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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUPREME COURT DECISION

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

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

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

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges at the following places:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Emergency Relief Fund:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Horace A. Irvin, Grand Master."

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

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

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

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dispensations were issued for new Lodges at the following places:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reports nine decisions which were approved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Grand Master issued dispensations for the following new Lodges:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE NEW CODE

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

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

COMMITTEE ON MASONIC HISTORY

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

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

GRAND CHAPLAIN

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

CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE

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

TRUSTEES MASONIC HOME

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

RITUAL COMMITTEE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOREWORD

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

"Whereas, This Grand Lodge was organized in the year 1808, and will probably desire to and should celebrate in some appropriate manner the centenary of this interesting occasion:

"Resolved, That a Special Committee of seven be appointed by the incoming Grand Master to take into consideration the proper manner of observing this event, and to report to this Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication a recommendation as to a suitable program and the probable expense attendant thereon."

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

PRELIMINARY COMMITTEE ON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMITTEE ON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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

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

Which report was, on motion, unanimously adopted.

THE COMMITTEE'S WORK

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

THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

LOCAL COMMITTEE

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

SUB-COMMITTEES

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

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

HISTORICAL SKETCH

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

POET LAUREATE

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

MUSIC HALL

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

POSTER NOTICES

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

INVITATIONS

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

PARADE

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

SCOTTISH BITE CATHEDRAL

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

BADGES

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

THE CELEBRATION

GRAND MASTER'S INVITATION

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

ORDER OF THE GRAND MASTER

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

GENERAL ORDER NO. 1

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

GREETING:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

The program of entertainment for this day was as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

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

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

OPENING OF GRAND LODGE

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1908

MUSIC HALL, CINCINNATI

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

ORGAN RECITAL

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

VOCAL MUSIC

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

WELCOME

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

HOME BOYS AND GIRLS

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

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

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

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

THE PARADE

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

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

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

REPORT OF CHIEF OF STAFF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE CELEBRATION EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL

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

PROGRAM

7:30 to 8 P. M.

Organ Recital, Patriotic Airs.

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

8:00 P. M.

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

The College of Music Orchestra; Henri Em, Director.

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

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

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

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

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

Telegram from President Roosevelt

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

LETTER FROM VICE-PRESIDENT FAIRBANKS

"Indianapolis, October 6, 1908

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

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

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

Cablegram from Zuich, Switzerland

"Grand Lodge of Ohio: Heartiest congratulations
"Alpina"

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

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

THE FELLOW CRAFT'S SONG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CENTENNIAL POEM

We have gathered today from the hillsides and valleys,
Which in springtime and summer are rich robed in green;
But which are presenting a much richer beauty
As the mild breath of autumn is changing the scene.
We have come from the work shop, the pulpit and forum,
From our places of business, and homes we hold dear;
To unite in rejoicing that, stronger than ever,
Our Grand Lodge has reached its Centennial Year.

Giving thanks unto Him who provides in
His wisdom For the manifold blessings which we now enjoy;
Who gives to us life and the most precious talents,
Which, for good or for evil, we all must employ.

We are gathered today in this beautiful city,
Whence the winding Ohio rolls on to the sea;
To rejoice o'er the progress the past years have brought us,
And prepare for the work of the next century.

To mankind, while time flies as with wings of the eagle,
Yet, in rounding out centuries, slow it appears;
For 'tis seldom they see the beginning or ending,
Or the first and last of a full hundred years.
But as God measures time, the years are not numbered,
And centuries are but as drops in the sea;
There was no beginning, there can be no ending-
God's time is all time and eternity.

But today we assemble as mortals and Masons,
As men who profess to be good men and true;
As men who have pleasure in cementing friendships,
And pledging our faith in each other anew
As men who have taken at Freemasonry's altars T
he pledges and vows of our great Brotherhood;
And expressed our belief in the God of our Fathers,
As the Author and Giver of all that is good.

And tonight in the presence of beautiful women,
Who are true living symbols of virtue and love;
And who need' not the pledges or vows of our
Order To make them true ashlars for the temple above;
And here in this hall dedicated to music,
Where concord and melody oft ring in our ears;
Let us open the book of our Grand Lodge existence,
And turn back its pages a full hundred years.

E 'er our great Commonwealth, in the pride of young Statehood,
Stood forth to the world as a beautiful queen;
When the red man was here, and the unbroken forests
Still covered our hills and the valleys between;
When our rivers rolled onward in unbroken silence,
Save the swirl of the waves or the dip of the oar;
Freemasonry came, with our pioneer fathers,
To gladden the land of their choice evermore.

To those men who withstood all the trials and the hardships,
As well as the dangers, of that early day;
And who planted the seed which has yielded rich harvest,
Free Masons owe much they can never repay.
They were nature's true noblemen, honest and fearless;
They practiced the lessons our Order imparts;
They carried its secrets in breasts that were faithful,
And they treasured its principles deep in their hearts.

With a fraternal love for their brothers and fellows,
And a faith in our God which words could not express;
They established forever Freemasonry's altar
In the heart of an unbroken wilderness.
They professed it a duty to meet on the Level,
To act by the Plumb, and to part on the Square;
They practiced sweet Charity just as they preached it,
And Virtue to them was a Jewel most rare.

As the forests were felled by the ax of the woodman,
And the sun was permitted to quicken the soil,
And Nature brought forth from her hidden recesses
The fruits and the harvests to recompense toil;
Then it was our forefathers-the pioneer Masons,
In Convention assembled, resolved to convene
A Grand Lodge of Free Masons in this Jurisdiction,
And today and tonight their wisdom is seen.

As the unobserved stream in the unbroken forest
Increases in volume as it flows to the sea,
And rises and swells into beauty and grandeur
As its waves chase each other in wild ecstasy;
So our Grand Lodge has grown from its humble beginning-
Like the stream in the grove-almost hidden from view-
To become a great river of light, on whose bosom
Is borne her vast army of good men and true.

While she boasts of her constantly increasing numbers,
And points with just pride to her record of years;
While the sound from her more than a half-thousand gavels
Makes most pleasing music as it now greets her ears;
Yet, 'tis not in the number of members or Lodges
That her strength is best shown, and her great vigor lies,
But is in those grand precepts for which she is sponsor,
And which ever strengthen fraternity ties.

She has borne on her rolls many names, now immortal,
Of men who have faithfully all pledges kept;
Some were those at whose feet all the world had paid homage,
And at whose untimely death Earth's nations have wept.
She is equally proud of her greatest and humblest;
Of those well known to fame, and those less renowned;
And today truer Masons, or more faithful Brothers,
Than those of her household, can nowhere be found.

They are standing for Truth, in its contest with error;
For the weak and defenseless, opposed to the strong;
For the thought that the mind is supreme over matter,
And the ultimate triumph of right over wrong.

They have spurned the disloyal and unworthy Mason;
Have expelled from the Order its internal foes,
And our Grand Lodge is stronger and better than ever,
As today its first Century draws to a close.

And what of our future? Who can answer the question?
Who can tell what the coming years may have in store?
Who can say that the pillars of our mighty fabric
Shall remain, and be free from decay evermore?
Who shall say that our banners will be ever stainless,
Symbolic of Purity, of Virtue and Love?
That our precepts and lessons will still lead us onward
As they do at the present, to the temple above?

