,=
if
upon a secret ballot, at least three-fourths of the members voting shall
consent to such reinstatement." The committee also reported the following resolution in relation to the
appointment and filling of vacancies in the Board of Trustees of the Ohio
Masonic Home, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge: "Resolved, That upon the expiration of the term of office of any
Trustee of the Masonic Home chosen by this Grand Lodge, the Grand Master
appoint a successor who shall serve until the next annual session; and, if
such appointment shall then be confirmed by the Grand Lodge, such appoint=
ee
shall continue to serve out the full term and until his successor shall be
chosen." The committee also recommended that the constitution of the Ohio Mason=
ic
Home be printed in connection with this report in the proceedings, which =
was
so ordered, and will be found on pages 55 to 58 of the proceedings. A telegram of sympathy and fraternal greeting from the Grand Lodge was sent to M.·. W.·. Bro. C. A. Woodward, the Senior Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, who was prevented from attending by illness.<= o:p> The Committee on Masonic History reported that only 101 Lodges had
complied with the circular sent out for information, necessary for the
preparation of the history, and requested the Grand Lodge to order prompt
compliance and that the District Lecturers be required to inquire of each
Lodge if the information had been furnished, and if not, to require immed=
iate
compliance; which was adopted. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted a special report
recommending fraternal and official recognition of the Grand Lodge of
Alberta; which was approved by the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Centennial Celebration presented its report, recommen=
ding,
among other things, that; The celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of
this Grand Lodge be had in 1908 in connection with the Annual Communicati=
on
of the Grand Lodge and under its authority. That the Grand Master appoint=
a
committee of nine, of which he shall be a member, to arrange for the
celebration, to be held in one of the large cities in the state to be
recommended to the Grand Lodge at its 1907 session, and the general chara=
cter
of the program and ceremonies, to be arranged by the committee, which rep=
ort
was adopted by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master appointed the followi=
ng
Brethren as the committee, viz.: Wm. B. Melish, Cincinnati, chairman; Wm. M. Cunningham, Newark; Leander
Burdick, Toledo; O. P. Sperra, Ravenna; Horace A. Irvin, Dayton; Jacob H.
Bromwell, Cincinnati; Lewis P. Schaus, Newark; Wm. J. Akers, Cleveland; a=
nd
R. R. Eickly, Columbus. The Committee on Necrology reported proper testimonials as to the lives
and Masonic character of Bros. B. D. Babcock, John M. Stull, John Blyth, =
A.
B. Mortal, of Rushville Lodge No.211, who was a District Lecturer for a
number of years, and one of the Vice-Presidents of the Masonic Veterans'
Association; and Robert Fulton, of Union Lodge No.71, who died February 1=
, in
his 85th year. Brother Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, was elected M.·. W.·.
Grand Master; Bro. George D. Copeland, of Marion R W Deputy Grand Master;
Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, of Zanesville, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand
Warden; Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., of Jefferson, R. Junior Grand Warden;
R.·. W.·. Bros. R. R. Rickly and J. H. Bromwell, re-elected
Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, respectively, and with the appointive
Grand Officers, were duly installed. Canton was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 16, A. D. 1907=
, as
the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. The committee on the S. S. Williams library were authorized to make
arrangements for the care of the library, without expense to the Grand Lo=
dge,
the same to be kept intact and under the control of this Grand Lodge, no =
part
to be sold or given away without the express authority of the Grand Lodge=
. The Grand Lodge ordered the balance of $2,184.60 remaining of the fund
donated for the relief of the California sufferers by the Subordinate Lod=
ges
to be placed in the hands of the R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer =
as a
separate deposit to be known as the "Emergency Relief Fund of the Gr=
and
Lodge of Ohio," and bearing interest, and to be subject to the draft=
of
the Grand Master for the relief of emergent cases of general distress in =
any
locality, which should in his opinion receive assistance from the Grand L=
odge
of Ohio. On motion, M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale, M.·.
W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, and Bro. A. C. Cable, were appointed a
committee to procure and present to M.·. W.·. Bro. Lewis P.
Schaus, retiring Grand Master a Past Grand Master's jewel. M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish, as Trustee of the Ohio Maso=
nic
Home, presented the report of the Superintendent and Trustees, which was
ordered printed in the proceedings or such portions thereof as may be tho=
ught
desirable. The amounts donated and contributed by the Ohio Masonic Grand Bodies at
the 1905 sessions were: Grand Lodge . . . . $30,490=
.80 Of the above the following amounts were donated to the endowment fund:
Grand Lodge, $6,000.00; Grand Council, $1,000.00; Grand Chapter, $2,000.0=
0. Total, $9,000.00; and the Grand Council donated $500.00 to the building
fund. A number of other donations were made by Subordinate bodies and indivi=
dual
Masons. Anthony Lodge No.455 handsomely refurnished the room bearing its name,=
and
it is one of the most attractive apartments in the Home. Number of residents: Men, 69; women, 43; boys, 32; girls, 30. Total, 1=
74. Proper testimonials to Bros. John M. Stull, President of the Board of
Trustees, who died January 30, 1906, and John Blyth, who rendered such
efficient and valuable services as chairman of the committee in the Order=
of
the Eastern Star, charged with the duty of raising the necessary funds for
the erection and furnishing of the Home Hospital, and who died February 4=
, 1906,
were presented with the report, and printed in the proceedings. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report, which =
is
printed in the proceedings, covering 386 pages, reviewing the proceedings=
of
65 English speaking and 16 non-English speaking Grand Lodges. The introductory contains letters from Bro. W. J. Chetwode Crawley,
Freemasons' Hall, Dublin, on "Freemasonry in Ireland;" Wm. James
Hughan, Torquay, England, article on "Bradlaugh," and "The
Grand Orient of France," and V. W. Bro. Bobert Freke Gould,
"Historical," and "Freemasonry in America," containing
valuable information relating to the so-called "Prince Hall African
Lodge," "Symbolism," and interesting articles on "The
Lambskin Apron," "The Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and Massachu=
setts,"
"Early History of the Grand Lodge of Georgia," "Manner of
Wearing the Apron," "Interesting Incidents of Army Life,"
"Prince Hall Masonry," "Cerneanism and Clandestinism,"
and a number of other subjects of interest to Masonic students and all ac=
tive
members of the craft. The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Chapter Boom, Masonic
Temple, October 10, at 7:30 p. m., Venerable Bro. Leander Burdick, Presid=
ent,
in the Chair, and the other Officers and sixty-five Venerable Brethren
present. Twenty-two applicants were duly elected to membership, received,
instructed, and welcomed as Venerable Brethren. A memorial was offered by Ven. Bro. J. L'H Long on the death of Venera=
ble
Bros. Brenton D. Babcock, John Blyth and John M. Stull, and by I. H.
McCormick on the death of Ven. Bro. A. D. Mortal. Ven. Bro. Leander Burdick was re-elected President and the other Offic=
ers
elected, the routine business transacted, a vote of thanks tendered the l=
ocal
committee and the Trustees of the Masonic Temple for the elegant quarters=
and
sumptuous banquet provided for the Association, which latter was disposed=
of
in due and ancient form.
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