M.W. JOSEPH T.
SIMS
MOST
WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER
My
Brethren: Graciously favored by the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe
we, the representatives of the craft, are gathered together once more,
assembled in the Tenth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful United
Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and Jurisdiction.
To us
the year just passed can boast of no spectacular ceremonies. The
accomplishments of the year are signalized by the earnest discharge of
duties that have devolved upon the officers and members of this Grand Lodge
and its constituent lodges.
Situated in this State, into whose lap “Mother Nature” has poured an
unequaled diversity of her products as an inducement for man to enlarge his
power of dominion in their unfoldment, embracing within its borders
innumerable valleys whose fertility responds in a manner unsurpassed to
man’s intelligent and honest toil, surrounded by natural attractions that
are a joy to the eye, entrancingly beautiful and sublime to the mind, giving
inspiration to the soul, favored with a healthful and invigorating climate,
with a bountiful supply of God’s sunshine, our hearts should be gladdened
and we should have joy in life.
The
progress of the age, with its new discoveries, new and improved inventions,
new ideas and new methods in all lines are making possible greater
achievements and furnishing an incentive to men to combine energy and brain
to bring forth more abundantly the rich treasures and to use more fully all
of Nature’s bounties. This must enhance our material prosperity and draw
many desirable new people into our midst. From this element we may
reasonably expect our ranks to be largely increased with helpful material.
In this connection let us rejoice that through the merciful ministration of
a Divine Providence we still have with us some of the brethren who first
held aloft the true light of Masonry in this community; as of yore, they are
now among the most earnest workers in the fraternity, always encouraging by
their presence, wise counsel and advice those whose privilege it is to be
associated with them.
We
are happy to say that tranquility and good will exists throughout the
jurisdiction and as we assemble here hands are clasped in hearty fellowship,
eye looks into eye with love shining through, and we rejoice in our
fraternal ties. Amid such scenes and associations I bid you welcome.
We
are convened for the purpose of reviewing the transactions of the past year,
to place the mark of approval upon those thought to be good and to make an
effort to correct those considered unwise, to advance such ideas and to take
such prudent action as may be deemed useful in promoting the welfare of our
institution, uplifting our lives and those of our fellow men.
Foreign Relations
Continual harmony and fraternal good will exist between this .and the
respective bodies of all other Grand Jurisdictions, I having received
expressions of good will from Grand Master S. P. Douglass of Colorado; Bro.
Robert A. Brown, Grand Representative of Indiana, and Grand Master R. T.
Coles of Missouri. A detailed report of this subject will be given, however,
by our Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
State of the Craft
From
my knowledge and observation, I believe that I am safe in reporting that, as
a whole, the condition of the craft in this jurisdiction is being bettered
each year. There has been a substantial growth in numbers during the past
year and the financial affairs of the lodges are shown to be in a fairly
good condition, barring the fact that many of the lodges report entirely too
large an amount outstanding for dues, in proportion to their membership.
If
examined into, it will probably be found that those lodges making the best
showing in this respect can easily trace their satisfactory condition to
the persistent efforts of their secretary in reminding the delinquent
members to pay up. The lodges blessed with such an officer are to be
congratulated and the secretaries themselves to be complimented.
It is
apparent that some of the lodges are not very strictly adhering to the
meaning of the By-Laws on the subject of “suspensions” or “non-affiliation,”
rather. The law is so framed that no worthy brother need be injured. If
there are any who through sickness or inability can not pay, their cases
should be considered according to their merits. But it is not the intent,
nor is it for the best interests of the lodge that unreasonable time be
granted those who ought to pay but do not. It is to be hoped that the lodges
which fall under adverse criticism at this time will realize the necessity
of more closely observing the provisions of the law on this subject. The
growth and financial condition of the lodges will be fully particularized in
the Grand Secretary’s report.