Let us pray that our standard of morals and virtue
May never be lowered while time shall endure;
That the foundation stones of our great superstructure
Be broadened, and strengthened and made more secure;
That God, in His wisdom, may grant us His favor,
And crown, with His blessing, our efforts for good,
And that Time in his course may but bring added luster
To the name and the fame of our great Brotherhood.

"The Star Spangled Banner," Key. The stanzas were sung by Bro. Douglass Powell, and the refrain by the College Chorus and Orchestra and repeated by the Brethren standing, accompanied by the great organ, all under the direction of Bro. A. J. Gantvoort, Warren Lodge No.24, F. & A. M. Piqua, Ohio.

Doxology sung by the Brethren, all standing, assisted by the, College Chorus and Orchestra and the organ.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Benediction, Rev. Paul Hickok, R.·. W.·. Grand Chaplain of Grand Lodge of Ohio, Hiram Lodge No.18, Delaware, Ohio.

For all the innumerable evidences of Thy loving kindness and tender mercy toward us, O Lord our God, we render unto Thee heartfelt thanks, and especially for the inspiration and the uplift of this season of so great privilege. We praise Thee for that which has been wrought for God and men in the name of our beloved Fraternity, and for the honored history of the century now just closed.

And now, O Thou Supreme Master of the Universe, make us obedient to all the plans which Thou in infinite wisdom dost draw for us. As we shall turn our faces from this place, to go back to our homes and our work, may the Divine Master be our Director and Protector. May the principles we have learned under the tutelage of our Brotherhood so govern our lives, that at the end of all our earthly labors we may be enabled to gather in that Heavenly Temple above, where with virtue that is celestial, truth that is radiant, and love that is Godlike, we may meet to separate no more, forever. Amen.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

The exercises were honored by a large number of distinguished guests, among whom were the following:

M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles N. Mikels, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana
M.·. E.·. Comp. Ed. H. Archer, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio
M. Ill. Comp. Warren J. Baker, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Ohio
R. Em. Sir Edmund B. King, Grand Commander of Knights Templars of Ohio
Ill. Barton Smith, Thirty-third Degree, Deputy for Ohio of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

CONGRATULATIONS

were received by letters or telegrams from the following distinguished Brethren of other Grand Jurisdictions:

Alabama - R.·. W.·. Bro. Geo. A. Beauchamp, Grand Secretary
District of Columbia - R.·. W.·. Bro. A. W. Johnston, Grand Secretary
Illinois - M.·. W.·. Bro. A. H. Bell, Grand Master
Kansas - R.·. W.·. Bro. Albert K. Wilson, Grand Secretary
Kentucky - R.·. W.·. Bro. H. B. Grant, Grand Secretary
Maine - R.·. W.·. Bro. Stephen Berry, Grand Secretary
Michigan - R.·. W.·. Bro. Lou B. Winsor, Grand Secretary
Minnesota - M.·. W.·. Bro. Gustaf Widell, Past Grand Master
Mississippi - R.·. W.·. Bro. Frederic Speed, Grand Secretary
Nebraska - M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. A. DeBord, Grand Master; R.·. W.·. Bro. Francis E. White, Grand Secretary
New York - R.·. W.·. Bro. E. M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary
Pennsylvania - M.·. W.·. .Bro. Geo. W. Kendrick, Past Grand Master
Rhode Island - M.·. W.·. .Bro. Wm. L. Chatterton, Grand Master
South Carolina - R.·. W.·. Bro. J. T. Barron, Grand Secretary
Tennessee - R.·. W.·. Bro. John B. Garrett, Grand Secretary
Utah - R.·. W.·. Bro. Christopher Diehl, Grand Secretary
Virginia - M.·. W.·. Bro. S. J. Quinn, Past Grand Master
West Virginia - R.·. W.·. .Bro. H. R. Howard, Grand Secretary
England - M.·. W.·. Bro. J. Winburne Laurie, Past Grand Master
Scotland - R.·. W.·. Bro. James Caldwell, Grand Secretary
Manitoba - R.·. W.·. Bro. W. C. Copeland, Grand Representative
Illinois - Bro. S. S. Chance, Grand Representative
Indiana - Bro. Emory B. Sellers, Grand Representative
Maine - M.·. W.·. Bro. W. J. Burnham, Past Grand Master
Maryland - Bro. W. L. Matthews, Grand Representative
Minnesota - Bro. W. A. McGonagle, Grand Representative
New Hampshire - Bro. Bela Kingman, Grand Representative
Rhode Island - M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. H. Scott, Past Grand Master
Virginia - Bro. T. N. Davis and Boswell T. Spencer, editor Voice-Review

OHIO MASONIC HOME

The annual report of the Officers of the Masonic Home was presented to the Grand Lodge, audited, approved, and printed in the proceedings, pages 425 to 441.

During the past year there have been 174 residents, divided as follows: 73 men, average age 72½ years; 46 women, average age 74 years; 31 boys, average age 10½ years; 24 girls, average age 12 years. The amounts contributed by the several Masonic Grand Bodies at their 1908 sessions were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . $31,701.70
" Chapter . . . . . . . . .11,488.00
" Council . . . . . . . . . .2,000.00
" Commandery . . . . . 3,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . $48,689.70

In addition to this there was donated by various Masonic Bodies, and individual Masons, including the Order of the Eastern Star and its members, as a Christmas Fund, the sum of $926.00.

Clark Lodge No.101, of Springfield, Ohio, refurnished the room bearing its name at a cost of $500.00; and it is now one of the finest rooms in the Home.

The Hospital, erected and furnished by the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio, and dedicated by their Grand Chapter, October 26, 1904, received funds to the amount of $4,500.00 for its improvement generously furnished by that Order.

The improvement consists of two additions to the original building, one on the north end and one on the south, each twenty-one feet in length and forty feet in width, making the building one hundred feet long and forty feet wide. The additions are divided into two wards in the north, and one ward and a sun parlor on the south end, making in the entire building, eleven rooms, five wards, one sun parlor, and two duty rooms, besides the kitchen and other space in the basement.

The Endowment Fund of the Home now amounts to the sum of $105,036.70, and is invested in first class securities.

MASONIC VETERANS

Proceedings of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association at Its Thirty-eight Annual Convention, Held in The City of Cleveland, October 20, 1909.

Meeting held in the Consistory Boom of the Masonic Temple.

OFFICERS PRESENT

J. L'H. Long, Venerable President
E. L. Lybarger, Venerable Vice-President
H. A. Irvin, Venerable Vice-President
W. A. Pelt, Venerable Vice-President
E. H. Archer, Venerable Secretary and Treasurer
L. M. Lea, Venerable Marshal
H. N. P. Dole, Venerable Sentinel

Called to order at 7:30 o'clock P. M. by the Venerable President, J. L'H. Long, who, after an invocation, declared the Association opened in its thirty-eight Annual Session.

Record read and approved.

Twenty-four Venerable Brothers present.

