To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio:

This volume closes the History of the Grand Lodge from its organization in 1808 to and including the Annual Communication of 1912. Volume I, prepared and edited by M.·. W.·. William M. Cunningham, covered the period from its organization in 1808 to 1844, inclusive, and volumes II and III, prepared by and under the supervision of the present Committee, the period from 1845 to 1912, inclusive; volume II from 1845 to 1891, and volume III from 1892 to 1912, and including an Addenda, containing reference tables, statistics, and other valuable information for the Craft.

Portraits of all the Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Ohio from its organization until 1912, inclusive, were secured and are inserted in the History, except the following, which could not be obtained, although every effort was made to do so, viz.: Chester Griswold, 1818; William J. Irvin, 1825; Samuel Wheeler, 1826; John M. Goodenow, 1827; John Satterwaite, 1831, and A. H. Battin, 1872.

To facilitate the work the Committee, at the request of the Chairman, designated M.·. W.·. Brother W. A. Belt to prepare the indexes for these two volumes, and he has carefully and skillfully performed that tedious and important duty.

The Committee and this Grand Lodge suffered a great loss in the death of M.·. W.·. Brother Leander Burdick, who departed this life on the first day of January, A. D. 1913.

Brother Burdick took a great interest in the History, and by reason of his long continued and active service in the Grand Lodge was well qualified to and did render valuable advice and assistance to the Chairman of the Committee in its preparation. The compilation of this work was practically completed and received his approval before his death. His loss was severely felt and regretted, not only by this Committee, but by every member of this Grand Lodge who had been favored by coming in contact with the benign influence of his upright, sterling qualities and high standard as a man and a Mason.

Space will not permit an extended eulogy, but reference is made to the history of his administration as Grand Master, and the valuable services he rendered the Grand Lodge and the Craft in this Jurisdiction, as recorded in this History and the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

At the 1913 Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, held October 22d, 1913, the Grand Master announced the appointment of M.·. W.·. Brother O. P. Sperra to fill the vacancy in this Committee caused by the death of M.·. W.·. Brother Leander Burdick.

The Chairman desires to acknowledge and tender to the other members of the Committee his thanks for the valuable assistance and advice they so cheerfully rendered him in the compilation and preparation of the history; and to specially express his appreciation of the efficient services of R.·. W.·. Brother J. H. Bromwell and M.·. W.·. Brother W. A. Belt in furnishing data, correcting proof, preparing, compiling, and publishing of the work.

The Brethren will readily appreciate the difficulty experienced by the Chairman in condensing within the limits of two volumes the important acts and proceedings of this Grand Lodge, covering a period of sixty-eight of it's Annual Communications, and detailed in several thousand pages of its printed proceedings.

Many items had to be omitted, others condensed and summarized, leaving to the Masonic Student desiring the details recourse to the printed proceedings, which should be in every Lodge library.

If the perusal of this History induces a number of the Craft to read and study the glorious record of our Grand Lodge as recorded in it annual proceedings, including the history of Freemasonry in the World, as detailed in the annual reports of our Foreign Correspondence Committee, it will have accomplished its purpose, and your Committee feel its labors have not been in vain.

Respectfully submitted,
John G. Reeves,
J. H. Bromwell,
W. A. Belt,
George D. Copeland,
Leander Burdick,
O. P. Sperra,
Committee

Grand Lodge convened in the city hall, Springfield, Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1892, with Grand Master Levi C. Goodale in the Chair, and all the Grand Officers present except R.·. W.·. Bro. W. F. Baldwin, Senior Grand Warden, and R.·. W.·. Bro. L. F. VanCleve, Grand Chaplain, both of whom had died since the last Annual Grand Communication; and R.·. W.·. Bro. Jewett Palmer, Grand Marshal, unavoidably detained at home. The following Past Grand Officers were present: Past Grand Masters R. C. Lemmon, Wm. M. Cunningham, C. C. Kiefer, S. S. Williams, C. A. Woodward and L. Burdick; and Past D. G. Masters J. L'H. Long and W. J. Akers and the representatives of 488 Lodges.

The Grand Master read his address, calling attention to the death of Our Grand Chaplain, Rev. LaFayette VanClove, who died March 2, 1892, and who served as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge from 1877 to the date of his death, in a similar position in the Grand Chapter of Ohio and as Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, K. T., for twenty-four consecutive years. A Special Communication of the Grand Lodge was held at Milford, Ohio, March 6, 1892, for the purpose of performing the funeral obsequies according to Masonic usage, over his remains. A great number of Lodges, Chapters, and Commanderies were present, and the ceremonies took place from the church in which he officiated as pastor previous to his death. The proceedings will be found On pages 3 to 6, of the Grand Lodge proceedings.

Attention was called, also, to the death of our R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden W. F. Baldwin, who died April 3, 1892, a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge being held at the Masonic Temple, Mount Vernon, Ohio, April 12, A. D. 1892, for the purpose of conducting his funeral ceremonies according to Masonic usage, an account of the proceedings being recorded in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, pages 7 and 8.

Dispensations were granted for the following new Lodges:
Roseville at Roseville, Muskingum County
Trinity at Bucyrus, Crawford County
Linwood at Linwood, Hamilton County

The craft laid the corner stones of a number of public buildings this year.

Speaking of the "District Lecturers" the Grand Master says: "The time has come, in my opinion, when this authority should be recognized by conferring upon them, at least, the privilege of membership in the Grand Lodge. They should have a place of honor in our meetings, and be clothed with appropriate collars and jewels."

During the past year over four hundred questions were asked, nearly all of which could have been answered by the Code and former decisions, but only twelve are reported as not covered by the Code or former decisions, the last of which relates to the Order of the Eastern Star.

He decides under the legislation and decisions of the Grand Lodge and former Grand Masters to decline to permit the use of anterooms to Lodge Halls, etc., to be used by this organization for reception or banquet purposes. He says, "While agreeing with my predecessors that this order is not Masonic, and that meetings of the order should not be held in Lodge rooms, I regret that fidelity to the rules of the Grand Lodge compelled me to this decision. I believe that the policy of denying the use of Lodge and anterooms to this organization is unwise. * * * It is no more than the proper demand of the law of compensation that the wives and daughters of Masons should be permitted to enjoy in part the social opportunities which follow membership in a Masonic Lodge."

He calls attention to the requests for recognition from the Grand Lodges of Switzerland, (Alpena), of Mexico, Japan and Italy, and refers the same to the Foreign Correspondence Committee for investigation and report.

Calls attention to the claim of Chas. H. Lander, that at the time of the trouble at Worthington, he was a member of a Lodge in West Virginia, and loyal to this Grand Lodge, and requests that the same receive proper attention.

Reports on the litigation of the Grand Lodge, that the cases at Cleveland had been argued and submitted to Judge Lamson in September, 1890, but no decision had been rendered yet. The cases at Bucyrus were prepared for trial, but a few days before they were reached the plaintiff dismissed them. The Columbus cases had been decided by Judge Evans in favor of the Grand Lodge, appealed by the plaintiffs, Hershiser et al. to the Circuit Court of Franklin County, which sustained the demurrers of the Grand Lodge to the third amended petition following the decision of Judge Evans that the state courts had no jurisdiction to determine mere questions of membership in Masonic bodies.

In October, 1891, the Grand Lodge of Kentucky adopted a resolution inviting the several Grand Lodges to send delegates to a Fraternal Congress to be held at the Masonic Temple, Chicago, Ills., in August, 1893. A number of Grand Lodges had already appointed delegates, and the matter was submitted as to whether we should not do likewise.

MASONIC HOME

"The report of the committee will show that $104,000.00 has been subscribed for the work. This afternoon the corner stone of this edifice will be laid, and ere many months Ohio will have a home for those of the craft who need shelter or the comforts of a home; and the Masons of Ohio will be enrolled on the list of those jurisdictions which are making Masonic relief practical." A list of the Grand Lodges which have established homes, with the approximate cost of each, is given.

After careful investigation authorized the removal of Bloomfield Lodge No.422, from Sparta, Morrow County, to Centerburg, Knox County, which was approved by the Grand Lodge.

The following Lodges, chartered at the last communication, had been duly instituted and constituted:

York Lodge, at Columbus, by M.·. W.·. P. G. M. S. S. Williams; North Baltimore Lodge, at North Baltimore, by W. Jr. G. D. J. W. Chamberlin; Weston Lodge, at Weston, by R.·. W.·. D. G. M. Allen Andrews; Golden Rule Lodge, at Chicago Junction, by M.·. W.·. P. G. M. S. Stacker Williams. A number of Masonic Halls had been dedicated during the year.

Receiving information that the Senior Warden elect of Brooklyn Lodge No.454 was an avowed active Cernean, he wired the Installing Officer to require each Officer elect, before being installed, to declare in open Lodge that he is not now a member of any organization which had been declared to be clandestine or un-masonic. The Senior Warden and Secretary refused to comply and were not installed. After correspondence, finding the report true, he declared the offices of Senior Warden and Secretary vacant, and ordered a new election, requiring the Brothers elect to make a like declaration, which was complied with.

Arrested the charter and took up the effects of Battin Lodge No.487 and sent same to the Grand Secretary, except the Bible which on request was left with the Brethren of the Lodge.

The Lodge room of Gibson Lodge, with its effects, was again destroyed by fire, and a dispensation issued until this session permitting them to work.

In the matter of Brother Whitehurst of Dayton: he burned all the books in his possession and made declaration he would not circulate any more, whereupon proceedings against him were dismissed.

Reported that in compliance with the resolution adopted at the last session of the Grand Lodge, (page 49, proceedings 1891), the Committee on Ritual had prepared and submitted to him a written copy, which he had approved and promulgated on September 1, and had the same in his custody for proper use and preservation, under the direction of the Grand Lodge.

IRREGULAR MASONS

"The action of the seceders at Worthington last year, and the course pursued toward them by this Grand Lodge, has attracted the attention of other jurisdictions. The action of this Grand Lodge has been invariably sustained. One of the outgrowths of the Worthington disaffection was Franklin Lodge in Columbus; and having information that the Officers of this organization were claiming their members could visit in regular Lodges in this state, and that some were attempting to so visit, in order to prevent such visitation the Grand Master issued and mailed to each Lodge an edict calling their attention to these facts and instructing them as follows:

"Now, therefore, it is ordered, and you are hereby commanded to exact from every visitor to your Lodge, without exception, (and taken in the usual form of oath from visiting brethren), the following declaration, to wit:

"'I hereon declare on my Masonic honor, and in all truth and soberness, that I am a member in good standing of a Lodge of Masons recognized by the Grand Lodge of Ohio as regular, and that I am not a member of any organization or society which has been declared by the Grand Lodge of Ohio to be bogus, irregular, illegitimate, or un-masonic.'

"And any visitor failing to make such declaration must be denied admission to any Lodge room.
"It should be the imperative duty of every loyal Mason throughout the state to discountenance these impostors upon every occasion.

MASON AT SIGHT

General Asa S. Bushnell, of Springfield, though not a member of the order, was one of the most enthusiastic and liberal contributors and workers in the cause of the Masonic Home; and at the earnest request of the members of the craft in Springfield and elsewhere, on the evening of October 18, A. D. 1892, the Grand Master in due form made him a Mason at sight.

Recommends that in view of the long and faithful services as Grand Secretary and his declining health, a salary be voted to Bro. John D. Caldwell.

The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance in his hands of $22,331.85 general fund, and of $428.50 charity fund.

Charters were issued for the following new Lodges:
Trinity, No.556, at Bucyrus, Crawford County
Omega, No.564, at Defiance, Defiance County
Negley, No.565, at Negley, Columbiana County
Roseville, No.566, at Roseville, Muskingum County
Linwood, No.567, at Linwood, Hamilton County

Dispensation was granted for a new Lodge, viz: National, at Barberton, Summit County

The committee reported approving the decisions of the Grand Master, his action in regard to Bro. Whitehurst, that of the Senior Warden and Secretary of Brooklyn Lodge, and his edict with reference to clandestine Masonry, and the report was adopted by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master announced that the Grand Lodge would convene at 2 o'clock p. m. for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the Masonic Home with appropriate Masonic ceremonies.

THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

Promptly at 2 o'clock p. m., Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1892, pursuant to announcement, the Grand Lodge reassembled for the purpose of laying with appropriate ceremonies, and according to ancient usage, the corner stone of the Masonic Home.

The procession was formed at the public square in Springfield. The first division was composed of seventeen Commanderies of Knights Templars---with over fifteen hundred Sir Knights in line and thirteen bands; and the second division of forty-two Lodges, with over two thousand Master Masons in line and five bands; and a large number of carriages; and special trains were run at short intervals to convey visitors to the grounds.

Arriving at the grounds, the corner stone was laid according to ancient Masonic usage, and Bro. Barton Smith, R.·. W.·. Grand Orator, delivered an address. The full ceremonies of this important event will be found recorded on pages 56 to 70 of the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

A Lodge of Sorrow was held at the city hall on the evening of October 19, at which appropriate addresses were delivered on the lives and services of our late Senior Grand Warden, W. F. Baldwin; our late Grand Chaplain, Rev. Bro. L. F. VanCleve, and a tribute to the memory of the five hundred and forty-nine Master Masons of this jurisdiction, who had been summoned to the Celestial Lodge above during the past year.

The Committee on Necrology reported and the testimonials were approved and ordered printed in the proceedings.

M.·. W.·. Bro. J Ross Robertson, Past Grand Master of Masons in Canada, was introduced, received and welcomed with Grand Honors, and escorted to a seat in the East.

The Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home made a detailed and very satisfactory report showing that there had been received:

Cash donation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 36,860.16
Subscriptions unpaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47,192.50
Value of grounds (approximate) . . . . . . . . .20,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$104,052.66
That there had been expended so far . . . . . . 2,760.82
Leaving a balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$101,281.84

and the trustees and the committee make a fraternal appeal to the Lodges and members to take an active interest in securing the balance of the funds necessary to complete and furnish the Home.

The Grand Master appointed M.·. W.·. Bros. L. Burdick and J. M. Stull trustees of the Masonic Home for the term ending December 31, 1894, and M.·. W.·. Bro. C. C. Kiefer, and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell for the term ending December 31, 1895, which appointments were approved by the Grand Lodge.

The committee to whom was referred the part of the Grand Master's address relating to the Order of the Eastern Star reported and recommended the following to be added to Section 79 of the Code.

"Or organizations known and designated as Chapters of the Eastern Star, when composed entirely of Masons known to be loyal to the Grand Lodge and its Officers, and of the wives and daughters of such Masons, may, with the consent of the Grand Master and by unanimous consent of the members of all Masonic bodies occupying Masonic halls, be permitted to use such Masonic halls for festival and ceremonial purposes."

This amendment not receiving unanimous consent was laid over to the next Annual Communication for final action.

The committee to whom was referred the Dortion of the Grand Master's address relating to the Emeritus Grand Secretary R.·. W.·. Bro. John D. Caldwell, reported in favor of allowing him a salary of $500 a year during his natural life, which was adopted.

Brother Allen Andrews was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Carroll F. Clapp, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. William B. Melish, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Barton Smith, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden, and Bros. Charles Brown and J. H. Bromwell re-elected Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, respectively, and they and the appointive Grand Officers were duly installed.

Cleveland was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1893, the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

Brother E. L. Lybarger called attention to the successful administration of M.·. W.·. Grand Master Bro. Levi C. Goodale, and moved that in testimony of the appreciation of the Grand Lodge of the business like management and zeal of Brother Goodale, a Past Grand Master's jewel be secured and presented to him; which was unanimously adopted.

On motion of Bro. Barton Smith the sum of one hundred dollars was donated to Trinity Lodge located at Bucyrus.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, reviewing the proceedings of sixty-three Grand Lodges, and covering 298 pages, is printed in the proceedings.

A good portrait of M.·. W.·. Grand Master Levi C. Goodale faces the title page of the proceedings.

The Committee on Masonic History, through its chairman, M.·. W.·. S. Stacker Williams, reported progress and asked further time which was, on motion, granted.

Grand Lodge convened in Case Hall, Cleveland, Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1893, with Grand Master Allen Andrews, in the Chair, all the Grand Officers in their stations, and Past Grand Masters C. A. Woodward, R. C. Lemmon, Wm. M. Cunningham, C. C. Kiefer, S. S. Williams, L. Burdick, L. C. Goodale, J. M. Goodspeed; Past Deputy Grand Masters, C. M. Godfrey, W. J. Akers, J. L'H. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary John D. Caldwell present, and the representatives of 473 Lodges in attendance.

The Grand Master read his address congratulating the Grand Lodge on the universal, most cordial and fraternal relations existing with our sister Grand Lodges in America, and most of the Grand Lodges of foreign nations in the world.

On May 23, he visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana at its annual session, and was most cordially received and welcomed, and was impressed with the zeal, earnestness, and business-like manner characterizing the proceedings.

He, with Bros. R. C. Lemmon, B. D. Babcock, and S. S. Williams, as representatives of this Grand Lodge, attended the Masonic Congress held at the Masonic Temple, Chicago, Illinois, August 14, 1893, and participated in the proceedings. Twenty-three Grand Lodges were represented, including Manitoba and two from Canada "The Congress was a remarkable gathering of eminent Masons, the largest of its kind ever held in the history of our Fraternity. It had no power or inclination to organize or suggest a General Grand Lodge, for such a body is not desired by Ancient Craft Masonry. It had no power to legislate for the Grand Lodges, or even to recommend conclusions to them." However, the representatives discussed a number of important questions and formulated conclusions for the use and information of the craft--among which the following are of interest:

SOVEREIGNLY OF GRAND LODGES

"The conclusion of the Congress is that a Grand Lodge duly organized in a state or other autonomous territory, is rightfully possessed of absolute sovereignty therein."

THE PREROGATIVE OF GRAND MASTERS

"That the dispensing power recognized in the old regulations as residing in the person and office of the Grand Master, has been so generally exercised by that officer, from the organization of Masonry on the Grand Lodge system down to the present time, that its existence can not be successfully denied. But that there are no dispensing powers so residing that may not be limited or wholly denied by the Grand Lodge, save such as inhere in that office under the sanction of the ancient landmarks."

THE CREED OF A MASON

"An unequivocal belief and trust in God is the fundamental principle which characterizes Masonry as defined by the Charges of a Freemason, and without which the institution can not be identified as Masonry."

NON-AFFILIATES

"That every Mason ought to be a member of some regular Lodge, attend its meetings, and share its burdens."

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

"That absolute competency to conform literally to all the requirements of the ceremonies of the several degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, fulfills the requirements of physical perfection in a candidate for the privileges of Freemasonry, as set forth in the ancient charges."

The proceedings of this Masonic Congress were printed in pamphlet form and generally distributed, and furnishes much valuable information on various subjects of interest to the craft.

Brother Monroe C. Crawford, Grand Master of Illinois, was President; Bro. J. L. Powers of Mississippi, Secretary, and Bro. S. Stacker Williams of Ohio, one of the Vice-Presidents.

The Grand Master answered a large number of questions relating to Masonic law and jurisprudence, and reports fifteen decisions which he thought ought to pass the scrutiny of the Jurisprudence Committee, the last of which gives a history and construction of the legislation of the Grand Lodge on the subject of intoxicating liquors; and decides that since the passage of what is known as the VanCleve resolution, making it a Masonic offense to engage in the traffic of intoxicating liquors to be drank where sold, it is the law of Masonry in this state, that to traffic in intoxicating liquors to be drank on the premises, or for purposes other than medicinal and mechanical uses, is a Masonic offense and any Brother violating this rule is guilty of un-masonic conduct, and is a proper subject for Masonic discipline; which decisions were referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence and on their report the Grand Lodge approved all of said decisions.

CLANDESTINE MASONRY

On this subject the Grand Master reports the efforts of the clandestine so-called Grand Lodge, and the five subordinate Lodges and their members to gain a footing in this state, and their reckless attempts to deceive and induce persons to join their illegitimate bodies, and among other things says:

"The position taken by the Fraternity in Ohio and the measures adopted to suppress clandestine organizations claiming to be Masonic, were wise and effective. * * *

"The Cerneau bodies have melted away, and, with perhaps a single exception, have become extinct. The clandestine and illegal Grand Lodge which pretended to organize at Worthington, in 1891, according to best information, started five unlawful Subordinate Lodges, one each at Worthington, Coshocton and Bucyrus, and two at Columbus. These Lodges are aimless, lifeless and fruitless, except the two at Columbus, styled Franklin and Columbian, which have a membership, and continue to hold meetings. They solicit candidates and accept as members persons rejected by regular Lodges, and persons having but one eye, one arm, one leg, or other physical or moral imperfections, disqualifying them from membership in regular Lodges. Attempts were made to establish clandestine Lodges elsewhere in the state, but were frustrated by diligent Brethren who made known the character of these illegal organizations. The method is to make up a class of men desirous of Masonry, and pretend to them that they are about to organize a new Lodge, and that all who join in the beginning can obtain the degrees for $10.00.

"The attempt to organize a rebellion against this Grand Lodge, and plant clandestine bodies in this state, has not only failed of recognition, but has encountered the just condemnation of all the Grand Lodges in the world in fraternal correspondence with us. This is a source of satisfaction to us, and a new guarantee of the perpetuity of our institutions."

About forty of the members of Franklin and Columbian Lodges requested a conference with the Grand Master and proposed to renounce and dissolve these clandestine bodies, claiming to have been deceived into joining what they believed to be regular Lodges, and requesting him to, in some way, heal them, and organize them into a lawful Lodge; but the Grand Master informed them he had no power to heal them in that manner, and their proper course was to renounce and withdraw from their present affiliation, and apply regularly for admission to a lawful Lodge, which a number of them did.

There has been little change in the litigation against the Grand Lodge by the Cerneaus. They have been beaten in every trial, and have abandoned all their cases except those in Columbus and Cleveland. The latter has not yet been brought to trial. In the two cases in Columbus they were beaten in both the Common Pleas and Circuit Courts, and have abandoned one case and taken the other to the Supreme Court, where it is now pending.

The courts have held in all these cases, that the controversy is not a subject matter of civil jurisprudence, to be decided in secular courts, but that it is a Masonic question, to be settled by the authorities of our Order, and that the civil courts of the land have no power to interfere, the very thing we have contended for, and the decision we desire.

Since this case has been pending in the Supreme Court, eight of the plaintiffs, about one-fourth of the whole number, who were formerly members in good standing in Goodale Lodge No.372, expressed a desire to renounce Cerneauism and clandestine Masonry, and to be restored to their former place in the Lodge, but the Grand Master held that they must first withdraw from the law suit against the Grand Lodge, that we could not receive any one who would greet us with one hand, and carry on a warfare against us with the other, and on June 23, 1893, by leave of court these eight withdrew as plaintiffs from the case and four more have moved for leave to withdraw, and still others desire to withdraw and renounce Cerneauism.

The Grand Master arrested the charter of Paulding Lodge No.502, and the effects were forwarded to the Grand Secretary, on account of dissension among its members engendered by four or five brethren who, for some unknown reason, had for the past two years acted together to destroy the harmony and prosperity of the Lodge, and his action was unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master constituted the following chartered at the last session of the Grand Lodge:

November 12, 1892, Roseville No.566, at Roseville, Muskingum County; November 26, 1892, Omega No.564, at Defiance, Defiance County; and issued special proxies to the following Brothers who constituted the following Lodges: December 8, 1892, No.565, at Negley, by Bro. L. L. Truesdale; 10, 1892, Trinity No.556, at Bucyrus, John Blyth; Linwood No.567, at Linwood, Hamilton County, by Bro. L. C. Goodale.

The Grand Master dedicated the following Masonic buildings:

February 13, 1893, Hall of York Lodge 563 at Columbus; June 27, 1893, Hall of Racine Lodge 461 at Racine; October 4, 1893, Masonic Temple at Mansfield.

And the following were dedicated by proxy:

February 18, 1893, Hall of Ely Lodge 424 by Bro. A. E. Merrill; May 5, 1893, Hall of Tuscan Lodge 342 by Bro. C. E. Haman.

On January 18, 1893, at the meeting of McMillan Lodge No.141, at Cincinnati, the Past Grand Master's jewel voted to Past Grand Master Levi C. Goodale at the last Communication of this Grand Lodge, was presented to and received by him in a response in which he expressed his high appreciation of the honor and his devotion to the principles of the Order.

W. Bro. J. W. Chamberlin, on June 9, 1893, under special proxy, laid the corner stone of the New Central High School building at Tiffin.

Reports a large number of visitations for the inspection of the work, social occasions, installing officers, etc., among which was his visit to Sanford L. Collins Lodge No.396, at Toledo, when the M. M. degree was conferred by the first officers of the Lodge. These veterans who, twenty-five years ago, started this Lodge on its useful career, rendered the work, if not with the accuracy measured by the revised ritual, certainly with zeal and impressiveness.

Announces the death of R. F. Sir William Thomas Walker, Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, Knights Templars, and a number of distinguished Brethren from other Grand Jurisdictions.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand October 14, 1893, of $26,330.30 in the general fund and $428.50 in the charity fund; total, $26,758.80; net increase during the year, $3,998.46.

The Grand Secretary's report shows: Present membership, 38,089; net gain for the year, 1,045; number of active Lodges, 494.

Telegrams of fraternal greetings were exchanged between the Grand Lodges of Ohio and Kentucky.

The Committee on Revision of the Code and Preparation of a Monitor submitted a full copy of a Monitor for the use of Lodges throughout the state, which was adopted and ordered to be inserted in the printed proceedings of this session, which was done (pages 435-460).

The Grand Master having in his address called attention to the fact that since the close of the litigation with Bucyrus Lodge a number of the former members of said Lodge now defunct, claiming they had not participated in the rebellious acts, but remained loyal to this Grand Lodge, had applied to him and the Grand Secretary for certificates in order that they might apply to Trinity or some other Lodge for admittance. The matter was referred to the Judiciary Committee, which reported as follows:

"That, having given attention to the matter of granting certificates to members of defunct Lodges we recommend that applicants for such be required to sign the prescribed petition, and to secure the recommendation of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction they reside. We recommend that on the presentation of applications thus recommended, and he being satisfied that all dues to the late Lodge of the petitioner have been paid, the Grand Secretary issue certificate of good standing. In this connection we are now constrained to offer a word of caution to Lodges making recommendations that they do not recommend any improper persons;" which was unanimously adopted.

The committee also heartily approved all the suggestions and statements of the Grand Master on th subject of "Clandestine Lodges" in his address, which was unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge.

The report of the Committee on Necrology was presented, approved, and ordered printed in the proceedings.

The petition of Allen S. W. Huffman, a former member of New England Lodge No.4, located a Worthington, who was expelled by this Grand Lodge at its 1891 session for participation in the rebellious acts of said Lodge and assisting in Organizing the Clandestine Grand Lodge at Worthington, and who now renounces, annuls, withdraws, and forever disclaims any allegiance to these and all clandestine bodies and prays to be reinstated and restored to lawful membership in the Order, was presented t the Grand Lodge and referred to a special committee to investigate, and report to the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge.

The Committee on Charters and Dispensations reported in favor of approving the consolidation of Mt Vernon Lodge No.64 with Norwalk Lodge No.467, and in favor of granting a charter to National Lodge No.568, at Barberton, which report was unanimously adopted.

MASONIC HOME

Brother J. M. Stull, President of the Ohio Masonic Home, presented his report showing the total
amount of cash subscriptions and donations received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,707.72
Amount already expended on the work, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,664.98
Balance in cash on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36,042.74
Unpaid subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,362.86
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $63,405.60

The contracts awarded for the building now in construction are for:
Carpenter work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21,315.00
Stone work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,198.50
Brick work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,291.64
Galvanized iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,750.00
Iron and steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,271.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65,826.14
Estimates have been paid on this work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,661.25
Leaving a balance to be paid as the work progresses
and is finished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,164.89
The amount in the hands of the Treasurer is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,042.74
And will not pay the balance on the contracts by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 3,122.15

A part of the subscription is past due, and another installment will be due November 1, 1893, at which time the Administration Building will probably be under roof.

This report was referred to the Committee on Charity who reported that Blue Lodge Masonry has contributed to the Home $16,595.80, Chapter Masonry, $16,379.50, Templar Masonry, $8,353.10, and that the Grand and Subordinate Lodges had not contributed their share, and recommending that the Grand Lodge donate the sum of $5,000 additional to the fund, and that the Subordinate Lodges and their members be urged to exert themselves in the matter of raising additional funds for this noble work; which report and recommendation was unanimously adopted.

ORDER OF EASTERN STAR

The amendment offered at the last session to Section 79 of the Code, and laid over to this session for action to permit Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star to occupy under certain conditions and restrictions the halls and rooms of Subordinate Lodges was taken up and the amendment was unanimously adopted and is now the law. See amendment in full in report of last year.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews was re-elected Grand Master, and the other elective Grand Officers were re-elected to fill their present stations, and the appointive Officers were reappointed and confirmed to fill their present stations and all were duly installed.

Columbus was selected as the place, and October 24, A. D. 1894, as the time of holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported recommending the recognition of the Grand Lodges of Tasmania and New Zealand, which was unanimously adopted, and these Grand Lodges welcomed as sister Grand Jurisdictions.

The same committee presented its report reviewing the proceedings of sixty-seven Grand Lodges, and covering 253 pages-91 to 343-the historical part covering 12 pages.

OHIO MASONIC VETERANS

The Association met in the Masonic Temple, Cleveland. A large class of candidates among whom were M.·. W.·. Allen Andrews, Grand Master, M. Past Grand Master J. M. Goodspeed, R.·. W.·. Wm. B. Melish, Senior Grand Warden, and Bro. J. M. Stull, President of the Masonic Home, was elected, received, and welcomed, after which an elegant banquet furnished by the Fraternity of Cleveland was enjoyed.

Grand Lodge convened at the Board of Trade Auditorium, Columbus, Wednesday, October 24, A. D. 1894, with Grand Master Allen Andrews in the Chair, and all the Grand Officers present, except Bro. Charles Brown, Grand Treasurer, who was detained by illness; and also the following Past Grand Masters: C. A. Woodward, R. C. Lemmon, Wm. M. Cunningham, C. C. Kiefer, S. S. Williams, L. Burdick, L. C. Goodale and J. M. Goodspeed, and Past Deputy Grand Masters W. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary John D. Caldwell present, and the representatives from 479 Lodges in attendance, 15 Lodges being unrepresented.

Brother Leander Burdiek, Past Grand Master, announced the death of Brother H. Clay Landis, and moved the Grand Secretary be authorized to wire the members of his family the sympathy of this Grand Lodge, which was adopted.

The Grand Master read his annual address reporting: That on invitation May 3, 1894, he attended the laying of the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at Richmond, Indiana, and met the present Grand Master of that jurisdiction and many other distinguished Masons. He calls attention to the subject of "perpetual jurisdiction" and some of the vexatious questions arising thereunder, and suggests some action be taken in reference thereto. Refers to the action of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in relation to celebrating the centennial of George Washington's death, with proper memorial services at Mt. Vernon by the representatives of the Grand Lodges in America. Reports seven decisions which were referred to the Jurisprudence Committee and by it and the Grand Lodge approved.

Pursuant to the action of the Grand Lodge at its last session the state was divided into twenty-five districts, and one District Lecturer appointed for each, who made inspections and rendered instruction to the Lodges in their districts, resulting in much benefit to the craft in a reawakened interest, renewed effort, a broader charity, closer brotherhood, and a higher manhood. All factions have disappeared, and harmony prevails." A synopsis of the reports of the Lecturers is given.

EASTERN STAR

The amendment of Rule 79 of the Code at last session has been attended with good results, and it is manifest there was wisdom in "conferring on Subordinate Lodges the authority to permit Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, composed of Masons true and loyal to the Grand Lodge, and of their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, to occupy the Lodge rooms under proper restrictions.

"This provision not only added many Chapters to the Order of the Eastern Star throughout the state, but greatly revived interest and zeal in Masonry in many localities, and it is no small thing that our Fraternity is exalted in the minds of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, and thus cherished in the hearts of those we best love on earth."

Union City Lodge No.270, located at Union City, which lies on both sides of the state line between Ohio and Indiana, failing to arrange with Turpin Lodge No.401, of Indiana, also situated in Union City, surrendered its charter and effects, which were accepted and the books and jewels were sent to the Grand Secretary.

Last July a disastrous fire at Edon destroyed the hall and all the effects of Edon Lodge No.474, and many of the members lost their homes and all their possessions; and at the request of the W. M. he had granted permission for the Lodge to apply to the Lodges in this jurisdiction for such contributions for relief as might be offered.

On invitations the Grand Master laid the corner stones of the following public buildings in due and ancient form, and with proper Masonic ceremonies:

May 17, 1894, the corner stone of the courthouse of Harrison County at Cadiz.
June 21, 1894, the corner stone of the Richland township hall at Sabina.
July 4, 1894, the corner stone of the Federal building at Lima.
July 8, 1894, the corner stone of the Universalist church at Woodstock.
August 31, 1894, the corner stone of the Armory building of Hardin County at Kenton. Company G, 2d Regiment, O. N. G., presented the Grand Master a silver trowel suitably inscribed as a souvenir.

September 26, 1894, the corner stone of the Soldiers' Memorial building of Logan County at Bellefontaine. Bellefontaine Lodge No.209 presented the Grand Master a silver trowel inscribed with Masonic emblems, commemorative of the occasion.

October 18, 1894, Bro. Chas. A. Woodward, P. G. M., under proxy from the Grand Master, laid the corner stone of the Armory building in Cleveland.

Reports a number of visitations made during the year to various Lodges.
Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places:
February, 1894, Continental, Putnam County.
July 4, 1894, Waynesfield, Auglaize County.

Reappointed Bros. George D. McBride and M. J. Mack as trustees of the Masonic Home.

Received a petition from a number of the members of Paulding Lodge No.502 for the restoration of its charter, which is referred to the Grand Lodge for action.

On June 28, the Grand Master dedicated the new Masonic Temple at Delta.

Under authority from the Grand Master M.·. W.·.Bro. C. F. Clapp dedicated the new Hall of Harbor Lodge No.558, and under proxies, Bro. C. C. Bat constituted National Lodge No.568, at Barberton and dedicated the Hall of Hudson Lodge No.510.

A number of the members of New England Lodge No.4, who had always remained loyal to this Grand Lodge and had never been expelled, applied to the Grand Master to be restored and have the interdicted against them removed, and after due investigation that was done as to those who had remained faithful and had never been expelled, and the Lodge was reorganized, through the efforts of Brothers Ralph R. Rickly and S. S. Williams.

Several members who were expelled by the Grand Lodge have renounced and withdrawn from the cladestine body and filed their applications for reinstallment, which are submitted to the Grand Lodge for action.

R .·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Melish, Senior Grand Warden, wrote last April suggesting the Masons Ohio erect a monument to the memory of our deceased Bro. Rev. LaFayette VanCleve, who served as Grand Chaplain of this Grand Lodge from 1877 to his death in 1892, also of the Grand Chapter for many years and as Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery Knights Templars of Ohio for twenty-three years which met with approval, and contributions request from Lodges and Masons.

R. .W. Bro. W. B. Melish as Special Committee reported that the monument had been procured, and on Sunday, October 14, dedicated with appropriate services in the presence of a large assembly of Masons and citizens, and reports the financial statement as follows:

Total amount collected . . . $967.44
Total amount expended . . . .779.42
Balance on band . . . . . . . . $188.02

which balance it is proposed to expend in placing a "VanCleve Memorial Window" in the Chapel of the Ohio Masonic Home at Springfield, Ohio.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand in General fund of $14,491.94, and Charity fund of $428.50. Total, $14,920.44.

The Grand Secretary reported number of active Lodges, October 24, 1894, 495; total members, 38,851; that he had a number of extra copies (over 500) of the Monitor printed and bound up in smaller sized pages at a cost of $90.00, and had sold sufficient to amount to $77.75, and had 192 copies, worth $48.00, on hand, for sale as called for; that with the consent of the Grand Master he had purchased a safe for the preservation of the Grand Lodge records at a cost of $270.00; that in addition to the balance of $14,920.44 shown in the Treasurer's hands, he had in his hands the sum of $9,953.70 Grand Dues collected and held by order of the Grand Master on account of the serious illness of the Grand Treasurer, to pay the expenses of this session of the Grand Lodge, and exhibited a certified check on the National LaFayette Bank of Cincinnati, to be turned over for that purpose, and the balance turned over to the Grand Treasurer at the close of this session.

The Grand Master, after announcing the serious illness of the Grand Treasurer, appointed Bro. Ed. E. Townley as Grand Treasurer pro tem for this session of the Grand Lodge; and by a unanimous standing vote the Grand Secretary was directed to wire Bro. Charles Brown the sincere sympathies and best wishes of the Grand Lodge.

Charters were granted for the following new Lodges:

Wayne, No.569, at Waynesfield, Auglaize County
Continental, No.570, at Continental, Putnam County
The Widow's Son, No.571, at Paulding, Paulding County

Duplicate charters were granted to the following Lodges, in lieu of their original charters destroyed by fire:

Fulton Lodge No.248, Bartlett Lodge No.293, Edon Lodge No.474, and Hamer Lodge No.167.

The removal of Fairview Lodge No.446 from Fairview, Guernsey County, to Hendrysburg, in Belmont County, was approved.

The surrender of the charter of Union City Lodge No.270 was approved.

THE MASONIC HOME

R.·. W.·. J. H. Bromwell, Secretary of the Ohio Masonic Home, on behalf the Board of Trustees, submitted their report showing in detail the donations, subscriptions and cash payments to August 3, A. D. 1894, the summary being as follows:

Total cash receipts during the year just ended . $23,310.79
Total cash receipts to August 1, 1893 . . . . . . . . .62,533.97
Total cash receipts to August 1, A. D. 1894 . . . $85,844.76
Total expenditures to August 3, A. D. 1894 . . . . 64,261.59
Balance in hands of Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,583.17

The total obligations on outstanding contracts . $30,120.16

The amount of unpaid subscriptions is $24,686.98, about one-third of which is now due, but a portion is probably uncollectible by reason of the death, removal or business reverses of the subscribers.

This report was referred to the Committee on Charity, which reported recommending a donation of $5,000 to be applied to the completion of the Home, which report and recommendation were adopted.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence recommended the approval of the Grand Master's decisions, which report was adopted.

R.·. W.·. Bro. John D. Caldwell, retiring from the position of Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, near this Grand Lodge, turned Over the jewel of his office to his successor, R.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, in an eloquent and pleasing address, referring to the Scotch ancestry of Brother Melish and his eminent fitness for the position, to which Brother Melish responded in a feeling and eloquent manner.

The Committee on Grievances, to which was referred the petition of H. C. Tipton for reinstatement, recommended that it be referred to a special committee to investigate and report to the next session of the Grand Lodge; also that the action of Grand Master Andrews in interdiction against certain members of rebellious Lodges, who had never been expelled, be approved, and further that those Brethren who were expelled for the above cause may be restored to good standing in the Fraternity upon petition to the Grand Lodge setting forth their renunciation of, and all connection with, such clandestine bodies by unanimous consent of the Grand Lodge, all of which recommendations and report were adopted.

The committee appointed at the last session to consider the application of A. S. W. Huffman, former member of New England Lodge No.4, and expelled in 1891, reported in favor of granting him a certificate of good standing, which was adopted.

Brother James W. Staton, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master of Masons of Kentucky, was introduced, received and welcomed with the Grand Honors, and responded in an eloquent address, congratulating the Fraternity in Ohio upon their Masonic home, and urging them to contribute liberally for its completion and maintenance.

A committee was appointed to prepare a design for a District Lecturer's jewel, ascertain the cost, and report to the next session of the Grand Lodge.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That it is improper, because inviting to improvidence in the present, and therefore unjust to those who succeed the present membership, for Lodges to receive from their members dues in bulk in lieu of annual dues, and that the Grand Lodge declares any such regulation or By-Law inexpedient and void."

By unanimous vote the property taken by the Grand Master at the time of the arrest of the charter of Paulding Lodge No.502, and formerly the property of said Lodge, was voted and donated to The Widow's Son Lodge No.571, located at Paulding.

The Committee on Code Revision submitted a report, which was adopted and ordered published.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge send a communication to the Governor of Ohio, notifying him that New England Lodge No.4, as reorganized, is the only body recognized by this Grand Lodge as New England Lodge No.4, the beneficiary of the title to the property conveyed by deed to the Governor of Ohio for the use of New England No.4 and Horeb Chapter No.3."

M.·. W.·. Bro. S. S. Williams, as Chairman Committee on Masonic History, composed of himself P. G. M. C. C. Kiefer and Bro. John E. McVey, reported progress and was granted further time. This is the last report of any kind made by this committee to the Grand Lodge and no part of the propose history was ever reported or presented by this committee to the Grand Lodge.

Brother Carroll F. Clapp was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master; Bro. William B. Melish, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Barton Smith, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden Bro. Chas. F. Baldwin, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Charles Brown, Grand Treasurer, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary and the Grand Lodge Officers were installed.

Springfield was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 23, A. D. 1895, as the time of holding the next Annual Grand Communication.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence granted leave to have its report printed in the proceedings, and covers 303 pages, reviewing the proceedings of sixty English speaking Lodges and eleven non-English; the historical notes containing interesting letters from V.·. W.·. Bro. W. Hughan, of Dunscore, Torquay, England, and V.·. W.·. Bro. Robert Freke Gould, of Kingfield, Woking, Surrey, England; and the other parts valuable tables of statistics relating to Masonry throughout the world, makes it a compendium of useful information to the Masonic student, and well worth a careful perusal.

A Past Grand Master's jewel was voted to Bro. Allen Andrews to be presented by the Grand Master, C. F. Clapp.

The following statement of the cost, maintenance, etc., of Homes in states where established, will be of interest:

COST OF BUILDINGS, LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS

Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 66,000.00
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183,852.00
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86,000.00
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40,000.00
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .306,911.90
German Home, New York . . . 25,000.00
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,227.63
Total cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$750,991.53
Average cost . . . . . . . . . . . . 107,284.50

NUMBER OF INMATES

Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .38
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
German Rome, New York . . . . . . . 15
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Total number of inmates . . . . . . . 493
Average number of inmates . . . . . .70

ANNUAL COST OF MAINTENANCE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Expenditures . . . . . . .Interest
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,226.20 . . . . . . . . . $1,200.00
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,021.28 . . . . . . . . . 11,031.12
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .900.00 . . . . . . . . . . 5,160.00
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,331.67 . . . . . . . . . . 2,400.00
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,098.16 . . . . . . . . . .18,414.22
German Home, New York . . . . . . . . . 4,648.96 . . . . . . . . . . 1,500.00
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,821.49 . . . . . . . . . . 2,593.56
Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$85,507.76 . . . . . . . . .$42.298.90
Total expenditures and interest. . . . 127,806.66

OHIO MASONIC VETERANS

The Ohio Masonic Veterans met in Masonic Hall. M.·. W.·. Bro. James W. Staton, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, was introduced and elected an honorary member of the Association. A large class was elected introduced and welcomed as new members. Bro. S. Williams was re-elected President and appointed delegate to the National Convention to be held in Boston, Mass., in 1895.

The veterans enjoyed a banquet prepared by Lodges of Columbus.