This,
it seems to me, should be emphasized: It is no doubt too frequently the case
that committees on “petitions” do not exercise that thoroughness in the
investigations which they should. It is therefore incumbent upon a Worthy
Master to use great care and discretion and discrimination in selecting
committees, appointing only those whom he is confident will faithfully
perform the services required. It is true, the “black ball” is the safeguard
of our lodges, so perhaps you can render no higher service for your lodge
than to stand ready, armed with this weapon to keep out the man who does not
measure up to the requirements Masonry demands.
There
is another equally bad feature which occasionally develops: that of
repeated rejections by a single black ball, leading one to believe—as it
sometimes does—that the motive prompting it was not a worthy one. The Mason
who, from mere spite, prejudice, personal ill-will or, for any disgruntled
reason, uses this method to balance the thoughts of his own ill-governed
mind proves conclusively that he has received very little benefit from his
Masonic teachings. Therefore let us urge caution in the acceptance of new
material, but gladly welcome every man who has the cause near to his heart
and possesses in addition the ability to advance that cause.
The
zeal and devotion displayed by the officers and members of the several
lodges, both small and large, are indeed most gratifying. In these instances
one is, however, impressed with the evidence of faithfulness, good-will and
vigilance that is most pleasing. Under this heading it may not be out of
place to express an opinion in relation to the government and officers of
lodges; not that there is any particular call for it at this time, but
because it seems to me that it is a question that concerns us at all times.
Upon the government of a lodge depends its usefulness. If the officers show
a lack of interest, are careless in their deportment and without heart, or
in a ragged manner do their work, and if the secretary is slack in keeping
his records and accounts, it soon manifests itself among the brethren. They
lose interest, attendance falls off, and the treasury is without funds. Then
deserving assistance can not be rendered, nor purposes that might be
considered praiseworthy carried out, the influence of the lodge wanes. It
simply becomes an “out of order,” poorly-run machine. How different in the
lodge in which attention is paid to its government, where the officers are
zealous and attentive to their duties at all times, deporting themselves in
a proper manner and putting heart and soul into the work, so that it is made
impressive and instructive, not alone to the candidate but to all present.
If the secretary is “up-to-date” with everything pertaining to his office
and the revenues of the lodge in the hands of a good treasurer, at the
disposal of the brethren for any object they may deem worthy, this condition
soon manifests itself, the members are alert and anxious to attend their
lodge meetings, enthusiasm runs high and the bonds of brotherly love grows
stronger and the lodge flourishes. How is this state of affairs to be
brought about? By using care and sound judgment in choosing your officers,
both elective and appointive. Select men for the places, where “rotation”
usually prevails, with a view to their some day occupying the “Oriental
chair.” If perchance a mistake has been made and it is discovered in the
lower stations that the brother does not develop those qualities expected,
and which are essential for a Master to have, do not advance him.
To be
a Master of a lodge is a commendable ambition. No man should be deterred
from aspiring to this preferment, but advancement should come for no other
reason than merit. It is far better that a brother lacking the essential
qualifications of a good officer suffer an injury to his feelings than that
the whole body be made to suffer through the shortcomings of such a brother,
especially if placed in “The East.”
The
sum and substance of what I wish to say is, that the welfare and peace of a
lodge depends almost entirely upon the genius of a Master to govern his
lodge in an exemplary manner; the whole lodge is made to feel this
influence, and the high ideals of our institution are brought into practical
use every day. Brethren, I urge your careful consideration of this subject
and hope that you who are in a position will thoroughly disseminate this
idea among the craft.
Decisions
That
the secretary of a particular lodge be exempt from dues for the time only
that he performs the duties of that office. That no particular lodge of
Master Masons can alter or amend its by-laws without the sanction of the
Grand Lodge, under which it is working.
Charity
February 28, 1913, I received from P.G.M. Jas. E. Shepperson a letter above
the signature of Mrs. Jennie Lewis of Snohomish, Wash., appealing for
assistance. I forwarded the letter to Bro. J. B. Griffin, D.D.G.M., at
Everett and commissioned him to take up the matter. Bro. Griffin replied
that owing to the unworthiness of Mrs. Lewis her claim upon the craft
should not be allowed or considered.