Pursuant to petitions and favorable action thereon, thirty-four were admitted to membership and welcomed to the rank of Venerable Brothers.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported:

Receipts from deceased Secretary, balance . $120.00
Paid out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29.00
Balance in treasury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$91.00

THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS ELECTED

Venerable Bro. J. L'H. Long, President
Venerable Bro. E. L. Lybarger, First Vice-President
Venerable Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice-President
Venerable Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Third Vice-President
Venerable Bro. W. A. Belt, Fourth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fifth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. H. Archer, Secretary and Treasurer
Venerable Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain
Venerable Bro. L. M. Lea, Marshal
Venerable Bro. H. N. P. Dole, Sentinel

After enjoying the courtesy of a sumptuous banquet at the Forest City House, tendered by the Masons of the city of Cleveland, and by a unanimous vote of the Venerable Brothers present thanking them for same, the Association adjourned.

J. L'H. Long, President
Attest: E. H. Archer, Secretary

Grand Lodge convened in the Masonic Temple, Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, October 19, 1910, with M.·. W.·. B. F. Perry, Jr., Grand Master in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations; Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Carroll F. Clapp, William B. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, E. C. Gulliford, E. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, William A. Belt, O. P. Sperra, C. G. Ballou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland and Charles S. Hoskinson; R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Masters William J. Akers and J. L'H. Long, all of the twenty-five District Lecturers, and the representatives of 512 of the 520 active Lodges present.

The following distinguished visitors present in the Grand Lodge were conducted to the Grand East, introduced and welcomed, and given the Grand honors, viz.:

M. Ex. Companion Frank S. Crumit, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio; Eminent Sir Campbell M. Voorhees, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Ohio; M. Eminent Sir William B. Melish, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States; M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America; attention being called to the fact that at the present time Presiding Officers of three of the Great National Masonic Bodies of the United States are citizens of Ohio, and subject to the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.

All these Brethren responded eloquently to their greeting and reception and M. .W. Bro. Wm. B. Melish referred to the fact that Bro. Graff M. Acklin, another Brother subject to the jurisdiction is the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the United States.

Greetings were exchanged between this Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Kentucky now convened in its one hundred and tenth Annual Grand Communication.

The Grand Master read his annual address, congratulating the Craft on the continued peace and prosperity enjoyed by our Order in this Jurisdiction and to the fact that "the beautiful lessons taught by our ceremonies have this year been imparted to more applicants than in any other period in the history of this Grand Jurisdiction. We are not only numerically stronger, but I believe the Lodges, as well as the individual members of the Craft, are doing more toward the uphuilding of character, more nearly fulfilling the mission of the great Brotherhood, than ever before.

He calls attention to the fact that "While the membership of the Grand Lodge has been preserved, death has laid a heavy hand upon the Subordinate Lodges, for during the year, 1059 of our Brethren have been called from labor, and entered the shadow of the valley of death." He also records the death of twenty-four distinguished Masons of our Sister Grand Jurisdictions, among the number that of M.·. W.·. Bro. Henry Warren Rugg, Past Grand Master of Rhode Island, who at the time of his death was serving as the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States.

He highly commends the promptness and efficiency of the District Lecturers, the five hundred and seventeen Chartered Lodges, and three under dispensation having been each inspected, and full reports thereof rendered.

The Past Grand Master's Jewel voted at the last communication of the Grand Lodge to M.·. W.·. Bro. Charles S. Hoskinson, retiring Grand Master was duly presented to him June 3, 1910, in the presence of the members of Amity Lodge No.5, F. & A. M., and a large number of Masons from other Lodges. It was the occasion of the exemplification of the Master Mason Degree, and the candidate thus raised increased the membership of Amity Lodge to just five hundred.

The Grand Master on December 30, A. D. 1909, reappointed M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick of Toledo, Ohio, and M.·. W.·. Bro. Carroll F. Clapp of Warren, Ohio, Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, A. D. 1910.

On the night of June 3, 1910, the Lodge room, furniture, records and charter of Olive Lodge No.210, were destroyed by fire, and being unable to secure a proper Lodge room a dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to meet temporarily in the Lodge rooms of Summerfield Lodge No.425, F. and A. M.

The Hall of Higginsport Lodge No.373, F. and A. M., together with the furniture, records and charter, were destroyed by fire on Tuesday, June 14. As soon as suitable quarters could be secured and inspected a dispensation was issued authorizing said Lodge to occupy the same temporarily.

On September 26, 1910, received application for a new Lodge to be located in the village of Belpre, Washington County, and known as Belpre Lodge together with the necessary consents, certificates, dimits, etc., and not having time to fully investigate the same is referred to the incoming Grand Master.

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS

The Grand Lodge has been convened in Special Communications during the past year for the following purposes:

DEDICATIONS

Nov. 19, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Johnstown, Ohio, Bro. C. S. Hoskinson, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.

Nov. 25, 1909, Masonic Lodge rooms at Higginsport, Ohio, Bro. E. B. Blair, presiding.

Feb. 1, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms, at Bellsville, Ohio, Pro. F. H. Marquis, W. Jr. Grand Deacon, presiding.
April 23, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Bethel, Ohio, Pro. G. W. McKibben, District Lecturer, presiding.
May 16, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at West Jefferson, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., Grand Master, presiding.
May 17, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Reynodsburg, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
May 24, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Fort Recovery, O., Bro. Byron S. Fogle, W. Senior Grand Deacon, presiding.
June 23, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Wakeman, Ohio, Pro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 24, 1910, Masonic Temple at Athens, Ohio, Bro. H. S. Kissell, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, presiding.
July 2, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Cincinnati, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
July 22, 1910, Masonic Lodge rooms at Bloomingburg, Ohio, Bro. Walter W. Hamilton, R.·. W.·. Grand Marshal, presiding.
Sept. 14, 1910, Masonic Temple at Tipper Sandusky, Ohio, Bro. George D. Copeland, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.

STONES LAID

Oct.23, 1909, Linwood Masonic Temple, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Nov. 30, 1909, United State Post Office Building at Marietta, Ohio, Bro. H. S. Kissell, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, presiding.
May 21, 1910, High School Building at Norwood, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 18, 1910, Public School Building at Plainville, Ohio, Bro. Levi C. Goodale, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.
June 28, 1910, Evergreen Presbyterian Church at Youngstown, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
June 30, 1910, The Henry St. Clair Memorial Building at Greenville, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
July 4, 1910, Masonic Temple and Opera House at Chicago, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Aug.31, 1910, Court House of Adams County at West Union, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.
Sept. 10, 1910, High School Building at Mt. Healthy, Ohio, Bro. Nelson Williams, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, presiding.
Sept.28, 1910, Public Hall and Masonic Building at Covington, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M.·. W.·. Grand Master, presiding.

Oct. 15, 1910, United States Post Office Building at Ashtabula, Ohio, Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., M. Grand Master, presiding.

LODGES CONSTITUTED

The Grand Master duly and regularly constituted and consecrated Lodges Nos.604 and 605, and installed their officers, as follows:

Nov. 13, 1909, Emmanuel Lodge No.605, at Cleveland, Ohio
Nov. 30, 1909, Cypress Lodge No.604, at Strasburg, Ohio

December 14, 1909, acting as proxy of the Grand Master, Bro. O. P. Sperra, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master, regularly constituted and consecrated East Gate Lodge No.603, at Columbus, Ohio, and installed its officers.

A detailed report of each of these Special Emergent Communications will be found in the proceedings of 1910, "Appendix B," pages 89 to 114, inclusive.