Grand Lodge convened at the City Hall, in Springfield, Wednesday, October 23, A. D .1895, with Grand Master Carroll F. Clapp in the Chair, all the Grand Officers, except the Junior Grand Deacon, in their station, and Past Grand Masters C. A. Woodward, Wm. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, C. C. Kiefer, S. S. Williams, L. Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, J. M. Goodspeed, and Allen Andrews, Past Deputy Grand Masters W. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, and Emeritus Grand Secretary John D. Caldwell, and the representatives of 485 Lodges present.

The Grand Master read his annual address, reporting the death on November 6, A. D. 1894, of R.·. W.·. Charles Brown, Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodge for the past fifteen years, and the convening of a special session of the Grand Lodge on November 9, under charge of R.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Deputy Grand Master, for the purpose of conducting the funeral services of the Order over his remains, and Brother Melish in his detailed report of the beautiful and solemn Masonic services held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Cincinnati, pays a fitting tribute to the private and Masonic life and character of our lamented Brother, which will be found on pages 63 to 67 of the Grand Lodge proceedings.

Also announces the death on May 8, A. D. 1895, of R.·. W.·. Bro. Dr. Charles Moore Godfrey, Past Deputy Grand Master, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, ten months and twenty-one days, and the convening of a special session of the Grand Lodge May 11, when the last sad rites of our Order were held over his remains. He served this Grand Lodge as R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden from 1880 to 1881 as R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden from 1882 to 1883, as Deputy Grand Master in 1885, and on account of his advanced years declined to allow his name to be used for the office of Grand Master. At the request of the Grand Master, R.·. W.·. Past Deputy Grand Master J. L'H. Long, prepared a sketch of the private and Masonic character and life of Brother Godfrey, which is found in the proceedings (pages 430 to 432), and was printed separately and distributed.

The terms of Bro. John M. Stull and M.·. W.·. Bro. L. Burdick as trustees of the Masonic Home having expired, the Grand Master re-appointed them for a term of three years, saying: "These Brothers had labored so earnestly for the success of the Home, and have been so prominently connected with it from the inception of the enterprise, that I felt assured their re-appointment would meet the hearty approval of all interested."

On December 1, 1894, R.·. W.·. Bro. Ralph B. Rickly was appointed Grand Treasurer to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Bro. Charles Brown. He furnished bond in the amount of $20,000 without expense to the Grand Lodge, and on January 1, A. D. 1895, when the funds of the Grand Lodge were transferred, immediately secured interest-bearing certificates, and the accrued interest earned is $240.00, which the Grand Master recommends be donated to the Masonic Home. Bro. R. R. Rickly was installed as Grand Treasurer in Goodale Lodge by proxy, D. N. Kinsman, December 10, A. D. 1894.

Dispensations for new Lodges were granted as follows:
March 18, 1895, New Burlington, at New Burlington, Greene County
March 24, 1895, Carthage, at Carthage, Hamilton County
May 6, 1895, Gibsonburg, at Gibsonburg, Sandusky County
July 4, 1895, Norwood, at Norwood, Hamilton County

CHARTERS ARRESTED

On March 25, 1895, arrested the charter and took charge of the books, jewels and effects of Central Lodge No.279, located at Calais, Monroe Co., the Lodge having failed to hold any meetings for several years and its membership being below the constitutional number. The charter and effects were deposited with the Grand Secretary.

On August 21, 1895, the charter of Kennonsburg Lodge No.480, was arrested for the same cause and its effects sent to the Grand Secretary.

CORNER STONE

On May 11, 1895, with the assistance of Ohio City Lodge No. 486 and a number of adjoining Lodges from Ohio and West Virginia, in the presence of a large concourse of people, the Grand Master the corner stone of the new Central School building at Martins Ferry, Belmont County.

The col stone bears the following inscription:

"Ohio City Lodge No.486, F. & A. M.
May 11, A. L. 5895, A. D. 1895.
C. F. Clapp, Grand Master."

Issued special proxies for the constitution of new Lodges chartered at the last session and installation of their officers to the following Brothers:

November 27, 1894, to Bro. F. H. Johns, Wayne No.569, at Waynesfield; December 21, 1894, to Bro. E. H. Johns, Continental No.570, at Continental; January 30, 1895, to Bro. Allen Andrews, The Widow's Son No.571, at Paulding; all of which were promptly executed.

On November 16, 1894, the Grand Master dedicated the Lodge room of Western Reserve Lodge No.507 at West Farmington. This was a gala day West Farmington, all the shops and factories be closed, and the day devoted to Masonry.

Special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to dedicate Masonic Halls and Lodge room
October 31, 1894, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrew to dedicate the Masonic Hall at Springfield, occupying one floor of the Bushnell block; June 24, 1895, to R.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, the new Hall of Conrad Lodge No.271 at Alliance; August 23, 1895, to W. Bro. A. W. Harris, new Lodge room of Fairview Lodge No.446, at Hendrysburg, Belmont County.

Reports that each Lodge has been officially visited during the past year, and a written report of its condition filed with the Grand Master, these reports being on blanks specially prepared for that purpose, and highly commends the District Lecturers for their promptness and zeal in the discharge of their duties.

Reports a large number of visitations of Subordinate Lodges for the purpose of inspecting the work, installation of officers, Masonic reunions, and other "Masonic social events, at all of which he found harmony and zeal prevailing, and was received with the honors and welcome due the Grand Master of this Grand Jurisdiction. One of these visits was to a joint meeting held by American Union Lodge No.1 and Harmar Lodge No.390, at Marietta, July 3, 1893, and he speaks in the highest terms of the cordial fraternal reception and welcome accorded him at this city where the fires were first lighted on the Masonic Altar in the great Northwestern Territory and says:

"American Union Lodge No.1 has in its possession very many old and valuable books and records that I believe this Grand Lodge should have copied and the copies placed in the hands of some competent historian, in order that the material now lying unused might be properly arranged for future reference," a valuable and timely suggestion, but unfortunately, like many others on the same subject, was passed by unheeded and the golden opportunity to save for the good of the Order many valuable facts and records that would be of inestimable value to the craft, now and in the future, has been lost.

Reports nineteen decisions rendered on subjects of general interest; which were referred to the Jurisprudence Committee, by them approved and recommended to be published and digested in the new Code now being printed, which was adopted.

Reports the Code Revision completed, highly commends the committee, recommends that the Monitor, Forms and Ceremonies, Burial Service and a complete index be added, and says: "The entire work when completed will certainly be the most accurate and perfect Code ever published, and will be of untold value fo the craft. It should be taken up and read in full before every Lodge in the state."

He delegated to Bro. W. B. Melish, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, the duty of procuring and presenting the Past Grand Master's jewel voted at the last session to M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Allen Andrews, which duty was promptly performed.

Reports the kindest fraternal relations with all sister and foreign Grand Lodges with whom we have held intercourse, and recognized as legitimate, and that the Grand Master of Tennessee had written him asking if he knew any reason why the former fraternal relations existing between Ohio and Tennessee should not be restored, to which he replied he would cheerfully endorse any request made to that end, which resulted in an amicable understanding. This was ratified by the Grand Lodge, and the old fraternal relations restored.

Four Lodges lost their rooms and property by fire during the past year, viz.: Felicity No.102, located at Felicity, Clermont County; Mount Olive No.148, located at Chester Hill, Morgan County; Bartlett No.293, located at Bartlett, Washington County; and Blanchester No.191, located at Blanchester, Clinton County.

Highly commends the report of the Foreign Correspondence Committee, which receives the highest compliments from all other jurisdictions, and regrets that every Master Mason in Ohio does not have the opportunity to read the reports prepared by Past Grand Master W. M. Cunningham, who has for forty consecutive years been in attendance at the Annual Communications of this Grand Lodge.

Congratulates the Grand Lodge on the practical completion of the main building at the Masonic Home, and that the Home is to be dedicated by the Grand Lodge today---"the finest structure that has ever been erected in any Grand Jurisdiction by the craft for a similar purpose."

He adds: "It is being urged by some that when the Home is completed it should be turned over to the Blue Lodges to control and provide for. I hope that you will never consent to nor accept of such a trust. The present plan of control has worked most admirably, having every legitimate and recognized Masonic body of the state equal co-workers in this great cause of brotherly love. * * *

"The entire system from the Entered Apprentice to that of the Thirty-Third and last Degree, should he contributors to this great and noble enterprise."

Calls attention to the Order of the Eastern Star and the fact that he has granted his consent for Lodge rooms to be occupied by Chapters of that order when ever the terms of the resolution of 1893 were complied with, the conditions of said resolution, however making it almost prohibitory. He quotes from letters received from the Worthy Grand Matron of the Order in which she expresses the highest regard for and appreciation of the favors extended by the Grand Lodge and on behalf of the Grand Chapter and its fifty-three Chapters with over three thousand member tenders their assistance in building and furnishing the Masonic Home to the full extent of their ability, and the Grand Master recommends that this spirit of charity and benevolence should be met by a modification of the present rule and all that should be required is a majority vote of the Lodge and the consent of the Grand Master.

Recommends that the rules be amended so as require an examination as to the proficiency of the candidate in the M. M. Degree; that the annual dues be increased, and that the District Lecturer's expenses be paid by the Grand Lodge, stating that the entire expenses of all the District Lecturers making an inspection of every Lodge in the state during the past year amounted to the sum of $1,323.38, or an average of $2.65 to each Lodge.

The Committee on Code Revision made its report attaching a copy of the revision, and its recommendation as to Decisions, By-Laws, Monitor, Forms, Ceremonials, Burial Service, Index, etc., which was referred to a Joint Committee composed of the Committees of Jurisprudence, Grievance, Charters and Dispensations sitting jointly, which Joint Committee reported recommending the Code as prepared by the committee including the By-Laws, Rules, Resolutions, etc., be adopted as the laws and regulations of this Grand Lodge, and the Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, and that said committee prepare a suitable index to the whole and have three thousand copies printed and bound and placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary for distribution; which was unanimously adopted.

M.·. W.·. Bro. R. C. Lemmon offered the following resolution:

"Resolved, That to expedite the publication of the completed Code, now in course of preparation, Leander Burdick be added to the Code Committee;" which was adopted.

The Grand Secretary was directed to distribute the Codes as follows: To each Lodge two copies, to remain the property of the Lodge and not to be taken from the Lodge room; one copy to each Grand Officer, Past Grand Master, Past Deputy Grand Master, District Lecturer, and to each Grand Lodge with which this Grand Lodge is in fraternal relations.

Brother Harvey Vinal, a resident of Springfield, eighty-eight years of age, and the oldest living Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, being present, was invited to a seat in the East, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, M. E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, took the opportunity to present Brother Vinal an elegant Past Grand High Priest's jewel, which had been ordered to be prepared and given to him by the Grand Chapter of Ohio. The venerable Brother made suitable response in eloquent and touching terms.

The reports of E. Townley, Assistant Grand Treasurer, who served until the appointment of Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, and of Grand Treasurer Ralph R. Rickly were submitted and referred to the Committee Accounts, audited and found correct, the account of Bro. Ralph R. Rickly showing a balance in his hands October 15, 1895, of $26,186.32 and $240.00 accrued interest credited to the Grand Lodge, making a total of $26,426.32.

The Grand Secretary submitted his report containing valuable statistics of the membership gains and losses, and general information for the craft, including the following table of cash balances in the hands of the Grand Treasurer for the past seven years, as follows:

Year . . . . . Bal. on Hand . . . . . Net Gain . . . . . Net Loss
1889 . . . . . $17,212.96 . . . . . . . $1,652.84
1890 . . . . . . 18,250.59 . . . . . . . . . 037.63
1891 . . . . . . 21,679.29 . . . . . . . .3,428.70
1892 . . . . . . 22,760.35 . . . . . . . .1,081.06
1893 . . . . . . 26,758.80 . . . . . . . .3,998.45
1894 . . . . . . 24,874.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,884.66
1895 . . . . . . 26,186.32 . . . . . . . .1,281.10

Brother John M. Stull, President of the Ohio Masonic Home, presented to the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge a gavel made of wood cut from an olive tree which grew in Jerusalem, and which he had been commissioned, by the Master of the Lodge of Masons meeting in Jerusalem, to convey, with expressions of fraternal greeting to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The M.·. W.·. Grand Master accepted the gavel with appropriate response, and used it for the remainder of the session.

M.·. W.·. Bro. James W. Staton, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, being present, was formally introduced, welcomed and invited to a seat in the Fast, and responded in an appropriate address,
Charters were granted to the following Lodges

Yondota, No.572, at Toledo, Lucas County
Carthage, No.573, at Carthage, Hamilton County
New Burlington, No.574, at New Burlington, Greene County
Gibsonburg, No.575, at Gibsonburg, Sandusky County
Norwood, No.576, at Norwood, Hamilton County

Both the Grand Master and the Committee on Charters and Dispensations heartily commend the work done by Yondota Lodge No.572, now numbering one hundred and four members, having during the ten months of its existence U. D. initiated fifty-nine and conferred the M. M. degree on fifty-five candidates, conferred in all one hundred and sixty-nine degrees, receiving therefor in fees, $2,535.00.

Duplicate charters were issued to J. B. Covert Lodge No.437, at Withamsville; Blanchester Lodge No.191, at Blanchester, and Monitor Lodge No.445 at Delhi, in lien of the original charters destroyed by fire.

The action of the Grand Master in arresting charters of Central Lodge No.279, at Calais, a Kennonsburg Lodge No.480, and his action in matter of restoration of fraternal relations with Grand Lodge of Tennessee were approved.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence report and recommended the adoption of the following resolutions:

"Resolved, That the Worshipful Master of each and every Lodge shall require every newly obligated Master Mason to acquire the Examination Lecture of the Master's Degree, and certify that this has be done on the annual returns of his Lodge;" * * * which was unanimously adopted.

"Resolved, That so much of the Grand Master's address as refers to the Order of the Eastern Star be approved, and that Rule 79 of the Code be amended by striking out from the last paragraph of said rule in line five the word 'unanimous,' and in line six, the word 'all.' The paragraph will then read as follows;

"Provided, however, that any organization know and designated as a Chapter of the Eastern Star, when composed entirely of Masons under obedience to the Grand Lodge, and of the wives, daughters and families of such Masons, may, with the consent of the Grand Master, and the consent of the Masonic bodies jointly occupying such Masonic Halls, be permitted to use such Masonic Halls for festival and ceremonial purposes;" which resolution was unanimously adopted.

The Committee on Necrology reported proper testimonials to our departed Brothers and recommended that the testimonials prepared by M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. L'H. Long, on the lives and characters of our lamented Brothers Charles Brown and Charles M. Godfrey be printed in the proceedings; which was adopted.

The committee on the petition of H. C. Tipton for reinstatement to good standing in the Order reported in favor of such restoration and the same was adopted. The Grievance Committee reported in favor of reinstating Isadore Jacobs to good standing, which was adopted.

When the ballots were cast for Grand Master it appeared that M.·. W.·. Carroll F. Clapp had received almost the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge, but he stated that while the expression in his favor was most gratifying and very highly appreciated by him, he had long been of the opinion that in a Grand Jurisdiction like Ohio a Grand Master should retire at the end of one term, and therefore he respectfully declined a re-election and requested the Grand Lodge to
prepare their ballots for some other person to serve them as Grand Master.

The second ballot resulted in the selection of Bro. William B. Melish as M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and the following Brothers were elected to fill the other elective stations:

Brother Barton Smith of Toledo, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Nelson Williams, Hamilton R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. F. C. Gulliford of Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Br B. B. Bickly, of Columbus, B. .W. Grand Treasurer; Bro. J. H. Bromwell, of Cincinnati, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary.

Cincinnati was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 21, A. D. 1896, as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It was ordered that hereafter the expenses of the District Lecturers be paid by the Grand Lodge upon the approval of the Grand Master.

The committee appointed to procure designs and prices for District Lecturer's jewels submitted a design, and were authorized to purchase twenty-five at a cost not to exceed $15.00 each, and place them the hands of the Grand Master for distribution.

The following resolution offered by Bro. E. L. Lybarger was adopted:

"Resolved, That the Grand Master be, and he is hereby, instructed to purchase a Past Grand Master's jewel for each of the Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Ohio who have not received the same at a cost not to exceed $100.00 each."

Brother Emil Baurittel, W. M., of Cincinnati Lodge No.133, arose in his place and stated that this day was the fiftieth anniversary of the constitution of his Lodge under its charter, and that, for the purpose of properly celebrating this auspicious event, and to advance the great Masonic charity which the Grand Lodge had dedicated on the day previous, he was instructed by Cincinnati Lodge No.133 to announce a donation of $1,000 to the Ohio Masonic Home, of which not to exceed $250.00 was to be used in properly furnishing a suitable room, to be selected by the representatives of said Lodge.

This generous gift met with hearty applause on the part of the members of the Grand Lodge.

Brother Edward F. Townley, to whom $50.00 had been voted for his services as Assistant Grand Treasurer, announced that he donated the amount so appropriated to the Ohio Masonic Home, which was received with renewed applause.

The Committee on Charity reported in favor of the Grand Lodge donating the sum of $10,000 to the Ohio Masonic Home, which report and recommendation were adopted.

A resolution instructing the Grand Secretary to furnish the library at the Masonic Home a complete set of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, and as many of the proceedings of other Grand Jurisdictions IS he can procure was adopted.

The amendment to By-Law 16 of this Grand Lodge, offered at last session and laid over to this, was taken up and adopted as follows:

"Every Subordinate Lodge shall pay annually to the Grand Lodge, at the stated meetings thereof, the following Grand Dues, to wit: For each initiation, the sum of two dollars; and for each member, the gum of fifty cents, fifteen cents of which shall each year be set apart and appropriately by the Grand Lodge to the use of the Ohio Masonic Home."

The general report of the Foreign Correspondence Committee, covering 304 pages and reviewing the proceedings of sixty-two English speaking, and ten non-English speaking Grand Lodges is printed in the proceedings (pages 125 to 429) and contains a large number of valuable statistical tables and general information as to Masonry throughout the world that can not be found in any other publication.

All the Grand Officers present were installed, and those absent were ordered installed by their respective Lodges.

DEDICATION OF THE MASONIC HOME

On the afternoon of the first day of the session Wednesday, October 23, A. D. 1895, the Grand Lodge, assisted by the Officers of all the Grand Bodies of Masonry in Ohio, many distinguished Masons from other states, thousands of Masons and citizens, dedicated the Masonic Home to the uses of pure Masonic charity, the ritual and exercises having been prepare by the M.·. W.·. Grand Master; and the following condensed account of the proceedings, and the inception and carrying out the project, is here inserted for the information of the craft:

The afternoon of October 23, 1895, was an almost perfect autumn day in the city of Springfield, O. The air in the early morning was crisp and fresh but warmed up in the bright sunshine of midday, until earth and sky took on all the loveliness of a day in Indian summer.

From early morning the trains centering in the city of Springfield had been bringing in Commanderies and Lodges, with their showy uniforms and white aprons and their gayly-decorated bands, while hundreds of ladies, who had accompanied the visitors, lent the charm of their presence to beautify and enliven the thronged streets of the busy little city. The citizens, too, and their neighbors from the surrounding country, made this a memorable holiday, and filled the public places of the city with an ever-increasing crowd. The workshops were closed, the houses were gayly decorated, and Springfield put on its gala clothes for the most important celebration it had ever held.

At 1 o'clock in the afternoon the procession was former, and moved at 1:15 from the Public Square in Springfield in the following order:

S. J. LAFFERTY, Grand Marshal
CAPTAIN AM. WINGER, Chief of Staff
W. F. JOSEPH, N. BATES, STEPHEN P. SANDS, and T. F. LOTT, Aides.

Then followed detachments of the various Cornmanderies and their bands, acting as escort to the Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodges.

Following these came open carriages containing the Grand Officers of the Grand Council, Royal and Slelect Masters, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Masonic Home Trustees.

These, in their turn, were succeeded by a long procession of Master Masons, and finally by the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge in carriages. The members of the Blue Lodge were under the direction of R.·. W.·. Bro. F. C. Gulliford, Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge, while Comp. S. B. Markland acted in the same capacity for the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

After moving upon several of the principal streets in the city of Springfield, the procession marched, by way of the old National Road, to the Home Grounds, and was massed as a solid body in front of the Grand Stand, which had been erected at the entrance to the Masonic Home building.

Upon the immense porch, which was to serve as a stage, assembled the principal officers of each of the Grand Bodies, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Home, and a large number of ladies who had accompanied them, while the roof of the porch, and the stands which had been erected at either end, contained not less than a thousand spectators.

At 3 o'clock the exercises were opened with the Overture "Frisch, Frei, Stark, Treu," from Keisler, rendered by the Warren Commandery Band. This was followed by the report of the Secretary of the Home, Bro. J. H. Bromwell, to the Trustees, as follows:

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OHIO MASONIC HOME

To the Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home:

BRETHREN--I submit the following as a brief report on the inception, progress, and completion of the structure which we today dedicate to the relief of distressed Masons, their widows and orphans.

PRELIMINARY

At the session of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, held at Springfield, October 3, 1888, the M. E. Grand High Priest, Comp. W. B. Hulman, called attention to the fact that there existed no provisions for the care, maintenance, and comfort of worthy, infirm, and aged Master Masons, or for the care and protection of Masonic widows and orphans under the direction and control of the Grand Bodies of Ohio. He recommended the purchase of from fifty to one hundred acres and the construction thereon of a Masonic Home, and suggested that for the proper consideration and presentation of the matter to the various Grand Bodies, committees of three from each should be appointed to confer together and recommend suitable action to the Grand Bodies which they represented.

This portion of the Grand High Priest's address was referred to a Committee on Charity, consisting of Companions J. H. Bromwell, J. W. Underhill, and C. C. Park, who recommended the appointment of committees as suggested by the Grand High Priest Hillman, and their recommendation was duly adopted by the Grand Chapter; and the successor of Comp. Hillman, M. E. Grand High Priest J. W. Iredell, Jr., appointed as the committee to represent the Grand Chapter, Comps. W. B. Hillman, W. W. Savage, and J. H. Bromwell.

At the session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held October 24, 1888, a similar action was taken, and the then Grand Master Leander Burdick appointed as the committee from the Grand Lodge, Bros. J. W. Iredell, Jr., Henry Perkins, and C. C. Kiefer.

Similar action was also taken by the Grand Commandery Knights Templars of Ohio, at its Annual Conclave held August 14, 1889, and Sir Samuel F. Forbes, Sir G. B. Harman, and Sir Edwin Morrell were appointed as a committee.

At the session of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters, held September 10, 1889, Illustrious Comps. Levi C. Goodale, John W. Chamberlin, and Timothy S. Matthews were appointed to represent that body.

This joint committee from the various Grand Bodies met in the office of the Grand Secretary, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1889, and prepared a lengthy report, outlining briefly what other Grand Jurisdictions had done in the way of Masonic Homes, making suggestions as to the manner of raising funds, discussing the desirability of the different kinds of Homes, making some suggestions as to location and probable cost; and this report was submitted to the various Grand Bodies, and was adopted by them at their next succeeding Annual Session. The same joint committee were, by the various Grand Bodies, including the Council of Deliberation of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, authorized to procure articles of incorporation for the Ohio Masonic Home, which they accordingly did on the 25th day of February, 1890, and adopted a Constitution which provided, among other things, for the appointment of six Trustees from the Grand Lodge, three each from the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery, one from the Grand Council, and two from the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

The first Board of Trustees appointed under this Constitution consisted of the following members:

From the Grand Lodge - Bros. Charles C. Kiefer, J. H. Bromwell, J. W. Iredell, John Stull, Charles A. Woodward, and Geo. D. McBride.
From the Grand Chapter - Comps. W. B. Hillman, Leander Burdick, and Levi C. Goodale.
From the Grand Council - Comp. J. W. Chamberlin.
From the Grand Commandery - Sirs G. B. Harman, S. F. Forbes, and Edwin Morrell.
From the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite - Illustrious Bros. W. B. Melish and W. J. Akers.

These Trustees organized by electing the following officers: President, J. W. Iredell, Jr.; First Vice-President, W. J. Akers; Second Vice-President, Leander Burdick; Third Vice-President, Edwin Momrell; Secretary, J. H. Bromwell; Treasurer, J. W. Chamberlin.

The first subscriptions were made by members of the Board of Trustees, as follows: Leander Burdick, $500; G. B. Harman, $100; L. C. Goodale, $100; J. W. Iredell, Jr., $100; John M. Stull, $100; W. B. Melish, $100.

PROPOSITIONS FOR LOCATION

Propositions were received from various localities for the location of the Home, which finally narrowed down to the consideration of four points; viz., Tiffin, Columbus, Springfield, and Newark. The location offered by Springfield, consisting of something over one hundred and fifty acres, was finally selected, and the building which we dedicate today was placed in process of construction by the selection of Bro. John Eisenman as architect.

FINANCIAL

The total amount of subscriptions received up to the present time from various sources, and the total expenditures, are as follows:

Receipts from Lodges . . . . . .$38,537.63
" " Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,546.75
" " Councils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,972.21
" " Commanderies . . . . . . . . . 9,814.99
" " A. and A. Rite Bodies . . . . . 630.00
" " Individuals . . . . . . . . . . .40,003.04
" " Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . .4,597.33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,101.95

EXPENDITURES

Printing, books, stationery . . . $671.19
Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711.45
Expenses of Trustees . . . . . . . 2,300.20
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . 102,452.94
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .764.55
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,393.53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,293.86
Leaving cash on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,808.09
The total contracts amount to . . . . . . . . 106,009.40
On which have been paid . . . . . . . . . . . . .91,639.54
Balance due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,369.86

Leaving a balance, after paying all bills and amounts due on contracts, of $438.23.

The total amount of subscriptions unpaid . . . .$10,622.52
Due at dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,164.76
Unpaid, but not yet due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,457.76
Amount subscribed and donated for rooms . . .$3,352.50
" paid for furnishing rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,947.50
Balance unpaid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,405.00

The names of the officers and members of the Board of Trustees at the present time are as follows:

OFFICERS

Brother John M. Stull, President; Bro. J. W. Iredell, Jr., First Vice-President; Bro. William J. Akers, Second Vice-President; Bro. J. W. Chamberlin, Treasurer; Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Secretary. Other members: Bros. Charles C. Kiefer, Edward Harford, Asa S. Bushnell, Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, B. D. Babcock, Edwin Morrell, William B. Melish, George D. McBride, M. J. Mack.

Fraternally submitted
J. H. BROMWELL,
Secretary Ohio Masonic Home

Then followed an address to the M.·. W.·. Grand Master by Bro. John M. Stull, President of the Board, requesting him to consecrate and dedicate the Home to the uses and purposes for which it was intended, the address of Brother Stull being as follows:

ADDRESS OF JOHN M. STULL, PRESIDENT OF THE HOME

To the Masons and Masonic Bodies here present:

BROTHERS – It is fitting that we meet here today in the city of Springfield to commemorate the completion of this beautiful structure, having its origin in one of the noblest sentiments that can inspire human action-love for our fellows-and now about to be dedicated to one of the holiest purposes-human charity-and, in so doing, to give a very brief account of the origin, progress, and completion of the work.

In the year A. D. 1888, the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was held in this city. Comp. William B. Hillman, who was then Most Excellent Grand High Priest, in his address to the Companions there assembled, introduced the subject of conferring with the other Grand Bodies of Masonry in relation to the establishment of a Masonic Home in the State of Ohio; and after referring to the benevolent and charitable institutions of the state – the good they were doing – and speaking of the Masonic Homes in other states, closed by saying, "Are their obligations and necessities greater than ours ?" and added: "I would therefore respectfully suggest to this Grand Chapter that they appoint a committee of three to confer with a like committee to be hereafter appointed by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Commandery (should these bodies concur), to agree upon the amount to be collected, and arrange other details to accomplish this most noble charity." At the same session the Committee on Charities reported that it most heartily indorsed the language of the Grand High Priest, and was in full accord and sympathy with him upon the subject of establishing a Masonic Home in the state of Ohio for the relief of worthy aged and infirm Masons and their families.

It is remarkable that, in 1889, just six years ago today, the Grand Lodge passed its resolution indorsing this great movement. From that time, moved by the inspiration of Divine Providence and love of mankind, the work began to assume shape. All the other Grand Bodies became interested, fell into line, and joined the noble enterprise. Immediate action was taken to become incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio, and to be known as "The Ohio Masonic Home." The incorporation was perfected; Constitution and By-Laws formulated and adopted; trustees appointed and qualified, and executive officers chosen.

Money was needed and subscriptions called for, one Brother after another, and Masonic body after Masonic body, came royally to its support; and so the work of raising money has gone on until the grand sum of $125,101.95 has been raised and paid into the treasury of the Home. While all the contributions have been generous, I wish to make especial mention of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for its large and magnificent donations, aggregating the total sum of $29,546.75. The several Grand Bodies enlisted in the building of the Home are: The Grand Lodge, the Grand Council, the Grand Chapter, the Grand Commandery, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Each of these bodies is represented by Trustees selected from their number-fifteen in all.

The next duty of the Trustees was to select a site upon which to erect a suitable building. Different cities were visited in search of a desirable place. After impartially considering the various locations, their surroundings and advantages, the Trustees decided to take the one where we now are. The site – including 153 acres of land, and a contribution of $11,000 in money – was the grand offering of the city of Springfield.

This magnificent Home is before you for inspection. It is beautifully located. It has all the mode conveniences, and when entirely completed will rank among the grand and imposing structures of the state. The Masons of Ohio may justly be proud of it. The architect has spared no pains or expense to give us a model structure; and under the tasteful and painstaking direction of the Building Committee, the work has progressed without friction, moving along under skilled workmen from its foundation to its dome.

There are one hundred rooms, ninety-three of which are living rooms, all finished save Memorial Hall. Much work is needed to be done outside to make the surroundings attractive and homelike. But if we shall be favored with the continued donations and help of our Masonic Brothers of Ohio, we expect by April 1, 1896, to have every room furnished, and the Home and its surroundings in perfect order, ready to receive its inmates and begin its noble work of caring for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Several Lodges have already advised the Trustees of their desire to furnish rooms. Two or three Chapters of the Eastern Star are taking steps to the same end, and many more will doubtless do so. Let the good work go on. Let every Lodge and every other Masonic Body in the state of Ohio, including the Eastern Star, furnish one room, or assist in doing so, and give notice to the Assistant Secretary, Bro. John W. Parsons, before leaving Springfield, of its intention so to do. And for all this work our Father, God, will reward you; and, in His name and in love for our own, I make this appeal, knowing,

"If thy burden is hard and heavy,
If thy steps drag wearily,
Help to bear thy Brother's burden;
God will bear both it and thee."

And now, as we turn over the results of our labors to the Grand Master of the State, to be Masonically dedicated to the holy purpose for which it is intended, and remembering that there still "abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity," in the name of that heavenly virtue, we invoke upon this Home the beneficent blessing of the Supreme Master and Architect of the Universe, that it may be perpetual, an honor to the craft, and a refuge and safe Home for worthy and distressed Masons and their families.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Ohio! this Temple, which commands our attention today, was built with the generous offerings of Masons, Lodges, Councils, Chapters, Commanderies, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies throughout the state of Ohio. Its inception had its origin in love for the indigent of the craft, their widows and orphans. The Home is nearly completed, and will soon be ready for the uses for which it was designed.

And now, Most Worshipful Grand Master! at the special request of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home, I have the honor to ask you in their behalf, and in the behalf of the forty thousand Masons in Ohio, and the respective Grand Bodies of our noble Order, to dedicate and consecrate this Temple to the uses for which it was designed; namely, to the care of indigent Master Masons, their families, and the widows and orphans of deceased worthy Brothers throughout the state of Ohio. And we trust that, as the years roll on, Heaven will still, as in the past, uphold and guide the work, until the Order, wearing "crowns of glory, and with palms of victory," will enter the Home where the "weary shall ever find rest" and Fraternity live on forever.

The Grand Architect, Bro. J. W. Iredell, of Cincinnati, who, as the first President of the Home, a afterwards as the Chairman of its Building Committee, has been most prominently identified with every detail of the work, then delivered to the Grand Master the implements of his office, which had been intrusted to him at the laying of the corner stone, informing the M.·. W.·. Grand Master that the duty then assigned to him had been performed, and the building stood completed; the following being his language:

To the M.·. W.·. Grand Master:

Having been intrusted with the responsible duty of supervising the constructing of this edifice, and the management of the workmen employed in its erection, and having, according to the best of my ability discharged the duties with which I was intrusted, I now surrender the implements committed to my care when the foundation of this building was laid. I trust that my exertions and the labors of the craft may meet with your approbation, and the approval of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master, in response to the address of the President, and of the Grand Architect said:

MR. PRESIDENT – In obedience to your request as President of the Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home I have caused the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Ohio to here assemble. This I have done, that we may dedicate and consecrate, according to ancient forms and ceremonies, this magnificent building and these spacious grounds to the purposes and uses intended – a Home for indigent Masons, their wives, children, widows, and orphans.

To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the sorrowing, and bind up the wounds of the afflicted, are among the principles inculcated and enjoined upon us as Free Masons. In building this Home you have demonstrated the Mason's unfaltering belief in the principles of Brotherly Love, relief and Truth.

The foundations of this Home have been laid broad and deep in the hearts of the members of our great Brotherhood. You have erected here a structure which is the pride of the craft of this city and of our great Commonwealth. The Masons of Ohio will, on account of their common interest in this great undertaking, be more closely cemented together than ever before; for this great work of charity has become with them a labor of love.

The same generous impulses that prompted them to build this Home, will, I trust, in the future see that it is properly provided for and maintained. The call of want, the wail of sorrow, and the cry of the orphan will not go unheeded.

Some states have erected great and costly Masonic Temples; but they do not dry the tears of our Brothers' widows and orphans; they do not furnish a home for the friendless.

You are not asking me to dedicate an asylum or an almshouse, but a Home; and may it ever furnish to those for whom it is intended all the sacred associations that the name implies!

In this Home grief will be alleviated, the unfortunate comforted, the helpless strengthened, young lives saved from crime and shame, and fitted for usefulness.

This Home will be the crowning glory of Masonry in Ohio. May we therefore annually celebrate the day that gave it birth and dedication!

And now, Mr. President, in the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, and in the name of the forty thousand true and valiant Masons of the Grand Jurisdiction, without regard to rank or grade, I receive this Home from you for the purposes you have indicated, and we will now proceed, according to our ancient forms and ceremonies, to dedicate and consecrate it to the benevolent uses for which it was ordained. May the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe, the Mason's God, cause his blessing to rest upon it, and spread the work of charity and benevolence!

The Grand Marshal then proclaimed silence in the following words:

"In the name of the Grand Master of Masons the state of Ohio, I command all persons here assembled to preserve silence, and to observe due order and decorum during the ceremonies."

The Grand Chaplain then invoked Divine blessing after which the Sanctus from Gounod was rendered by the Temple Quartet, of Cleveland. The flowing responsive selections were then read by the Grand Chaplain and the Brethren:

Grand Chaplain: Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

Brethren: For he is our God, and we are people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

Grand Chaplin: Sing unto the Lord; bless his name; show forth his salvation for day to day.

Brethren: All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord; for great is the glory of the Lord.

Grand Chaplain: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity!

Brethren: It is the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments.

Grand Chaplain: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended the blessing, even life for evermore.

Brethren: Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Grand Chaplain: The lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. Glory be to God on high!

Brethren: As it was in the begaining, is now and ever shall be. Amen. So mote it be.

The exercises then proceeded as follows:

Grand Master: By virtue of the authority vested in me as Grand Master of Masons, and in the name under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Ohio, I do now solemnly and forever consecrate this building to the benevolent uses for which it was ordained.

MUSIC

What beans so Bright?............Kreutzer

TEMPLE QUARTET

PRAYER OF DEDICATION By Grand Chaplain

"Our Heavenly Father, our Sovereign, our lawgiver, and our Judge, we dedicate to Thee with our whole heart, this Home, to be forever devoted to the solace and the comfort of our aged and infirm Brethren, their widows and orphans. By this building we would glorify Thee. Thou dwellest not in temples made with hands; neither art Thou worshiped with men's hands, as though thou needest anything. The silver and the gold are Thine, and we are Thine; but we bless Thee that Thou hast made us Thy unworthy servants, the almoners of Thy bounty. The needy are Thy special care. Thou hast given them in charge to us to feed and clothe and shelter. We would glorify Thee by deeds of true charity, by heartfelt sympathy and by acts of help. Thou art the Father of t fatherless, and Thou art the God of the widow. To the helpless Thou dost put us in Thy stead. Thou dost bid us minister to them in Thy name. We beseech Thee, our true Grand Master, to put it in the hearts of all Masons in our Commonwealth, henceforth and forever, to ratify, by their gifts and by their sympathy, this our solemn dedication of this Home. We beseech Thee in whom alone is all our trust, Thee who aft the ever-living God, to watch over and protect this Home, and to be the Comforter of all who shall be sheltered here in the ages to come. And we beseech Thee, our Heavenly Father, that we, and all who are permitted in Thy name to minister to Thy needy ones, may hear from the lips of our Judge the words: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one, the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me

"We ask all in the name of our Great Exemplar Amen. So mote it be."

Response by Brethren: Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men!

Grand Master: Brother Deputy Grand Master, what is the proper jewel of your office?

Deputy Grand Master: The Square, Most Worshipful.

Grand Master: What does it teach, and for what purpose is it used?

Deputy Grand Master: We are taught to square our actions by the square of virtue, and with it to prove our work.

Grand Master: Having applied the Square to the walls of this building, what is your report?

Deputy Grand Master: Most Worshipful, its walls are square. The craftsmen have faithfully per-formed their work.

Grand Master: Brother Senior Grand Warden, what is the proper badge of your office?

Senior Grand Warden: The Level, Most Worshipful.

Grand Master: What does it teach, and to what use is it applied?

Senior Grand Warden: The Level symbolizes the Masonic equality of all men, and by it we test our work.

Grand Master: Brother Senior Grand Warden, having applied the Level to the various parts of this building, what is your report?

Senior Grand Warden: Most Worshipful, the building is level in all its parts. The workmen have done their duty.

Grand Master: Brother Junior Grand Warden, what is your official jewel?

Junior Grand Warden: The Plumb, Most Worshipful.

Grand Master: What does it teach, and what is its use?

Junior Grand Warden: The Plumb teaches us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, and by it we prove our work.

Grand Master: Having applied the Plumb to the walls of this building, what is your report?
Junior Grand Warden: I find that its walls from foundation to turret are plumb, and that the craft have faithfully discharged their duty.

Grand Masler (striking the wall three times with the gavel) : ~'~ell built, well proven, true and trusty throughout, may this building stand as a perpetu~ memorial of the faithful dis~iarge of our Masonic duty, and ever remind us that Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are the principal tenets of our Ancient Institution.

Music

Dedicatory Hymn – Temple Quartet

The Junior Grand Warden (scattering the corn) says: I scatter this corn as an emblem of nourishment. May kind Heaven protect and nourish the inmates of our Home!

Grand Master: In the name of the Supreme and Eternal God, the Father of all mercies, to whom be all honor and glory, I dedicate this building to Masonry.

Music

Selection Temple Quartet

The Senior Grand Warden (pouring the wine) says: I pour this wine as an emblem of refreshment May the Divine blessing strengthen and refresh this benevolent undertaking!

Grand Master: In the name of the Holy Saints John, I do solemnly dedicate this Home to Virtue, Truth, and Charity.

Music

Selection Temple Quartet

The Deputy Grand Master says: I pour this oil as an emblem of joy. May joy and peace abound among us and crown all our labors!

Grand Master: In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do now solemnly dedicate this building to Universal Benevolence.

Music

Selection Temple Quartet

Invocation by Grand Master: May the Supreme Grand Architect of the universe bless our land with peace and prosperity, and may he enlarge the spirit of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth in the hearts of the Fraternity throughout the whole world!

Response by Brethren: So mote it be.

Public Grand Honors, three times (led by Grand Marshal).

Music

The Lord's Own Day Kreutzer

Temple Quartet

The Address of Dedication was then delivered by Bro. O. P. Sperra, R.·. W.·. and Orator of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in the following language:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Masons of Ohio, Ladies and Gentlemen:

These customs of celebrating with festivities and ceremony a great act performed, an extraordinary work accomplished, are as old as is mankind.

The crude records of savage life and the hieroglyphical archives of barbarous people and the history of more advanced civilization alike demonstrate and attest this fact. They are all in this respect actuated by the same feeling and governed by the same impulses. It is most fitting and eminently proper that all public edifices, and more especially and particularly those designed for advanced and continuing good, for the amelioration of the condition of man, for the promulgation of Honor, Truth, and Justice, should have their dedication and their dedicatory ceremony; and although the ceremony may differ in act and speech, the spirit which prompts and underlies, and the motive which determines it, are alike unchanging and unchangeable.

My Brethren and friends, the history of Masonry in Ohio, (to us the best in the increasing crowd of states), is coextensive with the history of the Common wealth itself. Masonry is as old as is government in fact, Masonry is government, and brings within its charmed circle, from its own power, order out of chaos, union from disruption, light from darkness liberty and freedom out of slavery, structures upon ruins. In its origin, its principles, organization, au likewise in its administration, are to be found obedience to the laws of God and man, loyalty to country compliance with established usages and customs, hope of immortality, charity for all mankind, and love for Brothers and Fellows. Without all of these attributes, there can not be Masonry.

Demonstrating, then, the practicability and truthfulness of these principles, and in conformity with our duty as Masons, we are this day permitted to crown with fitting ceremonial the completion of part, at least, 0, the greatest work of practical Masonry in the history of Ohio. This day is a Masonic heirloom, and this event a rich Masonic legacy. Cherish and preserve it even as the Spartan cherished the olive-branch of the victor. No man – particularly a Mason, and surely no Ohio Mason – an stand in the presence of his Grand Lodge, within the shade of this beautiful building, and not feel his heart grow more tender, and his breast fill and well up with sympathy, when he considers that within this structure will be fostered and perpetuated the beautiful truths of our profession; wherein Brotherly Love will prevail; wherein relief will be furnished; and above all these, wherein the highest typo of Masonic manhood will be taught and inculcated, until the prattle of baby orphans becomes the stronger sense of maturer years.

Stop and realize what your enterprise has accomplished. Let the natural feeling assert itself, and thereby consider the importance and magnitude of the results to be obtained: that here will old men 'be protected; prostrate old age, with usefulness all gone, be cheered and comforted; and you, in your home surrounded with family and comforts, can have that pure and better feeling that you have lived the life of a true Mason, and have aided in smoothing. the life of your fellow-men. But, again, within these rooms will be provided comforts for the widow – your widow, perhaps – who can tell? And thus, as God's beautiful sun shall rise on each succeeding day, and with its warmth kiss the dew of night from grass and flowers, from turret and roof; at the hour when the pure air of morning is filled with the joyous songs of happy birds; from within these walls will come forth the happy prattle of little children, orphan children your children, perhaps – you hope not, but who can tell? – as they again commence the round of the day duty and pleasure.

Masonry has, in erecting this beautiful building and again in its dedication with the presence of so many of the craft from all parts of the state, demonstrated that its teachings are fraught with thought and deeds of love and kindness, and that to be a Mason one must be willing to aid and succor his fellow-men.