Clandestine Lodges
Considerable annoyance has been experienced during the past year in our
jurisdiction by the introduction of “clandestine lodges.” I, however, have
taken no great amount of action regarding the matter, but have left the case
for the consideration of the Grand Lodge.
Departed Brethren
So
universal is the passing from this earthly sphere, so insatiate is the
power that calls us, so futile are human agencies against this law of
nature, that it is almost certain that we will have to record some vacancies
at the end of each year. Sincerely mourning for all those who have gone
before and deeply sympathizing with those who grieve for their loved ones,
it is not with any invidious distinction that mention is made of one
well-known member of this body, both ripe in age and knowledge, whose
presence at these communications could most always be reckoned on. How
strange It will seem to look about and not see the venerable, stately figure
of Bro. Thomas Johnson of Enterprise Lodge No. 1, a brother’ of culture and
refinement. Affable in manner, of a kind, gentle disposition, but firm of
purpose and loyal to his host of friends, ever thoughtfully speaking helpful
words of encouragement to the younger members, Bro. Johnson passed from our
Grand Lodge below to the Supreme Lodge above on February 4, 1913. in
Portland, Ore. Our great loss is Heaven’s gain. He was faithful and active
in the affairs of his lodge up to the time of his death. May his “dust rest
in peace” and his good works ever be fondly cherished and remembered among
us.
Recommendations
1.
In view of
the fact that the custom hitherto practiced through this jurisdiction, of
each particular lodge caring for the representative of the several lodges
while attending the Grand Lodge, has been expensive and, in some instances,
burdensome upon the smaller lodges and often depletes their treasury,
ofttimes leaving them in debt, I hereby recommend that a resolution be drawn
and adopted at this session requiring that at all subsequent sessions of the
Grand Lodge each particular lodge be responsible for the board and lodging
expenses of its representatives, for not more than four days, and that a
committee be appointed by the particular lodge where the Grand Lodge is to
meet to engage suitable moderate-rate accommodations for the respective
representatives.
2.
That a law be
enacted at this session of our Grand Lodge enforcing a more rigid system of
economy and a stricter conservation of Grand Lodge revenues.
3.
That all
monies belonging to the Grand Lodge, when being paid by particular lodges in
the jurisdiction, be transmitted to the Grand Secretary by P.O. Order or
personal check, made payable to the Grand Treasurer only.
4.
That the
“clandestine,” so-called Masons and their doings in the jurisdiction be
ignored.
I
further recommend that the following bills be paid in full, before any
payment is made on the principal of the Home Land debt, to-wit:
American Scandinavian Pub. Co. (bal. due on Minutes)
$164.00
DeMoulin Bros. & Co. (bal. on regalias) .
45.00
Interest on Grand Lodge land debt ($300, 8% per annum)...
24.00
Total……………………………………………………………… $233.00
Grand Lodge Officers
I
feel very much dissatisfied with this report, but I would be even more so
should I fail to say a few words in recognition of the generous and helpful
assistance that I have at all times received from the Grand Lodge officers
and many brethren who have given their time, counsel and advice, whenever
called upon. Whatever success the year has brought is due more to their
efforts than to my own
Conclusion
My
Brethren, the affairs of this annual communication are now in your hands.
May you be guided by the spirit of those virtues which are the underlying
principles of our institution. We are a deliberative body, possessed of
powers, administrative, legislature, and judicial. Then let us deliberate
with care and wisdom upon all matters presented, actuated by no motive other
than that springing from a pure desire to uplift and increase the usefulness
of this beneficent brotherhood.
Very
soon you will confer upon another the duties of this exalted station, in
resuming my place in the ranks I want to sincerely thank all the brethren
for the help they have given me and the honor they have bestowed.
Fraternally submitted,
J. T.
SIMMS,
Grand
Master