The Grand Master reports the visitation of thirty Subordinate Lodges, at all of which he was accorded a hearty fraternal welcome, and specially mentions the public reception accorded to Bro. Judson Harmon, Governor of Ohio, on June 14, 1910, by the Masons of Marietta, Ohio, at the parlors of their Masonic Temple following a reception by the Brethren at a Special Communication of American Union Lodge No.1; and on the following evening another Special Communication of American Union Lodge, No.1, in company with Brother William Howard Taft, President of the United States. These were very interesting occasions, that will be long remembered by all who were permitted to be present.

The Grand Treasurer reports the balance of the General Fund, October 10, 1910, $64,528.70; Emergency Fund, $4,356.41.

The Grand Secretary presented his report showing the net membership in good standing August 31, 1910, 79,501, a gain of 3,525 over last year. That all the subordinate returns and Grand Dues were in his hands prior to the time fixed by law, with a marked improvement in appearance both as to legibility and neatness of the returns as compared with former years.

That the first volume of the History of Masonry in Ohio, prepared by our late Pro. William M. Cunningham, was issued shortly after the close of the last session of the Grand Lodge and copies sent to the libraries of the different Lodges, the various Grand Officers and District Lecturers, and to the Grand Secretaries of other Grand Jurisdictions, and that the Grand Secretary has a large number of copies on hand for sale at $1.00 per copy.

That the per capita tax due the Masonic Home is $25,850.30, and recommends that an additional donation of $20,000.00 be made of which $15,000.00 be set off to the Endowment Fund, and $5,000.00 to the General Fund, which recommendation was approved by the Committee on Charity and Committee on Accounts, adopted by the Grand Lodge and the appropriation made.

M.·. W.·. Pro. William B. Melish on behalf the Trustees of the Masonic Home, extended an invitation to the members of the Grand Lodge and their ladies to visit the Masonic Home this afternoon on a special train chartered for that purpose, which invitation was heartily and unanimously accepted by the Grand Lodge.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, extended an invitation on behalf the Brethren of Dayton, Ohio, requesting the Grand Lodge to hold its next Annual Communication in that city on the third Wednesday of October, 1911. The Grand Lodge was so pleased with the eloquent invitation of Bro. H. A. Irvin that it resolved unanimously to accept it.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported on the petition of G. A. Pingree, former member of New England Lodge No.4, and who was suspended by this Grand Lodge in 1891 for rebellion against this Grand Lodge, requesting that he be now reinstated to good standing in Masonry; that said committee finds that said G. A. Pingree immediately withdrew from the rebellious Lodge and never afterwards affiliated with it, and recommends that he be reinstated and restored to good standing, which report was adopted and the Grand Secretary directed to issue the proper certificate to him.

The same committee reported on the petition of John L. Stoddart for restoration, laid over from last session, that said J. L. Stoddart at the organization of the clandestine so called Worthington Grand Lodge, was not a member of New England Lodge and did not take any part in forming said so called Grand Lodge, and recommend that he be restored to all the rights and benefits of Masonry; which report and recommendation were adopted by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Secretary directed to furnish him a proper certificate.

Brother Harry S. Kissell of Springfield, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Thos. B. Guittean of Toledo, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. E. S. Griffiths of Cleveland, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Chas. J. Pretzman of Columbus, R.·. W.·. Grand Junior Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly of Columbus, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer, and Bro. J. H. Bromwell of Cincinnati, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers were afterwards duly installed.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters, duplicate charters were granted to Olive Lodge No.210, and Higginsport Lodge No.373, in lieu of their original charters destroyed by fire.

Charters were granted to W. K. Rickseeker Lodge No.606 at Aurora, Portage County; Glouster Lodge No.607 at Glouster, Athens County; and Bremen Lodge No.608 at Bremen, Fairfield County.

The report of the Committee on Necrology paying a fitting and eloquent tribute to the memory and good works of the honored dead of this and other sister Jurisdictions is printed in the Proceedings, pages 68 to 75.

By unanimous vote a committee composed of M.·. W.·. Brothers Frank S. Harmon, Carroll F. Clapp, O. P. Sperra and George D. Copland, was appointed to procure and present to M.·. W.·. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., retiring Grand Master, the usual Past Grand Master's Jewel.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, through its Chairman, M.·. W.·. Bro. William A. Belt, Past Grand Master, presented its report covering 124 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of sixty-six Grand Lodges, in a masterly manner, presenting in a condensed form all the important legislation and proceedings and furnishing the Masonic student the cream of information as to the doings and progress of practically all the Masonic Grand Jurisdictions in the world.

The following valuable table as to Perpetual Jurisdiction claimed by the various Grand Lodges over rejected candidates, on page 242 of the report is here appended for the information of the Craft:

At the present time, jurisdiction claimed by the various Grand Lodges of the United States over rejected candidates stands as follows:

PERPETUAL

Connecticut West Virginia Texas
Pennsylvania North Carolina Illinois
South Carolina Alabama Minnesota
Delaware Mississippi Nebraska
Maryland

PERPETUAL WHILE IN THEIR JURISDICTION

Nevada Missouri South Dakota
Virginia Wyoming New Jersey
Louisiana

LIMITED PERIOD

Maine 5 years Georgia 1 year
New Hampshire 5 years Montana 1 year
Massachusetts 5 years Arizona 1 year
Michigan 5 years Tennessee 1 year
Oregon 5 years Washington 1 year
Wisconsin 5 years California 1 year
Rhode Island 5 years New Mexico 1 year
Dist. of Columbia 5 years New York 1 year
Arkansas 5 years Colorado 6 months
Ohio 3 years Idaho 6 months
Vermont 1 year Iowa 6 months
Florida 1 year Kansas 6 months
Indiana 1 year Oklahoma 6 months
North Dakota l year Utah 6 months

The Officers and Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home, presented their report which was audited and approved, and is printed on pages 245 to 269 of the proceedings.

The residents number 70 men, 49 women, 27 boys, 22 girls, total, 168.

The Grand Masonic Bodies at their 1909 sessions contributed the following sums to the Home:

Grand Lodge . . . .$37,792.80
" Chapter . . . . . . . . 9,820.50
" Council . . . . . . . . 2,000.00
" Commandery . . . .3,500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . .$53,113.30

In addition to this, liberal donations were made by the various Masonic Bodies, Subordinate Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and individual Masons, both of cash and supplies for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and festivities, which are duly acknowledged on pages 255 to 257 of the proceedings; the cash donations for the Christmas Fund amounting to $792.74.

The improvements to the Hospital commenced last year by the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the construction of two additions, are fully completed, and it is a beautiful building and splendidly located. The view from its front over Mad River valley is superb and elicits the admiration of all who are privileged to visit it. In fact, all the surroundings are pleasing, the grounds attractive, the furnishings handsome and comfortable. Usually about twenty patients are cared for in the building, and the recent additions give much needed room, probably as much as will be needed for several years. All honor to our friends of the Eastern Star, who have so generously contributed to the erection of this splendid monument of good will to their fellow men.

The entire cost of erecting and furnishing this magnificent Hospital was donated by the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star, and is as follows:

Contributed by the Grand Chapter for the original building and furnishings . . $15,200.94
Contributed for the additions and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,535.59
Received interest, etc., on these funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320.33
Grand total to date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,056.86

The amount of the Endowment Fund is $125,408.21, all invested in first class securities.