And now, my friends and my Brethren, as members of this great Fraternity, as Free and Accepted Masons, and belonging to an Order emerging from the dim uncertainty of the past, as members of this great and honorable institution that was born in the shades of King Solomon's temple, bathed in the inspiration of his wisdom, it has come thundering down the ages loaded with good deeds, and crowned with the gem of universal charity; and as it has, in the light of good and generous deeds, walked hand in hand with the Christian Church, it has aided in teaching the lessons that the Master taught, inculcating Chant; Truth and Justice.

As members, then, of such an Order, and with such a history, we complete this day, and at this time one of its most impressive ceremonials; and this completion of ceremonial work, this pageant, and this great intermingling of Masons, would be but an idle thing indeed did we draw no new lesson from it, or did we not anew become impressed with the many virtues our beloved Fraternity inculcates. When you stop to think, that in the completion of this building you have finished the greatest single act of your history in the state: by dedicating this splendid building to its practical uses, wherein may be fostered those twin agents of civilization and progress – education and charity.

Today this structure has had to pass the inspection of us all. We have examined it to see if it is complete in all its parts; to see if it has been completed plan-like and workmanlike. Satisfied with our, examination, we have retired; and, figuratively at least, we have met in the Hall of Assembly the Grand Master Architect, and grasping him by the right hand, in the joy of our hearts have exclaimed, "Hail, Raboni,!" which is, being interpreted, "Hail Most Excellent Master!"

Masonry builds up character by the lessons taught from the Orders of Architecture. Let us see that these lessons may be exemplified in us. Masonry is what we make it, and we are no better as Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Commanderies, or Consistories than we are as individuals.

We may never witness again a Masonic spectacle so interesting; for the years of human life are few and short, and fast they are speeding away; and the most splendid scenes, and the most August ceremonies that ever call us together on this earth, may serve to convince us more surely that we are to be summoned to a Grand Lodge other than this; and let us hope that the result of the examination there will be, "Well done! thou hast professed little; but in actual good accomplished, in benevolent acts and deeds performed, the balance is on the right side."

The heat and burden of Life's day of labor will soon be over, and we will be called upon to present our work. It will then be tested, and must stand the test of the great Overseer's unerring square. Let us make for ourselves a history that we were ever faithful in the performance of work and duty. Let us here and now make the resolution that we will ever strive to brighten the endless chain of Masonry link by link, as it girdles and encircles civilization, and so pass it on, and hand it down, without blemish and unbroken, till Time and Masonry shall perish together. Let us, in doing this, build a Masonic home in our daily lives.

Let it be built broad and wide; let us build it strong, substantial. Let it be builded on an everlasting and eternal foundation, thorough and solid, magnificent, rearing its walls as we pace one perfect ashler upon another, and placing keystone and cope-stone with deeds of honor and duty; and still more than these, let us adorn it with the pillars and pilasters of Brotherly Love, of Charity and Self-sacrifice and this done, our personal building will be the light, the admiration, and the blessing of mankind, even as this grand structure is now at once the gratification and admiration of the Masons of Ohio.

"In the elder days of Art,
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part,
For the gods see everywhere.

Let us do our part as well,
Both the unseen and the seen;
Make the house where gods may dwell
Beautiful, entire, and clean."

The exercises then concluded as follows:

PROCLAMATION

Grand Master: Brother Grand Marshal, you make proclamation that this building has been consecrated and dedicated in Ample Form in accordance with ancient usage.

Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, I now proclaim that this building has been consecrated and dedicated to the use and purposes for which it was intended, in Ample Form, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Ohio, in accordance with ancient custom. This proclamation is made from the Fast (trumpet sounds), from the West (trumpet sounds), and from the South (trumpet sounds).

DOXOLOGY (Led by Band)

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."

BENEDICTION, Grand Chaplain

And thus was dedicated by the Craft of Ohio, a Masonic ilome for the helpless Brethren and the widows and orphans of deceased Brethren in this Jurisdiction-a monument to the noble tenets of our profession, and an incentive to practice Brotherly Love and Relief.

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; Chas. 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 District 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 District 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 investment 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 Officers:

November 1, 1895, Yondota Lodge No.572; November 8, 1895, Carthage Lodge 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 removed 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 placed in the hands of the printers; but the index was delayed, and finally placed 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 By-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 books 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 cents; 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 Committee 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 them. 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 member of another Lodge he is not entitled to a copy. If he ever joined a so-called Lodge of "Cerneaus," or other clandestine body, either with or without a deposit of his dimit, he has forfeited his Masonic character, and 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 Subordinate 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 Bugbee, who was taken by surprise, and set the audience in a roar by stating he had 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 the 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 right to pass the resolution which it did at Toledo, and in forbidding all affiliation with "Cerneaus." The courts place their decision upon 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," 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 presence 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 concourse of Masons and citizens.

On September 20, 1896, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Carroll 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 Salem with Masonic ceremonies.

The terms of Brothers Jacob H. Bromwell and Chas. C. Kiefer, as Trustees 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 would soon be completed but the general fund would be exhausted, and nothing left for furnishing, the Grand Master addressed a circular letter to the Subordinate Lodges calling their attention to this fact, and to the donations 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 made by the Grand Commandery, will meet the balance due on the building contracts and place the Home entirely out of debt, with the furnishing, improvements of grounds and operating expenses to be met, and the Grand Master urges on the 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 Masters and Wardens of Cincinnati in September last, when Chairman M.·. W.·. Levi C. Goodale and his committee paid to the Home over $1,200 as the profits of one single pleasure excursion on the river.

Calls attention to the deaths of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master 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 Lecturer 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 Cicero 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 Lodge 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 condition of business, and the increase in the Grand Lodge dues, the net increase has 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 the 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, received 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. Harmony 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 Mason 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 Cathedral 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 Milton, 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 with 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 the 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 has 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 adopted 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 upon the question whether a given defect disqualifies the applicant, but this should be left to the Lodge; and recommends the following as the true construction 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;" which was adopted by the Grand Lodge.

On the subject of the occupancy of Masonic halls by Chapters of the Order 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 the Order of the Eastern Star, and supplants all resolutions and decisions heretofore made on the subject. Chapters of this society, when constituted 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 Grand 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.·. Grand 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 Grand 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 Grand 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 Lodge for the use and benefit of the Masonic Home.

A committee of three was appointed to carefully examine the Revised Code, 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 next annual session.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That the R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary be instructed to procure a suitable jewel for presentation to our retiring R.·. W.·. Grand Master, as a token of the appreciation of the Grand Lodge F. and A. M. ( the State 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 printed in the proceedings.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master in his address pays the following compliment to M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. W. Cunningham and his reports:

"It is pleasant to note the kind words said concerning the chairman 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 Ohio as they deserve, but the reading Masons, and learned Masonic critics through-out the world accord him a high position among Masonic scholars and writers."

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. Lemmon, 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, reporting:

The death of Colonel Charles Fowler Baldwin, R.·. W.·. Past 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 Master, 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 Templars, acting as escort.

Also announces the death of our Venerable Grand Tyler, Bro. Jacob Randall, 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 for ceremonial and social purposes when the terms of the law had been strictly 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 grant 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 the 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 them 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 expelled 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, Objections to Candidates, etc., which were approved by the Grand Lodge.

Special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to lay, with Masonic ceremonies, corner stones of Masonic and public buildings:

July 13, 1897, to Bro. E. C. Gulliford, the corner stone of the Alliance 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.·. Bro. 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 attended 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 upon us new burdens."

In compliance with the instructions of the Grand Lodge at its last session the Grand Master issued a circular to the Master of every Lodge in the state 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 urging prompt action, which was followed by another, and reports that in response, up to October 1, A. D. 1897, the amount realized was $5,806.15, contributed 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 the Home can not be depended on, and suggests that some action be taken toward providing a permanent endowment fund sufficient for that purpose.

Commends the generous hospitality of the Masons of Ohio and the cordial, fraternal reception and wecome accorded him everywhere, and says: "The 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 Lodge No.505, at Cleveland.

The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, Nelson Williams, submits 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 Templars; Right Illustrious Grand Chaplain of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Ohio; and Excellent Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, and a member of Ohio Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and having attained the Thirty-third and last Degree of that Rite. He was seventy-five years old. His funeral was conducted by the Grand 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 Past 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 December 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 stone 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 that fraternal warmth and friendship which is characteristic of our Brotherhood.

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.·. Brother Melish in "due and modern form" at the banquet which closed 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 showing a balance on hand October 15, A. D. 1897, $$626,401.88.

The R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary presented his report showing 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 1897, ten years, which shows the total gain during that time 8,885, or an average 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 accepted 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 charter 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 Master; Bros, E. C Gulliford, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand master; E. L. Lybarger, R.·. W.·. Senior

Grand Warden; F. S. Harmon, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden. 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. 1898, as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

The Superintendent and Secretary of the Ohio Masonic Home submitted his report, showing the total expenditures to April 1, 1897, the date of opening the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$167,443.42
Disbursements since-
Betterments - House . . . . . . . . . . $1,596.22
" Barn, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,156.27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 752.49
Maintenance - General . . . . . . . .$1,995.54
House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,065.20
Barn, Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263.90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,324.64
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$176, 520.55

Furnishing Account -
Expended at opening, April 1,
1897 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,115.05
Since . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247.67
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,362.72

Number of inmates now in Home-Men, 29; women, 9; boys, 9; girls, 9; total, 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 from the funds of the Grand Lodge for the Ohio Masonic Home for its maintenance, 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 each 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 the 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 the 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 that 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:
"We have made a comparison of the new Code with the old Code, and find that, although there are discrepancies, the new Code is an improvement over the old. We would therefore make no recommendation;" which report was adopted.

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 Lodge and the bogus so-called Grand Lodge of Ohio, presided over by one Justin Pinney, calling himself Grand Master; denounced all such statements as false, and made appropriate remarks by way of caution and admonition against allowing the members of said bogus Grand Lodge and members holding allegiance 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 Secretary 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 Lodges.

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 this report.

Those desiring information on the subject of Masonic Homes will find reports of fifteen such institutions; on the subject of Clandestinism, ten; Cerneauism, ten; Antiquity of Freemasonry, nine; Anti-Masonic Congress, three; Method of Wearing Apron, two; Cipher Rituals, thirteen; Freemasonry, 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 usual 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 Venerable Bro. Jacob Panda were reported, and a committee appointed to dra a memorial for each.

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 Grand 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 country 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, and 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 terms 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 $1,202.21, 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 Cincinnati 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, all 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 destroyed by fire, and dispensation issued for work until last session, but no charter 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
January 13, 1898, to Oberlin Lodge No.380, at Oberlin
July 23, 1898, to Grand Rapids Lodge No.289, at Grand Rapids

Four other Masonic Halls burned during the year, but their charters were 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.:
December 25, 1897, Enterprise Lodge, to be located at Sycamore, Wyandot County
March 5, 1898, Flat Pock Lodge, to be located at Payne, Paulding County
April 18, 1898, Peebles Lodge, to be located at Peebles, Adams County

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 home, on December 14, A. D. 1899, and an invitation was extended to the Grand Lodge 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 effects of New Vienna Lodge No.160, on account of the dissensions existing in the Lodge, and the charter, books, seal, and jewels were forwarded to the Grand Secretary.

The Grand Master officiated in laying the corner stones of the following Masonic and public buildings in accordance with the Ancient Masonic forms and ceremonies:

On December 3, 1897, at the request of the Thirteenth District Improvement Association of Cincinnati and the Officers and Brethren of Hanselmann Lodge No.208, the corner stone of a new public school building about to be erected by said Association in Cincinnati. He was assisted by M. Past Grand Masters Levi C. Goodale and Wm. B. Melish and the Officers and Brethren of Hanselmann Lodge and many other Brethren of Cincinnati.

On June 2, 1898, on invitation of the First Baptist Society of the city 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. Rickly were present and assisted.

The good people of this church organization generally, not having always been in the deepest sympathy with our Fraternity, the Grand Master was glad of an opportunity to show the minister and members of this society that their liberalized sentiment, as expressed by their invitation, was highly appreciated.

On July 10, 1898, on invitation of the First Universalist Church Society of Cincinnati, through Walnut Hills Lodge No.483, assisted by Past Grand Masters Levi C. Goodale, Wm. B. Melish and Allen Andrews and other Brethren, laid the corner stone of a new Universalist Church building in Walnut Hills, 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 that 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 Officers 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 Masons, and in the presence of a large concourse of citizens, laid the corner stone 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 short address descriptive of the proposed Temple and Worshipful Bro. D. N. Kinsman 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 within ten years of its completion it was demonstrated that it would be necessary 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 Temple and this structure now completed is the largest edifice devoted to exclusive 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, laid 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 stone 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.
May 9, 1898, the new Hall of Wayne Lodge No. 569, at Waynesfield.
May 18, 1898, the new Hall of East Palestine Lodge No.417, at East Palestine. R. E. Robert V. Hampson, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of K. T. of Ohio, was present.
June 22, 1898, the new Hall of Dresden Lodge No.103, at Dresden.
June 24, 1898, the new Lodge rooms of Perry Lodge No.185, at Salem.

Reports a large number of visitations and inspections of the work of various Subordinate Lodges and occasions of celebrations of semi-centennial 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 adopted 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 petitioned 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 making efforts to visit and impose themselves upon the legitimate and regular Lodges of this and other states, and their members, and in order to warn the craft against and protect them from these intruders and imposters, he had issued circular letters containing a list of the names and location of the irregular 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 visitor 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 restored the Holy Bible to their altars. Our Grand Master had prepared a proper edict 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 subject 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 meeting 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 Lodge, 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. Wright 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 allegiance to the latter. His renunciation of the spurious Grand Lodge and its subordinates 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 lengthy 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. Pletcher 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 Masonic Home as follows:

"On an elevation overlooking the enterprising city of Springfield and crowning the most beautiful spot in the neighborhood stands our magnificent 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 October 15, 1898, $24,484.15.

The Grand Secretary presented his report; the net membership, August 31, 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 preparation 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 continue work, they might retain them as historical mementoes after the Grand Master 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.369; 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 their 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
Enterprise No. 579, at Sycamore, Wyandot County
Flat Rock No.580, at Payne, Paulding County
Peebles No.581, at Peebles, Adams 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 referred to the incoming Grand Master for his investigation and action.

The Grand Lodge refunded and donated to Dalton Lodge No.578, the charter 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 charter.

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 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States, M.·. W.·. Bro. Reuben C. Lemmon, was introduced, received with Grand Honors, and welcomed, 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 Masonic work.

M.·.Ex.·. Companion Brenton D. Babcock, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio was introduced, received with 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 Ohio Masonic Home for the year 1898 was fixed at thirty cents instead of fifteen cents, as at present.

The proposed amendment of Section 16 of tho By-Laws, increasing the annual 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.·. Grand Master; Bro. E. L. Lybarger of Spring Mountain R.·. W.·. 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.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. H. Bromwell R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary.

Columbus was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 25, A. D. 1899, 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 favor of authorizing the Grand Master, who shall hold office at that time, or his duly authorized proxy, to attend as the representative of this Grand Lodge; 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 which 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 present 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 letter 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 death 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 Homes, 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 Negro Lodges and their authority to confer Masonic Degrees. This is the first and 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 commenting on this action, says:

"As R.·. W.·. Brother Upton was a member of the committee having the subject of colored Masons under consideration, his labor in behalf of Negro Masonry has evidently been a success.

"There being no Negro Lodges whatever holding charters as such from 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', (African 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 research as to their Origin and history by writers in both Grand Lodges.

"The warrant of the so-called 'Prince Hall' Lodge, which was illegal 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, 1876, 1877."

The fact is shown by a perusal of the reports of Foreign Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Washington for some years past, that its author R.·. W.·. Bro. William H. Upton, has been the avowed advocate 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, and for years the chairman of its Committee on Foreign Correspondence, who, in his review of the proceedings of Washington in his report for 1898, speaking 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 seen. It is undoubtedly true that many of them are the result of his unconscious, gross ignorance of what he writes about; but there are many others for which 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 members 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.

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 Grand Officers in their stations, and the following Past Grand Masters, C. A. Woodward, Wm. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, S. S. Williams, Leander Burdick, L. C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Barton Smith, and Nelson 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 death of Bro. Enoch Terry Carson, who died at Cincinnati, February 23, A. D. 1899, 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 hours 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 McMakin 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 Supreme 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 Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, and the Past R. E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Ohio; an Honorary Thirty-third Degree member of the A. A. S. R., Northern Jurisdiction; ex-Grand Secretary 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 allegiance to these so-called Masonic bodies."

Recommends the purchase of a set of Consecration vessels and a committee 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, and the apparent renunciation of this at its last session, and to the fact that the whole subject is fully treated in the report of the Committee on Foreign 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 honors due the representative of this Grand Lodge.

Issued special proxies to the following Brothers to constitute the Lodges chartered at the last session and install their Officers, all of which were promptly executed:

October 28, 1898, to Bro. S. B. Evans, Dalton Lodge No.578; November 10, 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 following 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, Masonic Temple at New Holland; September 21, 1899, to Bro. T. C. Wilkinson, new Hall 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, 1899, 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.

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 Delaware, 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 material 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 the Grand Lodge.

Issued proxies to the following Brothers to lay corner stones of Masonic 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 stone 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 new Lodges at the following places:

At Collinwood, Cuyahoga County, by 39 Brethren; Toronto, Jefferson County, 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 Lodge No.160, whose charter was arrested by M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams in September, 1898, praying that the charter issued to Dalton Lodge 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 decision ends all the Cernean litigation in favor of the Grand Lodge.

Brother J. F. Wright, a former member of New England Lodge No.4, presented 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 his action in that behalf was approved by the Grand Lodge.

Deputized M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish to present the Past Grand Master's jewel voted to M.·. W.·. Nelson Williams at the last session, which duty was performed, and the eloquent response of Brother 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 want. 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, August 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.

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 per 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 after they bad paid dues a certain number of years, made a lengthy report calling 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 report was adopted.

The Committee on Grievance reported that the matter of disputed boundary 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 should pay Coolville Lodge fifty dollars in full settlement of all demands to date, 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 entitle 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
Toronto No.583, at Toronto, Jefferson 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 Master with the recommendation that he grant the same as soon as satisfied a proper 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 was 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 connection 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 Grand Masonic Bodies at their 1898 sessions were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . $12,377.20
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,689.75
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . .1,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,066.95

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 during 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 Grand 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 Grand 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 the 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, Jones, 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 appointed 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 necessary 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 speaking Grand Lodges.

Under the head of "Washington" is given the so-called reconsideration of the action of the Grand Lodge on the negro question, the comments of a number of distinguished Masons thereon, as well as the telegraphic protests of a number of Grand Masters, and other distinguished Masons against 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. Williams 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 figures "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.

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 active 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 Lima.

Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute the new Lodges 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.256 at Napoleon. January 12, 1900, dedicated the new Lodge room of Coshocton Lodge 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.18, by that earnest, loyal and generous Brother.
June 12, 1900, dedicated the new Masonic Temple of Avon Lodge No.542, at Cincinnati.

Proxies were issued to the following brothers to dedicate the following Masonic buildings, all of whom, except Brother Love, reported the performance of the duties assigned to them:

November 22, 1899, to M.·. W.·. Bro. W. A. Belt, to dedicate the building and rooms of Dunkirk Lodge No.549, at Dunkirk;
November 22, 1899, to Bro. Alvin Love, to dedicate the new Lodge room of Felicity Lodge No.102. No report received from Bro. Love.
November 27, 1899, to M.·. W.·. Bro. N. Williams, to dedicate the new Masonic hall of West Milton Lodge No.577, at West Milton;
May 4, 1900, to Bro. A. E. Merrill, to dedicate the new Hall of Gibson Lodge No.301, at Wakeman;
July 14, 1900, to Bro. Harry Sims, to dedicate the new Hall of Carthage Lodge No.573, at Carthage.

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 performed at the dates named.

Reports that the Grand Master, together with the committee appointed for 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 Washington, 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 expended, 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 banquet 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 rightful 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 Ohio, and in September, 1907, was finally decided by the Supreme Court in favor of the regular Lodge, and the clandestine Lodge, in September, 1907, surrendered 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 108-133; 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 business 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 receipts 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 additional 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, together 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 Star, 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 Masonic bodies and individual Masons made liberal donations, all of which were thankfully received and appreciated.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.:
Corning Lodge No.584, at Corning, Perry County
Garrett Wykoff Lodge No.585, Lima

The original charter of Scioto Lodge No.6 having become faded and somewhat 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.

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; Somerton 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 the 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 fund; 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 charge 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 Councils, Consistories, and Councils of Deliberation, Constitutions of nearly every jurisdiction in the world, commencing with Anderson's original of 1723, and the Dublin Constitution of 1730, etc., of which about eleven hundred volumes 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, and $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 accounts 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 say, "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, comprehension 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 close 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 such signal success the duties of his station as Grand Master," and M.·. W.·. L. C. Goodale was appointed chairman of the committee to secure and present the same.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report which was 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 Lodge 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, condemning 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 report 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 members, who are fraternally requested to carefully read and study this question in all its bearings and they will then understand and appreciate its importance 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 Subordinate 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 its subordinates. It is a matter of history that many, if not all the advocates of the recognition of the so-called African Grand and Subordinate Lodges, in a few years afterwards, when Cerneanism and Clandestinism raised their heads and attempted to invade the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, became 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, Masonic 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 presided. 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 adopted at the last meeting, and could furnish them at one dollar each to the Venerable Brothers entitled to them.

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 Lodges 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 President of the Council of High Priesthood thirteen years, was Treasurer of the Ohio Masonic Home eleven years, and was serving as Grand Chaplain of the General Grand Council R. & S. M. of the United States at the time of his death, 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. Harford to fill the vacancy, and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell having resigned, appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. F. L. Lybarger to fill the 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 Lodge No.4 case in relation to the real estate.

Had issued a dispensation to Gustavus Lodge No.442 to remove to and meet at Kinsman, and recommended the removal be made permanent, which was approved 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 inspected, 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; January 26, 1901, to Bro. J. L H. Long, to dedicate the Hall of Acacia Lodge No.464; 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 Bro. 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 Shore Lodge No.307; November 30, 1900, at Cleveland, to dedicate West Side Masonic 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 stone 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 participate in the funeral services and ceremonies of Brother William McKinley, President 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, Carroll, Fairfield County; St. Albans No.491, Alexandria, Licking County; Kings Creek 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 Masonic 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 October 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 are 146 more than last year.

Reports that the duplication of the returns is progressing rapidly, they 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 $14,504.70, 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, and that the Grand Master the past year has been requested to issue nearly three hundred such dispensations, and recommends that the Jurisprudence Committee 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 jurisdiction 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;" 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.: Sharon No.136; Toledo No.144; Rubicon No.237; Chester No.238; Versailles No.290; S. 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 become almost illegible, the old charter to be canceled and returned to the Lodge 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 instructive 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 very 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 slightest effect.

"In Winchester there was a regular Lodge of Masons, Hiram Lodge No.21, officered by Confederate soldiers or citizens on parole, to whom the desire of Major McKinley was communicated. His petition was received, he was elected, and on May 1, 1865, the degree of Entered Apprentice was conferred 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 decisions 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 ballot 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 Lodge, 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 tablet 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 place 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 ordered spread upon the minutes.

Brother Ike M. Robinson was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bros. W. A. Belt R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; O. P. Sperra, 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, and were duly installed.

Columbus was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 22, A. D. 1902, 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 printed in the proceedings.

The donations from the Masonic Grand Bodies for the year past, sessions of 1900, were:
Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,904.00
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,358.75
Commandery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,262.75

Number of residents:
Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Women . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star submitted a proposal to the Trustees to erect, under the direction and control of the Board of Trustees, 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 19, Negro Masonry, 10, and Ill Advised Action of Grand Lodge of Washington, 19. The subjects of "The Degree of Entered Apprentice," "Honorary 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, which 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 unable 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 local committee for which a vote of thanks was tendered.

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 their stations, Past Grand Masters W. M. Cunningham, R. C. Lemmon, J. M. Goodspeed, 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. Hannon, Past Deputy Grand Masters, W. J. Akers, J. L'il. Long, twenty-four District Lecturers, and the representatives of 484 Lodges in attendance.

The Grand Master read his annual address, announcing the death on April 4, A. D. 1902, of that distinguished veteran Mason, John Day Caldwell, who was born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 28, A. D. 1816. He was made a Master Mason 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 Cincinnati Commandery No.3, April 19, 1850. In 1865, he became a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Cincinnati, and was created a S. G. I. G., Thirty-third Degree, for the Northern Jurisdiction, September 16, A. D. 1885.

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 Emeritus 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 Ohio, 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 Encampment of the United States, K. T., from 1862 to 1871.

A remarkable fact is that for nine consecutive years, from 1862 to 1871, Brother Caldwell was Grand Secretary of six Grand Masonic Bodies at the same time, a record without a parallel in the history of Masonry.

The funeral services were held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinnati, April 7, 1902, the ritual of the Blue Lodge being rendered by N. C. Harmony 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 Correspondence, 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. By 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 Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of the Carnegie building at Greenville, Darke County; November 14, 1901, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, 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.·. Junior Grand Warden, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic hall at Sylvania; August 16, 1902, to Bro. J. D. Miller, District Lecturer, to lay the corner stone 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.
February 7, 1902, to dedicate the Masonic Temple at Kenton.
May 22, 1902, to dedicate the Masonic Temple at Akron.
June 24, 1902, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at Zanesville.
August 24, 1902, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at Shelby.
On each of these occasions he was ably assisted by his associate Grand Officers.

On the occasion of the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Akron, R.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, Senior Grand Warden, at the close 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 jewel voted him at the last session of the Grand Lodge, and Brother Harmon responded in a touching manner expressing his high appreciation of the honor.

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, being 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 Master, on October 30, 1901, he laid the corner stone of the Carnegie Library building 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 last year, and 878 more than the gain of the year before last, which, up to that 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 in 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 additional 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 concurred 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-lion to cost $212.00, which was approved and adopted.

The Grand Secretary was instructed to wire the regrets of the Grand Lodge 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 annual 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 Ohio, at their 1901 sessions, are as follows:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . $18.504.70
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,067.75
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,572.45

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 Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, was presented and welcomed by the Grand Lodge, and acknowledged the courtesy in a happy manner.

Brother Brenton D. Babcock, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter 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 terms.

The Committee on Necrology presented their report which is printed in the proceedings.
Brother W. A. Belt, of Kenton, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. O. P. Sperra, of Ravenna, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. C. G. Ballou, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. L. P. Schaus, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden, and Bros. R. R.. Rickly and J. H. Broinwell were re-elected R. .W. Grand Treasurer and R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, respectively, and they, with the appointive Officers, were duly installed.

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 Master'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 pages 71 to 86, which should be read by every Mason and in every Subordinate Lodge.

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 result 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 Sovereignty 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 the 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 recognition 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 Clandestinism, 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.

Grand Lodge convened at Victoria Theater, Dayton, Wednesday, October 28, 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 Masters 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. Bobinson, 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."

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 satisfactory 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, and 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 the 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 Lodges 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 Barber, a member of one of the local Lodges. The Knights Templars of Akron and over 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 erected by the Masons of that place. Masonry in Georgetown is. now housed and equipped sufficiently for years to come.

At Greenville, Darke County, February 10, 1903, to lay the corner stone 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 consented to perform this ceremony."

At Miamisburg, April 23, 1903, to dedicate the very unique and beautiful 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 the 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, acting as Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of Temple B'nai Israel, expressing 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 Walnut 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.·. W.·. P. G. M. Leander Burdick read a historic sketch, and M.·. 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 after 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 Master.

At Bryan, October 23, 1903, to R.·. W.·. C. G. Ballou, as acting Grand Master, to lay the corner stone of Carnegie Public Library.

Made a large number of visitations, traveling over seven thousand miles and reaching nearly every section of the jurisdiction, and was received with 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 donated, the debt, $634.21 paid, and the balance is on deposit for the relief of the 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 existence 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 Lodges 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 666 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 service as past fifteen years:

Year	Number of Lodges	Number of embers	No. of Names in An'l Return	Annual Gain in Members	Annual Income
1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903	488 490 493 495 495 494 498 497 498 500 501 503 499 499 501	34,184 34,840 35,603 37,044 38,089 38,851 39,906 40,839 41,713 42,848 44,201 46,348 48,349 51,374 55,065	39,410 40,679 42,012 43,369 44,084 44,747 46,663 48,038 48,125 49,497 51,240 51,466 53,759 56,544 63.606	966 656 1,333 1,441 1,045 762 1,055 933 874 1,135 1,353 2,147 2,001 3.025 3,091	$16,956.86 16,996.61 18,188.78 18,703.21 18,540.20 18,558.88 20,364.42 26,998.0l 26,165.67 27,931.41 33,444.50 35,940.98 37,341.71 40,955.03 44,625.08

showing increase in number of Lodges . . . . . . . . 13
increase in number of members . . . . . . . . . . 20,881
average gain each year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,392
increase in total number of names . . . . . . . . 24,196
increase in annual income . . . . . . . . . . . $27,669 22

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 additional 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 which 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 proceedings.

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
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5323.50
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . .2,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,236.00

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 Star 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 increased by donations from Grand bodies, Subordinate Lodges, and individual bequests and donations in the sum of $12,456.29, of which $5,000 was from the bequest 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
West Mansfield Lodge No.588, located at West Mansfield, Logan 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 above 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 disseminate, 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 follows:

"Section 20. No Lodge shall, within three years after any other Lodge has conferred a degree upon a candidate, confer the next succeeding degree, 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 first 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 Worthington, (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.·. Grand 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 Grand Warden; Bro. R. R. Rickly re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and those present were installed, and the others afterwards installed by their Lodges.

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 appointed 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 jewel 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," attention 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 the 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.121, of Illinois, joined in the organization of the M.·. W.·. Grand 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 Junior 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 Clinton Braden, was born at Plymouth, Ohio, May 1, 1835. "At the breaking out 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 supremacy.

In 1890, there was an attempted invasion of Cerneanism, but the Grand Lodge very promptly asserted its absolute supremacy and its right and duty to decide upon the regularity or irregularity of bodies claiming to be Masonic 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 conferring of the Cernean degrees in Minnesota was declared a Masonic offense.

The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Masonic Temple, Dayton, 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, after 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 committee for their hospitality.

Grand Lodge convened at the Valentine Theater, Toledo, Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1904, with Grand Master O. P. Sperra, in the Chair, all the other 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. Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, F. S. Harmon, I. M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, W. B. Melish, Past 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, welcomed 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. Clapp, 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, where so many years of his active Masonic life were spent. A circular announcing his death was issued, and sent to the various Grand Jurisdictions of the world, 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 vigorously 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, viz.:

November 20, 1903, to P. M. Bro. W. M. Melville, to lay the corner stone 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 Lodge 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; dedicated 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 Library 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 property claimed by said Lodge.

Dispensations were issued for the following new Lodges:
December 21, 1903, Amelia Lodge, at Amelia, Clermont County.
December 24, 1903, Peerless Lodge, at Crooksville, Perry County.
December 31, 1903, Hyde Park Lodge, at Hyde Park, Cincinnati.
May 10, 1904, Eureka Lodge, at Ohio City, Van Wert County.

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 work, embellished with Masonic emblems.

Every Lodge in Ohio was inspected during the past year. Finding from the 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 ordered them to perform their duties, which probably accounts for the large number 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 meeting held under the direction of Latham Lodge No.154 - a very enjoyable occasion.

Recommends that new jewels and aprons be procured for the Grand Officers.

Reports a visit to the Ohio Masonic Home and highly commends the management.

The Deputy Grand Master reports his officiating and performing the Masonic 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 except last year.

The per capita tax due the Masonic Home was $17,472.90, of which $3,000.00 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
Amelia No.590, at Amelia, Clermont County
Peerless No.591, at Crooksville, Perry 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 issued a dispensation to said Lodge to continue work until this session.

Brother C. G. Ballon, of Toledo, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. L. P. Schaus, of Newark, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. George D. Copeland, of Marion, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. R. R. Rickly, R. .W. .Grand Treasurer, and J. H. Bromwell, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers 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. Clapp, 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 session 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 the presentation of documentary evidence of good Masonic standing of visitors who are not properly vouched for, in addition to the usual personal examination. The procurement of diplomas by each Master is made a special feature in many 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 and 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.

Grand Lodge convened at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinnati, Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1905, with M.·. W.·. Grand Master 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-three District Lecturers, and the representatives C 492 of the 505 active Lodges, 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. & S. M. of the United States, and Bro. W. A. Beiter, M. E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio B. A. M., were introduced, welcomed with the Grand 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 single omission, and introduced M.·. W.·. Bro. William M. Cunningham, 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 the 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 attended every Annual Communication since, during which time he served the Grand Lodge 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 high appreciation of your efficient services."

In order to allow the distinguished Brother to recover from his surprise 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 emotion 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 jewels 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 beautiful 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 Grand Master of this Grand Lodge; M. E. Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio; M. Ex. Past Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter R. A. M. of the United States. "Probably no Mason in Ohio was more widely known or more highly respected." A special communication of the Grand Lodge was convened at Toledo, October 8, for the purpose of conducting 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 inspected, and over thirty thousand of the sixty thousand members being in attendance 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 13, 1905, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, to dedicate the Hall 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 Hall of Ashley Lodge No.407 at Ashley; June 23, 1905, to W. Bro. E. W. Matthews, 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 new 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 Augusta 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 granted 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, Darke 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. Sperra, 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 time, but no definite action taken, the Grand Master appointed a committee of five, 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 as a monument of the liberality, charity and beneficence of the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio and its faithful cooperation with the Masonic Fraternity 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 Temple 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 Temple at that place.

At Yeatman Lodge Hall to dedicate the new Temple of Yeatman Lodge No.162, 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 Granville Memorial Monument in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the founding 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 October 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 membership 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 $6,500.00 has been advanced, leaving a balance of $11,990.80 still due, and recommends 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 apart 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 (pages 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 . . . . . . . $29,472.90
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,441.25
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . .3,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,914.15

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 hospital 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 Master O. P. Sperra acting as M.·. W.·. Grand Master, assisted by a full 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 and 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 Sperra; after which the corner stone was laid in accordance with Masonic form, followed by appropriate addresses by able speakers; the children of the Home 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 spring, and on the 10th of May, 1905, occurred the dedication, the following program 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 Secretary, O. E. S.

MUSIC

PRESENTATION OF BUILDING AND ITS CONTENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC 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 were 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 earnest 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 the hospital is first-class and reflects credit on the generous donors.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Eureka No.592, at Ohio City, Van Wert County
Bradford No.593, at Bradford, Darke County

Dispensation for a new Lodge at Ostrander, Delaware County.

The Committee on Necrology reported fitting testimonials to the departed 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.·. Grand Master; Bro. Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand 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. 1906, 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 will 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, Barton 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 Apprentice Degree, etc. As this report is accessible, all desiring information on these 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-first year of his consecutive annual attendance on this Grand Body. He personally 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 Bro. Leander Burdick was elected President.

The Brethren repaired to the banquet room and partook of a bounteous repast 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.

Grand Lodge convened at Masonic Temple, Columbus, Wednesday, October 10, 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 Masters, 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 death 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 these 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 Orab, about six miles.

Dispensations for the following new Lodges:

October 23, 1905, Ostrander, at Ostrander, Delaware County.
June 12, 1906, Acacian, at North Columbus, Franklin County, (afterwards changed to Neoacacia).

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; September 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 Grand Secretary, to serve during the absence of Pro. J. H. Bromwell from the state.

Reports the reappointment of Pros. George D. McBride, of Gallipolis, and 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 Master and Grand Lodge for the honor, stated his business engagements would prevent his giving the necessary time and attention to the duties of Trustee and asked to be excused, and suggested the appointment of M.·. W.·. 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 past since the organization of the Grand Lodge, and among other pertinent things, 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 appreciation of the glorious truths of Masonry intensified."

The net gain in membership during the year was 8,469, being 76 more than 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 City.
November 10, 1905, laid the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple being erected by King Solomon's Lodge No. 56, at Elyria.
November 28, 1905, constituted Bradford Lodge No.593, located at Bradford.
May 15, 1906, dedicated the new Lodge room of Bellefontaine Lodge No.209, located at Bellefontaine.
May 19, 1906, laid the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple being erected by Woodward Lodge No. 508, located at Cleveland.
May 23, 1906, dedicated the new Masonic Temple at Cambridge.
May 24, 1906, dedicated the new Masonic Temple erected by Aurelius Lodge No.308, at Macksburg.
September 3, 1906, laid the corner stone of the new Heath M. E. Church, being erected at Middlport.
September 30, 1906, laid the corner stone of the new Church of Christ, being erected at Coshocton.
October 5, 1906, dedicated the Lodge room of West Mansfield Lodge No.588, at West Mansfield.

The attention of the Grand Master being called to circulars advertising a so-called "Masonic Fair," he issued an edict prohibiting the use of the word "Masonic" in advertising or other purposes not authorized 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 social Masonic functions, and the object to be secured was a further intensifying 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, also 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 received from each.

The following is a summary of the reports:

Number of Lodges who own their Lodge rooms or Temples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Number of Lodges who do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Number of Lodge rooms or Temples that have been dedicated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410
Number that have not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Number of Lodges who have the books of the Secretary and Treasurer audited annually . . . . . . 492
Number who do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Number of Lodges who are using proper blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
Number who are not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Number of Secretaries who copy the report of the Auditing Committee on the record . . . . . . . . 445
Number ~ho do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Number of Secretaries who made a record of their returns to the Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Number who do not . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Number exempt from dues under present By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,724
Number present at inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,412

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 jewel, 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 communication 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 Correspondence.

The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master reported that at the request of the Grand Master he had officiated a the ceremonies of receiving 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 cause 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 still 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 fund, 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 asked that such portions as may be desirable, be printed in the proceedings, which was so ordered. Brother Melish also extended an invitation to the Grand Lodge and visitors to visit the Home on a special train provided for that purpose; 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. Companion Win. T. McLean, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 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
Neoacacia No.595, at North Columbus, Franklin County

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges as follows:

Brookville, at Brookville, Montgomery County
Clarington, at Clarington, Monroe 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 Section 25 of the Code, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge:

"Section 25-A member may, by consent of the Lodge, dimit and until he again affiliates, he voluntarily renounces all claim to the benefit of Lodge 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 the annual dues since the date of such dimit, and he may thereupon, if no charges 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 appointee 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 Masonic 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.

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 immediate 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, recommending, 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 Communication 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 character of the program and ceremonies, to be arranged by the committee, which report was adopted by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master appointed the following 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; and 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 Lodge, 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 Lodges 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 Grand 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 Lodge 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 Masonic Home, presented the report of the Superintendent and Trustees, which was ordered printed in the proceedings or such portions thereof as may be thought desirable.

The amounts donated and contributed by the Ohio Masonic Grand Bodies at the 1905 sessions were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . $30,490.80
" Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . .7,826.00
" Council . . . . . . . . . . . .2,000.00
" Commandery . . . . . . . 3,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,316.80

Of the above the following amounts were donated to the endowment fund: Grand Lodge, $6,000.00; Grand Council, $1,000.00; Grand Chapter, $2,000.00.

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 individual 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, 174.

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 Massachusetts," "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 active 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, President, 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 Venerable 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 Officers elected, the routine business transacted, a vote of thanks tendered the local 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.

Grand Lodge convened at the Auditorium, Canton, Wednesday, October 16, A. D. 1907, with M.·. W.·. Horace A. Irvin, Grand Master, in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations, Past Grand Masters W. M. Cunningham, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, Wm. B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, Past Deputy Grand Masters Wm. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, twenty-two District Lecturers, and the representatives of 492 Subordinate Lodges in attendance, 12 Lodges not being represented.

The Grand Master read his annual address, in which he calls attention to the death of Bro. Charles A. Woodward, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of Masons of Ohio, who died at Cleveland, February 15, A. D. 1907. He was born at Cincinnati, December 6, 1827, was made a Master Mason November 27, A. D. 1855, in Cleveland City Lodge No.15, exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Webb Chapter No.14, R. A. M., April 16, 1857; Knighted in Oriental Commandery No.12, K. T., September 5, 1864; received the Thirty-second Degree, A. A. S. R., March 25, 1865, and was elected and made an honorary Thirty-third Degree member of the Supreme Council of that Rite, June 18, 1870, and served as an Officer in various bodies of the York and Scottish Rite, and as Grand Master of Ohio in 1876 and 1877

Also the death of R.·. W.·. Bro. Sidney Moore, Past Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge, who died at Delaware, Ohio, May 27, 1907.

His gift to the Masons of Delaware of their splendid Masonic Temple and to the citizens of Delaware of the home for aged people, while probably the most conspicuous of his philanthropies, do not represent the total of his benevolence. It was his pleasure to be at all times helpful and in most of his acts of charity concealed the identity of the donor.

Reports that the San Francisco and California Emergency Fund of $2,184.60, unexpended and turned over by Grand Master L. P. Schaus, last year, bad been increased by the refunding by the Grand Lodge of California of the additional sum of $1,600, our pro rata share of the unexpended balance in their hands, the fund now aggregating $3,784.60, and accrued interest, the fund being invested at four per cent per annum, payable in semi-annual installments.

On January 29, 1907, received a communication from the Grand Orient of Greece asking for an exchange of representatives. On April -, 1907, received a communication from the Grand Lodge of Canada advising me it had canceled the warrant issued by it to the Royal Solomon Mother Lodge at Jerusalem, Palestine; and on July 30, 1907, received a communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan, advising us it had withdrawn from the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, and formed itself into a new Grand Lodge to he known as the "Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan" and requesting recognition and exchange of representatives, all of which were referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for investigation and report at this session of the Grand Lodge.

Reports the appointment of the twenty-five District Lecturers, and commends them as loyal, courteous, energetic, and efficient Officers.

The Past Grand Master's jewel voted to M.·. W.·. Grand Master Lewis P. Schaus was presented to him by M.·. W.·. Bro. L. C. Goodale, at the meeting of Acme Lodge No.554, of which he is a charter member, on the evening of December 19, 1906, in the presence of over 250 Masons, including M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham and M.·. W.·. Grand Master Horace A. Irvin, and was received by him in a pleasant speech of acceptance and thanks.

The terms of M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick and M.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Clapp as Trustees of the Masonic Home expiring December 31, 1906, the Grand Master in November, reappointed them for the term of three years subject to approval of the Grand Lodge, and which appointment was duly confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

The membership, August 31, A. D. 1907, was 68,679, an increase of 3,574 over last year, and the largest gain since 1903, which remains the banner year.

SUPREME COURT DECISION

"On June 18 of this year, the Supreme Court of Ohio decided the famous New England Lodge No.4 case in favor of the legitimate body, thereby restoring to it the property of which it has been deprived for nearly twelve years.

"While we congratulate New England Lodge No.4 on the recovery of its historic property, this Grand Lodge has infinitely more cause of congratulating itself, as this decision probably forever decides the property rights of all legitimate Masonic bodies, and is a complete recognition by the highest tribunal of the state of the authority and supremacy of the Grand Lodge in the management and conduct of its affairs."

A full statement of the facts in this ease and the brief of M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews of counsel for the Grand Lodge, will be found in the first volume of this history, and his report to the Grand Master will be found in the proceedings of 1907.

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges at the following places:

November 14, 1906, Clarington Lodge, at Clarington.
February 26, 1907, Enoch T. Carson Lodge, at Cincinnati.
October 10, 1907, received petition for a new Lodge to be called Euclid Lodge, and located at Cleveland, which is referred to the Committee on Charters.

Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to dedicate Masonic Temples and Halls, lay corner stones, etc.:

October 13, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, to dedicate the Masonic Temple at Portsmouth, October 26; October 13, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. F. S. Harmon, to dedicate the new Masonic Temple at Elyria, October 18; October 18, 1906, to M. Bro. C. F. Clapp, to lay the corner stone of the West Side Christian Church at Warren, October 21; October 29, 1906, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, to constitute Ostrander Lodge No.594, November 5; November 13, 1906, to R.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, to dedicate Woodward Masonic Temple at Cleveland, November 14; January 15, 1907, to W. Bro. J. W. Moore, to dedicate the Lodge room of Homeworth Lodge No.499, January 19; February 16, 1907, to M.·. W.·. Bro. F. S. Harmon, to represent the Grand Master at the funeral of M.·. W.·. Bro. C. A. Woodward; September 13, 1907, to M.·. W.·. Bro. I. M. Robinson, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at Marietta, October 7; September 28, 1907, to R.·. W.·. Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, to dedicate the Hall of Lowell Lodge No.436, at Lowell, October 8; October 22, 1906, to M.·. W.·. H. A. Irvin, to dedicate the Lodge rooms at Kalida; November 2, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. L. P. Schaus, to dedicate the Lodge room of Neoaeacia Lodge No. 595, at Columbus; July 11, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. H. A. Irvin, to dedicate the Lodge room of Pharos Lodge No.355, at St. Paris; July 25, 1906, to M.·. W.·. Bro. H. A. Irvin, to dedicate the Lodge room of Waynesville Lodge No.163, Waynesville.
Lodges constituted:

On October 31, 1906, M.·. W.·. Bro. L. P. Schaus, constituted Neoacacia Lodge No.595, at Columbus, and installed its Officers; on October 5, 1906 R.·. W.·. Harry S. Kissell, constituted Ostrander Lodge No.594; and installed its Officers.

Full reports were made by these Brethren of the performance of the duties assigned to them.

The Grand Master presided at the ceremonies of laying the corner stones of the following edifices:

October 16, 1906, laying the corner stone of the Masonic Temple at Dayton.
June 20, 1907, laying the corner stone of the new auditorium at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
August 28, 1907, laying the corner stone of Christ's Episcopal Church, Xenia.
October 2, 1907, laying the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple at Greenville.

Reports visitation of twenty-five Lodges, at each of which he was received with splendid courtesy and generous hospitality due the representative of this Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master reported a number of decisions which were approved by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master received from the Secretary of New England Lodge No.4 at different times the petitions of the following former members of said Lodge who were expelled for associating themselves with the clandestine so-called New England Lodge No.4 at Worthington, and the clandestine so-called Grand Lodge formed at Worthington, the legitimate Lodge having unanimously voted recommending the restoration of said members, they having fully renounced all connection with or allegiance to all bodies declared clandestine by this Grand Lodge, and declared full allegiance to this Grand Lodge and its legitimate subordinates, viz.: Harry R. Hughett, C. G. Moore, Charles F. White, Nathan Pinney, Aaron P. Spencer, Charles F. Pinney, and Charles F. Hinds, who were members of New England Lodge when its charter was arrested in 1891, and the following who were expelled by this Grand Lodge at its session of 1891, viz.: Justin Pinney, J. R. Topping, and D. H. Welling, all of which are referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence for examination and report.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing the balance on hand October 8, 1907, general fund, $55,596.94.

The Emergency Relief Fund:

October 11, 1906, received from L. P. Schaus, Past Grand Master . . . . . . . $2,184.60
September 21, 1907, received from Grand Master of California . . . . . . . . . . 1,600.00
Interest on deposit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43.69
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,828.29

The Grand Secretary presented his report congratulating the Grand Lodge and the Secretaries of the Subordinate Lodges on the fact that all the annual returns and Grand dues were in his hands prior to September 30, 1907; that the increase of membership was 3,574, an increase over last year of 105; reports that the duplication of the returns of 1906 were completed and bound and deposited in the vault at the Masonic Home, and recommends the Secretaries of the Subordinate Lodges use good ink, instead of typewriting the returns which fades in a few years, while we have returns of 1809 which are as legible as the day they were made.

The only indebtedness is the per capita tax to the Masonic Home amounting to $20,603.70, and recommends an additional donation of $12,000.00 to the Masonic Home, $6,000.00 to the general and $6,000.00 to the endowment fund, which recommendation was approved by the Committees on Charity and Accounts, and adopted by the Grand Lodge and the appropriation made.

Reports that the supply of the Code is nearly exhausted and the Grand Secretary has commenced the preparation of a new revision, rearrangement, and new index of the Code, and estimates the expense of a thorough revision at $3,000.00 and offers to make the compilation and revise the publication thereof.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish offered the following which was adopted:

"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge receive with hearty appreciation the offer of the R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary to revise the Code of Laws, and to make a compilation of the Decisions, and to arrange and index the laws of the Grand Lodge, etc., and to superintend the publication of the same."

M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick presented the report of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home and the report of the Superintendent and Secretary, which are printed in the proceedings. The amounts contributed by the Grand Bodies of Ohio at their 1906 sessions, were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,531.50
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,174.75
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Comniandery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,500.00
Council Anointed High Priests . . . . 500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$46,206.25

In addition to this the Ohio Council of Deliberation of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Jurisdiction, realizing the necessity of adding to the capacity of the Home, made an appeal to the several bodies located in Ohio for funds sufficient to add an additional story to the rear part of the main building, which appeal was generously responded to, and the sum of $16,400.00 was contributed, and the work is nearly completed, which has improved the dining room and added thirty additional rooms over that part of the building.

"It has been practically demonstrated that Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Scottish Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star have all been greatly interested in promoting and sustaining this worthy charity, and we sincerely believe that no other Masonic work in Ohio has ever or will ever be, accomplished that will reflect greater honor on our beloved Fraternity than the establishment of the Ohio Masonic Home.

The members of the Eastern Star, God bless them appreciating the necessity of having suitable accommodations for those who become seriously ill at the Home, have built and furnished a beautiful hospital building, donating the same to the Trustees, which has provided for a necessity that had long existed prior to this noble act of those who took upon themselves the accomplishment of the work."

The Endowment Fund was increased by donations from various Grand and Subordinate Masonic Bodies and individual Masons, among which was the bequest of our late lamented Brother and late President of the Board, John M. Stull, of $1,000.00, the total amount of such donations, including accrued interest on investments, amounting to $14,320.98, a good showing for one year. The total Endowment Fund 15 $74,149.33.

The number of residents at the Home are: Men, 63; women, 42; boys, 28; girls, 23. Total, 156.

The Committee on Masonic History reported that only 225 Subordinate Lodges had filed and reported the blanks sent out for the purpose of obtaining a brief history of the organization, etc., of the Lodges, and request the Grand Secretary send the District Lecturers lists of the Lodges who have failed to report within their districts and urge on them a prompt compliance with the orders of the Grand Lodge, which was adopted and the committee continued for the purpose of preparing the history.

The Committee on the S. Stacker Williams monument reported the sum of $1,200.89 on hand, donated for the purpose of erecting a suitable monument at his grave, which they consider sufficient for that purpose, and the committee was continued until such stone could be procured and erected.

Telegrams of greeting were sent to the Grand Lodges of Kentucky and Wisconsin now in session and proper responses received.

The Grand Master called attention of the Grand Lodge to the fact that this was the birthday of one of the most distinguished Masons in the United States, and by authority of the Grand Lodge, sent the following telegram:

"Canton, Ohio, October 17, 1907. "
Henry L. Palmer,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio in Annual Communication at Canton, mindful of the eighty-eighth anniversary of America's most distinguished Mason, extends to him sincere greetings and felicitations on this notable occasion.

Horace A. Irvin, Grand Master."

To which the following response was received from the distinguished Brother:

Horace A. Irvin, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Ohio.

I have received a dispatch, signed by you as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, conveying the greetings and felicitations of that distinguished body of Freemasons on the occasion of my eighty-eighth birthday. I wish to thank you personally, and the Grand Lodge of Ohio, for this kind remembrance, and I beg to assure you that it was most highly appreciated.
Henry L. Palmer."

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges:

Brookville No.596, at Brookville, Montgomery County
Clarington No.597, at Clarington, Monroe County
F. T. Carson No.598, at Cincinnati

A dispensation was granted for Euclid Lodge U. D. to be located at Cleveland.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence to whom the request of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan for recognition was referred, report in favor of the same, which report was adopted.

The committee on the S. Stacker Williams library reported that it had entered into an agreement with the Masonic Library Association of Cincinnati, in pursuance of which the library, complete, containing about seven thousand volumes, has been shipped to Cincinnati and placed in the custody of the Cincinnati Masonic Library Association of Cincinnati, with the privilege of using and circulating the same among its members under the rules of its own library, but it is to be always kept intact, and under the control of this Grand Lodge until such time as it shall make suitable arrangements for its permanent care and preservation as a distinctive Grand Lodge Library, no part of it to be sold, or given away except by the express authority of the Grand Lodge, and that the ownership thereof shall remain in the Grand Lodge, but it is not to incur any expense in relation thereto except the insurance. The library has been shelved in room 12, Masonic Temple, Cincinnati, at a cost of about $400.00, which was donated by the Masons of Cincinnati, which report was adopted and the action of the committee approved.

Brother George D. Copeland, of Marion, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, of Zanesville, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. B. F. Perry, R., of Jefferson, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Harry S. Kissell, of Springileld, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. I. H. Bromwell, of Cincinnati, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive Officers, were duly installed.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, to whom was referred the petitions of various members of New England Lodge No.4, to be restored to good Masonic standing, reported as follows:

"The charter of New England Lodge No.4 was arrested April, 1891, for rebellious and un-masonic conduct. By this action all the members lost their Lodge membership, but were entitled to make application respectively to the Grand Secretary for certificates of good standing in Masonry, which certificates would, on such applications, be granted or refused according to the merits or demerits of each applicant. Now, among these members are Bros. C. G. Moore, Chas. F. White, Nathan Pinney, Aaron P. Spencer, Chas. F. Pinney, Chas. F. hinds and Harry R. lluggett, who have not affiliated with any Lodge since the arrest of said charter. They now come and ask to be placed in good Masonic standing. Subsequent to the arrest of the charter, the Grand Lodge restored or granted a substitute charter to the loyal members of the Lodge who had not engaged in the rebellious and un-masonic conduct, and they resumed work again as New England Lodge No.4. The Lodge now, and also the Grand Master, recommend that the prayer of the Brethren above named be granted. In order to do this there is nothing to do but for the Grand Secretary to issue the certificates of good standing, and we now recommend that this be done.

"Some of those, however, who were members of the Lodge when the charter was arrested, together with some members of other Lodges who bad been engaged in the rebellion against the Grand Lodge, were put to trial and duly expelled from all the rights and benefits of Masonry by the Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication, 1891. (See proceedings 1891, page 48.) Among these, Mr. Justin Pinney, Mr. J. R. Topping and Mr. D. H Welling, now petition the Grand Lodge for restoration to the rights and benefits of Masonry. New England Lodge No.4, and the Grand Master also, recommend that the prayer of this petition be granted, and in this recommendation this committee concur."

M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews moved the adoption of the report. M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale asked for a separate vote on that portion of the report relating to the restoration of Justin Pinney, J. R. Topping, and D. H. Welling to good standing in the Order, which was allowed by the Grand Master.

After extended discussion the recommendation of the committee as to the reinstatement of Justin Pinney, the Grand Lodge resolved to postpone the matter for further consideration until the next Annual Grand Communication. As to the recommendation that J. R. Topping and B. H. Welling be reinstated, the Grand Lodge adopted the recommendation, and directed the Grand Secretary to issue certificates accordingly.

The balance of the report in relation to the issuing of certificates to the other applicants as recommended by the committee the Grand Lodge adopted.

The committee called attention to the fact that the action of the Grand Secretary in issuing certificates to the former class and of the Grand Lodge in restoring the latter class to the rights and benefits of Masonry have the effect to make them Masons in good standing, but non-affiliates; and that to gain admission to a Lodge, each must make application to the Lodge of his choice and can Ile admitted to Lodge membership in such Lodge only by the action of the Lodge and after ballot in the regular way; which statement and decision were approved by the Grand Lodge.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, M.·. W.·. Bro. L. P. Schaus and W. Bro. M. L. Finuell were appointed a committee to procure and present to M. .W. .Bro. Horace A. Irvin, retiring Grand Master, a Past Grand Master's jewel.

The Committee on Centennial Celebration reported recommending that an appropriation of $5,000.00 be made and set apart for the purpose of properly celebrating the anniversary of the organization of this Grand Lodge, the same to be held during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in the year 1908, and a majority of the committee, six in number, voted in favor of holding such communication and celebration in the city of Cincinnati, and the minority, three in number, voted in favor of holding the same in the city of Columbus, and the committee recommended it be held in Cincinnati, Wednesday, October 21, A. B. 1908.

A motion to strike out Cincinnati as the place and insert Columbus was, on a rising vote, lost, and the report was adopted as read and the Committee on Accounts reported in favor of appropriating the sum of $5,000.00 for this purpose, which was adopted.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented its report which is printed in the proceedings, covering 361 pages, reviewing the proceedings of 63 English speaking and 16 non-English speaking Grand Lodges.

The introductory contains letters from Wm. James Hughan of Torquay, England; Robert Freke Gould and a sketch of his lecture on "The Filiation of Speculative" (or Symbolic Masonry) ; articles on "Early Freemasonry in France;" "The 1717 English Freemasonry in France;" "Albert Pike and Symbolic Lodges;" "Physical Perfection;" "Correspondences;" "Past Master's Degree," etc.

The general review of the various Grand Lodges presents numerous articles and reviews of the general history, condition, and progress of Masonry throughout the world, together with reliable information relating to Masonic procedure and jurisprudence, that is of general interest to all active and thinking Masons, and should be perused by all members of the craft.

The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in the Masonic Temple, October 16, 1907, at 5 :30 p. m., with Venerable Bro. Leander Burdick, President, in the Chair.

A large class of applicants was elected, introduced, instructed and welcomed as Venerable Brethren, and the routine business transacted. Ven. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham was elected President for the ensuing year.

The Brethren enjoyed a splendid banquet prepared by the local Brethren and committee, for which a vote of thanks was tendered.

On Wednesday, October 21, A. D. 1908, at 9:15 o'clock a. m., the Officers and members of the Grand Lodge assembled at the Hotel Sinton, Cincinnati, and were escorted by the Centennial Committee with military bands to the Music hall, where the session of the Grand Lodge were to be held.

The Grand Lodge and visiting Brethren in large numbers, having taken their places, were entertained by an organ recital by Bro. John Yoakley. This was followed by a rendition of Mozart's Invocation by the Scottish Rite double quartet, of Cincinnati. Rev. and R.·. W.·. Bro. Paul R. Hickok, Grand Chaplain, invoked the blessing of Deity on the session, after which R.·. W.·. Bro. Edward F. Shipley, Grand Orator, delivered an address of welcome, which was responded to by R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master Bro. C. S. Hoskinson.

Hon. Leopold Markbreit, Mayor of the city of Cincinnati, paid a most beautiful tribute to the Fraternity, and on behalf of the city, bade the Grand Lodge welcome, to which the M.·. W.·. Grand Master Bro. George B. Copeland, responded.

The Scottish Rite double quartet sang "Lift Thine Eyes," by Mendelssohn, and "Charity," by Nembach.

This was followed by various announcements made by M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, chairman of the general committee of the Grand Lodge, as to the program of entertainment provided by the committee.

Following these announcements, a party composed of fifty of the boys and girls of the Ohio Masonic Home was presented to the assembled audience, and rendered a number of glees and patriotic songs, concluding with "Home, Sweet Home."

All who were not entitled to remain within the Hall as members of the Fraternity having withdrawn, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master proceeded to open a Lodge of Master Masons, the Grand Officers occupying their respective stations.

The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, with M.·. W.·. Bro. George B. Copeland, Grand Master in the East, all the Grand Officers in their respective stations, Past Grand Masters W. M. Cunningham, J. M. Goodspeed, Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, C. F. Clapp, William B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, and Horace A. Irvin, Past Deputy Grand Masters W. J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, twenty-four District Lecturers, and the representatives of 508 of the 514 active Lodges in attendance.

The Grand Master read his address referring in a pleasing and eloquent manner to the fact that on the 4th of January, A. D. 1808, the representatives of a handful of Lodges met in the town of Chillicothe, for the purpose of forming a Grand Lodge of Masons for the State of Ohio, and on the last days of that year were again on their way to hold the first Communication of this Grand Lodge, which was held on January 2, A. D. 1809, the one hundredth anniversary of which we now celebrate, and congratulating the craft on the fact that during this time the handful of Masons had grown to over seventy-two thousand active, earnest and faithful members; and the history of Ohio for the last one hundred years has been largely the centennial history of Masonry; and that we could point with pride to the long list of distinguished patriots and statesmen who had served our state and nation in positions of high honor and trust, and who had taken from the designs upon the trestle board in our Lodges, the inspiration for lives which have left their impress upon the pages of history.

Calls attention to the death of and pays proper tribute to the following distinguished Brothers of this jurisdiction, viz.:

Bro. Robert V. Hampson, who died at Salem, Ohio, January 14, 1908. He was Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of Ohio, and at the time of his death was serving as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio, and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Council It. & S. M. of Ohio, and was an honorary member of the Supreme Council A. A. S. R. for the Northern Jurisdiction.

On the 17th of April, 1908, Illustrious Bro. Henry C. Urner, Thirty-third Degree, died at Cincinnati, where he was horn April 30, 1830, and lived during his entire lifetime. He was initiated in Kuwinning Lodge No.356, June 10, 1870, became a Royal Arch Mason in Cincinnati Chapter No.2, April 3, 1871, a Royal and Select Master in Cincinnati Council No.1, June 19, 1871, created a Knight Templar in Cincinnati Commandery No.3, May 22, 1871, received the Thirty-second Degree in Ohio Consistory A. A. S. R., January 21, 1871, the Thirty-third Degree in the Supreme Council, November 17, 1873, and was crowned an active member, September 19, 1899.

On July 5, 1908, Bro. A. H. Snider, President of the Marietta Masonic Building Company, died at Marietta.

Highly commends the District Lecturers for their zeal and fidelity, every Subordinate Lodge in the state having been inspected during the year.

The Past Grand Master's jewel voted to M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, retiring Grand Master, at the last session, was presented to him by M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, P. G. M., during the ceremonies of the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Dayton, the Grand Master having the pleasure of being present at this pleasant ceremony.

The Grand Master reappointed M.·. W.·. Bro. F. L. Lybarger, P. G. M., and M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, P. G. M., as Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, 1908.

At a meeting of the Centennial Committee held at Cincinnati, March 4, 1908, it was decided that a Masonic History of Ohio should be prepared by M.·. W.·. Bro. W. M. Cunningham, Past Grand Master, who has been a Master Mason for fifty-eight years, and who has personally attended every communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio for the last fifty-four years, and is the chairman of the Committee on Masonic History; and I accordingly appointed Bro. W. M. Cunningham, Grand Historian of Ohio.

Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places:

October 27, 1907, Euclid Lodge, at Cleveland.
March 20, 1908, Brenton D. Babcock Lodge, at Cleveland. This petition was signed by one hundred petitioners.
March 21, 1908, Lakewood Lodge, at Lakewood.
April 17, 1908, West LaFayette Lodge, at West LaFayette.
September 16, 1908, received a petition for a new Lodge at Aurora, Portage County, which is referred to the Committee on Charters.

Having received satisfactory evidence that Clarington Lodge No.597 was free from debt, in compliance with the directions of this Grand Lodge at its last session, I, on November 9, 1907, issued and delivered the charter granted said Lodge.

Corner stones of the following Masonic and public buildings were laid by the Grand Master or Brothers acting as his proxy:

October 21, 1907, to M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, the corner stone of the new Masonic Temple at Troy; November 24, 1907, to R.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., the corner stone of the Children's Home of Mahoning County; April 4, 1908, M.·. W.·. Bro. Geo. D. Copeland, Grand Master, the corner stone of a new public building at Wyoming; June 11, 1908, M.·. W.·. Geo. D. Copeland, Grand Master, the corner stone of the Court House at Youngstown; August 16, 1908, to R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, the corner stone of a new school building at Madisonville; August 16, 1908, to R.·. W.·. Bro. Paul B. Hiekok, the corner stone of the Second Presbyterian Church at East Liverpool; September 1, 1908, to Bro. G. C. Maurer, the corner stone of the Union Hospital at New Philadelphia; October 10, 1908, to Bro. F. F. McCombs, the corner stone of the Shadyside School House.

The following Masonic Temples and Lodge rooms were dedicated by M.·. W.·. George D. Copeland, Grand Master:

November 19, 1907, Masonic Temple at Dayton; January 2, 1908, Masonic Lodge rooms at Cleveland; June 24, 1908, Masonic Temple at Lancaster; September 1, 1908, Masonic Temple at Marietta; October 1, 1908, Masonic Lodge rooms at Greenville.

The following Brothers acting as proxy of the Grand Master, dedicated the following Masonic Lodge rooms:

December 19, 1907, Bro. A. L Rawlings, Masonic Lodge rooms at Brownsville; January 14, 1908, Bro. B. S. Fogle, Masonic Lodge rooms at Payne; February 15, 1908, Bro. G. A. Reuter, Masonic Lodge rooms at Celina;
April 29, 1908, Bro. W. A. Smurthwaite, Masonic Lodge rooms at Steubenville;
June 24, 1908, Bro. Walton H. Parker, Masonic Lodge rooms at Stockport.

The following Lodges chartered at the last session were duly constituted and their Officers installed by the following Brothers acting as proxies for the Grand Master:

November 28, 1907, Bro. F. F. McCombs, Clarington Lodge No.597, at Clarington; November 1, 1907, M.·. W.·. Bro. L. C. Goodale, Enoch T. Carson Lodge No.598, Cincinnati; December 6, 1907, M.·. W.·. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Brookville Lodge No.596, at Brookville.

Reports a large number of visitations at which he was received and treated with the utmost courtesy and hospitality befitting the representative of this Grand Lodge.

Reports nine decisions which were approved.

On April 28, 1908, the Lodge room, property and records of Peebles Lodge No.581 were destroyed by fire, and on August 2, 1908, the Lodge room and all the personal property and charter of Bellville Lodge No.376, at Bellville, were destroyed by fire, and a dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to continue work until the close of this session, and a new charter is recommended.

An attempt was made to organize a clandestine Lodge of Masons in Cleveland early in the year by advertising in the city papers that one thousand men were wanted to join at $10.00 per capita. Bros. Frank S. Harmon, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, and Edwin S. Griffiths, W. Tumor Grand Deacon, succeeded in having the papers discontinue such advertisement, and the matter seems to need no further attention.

The people of Ohio are to be congratulated upon not being misled into joining an institution, membership in which can only bring upon them the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand October 1, 1908, in the general fund, $58,564.60, and in the emergency relief fund, including interest, $4,027.76.

The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the membership, August 31, 1908, 72,339, a gain of 3,660, and a gain over last year of 86, being within 31 of 1903, which remains the banner year.

While the net gain of 1903 still stands as the largest, the gross gain of this year exceeds that of any previous year.

This being the twentieth report of the Grand Secretary, the following table is inserted showing the wonderful increase in membership and annual income during the past twenty years:

Year	Number of Lodges	Number of embers	Annual Gain in Members	Annual Income
1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908	488 490 493 495 495 494 498 497 498 500 501 503 499 499 501 503 505 507 510 514	34,184 34,840 35,603 37,044 38,089 38,851 39,906 40,839 41,713 42,848 44,201 46,348 48,349 51,374 55,065 58,243 61,636 65,105 68,679 72,339	966 656 1,333 1,441 1,045 762 1,055 933 874 1,135 1,353 2,147 2,001 3.025 3,691 3,178 3,393 3,469 3,574 3,660	$16,956.86 16,996.61 18,188.78 18,703.21 18,540.20 18,558.88 20,364.42 26,998.0l 26,165.67 27,931.41 33,444.50 35,940.98 37,341.71 40,955.03 44,625.08 46,115.55 50,958.04 51,373.11 *57,404.91 55,466.04

Showing Increase in number of Lodges . . . . . . . . . . 26
Increase in number of Members . . . . . . . . . . . . .38,155
Average gain each year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,908
Increase in annual income . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$38,509.18

*This includes the Emergency fund, amounting to $3,828.29.

Tile relative standing, in point of membership, of Ohio with several other Grand Jurisdictions, taken from the last Annual Proceedings on file, is as follows:

New York has 779 Lodges, and a membership of 152,928
Illinois . . . . . 759 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85,583
Pennsylvania .470 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84,341
Michigan . . . 405 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,542
Missouri . . . . 593 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45,348

It will be seen from this that Ohio comes after Pennsylvania, or fourth in the list.

The only indebtedness is the per capita tax due the Masonic Home, amounting to $21,701.70, and an additional donation of $10,000.00 is recommended for the Home, $5,000.00 to the general and $5,000.00 to the endowment fund, which recommendation was concurred in by the Committees on Charity and Accounts, and approved by the Grand Lodge, and the appropriation made.

Reports the revision of the Code is completed except the index which will be completed soon after this session. The work has been approved by the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.

Practically all the spurious, clandestine Lodges have ceased work and become extinct, but as some of their members bold certificates and dimits, for the purpose of warning and protecting Lodges in this and sister jurisdictions, a list of such so-called Lodges is printed for the information of the Officers and members of the Lodges in this and other jurisdictions.

The following distinguished Brothers being present, were received, introduced to the Grand Lodge, and welcomed with Grand Honors:

M.·. W.·. Bro. Chas. M. Mikels, Grand Master of Indiana; R. Em. Sir Edwin B. King, Grand Commander Knights Templars of Ohio; M. Ex. Ed. H. Archer, Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Ohio; M.·. W.·. Warren J. Baker, Grand Master of the Grand Council R. & S. M. of Ohio; M.·. W.·. Barton Smith, Deputy for Ohio of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and M. Em. William B. Melish, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the United States, Knights Templars. Each made a proper response thanking the Grand Lodge for the courtesy.

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges:

Euclid No.599, at Cleveland
Brenton D. Babcock No.600, at Cleveland
Lakewood No.601, at Lakewood, Cuyahoga County
West LaFayette No.602, at West LaFayette, Coshocton County

The applications of East Gate at Columbus, and Sugar Creek Valley at Strasburg were rcferred to the incoming Grand Master for investigation and action.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted a special report acknowledging the courtesies extended to this Grand Lodge in their Masonic papers and communications for its special use, by V. W. Bro. Robert Freke Gould, of Kingsfield, Woking, England; V. W. Bro. Wm. Jas. Hughan, of Torquay, England; and R.·. W.·. Bro. Dr. W. J. Chetwode Crawley, Grand Treasurer of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Ireland, respectfully recommend that these three eminent Masons and distinguished authors be, and are hereby constituted Honorary Members of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge F. and A. M. of Ohio; which report was adopted and the recommendation concurred in.

The Committee on Masonic History reported that finding cooperative work in this connection not only ill advised and unsatisfactory, but difficult in execution, and deeming it for the best interests of the proposed historical work, they delegated its compilation and the work connected therewith to the chairman of the committee, who had compiled and completed the manuscript of the first volume and had the same ready for the printer for publication, and bids have been received from two competent printers. The manuscript of volume 1 has been approved by the Grand Master and the committee recommends its publication and the preparation of two additional volumes, which report and recommendation were approved by the Grand Lodge.

The committee on S. S. Williams monument was continued to next Annual Communication to enable it to complete the duties assigned to it.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported on the applications of Bros. F. E. Chambers and S. S. Pinney of New England Lodge No.4 for restoration to good standing in Masonry in favor of these applicants, it appearing they had not joined or participated in the rebellious and un-masonic acts against this Grand Lodge, said S. S. Pinney not being at that time a member of said Lodge, and being a resident of Virginia, which report and recommendations were approved by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Secretary directed to issue proper certificates to them.

The case and application of Justin Pinney was continued to the next Annual Communication, as the Brethren having the ease, were not ready to submit the evidence.

The same committee reported adversely to permitting the organization known as the "White Shrine of Jerusalem" being permitted to use Masonic Halls for meeting purposes, which report was adopted by the Grand Lodge.

Brother C. S. Hoskinson, of Zanesville, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., of Jefferson, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Harry S. Kissell, of Springfield, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, of Toledo, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; and Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, of Columbus, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, of Cincinnati, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive Officers were duly installed.

Cleveland was selected as the place and Wednesday, October 20, A. D. 1909, as the time for holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

M.·. W.·. Bros. Nelson Williams, Horace A. Irvin, and Frank S. Harmon were appointed a committee to procure and present to M.·. W.·. Bro. George D. Copeland, retiring Grand Master, a Past Grand Master's jewel.

The local Centennial Committee announced that a special program for the entertainment of the Grand Lodge and visitors had been arranged at the Zoological Garden this afternoon, consisting of a special band concert by Bellstedt's famous band, an exhibition drill by the Drill Corps of Hanselmaun Commandery No.16, Knights Templars, one of the prize winners at the last Triennial Conclave, music by the Hanselmann Military Band, parade and review by the Refuge Home Cadets, accompanied by the Boys' Military Band, and other special features of amusement and entertainment

M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, chairman of the Centennial Celebration Committee, submitted a verbal and partial report, stating it was the intention of the committee, if permitted by the Grand Lodge, to prepare a complete and detailed report, as a separate document, and mail the same to the Officers and members of the Grand Lodge. That after this is accomplished the committee will make a complete financial statement and report of the work of the committee to the Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication.

On motion, it was resolved that the Committee on Centennial Celebration be permitted to publish a separate report of their doings as a committee, and to pay the expense of the same from the Centennial Celebration Fund already placed at their disposal; which report and resolution was unanimously adopted.

By rising vote it was unanimously resolved that the thanks of this Grand Lodge be extended to the Centennial Committee and the Masons of Hamilton County for their zealous and elaborate entertainment of this Grand Body and its individual members.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, referring to the fact that there was present upon the platform a Venerable Brother who had been a Mason for over fifty years, and was distinguished not only in Masonry, but in the circles of his church throughout the world, introduced Reverend Bro. John M. Walden, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of McMakin Lodge No.120 of this Grand Jurisdiction. To this pleasant introduction the Reverend Brother responded with much feeling, and expressed his appreciation of the compliment.

The Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home presented their report, together with the report of the Superintendent, which are printed in the proceedings.

The amounts contributed by the Grand Bodies of Ohio at the 1907 sessions, were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,603.70
" Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,172.75
" Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,500.00
" Commandery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500.00
" Council Anointed High Priests . . . . . . . . . . . . 250.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,026.45

Scottish Rite Masons for new building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,737.19
Blue Lodges for furnishing rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,365.66
Grand Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$66,129.30

The appeal to the Scottish Rite Brethren of Ohio for $15,000.00 for the purpose of adding two additional stories to the dining room building met with the following generous response:

Cincinnati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,000.00
Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,600.00
Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000.00
Toledo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Dayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,483.05
Canton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317.50
Steubenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271.00
Youngstown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250.00
Cambridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00
Add interest in funds deposited . . . . . . . . 104.74
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,737.19

The lower floor of the new addition, containing thirty-one pleasant bedrooms, is now furnished and is being gradually filled with occupants. The upper floor, which will contain twenty bedrooms, will b filled later. Ths improvement is not only a great convenience, but adds much to the appearance of the entire place. We are very grateful to our Scottish Rite Brethren for their liberality.

The Trustees decided to appeal to the Blue Lodges that had not contributed to the original furnishing of rooms of the Home, asking the sum of $75.00 for each room. Twenty-four Lodges responded with that amount each, and a number of Lodges and Brethren sent smaller donations, the total amount to date being $2,365,66.

The endowment fund was increased during the past year from donations of Grand and Subordinate Bodies and members in the sum of $18,107.22, and that fund now amounts to the sum of $91,626.98.

The present residents are: Men, 66; women, 43; boys, 28; girls, 21. Total, 160.

We have still on our rolls thirty above eighty years, four of them above ninety years, and two having reached ninety-three years. The average age of our old folks is seventy-four years. The general health of the residents is good considering their advanced ages. We have lost but one child by death in our entire history, and that was from disease contracted away from the Home.

The hospital erected and furnished by the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio is nobly fulfilling its mission, and is of great value and service in caring for our sick and disabled, many of whom are constantly within its precincts. 'The view from the building is superb and is greatly enjoyed by the occupants.

The various Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and bodies and individual members of the various Masonic Bodies in Ohio, made their usual liberal contributions of money and supplies to provide for the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, all of which were highly appreciated.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted their general report covering 391 pages and reviewing the proceedings of 65 English speaking and 16 non-English speaking Grand Lodges. This is the twenty-seventh annual report of this committee, prepared and submitted by M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham as chairman of the Foreign Correspondence Committee of this Grand Lodge, and who is recognized as the Dean of Foreign Correspondents by the Masonic Fraternity throughout the world, and one of the best equipped and informed Masons in the United States. His Foreign Correspondence Reports to this Grand Lodge during the past twenty-seven years contain the best history of the current events and transactions of the various Grand Lodges in the world, and the views of their various correspondents, and a fund of information in relation to their organization procedure, and progress that can not be found in any other volume, magazine or set of papers, and any student of Masonry and its tenets and history should carefully read each one of the valuable and instructive reports.

The introductory of the present report contains interesting articles on "The Value of Masonic Diplomas or Certificates in Great Britain," by Wm. James Hughan; "Masonic Diplomas or Certificates in Ireland," by W. J. Chetwode Crawley; "Prehistoric Freemasonry," by Robert Freke Gould; "Symbolism," and a number of other instructive articles, and the usual review of the various Grand Lodges.

Grand Lodge convened in the Hall of the Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, October 20, A. D. 1909, with Grand Master Charles S. Hoskinson in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations; Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Carroll F. Clapp, William B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, William A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland; Past Deputy Grand Masters William J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, twenty-four District Lecturers, and the representatives of 505 of the 514 active Lodges in attendance.

The Grand Master read his annual address, congratulating the Craft on the prosperity of the Order in this State during the past year. More Masons have been raised, affiliated, and reinstated then ever before; yet the large number of deaths, (997), withdrawals, and suspensions brings our net gain down to 3,637, twenty-three less than last year.

Announces the death at Newark, Ohio, on August 16, A. D. 1909, of Past Grand Master William M. Cunningham, the oldest Past Grand Master of this Grand Jurisdiction, and an active and distinguished member of this Grand Lodge, having attended every convocation for over fifty years, served it in many capacities, and at the time of his death was serving as Grand Historian, and Chairman of the Foreign Correspondence Committee, which latter position he had held continuously ever since 1885. He served as Grand Master of this Grand Lodge in 1877 and 1878.

He served as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, in 1901; and as Chairman of its Foreign Correspondence Committee in 1863, 1865, 1869, and continuously since 1904; and was an Anointed Member of the Order of High Priesthood. Served as M.·. W.·. Grand Master of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, in 1865 and 1866; and as Chairman of its Committee on Foreign Correspondence from 1873 to 1881, and from 1899 to 1905.

Was Past Em. Commander of St. Luke's Commandery No.34, K. T. of Newark, Ohio.

Was a member of Ohio Sovereign Consistory, A. A. S. R. of Cincinnati, Ohio, since February 16, 1862, and received the Honorary Grade of Thirty-third Degree in the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, May 20, 1865.

He was a charter member, and Past President of the Ohio Masonic Veterans Association.

He was a thorough student of Masonic literature, and perhaps without a rival in the field of Masonic history and ritualism. His reports as Chairman of the Committees on Foreign Correspondence in the various Grand Bodies of this State are quoted as authority, and have done more than the work of any one man to make Ohio Masonry known throughout the world. He was the compiler and author of many Masonic text books and manuals. His last literary work was the preparation of the first volume of the Masonic History of Ohio which he had barely finished when the dread summons came that called him to lay down the pen and close his eyes upon its final pages. It will be one of the many monuments to his Masonic attachments and his thoroughness in Masonic literature and history.

His funeral was conducted by the Grand Lodge assisted by a large concourse of Masons from various parts of the state, and the citizens of Newark and vicinity.

The Grand Master issued a circular to all the Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction calling upon them to pay fraternal respect to his memory.

The Grand Master issued dispensations for the following new Lodges:

December 31, 1908, Cypress Lodge, at Strasburg, Ohio; October 28, 1908, East Gate Lodge, at Columbus, Ohio; March 1, 1909, W. K. Rickseeker Lodge, at Aurora, Ohio; May 24, 1909, Emmanuel Lodge, at Cleveland, Ohio; June 21, 1909, Glouster Lodge, at Glouster, Ohio; September 8, 1909, Bremen Lodge, at Bremen, Ohio.

Complying with the expressed desire of the Grand Master over thirty thousand Brethren, members of over four hundred Lodges throughout this Jurisdiction, observed the festival of St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, December 27, 1908, by attending Divine service.

On the night of February 10, 1909, the hall of Dover Lodge No.489, Dover, Ohio, was destroyed by fire. The charter and only part of the records were saved.

On February 18, 1909, in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the presence of a large number of distinguished Brethren, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, C. S. Hoskinson, exercised his prerogative as Grand Master, and made Hon. William Howard Taft a Mason at Sight.

There were present on this occasion the Grand Masters of fourteen sister Grand Lodges, three Officers of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States, ten Officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, twelve Past Grand Masters of Ohio, eight Officers of the Grand Chapter of Ohio R. A. M., five Officers and seven Past Grand Commanders of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Ohio, a large number of Active and Honorary Members of the Supreme Council A. A. S. R. Thirty-third Degree, three hundred and two of the W. Masters of the Subordinate Lodges of the State, and twenty District Lecturers and a large assembly of Master Masons.

A brief synopsis of the ceremony and proceedings at this Occasional Convocation and Lodge will be found in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, pages 20 to 27.

Later in the evening Bro. William Howard Taft was present at the conferring of the Master Mason's Degree by Kuwinning Lodge No.356, and was presented by the Lodge with a beautiful lambskin apron.

At a subsequent stated meeting of that Lodge his petition for affiliation was presented, laid over to the next stated meeting when he was duly elected to membership in the Lodge.

THE NEW CODE

The one great work, the work that should be the pride of Ohio Masonry, the work that will perpetuate the memory of one of our earnest and efficient Officers, the new code, has been completed and two copies sent to each Lodge.

The Grand Master made the following appointments during the past year:

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC HISTORY

October 26, 1908, W. Pro. T. C. Coates, having tendered his resignation, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master appointed M.·. W.·. Pro. George D. Copeland, Past Grand Master, a member of the Committee on Masonic History.

August 23, 1909, he also appointed W. Bro. John G. Reeves, Lancaster, Ohio, Chairman of the Committee on History and Grand Historian, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of M.·. W.·. Pro. William M. Cunningham.

GRAND CHAPLAIN

August 23, 1909, appointed Bishop John M. Walden, since 1852 an active and exemplary member of McMakin Lodge No.120, Mt. Healthy, Ohio, Grand Chaplain to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of R.·. W.·. Bro. Paul R. Hickok to Washington, D. C.

CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE

August 23, 1909, appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. William A. Belt, Past Grand Master, Kenton, Ohio, Chairman of said committee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of M.·. W.·. Bro. William M. Cunningham.

TRUSTEES MASONIC HOME

December 31, 1908, appointed Bro. H. A. Worthington, and reappointed Bro. Edward Harford, both of Springfield, to serve as representatives of the Grand Lodge in the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home for the term of three years from January 1, 1909.

RITUAL COMMITTEE

January 2, 1909, appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. C. G. Ballou, Past Grand Master, Toledo, Ohio, a member of the Ritual Committee, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Bro. John L. Barbour.

The District Lecturers are highly commended for the prompt and efficient manner in which they performed their duties. All of the 514 chartered Lodges have been inspected, and complete reports of every inspection received and filed.

The Grand Master laid the corner stones of the following Masonic and public buildings:

January 14, 1909, Plymouth Congregational Church, at Newark, Ohio; July 3, 1909, School Building, at Bellaire, Ohio; July 4, 1909, Federal Building, at Warren, Ohio; August 21, 1909, Methodist Church, at Logan, Ohio; September 14, 1909, Masonic Temple, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

And the following by the Brethren named, acting as proxies for the Grand Master.

April, 5, 1909, Masonic Temple at Youngstown, Ohio, by Pro. A. D. Thomas; June 26, 1909, High School Building at Pleasant Ridge, Ohio, by Bro. Scott Bonham; July 9, 1909, Carnegie Library at Miamisburg, Ohio, by Pro. Horace A. Irvin; July 31, 1909, Elmwood Place Town Hall at Elmwood Place, Ohio, by Bro. Scott Bonham.

The Grand Master regularly constituted and consecrated the following new Lodges and installed their officers:

October 30, 1908, Euclid Lodge No.599, Cleveland, Ohio; November 7, 1908, Lakewood Lodge No.601, Lakewood, Ohio, and dedicated its Lodge rooms; December 2, 1908, West Lafayette Lodge No.602, West Lafayette, Ohio, and dedicated its Lodge room November 2, 1908, M.·. W.·. Frank S. Harmon, Past Grand Master, acting as proxy for the Grand Master, constituted and consecrated Brenton D. Babcock Lodge No.600, Cleveland, Ohio, and installed its officers.

The Grand Master dedicated the following Masonic Temples and Lodge rooms:

December 8, 1908, Masonic Lodge rooms at Findlay, Ohio; December 10, 1908, Masonic Lodge rooms at Millersport, Ohio; December 29, 1908, Masonic Temple at Troy, Ohio; January 26, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Elmore, Ohio; February 4, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Quaker City, Ohio; February 9, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Oberlin, Ohio; March 18, 1909, Masonic Temple at Mechanicsburg, Ohio; September 10, 1909, Masonic Temple at Lodi, Ohio.

The following were dedicated by Brothers acting as proxies of the Grand Master:

May 12, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Washington C. H., Ohio, Bro. Walter W. Hamilton presiding; June 15, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Niles, Ohio, Bro. A. D. Thomas, presiding; June 24, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Mt. Ephriam, Ohio, Bro. E. C. Chamberlain, presiding; September 27 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Holgate, Ohio, Bro. Virgil Squire, presiding; September 27, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at New Burlington, Ohio, Bro. Chas. L. Harrod, presiding; October 4, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Bro. H. M. Hagelbarger, presiding; October 13, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Barberton, Ohio, Bro. H. M. Hagelbarger, presiding.

July 26, 1909, the Grand Master issued a dispensation to Warsaw Lodge No.255, at Spring Mountain, to remove to Warsaw, its original home. The Grand Master visited 48 Subordinate Lodges, at all of which he was received and welcomed with all the honors and fraternal kindness due his high rank.

The Grand Treasurer presented his report showing a balance in the General Fund, October 9, 1909, of $63,766.24; and in the Emergency Relief Fund, $4,188.86.

The Grand Secretary submitted his twenty-first annual report showing the net increase of membership, 3,637, being only 23 less than that of last year, and 44 less than the highest record which was made in 1903. The returns of all the Lodges except Collinwood Lodge No.582, were in on time, as were the Grand dues of all except Senate Lodge No.378.

The number of members August 31, 1909, 75,976. The per capita due the Masonic Home was $22,792.80; and the Grand Secretary recommended an additional donation of $10,000.00 to the Endowment Fund, and $5,000.00 to the General Fund, which was concurred in by the Committee on Accounts, and adopted by the Grand Lodge and the appropriation made.

