M. W. NEWTON SOLOMON

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Brethren, Greetings: The years are fleeting and one more milestone has been reached. One year ago at Tacoma you elected me without opposition and placed the management of the craft in my hands. Having been placed at your head, I have met the duties of the Grand Master in a God-fearing and, I hope, satisfactory manner; at least I have striven to execute your laws and tried not to prove unfaithful. Whatever has come to my hands I have given my best endeavors and efforts to carry out to the best of my ability and in accord with our law and the established principles of Masonry.

State of the Craft

The state of the craft is good, the lodges are fairly prosperous; peace and harmony prevails. But, before I proceed, it is befitting and proper that we should return thanks to our Creator for the manifold blessings He has bestowed upon us. He has given us health, strength, prosperity, and prolonged our lives. Then, Brethren, let us add the words of the Psalmist: “Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord. For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.’

The dread reaper, Death, has tarried in our jurisdiction. Brethren, soon or later, he will return and snatch from our “mystic circle” some of our beloved members. “Be ye also ready, for ye know not the hour in which the Son of Man approaches.”

I am proud and happy to say that no appeals or grievances have reached my office. This very gratifying condition reflects the peace and harmony that exists throughout our -jurisdiction.

Distinguished Dead of Other Jurisdictions

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Tennessee, Bro. J. A. Henry, passed to the great beyond February 2, 1914.  The acting Grand Master, Bro. S. M. Strayhome, advised me promptly of this fact, and I immediately sent them a letter ex­pressing our sincere regrets of the passing of this great Grand Master. Bro. Henry belonged to the “old school of Grand Masters,” ripe in experience, learned in Masonry. He was indeed one of nature’s noblemen and Tennessee’s brightest jewels. The Grand Secretary will supply a page in our minutes for those who have crossed over, giving their names and the eminent stations they had reached in Masonry. “Peace to their ashes.”

Official Acts

R.W. Bro. E. H. Holmes, my District Deputy Grand Master for the Eastern District, advised me early in the year 1914 that there were some prospects of organizing a lodge at Pasco. This field has been invaded by a “bogus” lodge and many of those connected had become dissatisfied and expressed a desire to quit their “spurious” lodge. Persons at Pasco asked my deputy to come there and inspect the “timber and see if it was fitted for the builders’ use.” I instructed Bro. Holmes to proceed to that point, investigate the situation and lay before me his report. I advised that I would grant them a dispensation to organize in strict accord to our law. Bro. Holmes did not go to Pasco, nor assign any reason for his failure. No doubt when he lays before me his report he will give good and sufficient reasons for not having carried out my instructions.

I received a letter from the secretary of D. G. Lett Lodge No. 30 of Hutchinson, Kansas, asking for demit of Bro. Wm. Renfree, formerly of Compass Lodge No. 4 (defunct). As it was impossible for me to find the standing of Bro. Renfree prior to the dissolution of Compass Lodge No. 4, and not wishing to put an unnecessary burden on him, I notified him to pay to the Grand Secretary $6; that when he paid he would be granted a “certificate of good stand­ing.” I was later advised that this was done.

I received a letter from some women at Pittsburg, Pa., soliciting funds to be used in entertaining the Knights Templar in convention August 7, 1914. I did not reply, but submit the matter to this Grand Lodge for action.

I instructed the Grand Secretary to advise the lodges of their indebtedness. This was done, yet only one lodge responded.

Celebration of St. John Festivals

It is gratifying to note that the lodges are celebrating the fes­tivals of Saint John in a manner conforming to the dignity of our ancient institution and the solemn and beautiful services which these festivals demand.

Decisions

I refused a dispensation to Harmony Lodge No. 2 to enter, pass or raise for less than prescribed by law.

I refused Empire Lodge No. 3 dispensation to re-ballot petition of Mr. Charles Carter. The law did not permit me to grant this request.

Finances

The financial condition of our lodges are fairly good, consid­ering the stringent times. The finance of the Grand Lodge is not so encouraging. The report of the Finance Committee at our last sessions of the Grand Lodge promised to be fruitful, in that it laid before the Grand Lodge the exact status of each lodge, with an urgent appeal to pay. The several lodges at that time owed a neat sum to the Grand Lodge. In consequence, they have not yet paid; we have been handicapped in this department and have had to practically finance the Grand Lodge with our own funds. Some­thing must be done to remedy this situation and I earnestly request the Committee on Finance and the Grand Lodge to devise some method to remedy this state of affairs.

Exposition of Secret Work Not Satisfactory

I regret to advise that the department of “Secret Work,” which is in the control of the Custodians of the Work and Grand Lec­turers, is not in a satisfactory condition. We have not seen a Grand Lecturer to exemplify the work since 1909, and aside from the Lecturers in our particular lodges this work is at a standstill. I trust that the Grand Lodge will do something to bring this de­partment up to a standard of excellency that an intelligent craft deserves.

Progress of the Race

During my visitations in the jurisdiction, 1 am pleased to state that I noted everywhere evidences of thrift, energy and pros­perity on the part of our people. Very generally they are employed and making fair wages. Prejudice is on the increase but, despite that fact, all seemed happy and doing well.

 “Bogus Masons”

“Bogus Masons,” who won a victory on a technicality at Portland, where they afterward established their headquarters, are still abroad in the land. They came to Everett, my home, invaded our jurisdiction with one of their “spurious lodges.” C.C. Crawley, being the “ring leader” and the alleged Master of this “rump — lodge.” I lay this matter before the Grand Lodge for your in­formation and action, as these “scoundrels” are going up and down this state “seeking whom they may devour.”

 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition

During 1915 there will be held in San Francisco the Panama-Pacific Exposition. Many distinguished brethren will visit our state and it is our duty to provide some means to make their stay pleasant while in our midst.

Recommendations

Conclusion

Brethren, I am done, except to thank you for the honor done me in electing me to the Grand East. I have done my best and retire grateful for the privilege of having been able to serve you. hope for you all long lives of usefulness, for the Grand Lodge continued prosperity. Keep the faith, live within the “bounds of your cable tow” and your reward is sure. And:

“Let us love one another—

Not long we may stay;

In this bleak world of mourning

Some drop while ‘tis day,

Others fade in the noon,

And few linger till eve;

Let us love one another

As long as we live.

There are some sweet affections

That wealth cannot buy,

That cling but still closer

When sorrow draws nigh

And remain with us yet,

Though all these pass away:

Thus let’s love one another

As long as we stay.”

I am most fraternally,

NEWTON SOLOMON,