The interest received on bonds and cash balances during the past year amounted to the sum of $5,806.32.

The returns from the farm, garden and hennery during the past year amounted to the sum of $4,638.47.

A number of additional improvements were made during the past year, among which Cincinnati Lodge No.133, of Cincinnati, redecorated the walls and ceiling of the reading room and purchased new curtains for same. This room was originally furnished by and named for that Lodge, and their generosity in assuming the expense of continuing its attractiveness is highly appreciated.

The walls and ceilings of the girls' dormitory and of the library have been redecorated in a very artistic manner by two of our boys, Dyke Wetherell and Matthew Hastings, who show a high order of merit In that line of work. A new carpet has also been purchased for the library.

MASONIC VETERANS

Proceedings of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association at its Thirty-ninth Annual Convention, held in the Chapter Apartments, Masonic Temple, Columbus, Wednesday, October 19, A D. 1910, 7:30 P. M. The Venerable President called the Convention to order with the following officers and members present:

OFFICERS

Venerable Bro. J. L'H. Long, President
Venerable Bro. E. L. Lybarger, Fist Vice-President
Venerable Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Second Vice-President
Venerable Bro. H. A. Irvin, Third Vice-President
Venerable Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Fourth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. C. Gulliford, Fifth Vice-President
Venerable Bro. F. H. Archer, Secretary and Treasurer
Venerable Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain
Venerable Bro. L. M. Lea, Marshal
Venerable Bro. H. N. P. Dole, Sentinel
Venerable Bro. Leander Purdick, Past President and eighty-four members

A quorum being present, after invocation to the Grand Architect of the Universe by the Venerable Chaplain, the Venerable President declared the Thirty-ninth Annual Convention of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association opened and in regular session.

The record of the Thirty-eighth Convention was read and approved.

The Secretary presented thirty-four applications in regular form for membership, which were, on motion, referred to an Investigating Committee, consisting of Venerable Bros. L. M. Lea, E. L. Lybarger and E. H. Archer, who reported favorably. On motion, the report was accepted and the committee discharged. A ballot was spread and found clear. The Venerable President declared the thirty-four petitioners duly elected to membership, and by his direction the Venerable Marshal presented the petitioners, who were each duly received, acknowledged and welcomed as Venerable Brothers and members of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association, and certificates so certifying were issued and delivered to each.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported the condition of finances as follows:

RECEIPTS

October 20, 1900, Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $117.80
October 19, 1910, Receipts 34 petitions . . . . . . . . . . 68.00
Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $186.80

EXPENDITURES

Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.80
Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.00
Secretary per diem and salary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34.00
Printing, binding and postage 37-38-39 conventions .95.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $147.80
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.00

On motion, the Venerable President appointed the following Committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year: Ven. Pros. James D. Osborn, H. F. Jones, and Henry Pohl, who reported the following nominations. An election was had, which resulted in the election of all nominated, as follows:
Ven. Bro. Edward L. Lybarger, P. G. M., President. Ven. Pro. Jacob H. Bromwell, Gr. Sec., First Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, P. G. M., Second Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. William A. Pelt, P. G. M., Third Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Ed. C. Gulliford, P. G. M., Fourth Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, P. G. M., Fifth Vice-Pres.
Ven. Bro. Edward H. Archer, P. G. H. P., Sec. and Treas.
Ven. Bro. Thomas Kite, P. G. C., Chaplain
Ven. Bro. Lewis M. Lea, P. G. H. P., Marshal
Ven. Bro. Horatio N. P. Dole, Sentinel

Venerable Bro. Leander Burdick presented the following resolution, which was, on motion, unanimously adopted.

"Resolved, That the sincere thanks of the members of the Ohio Masonic Veteran Association be extended to the Masonic Fraternity of the City of Columbus for the sumptuous banquet furnished the members of this association; also for the free use of the Chapter Apartments for holding our Annual Meeting."

Previous to the regular session, one hundred and twenty-five veterans and candidates were served with a banquet at 6:30 P. M. The food was good and satisfying, the service prompt and hospitable, and the hosts will ever be remembered for their generous and hearty hospitality.
The chairman of the committee on Necrology, Venerable Bro. I. H. McCormick, reported that no deaths of members of the association had come to his knowledge.

At the suggestion of Venerable Ex-President Burdick, the Venerable President appointed a committee to prepare and submit for approval of next convention, "Forms and Ceremonials" for government of and admission to membership of this association, consisting of Venerable Pros. W. P. Melish, Leander Burdick and F. H. Archer.

After an invocation by the Venerable Chaplain, and on motion duly adopted, the Venerable President declared the Thirty-ninth Annual Convention adjourned.

J. L'H. Long, President
Attest: F. H. Archer, Secretary

Grand Lodge convened in the Masonic Temple, Dayton, Ohio, Wednesday, October 18, A. D. 1911, with M.·. W.·. Grand Master Harry S. Kissell in the Chair, all the other Grand Officers in their stations; Past Grand Masters Leander Burdick, Levi C. Goodale, Allen Andrews, Carroll F. Clapp, William P. Melish, Barton Smith, Nelson Williams, F. C. Gulliford, F. L. Lybarger, Frank S. Harmon, Ike M. Robinson, William A. Pelt., O. P. Sperra, C. G. Pallou, Lewis P. Schaus, Horace A. Irvin, George D. Copeland, Charles S. Hoskinson, B. F. Perry, Jr.; Past Deputy Grand Masters William J. Akers and J. L'H. Long; twenty-two District Lecturers; and the representatives of 508 of the 520 active chartered Lodges in attendance.

Fraternal greetings were exchanged by wire between our Grand Lodge and M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Kentucky, in session at Louisville, Ky.

The Grand Master presented and read his annual address and among other things announced the death of M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Joseph M. Goodspeed at his home in Athens, Ohio, June 11, 1911, his funeral under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, and that a proper circular in relation thereto was issued and sent to each Subordinate Lodge in the state. Also the death of Ill. Bro. David N. Kinsman of Columbus, Ohio, who served this Grand Lodge as R.·. W.·. Grand Orator in 1895, and at the time of his death was an active member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Thirty-third and last Degree, for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, and was serving as its Illustrious Deputy for the District of Ohio, and an active worker in Scioto Sovereign Consistory.

Also to the death on June 1, 1911, of Bro. Arthur P. Crane, a Past Master of Sanford L. Collins Lodge No.396, and for many years representative of the Grand Lodge of England near the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Brother Crane was also Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Ohio. He also calls attention to the fact that during the past year our Subordinate Lodges have lost 1,195 members by death, and that our sister Grand Jurisdictions have lost a large number of Present and Past Grand Officers, among them M.·. W.·. Bro. John Milton Hodson, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, who was born near New Vienna, Ohio, and who attended the University at Lebanon, Ohio; and that our neighboring jurisdiction, Indiana, had been particularly unfortunate in the loss of three of its Past Grand Masters, M.·. W.·. Pros. Isaac P. Leydon, Lucien P. Foote and Simeon P. Gillett.

Dispensations were issued for four new Lodges, as follows:

November 21, 1910, Belpre Lodge at Belpre, Washington County, Ohio.
June 15, 1911, Meridian Lodge at Cleveland, Ohio, 34 applicants.

This is the first daylight Lodge to be established in this jurisdiction. All meetings are to be held in the afternoon, affording many of the Brethren who are employed in the evening an opportunity to attend the Lodge.

