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; 5. L. Collins No.396.

A duplicate charter was granted Western Star Lodge No.21 in lieu of the original issued in 1816, and which by reason of age and exposure has 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 . . No. of Lodges . . No. of Members . . No. of Names in An'l Return . . An'l Gain in Members . . Annual Income

1889 . . . . . 488 . . . . . . . . . . . 34,184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,410 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .966 . . . . . . . . . . . $16,956.86
1890 . . . . . 490 . . . . . . . . . . . 34,840 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,679 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .656 . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,996.61
1891 . . . . . 493 . . . . . . . . . . . 35,603 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,333 . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,188.78
1892 . . . . . 495 . . . . . . . . . . . 37,044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,369 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,441 . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,703.21
1893 . . . . . 495 . . . . . . . . . . . 38,089 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,084 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,045 . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,540.20
1894 . . . . . 494 . . . . . . . . . . . 38,851 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,747 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .762 . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,558.88
1895 . . . . . 498 . . . . . . . . . . . 39,906 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,663 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,055 . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,364.42
1896 . . . . . 497 . . . . . . . . . . . 40,839 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,038 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933 . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,998.0l
1897 . . . . . 498 . . . . . . . . . . . 41,713 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .874 . . . . . . . . . . . .26,165.67
1898 . . . . . 500 . . . . . . . . . . . 42,848 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,497 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,135 . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,931.41
1899 . . . . . 501 . . . . . . . . . . . 44,201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51,240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,353 . . . . . . . . . . . . 33,444.50
1900 . . . . . 503 . . . . . . . . . . . 46,348 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51,466 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,147 . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,940.98
1901 . . . . . 499 . . . . . . . . . . . 48,349 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,759 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,001 . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,341.71
1902 . . . . . 499 . . . . . . . . . . . 51,374 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56,544 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.025 . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,955.03
1903 . . . . . 501 . . . . . . . . . . . 55,065 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63.606 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,091 . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

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