Shortly after the last session the revised code was completed and copies distributed to the various Lodges, Present and Past Grand Officers, and District Lecturers, and quite a number sold. The estimated cost of publishing the code was $3,000.00; the actual amount expended only $1,612.94, and the Grand Lodge has the plates which will greatly reduce the cost of printing additional copies.

The Committee on Centennial Celebration presented their financial report showing the total appropriation, $4,000.00, and the total expenditures, $3,572.87, leaving a balance of $427.13 refunded to the Grand Lodge.

The Committee on the Memorial to Past Grand Master S. Stacker Williams reported that they had collected funds amounting to $1,296,64, with which they had procured and had placed on the Williams lot in Cedar Hill Cemetery at Newark, Ohio, a beautiful large polished Barre Granite Monument, and two granite markers for his grave and that of Elizabeth Williams, his wife, which was approved, and the committee discharged.

Brother B. F. Perry, Jr., of Jefferson was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Harry S. Kissell, of Springfield, B. .W. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, of Toledo B W Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Edwin S. Griffiths, of Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, of Columbus, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer; and Bro. J. H. Bromwell, of Cincinnati, reelected R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers were duly installed.

Columbus, Ohio, was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 19, A. D. 1910, as the time of holding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported on the petition of Justin Pinney, for restoration to good standing in Masonry, (he having been expelled for his connection with the organization of the clandestine, so called Worthington Grand Lodge of Ohio), recommending that his petition be denied, which report and recommendation were unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge.

The petition of John J. Stoddart for restoration to good standing was laid over for further information and consideration, on recommendation of the same committee.

The proposed amendment of Section 16, of the Code, providing that "No Lodge shall confer the first three degrees of Masonry for less than twenty-five dollars, and in cases where three or more Lodges have concurrent jurisdiction for less than forty dollars," was unanimously adopted.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.:

East Gate No.603, at Columbus, Ohio; Cypress No.604, at Strasburg, Tuscarawas County, Ohio; Emmanuel No.605, at Cleveland, Ohio.

Glouster Lodge, U. D.; W. K. Ricksecker Lodge, U. D.; and Bremen Lodge, U. D., were continued under dispensations until the next Annual Communication.

A committee consisting of M.·. W.·. Bros. George D. Copeland, C. G. Ballou and F. L. Lybarger, was appointed to procure and present the usual Past Grand Master's jewel to M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles S. Hoskinson.

The Committee on Necrology presented their report containing proper testimonies to the memory of M.·. W.·. Bro. William M. Cunningham, the senior Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, who died August 16, 1909; the 977 Brothers of this Grand Jurisdiction who died during the past year, and a number of distinguished Brothers of Sister Grand Jurisdictions, which report was adopted and is printed in the proceedings.

The following distinguished Masons being present were escorted to the Grand East and introduced by Past Grand Master Nelson Williams, viz.: M.·. W.·. Barton Smith, Past Grand Master, Lieutenant Commander of the Supreme Council Thirty-third Degree of the A. A. S. R. of N. M. J.; M. Ex Comp. W. T. S. O'Hara, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio; and M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Past Grand Master, B. Em., Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the U. S. Knights Templar. The Grand Honors were given, and a formal welcome tendered by the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, which was responded to by each of the distinguished Brothers.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, through its Chairman M.·. W.·. William A. Belt, presented its report covering 209 pages and reviewing the proceedings of 64 Grand Jurisdictions and is a valuable addition to the many instructive and able reports of this Grand Jurisdiction, and is specially commended to all Masonic students.

The Committee on the Centennial Celebration of the organization of this Grand Lodge in the year A. D. 1808, presented a detailed statement of the ceremonies and proceedings attending this celebration held during the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 21 and 22, A. D. 1908; and which was printed as an appendix to the proceedings of 1909, pages 347 to 423 inclusive.

Space will permit us to only insert a brief synopsis, as follows:

FOREWORD

At the session of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, held in Cincinnati, October 18, 1905 the following preamble and resolution, offered by M.·. W.·. Bro. Win. B. Melish, were unanimously adopted.

"Whereas, This Grand Lodge was organized in the year 1808, and will 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 attendant thereon."

And in pursuance of this resolution, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, Lewis P. Schaus, appointed the following:

PRELIMINARY COMMITTEE ON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

M.·. W.·. Bros. William B. Melish, of Cincinnati; W. M. Cunningham, Newark; Leander Burdiek, Toledo; O. P. Sperra, Baveuna, and R.·. W.·. Bros. Horace A. Irvin, Dayton, and J. H. Bromwell, Cincinnati.

At the Grand Communication, held in Columbus, October 10, 1906, M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, as chairman, resented a report on Centennial Celebration including among other things the following recommendations:

"1. That the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of this Grand Lodge be had in 1908, in connection with the Annual Communication of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge and under its authority.

"2. That the Grand Master appoint a committee of nine, of which committee he shall be a member, and that said committee should be empowered to make all necessary arrangements for the Centennial Celebration.

"3. That this celebration shall be held in one of the large cities of the state, the location to be considered by the Committee on Centennial Celebration, and their recommendation to be made to the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication of 1907.

"4. That the program in its general charter shall consist of a Masonic procession, escorting the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge on the morning of its first day session to its place of meeting. That a commemorative service, with a program of an historical and Masonic character, with appropriate music, be held in a large hall during the afternoon of the first day's session, followed by a reception to Masons and their families by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Lodge, the program concluding with an anniversary banquet in the evening, the details of these events to be arranged by the Centennial Celebration Committee.

"5. We are unable at this time to report to the Grand Lodge the probable cost of a Centennial Celebration such as outlined in this report. We recommend that the question of expenses be referred to the committee to be appointed by the Grand Master, as suggested in this report, said committee to report regarding the matter of expenses to this Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication."

On motion, the report of the committee was adopted and the recommendations concurred in.

In accordance with the recommendation of this report the M.·. W.·. Grand Master appointed the following Brethren as the

COMMITTEE ON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

M.·. W.·. Bros. Win. B. Melish, Cincinnati, Chairman; Win. M. Cunningham, Newark; Leander Burdick, Toledo; O. P. Sperra, Ravenna; Horace A. Irvin, Dayton; Lewis P. Schans, Newark; and R.·. W.·. Bros. J. H. Bromwell, Cincinnati; Win. J. Akers, Cleveland, and R. R. Rickly, Columbus.

At the Grand Communication held in Canton, October 17, 1907, M.·. W.·. Bro. Win. B. Melish submitted an additional report of the Committee on Centennial Celebration recommending that said Celebration be held on the third Wednesday of October, (the 21st of the month), in the year 1908, and in the city of Cincinnati.

Which report was, on motion, unanimously adopted.

THE COMMITTEE'S WORK

The Centennial Committee held its first session at the Sinton Hotel, in Cincinnati, February 28, 1908, and elected M.·. W.·. Bro. Win. B. Melish, Chairman, and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Secretary.

THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

LOCAL COMMITTEE

The Chairman announced that the Lodges of Hamilton County had perfected an organization for the purpose of taking charge of local details and of working in harmony with the Grand Lodge Committee, and that Bro. E. E. Shipley had been chosen as Chairman and Bro. Albert L. Knight as Secretary of this local organization.

SUB-COMMITTEES

The Chairman having been authorized to appoint the necessary sub-committees, announced the following:

Finance - R. R. Rickly, O. P. Sperra, Wm. J. Akers.
Hall and Meeting Place - L. P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, Wm. B. Melish.
Transportation - J. H. Bromwell, L. P. Schaus, R. R. Rickly.
Invitation - Wm. J. Akers, Wm. M. Cunningham, Leander Burdick.
Parade - Horace A. Irvin, O. P. Sperra, R. R. Rickly.
Hotels - Edward F. Shipley, Chairman Cincinnati Entertainment Committee, First National Bank Building, Cincinnati.
Press and Publicity - O. P. Sperra, L. P. Schaus, Wm. M. Cunningham.
History and Publication - Wm. M. Cunningham, J. H. Bromwell, Leander Burdiek.
Music - Leander Burdiek, Wm. J. Akers, Wm. B. Melish.
Entertainments - Wm. B. Melish, J. H. Bromwell, Horace A. Irvin.
Reception.- The Past Grand Masters and Past Deputy Grand Masters of Ohio.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

The committee unanimously requested M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham, the oldest living Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, to prepare an historical sketch to be read by the Grand Secretary, which request was accepted by our venerable and learned Brother, who subsequently delivered to the committee a full and interesting resume of the principal events of interest which had transpired in Masonry in this state during the existence of the Grand Lodge.

POET LAUREATE

The committee, being fully advised by many delightful experiences on other occasions of the poetic talent of our M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, unanimously named him "Poet Laureate" of the coming celebration, and invited him to prepare an appropriate poem specially for that event, which request our talented Brother complied with by furnishing and reading the beautiful poem which will be set out in full later in this memorial.

MUSIC HALL

The Chairman, M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, announced to the committee that he had secured Music Hall for the sessions of the Grand Lodge, as well as for the special Centennial Celebration on October 21 and 22.

POSTER NOTICES

Special poster notices were printed and mailed to every Lodge in the state, reminding them of the coming celebration and inviting their membership to be present.

INVITATIONS

Handsomely engraved invitations to the number of two thousand or more were ordered to be prepared and mailed to the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, to the Grand Masters, and Grand Secretaries of other Grand Lodges, and to such other distinguished Masons as the Committee on Invitation might think proper to invite.

PARADE

The Subcommittee on Parade was directed to arrange for a parade of Master Masons, to be reviewed by the Grand Master and other Grand Officers and invited guests on the 21st day of October at 2 :30 o'clock P. M., the line of march and other details to be in charge of that committee.

SCOTTISH BITE CATHEDRAL

The Trustees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the valley of Cincinnati tendered, without charge, the use of the handsome Cathedral of the Rite for Reception Committee headquarters, or any other purpose for which it might be useful or needed, which offer, it is needless to say, was accepted by the committee with thanks.

BADGES

Two styles of bronze badges were ordered, one for the use of the officers and members of the Grand Lodge, and the other for the Brethren either of our own or other jurisdictions who might be our guests.

THE CELEBRATION

GRAND MASTER'S INVITATION

The following invitation of the Grand Master was sent to the Officers of the Grand Lodge, the Masters and Wardens of Ohio Lodges, Past Grand Officers and District Lecturers, the Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries of other jurisdictions, and a large number of other invited guests:

ORDER OF THE GRAND MASTER

On October 5, 1908, M.·. W.·. Bro. George D. Copeland, Grand Master, issued the following order of instructions to the Grand Lodge Officers and Members and to the Brethren of the several Lodges:

GENERAL ORDER NO. 1

To the Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of the Several Lodges within the Jurisdiction of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio.

GREETING:

I. The M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio will convene in Annual Grand Communication in the Music Hall, Elm Street, between Twelfth and Fourteenth Streets, Cincinnati, Ohio, at 9 :30 A. M., Wednesday, October 21, A. D. 1908, A. L. 5908.

II. All members of the Grand Lodge will, as early as practicable, report their presence to the Committee on Credentials, at Boom No.3, ground floor, at the Official Headquarters, the Hotel Sinton, Fourth and Vine Streets.

III. The Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge, and visitors from other Grand Lodges, will assemble at the Hotel Sinton at 9 A. M., October 21, when the Grand Lodge will proceed, under escort of the Cincinnati Entertainment Committee, to Music Hall.

IV. The Centennial Celebration Parade will occur at 2 :30 P. M., Wednesday, October 21, and will be under the command of M.·. W.·. Horace A. Irvin, Grand Marshal of the Parade, with Bro. James Pettibone as Chief of Staff, to whom, at their headquarters, Parlor "E," Hotel Sinton, Grand Lodge Members, Masters of Lodges attending as Lodges, and unattached Brethren will promptly, on arrival, report for assignment.

V. Lodges under our jurisdiction are hereby authorized to appear in public from October 20 to October 22, inclusive, for the purpose of attending this Centennial Celebration. The Grand Master, and Officers and Committees of the Grand Lodge will be located at the Hotel Sinton, Official Headquarters, the Parlor of the Grand Master being Room No.322. The office of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, etc., and of the Centennial Celebration Committee will be Parlors "C" and "E."

Given under my hand at my office in Marion, this fifth day of October, A. D. 1908, A. L. 5908.
GEO. D. COPELAND, M.·. W.·. Grand Master

Attest:
J. H. BROMWELL, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary
Masonic Temple, Cincinnati.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

The program of entertainment for this day was as follows:

Beginning at 10 o'clock A. M., the Grand Lodge Officers and members and visiting Brethren were registered and badges and tickets for the various entertainments distributed.

At 6 P. M. a banquet was tendered by the local committee to the Masonic Veterans' Association, consisting of Brethren who have been Master Masons for twenty-one years or more. This banquet was given at the Scottish Bite Cathedral and was largely attended, finely served, and made unusually interesting through the exchange of reminiscences on the part of these veteran members of our Order, some of whom joined the Fraternity a half-century or more ago.

At 7:30 P. M. the work of the various degrees was exemplified at the Masonic Temple as follows:

Vattier Lodge No.386, Entered Apprentice Degree; Cincinnati Lodge No.133, Fellow Craft Degree; Lafayette Lodge No.81, Master Mason's Degree. In addition to this work, Hanselmann Lodge No.208 exemplified the Master Mason's Degree in the German language.

At the same hour, and up to 11:30 P. M., a reception and smoker to our visiting Brethren was held at the Business Men's Club, at which music, fraternal greetings, refreshments and cigars entertained our visitors and furnished them a delightful evening.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

The day opened bright and pleasant and was perfect in every respect. Great throngs filled the streets, and upon the buildings in the business center of the city fluttered Masonic banners and emblems by the thousands. The people of Cincinnati vied with each other in making the celebration a success and in welcoming the visiting Masons from every part of Ohio and from neighboring states.

The program of the day was initiated by the march to Music Hall and the formal opening of the Grand Lodge, was passed along to the immense parade in the afternoon, and was raised to a sublime degree of enthusiasm in the exercises of the evening.

OPENING OF GRAND LODGE

At 9 o'clock A. M. the local Entertainment Committee to the number of one hundred reported at the headquarters of the M.·. W.·. Grand Master at the Sinton Hotel to act as an escort to the Grand Lodge to Music Hall.

At 9:30 the procession was formed, the Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, District Lecturers, and representatives of the various Lodges, numbering altogether nearly a thousand (being in line, with military bands interspersed at suitable intervals, and the march was made to the place of meeting.

On arriving in front of Music Hall the procession was massed and a large group photograph of the members of the Grand Lodge was taken, after which the Brethren entered the hall, the officers took their stations, and the following exercises were had prior to the opening of the Grand Lodge, M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee, making the announcements:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1908

MUSIC HALL, CINCINNATI

9:30 A. M. - Organ Recital.... Bro. John Yoakley
10:00 A. M. - Invocation .... Mozart Scottish Rite Double Quartette.
10:10 A. M. - Prayer.... Rev. Bro. Paul R. Hickok R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain.
10 :15 A. M. - Welcoming Address.... R.·. W.·. Bro. Edw. F. Shipley Grand Orator, Chairman Cincinnati Entertainment Committee.
The Lord is My Strength.... Blodgett Scottish Bite Double Quartette.
Welcome to Cincinnati.... Hon. L. Markbreit Mayor of Cincinnati.
Response.... George D. Copeland Grand Master of Ohio.
Lift Thine Eyes.... Mendelssohn Charity.... Nembach Scottish Rite Double Quartette.
Announcements of the Grand Lodge Centennial Celebration Committee,
M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish, P. G.M., Chairman.

ORGAN RECITAL

The recital on the great organ was by Bro. John Yoakley and delighted all, especially those who heard this famous organ for the first time.

VOCAL MUSIC

The vocal music was furnished by the Scottish Rite Double Quartette, and it is needless to say was rendered in the most finished and artistic manner.

WELCOME

The welcoming address and the responses were eloquent and impressive, and were greeted with frequent and hearty applause.

HOME BOYS AND GIRLS

The final number of the program was unexpected and came as a surprise to the hundreds of Brethren on the floor.

Fifty inmates of the Ohio Masonic Home twenty-seven boys and twenty-three girls suddenly appeared upon the stage and proceeded to render a number of songs which they had been taught at the Home. The incident was both interesting and pathetic, and many eyes were moist as the wards of the Order sang in their youthful tones of "Home, Sweet Home."

They had been brought from Springfield, where the Home is located, to Cincinnati in charge of the Superintendent, Bro. John W. Parsons, and his wife the Matron, were met at the depot and escorted to the Hall.

They remained in the city until the afternoon of the 22d, and were given the time of their lives.
The visited the Zoo and saw the animals, rode in a tallyho about the city, and were the guests of the Committee for a number of other pleasant experiences, including a visit to the Walnut Street Theater to see "Buster Brown," which they enjoyed to the limit.

THE PARADE

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master having appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, Past Grand Master, to act as Grand Marshal of the Centennial parade, general orders were issued by the Grand Marshal for its formation and management.

The details set out in these orders were carried out to the letter, and promptly at 2:30 P. M. the greatest Masonic procession ever seen in this and probably any state, took up its line of march.

That some proper conception may be had of its magnitude the report of the Chief of Staff to the Grand Marshal, is submitted:

REPORT OF CHIEF OF STAFF

To M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, Grand Marshal.

Dear Sir and Brother: The report of participants in the Centennial parade is as follows:

MASONIC PARADE . . . . . . . . Officers . . Past . . Members . . Officers . . Past . . Master . . Total
Cincinnati, October 21, 1908 . . . G. L. . . .G. M. . . . G. L. . . . of Lodges . Mast. . Masons

Mounted Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Grand Marshal and Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

FIRST DIVISION
Marshal and Ades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hofer's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LaFayette Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . 23 . . . . 18 . . . . . 219
Grand Lodge of Ohio . . . . . . . . .14 . . . . . .24 . . . . . 800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 838
First Regiment Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Masonic Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

SECOND DIVISION
Marshal and Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Bellstedt's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
McMillan Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . .18 . . . .161 . . . . . 188
Hanselmann Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . 6 . . . . 167 . . . . . 181
N. C. Harmony Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . .10 . . . .100 . . . . . 118
Ohio Masonic Home,65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Smittie's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Excelsior Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . 14 . . . . 96 . . . . . 120
Walnut Hils Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . . . 10 . . . .150 . . . . . 170
Madisonville Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 . . . . . . . 3 . . . . .66 . . . . . . 76
Wyoming Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . 5 . . . . .60 . . . . . . 74

THIRD DIVISION
Marshal and Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Kohlbrand's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cincinnati Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 . . . . . . .18 . . . 118 . . . . . 143
Montgomery Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . .10 . . . . 27 . . . . . . 45
Sharonville Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . . . .2 . . . . .33 . . . . . .38
Cynthia Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . .5 . . . . .26 . . . . . .35
Hofer's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Avon Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . .9 . . . .130 . . . . . 147
Norwood Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . .6 . . . .120 . . . . . 133
Price Hill Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . .6 . . . . .21 . . . . . . 32
Monitor Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 . . . . . . . .5 . . . . .25 . . . . . . 34
McMakin Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .10 . . . . .56 . . . . . . 72
North Bend Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . 23 . . . . . . 30
Snow Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . 42 . . . . . . 53

FOURTH DIVISION
Marshal and Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Smittie's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Vattier Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . 12 . . . . 300 . . . . . .320
Weber's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Kilwinning Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . 8 . . . . 140 . . . . . 155
Oxford Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . 3 . . . . .40 . . . . . . 51

FIFTH DIVISION
Marshal and Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Yeatman Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . . 6 . . . . 400 . . . . .414
Hoffner Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . 11 . . . . 185 . . . . .202
Carthage Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . . . 12 . . . . . 92 . . . . .114
House of Refuge Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Miami Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . . 4 . . . . 110 . . . . .122
Milford and Queen City Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . 7 . . . . 263 . . . . .278
Pleasant Ridge Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . 6 . . . . .78 . . . . . . 92

SIXTH DIVISION
Marshal and Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Monfort's Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Dayton, St. John's and Mystic Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . . .20 . . . .156 . . . . 188
Second Regiment Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
E. T. Carson Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . 1 . . . . .91 . . . . 100
Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Jefferson Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . . .1 . . . . 90 . . . . . .96
Cheviot Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . .12 . . . .170 . . . . .190
Washington Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . .12 . . . . 48 . . . . .. 68
Linwood and Gerard Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . 9 . . . .109 . . . . .128
Hyde Park Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . . 3 . . . .114 . . . . . 126

RECAPITULATION.
Police (Mounted), 12; Trumpeter (Mounted) 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Grand Marshal (Mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Chief of Staff and Adjt. Gen (Mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Grand Marshals and Aides (Mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Division Marshals and Aides (Mounted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Officers Grand Lodge in Carriages, 13; Mounted, 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Past Grand Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Members, Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800
Children, Ohio Masonic Home, in Tally hoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Officers of Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Past Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Master Masons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990
Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Grand Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5834

One of the most interesting features of the parade was the distribution of thousands of souvenir Masonic Aprons, specially made and inscribed for the occasion, which took place just before this grand Masonic army took up its march. Some of these will no doubt be treasured by the children and the children's children of those who wore them on this occasion, and will be displayed as precious keepsakes when the bi-Centennial Anniversary shall be celebrated by our Masonic successors.

The parade was preceded by a troop of mounted police in personal command of Bro. Paul Millikin, Superintendent of Police, while at short intervals along the line of march were posted members of four companies of "Cincinnati's finest" to clear the streets and prevent interference with the procession.

After them came the Grand Lodge Officers in carriages in the following order:

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master of Ohio, George D. Copeland, Marion
R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, C. S. Hoskinson, Zanesville
R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden, B. F. Perry, Jr., Jefferson
R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden, Harry S. Kissell, Springfield
R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, R R. Rickly, Columbus
R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, J. H. Bromwell, Cincinnati
R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain, Rev. Paul P. Hickok, Delaware
R.·. W.·. Grand Orator, Edward E. Shipley, Cincinnati
R.·. W.·. Em. Grand Commander, F. B. King, Sandusky
R.·. W.·. Grand Marshal, George L. Marshall, Dayton
W. Senior Grand Deacon, Thomas B. Guitteau, Toledo
W. Junior Grand Deacon, Edwin S. Griffiths, Cleveland
Grand Tyler, A. B. Fairchild, Ravenna

Past Grand Masters Wm. M. Cunningham, Newark; J. M. Goodspeed, Athens; Leander Burdick, Toledo, and Levi C. Goodale, Cincinnati.

M. EL Grand High Priest, F. H. Archer, Columbus.

Past Grand Masters Allen Andrews, Hamilton; Carroll F. Clapp, Warren, and Barton Smith, Toledo.

Past Grand Masters Nelson Williams, of Hamilton; F. C. Gulliford, of Cleveland; F. L. Lybarger, of Warsaw, and Frank S. Harmon, of Cleveland.

Past Grand Masters Ike M. Robinson, o, Chandlersville; W. A. Belt, of Kenton; O. P. Sperra, of Ravenna, and C. G. Ballou, of Toledo.

Past Grand Masters L. P. Schaus, of Columbus; Horace A. Irvin, of Dayton; Past Deputy Grand
Masters Wm. J. Akers, of Cleveland, and J. L'H. Long, of Ottawa.

Bishop and Bro. David H. Moore, of Cincinnati; Bishop and Bro. John M. Walden, of Cincinnati.

When the head of the column reached the reviewing stand on Government Square it stopped long enough to permit the Grand Lodge Officers and invited guests to take their places, and then the Brethren passed in review in columns of four to the place of dismissal, and this great Masonic parade was at an end.

THE CELEBRATION EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL

Admission to these exercises was by card issued to Masons and their families, and at least eight thousand were present.

PROGRAM

7:30 to 8 P. M.

Organ Recital, Patriotic Airs.

Mrs. Lillian Arkell-Rixford, of The College of Music of Cincinnati.

8:00 P. M.

Overture, "Figaro's Hochzeit" ....Mozart

The College of Music Orchestra; Henri Em, Director.

Solo, "O God, Have Mercy!" from St Paul, Mendelssohn Bro. Douglass Powell, of Eurydice Lodge No. 1920, London, Eng., accompanied by the College Orchestra, under direction of Sig. Albino Gorno, Dean of the Faculty.

Invocation
Bishop John M. Walden, D. D., of McMakin Lodge No.120, F. & A. M., Mt. Healthy, Ohio.
America Cary To be sung by all the Brethren standing, assisted by the College Chorus and Orchestra, and the great Organ, under direction of Bro. A. J. Gantvoort.

M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, Chairman of the Centennial Committee, presided at these exercises and announced the various details of the program. He made a few introductory remarks as follows:

"Today we note the beginning of a new century of life for our Grand Lodge, and by comparing the early period of its life with the present we find abundant cause for congratulation and for a glad and grateful celebration of this significant anniversary. The storm of the past, if rightly read and interpreted, is the power of the present, the prophecy of the future. Life is brief, duty grave, but with rain-folded wings of yesterday's sunshine the grateful heart sings. We are the owners of Ohio's proud history of Masonry. To us of right belongs its ancient glory and its present prestige. On us depends its future fame and fortune. May the faith and fealty of the fathers be renewed in the high resolve and noble deed of each member of the Fraternity in Ohio."

The following telegram, letter and cablegram were read, in each case being received by the Brethren with enthusiastic applause:

Telegram from President Roosevelt

"The White House, Washington, D. C.
"I heartily congratulate the Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio on the celebration of its Centenary. Please present my fraternal greetings and regards to the Brethren.
"Theodore Roosevelt"

LETTER FROM VICE-PRESIDENT FAIRBANKS

"Indianapolis, October 6, 1908

"My Dear Friend: Your letter of the 5th inst. is just received. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your kindness and how gratified I would be were the way clear to accept the invitation you extend to participate in the festivities of your Centennial Celebration on the evening of the 21st of this month. The campaign demands upon me are such that I find it entirely beyond all reasonable possibility to agree to be with you. I can not tell you how much I regret this, for the occasion is one that appeals to me in the strongest possible manner. I am always gratified to be associated with my Masonic Brethren in those events which seek to bring the members of the Fraternity in closer fellowship.

"I am greatly pleased with the kindly message which our mutual friend, Bishop Moore, sends me. It is only evidence of that graciousness which I learned to appreciate when a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University. You say that the Bishop will either pray for me or speak with me. I presume the alternative choice is to rest with me. Appreciating the necessities of the situation, if able to be present I should certainly wish that he would do both.

"I wish to be very kindly remembered to him.
"Faithfully and fraternally yours,
"Charles W. Fairbanks"
Mr. William B. Melish, 612 W. Sixth St.,
Cincinnati, Ohio"

Cablegram from Zuich, Switzerland

"Grand Lodge of Ohio: Heartiest congratulations
"Alpina"

M.·. W.·. Bro. Melish then introduced Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham and R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, the former having written the historical sketch which Bro. Bromwell proceeded to read. This will be found in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1909, pages 375 to 412 inclusive.

Then followed the Fellow Craft's Song, "'Anderson's Constitution," Delahaye, by The College Chorus and Orchestra and the great organ under direction of Bro. A. J. Gantvoort. The Brethren joined in the refrain of each stanza.

THE FELLOW CRAFT'S SONG

Hail, Masonry! Thou Craft divine!
Glory of Earth, from Heaven reveal'd;
Which dost with Jewels precious shine,
From all but Masons' eyes conceal'd
Thy praises due who can rehearse
In serious Prose, or flowing Verse?

Refrain:
Thy Praises due who can rehearse
In serious Prose, or flowing Verse?

As men from Brutes distinguished are,
A Mason other Men excels;
For what's in knowledge choice and rare,
But in his Breast securely dwells?
His silent Breast and faithful Heart
Preserve the Secrets of the Art.

Refrain:
His silent Breast and faithful Heart
Preserve the Secrets of the Art.

Ensigns of State that feed our Pride
Distinctions troublesome, and vain,
By Masons true are laid aside:
Art's freeborn Sons such Toys disdain.
Ennobled by the Name they bear,
Distinguished by the Badge they wear.

Refrain:
Ennobled by the Name they bear,
Distinguished by the Badge they wear.
Sweet Fellowship, from Envy free;
Friendly converse of Brotherhood
The Lodge's lasting Cement be!
Which has for Ages firmly stood.
A Lodge, thus built, for Ages past,
Has lasted, and will ever last.

Refrain:
A Lodge, thus built, for Ages past,
has lasted, and will ever last.

Oration,
"The Masonic Fraternity, Wheresoever Dispersed on Land or Sea,"
Bishop David H. Moore, D. D.,
Ancient Landmark Lodge, Masonic District, No.1, of China.

Bishop David H. Moore, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was then introduced, and spoke in part as follows:

"Mr. Chairman, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brothers and Assembled Friends: I am to speak on 'The Masonic Fraternity, Wheresoever Dispersed on Land or Sea.

"This Fraternity is one form of that Brotherhood which has its best representation in the family. There how tender and holy the relationship! Brothers, children of the same parents, objects of the same love and care, heirs to the same estate; interests alike, hopes, fears, joys and sorrows-Brotherhood!

"From this experience of domestic unity and love it seems a far cry to its practical extension to all the tribes of earth-divided, selfish, hostile as they now are. Yet through all our stir and strife this is the ideal that glows down upon us and toward which we are working. Groups, unions, societies, uniting for mutual help and social, moral, and intellectual improvement, push humanity toward this goal. They may have meant to confine advantages and helps primarily to themselves, but the benevolence which animates them is expansive, and ever extends beyond the limits of their membership. They begin by being esoteric, but always become exoteric. Ever 'love laughs at locksmiths,' and every organization based on the principles of fraternity, consciously or unconsciously, contributes to the common good and to the fulfillment of the promise and prophecy that all men shall love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves -when Turk and Chinese and Polander and American -all earth's bubbling tribes-shall bow the knee to the common Father and call every man brother.

"We note three characteristics of Masonic Fraternity. The first is its antiquity. Its very name 'Masonry' implies this. Construction of work in stone dates from remotest times. Back of recorded history, prehistoric remains point to still earlier achievements. Like the everlasting hills from which they were quarried and hewn, they survive the rush of centuries. In what particular period the apprentices and master builders were first organized for fellowship, mutual help, culture and development, is not especially important. But back, and yet farther back, the chronicles run, across continents and seas, from realm to older realm, until lost in the foregleam of civilization. Some such institution was needed, was created, served its purpose, proved its value by its transmission from generation to generation, until it has reached us, stamped with seals of hoary antiquity, and bearing the approval of the more exacting twentieth century.

Its second characteristic is its democracy. It chooses the insignia of labor rather than the luxury and pomp of power; the apron of the Mason rather than purple and gold; the square and the compass rather than the scepter and the crown. It recognizes the dignity of toil, sets its seal upon honest industry, and points all alike to sacred duties and higher reward. Within the Lodge vanish all the separations of life-high, low, rich, poor; men meet men upon the level and part upon the square.

"Its third characteristic is its universality. As our Chairman tersely puts it, 'If it be true that a man can go around the world and not lose sight of the Union Jack of the British Empire, it is equally true that, at the same time, he is never beyond the cable-tow of a Master Mason.' Grand Lodges recognized by us are found in England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Egypt, Australia, South America, Mexico, Cuba, and a score of other countries, to say nothing of Lodges chartered from England, working in Africa, India, China, and Japan. I myself belong to the Ancient Landmark Lodge and the Orient Consistory in Shanghai. Hence it is that on the Nile or the Amazon, amid arctic snows or tropical flowers, in palaces or hovels, everywhere you are within hailing distance of a Free Mason. Chaplain McCabe found it so when returning from Libby Prison. Wasted to a skeleton, he was helped on a train at Petersburg. 'A man came into the car with a basket,' he says, 'and walked right up to me and gave me a piece of fried chicken and some bread. And I said to him, 'Sir, what is your name?' 'I am Captain Hatch,' he said. I asked him how he knew me, and he answered, 'Ask your father when you get home.' When I reached home I asked my father how Captain Hatch happened to know me, and he said, 'My son, I went clear down to Fortress Monroe after you, and when I could get no farther I sent word along the line, and if you were a Mason you would understand.' So I never knew how Captain Hatch happened to know me, but somehow I have always associated Masonry and fried chicken, and if any one asks me what Masonry is I answer, 'It is a thing that gives a fellow fried chicken when he is hungry.'

"You smile, but is not the instance typical? After all is not this the feast which the Lord hath chosen, to give bread to the hungry and to bring him who is ready to perish to thy dwelling? Going forth among the lowly and the suffering, animated by such fraternal impulses and characterized by such helpful fellowship, Masonry, wherever found, if true to its ideals, must make every man feel that he is every man's brother; aye, make him to do to every man a brother's part. Thus in our own country it binds the different classes together in good-will and good order, contributing mightily to domestic tranquility, peaceful industry, and national prosperity. But what it does for one country it tends to do for all countries where it is established. Grand Lodge is bound by strong fraternal ties to Grand Lodge the world over. Thus the highest offices of diplomacy are made easy; the sword is dulled, the spear broken, the battle-flag furled, and the golden year, foretold by prophets and sung by poets, is ushered in,

"'When all men's good
Shall be each man's rule, and universal peace
Lie like a shaft of light across the land,
And like a lane of beams athwart the sea.'

"To this glorious consummation, each in its measure, all fraternities contribute, Masonry not least. O Brothers, let us be true to our high mission! Let us not lose sight of it for a single moment in Our enthusiasm for the Ritual and loyalty to the Order.

Let us fling to the breeze our unsullied banner, inscribed with Fraternity, Liberty and Equality, and as operative Masonry fits and cements together separate blocks, according to the architect's pattern, into a perfect structure, so, in common with all true Masons and all lovers of mankind, let us labor to bring classes and nations together according to the one perfect plan of the one perfect Architect, until the capstone of the final social structure is brought forth with shoutings of grace, grace unto it."

Creation's Hymn, Beethoven. The College Chorus and Orchestra under direction of Mr. Louis Victor Saar.

This was followed by an original poem specially written for this occasion and read by the author, M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, Past Grand Master.

CENTENNIAL POEM

We have gathered today from the hillsides and valleys,
Which in springtime and summer are rich robed in green;
But which are presenting a much richer beauty
As the mild breath of autumn is changing the scene.
We have come from the work shop, the pulpit and forum,
From our places of business, and homes we hold dear;
To unite in rejoicing that, stronger than ever,
Our Grand Lodge has reached its Centennial Year.

Giving thanks unto Him who provides in
His wisdom For the manifold blessings which we now enjoy;
Who gives to us life and the most precious talents,
Which, for good or for evil, we all must employ.

We are gathered today in this beautiful city,
Whence the winding Ohio rolls on to the sea;
To rejoice o'er the progress the past years have brought us,
And prepare for the work of the next century.

To mankind, while time flies as with wings of the eagle,
Yet, in rounding out centuries, slow it appears;
For 'tis seldom they see the beginning or ending,
Or the first and last of a full hundred years.
But as God measures time, the years are not numbered,
And centuries are but as drops in the sea;
There was no beginning, there can be no ending-
God's time is all time and eternity.

But today we assemble as mortals and Masons,
As men who profess to be good men and true;
As men who have pleasure in cementing friendships,
And pledging our faith in each other anew
As men who have taken at Freemasonry's altars T
he pledges and vows of our great Brotherhood;
And expressed our belief in the God of our Fathers,
As the Author and Giver of all that is good.

And tonight in the presence of beautiful women,
Who are true living symbols of virtue and love;
And who need' not the pledges or vows of our
Order To make them true ashlars for the temple above;
And here in this hall dedicated to music,
Where concord and melody oft ring in our ears;
Let us open the book of our Grand Lodge existence,
And turn back its pages a full hundred years.

E 'er our great Commonwealth, in the pride of young Statehood,
Stood forth to the world as a beautiful queen;
When the red man was here, and the unbroken forests
Still covered our hills and the valleys between;
When our rivers rolled onward in unbroken silence,
Save the swirl of the waves or the dip of the oar;
Freemasonry came, with our pioneer fathers,
To gladden the land of their choice evermore.

To those men who withstood all the trials and the hardships,
As well as the dangers, of that early day;
And who planted the seed which has yielded rich harvest,
Free Masons owe much they can never repay.
They were nature's true noblemen, honest and fearless;
They practiced the lessons our Order imparts;
They carried its secrets in breasts that were faithful,
And they treasured its principles deep in their hearts.

With a fraternal love for their brothers and fellows,
And a faith in our God which words could not express;
They established forever Freemasonry's altar
In the heart of an unbroken wilderness.
They professed it a duty to meet on the Level,
To act by the Plumb, and to part on the Square;
They practiced sweet Charity just as they preached it,
And Virtue to them was a Jewel most rare.

As the forests were felled by the ax of the woodman,
And the sun was permitted to quicken the soil,
And Nature brought forth from her hidden recesses
The fruits and the harvests to recompense toil;
Then it was our forefathers-the pioneer Masons,
In Convention assembled, resolved to convene
A Grand Lodge of Free Masons in this Jurisdiction,
And today and tonight their wisdom is seen.

As the unobserved stream in the unbroken forest
Increases in volume as it flows to the sea,
And rises and swells into beauty and grandeur
As its waves chase each other in wild ecstasy;
So our Grand Lodge has grown from its humble beginning-
Like the stream in the grove-almost hidden from view-
To become a great river of light, on whose bosom
Is borne her vast army of good men and true.

While she boasts of her constantly increasing numbers,
And points with just pride to her record of years;
While the sound from her more than a half-thousand gavels
Makes most pleasing music as it now greets her ears;
Yet, 'tis not in the number of members or Lodges
That her strength is best shown, and her great vigor lies,
But is in those grand precepts for which she is sponsor,
And which ever strengthen fraternity ties.

She has borne on her rolls many names, now immortal,
Of men who have faithfully all pledges kept;
Some were those at whose feet all the world had paid homage,
And at whose untimely death Earth's nations have wept.
She is equally proud of her greatest and humblest;
Of those well known to fame, and those less renowned;
And today truer Masons, or more faithful Brothers,
Than those of her household, can nowhere be found.

They are standing for Truth, in its contest with error;
For the weak and defenseless, opposed to the strong;
For the thought that the mind is supreme over matter,
And the ultimate triumph of right over wrong.

They have spurned the disloyal and unworthy Mason;
Have expelled from the Order its internal foes,
And our Grand Lodge is stronger and better than ever,
As today its first Century draws to a close.

And what of our future? Who can answer the question?
Who can tell what the coming years may have in store?
Who can say that the pillars of our mighty fabric
Shall remain, and be free from decay evermore?
Who shall say that our banners will be ever stainless,
Symbolic of Purity, of Virtue and Love?
That our precepts and lessons will still lead us onward
As they do at the present, to the temple above?

Let us pray that our standard of morals and virtue
May never be lowered while time shall endure;
That the foundation stones of our great superstructure
Be broadened, and strengthened and made more secure;
That God, in His wisdom, may grant us His favor,
And crown, with His blessing, our efforts for good,
And that Time in his course may but bring added luster
To the name and the fame of our great Brotherhood.

"The Star Spangled Banner," Key. The stanzas were sung by Bro. Douglass Powell, and the refrain by the College Chorus and Orchestra and repeated by the Brethren standing, accompanied by the great organ, all under the direction of Bro. A. J. Gantvoort, Warren Lodge No.24, F. & A. M. Piqua, Ohio.

Doxology sung by the Brethren, all standing, assisted by the, College Chorus and Orchestra and the organ.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Benediction, Rev. Paul Hickok, R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain of Grand Lodge of Ohio, Hiram Lodge No.18, Delaware, Ohio.

For all the innumerable evidences of Thy loving kindness and tender mercy toward us, O Lord our God, we render unto Thee heartfelt thanks, and especially for the inspiration and the uplift of this season of so great privilege. We praise Thee for that which has been wrought for God and men in the name of our beloved Fraternity, and for the honored history of the century now just closed.

And now, O Thou Supreme Master of the Universe, make us obedient to all the plans which Thou in infinite wisdom dost draw for us. As we shall turn our faces from this place, to go back to our homes and our work, may the Divine Master be our Director and Protector. May the principles we have learned under the tutelage of our Brotherhood so govern our lives, that at the end of all our earthly labors we may be enabled to gather in that Heavenly Temple above, where with virtue that is celestial, truth that is radiant, and love that is Godlike, we may meet to separate no more, forever. Amen.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

The exercises were honored by a large number of distinguished guests, among whom were the following:

M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles N. Mikels, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana
M.·. E.·. Comp. Ed. H. Archer, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio
M. Ill. Comp. Warren J. Baker, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Ohio
R. Em. Sir Edmund B. King, Grand Commander of Knights Templars of Ohio
Ill. Barton Smith, Thirty-third Degree, Deputy for Ohio of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

CONGRATULATIONS

were received by letters or telegrams from the following distinguished Brethren of other Grand Jurisdictions:

Alabama - R.·. W.·. Bro. Geo. A. Beauchamp, Grand Secretary
District of Columbia - R.·. W.·. Bro. A. W. Johnston, Grand Secretary
Illinois - M.·. W.·. Bro. A. H. Bell, Grand Master
Kansas - R.·. W.·. Bro. Albert K. Wilson, Grand Secretary
Kentucky - R.·. W.·. Bro. H. B. Grant, Grand Secretary
Maine - R.·. W.·. Bro. Stephen Berry, Grand Secretary
Michigan - R.·. W.·. Bro. Lou B. Winsor, Grand Secretary
Minnesota - M.·. W.·. Bro. Gustaf Widell, Past Grand Master
Mississippi - R.·. W.·. Bro. Frederic Speed, Grand Secretary
Nebraska - M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. A. DeBord, Grand Master; R.·. W.·. Bro. Francis E. White, Grand Secretary
New York - R.·. W.·. Bro. E. M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary
Pennsylvania - M.·. W.·. .Bro. Geo. W. Kendrick, Past Grand Master
Rhode Island - M.·. W.·. .Bro. Wm. L. Chatterton, Grand Master
South Carolina - R.·. W.·. Bro. J. T. Barron, Grand Secretary
Tennessee - R.·. W.·. Bro. John B. Garrett, Grand Secretary
Utah - R.·. W.·. Bro. Christopher Diehl, Grand Secretary
Virginia - M.·. W.·. Bro. S. J. Quinn, Past Grand Master
West Virginia - R.·. W.·. .Bro. H. R. Howard, Grand Secretary
England - M.·. W.·. Bro. J. Winburne Laurie, Past Grand Master
Scotland - R.·. W.·. Bro. James Caldwell, Grand Secretary
Manitoba - R.·. W.·. Bro. W. C. Copeland, Grand Representative
Illinois - Bro. S. S. Chance, Grand Representative
Indiana - Bro. Emory B. Sellers, Grand Representative
Maine - M.·. W.·. Bro. W. J. Burnham, Past Grand Master
Maryland - Bro. W. L. Matthews, Grand Representative
Minnesota - Bro. W. A. McGonagle, Grand Representative
New Hampshire - Bro. Bela Kingman, Grand Representative
Rhode Island - M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. H. Scott, Past Grand Master
Virginia - Bro. T. N. Davis and Boswell T. Spencer, editor Voice-Review

OHIO MASONIC HOME

The annual report of the Officers of the Masonic Home was presented to the Grand Lodge, audited, approved, and printed in the proceedings, pages 425 to 441.