June 19, 1911, Henry Perkins Lodge at Akron, Ohio, 52 applicants.
June 21, 1911, Calumet Lodge at Toledo, Ohio, 34 applicants.

During the past year special communications of the Grand Lodge were opened by the Grand Master or his duly authorized proxy at the following places and for the following purposes:

LODGES CONSTITUTED

November 19, 1910, W. K. Ricksecker Lodge No.606, located at Aurora, Ohio, by R.·. W.·. Bro. Edwin S. Griffiths, proxy.
November 28, 1910, Glouster Lodge No.607, located at Glouster, Ohio, by W. Bro. John W. Lansley, proxy.

January 20, 1911, Bremen Lodge No.608, located at Bremen, Ohio, by R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, proxy.

MASONIC TEMPLES AND LODGE ROOMS DEDICATED

November 18, 1910, Lodge rooms of Warsaw Lodge No.255, Warsaw, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Lewis P. Schaus, P. G. M., presiding.
November 22, 1901, Lodge rooms of Stonington Lodge No.503, Amherst, Ohio, W. Bro. H. M. Hagelbarger, Junior Grand Deacon, presiding.
December 15, 1910, new Masonic Temple at East Liverpool, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. O. P. Sperra, P. G. M., presiding.
December 27, 1910, new Masonic Temple at Younstown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
February 21, 1911, Lodge rooms of Bloomfield Lodge No.422, Centerburg, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Buchholtz, Grand Marshal, presiding.
March 15, 1911, Lodge rooms of Germantown Lodge No.257, Germantown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
May 19, 1911, Lodge rooms of Brookville Lodge No.596, Brookville, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, Grand Orator, presiding.
June 7, 1911, Lodge rooms of Hanover Lodge No.115, Loudonville, Ohio, W. Bro. F. G. Robinson, presiding.

CORNER STONES LAID

December 4, 1910, First Methodist Protestant Church, Youngstown, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. P. F. Perry, Jr., Past Grand Master, presiding.
February 12, 1911, the Trinity Episcopal Church, Coshocton, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Bro. Charles J. Pretzman, Junior Grand Warden, presiding.
May 7, 1911, High School Building, Lucasville, Ohio, Bro. Frank M. Baggs, District Lecturer, presiding.
July 2, 1911, Hebrew Synagogue, Akron, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
July 15, 1911, New Masonic Temple, Price Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
September 19, 1911, new Masonic Temple, Wilmington, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.
October 3, 1911, Public School Building, Racine, Ohio, M.·. W.·. Bro. Harry S. Kissell, Grand Master, presiding.

FUNERAL

June 13, 1911, funeral of M.·. W.·. Bro. Joseph M. Goodspeed, Past Grand Master, Athens, Ohio; M.·. W.·. Bro. Allen Andrews, P. G. M., presiding.

Detailed reports of each of these communications are printed in the proceedings.

The Grand Master reports the appointment of the twenty-five District Lecturers, and that he called them together at Springfield, Ohio, at the chapel of the Masonic Home, November 29, 1910, for instruction and consultation with reference to the inspections of the Subordinate Lodges and other important matters. Twenty-one out of the twenty-five District Lecturers were present, and in addition they were honored with the presence of M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, Past Grand Master R.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas P. Guitteau, Deputy Grand Master; R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary, and R.·. W.·. Bro. C. F. Buchholtz, Grand Marshal.

The Grand Master highly commends the District Lecturers for the prompt and efficient manner in which they performed their duties. Each of the 520 chartered Lodges and the four Lodges under dispensation were inspected and detailed reports thereof made, and these reports show all the Lodges in a good, healthy and active condition.

The Grand Master appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. Nelson Williams of Hamilton, Ohio, and Bro. Charles H. Voegele of Mansfield, Ohio, as Trustees of the Masonic Home for three years from January 1, 1911, which appointments were confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

ADAMS COUNTY

The Grand Master calls attention to the fact that in Adams County during the past year more than eighteen hundred men have been convicted for selling their votes, and have been disfranchised. That in this county we have five active Masonic Lodges, and out of the eighteen hundred men so convicted not one is a Mason, and not a Mason was indicted by the grand jury investigating these cases; and says "If Masonry could maintain this record it would be a mighty power aiding in the solution of the many great problems which confront us as a nation."

He reports a large number of visitations to Subordinate Lodges at all of which he was received and welcomed with the utmost courtesy and accorded all the hospitality and honors due the Grand Master of this Grand Jurisdiction.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, chairman of the committee appointed at the last communication of the Grand Lodge to procure and present to M. Bro. B. F. Perry, Jr., the retiring Grand Master, a Past Grand Master's Jewel reported this duty performed and the jewel presented to M.·. W.·. Brother Perry on June 2, 1911, in the hall of Tuscan Lodge No.342, at Jefferson, Ohio, his home.

In his report Brother Harmon pays a beautiful tribute to Brother Perry, as follows:

"Your committee recognizes that Bro. Perry is well known to the members of the Grand Lodge. However, the work he has done and is doing for Masonry in the Northeastern part of Ohio is not so well known. For a quarter of a century your chairman has watched Bro. Perry and his work for Masonry in his home Lodge and the sister Lodges near him. The imprint of his kindness, his brotherly interest in all which makes for the uplift of mankind, and his loyalty to our fraternity and his friends, has exerted a most beneficial influence, and the jewel, therefore, we believe will be worthily worn, as it was worthily won."

The Grand Treasurer submitted his annual report showing the balance in the General Fund, October 9, 1911, $65,912.49.

The Grand Secretary presented his report, and among other things says:

"It is in a spirit of retrospection that I present to you this, my twenty-third annual report as Grand Secretary, and in looking hack over the span of years during which I have had the honor to represent you I see the pleasant mingled with the sad; the pleasant in the privilege of companionship with such a body as this, representing, as it does, the highest type of citizenship and loftiest ambition to make the world better for their living in it; the sad, when we recall the names of the great and good men who once stood upon our roster but from whom no response now comes as the roll of our membership is called.

"During these twenty-three years we have seen this roll of members in good standing grow from only a little over thirty thousand to but a few short of eighty-three thousand and have seen the altar of Masonry erected in sixty-six Lodges that have been constituted under your authority. The first charter signed by me as Grand Secretary in 1888 was numbered 546; the one which I shall sign for the latest Lodge now under dispensation will be No.612.

"The membership of the individual Lodges has increased in many instances to an almost marvelous extent. Two have over a thousand members each and a large number over seven hundred, and even in the case of the smaller Lodges the mere handful of members which often found it difficult to form a quorum to transact the business of the Lodge now find it necessary to increase the capacity of their halls in order to accommodate the ever-increasing membership.

"One of the most pleasant features of this growth is the numerous magnificent Masonic Temples which have been erected throughout the state, standing forth, as we say in our ceremonial, 'to bear testimony to the untiring industry of Free and Accepted Masons.' I hope to be able during the coming year, if I should be continued in my present station, to procure photographs of all Temples in this state owned by the various Lodges or Masonic Temple companies, for insertion in the future proceedings of this Grand Lodge, in order that the Brethren in our own Lodges, as well as those of other jurisdictions, may be informed of the progress we have made in adding to the dignity and securing the conveniences and comforts of our places of assemblage."

SCARCE PROCEEDINGS

From various causes certain years of our Annual Proceedings are practically exhausted and it is impossible for either newly created Lodges or the older Lodges to procure copies for the purpose of completing full sets for their Lodge library. It has occurred to me that some ten or twelve years' proceedings should be reprinted to overcome the inconvenience of this scarcity. This would include the following:

No. of Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of Copies
1858 of which we have 1 1866, of which we have 13
1859 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .1 1867 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 15
1860 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .2 1868 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . . 6
1861 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .4 1869 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 10
1862 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .1 1870 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . 11
1863 . . . . . ." . . . . . . .2 1891 . . . . . . " . . . . . . . . 3

Two hundred copies of each of the above would supply the demand for the next fifteen or twenty years, and I think the expense would not be very great if competitive bids are taken for the work. In case you authorize this reprinting I would suggest that the copies be furnished such Lodges as need them upon the request of the District Lecturer, and that no copies be furnished to private individuals except upon payment at a price twenty-five percent in advance of the actual cost of printing and binding. They should be bound in paper, so as to conform to the style and appearance of the originals.

DUPLICATION OF RETURNS

The duplication of returns has gone on as heretofore, and those for 1911 will be copied and bound and deposited in the Masonic Home vault with those of former years.

He reports the number of members in good standing August 31, 1911, 82,833, a net gain for the year 3,332, as against 3,525 last year.

The per capita tax for the Masonic Home amounts to the sum of $24,849.90; and he recommends an additional donation of the sum of $20,000.00, which recommendation was concurred in by the Committees on Charity and Accounts, and the Grand Lodge approved the same, donating $10,000.00 to the Home Improvement Fund, $5,000.00 to the Dormitory Fund, and $5,000.00 to the General Fund.

Reports that at a conference held at his office by the M.·. W.·. Grand Master; M.·. W.·. Allen Andrews, Chairman of the Masonic Jurisprudence; M.·. W.·. Levi C. Goodale, Chairman of Committee on Charters and Dispensations, and himself, arrangements were perfected to secure an inspection and revision of the By-Laws of every Subordinate Lodge so as to have them conform to the uniform Code and Laws of the Grand Lodge, which plan was put into active operation with such effect and success that there is only a small proportion of the Lodges whose Laws have not been approved; and recommends the work be completed until these have amended their Laws, and every Lodge in the state shall have a set of By-Laws strictly in conformity with the Grand Lodge requirements, which will probably take two or three months longer.

This matter was also reported on by the Committee on Charters and Dispensations which highly commends the intelligent, efficient and painstaking services of the Grand Secretary, in part as follows:

"The work of examining the By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction was referred to the Grand Secretary and to be done under his supervision. * * * To this work Brother Bromwell brought ripe experience, careful analysis, and a judicial mind. * * * The work of reviewing, correcting, arranging and filing these By-Laws has occupied almost every spare moment of the Grand Secretary for the past year. In the pursuit of this work of love he has permitted himself no days of vacation or hours of recreation. The many sets of By-Laws thus reviewed bear intelligent proof of his care and the thoroughness of his work in carrying out the work assigned to him."

The following distinguished Masons representing the highest stations in Masonry throughout the state and nation, being present, were escorted to the East, introduced to the Grand Lodge and the Grand Honors given, viz.:

M.·. Em.·. Sir William B. Melish, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United Stated States of America; M.·. W.·. Bro. Barton Smith, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U. S. A.; M. .Ex. Companion Joseph Kirkup, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio; and M. .W. Bro. Frank S. Harmon, Illustrious Deputy of the A. A. S. Rite for the state of Ohio; all of whom responded to the fraternal welcome accorded them.

M.·. W.·. Bro. William B. Melish, on behalf the Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home extended an invitation to the members of the Grand Lodge to visit the Masonic Home in a body, this afternoon, on a special train provided for that purpose; which invitation was accepted and the members of the Grand Lodge availed themselves of this opportunity to visit and inspect our splendid Masonic Home.

Bro. Thomas B. Guitteau of Toledo, Ohio, was elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. E. S. Griffiths of Cleveland, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master; Bro. Charles J. Pretaman of Columbus, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden; Bro. George L. Marshall of Dayton, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Junior Grand Warden; Bro. Ralph R. Rickly of Columbus, Ohio, re-elected R.·. W.·. Grand Treasurer; and Bro. J. H. Bromwell of Cincinnati, Ohio, R.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, and they and the appointive officers duly installed.

Charters were granted to the following new Lodges now under dispensation:

Bremen Lodge No.608, at Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio
Belpre Lodge No.609, at Beipre, Washington County, Ohio
Meridian Lodge No.610, at Cleveland, Ohio
Henry Perkins Lodge No.611, at Akron, Ohio
Calumet Lodge No.612, at Toledo, Ohio

A duplicate charter was granted to Litchfield Lodge No.381, located at Litchfield, Medina County, Ohio.

The Committee on the S. Stacker Williams Library reported that the Masonic Library Association of Cincinnati, in whose charge the Library has been placed, submitted a lengthy report of the work being done for the same, and that they have secured and placed in the Library three hundred and twenty-five proceedings of various Grand Masonic Bodies during the past year, a number more being needed to fill the sets, and requested a donation of $100.00 for that purpose, which was granted.

On motion, the Grand Master appointed a committee composed of M.·. W.·. Bros. O. P. Sperra and L. C. Goodale and R.·. W.·. Bro. George L. Marshall, to procure and present to the Grand Secretary some suitable testimonial in recognition of the work done by him in the examination and correction of the By-Laws of the Subordinate Lodges.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master announced that upon the occasion of a visit made by M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Melish to Europe, during the past summer, he had appointed Bro. Melish as his proxy to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio at any Masonic function which M.·. W.·. Bro. Melish might have an opportunity of attending, and called upon Brother Melish to report to the Grand Lodge as to his carrying out the purposes of this proxy.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Melish entertained the Grand Lodge with a description of the interesting events in which he had participated, pointed out the resemblances and differences between the ceremonies and practices of Masonry in Great Britain and the United States, and made an address that was very instructive and claimed the close attention of the Grand Lodge.

GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL

On motion of M.·. W.·. Bro. Horace A. Irvin, the R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master appointed as a committee to procure and present the usual Past Grand Master's Jewel to the retiring Grand Master, M.·. W.·. Bros. Horace A. Irvin, Allen Andrews and O. P. Sperra.

AMENDMENT OF SECTION 58 OF THE CODE

The Committee on Jurisprudence, to which was referred the proposed amendment of Section 58 of the Code, submitted the following report, which, on motion, having received a unanimous vote, was adopted:

To the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge:

On the proposed amendment of Section 58 of the Code, we report that said section should be amended so as to read as follows:

"Section 58. To engage in the selling of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes is a Masonic offense and should subject any Brother so offending to charges and expulsion; it should also be a disqualification for initiation or affiliation in a Masonic Lodge."