During the past year there have been 174 residents, divided as follows: 73 men, average age 72½ years; 46 women, average age 74 years; 31 boys, average age 10½ years; 24 girls, average age 12 years. The amounts contributed by the several Masonic Grand Bodies at their 1908 sessions were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . $31,701.70
" Chapter . . . . . . . . .11,488.00
" Council . . . . . . . . . .2,000.00
" Commandery . . . . . 3,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . $48,689.70

In addition to this there was donated by various Masonic Bodies, and individual Masons, including the Order of the Eastern Star and its members, as a Christmas Fund, the sum of $926.00.

Clark Lodge No.101, of Springfield, Ohio, refurnished the room bearing its name at a cost of $500.00; and it is now one of the finest rooms in the Home.

The Hospital, erected and furnished by the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio, and dedicated by their Grand Chapter, October 26, 1904, received funds to the amount of $4,500.00 for its improvement generously furnished by that Order.

The improvement consists of two additions to the original building, one on the north end and one on the south, each twenty-one feet in length and forty feet in width, making the building one hundred feet long and forty feet wide. The additions are divided into two wards in the north, and one ward and a sun parlor on the south end, making in the entire building, eleven rooms, five wards, one sun parlor, and two duty rooms, besides the kitchen and other space in the basement.

The Endowment Fund of the Home now amounts to the sum of $105,036.70, and is invested in first class securities.

MASONIC VETERANS

Proceedings of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association at Its Thirty-eight Annual Convention, Held in The City of Cleveland, October 20, 1909.

Meeting held in the Consistory Boom of the Masonic Temple.

OFFICERS PRESENT

J. L'H. Long, Venerable President
E. L. Lybarger, Venerable Vice-President
H. A. Irvin, Venerable Vice-President
W. A. Pelt, Venerable Vice-President
E. H. Archer, Venerable Secretary and Treasurer
L. M. Lea, Venerable Marshal
H. N. P. Dole, Venerable Sentinel

Called to order at 7:30 o'clock P. M. by the Venerable President, J. L'H. Long, who, after an invocation, declared the Association opened in its thirty-eight Annual Session.

Record read and approved.

Twenty-four Venerable Brothers present.

Pursuant to petitions and favorable action thereon, thirty-four were admitted to membership and welcomed to the rank of Venerable Brothers.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported:

Receipts from deceased Secretary, balance . $120.00
Paid out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29.00
Balance in treasury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$91.00

THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS ELECTED

Venerable Bro. J. L'H. Long, President
Venerable Bro. E. L. Lybarger, First Vice-President
Venerable Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice-President
Venerable Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Third Vice-President
Venerable Bro. W. A. Belt, Fourth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fifth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. H. Archer, Secretary and Treasurer
Venerable Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain
Venerable Bro. L. M. Lea, Marshal
Venerable Bro. H. N. P. Dole, Sentinel

After enjoying the courtesy of a sumptuous banquet at the Forest City House, tendered by the Masons of the city of Cleveland, and by a unanimous vote of the Venerable Brothers present thanking them for same, the Association adjourned.

J. L'H. Long, President
Attest: E. H. Archer, Secretary

Grand Lodge convened in the Masonic Temple, Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, October 19, 1910, with M.·. W.·. B. F. Perry, Jr., Grand Master in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations; Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Carroll F. Clapp, William B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, William A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland and Charles S. Hoskinson; R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Masters William J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, all of the twenty-five District Lecturers, and the representatives of 512 of the 520 active Lodges present.

The following distinguished visitors present in the Grand Lodge were conducted to the Grand East, introduced and welcomed, and given the Grand honors, viz.:

M. Ex. Companion Frank S. Crumit, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio; Eminent Sir Campbell M. Voorhees, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Ohio; M. Eminent Sir William B. Melish, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States; M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America; attention being called to the fact that at the present time Presiding Officers of three of the Great National Masonic Bodies of the United States are citizens of Ohio, and subject to the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.

All these Brethren responded eloquently to their greeting and reception and M. .W. Bro. Wm. B. Melish referred to the fact that Bro. Graff M. Acklin, another Brother subject to the jurisdiction is the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the United States.

Greetings were exchanged between this Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Kentucky now convened in its one hundred and tenth Annual Grand Communication.

The Grand Master read his annual address, congratulating the Craft on the continued peace and prosperity enjoyed by our Order in this Jurisdiction and to the fact that "the beautiful lessons taught by our ceremonies have this year been imparted to more applicants than in any other period in the history of this Grand Jurisdiction. We are not only numerically stronger, but I believe the Lodges, as well as the individual members of the Craft, are doing more toward the uphuilding of character, more nearly fulfilling the mission of the great Brotherhood, than ever before.

He calls attention to the fact that "While the membership of the Grand Lodge has been preserved, death has laid a heavy hand upon the Subordinate Lodges, for during the year, 1059 of our Brethren have been called from labor, and entered the shadow of the valley of death." He also records the death of twenty-four distinguished Masons of our Sister Grand Jurisdictions, among the number that of M.·. W.·. Bro. Henry Warren Rugg, Past Grand Master of Rhode Island, who at the time of his death was serving as the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States.

He highly commends the promptness and efficiency of the District Lecturers, the five hundred and seventeen Chartered Lodges, and three under dispensation having been each inspected, and full reports thereof rendered.

The Past Grand Master's Jewel voted at the last communication of the Grand Lodge to M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles S. Hoskinson, retiring Grand Master was duly presented to him June 3, 1910, in the presence of the members of Amity Lodge No.5, F. & A. M., and a large number of Masons from other Lodges. It was the occasion of the exemplification of the Master Mason Degree, and the candidate thus raised increased the membership of Amity Lodge to just five hundred.

The Grand Master on December 30, A. D. 1909, reappointed M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick of Toledo, Ohio, and M.·. W.·. Bro. Carroll F. Clapp of Warren, Ohio, Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, A. D. 1910.

On the night of June 3, 1910, the Lodge room, furniture, records and charter of Olive Lodge No.210, were destroyed by fire, and being unable to secure a proper Lodge room a dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to meet temporarily in the Lodge rooms of Summerfield Lodge No.425, F. and A. M.

The Hall of Higginsport Lodge No.373, F. and A. M., together with the furniture, records and charter, were destroyed by fire on Tuesday, June 14. As soon as suitable quarters could be secured and inspected a dispensation was issued authorizing said Lodge to occupy the same temporarily.

On September 26, 1910, received application for a new Lodge to be located in the village of Belpre, Washington County, and known as Belpre Lodge together with the necessary consents, certificates, dimits, etc., and not having time to fully investigate the same is referred to the incoming Grand Master.

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

The Grand Lodge has been convened in Special Communications during the past year for the following purposes:

DEDICATIONS

Nov. 19, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Johnstown, Ohio, Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.

Nov. 25, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Higginsport, Ohio, Bro. E. B. Blair, presiding.

Feb. 1, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms, at Bellsville, Ohio, Pro. F. H. Marquis, W. Jr. Grand Deacon, presiding.
April 23, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Bethel, Ohio, Pro. G. W. McKibben, District Lecturer, presiding.
May 16, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at West Jefferson, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., Grand Master, presiding.
May 17, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Reynodsburg, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
May 24, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Fort Recovery, O., Bro. Byron S. Fogle, W. Senior Grand Deacon, presiding.
June 23, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Wakeman, Ohio, Pro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 24, 1910, Masonic Temple at Athens, Ohio, Bro. H. S. Kissell, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, presiding.
July 2, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Cincinnati, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
July 22, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Bloomingburg, Ohio, Bro. Walter W. Hamilton, R.·. W.·. Grand Marshal, presiding.
Sept. 14, 1910, Masonic Temple at Tipper Sandusky, Ohio, Bro. George D. Copeland, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.

STONES LAID

Oct.23, 1909, Linwood Masonic Temple, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Nov. 30, 1909, United State Post Office Building at Marietta, Ohio, Bro. H. S. Kissell, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, presiding.
May 21, 1910, High School Building at Norwood, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 18, 1910, Public School Building at Plainville, Ohio, Bro. Levi C. Goodale, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.
June 28, 1910, Evergreen Presbyterian Church at Youngstown, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 30, 1910, The Henry St. Clair Memorial Building at Greenville, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
July 4, 1910, Masonic Temple and Opera House at Chicago, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Aug.31, 1910, Court House of Adams County at West Union, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Sept. 10, 1910, High School Building at Mt. Healthy, Ohio, Bro. Nelson Williams, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.
Sept.28, 1910, Public Hall and Masonic Building at Covington, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.

Oct. 15, 1910, United States Post Office Building at Ashtabula, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M. Grand Master, presiding.

LODGES CONSTITUTED

The Grand Master duly and regularly constituted and consecrated Lodges Nos.604 and 605, and installed their officers, as follows:

Nov. 13, 1909, Emmanuel Lodge No.605, at Cleveland, Ohio
Nov. 30, 1909, Cypress Lodge No.604, at Strasburg, Ohio

December 14, 1909, acting as proxy of the Grand Master, Bro. O. P. Sperra, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, regularly constituted and consecrated East Gate Lodge No.603, at Columbus, Ohio, and installed its officers.

A detailed report of each of these Special Emergent Communications will be found in the proceedings of 1910, "Appendix B," pages 89 to 114, inclusive.

The Grand Master reports the visitation of thirty Subordinate Lodges, at all of which he was accorded a hearty fraternal welcome, and specially mentions the public reception accorded to Bro. Judson Harmon, Governor of Ohio, on June 14, 1910, by the Masons of Marietta, Ohio, at the parlors of their Masonic Temple following a reception by the Brethren at a Special Communication of American Union Lodge No.1; and on the following evening another Special Communication of American Union Lodge, No.1, in company with Brother William Howard Taft, President of the United States. These were very interesting occasions, that will be long remembered by all who were permitted to be present.

The Grand Treasurer reports the balance of the General Fund, October 10, 1910, $64,528.70; Emergency Fund, $4,356.41.

The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the net membership in good standing August 31, 1910, 79,501, a gain of 3,525 over last year. That all the subordinate returns and Grand Dues were in his hands prior to the time fixed by law, with a marked improvement in appearance both as to legibility and neatness of the returns as compared with former years.

That the first volume of the History of Masonry in Ohio, prepared by our late Pro. William M. Cunningham, was issued shortly after the close of the last session of the Grand Lodge and copies sent to the libraries of the different Lodges, the various Grand Officers and District Lecturers, and to the Grand Secretaries of other Grand Jurisdictions, and that the Grand Secretary has a large number of copies on hand for sale at $1.00 per copy.

That the per capita tax due the Masonic Home is $25,850.30, and recommends that an additional donation of $20,000.00 be made of which $15,000.00 be set off to the Endowment Fund, and $5,000.00 to the General Fund, which recommendation was approved by the Committee on Charity and Committee on Accounts, adopted by the Grand Lodge and the appropriation made.

M.·. W.·. Pro. William B. Melish on behalf the Trustees of the Masonic Home, extended an invitation to the members of the Grand Lodge and their ladies to visit the Masonic Home this afternoon on a special train chartered for that purpose, which invitation was heartily and unanimously accepted by the Grand Lodge.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, extended an invitation on behalf the Brethren of Dayton, Ohio, requesting the Grand Lodge to hold its next Annual Communication in that city on the third Wednesday of October, 1911. The Grand Lodge was so pleased with the eloquent invitation of Bro. H. A. Irvin that it resolved unanimously to accept it.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported on the petition of G. A. Pingree, former member of New England Lodge No.4, and who was suspended by this Grand Lodge in 1891 for rebellion against this Grand Lodge, requesting that he be now reinstated to good standing in Masonry; that said committee finds that said G. A. Pingree immediately withdrew from the rebellious Lodge and never afterwards affiliated with it, and recommends that he be reinstated and restored to good standing, which report was adopted and the Grand Secretary directed to issue the proper certificate to him.

The same committee reported on the petition of John L. Stoddart for restoration, laid over from last session, that said J. L. Stoddart at the organization of the clandestine so called Worthington Grand Lodge, was not a member of New England Lodge and did not take any part in forming said so called Grand Lodge, and recommend that he be restored to all the rights and benefits of Masonry; which report and recommendation were adopted by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Secretary directed to furnish him a proper certificate.

Brother Harry S. Kissell of Springfield, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Thos. B. Guittean of Toledo, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. E. S. Griffiths of Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Chas. J. Pretzman of Columbus, R.·. W.·. Grand Junior Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly of Columbus, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell of Cincinnati, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers were afterwards duly installed.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters, duplicate charters were granted to Olive Lodge No.210, and Higginsport Lodge No.373, in lieu of their original charters destroyed by fire.

Charters were granted to W. K. Rickseeker Lodge No.606 at Aurora, Portage County; Glouster Lodge No.607 at Glouster, Athens County; and Bremen Lodge No.608 at Bremen, Fairfield County.

The report of the Committee on Necrology paying a fitting and eloquent tribute to the memory and good works of the honored dead of this and other sister Jurisdictions is printed in the Proceedings, pages 68 to 75.

By unanimous vote a committee composed of M.·. W.·. Brothers Frank S. Harmon, Carroll F. Clapp, O. P. Sperra and George D. Copland, was appointed to procure and present to M.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., retiring Grand Master, the usual Past Grand Master's Jewel.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, through its Chairman, M.·. W.·. Bro. William A. Belt, Past Grand Master, presented its report covering 124 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of sixty-six Grand Lodges, in a masterly manner, presenting in a condensed form all the important legislation and proceedings and furnishing the Masonic student the cream of information as to the doings and progress of practically all the Masonic Grand Jurisdictions in the world.

The following valuable table as to Perpetual Jurisdiction claimed by the various Grand Lodges over rejected candidates, on page 242 of the report is here appended for the information of the Craft:

At the present time, jurisdiction claimed by the various Grand Lodges of the United States over rejected candidates stands as follows:

PERPETUAL

Connecticut West Virginia Texas
Pennsylvania North Carolina Illinois
South Carolina Alabama Minnesota
Delaware Mississippi Nebraska
Maryland

PERPETUAL WHILE IN THEIR JURISDICTION

Nevada Missouri South Dakota
Virginia Wyoming New Jersey
Louisiana

LIMITED PERIOD

Maine 5 years Georgia 1 year
New Hampshire 5 years Montana 1 year
Massachusetts 5 years Arizona 1 year
Michigan 5 years Tennessee 1 year
Oregon 5 years Washington 1 year
Wisconsin 5 years California 1 year
Rhode Island 5 years New Mexico 1 year
Dist. of Columbia 5 years New York 1 year
Arkansas 5 years Colorado 6 months
Ohio 3 years Idaho 6 months
Vermont 1 year Iowa 6 months
Florida 1 year Kansas 6 months
Indiana 1 year Oklahoma 6 months
North Dakota l year Utah 6 months

The Officers and Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home, presented their report which was audited and approved, and is printed on pages 245 to 269 of the proceedings.

The residents number 70 men, 49 women, 27 boys, 22 girls, total, 168.

The Grand Masonic Bodies at their 1909 sessions contributed the following sums to the Home:

Grand Lodge . . . .$37,792.80
" Chapter . . . . . . . . 9,820.50
" Council . . . . . . . . 2,000.00
" Commandery . . . .3,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . .$53,113.30

In addition to this, liberal donations were made by the various Masonic Bodies, Subordinate Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and individual Masons, both of cash and supplies for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and festivities, which are duly acknowledged on pages 255 to 257 of the proceedings; the cash donations for the Christmas Fund amounting to $792.74.

The improvements to the Hospital commenced last year by the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the construction of two additions, are fully completed, and it is a beautiful building and splendidly located. The view from its front over Mad River valley is superb and elicits the admiration of all who are privileged to visit it. In fact, all the surroundings are pleasing, the grounds attractive, the furnishings handsome and comfortable. Usually about twenty patients are cared for in the building, and the recent additions give much needed room, probably as much as will be needed for several years. All honor to our friends of the Eastern Star, who have so generously contributed to the erection of this splendid monument of good will to their fellow men.

The entire cost of erecting and furnishing this magnificent Hospital was donated by the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star, and is as follows:

Contributed by the Grand Chapter for the original building and furnishings . . $15,200.94
Contributed for the additions and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,535.59
Received interest, etc., on these funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320.33
Grand total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,056.86

The amount of the Endowment Fund is $125,408.21, all invested in first class securities.

The interest received on bonds and cash balances during the past year amounted to the sum of $5,806.32.

The returns from the farm, garden and hennery during the past year amounted to the sum of $4,638.47.

A number of additional improvements were made during the past year, among which Cincinnati Lodge No.133, of Cincinnati, redecorated the walls and ceiling of the reading room and purchased new curtains for same. This room was originally furnished by and named for that Lodge, and their generosity in assuming the expense of continuing its attractiveness is highly appreciated.

The walls and ceilings of the girls' dormitory and of the library have been redecorated in a very artistic manner by two of our boys, Dyke Wetherell and Matthew Hastings, who show a high order of merit In that line of work. A new carpet has also been purchased for the library.

MASONIC VETERANS

Proceedings of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association at its Thirty-ninth Annual Convention, held in the Chapter Apartments, Masonic Temple, Columbus, Wednesday, October 19, A D. 1910, 7:30 P. M. The Venerable President called the Convention to order with the following officers and members present:

OFFICERS

Venerable Bro. J. L'H. Long, President
Venerable Bro. E. L. Lybarger, Fist Vice-President
Venerable Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Second Vice-President
Venerable Bro. H. A. Irvin, Third Vice-President
Venerable Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Fourth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. C. Gulliford, Fifth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. H. Archer, Secretary and Treasurer
Venerable Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain
Venerable Bro. L. M. Lea, Marshal
Venerable Bro. H. N. P. Dole, Sentinel
Venerable Bro. Leander Purdick, Past President and eighty-four members

A quorum being present, after invocation to the Grand Architect of the Universe by the Venerable Chaplain, the Venerable President declared the Thirty-ninth Annual Convention of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association opened and in regular session.

The record of the Thirty-eighth Convention was read and approved.

The Secretary presented thirty-four applications in regular form for membership, which were, on motion, referred to an Investigating Committee, consisting of Venerable Bros. L. M. Lea, E. L. Lybarger and E. H. Archer, who reported favorably. On motion, the report was accepted and the committee discharged. A ballot was spread and found clear. The Venerable President declared the thirty-four petitioners duly elected to membership, and by his direction the Venerable Marshal presented the petitioners, who were each duly received, acknowledged and welcomed as Venerable Brothers and members of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association, and certificates so certifying were issued and delivered to each.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported the condition of finances as follows:

RECEIPTS

October 20, 1900, Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $117.80
October 19, 1910, Receipts 34 petitions . . . . . . . . . . 68.00
Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $186.80

EXPENDITURES

Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.80
Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.00
Secretary per diem and salary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34.00
Printing, binding and postage 37-38-39 conventions .95.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $147.80
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.00

On motion, the Venerable President appointed the following Committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year: Ven. Pros. James D. Osborn, H. F. Jones, and Henry Pohl, who reported the following nominations. An election was had, which resulted in the election of all nominated, as follows:
Ven. Bro. Edward L. Lybarger, P. G. M., President. Ven. Pro. Jacob H. Bromwell, Gr. Sec., First Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, P. G. M., Second Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. William A. Pelt, P. G. M., Third Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Ed. C. Gulliford, P. G. M., Fourth Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, P. G. M., Fifth Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Edward H. Archer, P. G. H. P., Sec. and Treas.
Ven. Bro. Thomas Kite, P. G. C., Chaplain
Ven. Bro. Lewis M. Lea, P. G. H. P., Marshal
Ven. Bro. Horatio N. P. Dole, Sentinel

Venerable Bro. Leander Burdick presented the following resolution, which was, on motion, unanimously adopted.

"Resolved, That the sincere thanks of the members of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association be extended to the Masonic Fraternity of the City of Columbus for the sumptuous banquet furnished the members of this association; also for the free use of the Chapter Apartments for holding our Annual Meeting."

Previous to the regular session, one hundred and twenty-five veterans and candidates were served with a banquet at 6:30 P. M. The food was good and satisfying, the service prompt and hospitable, and the hosts will ever be remembered for their generous and hearty hospitality.
The chairman of the committee on Necrology, Venerable Bro. I. H. McCormick, reported that no deaths of members of the association had come to his knowledge.

At the suggestion of Venerable Ex-President Burdick, the Venerable President appointed a committee to prepare and submit for approval of next convention, "Forms and Ceremonials" for government of and admission to membership of this association, consisting of Venerable Pros. W. P. Melish, Leander Burdick and F. H. Archer.

After an invocation by the Venerable Chaplain, and on motion duly adopted, the Venerable President declared the Thirty-ninth Annual Convention adjourned.

J. L'H. Long, President
Attest: F. H. Archer, Secretary

Grand Lodge convened in the Masonic Temple, Dayton, Ohio, Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1911, with M.·. W.·. Grand Master Harry S. Kissell in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations; Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Carroll F. Clapp, William P. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, F. C. Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, William A. Pelt., O. P. Sperra, C. G. Pallou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland, Charles S. Hoskinson, B. F. Perry, Jr.; Past Deputy Grand Masters William J. Akers and J. L'H. Long; twenty-two District Lecturers; and the representatives of 508 of the 520 active chartered Lodges in attendance.

Fraternal greetings were exchanged by wire between our Grand Lodge and M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Kentucky, in session at Louisville, Ky.

The Grand Master presented and read his annual address and among other things announced the death of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Joseph M. Goodspeed at his home in Athens, Ohio, June 11, 1911, his funeral under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, and that a proper circular in relation thereto was issued and sent to each Subordinate Lodge in the state. Also the death of Ill. Bro. David N. Kinsman of Columbus, Ohio, who served this Grand Lodge as R.·. W.·. Grand Orator in 1895, and at the time of his death was an active member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Thirty-third and last Degree, for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and was serving as its Illustrious Deputy for the District of Ohio, and an active worker in Scioto Sovereign Consistory.

Also to the death on June 1, 1911, of Bro. Arthur P. Crane, a Past Master of Sanford L. Collins Lodge No.396, and for many years representative of the Grand Lodge of England near the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Brother Crane was also Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Ohio. He also calls attention to the fact that during the past year our Subordinate Lodges have lost 1,195 members by death, and that our sister Grand Jurisdictions have lost a large number of Present and Past Grand Officers, among them M.·. W.·. Bro. John Milton Hodson, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, who was born near New Vienna, Ohio, and who attended the University at Lebanon, Ohio; and that our neighboring jurisdiction, Indiana, had been particularly unfortunate in the loss of three of its Past Grand Masters, M.·. W.·. Pros. Isaac P. Leydon, Lucien P. Foote and Simeon P. Gillett.

Dispensations were issued for four new Lodges, as follows:

November 21, 1910, Belpre Lodge at Belpre, Washington County, Ohio.
June 15, 1911, Meridian Lodge at Cleveland, Ohio, 34 applicants.

This is the first daylight Lodge to be established in this jurisdiction. All meetings are to be held in the afternoon, affording many of the Brethren who are employed in the evening an opportunity to attend the Lodge.

June 19, 1911, Henry Perkins Lodge at Akron, Ohio, 52 applicants.
June 21, 1911, Calumet Lodge at Toledo, Ohio, 34 applicants.

During the past year special communications of the Grand Lodge were opened by the Grand Master or his duly authorized proxy at the following places and for the following purposes:

LODGES CONSTITUTED

November 19, 1910, W. K. Ricksecker Lodge No.606, located at Aurora, Ohio, by R.·. W.·. Bro. Edwin S. Griffiths, proxy.
November 28, 1910, Glouster Lodge No.607, located at Glouster, Ohio, by W. Bro. John W. Lansley, proxy.

January 20, 1911, Bremen Lodge No.608, located at Bremen, Ohio, by R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, proxy.

MASONIC TEMPLES AND LODGE ROOMS DEDICATED

November 18, 1910, Lodge rooms of Warsaw Lodge No.255, Warsaw, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Lewis P. Schaus, P. G. M., presiding.
November 22, 1901, Lodge rooms of Stonington Lodge No.503, Amherst, Ohio, W. Bro. H. M. Hagelbarger, Junior Grand Deacon, presiding.
December 15, 1910, new Masonic Temple at East Liverpool, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, P. G. M., presiding.
December 27, 1910, new Masonic Temple at Younstown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
February 21, 1911, Lodge rooms of Bloomfield Lodge No.422, Centerburg, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Buchholtz, Grand Marshal, presiding.
March 15, 1911, Lodge rooms of Germantown Lodge No.257, Germantown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
May 19, 1911, Lodge rooms of Brookville Lodge No.596, Brookville, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, Grand Orator, presiding.
June 7, 1911, Lodge rooms of Hanover Lodge No.115, Loudonville, Ohio, W. Bro. F. G. Robinson, presiding.

CORNER STONES LAID

December 4, 1910, First Methodist Protestant Church, Youngstown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. P. F. Perry, Jr., Past Grand Master, presiding.
February 12, 1911, the Trinity Episcopal Church, Coshocton, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, Junior Grand Warden, presiding.
May 7, 1911, High School Building, Lucasville, Ohio, Bro. Frank M. Baggs, District Lecturer, presiding.
July 2, 1911, Hebrew Synagogue, Akron, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
July 15, 1911, New Masonic Temple, Price Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
September 19, 1911, new Masonic Temple, Wilmington, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
October 3, 1911, Public School Building, Racine, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.

FUNERAL

June 13, 1911, funeral of M.·. W.·. Bro. Joseph M. Goodspeed, Past Grand Master, Athens, Ohio; M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, P. G. M., presiding.

Detailed reports of each of these communications are printed in the proceedings.

The Grand Master reports the appointment of the twenty-five District Lecturers, and that he called them together at Springfield, Ohio, at the chapel of the Masonic Home, November 29, 1910, for instruction and consultation with reference to the inspections of the Subordinate Lodges and other important matters. Twenty-one out of the twenty-five District Lecturers were present, and in addition they were honored with the presence of M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, Past Grand Master R.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas P. Guitteau, Deputy Grand Master; R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary, and R.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Buchholtz, Grand Marshal.

The Grand Master highly commends the District Lecturers for the prompt and efficient manner in which they performed their duties. Each of the 520 chartered Lodges and the four Lodges under dispensation were inspected and detailed reports thereof made, and these reports show all the Lodges in a good, healthy and active condition.

The Grand Master appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams of Hamilton, Ohio, and Bro. Charles H. Voegele of Mansfield, Ohio, as Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, 1911, which appointments were confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

ADAMS COUNTY

The Grand Master calls attention to the fact that in Adams County during the past year more than eighteen hundred men have been convicted for selling their votes, and have been disfranchised. That in this county we have five active Masonic Lodges, and out of the eighteen hundred men so convicted not one is a Mason, and not a Mason was indicted by the grand jury investigating these cases; and says "If Masonry could maintain this record it would be a mighty power aiding in the solution of the many great problems which confront us as a nation."

He reports a large number of visitations to Subordinate Lodges at all of which he was received and welcomed with the utmost courtesy and accorded all the hospitality and honors due the Grand Master of this Grand Jurisdiction.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, chairman of the committee appointed at the last communication of the Grand Lodge to procure and present to M. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., the retiring Grand Master, a Past Grand Master's Jewel reported this duty performed and the jewel presented to M.·. W.·. Brother Perry on June 2, 1911, in the hall of Tuscan Lodge No.342, at Jefferson, Ohio, his home.

In his report Brother Harmon pays a beautiful tribute to Brother Perry, as follows:

"Your committee recognizes that Bro. Perry is well known to the members of the Grand Lodge. However, the work he has done and is doing for Masonry in the Northeastern part of Ohio is not so well known. For a quarter of a century your chairman has watched Bro. Perry and his work for Masonry in his home Lodge and the sister Lodges near him. The imprint of his kindness, his brotherly interest in all which makes for the uplift of mankind, and his loyalty to our fraternity and his friends, has exerted a most beneficial influence, and the jewel, therefore, we believe will be worthily worn, as it was worthily won."

The Grand Treasurer submitted his annual report showing the balance in the General Fund, October 9, 1911, $65,912.49.

The Grand Secretary presented his report, and among other things says:

"It is in a spirit of retrospection that I present to you this, my twenty-third annual report as Grand Secretary, and in looking hack over the span of years during which I have had the honor to represent you I see the pleasant mingled with the sad; the pleasant in the privilege of companionship with such a body as this, representing, as it does, the highest type of citizenship and loftiest ambition to make the world better for their living in it; the sad, when we recall the names of the great and good men who once stood upon our roster but from whom no response now comes as the roll of our membership is called.

"During these twenty-three years we have seen this roll of members in good standing grow from only a little over thirty thousand to but a few short of eighty-three thousand and have seen the altar of Masonry erected in sixty-six Lodges that have been constituted under your authority. The first charter signed by me as Grand Secretary in 1888 was numbered 546; the one which I shall sign for the latest Lodge now under dispensation will be No.612.

"The membership of the individual Lodges has increased in many instances to an almost marvelous extent. Two have over a thousand members each and a large number over seven hundred, and even in the case of the smaller Lodges the mere handful of members which often found it difficult to form a quorum to transact the business of the Lodge now find it necessary to increase the capacity of their halls in order to accommodate the ever-increasing membership.

"One of the most pleasant features of this growth is the numerous magnificent Masonic Temples which have been erected throughout the state, standing forth, as we say in our ceremonial, 'to bear testimony to the untiring industry of Free and Accepted Masons.' I hope to be able during the coming year, if I should be continued in my present station, to procure photographs of all Temples in this state owned by the various Lodges or Masonic Temple companies, for insertion in the future proceedings of this Grand Lodge, in order that the Brethren in our own Lodges, as well as those of other jurisdictions, may be informed of the progress we have made in adding to the dignity and securing the conveniences and comforts of our places of assemblage."

SCARCE PROCEEDINGS

From various causes certain years of our Annual Proceedings are practically exhausted and it is impossible for either newly created Lodges or the older Lodges to procure copies for the purpose of completing full sets for their Lodge library. It has occurred to me that some ten or twelve years' proceedings should be reprinted to overcome the inconvenience of this scarcity. This would include the following:

No. of Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of Copies
1858 of which we have 1 1866, of which we have 13
1859 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .1 1867 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 15
1860 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .2 1868 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . .6
1861 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .4 1869 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 10
1862 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .1 1870 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 11
1863 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .2 1891 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . .3

Two hundred copies of each of the above would supply the demand for the next fifteen or twenty years, and I think the expense would not be very great if competitive bids are taken for the work. In case you authorize this reprinting I would suggest that the copies be furnished such Lodges as need them upon the request of the District Lecturer, and that no copies be furnished to private individuals except upon payment at a price twenty-five percent in advance of the actual cost of printing and binding. They should be bound in paper, so as to conform to the style and appearance of the originals.

DUPLICATION OF RETURNS

The duplication of returns has gone on as heretofore, and those for 1911 will be copied and bound and deposited in the Masonic Home vault with those of former years.

He reports the number of members in good standing August 31, 1911, 82,833, a net gain for the year 3,332, as against 3,525 last year.

The per capita tax for the Masonic Home amounts to the sum of $24,849.90; and he recommends an additional donation of the sum of $20,000.00, which recommendation was concurred in by the Committees on Charity and Accounts, and the Grand Lodge approved the same, donating $10,000.00 to the Home Improvement Fund, $5,000.00 to the Dormitory Fund, and $5,000.00 to the General Fund.

Reports that at a conference held at his office by the M.·. W.·. Grand Master; M.·. W.·. Allen Andrews, Chairman of the Masonic Jurisprudence; M.·. W.·. Levi C. Goodale, Chairman of Committee on Charters and Dispensations, and himself, arrangements were perfected to secure an inspection and revision of the By-Laws of every Subordinate Lodge so as to have them conform to the uniform Code and Laws of the Grand Lodge, which plan was put into active operation with such effect and success that there is only a small proportion of the Lodges whose Laws have not been approved; and recommends the work be completed until these have amended their Laws, and every Lodge in the state shall have a set of By-Laws strictly in conformity with the Grand Lodge requirements, which will probably take two or three months longer.

This matter was also reported on by the Committee on Charters and Dispensations which highly commends the intelligent, efficient and painstaking services of the Grand Secretary, in part as follows:

"The work of examining the By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction was referred to the Grand Secretary and to be done under his supervision. * * * To this work Brother Bromwell brought ripe experience, careful analysis, and a judicial mind. * * * The work of reviewing, correcting, arranging and filing these By-Laws has occupied almost every spare moment of the Grand Secretary for the past year. In the pursuit of this work of love he has permitted himself no days of vacation or hours of recreation. The many sets of By-Laws thus reviewed bear intelligent proof of his care and the thoroughness of his work in carrying out the work assigned to him."

The following distinguished Masons representing the highest stations in Masonry throughout the state and nation, being present, were escorted to the East, introduced to the Grand Lodge and the Grand Honors given, viz.:

M.·. Em.·. Sir William B. Melish, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United Stated States of America; M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U. S. A.; M. .Ex. Companion Joseph Kirkup, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio; and M. .W. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, Illustrious Deputy of the A. A. S. Rite for the state of Ohio; all of whom responded to the fraternal welcome accorded them.

M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, on behalf the Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home extended an invitation to the members of the Grand Lodge to visit the Masonic Home in a body, this afternoon, on a special train provided for that purpose; which invitation was accepted and the members of the Grand Lodge availed themselves of this opportunity to visit and inspect our splendid Masonic Home.

Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau of Toledo, Ohio, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. E. S. Griffiths of Cleveland, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Charles J. Pretaman of Columbus, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. George L. Marshall of Dayton, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly of Columbus, Ohio, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer; and Bro. J. H. Bromwell of Cincinnati, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers duly installed.

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges now under dispensation:

Bremen Lodge No.608, at Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio
Belpre Lodge No.609, at Beipre, Washington County, Ohio
Meridian Lodge No.610, at Cleveland, Ohio
Henry Perkins Lodge No.611, at Akron, Ohio
Calumet Lodge No.612, at Toledo, Ohio

A duplicate charter was granted to Litchfield Lodge No.381, located at Litchfield, Medina County, Ohio.

The Committee on the S. Stacker Williams Library reported that the Masonic Library Association of Cincinnati, in whose charge the Library has been placed, submitted a lengthy report of the work being done for the same, and that they have secured and placed in the Library three hundred and twenty-five proceedings of various Grand Masonic Bodies during the past year, a number more being needed to fill the sets, and requested a donation of $100.00 for that purpose, which was granted.

On motion, the Grand Master appointed a committee composed of M.·. W.·. Bros. O. P. Sperra and L. C. Goodale and R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, to procure and present to the Grand Secretary some suitable testimonial in recognition of the work done by him in the examination and correction of the By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodges.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master announced that upon the occasion of a visit made by M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish to Europe, during the past summer, he had appointed Bro. Melish as his proxy to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio at any Masonic function which M.·. W.·. Bro. Melish might have an opportunity of attending, and called upon Brother Melish to report to the Grand Lodge as to his carrying out the purposes of this proxy.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Melish entertained the Grand Lodge with a description of the interesting events in which he had participated, pointed out the resemblances and differences between the ceremonies and practices of Masonry in Great Britain and the United States, and made an address that was very instructive and claimed the close attention of the Grand Lodge.

GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL

On motion of M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, the R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master appointed as a committee to procure and present the usual Past Grand Master's Jewel to the retiring Grand Master, M.·. W.·. Bros. Horace A. Irvin, Allen Andrews and O. P. Sperra.

AMENDMENT OF SECTION 58 OF THE CODE

The Committee on Jurisprudence, to which was referred the proposed amendment of Section 58 of the Code, submitted the following report, which, on motion, having received a unanimous vote, was adopted:

To the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge:

On the proposed amendment of Section 58 of the Code, we report that said section should be amended so as to read as follows:

"Section 58. To engage in the selling of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes is a Masonic offense and should subject any Brother so offending to charges and expulsion; it should also be a disqualification for initiation or affiliation in a Masonic Lodge."

The Committee on Necrology presented its report and testimonials to the memory of the Illustrious and Honored Dead of this and sister Jurisdictions, which were ordered printed in the proceedings.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a lengthy report on the status of the M. York Grand Lodge of Mexico F. & A. M., formerly recognized as the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico, A. F. and A. M., and recommending that said Grand Lodge be recognized as the legitimate successor of said last mentioned Grand Lodge, and that recognition of and friendly relations with said M.·. W.·. York Grand Lodge of Mexico, F. & A. M., with its seat in the City of Mexico, and of which M.·. W.·. Bro. W. H. Seamon is Grand Master, and R.·. W.·. Bro. F. E. Young is Grand Secretary, be continued; which report and recommendation was adopted by the Grand Lodge.

Toledo, Ohio, was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 23, 1912, as the time for holding the next Annual Grand Communication of this Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master was authorized to obtain membership for this Grand Lodge in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association under conditions named.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence in a special report covering nearly four pages, state the object and constitution of the association, the number of Grand Lodges already members, and other useful information in relation to the project.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence also presented its general report of fraternal correspondence covering 207 pages and reviewing in an instructive and interesting manner the action and proceedings of sixty-six Grand Lodges, containing an epitome of all the important transactions of these Grand Bodies during the past year, and a fund of information valuable to every Mason, and especially to every officer of a Lodge.

The Officers, Trustees and Superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home presented their annual report, which is printed in the proceedings.

The number of residents during the past year were: men, 73; women, 47; boys, 25; girls, 22; total, 167. The average age of the men, 72 years; women, 73 years; boys, 12 years; girls, 12 years. The returns from the farm, garden and hennery, $5,812.44.

The donations received for Christmas and Entertainment Fund, $1,017.73.

The amounts contributed by the several Masonic Grand Bodies of Ohio at their annual sessions, 1910, were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,850.30
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,318.75
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,000.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000.00
Council Anointed High Priests . . . . . . . 500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,669.05

In addition to this the various Lodges and other Subordinate Bodies contributed to the Home Improvement Fund during the year for the purpose of refurnishing rooms, including the interest on certain investments, $6,696.69.

The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star with its usual regard for the comfort and care for the sick made a special donation of $1,000.00, which it placed in the hands of the Superintendent for use as needed in covering the expense of special nursing, and items for the special comfort of the sick and afflicted. In addition a donation of $160.00 for general purposes was made. The Subordinate Chapters made their usual liberal donations of money and supplies which are acknowledged with thanks in the report.

ENDOWMENT FUND

On hand last report, August 1, 1910 . . . . . . . $125,408.21
Received during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,063.68
Total Endowment Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$146,471.89

The Unbroken Line of Twenty Past Grand Masters of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., October 19, 1911.

There was present in attendance on this Annual Convocation of the Grand Lodge an unbroken line of twenty of its M.·. W.·. Past Grand Masters from 1888 to 1911 inclusive, who served the Grand Lodge in that capacity, as follows:

Leander Burdick, 1888-1889;
Levi C. Goodale, 1890-1891;
Allen Andrews, 1892-1893;
Carroll F. Clapp, 1894;
William B. Melish, 1895;
Barton Smith, 1896;
Nelson Williams, 1897;
E. C. Gulliford, 1898;
E. L. Lybarger, 1899;
Frank S. Harmon, 1900;
Ike M. Robinson, 1901;
William A. Belt, 1902;
O. P. Sperra, 1903;
Cliflord G. Ballou, 1904;
Lewis P. Schaus, 1905;
Horace A. Irvin, 1906;
George D. Copeland, 1907;
Charles S. Hoskinson, 1908;
B. F. Perry Jr., 1909;
Harry S. Kissell, 1910

A fine group photograph was secured of these Illustrious Brothers, from which an engraved plate was made, impressions from which face the title page of the proceedings of this year, copies of which will be inserted in this Volume of the History, thus preserving to the Craft in one group the portraits of these active, loyal, unfaltering and efficient rulers, who for twenty-three years past have faithfully and fearlessly battled for and upheld the honor, dignity, unity, sovereignty and power of this Grand Lodge and the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, and did so much to preserve, upbuild and maintain the cause of true and legitimate Masonry in Ohio.

PROCEEDINGS OHIO MASONIC VETERANS ASSOCIATION

The Ohio Masonic Veterans Association met in its Fortieth Annual Meeting in Blue Lodge Room, Masonic Temple, Dayton, at 6 :30 P. M., October 18, 1911.

OFFICERS PRESENT

Ven. Bro. E. L. Lybarger, President; Ven. Bro. J .H. Bromwell, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice President; Ven. Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fourth Vice President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. C. G. Ballon, pro tem. Chaplain; Ven. Bro. W. B. Anderson, Marshal; Ven. Bro. E. B. Cox, Sentinel; Ven. Bro. John Schonecker, Outer Guard.
Ven. Bro. Leander Burdick, Past President; Ven. Bro. J. L'H. Long, Past President, and twenty-three Venerable Brethren.

A quorum being present, after invocation to the Grand Architect of the Universe by the Chaplain, the Venerable President declared the Fortieth Annual Meeting opened and in regular session.

The record of the Thirty-ninth Annual Meeting being printed, was, on motion, approved without read jug.

The committee appointed at the Thirty-ninth Meeting presented their report of "Forms and Ceremonials," which was, on motion, unanimously adopted, and said "Forms and Ceremonials" was, by the President, declared to be the duly authorized ceremony for admission to membership in the Ohio Masonic Veterans Association.

The Secretary presented thirty-nine petitions for membership, which were referred to a Committee of Investigation; which reported favorably, and after ballot each, was declared to be elected.

The Venerable President directed the Marshal to retire and present the petitioners; thereupon in conformity with the Forms and Ceremonials all of the petitioners were duly received and greeted as Venerable Brothers and members of the Ohio Masonic Veterans Association.

The Secretary reported the deaths of Venerable Bros. David N. Kinsman, J. M. Goodspeed and Edward Bacon, and the usual memorial was, by unanimous vote, adopted.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported condition of finances as follows:

October 19, 1910, balance . . . . . . . .$39.00
October 18, 1911, receipts . . . . . . . . .78.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$117.00
Balance in hands of Treasurer . . . $117.00

On motion the Venerable President appointed Venerable Bros. Leander Burdick, S. Rufus Jones and John Cissna, a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year; the committee having attended to that duty nominated the following officers, who were duly 4ected:

Ven. Bro. E. L. Lybarger, President; Ven. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fourth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain; Ven. Bro. E. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. W. B. Anderson, Marshal; Ven. Bro. W. B. Melish, Master of Ceremonies; Ven. Bro. E. B. Cox, Sentinel; Ven. Bro. John Schonecker, Outer Guard.

Immediately following the adjournment the Venerable Brothers repaired to the banquet room, where a sumptuous banquet was served, after which the Brethren, by rising vote, expressed thanks Of appreciation for the fraternal hospitality of the Dayton Masonic Brethren.

After invocation by the Venerable Chaplain the Brethren formed the Chain of Union, with "We meet upon the level and part upon the Square," led by Venerable Bro. Burdick, whereupon the meeting was declared adjourned.

F. H. Archer, Secretary. F. L. Lybarger, President.

The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Ohio convened in the Valentine Theater, Toledo, Ohio, at ten o'clock, A. M., Wednesday, October 23, 1912, there being in attendance all the Grand Officers, the following.

PAST GRAND OFFICERS

M. .W. Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Wm. B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, F. C. Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, Geo. D. Copeland, C. S. Hoskinsen, B. F. Perry and H. S. Kissell.

R.·. W.·. Past Deputy Grand Master, Wm. J. Akers, and 23 District Lecturers.