The Committee on Necrology presented its report and testimonials to the memory of the Illustrious and Honored Dead of this and sister Jurisdictions, which were ordered printed in the proceedings.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a lengthy report on the status of the M. York Grand Lodge of Mexico F. & A. M., formerly recognized as the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico, A. F. and A. M., and recommending that said Grand Lodge be recognized as the legitimate successor of said last mentioned Grand Lodge, and that recognition of and friendly relations with said M.·. W.·. York Grand Lodge of Mexico, F. & A. M., with its seat in the City of Mexico, and of which M.·. W.·. Bro. W. H. Seamon is Grand Master, and R.·. W.·. Bro. F. E. Young is Grand Secretary, be continued; which report and recommendation was adopted by the Grand Lodge.

Toledo, Ohio, was selected as the place, and Wednesday, October 23, 1912, as the time for holding the next Annual Grand Communication of this Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master was authorized to obtain membership for this Grand Lodge in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association under conditions named.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence in a special report covering nearly four pages, state the object and constitution of the association, the number of Grand Lodges already members, and other useful information in relation to the project.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence also presented its general report of fraternal correspondence covering 207 pages and reviewing in an instructive and interesting manner the action and proceedings of sixty-six Grand Lodges, containing an epitome of all the important transactions of these Grand Bodies during the past year, and a fund of information valuable to every Mason, and especially to every officer of a Lodge.

The Officers, Trustees and Superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home presented their annual report, which is printed in the proceedings.

The number of residents during the past year were: men, 73; women, 47; boys, 25; girls, 22; total, 167. The average age of the men, 72 years; women, 73 years; boys, 12 years; girls, 12 years. The returns from the farm, garden and hennery, $5,812.44.

The donations received for Christmas and Entertainment Fund, $1,017.73.

The amounts contributed by the several Masonic Grand Bodies of Ohio at their annual sessions, 1910, were:

Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,850.30
Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,318.75
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,000.00
Commandery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000.00
Council Anointed High Priests . . . . . . . 500.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,669.05

In addition to this the various Lodges and other Subordinate Bodies contributed to the Home Improvement Fund during the year for the purpose of refurnishing rooms, including the interest on certain investments, $6,696.69.

The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star with its usual regard for the comfort and care for the sick made a special donation of $1,000.00, which it placed in the hands of the Superintendent for use as needed in covering the expense of special nursing, and items for the special comfort of the sick and afflicted. In addition a donation of $160.00 for general purposes was made. The Subordinate Chapters made their usual liberal donations of money and supplies which are acknowledged with thanks in the report.

ENDOWMENT FUND

On hand last report, August 1, 1910 . . . . . . . $125,408.21
Received during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,063.68
Total Endowment Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$146,471.89

The Unbroken Line of Twenty Past Grand Masters of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., October 19, 1911.

There was present in attendance on this Annual Convocation of the Grand Lodge an unbroken line of twenty of its M.·. W.·. Past Grand Masters from 1888 to 1911 inclusive, who served the Grand Lodge in that capacity, as follows:

Leander Burdick, 1888-1889;
Levi C. Goodale, 1890-1891;
Allen Andrews, 1892-1893;
Carroll F. Clapp, 1894;
William B. Melish, 1895;
Barton Smith, 1896;
Nelson Williams, 1897;
E. C. Gulliford, 1898;
E. L. Lybarger, 1899;
Frank S. Harmon, 1900;
Ike M. Robinson, 1901;
William A. Belt, 1902;
O. P. Sperra, 1903;
Cliflord G. Ballou, 1904;
Lewis P. Schaus, 1905;
Horace A. Irvin, 1906;
George D. Copeland, 1907;
Charles S. Hoskinson, 1908;
B. F. Perry Jr., 1909;
Harry S. Kissell, 1910

A fine group photograph was secured of these Illustrious Brothers, from which an engraved plate was made, impressions from which face the title page of the proceedings of this year, copies of which will be inserted in this Volume of the History, thus preserving to the Craft in one group the portraits of these active, loyal, unfaltering and efficient rulers, who for twenty-three years past have faithfully and fearlessly battled for and upheld the honor, dignity, unity, sovereignty and power of this Grand Lodge and the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, and did so much to preserve, upbuild and maintain the cause of true and legitimate Masonry in Ohio.

PROCEEDINGS OHIO MASONIC VETERANS ASSOCIATION

The Ohio Masonic Veterans Association met in its Fortieth Annual Meeting in Blue Lodge Room, Masonic Temple, Dayton, at 6:30 P. M., October 18, 1911.

OFFICERS PRESENT

Ven. Bro. E. L. Lybarger, President; Ven. Bro. J .H. Bromwell, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice President; Ven. Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fourth Vice President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. C. G. Ballon, pro tem. Chaplain; Ven. Bro. W. B. Anderson, Marshal; Ven. Bro. E. B. Cox, Sentinel; Ven. Bro. John Schonecker, Outer Guard. Ven. Bro. Leander Burdick, Past President; Ven. Bro. J. L'H. Long, Past President, and twenty-three Venerable Brethren.

A quorum being present, after invocation to the Grand Architect of the Universe by the Chaplain, the Venerable President declared the Fortieth Annual Meeting opened and in regular session.

The record of the Thirty-ninth Annual Meeting being printed, was, on motion, approved without read jug.

The committee appointed at the Thirty-ninth Meeting presented their report of "Forms and Ceremonials," which was, on motion, unanimously adopted, and said "Forms and Ceremonials" was, by the President, declared to be the duly authorized ceremony for admission to membership in the Ohio Masonic Veterans Association.

The Secretary presented thirty-nine petitions for membership, which were referred to a Committee of Investigation; which reported favorably, and after ballot each, was declared to be elected.

The Venerable President directed the Marshal to retire and present the petitioners; thereupon in conformity with the Forms and Ceremonials all of the petitioners were duly received and greeted as Venerable Brothers and members of the Ohio Masonic Veterans Association.

The Secretary reported the deaths of Venerable Bros. David N. Kinsman, J. M. Goodspeed and Edward Bacon, and the usual memorial was, by unanimous vote, adopted.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported condition of finances as follows:

October 19, 1910, balance . . . . . . . .$39.00
October 18, 1911, receipts . . . . . . . . .78.00
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$117.00
Balance in hands of Treasurer . . . .$117.00

On motion the Venerable President appointed Venerable Bros. Leander Burdick, S. Rufus Jones and John Cissna, a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year; the committee having attended to that duty nominated the following officers, who were duly 4ected:

Ven. Bro. E. L. Lybarger, President; Ven. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, First Vice-President; Ven. Bro. H. A. Irvin, Second Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Wm. A. Belt, Third Vice-President; Ven. Bro. E. C. Gulliford, Fourth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Nelson Williams, Fifth Vice-President; Ven. Bro. Thomas Kite, Chaplain; Ven. Bro. E. H. Archer, Secretary-Treasurer; Ven. Bro. W. B. Anderson, Marshal; Ven. Bro. W. B. Melish, Master of Ceremonies; Ven. Bro. E. B. Cox, Sentinel; Ven. Bro. John Schonecker, Outer Guard.

Immediately following the adjournment the Venerable Brothers repaired to the banquet room, where a sumptuous banquet was served, after which the Brethren, by rising vote, expressed thanks Of appreciation for the fraternal hospitality of the Dayton Masonic Brethren.

After invocation by the Venerable Chaplain the Brethren formed the Chain of Union, with "We meet upon the level and part upon the Square," led by Venerable Bro. Burdick, whereupon the meeting was declared adjourned.

F. H. Archer, Secretary. F. L. Lybarger, President.

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