OPENING

M.·. W.·. Bro. F. C. Gulliford submitted the following:

REPORT ON CREDENTIALS

Number of chartered Lodges, 524; number of Lodges represented, 518; number of Lodges not represented, 6; proxies on file of Worshipful Master, 32; proxies on file of Senior Warden, 226; proxies on file of Junior Warden, 225.

The committee further reported all of the Grand Officers, all of the Past Grand Masters except M.·. W.·. Bro. Carroll F. Clapp, the Past Deputy Grand Master, all of the District Lecturers except Bros. F. G. Chamberlin and Fred F. Harmon, and a constitutional number of Lodges, duly represented by their officers and proxies, present and registered.

Whereupon the Grand Master declared the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Ohio opened in Ample Form.

This was followed by an invocation by the R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain, Clement G. Martin. The Masonic Glee Club, made up entirely of Masons, and under the direction of Bro. V. O. Moore, rendered a musical selection.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master submitted his annual address in which among other things were the following:

IN MEMORIAM

Past Deputy Grand Master M.·. W.·. Bro. Jacob L'Hommedieu Long died at Mansfield, Ohio, on May 31, 1912. His remains were conveyed to Ottawa, Ohio, his former residence, under an escort of Brethren from Mansfield, where, on Sunday afternoon, June 2, the beautiful funeral service of the Order was performed at the Presbyterian Church of that city, under the auspices of Ottawa Lodge No.325.

Upon receipt of the notice of the death of M.·. W.·. Bro. Long, a memorial was issued and sent to each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction.

FRATERNAL DEAD IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS

During the year I have received notice of the death of twenty-six distinguished Brethren of other Grand Jurisdictions.

DISTRICT LECTURERS

I issued a call to the District Lecturers to meet at the Masonic Temple, Columbus, on January 19, 1912, for the purpose of perfecting plans for the inspection of Lodges, the discussion of ritualistic work, inspection blanks, etc. Twenty of the twenty-five Lecturers were present, and a profitable day was spent discussing these matters.

We were honored upon this occasion by the presence of M.·. W.·. Bro. Lewis P. Schaus, P. G. M., and R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, Junior Grand Warden All Lodges in the Jurisdiction have been inspected. Each Lodge has received a letter from the Grand Master upon receipt of the District Lecturer's report. I am pleased to say that with few exceptions the Lodges arc shown to be proficient in the Ritual, and in an excellent financial and physical condition.

The District Lecturers are deserving of much praise for the zeal and efficiency displayed. They have served the Craft with the utmost fidelity, and have kindly and cheerfully responded to every personal request.

TRUSTEES OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

In accordance with the provisions of Resolution XXII of this Grand Lodge, on December 28, 1911, I reappointed Bros. Edward Harford and R. Arthur Worthington, both of Springfield, Ohio, as Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home.

DISPENSATIONS FOR NEW LODGES

I have granted six dispensations to establish new Lodges, the petitioners having in each case complied with all the requirements of the Code, viz.:

October 21, 1911, to 145 applicants to open a Lodge in Toledo, Ohio, to be known as "Barton Smith Lodge," so named in honor of M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, a Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, a beloved member of the Fraternity of Toledo, and well known to Masonry throughout the world.

Since granting dispensation, this Lodge has attained a membership of approximately 225, with a large amount of work in sight. Barton Smith Lodge is in a most flourishing condition.

December 28, 1911, to petitioners of Cincinnati, Ohio, to open a Lodge to be known as "Winton Lodge."
May 23, 1912, to 80 applicants of Youngstown, Ohio, to open a Lodge to be known as "Youngstown Lodge."
May 29, 1912, to petitioners of Dayton, Ohio, to open a Lodge to be known as "Stillwater Lodge."
July 30, 1912, to petitioners of Sherwood, Ohio, to open a Lodge to be known as "Sherwood Lodge."
August 20, 1912, to petitioners of Columbus, Ohio, to open a Lodge to be known as "David N. Kinsman Lodge."
This Lodge was named in honor of that great and good man, our late Bro. David N. Kinsman, of Columbus, Ohio. May the naming of this Lodge in his memory be a monument to '~iis untiring efforts in behalf of Masonry!

DISPENSATIONS GRANTED

During my term of office I have granted ninety dispensations, as follows:

To elect and install various officers of Lodges 30
To attend Divine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
To occupy temporary quarters . . . . . . . . . . . .12
To remove into new Lodge rooms . . . . . . . . . 12
To participate in laying corner stones . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

During my term of office the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio has been convened in Special Communication for the following purposes:

DEDICATIONS

November 25, 1911, Lodge rooms of Dover Lodge No.489, Dover, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. Edwin S. Griffiths Deputy Grand Master, presiding.

December 11, 1911, Lodge rooms of Covington Lodge No.168, Covington, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.

December 27, 1914, Lodge rooms of Roseville Lodge No.566, Roseville, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Ike M. Robinson, Past Grand Master, presiding.
February 22, 1912, Lodge rooms of Spartan Lodge No.126, Millersburg, Ohio, W. Bro. Clinton B. Wilcox, Junior Grand Deacon, presiding.
June 14, 1912, Lodge rooms of Bryan Lodge No.215, Bryan, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
September 7, 1912, Lodge rooms of Olive Lodge No.210, Mt. Ephraim, Ohio, Bro. E. G. Chamberlin, District Lecturer, presiding.
September 16, 1912, New Masonic Temple at Chicago, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.

Detailed reports of the above communications are printed in the proceedings.

SPECIAL EMERGENT COMMUNICATIONS

At the last session of the Grand Lodge, charters were issued to the following Lodges, all of which have been constituted and consecrated by myself or by Brethren acting under authority of my proxy:

LODGES CONSTITUTED

October 24, 1911, I regularly constituted and consecrated Meridian Lodge, No.610, and installed its officers at Cleveland, Ohio.
October 30, 1911, I regularly constituted and consecrated Calumet Lodge No.612, and installed its officers at Toledo, Ohio.
October 31, 1911, acting under authority of my proxy, M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, Past Grand Master, regularly constituted and consecrated Henry Perkins Lodge No.611, and installed its officers at Akron, Ohio.
November 4, 1911, acting under authority of my proxy, Bro. Joseph C. Brenan regularly constituted and consecrated Belpre Lodge No.609, and installed its officers at Belpre, Ohio.

Detailed reports of the above communications will be found in the proceedings.

CORNER STONES LAID

October 22, 1911, Marvin Memorial Parish House of the Church of Our Savior (Episcopal), Akron, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
November 17, 1911, Public School Building, Mason, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, Junior Grand Warden, presiding.
November 24, 1911, Federal Building at Ironton, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, Senior Grand Warden, presiding.
April 19, 1912, Carnegie Library Building, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, Senior Grand Warden, presiding.
June 8, 1912, New Masonic Temple, West Toledo, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
June 30, 1912, All Souls' Universalist Church, Cleveland, Ohio, M. .W. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
August 10, 1912, New Postoffice at Massillon, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
August 18, 1912, New Masonic Temple, Defiance, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
August 25, 1912, New Masonic Temple, Montpelier, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Gnitteau, Grand Master, presiding.
September 1, 1912, Episcopal Church at Nelsonville, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, presiding.

Detailed reports of the above are printed in the proceedings.

FIRES

During the past year the following Masonic Temples or Halls were damaged or destroyed by fire, and in one ease the charter was lost:

The Masonic Temple at Washington C. H. was entirely destroyed by fire on the night of December 30, 1911. I am pleased to state, however, that Fayette Lodge No.107, saved its charter, as well as part of the records. Thereupon, at the request of said Lodge, I issued a dispensation authorizing it to temporarily hold its meetings in the I. O. O. F. Building in that city.

On January 23, 1912, the Masonic Temple at Portsmouth was badly damaged by fire, sustaining a loss of approximately $25,000.00, which fortunately was fully covered by insurance. The Lodge rooms of Aurora Lodge suffered no damage other than that occasioned by smoke.

On April 8, 1912, the Hall of Bloomingburg Lodge No.449, F. & A. M., Bloomingburg, Ohio, together with its charter, part of the records and all the furniture, was totally consumed by fire. Other quarters having been secured and inspected, on April 9th I issued a dispensation authorizing Bloomingburg Lodge to temporarily occupy the same.

The Hall of Chester Lodge No.238, F. & A. M., at Chesterville, was entirely consumed by fire in the afternoon of June 3, 1912. While said Lodge lost all its furniture, the records and charter were saved. I therefore issued a dispensation authorizing Chester Lodge to temporarily hold its meetings in the Hall of the I. O. O. F., in said village.

VISITATIONS

During my term of office I visited thirty-one Lodges, and personally conducted the services at the laying of seven corner stones, the dedication of three Masonic Halls, and the consecration of two Lodges.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing the balance in the General Fund, October 12, 1912, $67,792.71.

The Grand Secretary presented his twenty-fourth annual report stating this has been, so far as increase of membership is concerned, one of the most prosperous years in this Grand Body. The number of members August 31, 1912, was 86,493, a net gain for the year of 3,660. The total income for the year was $64,790.50 of which $63,644.65 was Grand dues. The per capita tax due the Masonic Homo is $25,947.90, and he recommends the additional donation of the sum of $20,000.00, which recommendation was concurred in by the Committee on Accounts and adopted by the Grand Lodge, which appropriated to the Building or Dormitory Fund, $15,000.00, and to the General Expense Fund, $5,000.00.

He further reports as follows:

EXAMINATION AND CORRECTIONS OF BY-LAWS

"I take pleasure in informing you that the work of examining and causing corrections to be made in the various By-Laws is practically completed, the only two which are still unfinished being those of Nos.151 and 464."

CUTS OF TEMPLES

He has procured a large number of photographs of Masonic Temples throughout the state and, with your permission, will make a selection for insertion in the annual proceedings for this year. They can not all be included at one time, but the others can follow in the succeeding proceedings until all have been printed.

He has also obtained from the living Past Grand Masters biographical sketches giving their Masonic records, to be filed for future reference.

DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank T. Lodge, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Michigan, and representative of that Grand Lodge near the Grand Lodge of Ohio, was introduced to the Grand Lodge and made a most interesting and eloquent response to the greetings extended to him by the Most Worshipful Grand Master.

TESTIMONIAL TO THE GRAND SECRETARY

M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale, on behalf of the Special Committee appointed at the last session of the Grand Lodge to procure and present to the Grand Secretary a testimonial of the appreciation of the Grand Lodge for the services rendered by him in the examination and correction of the Lodge By-Laws, submitted a report of that committee and presented to the Grand Secretary, in the name of the Grand Lodge, a beautiful office desk and revolving chair.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, chairman of the committee appointed at the last communication to procure and present to the retiring Grand Master, M.·. W.·. Harry S. Kissell, a Past Grand Master's Jewel, reported that the committee had duly performed the pleasant duty assigned to them at a special meeting of Anthony Lodge No.455, (of which Brother Kissell is a member), called for that purpose, at which over five hundred Masons were present and which was followed with an elaborate banquet.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations a duplicate charter was granted to Bloomingburg Lodge No.449, in lieu of the original destroyed by fire.

The Committee on Necrology submitted their report and testimonials as to the loss by death of Past Deputy Grand Master R.·. W.·. Jacob L'H. Long; Past Master J. Russell Johnson of Mystic Lodge No.405, Dayton, Ohio, who was also a Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Ohio, and a Thirty-third Degree member of the Supreme Council of the A. A. S. R. for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and the 1137 members of the Subordinate lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction; and the distinguished dead of twenty of our sister Grand Jurisdictions, among which were R.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. H. Dingley, 86 years, for 42 years Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, and had served as Grand Treasurer of all the Grand Masonic Bodies in that state; R.·. W.·. Henry B. Grant, 75 years, served 25 years as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. At Painesville, Ohio, Joseph Chapmen, Past Grand Master of Iowa, 81 years; R.·. W.·. Christopher Diehl, 82 years, for 40 years Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and a number of others whose ages range from 73 to 88 years. Verily the grim reaper has been busy garnering in the ranks of the Patriarchs of the Order.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 28 OF THE CODE

R.·. W.·. Bro. Chas. J. Pretzman submitted the following proposed amendment to Section 28 of the Code, properly seconded:

"No Lodge shall receive the petition of any applicant for the degrees unless such applicant shall have resided one year in the jurisdiction of such Lodge; provided, however, that any commissioned, non-commissioned, or warrant officer, or enlisted soldier of the regular army of the United States, who has been in the service for a period of not less than one year, and who is stationed at a regular United States barracks or post within the Grand Jurisdiction of Ohio, may petition any Lodge within whose jurisdiction said barracks or post is located, without reference to his actual residence for one year within said jurisdiction," which was referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence which reported thereon and the same was laid over to the next Annual Grand Communication.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

The following distinguished Masons being present were severally introduced to the Grand Lodge and welcomed to seats in the Grand East:

M.·. E.·. Companion Thomas H. Isitt, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; M.·. Ill.·. Lewis P. Schaus, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons; M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, Thirty-third Degree, Deputy of the A. A. S. R.; M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, Venerable President of the Masonic Veterans Association of Ohio, and M. Em. Sir Wm. B. Melish, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars, U. S. A.

Each of these distinguished Brethren made suitable responses as introduced.

On motion of M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, (R.·. W.·. Bro. E. S. Griffiths being in the Chair), the following committee was appointed to procure and present to M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau, Grand Master, the usual Past Grand Master's Jewel, viz.: M.·. W.·. Bros. Barton Smith, Frank S. Harmon and Leander Burdick.

Brother Edwin S. Griffiths of Cleveland, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Charles J. Pretzman of Columbus, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Brother George L. Marshall of Dayton, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Frank H. Marquis of Mansfield, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly of Columbus, R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, for the eighteenth consecutive time, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell of Cincinnati, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, for the twenty-fifth consecutive time.

Columbus, Ohio, was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 22, A. D. 1913, as the time for holding the next Annual Grand Communication.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, charters were issued to the following Lodges, viz.: Barton Smith Lodge at Toledo; Winton Lodge at Cincinnati; Youngstown Lodge at Youngstown; Stillwater Lodge at Dayton, and Kinsman Lodge at Columbus; and Sherwood Lodge was continued under dispensation.

The Committee on S. Stacker Williams Library reported that they have received from the Masonic Library Association of Cincinnati, (Custodian of the Williams Library), through its President, a tabulated statement showing the additions made to the Library since it came into their possession, in 1907, of which the following is a condensed report:

Proceedings needed July, 1909 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,087
Proceedings needed later to cover the years of 1910, 1911 and 1912 . . . 719
Total Proceedings needed to Oct.15, 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,806

Proceedings secured to Oct., 1911 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,466
Proceedings secured from Oct., 1911, to Oct., 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591
Total Proceedings procured to date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,057
Leaving Proceedings yet needed to complete all sets up to 1912 . . . . . .749

On recommendation of the Committee the sum of $100.00 was donated to the Cincinnati Masonic Library Association for the purpose of defraying the expense of postage, expressage, etc., incidental to the procuring of the volumes needed to keep the sets of proceedings up to date.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented its report covering 195 pages, reviewing the proceedings of seventy Grand Lodges and giving a condensed and masterly epitome of the important transactions of every Grand Jurisdiction in the world for the year past, and containing more useful information in relation to Masonic law, jurisprudence, usage and procedure than can be found in any monitor of history extant.

A slight idea of the scope of these reports can be had by examining the index of that report covering five pages, treating 145 subjects.

In referring to these reports at various times during the second and third volumes we have called the attention of our readers to many of the important subjects contained in them, urged the Craft and specially the Masonic student and the officers of the Subordinate Lodges to carefully read and study them thereby better fitting themselves to perform their duties as officers and Masons.

For over half a century M.·. W.·. Bro. William M. Cunningham, regularly attended every communication of this Grand Lodge, and for a quarter of a century he served it continuously as Chairman of the Foreign Correspondence Committee and gave to that service and to its reports his long experience, his unexcelled literary ability, and his ripe scholarship in Masonic history, jurisprudence 'and procedure, dispensing light on many important subjects Dot treated in the monitors or histories, such as Clandestine Masonry, Negro Masonry, the so called Prince Hall Grand Lodge, manner of wearing the Masonic Apron, and hundreds of others as can be seen by consulting the index to each yearly report, and we again urge on all Masonic students and officers to read them carefully, including those since his death, which are kept up to the same high standard.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams, chairman of the committee, concludes his 1912 report as follows:

And now having done the best we could, we leave the labors of the committee for a season of rest and refreshment:

FROM LABOR TO REFRESHMENT

From Labor to Refreshment-what a happy thought it is,
As we journey down the avenues of Time,
To feel that sweet refreshment will reward our labors here,
In that Lodge where every precept is sublime.

To fell that all the burdens, all the sorrows, all the woes,
All the trials, all the aches, and all the pains,
Will be buried as poor Hiram, when the Soul in freedom goes
To that Lodge where our Grand Master ever reigns.

From Labor to Refreshment - 'tis the Junior Warden's call
In the Lodge Known as Symbolic here below,
And every Brother pauses when he hears the gavel fall,
For its potent power all the Masons know.

Our Mystic work suspended, sweet converse reigns supreme,
And Fellowship, which is our richest gem,
Is set in Love cemented, and its iridescent gleam,
Lights to brilliancy our dazzling diadem.

From Labor to Refreshment - 'tis the Great Grand Master's call
When our labors in the earthly Lodge are o'er,
And he takes us through the portals of His Grand Celestial Hall,
There to live in sweet refreshment evermore.

There we shall see completed all the Master's wise designs,
No longer need the level and the square;
And there will ho no longer any need of grips or signs,
For we shall all be Brethren over there.

Nelson Williams, for the Committee.

OHIO MASONIC HOME

The officers and trustees of the Masonic Home pre~nted their annual report, which is printed in the proceedings.

The number of residents during the past year were: men, 71, average age 71 years; women, 50,
average age 72 years; boys, 28, average age 11 years; girls, 22, 'average age 11 years; total residents, 171. The amounts contributed by the several Ohio Grand Masonic Bodies at their 1911 sessions were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . $44,849.90
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,643.50
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . . .4,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,493.40

The following is a statement of the Christmas and Entertainment Fund:

August 1, 1911, Balance on hand . . . . . . . $472.78
August 1, 1912, Received to date . . . . . . . . 870.28
Interest to July 1, 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14.62
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,357.68
Disbursements to Aug. 1, 1912 . . . . . . . . . .765.88
Balance, August 1, 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$591.80

The various Subordinate Masonic Bodies and individual Masons contributed during the year to the Home Improvement Fund for refurnishing rooms, etc., the sum of $17,117.91.

The Grand Chapter of Ohio Order of the Eastern Star donated for repairs and additions to the Hospital the sum of $3,012.59.

A large number of donations were made by the various Subordinate Masonic Bodies, Chapters of the Eastern Star, and individual Masons, which are set out in detail in the report, but are too numerous to mention here.

The following table shows the receipts, expenditures and balances in each of the funds beginning August 1, 1911, and terminating August 1, 1912:

Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balances July 31, 1911 . . . . . . . Receipts . . . . . . . Disbursements . . . . . . . Balances July, 31 1912

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,385.69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44,182.80 . . . . . . . $38,794.84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,753.65
Endowment . . . . . . . . . . 148,471.89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,731.76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152,203.65
Ground Improvement . . . . 2,299.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,099.40 . . . . . . . . . . .963.66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,435.15
Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,849.70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77.58 . . . . . . . . . . . .74.09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,853.19
Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,591.89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.88 . . . . . . . . . 1,584.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.82
W. C. Langenau . . . . . . . . . .515.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535.90
Home Improvement . . . . . 2,945.23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,117.91 . . . . . . . . 11,614.96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,448.18
Refurnishing . . . . . . . . . . .2,779.64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,021.85 . . . . . . . . . 8,151.63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,649.86
Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,012.59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,012.59
Dormitory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,137.77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,137.77
Huntington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,288.49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,288.49
Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . $166,818.49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,701.89 . . . . . . . $59,196.72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $188,323.66

It will be observed that the Endowment Fund now amounts to the sum of $152,203.65.

The committee recommends the transfer of $5,000.00 from the Home Improvement Fund to the Dormitory Fund, and the transfer of $5,000.00 from the General Fund to the Dormitory Fund, also the income from the Endowment Fund for the coming year.

The amounts contributed and donated by the several Ohio Grand Masonic Bodies at their annual sessions in 1912, were as follows:

Grand Lodge,
Per Capita Tax . . . . . . . $25,947.90
Dormitory Fund . . . . . . .15,000.00
General Fund . . . . . . . . . .5,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,947.90

Grand Chapter,
Per Capita Tax . . . . . . . $7,872.25
General Fund . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,872.25

Grand Council,
General Fund . . . . . . . $1,500.00
Cemetery Fund . . . . . . . . 500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,000.00

Grand Commandery . . .4,000.00
Grand Total . . . . . . . $64,820.15

The Dormitory Fund was established by the Grand Lodge at the 1911 communication as a nucleus for an amount sufficient to erect and equip two dormitories, one for boys and one for the girls; and the Grand Lodge appropriated $5,000.00 at that session and $15,000.00 at this (1912) session, which with the interest accrued, $137.77, makes $20,137.77; and with the transfer of the $10,000.00 recommended by the Auditing Committee brings the fund up to $30,137.77, enough to start the work on the dormitories.

The returns from the farm, garden and hennery during the past year amounted to the sum of $6,280.86.

IMPROVEMENTS

During the past few years very liberal donations have been made by all the Masonic Bodies of both the York and Scottish Rite, and including the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star, for the purpose of making many needed additions, repairs and improvements to the Home buildings and grounds, and which have been noted in this history from time to time as they progressed.

During the past year many valuable improvements have been completed which practically cover every part of the main building from basement to tower, and also the hospital and grounds.

OUR HOME CEMETERY

under the direction of Bro. Goodale, is reported as approaching completion.

Members of Antioch Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Dayton, presented to the Home what are probably the finest and most fully-equipped separate boys' and girls' playgrounds in the United States, as a gift from Antioch Temple, erected at a cost of over $1,200.

DONATIONS

Again, as in past years, it becomes a pleasing duty to give credit and to acknowledge our appreciation and to extend our sincere and hearty thanks to the Order of the Eastern Star for what it has done for us during the past year, by its munificent contribution of $3,000 to meet the expenses of modernizing and looking after much needed repairing of the hospital.

The following is the roster of the Officers and Board of Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home, Springfield, 1912:

OFFICERS

James W. Iredell, Jr . . President
A. Frank Vance, Jr . . First Vice-President
Gibson H. Robinson . . Second Vice-President
Edward Harford . . Treasurer
John W. Parsons (Springfield) Secretary
Philip H. Dorn . . Superintendent

TRUSTEES

REPRESENTING THE GRAND LODGE

Leander Burdick . . . Toledo
Edward Harford . . . Springfield
Nelson Williams . . . Hamilton
Carroll F. Clapp . . . Warren
R. Arthur Worthington . . Springfield
Charles H. Voegele . . Mansfield

REPRESENTING THE GRAND CHAPTER

James W. Iredell, Jr . . . Cincinnati
Levi C. Goodale . . . Cincinnati
Gibson H. Robinson . . . Cleveland

REPRESENTING THE GRAND COUNCIL

Jacob H. Bromwell . . . Cincinnati

REPRESENTING THE GRAND COMMANDERY

Martin J. Houck . . . Dayton
John P. McCune . . . Columbus
A. Frank Vance, Jr . . . Urbana

REPRESENTING THE A. & A. SCOTTISH RITE

William B. Melish . . . Cincinnati
Matthew Smith . . . Cleveland

COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE

Edward Harford
A. Frank Vance, Jr.
John P. McCune
Levi C. Goodale
R. Arthur Worthington

ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE

Gibson H. Robinson
Martin J. Houck
James W. Iredell, Jr.
Carroll F. Clapp
Matthew Smith

FINANCE

William B. Melish
Jacob H. Bromwell
Leander Burdick,
Nelson Williams
Charles H. Voegele

AUDITING

William B. Melish
Jacob H. Bromwell
Nelson Williams

RECOMMENDATION AS TO LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION

M.·. W.·. Bro. Levi C. Goodale offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That it is the sense of this Grand Body that hereafter all Lodges under dispensation applying to this Grand Lodge for charters shall come before the Committee on Charters and Dispensations on the day preceding the Annual Grand Communication with a short historical preamble of the steps leading up to the acquiring of a dispensation; copy of all their official transactions as a Lodge under Dispensation properly transcribed in their minute books; and all these accompanied by a duplicate copy of said transactions for the use of the office of the Grand Secretary.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams was re-appointed Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence and M.·. W.·. Bro. A. B. Meldrum, Chairman of the Committee on Necrology.

INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS

All of the officers elected and appointed, with the exception of R.·. W.·. Bro. A. B. Meldrum, were duly installed; M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. harmon acting as Grand Master and M.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry as Grand Marshal.

On motion the Grand Secretary was authorized to request the officers of Woodward Lodge No.508, to install R.·. W.·. Bro. A. B. Meldrum as Grand Chaplain.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio was closed in Ample Form, and with a benediction by Acting R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain C. G. Martin, the Lodge of Master Masons, which was opened at the beginning of the session, was duly closed.

Complimentary Dinner to the Past Grand Masters,

By M.·. W.·. Bro. LEANDER BURDICK, P. G. M.

While not actually a part of the proceedings of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Ohio at its One Hundred and Third Annual Grand Communication, it would seem eminently proper to insert therein a report of the dinner tendered by M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick, the senior living Past Grand Master, to his associate Past Grand Masters, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, the R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master and the R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary on the evening of Tuesday, October 22, in the Boody Hotel.

All the invited guests were present except M.·. W.·. Bro. Carroll F. Clapp, who was detained at home by reason of the illness of his wife. With this exception, the unbroken line of Past Grand Masters was complete and in attendance.
Brother Burdick was thoroughly qualified to act as host on this occasion and there was not a minute of dullness or fatigue during the five hours devoted to this feast of good things and flow of soul.

The guests were as follows:

PAST GRAND MASTERS

Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Wm. B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, W. A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballon, Lewis P. Sehaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland, C. S. Hoskinson, B. F. Perry and H. S. Kissell.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

M.·. W.·. Grand Master Thomas B. Guitteau, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master Edwin S. Griffiths and R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary J. H. Bromwell.

This delightful occasion was closed by all uniting in that good old Scotch song, "Auld Lang Syne," and each joined with others in the earnest wish that this remarkable unbroken line of Past Grand Masters might continue, with new accessions year by year, for many future Grand Communications of our Grand Lodge.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE OHIO MASONIC VETERANS' ASSOCIATION

The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association met in its Forty-first Annual Meeting in the Blue Lodge Room, Masonic Temple, Toledo, Ohio, at 6:30 P. M., October 23, 1912.

OFFICERS PRESENT

Ven. Bro. F. L. Lybarger, President; Ven. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice-President; Ven. Bro. W. A. Belt, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. F. C. Gulliford, Fourth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. C. G. Ballon, Chaplain; Ven. Bro. E. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. L. P. Schaus, Marshal; Ven. Bro. W. B. Melish, Master of Ceremonies; Ven. Bro. D. J. Caine, Inside Guard; Ven. Bro. Henry Haws, Outer Guard.

Ven. Bro. Leander Burdick, Past President, and twenty-five Brethren.

The record of the Fortieth Annual meeting was admitted in print, read, and approved.

The Secretary-Treasurer submitted his annual report, which was, on motion, adopted.

The Secretary reported the deaths of Venerable Past President J. L'H. Long and Bro. E. B. Cox.

Eighty-five petitions were presented and each petitioner declared duly elected.
The petitioners were, by the direction of the Venerable President, presented by the Master of Ceremonies and Marshal, and duly received and greeted as Venerable Brothers, and by his direction enrolled as Venerable Members of this Association and each presented with a certificate of membership.

The President appointed Bro. Leander Burdick, F. C. Gulliford and O. B. Hannan a committee to recommend nominations for officers for the ensuing year. They submitted the following report and election was held, and the following were duly elected:

Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, President; Ven. Bro. W. A. Belt, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. F. C. Gulliford, Second Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. J. W. Moore, Fourth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Ike M. Robinson, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. F. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. C. G. Ballou Chaplain; Ven. Bro. W. B. Melish, Master of Ceremonies;

Ven. Bro. W. T. S. O'Hara, Marshal; Ven. Bro. W. E. Joseph, Inner Guard; Ven. Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, Outer Guard.

Venerable Bro. Nelson Williams, poet laureate, delivered a memorial to the memory of the deceased members, concluding with the following:

THE DEAR OLD CRONIES

Brethren, let us pause a moment
In this consecrated hall;
Let us bow our heads in silence,
While we all our dead recall.
It is needless here to name them,
They were noble men and true;
And if you had gone before them,
They would say the same of you.

This is where they loved to linger,
With the inner man supplied,
And drink in the words of wisdom
From their Brethren true and tried.
But no more will they be with us
In this world of pain and care;
Theirs the gladness, ours the sadness
Till we meet them over there.

Yes, we miss these dear old Cronies'
We have known so long and well,
And our sorrow at their absence
Neither tongue nor pen can tell.
We shall miss them as the seasons,
With their changes, come and go,
And our hearts each year will sadden
As their vacant places show.

Dear old chums, of course we miss you,
And your places none can fill;
For we loved your genial faces
And your forms, now cold and still.
But while you have gone far from us,
Yet we have you ever near;
You are sleeping 'neath the cedars,
But have left your image here.

Some are here who soon must follow;
Others quickly follow them;
Who knows but that on the morrow
You may chant my requiem?
Brethren, if such be God's pleasure,
All that I can ask of thee
Is to judge my motives kindly,
And each year remember me.

Officers and Brethren then repaired to the banquet room, and were most hospitably treated to a very satisfying dinner, after which addresses were made by the retiring President, F. L. Lybarger, and the newly elected President, H. A. Irvin, and Venerable Bros. Deardorif, W. B. Melish, Thomas H. Isitt and Leander Burdick.

On motion of Venerable Bro. Belt, a hearty and rising vote of thanks was given to the Brethren of Toledo for their hospitality.

After an invocation by the Chaplain, the forty-first meeting adjourned.

Time and Place of Next Meeting

The next Annual Grand Communication will be held in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on the fourth Wednesday of October, (22), 1913.

GRAND OFFICERS 1912-1913

Brother Edwin S. Griffiths, Cleveland, M. Grand Master; Bro. Chas. I. Pretzman, Columbus, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Geo. L. Marshall, Dayton, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Frank H. Marquis, Mansfield, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly, Columbus, R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer; Bro. T. H. Bromwell, Cincinnati, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary; Bro. A. B. Meldrum, Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain; Bro. Joel C. Clore, Cincinnati, R.·. W.·. Grand Orator; Bro. Matthew Smith, Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Grand Marshal; Bro. H. M. Hagelbarger, Akron, W. Senior Grand Deacon; Bro. Clinton B. Wilcox, Sandusky, W. Junior Grand Deacon; Bro. A. B. Fairchild, Ravenna, Grand Tyler; The proceedings for this year cover 492 pages, and are embellished with the cuts of twenty-five of the Ohio Masonic Temples made from photographs secured by our R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary. A cut of the other Masonic Temples in the state will follow from year to year until all have been inserted.

The Masonic Temple at Columbus, now practically completed, is one of the largest temples in the United States devoted entirely to Masonic purposes, and will be opened, dedicated and consecrated to Masonic uses this fall.

This closes the record of the Annual Communication of 1912, being the one hundred and third Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge, and completes the history of the Grand Lodge from its organization to the close of its 1912 Annual Communication, a record of which the Craft in Ohio have every reason to be proud.

The history of Masonry in the Great Northwestern Territory and state of Ohio, is contemporary with the settlement, civilization and progress of this great commonwealth.

General Rufus Putnam, who was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the leader and founder of the first white settlement in the great Northwestern territory, at Marietta, Ohio, April 8, A. D. 1788, and a Past Master of American Union Army Lodge; and Captain Jonathan Heart, Commandant of Fort Harmar opposite Marietta, a Past Grand Lecturer in Connecticut, being the Worshipful Master of said American Union Lodge; and Benjamin Tupper, a Past Master of Hampshire Lodge of Connecticut, who was a constant visitor of said Army Lodge; and Bros. Thomas Stanley, Griffen Green, Robert Oliver, William Stacy, William Buruham, and William Mills, met at Marietta, June 28, 1790, and opened said American Union Lodge, elected said seven Masons members of the Lodge, and thus established American Union Lodge as the first Masonic Lodge in the great Northwestern territory. The history of this and five other Lodges whose representatives formed and organized the Grand Lodge of Ohio at Chillicothe, January 4, A. D. 1808, is given in detail in the first volume of this history.

Following this settlement at Marietta by General Rufus Putnam and his forty-seven associates, were settlements at various places in the territory, among which was old Mingo Town, about three miles below the present city of Steubenville, and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1799 issued a warrant for a Lodge at that place; at Cincinnati, and on September 8, 1791, the Grand Lodge of New Jersey warranted Nova Cesarca Lodge at that place, afterwards consolidated into N. C. Harmony Lodge No.2; at Warren, known as the Connecticut Western Reserve, where the Grand Lodge of Connecticut at its communication in 1804, warranted Erie Lodge; at Chillicothe, where Scioto Lodge No.2, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1805; at Zanesville, where Amity Lodge No.5 was warranted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, June 24, 1805; at Worthington, where New England Lodge No.4, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, October 19, 1803, and at various other points the pioneers from the eastern states founded settlements and the resident Masons of such settlements secured charters from the Grand Lodges from which they hailed and erected the Altars of Masonry in the wilderness of this great territory. Thus from these sentiments of brave, fearless, hardy pioneers has grown this great commonwealth now numbering nearly five million souls, and from these few scattered, weak Lodges, has sprung the 529 active Lodges with their 84,493 members; thus civilization, religion and Masonry have traveled hand in band through the length and breadth of this grand domain, showering their favors and manifold blessings on all mankind within its borders, and carrying its benign influence throughout the entire empire of the "Great West," and beyond its borders to the "Isles of the Seas."

In the early days of the territory and state of Ohio, Masonry furnished many of their prominent officials.

Space will not permit a detailed statement, but this Grand Benevolent Institution in Ohio furnished the nation three Presidents of the United States, eight members of the President's Cabinet, six United States Senators; and the state, twelve Governors, and twelve Judges of the Supreme Court.

One of its Grand Masters, General Lewis Cass, moved to the territory of Michigan, and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan; as Governor of that territory from 1813 to 1831; as Secretary of War of the United States from 1831 to 1836; as United States Minister to France from 1836 to 1842; as United States Senator from 1845 to 1857; as Secretary of State of the United States from 1857 to 1860, and was candidate for President of the United States in 1848. Many other of our Brethren served the nation, state, districts and counties in other prominent official positions too numerous to mention in this history.

Others turned their faces toward the setting sun, and with the star of empire westward wended their way, and rose to distinction both in civil and Masonic life in their new homes, serving in prominent official positions in nation and state, and in their Masonic Grand Lodges from Grand Master down. Some of these visited their old homes and our Grand Lodge during its sessions, and mention of their fraternal reception will be found in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge and this history.

In the Councils of the General Masonic Bodies in both York and Scottish Rites, the influence of Ohio's gifted and honored Masonic Brethren has always been felt and recognized.

Space will not permit us to enumerate in detail their valuable and efficient services in every Grand and General Grand Body in the York Rite, and we will have to confine ourselves to the principal offices held by Ohio Masons in these exalted Masonic Bodies, as follows:

YORK RITE

General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States of America, now designated Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States of America.

JOHN SNOW

Was present representing St. John's Encampment of Providence, R. I., at the convention held at Masons Hall in the city of New York, June 20 and 21, A. D. 1816, which organized the General Grand Encampment, and was elected General Grand Sword Bearer. Thomas Smith Webb, who represented Boston Encampment, was elected Deputy Grand Master.

In 1816 Webb and Snow came to Worthington, Ohio, and engaged in business there. On March 14, 1818, Webb issued to John Snow and others a dispensation authorizing the organization of Mt. Vernon Encampment Knights Templars at Worthington, and it was organized the next day. Sir Thomas Smith Webb, Sir John Snow and Sir Fredrick Curtis, a Knight Templar hailing from Ireland, the only Knights Templars known to be in Ohio, at that time, officiating. Sir Thomas Smith Webb returned to Boston in August, 1818, on some business connected with the enterprise of Snow and himself, and in July started to return to Worthington, but died suddenly at Cleveland, Ohio, July 6, A. D. 1819.

At the next session of the General Grand Encampment, 1819, John Snow was elected and installed as General Grand Generalissimo, and served until 1826.

He served as Grand Master of this Grand Lodge from 1819 to 1823.

EZ'RA GRISWOLD

Served as General Grand Sword Bearer, 1829 to 1832, and General Grand Standard Bearer, 1832 to 1835.

WILLIAM J. REESE

Knighted in Mt. Vernon Encampment No.1, May 22, 1830; served as General Grand Senior Warden, 1835 to 1838; General Grand Captain General, 1838 to 1841; General Grand Generalissimo, 1841 to 1844.

Served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1834 to 1842; as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio R. A. M. 1833 and 1835 to 1839; and M.·. Ill.·. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Ohio, R. & S. M. 1834 to 1837.

Sir Wm. J. Reese issued the dispensations for and organized the following Encampments of Knights Templars:

Cincinnati Encampment No.3, Cincinnati, Ohio, December 30, 1839; Massillon Encampment No.4, Massillon, Ohio; Clinton Encampment No.5, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, October 12, 1843; on April 26, 1842, for an Encampment at Versailles, Ky.; on January 2, 1840, for an Encampment at Louisville, Ky.; on March 20, 1841, to the Encampment at Lexington, Ky., to meet and resume its Masonic business and labors; on June 3, 1841 to Mt. Vernon Encampment No.1, at Worthington, Ohio, to meet and resume labor, no meeting having been held since May 22, 1830, when Sir Wm. J. Reese was Knighted in that Encampment.

REV. ROBERT PUNSHON

General Grand Prelate, 1841 to 1844. He was a charter member of Cincinnati Encampment No.3; the M.·. W.·. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Ohio, R. & S. M., from its organization in 1830 until 1833; and Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment of Ohio Knights Templars, 1844.

JOHN D. CALDWELL

Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment U. S. K. T., 1862 to 1871; Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M. 1851 to 1869; Grand Recorder Grand Commandery of Ohio, K. T., 1851 to 1869; Grand Secretary Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A. M., 1851 to 1888.

KENT JARVIS

Grand Captain General Grand Encampment, Knights Templars, U. S. A., 1865 to 1869; Grand Generalissimo, 1868 to 1871; Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars, 1859 to 1863.

LAFAYETTE LYTTLE

Grand Captain General Grand Encampment, U. S. A., Knights Templars, 1877 to 1880; Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars, 1886.

WILLIAM B. HUBBARD

General Grand Captain General of the General Grand Encampment Knights Templars, U. S. A., 1844 to 1847 and General Grand Master of that Grand Body, 12 years, 1847 to 1859.

It was during his incumbency in the office of General Grand Master, (at the Triennial Session of 1856, at Hartford, Connecticut), that the Constitution of The General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars and Appendant Orders for the United States of America, was amended, and the name thereof changed to "The Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States of America," the title "General" dropped from all its officers, the names and titles of the State Grand Encampments changed to "Grand Commandery," and of the Subordinate Encampments to "Commandery" and the titles of the officers of the state and Subordinate Encampments changed. A number of other amendments and additions were adopted, which gave rise to much dissatisfaction and dissension in the Grand and Subordinate Encampments, resulting in a number of the Grand Encampments, Ohio among them, terminating their connection with the General Body for a time, but the difficulty was afterwards healed and all the Grand and Subordinate Bodies renewed their allegiance to the Grand Encampment, and conformed to the new Constitution as afterwards amended.

Brother W. B. Hubbard served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1850 to 1852, and Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1842 to 1846.

WILLIAM B. MELISH

Served as Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Encampment Knights. Templars, U. S. A., 1892 to 1895; Grand Junior Warden, 1895 to 1898; Grand Senior Warden, 1898 to 1901; Grand Captain General, 1901 to 1904; Grand Generalissimo, 1904 to 1907; Deputy Grand Master, 1907 to 1910.

Sir Henry Warren Rngg, M. Em. . Grand Master, departed this life July 21, A. D. 1910, and Sir William B. Melish, assumed command and control of the Grand Encampment as Acting Grand Master until the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment held at Chicago, Ill., August 9th to 11th, A. D. 1910, at which he was unanimously elected M.·. EM.·. Grand Master, and served as such until the close of the Triennial Conclave held at Denver, Colorado, August 12th to 15th, A. D. 1913.

Sir Wm. B. Melish served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars in 1890, having served as Deputy Grand Commander in 1889, and Grand Generalissimo in 1888.

He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A. M. in 1895; Deputy Grand Master in 1894, and Senior Grand Warden in 1892 and 1893.

He has also been an active member of, and worker in, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, having received the Thirty-second Degree in Ohio Sovereign Consistory May 30, 1874, and the Honorary Thirty-third Degree in the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, September 15, 1885.

He filled various offices in the Bodies of the Rite at Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1876 to 1910, serving as Commander in Chief of Ohio Sovereign Grand Consistory from 1895 to 1910.

He also served as Imperial Potentate of the Imperial Council of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine from 1892 to 1893 and 1894 to 1895.

REV. JOHN M. WALDEN

Served as Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment, U. S., Knights Templars, 1910 to 1913.

ORESTES A. B. SENTER

Was present as the representative of the Grand Council of Ohio, at the convention held at Detroit, Michigan, August 25 to 28, 1880, and assisted in organizing the General Grand Council; served as General Grand Treasurer, 1880 to 1886; General Grand P. C. W., 1886 to 1889; General Deputy Grand Master, 1889 to 1891; and General Grand Master, 1891 to 1894. Served as Ill. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Ohio, R. & S. M., 1878 to 1879; as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1893.

GRAFF M. ACKLIN

Served as General Grand Marshal of General Grand Council, 1897 to 1900; General Grand Captain of the Guard, 1900 to 1903; General Grand P. C. of W., 1900 to 1906; General Deputy Grand Master, 1906 to 1909; General Grand Master, 1909 to 1912; served as Ill. Grand Master, Grand Council of Ohio, R. & S. M., 1890 to 1891; as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1897.

NELSON WILLIAMS

Served as General Grand Sentinel of General Grand Council, 1900 to 1903; as M.·.Ill.·. Master of the Grand Council of Ohio, 1904; as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1902 ; as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1897.

REUBEN C. LEMMON

Served as General Grand Treasurer, 1880 to 1891; General Grand King, 1891 to 1894; Deputy General Grand High Priest, 1894 to 1897 M.·.EX.·. General Grand High Priest, 1897 to 1900.

Also served as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., 1875 to 1876; Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1879 to 1880.

JOHN D. CALDWELL

General Grand Secretary, 1865 to 1871.

REV. ROBERT PUNSHON

General Grand Chaplain, 1841 to 1844.

SCOTTISH RITE

Supreme Council, Thirty-Third Degree, of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America.

KILLIAN VAN RENSSELAER

Served as Ill. Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree, 1848 to 1851; as Ill. Deputy for Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, 1851 to 1860; as P. Lieutenant Grand Commander, 1860 to 1862; as M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander, 1862 until May 17, A. D. 1867, when at the Union of the United Supreme Councils he resigned, and

Josiah H. Drummond of Portland, Maine, was elected by the United Supreme Councils M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. He was an active, earnest worker in the cause of Masonry to the date of his death, which occurred January 29, 1881. Sov. Grand Commander, Henry L. Palmer in announcing his death among other things, said: "Undoubtedly he did more than any other man, dead or alive, towards popularizing the Ancient Accepted Bite." The Supreme Council Thirty-third Degree for England, Wales and the Dependencies of the British Crown sent a letter of condolence to our Supreme Council in which it testified to his eminent Services for the Bite.

In 1851 Brother Van Rensselaer instituted Adoniram Lodge of Perfection, and a Council of the Princes of Jerusalem at Columbus, the first Bodies of the Bite organized west of Albany, New York. In 1852, Enoch T. Carson, George Hoadly, John H. Gerard, Absalom Death, Charles Brown, John A. Conn and George B. Cramer, having taken the Degrees at Columbus, petitioned the Supreme Council for a dispensation to open a Lodge of Perfection and Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Cincinnati, which was granted, and those Bodies instituted by Ill. Bro. K. H. Van Rensselaer on April 27, 1853, and on his recommendation a dispensation was granted to, and he instituted Ohio Sovereign Grand Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 27, 1853, which was the first Consistory instituted west of New York, and afterwards became one of the largest Consistories in the world, and from which sprang the other four great Consistories in Ohio.

The Lodge of Perfection and Council of the Princes of Jerusalem at Columbus flourished several years, and finally ceased work and surrendered their charters, and other Bodies were later instituted and chartered and are now in a flourishing condition, as is also Scioto Sovereign Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, located there.

ENOCH TERRY CARSON

Served as Illustrious Deputy of Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree, for Ohio and Indiana, 1860 to 1867, when Indiana was made a separate district; and as Deputy for Ohio, from 1867 to 1899. As Deputy he organized the first Scottish Bite Bodies in Indiana, and instituted the Sovereign Consistory at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1864. Was a charter member of Ohio Sovereign Consistory at its organization, December 27, 1853, and served as its Commander in Chief, from 1857 to 1895, when he declined re-election.

He was a member of the Union of the Supreme Councils, Thirty-third Degree, May 17, 1867; served as P. Lieutenant Commander of the Supreme Council, 1870 to 1876; served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars, 1871 to 1874; and enjoyed the distinction of being elected Grand Commander from the floor by the Grand Cornmandery of Ohio; served as Chairman of Foreign Correspondence Committee of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, 1876 to 1898.

HEMAN ELY

Served as Grand Treasurer General of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree, A. A. S. R., N. M. J., 1867 to 1891, re-elected in 1891, but declined on account of ill health, and a resolution of respect was unanimously adopted. Be was one of the members of the union of May 17, 1867; served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars, 1864 to 1870.

BARTON SMITH

Served as Illustrious Deputy of the Supreme Council for Ohio, 1906 to 1909; as P. Lieutenant Commander of the Supreme Council, 1909 to 1910. At the close of the ninety-eighth annual meeting of that Body, held at Detroit, Michigan, on September 22, A. D. 1910, General Samuel F. Lawrence, M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander, tendered his resignation to take effect at the close of the session, and Illustrious Barton Smith succeeded him as M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. At the annual meeting held at Boston, Massachusetts, September 30, A. D. 1912, was re-elected for the ensuing term of three years, and is still acting as such. He represented the Supreme Council as one of its Delegates at the International Conference of the Supreme Councils of the World, held at Brussels, Belgium, June 10 to 15, A. D. 1907.

He served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio Knights Templars, in 1896; Deputy Grand Master, in 1895; and as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in 1896.
Truly a Masonic record of which Ohio may well be proud!

ADDENDA

The following Lists, Tables, Statistics and other Masonic Information, are added as matters of ready reference, and will be found very convenient to the Craft, furnished in a condensed form, saving valuable time and labor in searching through the history for the facts therein contained.

LIST OF SUBJECTS

1. Statistics of membership by counties, 1912.
2. List of the elective Grand Lodge Officers of Ohio, from 1808 to 1912.
3. List of the appointive Grand Lodge Officers of Ohio, from 1808 to 1912.
4. List of Grand Lodge Officers of Ohio, from 1808 to 1889, which offices were abolished or ceased.
5. List of active Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1912, in numerical order giving number, name and location.
6. List of active Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 1912, giving location in alphabetical order and date of charter.
7. List of extinct Lodges under Grand Lodge of Ohio, giving date of charter and of surrender of charter.
8. Number of members and time and place of meeting of the Grand Lodge each year from 1808 to 1912.
9. List of Army Lodges.
10. Description of the proposed Grand Lodge Hall at Lancaster, Ohio, 1838.

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP BY COUNTIES, 1912

Adams 362 . . . . . . . . Hamilton 9,530 . . . . . Noble 296
Allen 823 . . . . . . . . . .Hancock 385 . . . . . . .Ottawa 374
Ashland 347 . . . . . . . Hardin 672 . . . . . . . . Paulding 294
Ashtabula 1,437 . . . . Harrison 347 . . . . . . . Perry 761
Athens, 1,078 . . . . . . Henry 421 . . . . . . . . . Pickaway 460
Auglaize 345 . . . . . . .Highland 482 . . . . . . . Pike 119
Belmont 1,720 . . . . . Hocking 142 . . . . . . . .Portage 788
Brown 525 . . . . . . . . Holmes 148 . . . . . . . . Preble 436
Butler 802 . . . . . . . . .Huron 1,056 . . . . . . . Putnam 499
Carroll 234 . . . . . . . .Jackson 519 . . . . . . . .Richland 1,363
Champaign 821 . . . . Jefferson 875 . . . . . . . Ross 601
Clark 1,107 . . . . . . . .Knox 843 . . . . . . . . . .Sandusky 450
Clermont 1,042 . . . . .Lake 497 . . . . . . . . . . Scioto 643
Clinton 495 . . . . . . . .Lawrence 441 . . . . . . .Seneca 842
Columbiana 1,512 . . .Licking 1,377 . . . . . . .Shelby 325
Coshocton 412 . . . . . Logan 745 . . . . . . . . . Stark 1,635
Crawford 722 . . . . . . Lorain 1,195 . . . . . . . .Summit 1,665
Cuyahoga 9,189 . . . . Lucas 3,469 . . . . . . . . Trumbull 1,067
Darke 719 . . . . . . . . .Madison 595 . . . . . . . .Tuscarawas 844
Defiance 535 . . . . . . .Mahoning 1,230 . . . . . Union 368
Delaware 685 . . . . . . Marion 714 . . . . . . . . .Van Wert 320
Erie 802 . . . . . . . . . . Medina 555 . . . . . . . . .Vinton 269
Fairfield 750 . . . . . . .Meigs 503 . . . . . . . . . . Warren 634
Fayette 410 . . . . . . . .Mercer 307 . . . . . . . . . Washington 969
Franklin 4,962 . . . . . Miami 1,058 . . . . . . . . Wayne 555
Fulton 573 . . . . . . . . Monroe 406 . . . . . . . . .Williams 636
Gallia 471 . . . . . . . . .Montgomery 2,537 . . . Wood 770
Geauga 274 . . . . . . . .Morgan 552 . . . . . . . . Wyandot 698
Greene 524 . . . . . . . . Morrow 286. . . . . . . .------------------
Guernsey 682 . . . . . . Muskingum 1,574 . . . .Total 86,493

LIST OF ACTIVE LODGES UNDER GRAND LODGE OF OHIO, 1912, GIVING NAME, NUMBER AND LOCATION.

NUMBER - NAME - LOCATION - COUNTY - CHART DATE
1 American Union - Marietta - Washington - Jan. 05, 1816
2 N. C. Harmony - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Jan. 06, 1809
3 Old Erie - Warren - Trumbull - Oct. 18, 1854
4 New England - Worthington - Franklin - Jan. 05, 1814
5 Amity - Zanesville - Muskingum - Jan. 15, 1812
6 Scioto - Chillicothe - Ross - Jan. 15, 1812
7 Morning Dawn - Gallipolis - Gallia - Jan. 05, 1810
8 Harmony - Urbana - Champaign - Feb. 06, 1815
9 Mt. Zion - Mt. Vernon - Knox - Jan. 08, 1810
11 Center Star - Granville - Licking - Jan. 06, 1813
12 Unity - Revenna - Portage - Oct. 22, 1852
13 St. Johns - Dayton - Montgomery - April 07, 1810
14 Franklin - Troy - Miami - Jan. 05, 1815
15 Cleveland City - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 19, 1842
16 Belmont - St. Clairsville - Belmont - June 15, 1812
17 Washington - Hamilton - Butler - Jan. 06, 1813
18 Hiram - Delaware - Delaware - Jan. 21, 1811
19 Jerusalem - Hartford - Trumbull - Jan. 14, 1814
20 Magnolia - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 20, 1847
21 Western Star - Youngstown - Mahoning - Jan. 04, 1816
22 Rising Sun - Ashtabula - Ashtabula - Oct. 23, 1845
23 Pickaway - Circleville - Pickaway - Jan. 03, 1815
24 Warren - Piqua - Miami - Oct. 21, 1841
25 Paramuthia - Athens - Athens - Jan. 14, 1814
26 Lebanon - Lebanon - Warren - Jan. 03, 1815
28 Temple - Painsville - Lake - Oct. 17, 1842
29 Clermont Social - Williamsburgh - Clermont - Jan. 04, 1816
30 Columbus - Columbus - Franklin - June - , 1815
33 Ebenezer - Wooster - Wayne - Jan. 13, 1819
35 Mansfield - Mansfield - Richland - Feb. 10, 1818
37 Mt. Moriah - Beverly - Washington - Feb. 14, 1819
38 Highland - Hillsboro - Highland - Jan. 09, 1817
40 Northern - Light - Maumee - Lucas - Dec. 21, 1818
43 West Union - West Union - Adam - Aug. 22, 1818
44 Columbia - Miami - Hamilton - Dec. 13, 1817
45 Steubenville - Steubenville - Jefferson - Jan. 24, 1820
46 Miami - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Jan. 10, 1818
47 Clinton - Massillon - Stark - June 22, 1837
48 Aurora - Portsmouth - Scioto - Dec. 15, 1820
49 Xenia - Xenia - Greene - Oct. 19, 1819
50 Science - Sandusky - Erie - Dec. 12, 1820
52 Wilmington - Wilmington - Clinton - Oct. 19, 1842
54 Milford - Milford - Clermont - Dec. 11, 1820
55 Eastern Star - Franklin - Warren - Dec. 15, 1820
56 King Solomon's - Elyria - Lorain - Dec, 12, 1821
57 Lancaster - Lancaster - Fairfield - Dec. 15, 1820
58 Medina - Medina - Medina - Dec. 23, 1820
59 Tuscarawas - Canal Dover - Tuscarawas - Oct. 24, 1845
60 Canton - Canton - Stark - Oct. 12, 1821
61 Bethel - Bethel - Clermont - Oct. 12, 1821
64 Mount Vernon Norwalk - Huron - Dec. 12, 1821
65 New Lisbon - Lisbon - Columbiana - Oct. 20, 1859
66 Cambridge - Cambridge - Guernsey - Oct. 08, 1850
67 Oxford - Oxford - Butler - June 18, 1822
70 Marion - Marion - Marion - Oct. 21, 1841
71 Union - Ripley - Brown - Sept. 15, 1840
72 Georgetown - Georgetown - Brown - Oct. 17, 1839
73 Temperance - Sidney - Shelby - Jan. 20, 1826
74 Seville - Seville - Medina - Oct. 19, 1842
76 Somerset - Somerset - Perry - Jan. 10, 1836
77 Tiffin - Tiffin - Seneca - Oct. 19, 1842
78 Leesburg - Leesburg - Highland - Oct. 14, 1842
79 La Fayette - Zanesyille - Muskingum - Jan. 10, 1826
80 Libanus - Lewisburg - Preble - Oct. 23, 1845
81 La Fayette - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Jan. 11, 1826
82 Bolivar - Eaton - Preble - Jan. 08, 1827
83 Akron - Akron - Summit - Oct. 21, 1841
85 Jackson - Brownsville - Licking - Oct. 21, 1841
88 King Hiram - W. Alexandria - Preble - Oct. 19, 1842
89 Friendship - Barnesyille - Belmont - Oct. 15, 1828
90 Jefferson - Middletown - Butler - Jan. 15, 1828
91 Western Sun - Wheelersburg - Scioto - Oct. 21, 1847
93 Chardon - Chardon - Geauga - Oct. 18, 1842
94 Montgomery - Montgomery - Hamilton - Jan. 16, 1828
96 Coshocton - Coshocton - Coshocton - June 26, 1846
97 Newark - Newark - Licking - Jan. 05, 1829
98 Minerva - Miamisburg - Montgomery - Oct. 22, 1842
100 New Carlisle - New Carlisle - Clark - Oct. 18, 1850
101 Clark - Springfield - Clark - Sept. 28, 1848
102 Felicity - Felicity - Clermont - Oct. 19, 1839
103 Dresden - Dresden - Muskingum - Oct. 19, 1839
104 Batavia - Batavia - Clermont - June 20, 1838
105 Moriah - Powhatan - Point - Belmont - Oct. 18, 1842
106 Fellowship - New Paris - Preble - Oct. 20, 1840
107 Fayette - Washington C. H. - Fayette - Oct. 20, 1840
108 Wakatomica - West Carlisle - Coshocton - Oct. 22, 1840
111 Corinthian - McConnelsville - Morgan - Oct. 24, 1843
112 Wood County - Bowling Green - Wood - Oct. 17, 1843
113 Mechanicsburg Mechanicsburg - Champaign - Oct. 23, 1843
115 Hanover - Loudonville - Ashland - Oct. 25, 1844
116 Hebron - Hebron - Licking - Oct. 25, 1844
118 Malta - Norwich - Muskingum - Oct. 25, 1844
119 Goshen - Goshen - Clermont - Oct. 25, 1844
120 McMakin - Mt. Healthy - Hamilton - Oct. 25, 1844
121 Mercer - St. Marys - Auglaize - Oct. 25, 1844
122 Moscow - Moscow - Clermont - Oct. 25, 1844
123 Phoenix - Perrysburg - Wood - Oct. 25, 1844
124 Carroll - Carrollton - Carroll - Oct. 25, 1844
126 Spartan - Millersburg - Holmes - Oct. 24, 1845
127 Wellington - Wellington - Lorain - Oct. 23, 1845
131 Vinton - Vinton - Gallia - Oct. 24, 1845
132 Trowel - Jackson - Jackson - Oct. 24, 1845
133 Cincinnati - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 24, 1846
134 Columbian - Cumberland - Guernsey - Oct. 23, 1846
135 Butlerville - Butlerville - Warren - Oct. 23, 1846
136 Sharon - Sharon - Noble - Oct. 23, 1846
137 Harrisville - Lodi - Medina - Oct. 23, 1846
138 Chandler - London - Madison - Oct. 23, 1846
140 Cheviot - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 20, 1847
141 McMillan - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 20, 1847
143 Greenville - Greenville - Darke - Oct. 27, 1847
144 Toledo - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 27, 1847
145 Valley - Malta - Morgan - Oct. 23, 1847
147 Dayton - Dayton - Montgomery - Oct. 20, 1847
148 Mt. Olive - Chester Hill - Morgan - Oct. 21, 1847
149 Aberdeen - Aberdeen - Brown - Oct. 14, 1847
150 Buckeye - New Richmond - Clermont - Oct. 20, 1847
151 Ashland - Ashland - Ashland - Oct. 19, 1847
152 Venus - Mansfield - Richland - Oct. 20, 1847
153 Farmers - Fredonia - Licking - Sept. 22, 1848
154 Latham - Kenton - Hardin - Sept. 26, 1848
155 Cynthia - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 15, 1849
156 Albany - Albany - Athens - Sept. 27, 1848
157 Philodorean - Nelsonville - Athens - Sept. 28, 1848
158 Palestine - Marysville - Union - Sept. 28, 1848
159 Camden - Camden - Preble - Sept. 26, 1848
161 Mad River - West Liberty - Logan - Sept. 28, 1848
162 Yeatman - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Sept. 17, 1848
163 Waynesville - Waynesville - Warren - Sept. 29, 1848
164 Pomeroy - Pomeroy - Meigs - Sept. 27, 1848
165 Hildreth - Republic - Seneca - Sept. 28, 1848
166 Russellville - Russellville - Brown - Oct. 27, 1848
167 Hamer - Wapakoneta - Auglaize - Sept. 27, 1848
168 Covington - Covington - Miami - Sept. 29, 1848
169 Lithopolis - Lithopolis - Fairfield - Oct. 29, 1848
170 Thrall - Fredericktown - Knox - Oct. 18, 1849
171 Mingo - Logan - Hocking - Oct. 19, 1849
172 Done - Deavertown - Morgan - Oct. 19, 1849
174 Tippecanoe - Tippecanoe City - Miami - Oct. 27, 1850
175 Lone Star - Newcomerstown - Tuscarawas - Oct. 15, 1849
176 Warpole - Upper Sandusky - Wyandot - Oct. 17, 1850
177 New Philadelphia - New Philadelphia - Tuscarawas - Oct. 19, 1849
178 Lynchburg - Lynchburg - Highland - Oct. 15, 1849
179 Superior - West Unity - Williams - Oct. 16, 1849
180 Wellsville - Wellsville - Columbiana - Oct. 20, 1849
181 Bridgeport - Bridgeport - Belmont - Oct. 17, 1849
182 Smithfield - Smithfield - Jefferson - Oct. 15, 1849
184 Irville - Nashport - Muskingum - Oct. 18, 1850
185 Perry - Salem - Columbiana - Oct. 15, 1850
186 Wyoming - Wyoming - Hamilton - Oct. 18, 1850
187 Star - Cuyahoga Falls - Summit - Oct. 17, 1850
189 Monroe - Woodsfield - Monroe - Oct. 15, 1850
191 Blanchester - Blanchester - Clinton - Oct. 19, 1850
192 Fielding - South Charleston - Clark - April 24, 1850
193 Snow - Harrison - Hamilton - Oct. 15, 1850
194 Mystic Tie - Uhrichsville - Tuscarawas - July 15, 1850
195 Tu-en-da-wie - Defiance - Defiance - Oct. 18, 1850
196 Bambridge - Bambridge - Ross - Oct. 19, 1849
198 Lawrence - Ironton - Lawrence - Oct. 18, 1850
199 Ohio - Bladensburg - Knox - Oct. 28, 1851
201 Richiand - Plymouth - Richland - Oct. 25, 1851
202 Port Washington - Port Washington - Tuscarawas - Oct. 28, 1851
203 Marathon - Marathon - Clermont - Oct. 28, 1851
204 Sharonville - Sharonville - Hamilton - Oct. 27, 1851
205 Lima - Lima - Allen - Oct. 28, 1851
206 Mt. Gilead - Mt. Gilead - Morrow - Oct. 24, 1851
207 Delta - McArthur - Vinton - Nov. 10, 1851
208 Hanselmann - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 25, 1851
209 Bellefontaine - Bellefontaine - Logan - Oct. 28, 1851
210 Olive - Mt. Ephraim - Noble - Oct. 28, 1851
211 Rushville - Rushville - Fairfield - Oct. 30, 1851
213 Summit - Twinsburg - Summit - Oct. 28, 1851
214 Hope - Delphos - Allen - Oct. 01, 1851
215 Bryan - Bryan - Williams - Oct. 28, 1851
217 Social - Lena - Miami - Oct. 22, 1852
218 Van Wert - Van Wert - Van Wert - Oct. 22, 1852
219 Harrison - Cadiz - Harrison - Oct. 22, 1852
220 Hubbard - Adamsville - Muskingum - Oct. 22, 1852
221 Madison - West Jefferson - Madison - Oct. 22, 1852
222 Evergreen - Conneaut - Ashtabula - Oct. 22, 1852
224 Plainfleid - Plalifield - Coshocton - Oct. 20, 1852
225 Fort Stephenson - Fremont - Sandusky - Oct. 22, 1852
226 Mt. Olivet - Christiansburg - Champaign - Oct. 22, 1852
227 Findlay - Findlay - Hancock - Oct. 22, 1852
228 Hamer - Owensville - Clermont - Oct. 22, 1852
229 Iris - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 22, 1852
232 Lockbourne - Lockbourne - Franklin - Oct. 20, 1853
236 Winchester - Winchester - Adams - Oct. 20, 1853
237 Rubicon - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 13, 1853
238 Chester - Chesterville - Morrow - Oct. 20, 1853
239 Erie - Milan - Erie - Oct. 20, 1853
240 Groveport - Groveport - Franklin - Oct. 20, 1853
241 Celina - Celina - Mercer - Oct. 20, 1853
243 Bigelow - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 18, 1854
244 Monticello - Clyde - Sandusky - Oct. 18, 1854
245 Golden Gate - Chagrin Falls - Cuyahoga - Oct. 19, 1854
246 Garrettsville - Garretteville - Portage - Oct. 19, 1854
247 East Liberty - East Liberty - Logan - Oct. 18, 1854
248 Fulton Delta - Fulton - Oct. 19, 1854
249 Newton - Raymond - Union - Oct. 19, 1854
250 New Lexington - New Lexington - Perry - Oct. 18, 1854
251 Hazen - Morristown - Belmont - Oct. 18, 1854
252 Webb - Stockport - Morgan - Oct. 18, 1854
253 Hoffner - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 19, 1854
254 Sardinia - Sardinia - Brown - Oct. 18, 1883
255 Warsaw - Warsaw - Coshocton - Oct. 17, 1854
256 Napoleon - Napoleon - Henry - Oct. 25, 1855
257 Germantown - Germantown - Montgomery - Oct. 26, 1856
258 Emery Loveland - Clermont - Oct. 20, 1854
259 Mineral Hamden - Vinton - Oct. 26, 1855
260 Floral New - London - Huron - Oct. 24, 1855
261 Fairfield - North Fairfield - Huron - Oct. 24, 1855
265 Morrow - Morrow - Warren - Oct. 24, 1855
266 Meridian Sun - West Richfield - Summit - Oct. 26, 1855
267 Bellaire - Bellaire - Belmont - Oct. 26, 1855
268 Blazing Star - North Lewisburg - Champaign - Oct. 25, 1855
269 Mount Sterling - Mt. Sterling - Madison - Oct. 25, 1855
271 Conrad - Alliance - Stark - Oct. 25, 1855
272 Arcana - Crestline - Crawford - Oct. 26, 1855
273 Bellevue - Bellevue - Huron - Oct. 26, 1855
274 Village - Burton - Geauga - Oct. 26, 1855
275 Orphan's Friend - Wilkesville - Vinton - Oct. 25, 1855
278 Allen - Columbiana - Columbiana - Oct. 18, 1855
277 Rock Creek - Rock Creek - Ashtsbula - Oct. 22, 1856
278 Ameaville - Amesville - Athens - Oct. 22, 1856
280 Kalida - Kalida - Putnam - Oct. 22, 1856
282 Pleasant Ridge - Pleasant Ridge - Hamilton - Oct. 22, 1856
283 Anchor - Duncan Falls - Muskingum - Oct. 23, 1856
284 Relief - Pierpont - Ashtabula - Oct. 22, 1856
285 Clemente Amitie - Reinenville - Morgan - Oct. 22, 1856
287 Sylvania - Sylvania - Lucas - Oct. 23, 1856
288 Fostoria - Fostoria - Seneca - Oct. 23, 1856
289 Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids - Wood - Oct. 23, 1856
290 Versailles - Versailles - Darke - Oct. 21, 1857
291 Licking - Utica - Licking - Oct. 21, 1857
292 Boggs - De Graff - Logan - Oct. 21, 1857
293 Bartlett - Bartlett - Washington - Oct. 21, 1857
295 Ithaca - Arcanum - Darke - Oct. 21, 1857
296 Western Phoenix - Parkman - Geauga - Oct. 21, 1857
298 Flushing - Flushing - Belmont - Oct. 21, 1857
300 Stafford Stafford - Monroe - Oct. 22, 1858
301 Gibson - Wakeman - Huron - Oct. 21, 1858
302 Willoughby - Willoughby - Lake - Oct. 21, 1858
303 Mt. Cannel - Richwood - Union - Oct. 21, 1858
305 Stokes Port - Jefferson - Shelby - Oct. 21, 1858
306 Acadia - Spencerville - Allen - Oct. 21, 1858
307 Lake Shore - Madison - Lake - Oct. 21, 1858
308 Aurelius - Macksburg - Washington - Oct. 20, 1859
309 Frankfort - Frankfort - Ross - Oct. 20, 1859
310 Eden - Bloomville - Seneca - Oct. 20, 1859
311 Urania - Plain City - Madison - Oct. 20, 1859
312 Harveysburg - Harveysburg - Warren - Oct. 20, 1859
313 Sullivan - Sullivan - Ashland - Oct. 20, 1859
314 Wyandot - McCutchenville - Wyandot - Oct. 20, 1859
315 Riddle - East Liverpool - Columbiana - Oct. 20, 1859
316 Rockton - Kent - Portage - Oct. 20, 1859
317 Manchester - Manchester - Adams - Oct. 20, 1859
318 Greenfield - Greenfield - Highland - Oct. 20, 1859
321 Orient - Waverly - Pike - Oct. 17, 1860
322 East Townsend - Collins - Huron - Oct. 17, 1860
323 Clarksville - Clarksville - Clinton - Oct. 19, 1860
324 Sabina - Sabina - Clinton - Oct. 17, 1860
325 Ottawa - Ottawa - Putnam - Oct. 17, 1860
326 Center - Johnstown - Licking - Oct. 18, 1860
329 Perseverance - Sandusky - Erie - Oct. 18, 1860
330 Caldwell - Bolivar - Tuscarawas - Oct. 20, 1860
332 Edenton - Edenton - Clermont - Oct. 18, 1860
333 Unionport - Unionport - Jefferson - Oct. 16, 1861
334 Geneva - Geneva - Ashtabula - Oct. 16, 1861
335 Antwerp - Antwerp - Paulding - Oct. 16, 1861
336 Brainard - Fremont - Sandusky - Oct. 16, 1861
337 Coolville - Coolville - Athens - Oct. 16, 1861
338 New Home - Hanover - Licking - Oct. 21, 1862
339 Blendon - Westerville - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1862
340 Reynoldsburg - Reynoldsburg - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1862
341 O. H. Perry - Port Clinton - Ottawa - Oct. 21, 1862
342 Tuscan - Jefferson - Ashtabula - Oct. 21, 1862
343 Nevada - Nevada - Wyandot - Oct. 21, 1862
344 Ada - Ada - Hardin - Oct. 20, 1863
345 Concordia - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 18, 1864
346 North Bend - Cleves - Hamilton - Oct. 18, 1864
347 Belle Center - Belle Center - Logan - Oct. 18, 1864
348 Salineville - Salineville - Columbiana - Oct. 29, 1864
349 Wauseon - Wauseon - Fulton - Oct. 18, 1864
350 Shelby - Shelby - Richland - Oct. 18, 1864
351 Portage - Elmore - Ottawa - Oct. 20, 1865
352 Jamestown - Jamestown - Greene - Oct. 18, 1865
353 Orion - Kingsville - Ashtabula - Oct. 16, 1865
354 Somerton - Somerton - Belmont - Oct. 19, 1865
355 Pharos - St. Paris - Champaign - Oct. 15, 1866
356 Kilwinning - Cincinnati - Hamilton Oct. 11, 1866
357 Edgerton - Edgerton - Williams - Oct. 17, 1866
359 Marks - Huron - Erie - Oct. 17, 1866
360 Point Pleasant - Pleasant City - Guernsey - Oct. 17, 1866
361 Pleasant Hill - Pleasant Hill - Miami - Oct. 17, 1866
362 Sunsbury - Beallsville - Monroe - Oct. 17, 1866
363 Middleport - Middleport - Meigs - Oct. 16, 1866
364 Rufus Putnam - Columbus Grove - Putnam - Oct. 17, 1866
365 Sinking Spring - Sinking Spring - Highland - Oct. 17, 1866
366 Portland - Oak Hill - Jackson - Oct. 16, 1866
367 Attica - Attica - Seneca - Oct. 16, 1866
368 Muskingum - Fultonham - Muskingum - Oct. 17, 1866
369 Excelsior - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 16, 1866
370 Tyrian - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 16, 1866
371 Centerville - Thurman - Gallia - Oct. 16, 1866
372 Goodale - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 17, 1866
373 Higginsport - Higginsport - Brown - Oct. 16, 1867
374 Matamoras - New Matamoras - Washington - Oct. 16, 1867
375 Bedford - Bedford - Cuyahoga - Oct. 16, 1867
376 Bellville - BeIlville - Richland - Oct. 17, 1867
377 Shanes - Roekford - Mercer - Oct. 17, 1867
378 Senate - Forest - Hardin - Oct. 16, 1867
379 Newburgh - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 16, 1867
380 Oberlin - Oberlin - Lorain - Oct. 16, 1867
381 Litchfield - Litchfield - Medina - Oct. 16, 1867
382 Berea Berea - Cuyahoga - Oct. 16, 1867
384 Cardington - Cardington - Morrow - Oct. 15, 1867
385 Wadsworth - Wadsworth - Medina - Oct. 16, 1867
386 Vattier - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 16, 1867
387 Gorham - Fayette - Fulton - Oct. 16, 1867
388 Forest City - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 16, 1867
390 Harmar - Marietta - Washington - Oct. 16, 1867
391 Martinsville - Martinsville - Clinton - Oct. 16, 1867
392 New Holland - New Holland - Pickaway - Oct. 16, 1867
394 Mahoning - Niles - Trumbull - Oct. 16, 1867
396 Sanford L. Collins - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 16, 1867
397 Harts Grove - Harts Grove - Ashtabula - Oct. 16, 1857
398 West Salem - West Salem - Wayne - Oct. 21, 1868
399 Lagrange - Lagrange - Lorain - Oct. 21, 1868
400 Sparrow - Sunbury - Delaware - Oct. 21, 1868
401 Leetonia - Leetonia - Columbiana - Oct. 21, 1868
402 Wilishire - Willshire - Van Wert - Oct. 21, 1868
404 Pataskala - Pataskala - Licking - Oct. 21, 1868
405 Mystic - Dayton - Montgomery - Oct. 21, 1868
406 Orange - Leesville - Carroll - Oct. 21, 1868
407 Ashley - Ashley - Delaware - Oct. 19, 1868
408 Sandy Valley - Hanoverton - Columbiana - Oct. 21, 1868
411 Harrisonville - Harrisonville - Meigs - Oct. 21, 1868
413 Fort Black - New Madison - Darke - Oct. 21, 1868
414 Galion - Galion - Crawford - Oct. 21, 1868
415 Freeport - Freeport - Harrison - Oct. 21, 1868
416 Caledonia - New Albany - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1868
417 East Palestine - East Palestine - Columbiana - Oct. 21, 1868
418 Rawson - Rawson - Hancock - Oct. 21, 1868
419 Madisonville - Madisonville - Hamilton - Oct. 21, 1868
420 Carey - Carey - Wyandot - Oct. 21, 1868
421 Yellow Springs - Yellow Springs - Greene - Oct. 21, 1868
422 Bloomfield - Centerburg Knox - Oct. 21, 1868
424 Ely - Vermilion - Erie - Oct. 20, 1869
425 Summerfield - Summerfield - Noble - Oct. 20, 1869
426 Constitution - New Marshfield - Athens - Oct. 20, 1869
427 Green Spring - Green Spring - Seneca - Oct. 20, 1869
428 Gerard - Newtown - Hamilton - Oct. 20, 1869
429 Masterton - Masterton - Monroe - Oct. 20, 1869
430 Cedar - Orrville - Wayne - Oct. 20, 1869
431 Wm. McKinley - Canton - Stark - Oct. 20, 1869
432 Bluffton - Bluffton - Allen - Oct. 20, 1869
433 Genoa - Genoa - Ottawa - Oct. 20, 1869
434 Royalton - Union Lyons - Fulton - Oct. 20, 1869
435 New Harmony - Mt. Orab - Brown - Oct. 20, 1869
436 Lowell - Lowell - Washington - Oct. 20, 1869
437 J. B. Covert - Tobasco - Clermont - Oct. 18, 1870
438 Ionic - Bellaire - Belmont - Oct. 16, 1870
439 Thatcher - Nottingham - Cuyahoga - Oct. 19, 1870
441 Pioneer - Pioneer - Williams - Oct. 19, 1870
442 Gustavus - Kinsman - Trumbull - Oct. 19, 1870
444 Prospect - Prospect - Marion - Oct. 19, 1870
445 Monitor - Sayler Park - Hamilton - Oct. 18, 1870
446 Kirkwood - Hendrysburg - Belmont - Oct. 19, 1870
447 Oliver - Caledonia - Marion - Oct. 19, 1870
448 Gage and Gavel - Chandlersville - Muskingum - Oct. 19, 1870
449 Bloomingburg - Bloomingburg - Fayette - Oct. 19, 1870
451 Tontogany - Tontogany - Wood - Oct. 22, 1870
452 Symbol - New Lyme - Ashtabula - Oct. 19, 1871
453 Shade River - Chester - Meigs - Oct. 22, 1870
454 Brooklyn - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 18, 1871
455 Anthony - Springfield - Clark - Oct. 18, 1871
456 Siloam - Cheshire - Gallia - Oct. 18, 1871
457 Collingwood - West Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 18, 1871
458 Jackson Center - Jackson Center - Shelby - Oct. 16, 1872
459 Noble - Caldwell - Noble - Oct. 17, 1872
460 Juilliard - Louisville - Stark - Oct. 17, 1872
461 Racine - Racine - Meigs - Oct. 18, 1872
462 Newton Falls - Newton Falls - Trumbull - Oct. 17, 1872
463 LaRue - LaRue - Marion - Oct. 16, 1872
464 Acacia - Wilkins - Licking - Oct. 17, 1872
465 Lucasville - Lucasville - Scioto - Oct. 16, 1872
466 Savannah - Guysville - Athens - Oct. 16, 1872
468 Jeffersonville - Jeffersonville - Fayette - Oct. 21, 1873
469 Galfia - Chambersburg - Gallia - Oct. 22, 1873
470 Bishopville - Bishopville - Morgan - Oct. 22, 1873
471 Jenkins - Irondale - Jefferson - Oct. 22, 1873
472 Zaleski - Zaleski - Vinton - Oct. 22, 1873
474 Edon - Edon Williams - Oct. 22, 1873
475 Baltimore - Baltimore - Fairfield - Oct. 22, 1873
476 Humboldt - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 22, 1873
477 Gettysburg - Gettysburg - Darke - Oct. 21, 1874
478 Hickaville - Hickaville - Defiance - Oct. 21, 1874
481 Hulman - Youngstown - Mahoning - Oct. 21, 1874
482 Farmersyille - Farmersville - Montgomery - Oct. 21, 1874
483 Walnut Hills - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 21, 1874
484 New Straitsvllle - New Straitsville - Perry - Oct. 21, 1874
485 Ontario - Ontario - Richiand - Oct. 21, 1874
486 Ohio City - Martins Ferry - Belmont - Oct. 21, 1874
488 Ansoma - Ansonia - Darke - Oct. 24, 1874
489 Dover - Dover - Cuyahoga - Oct. 21, 1874
490 Frazeysburg - Frazeysburg - Muskingum - Oct. 21, 1874
493 Avery - Hilliard - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1874
495 Oak Harbor - Oak Harbor - Ottawa - Oct. 21, 1875
496 Patriot - Patriot - Gallia - Oct. 21, 1875
497 South Point - South Point - Lawrence - Oct. 21, 1875
498 Halcyon - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 21, 1875
499 Homeworth - Homeworth - Columbiana - Oct. 21, 1875
500 Quaker City - Quaker City - Guernsey - Oct. 21, 1875
501 Heber - Willianisport - Pickaway - Oct. 21, 1875
503 Stonington - Amherst - Lorain - Oct. 17, 1875
504 Augusta - Augusta - Carroll - Oct. 21, 1875
505 Ellsworth - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 21, 1875
506 Andover - Andover - Ashtabula - Oct. 21, 1875
507 Western Reserve - West Farmington - Trumbull - Oct. 21, 1875
508 Woodward - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 21, 1875
509 Amanda - Amanda - Fairfield - Oct. 18, 1876
510 Hudson - Hudson - Summit - Oct. 18, 1876
511 Evansport - Evansport - Defiance - Oct. 18, 1876
512 Leanore - Sedalia - Madison - Oct. 18, 1876
513 Sager - La Fayette - Allen - Aug. 18, 1876
514 Elliot - Canal Fulton - Stark - Nov. 17, 1876
515 Marseilles - Marseilles - Wyandot - Oct. 17, 1877
516 Pemberville - Pemberville - Wood - Oct. 17, 1877
517 Adoniram - Akron - Summit - Oct. 16, 1878
518 Liberty Center - Liberty Center - Henry - Oct. 16, 1878
519 Mt. Blanchard - Mt. Blanchard - Hancock - Oct. 16, 1878
520 Sycamore - Deshler - Henry - Oct. 22, 1879
521 Thornville - Thornville - Perry - Oct. 22, 1879
522 Wakeman - Waterville - Lucas - Oct. 22, 1879
524 Price Hill - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 19, 1882
525 Champaign - Urbana - Champaign - Oct. 18, 1882
526 Shawnee - Shawnee - Perry - Oct. 18, 1882
527 Adelphi - Adelphi - Ross - Oct. 18, 1882
528 Garfield - Shreve - Wayne - Oct. 18, 1882
529 Cortland - Cortland - Trumbull - Oct. 16, 1883
530 Charity - Palmyra - Portage - Oct. 16, 1883
531 Pleasant Valley - Pleasantville - Fairfield - Oct. 16, 1883
532 Waterloo - Waterloo - Lawrence - Oct. 17, 1883
533 Mantua - Mantua - Portage - Oct. 16, 1883
534 Roby - Monroeville - Huron - Oct. 22, 1884
535 Rome - Rome - Adams - Oct. 22, 1884
536 Ohio Valley - Crown City - Gallia - Oct. 22, 1884
537 Alturas - Millersport - Fairfield - Oct. 22, 1884
538 Black Diamond - Wellston - Jackson - Oct. 22, 1885
539 Fort Recovery - Fort Recovery - Mercer - Oct. 22, 1885
540 Potter Canal - Winchester - Franklin - Oct. 22, 1885
541 Weyer - Demos - Belmont - Oct. 22, 1885
542 Avon - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 22, 1885
543 Greenwich - Greenwich - Huron - Oct. 20, 1886
544 Shiloh - Shiloh - Richland - Oct. 20, 1886
545 Argus - Canfield - Mahoning - Oct. 20, 1886
546 Danville - Danville - Knox - Oct. 24, 1888
547 Montpelier - Montpelier - Williams - Oct. 24, 1888
548 Leipsic - Leipsic - Putnam - Oct. 24, 1888
549 Dunkirk - Dunkirk - Hardin - Oct. 24, 1888
550 Proctorville - Proctorvllle - Lawrence - Oct. 24, 1888
551 Tubal - Minerva - Stark - Oct. 23, 1889
552 Lorain - Lorain - Lorain - Oct. 23, 1889
553 Holgate - Holgate - Henry - Oct. 23, 1889
554 Acme - Newark - Licking - Oct. 23, 1889
555 Swanton - Swanton - Fulton - Oct. 23, 1889
556 Trinity - Bucyrus - Crawford - Oct. 19, 1892
557 Trimble - Trimble - Athens - Oct. 23, 1889
558 Harbor - Aebtabula - Ashtabula - Oct. 23, 1889
559 Queen City - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 16, 1890
560 Weston - Weston - Wood - Oct. 21, 1891
561 North Baltimore - North Baltimore - Wood - Oct. 21, 1891
562 Golden Rule - Chicago - Huron - Oct. 21, 1891
563 York - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1891
564 Omega - Defiance - Defiance - Oct. 19, 1892
565 Negley - Negley - Columbiana - Oct. 19, 1892
566 Roseville - Roseville - Muskingum - Oct. 19, 1892
567 Linwood - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 19, 1892
568 National - Barberton - Summit - Oct. 19, 1893
569 Wayne - Waynesfield - Auglaize - Oct. 24, 1894
570 Continental - Continental - Putnam - Oct. 24, 1894
571 Widow's Son - Paulding - Paulding - Oct. 24, 1894
572 Yondota - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 24, 1895
573 Carthage - Carthage - Hamilton - Oct. 24, 1895
574 New Burlington - New Burlington - Greene - Oct. 24, 1895
575 Gibsonburg - Gibsonburg - Sandusky - Oct. 24, 1895
576 Norwood - Norwood - Hamilton - Oct. 24, 1895
577 West Milton - West Milton - Miami - Oct. 22, 1896
578 Dalton - New Vienna - Clinton - Oct. 21, 1898
579 Enterprise - Sycamore - Wyandot - Oct. 20, 1898
580 Flat Rock - Payne - Paulding - Oct. 21, 1898
581 Peebles - Peebles - Adams - Oct. 21, 1898
582 Collinwood - Collinwood - Cuyahoga - Oct. 26, 1899
583 Toronto - Toronto - Jefferson - Oct. 26, 1899
584 Corning - Corning - Perry - Oct. 25, 1900
585 Garrett - Wykoff Lima - Allen - Oct. 25, 1900
586 Mendon - Mendon - Mercer - Oct. 23, 1902
587 Scio - Scio - Harrison - Oct. 29, 1903
588 West Mansfield - West Mansfield - Logan - Oct. 29, 1903
589 Hyde Park - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 20, 1904
590 Amelia - Amelia - Clermont - Oct. 20, 1904
591 Peerless - Crooksville - Perry - Oct. 20, 1904
592 Eureka - Ohio City - Van Wert - Oct. 19, 1905
593 Bradford - Bradford - Darke - Oct. 19, 1905
594 Ostrander - Ostrander - Delaware - Oct. 11, 1906
595 Neoacacia - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 11, 1906
596 Brookville - Brookville - Montgomery - Oct. 17, 1907
597 Clarington - Clarington - Monroe - Oct. 17, 1907
598 Enoch T. Carson - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 17, 1907
599 Euclid - Cleveland - Coyahoga - Oct. 22, 1908
600 Brenton D. Babcock - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 22, 1908
601 Lakewood - Lakewood - Cuyahoga - Oct. 22, 1908
602 West Lafayette - West Lafayette - Coshocton - Oct. 22, 1908
603 East Gate - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 21, 1909
604 Cypress - Strasburg - Tuscarawas - Oct. 21, 1909
605 Emmanuel - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 21, 1909
606 W. K. Rickseckcr - Aurora - Portage - Oct. 20, 1910
607 Glouster - Glonster - Athens - Oct. 20, 1910
608 Bremen - Bremen - Fairfield - Oct. 20, 1910
609 Belpre - Beipre - Washington - Oct. 19, 1911
610 Meridian - Cleveland - Cuyahoga - Oct. 19, 1911
611 Henry Perkins - Akron - Summit - Oct. 19, 1911
612 Calumet - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 19, 1911
613 Barton Smith - Toledo - Lucas - Oct. 24, 1912
614 Winton - Cincinnati - Hamilton - Oct. 24, 1912
615 Youngstown - Youngstown - Mahoning - Oct. 24, 1912
616 Stillwater - Dayton - Montgomery - Oct. 24, 1912
617 Kinsman - Columbus - Franklin - Oct. 24, 1912
620 Sherwood - Defiance - Sherwood U. D.