M.W. THOMAS E. SALTERS

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Brethren of the Grand Lodge, Greetings:

The splendid system of morals taught by our most ancient and honorable fraternity is at once its strength and shield; explains its hold upon the minds and hearts of men. Ancient no doubt it is, and having subsisted from time immemorial, and honorable it must he acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make all those so who are obedient to its precept. Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests-—the practice of every moral and social virtue; and to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced that in every age, even monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, and have not. thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel, have patronized our mysteries and joined in our as­semblies. Thus today, as firmly entrenched in the hearts of men as ever, it has come down the ages uncontaminated in all of its pristine purity, solemnity, beauty and grandeur. Masonry, how­ever, is not only the most ancient but the most honorable society that ever existed, as every character, figure and emblem depicted in the lodge has a moral tendency and serves to inculcate the practice of piety and virtue in all its genuine professions. It is to such an institution that I have just described that you and I belong.

We have come up to the Grand Lodge to review the work of the year. This is our Twelfth annual communication. I am more than pleased to note that the great omnipotent Grand Master of the Universe has spared so many of the old, true and trusty Masons, and that you are here in your places As I have visited in the jurisdiction, came in contact with the craft in their homes and in the lodges in the cities of our great commonwealth, I am reminded of the words of the poet who sang:

“Old places have a charm for me

The new can ne’er attain,

Old faces—.how I long to see

Their kindly looks again.”

The thrill of pleasure and pride it gives me to greet the old Master Masons, and those who are attending the Grand Lodge for the first time, you will never know because language is inadequate to express it.

Six years have passed since we met in the Queenly City of Seattle.  Wondrous changes have taken place.  We find today a magnificent city whose fame is heralded abroad as being one of the most modern in the world, whose riches are untold, whose citizens is broad, liberal  and the best; whose school system par excellence, and where prejudice has never been allowed to creep in.

When last we met in Seattle two lodges divided its jurisdiction.  Peace and harmony ofttimes were strangers, but time in its onward march has leveled things unseemly and un-Masonic, and we find today that Harmony Lodge No. 2, which absorbed Wash­ington Lodge No. 2 and Trinity Lodge No. 7, is occupying this jurisdiction in a manner praiseworthy and comporting to the dig­nity of our ancient society. We are indeed well pleased that this is so, and are glad to be the guest of Harmony Lodge No. 2 upon an auspicious occasion like this.

When you entrusted the great office of Grand Master to me at Portland last July, I accepted the same with many misgivings. I felt that my youth and inexperience would prove a handicap despite the fact that my zeal and determination knew no bounds.  I am thankful to say that though I am the youngest Grand Master that has occupied this office, that I bring you today tidings of great joy.  For one year 7 have sat on the watch tower of Masonry, ruled and governed your Grand Lodge, and beg respectfully to re­port: “That all is well.” Peace and harmony prevails generally, and that any discrepancies or disagreements will no doubt be settled judiciously and harmoniously by the Grand Lodge.

For these and kindred blessings to our God, brethren, we should return thanks, and let us sing with him who said:

“Yea, God upon my heart

Hath poured all blessings down;

Then yield to him, with all thou art,

The homage of thy crown.”

Grand Secretary Neglects His Duties

I am reluctant to advise that our Grand Secretary, R. W. Bro. G. N. White, has signally neglected to perform the duties incumbent upon his office. It has been a source of regret that so intelligent an officer, so highly honored by this Grand Lodge with its confidence, should so far forget himself as to hinder the work. Letter after letter, as my file will show, was sent the Grand Secre­tary begging him to send out a synopsis of our 1914 annual communication, and to perform other duties. These letters were ignored or, if answered, contained promises not fulfilled. Finally, in desperation, I had prepared for the information of the craft the synopsis of the 1914 annual communication under date of Novem­ber 19, 1914, A. L. 5914, four months after closing of our 1914 annual communication. Bro. White also delayed the sending of certificates of elective and appointive officers, and has been a com­plete failure. Never before in the history of our Grand Lodge has a Grand officer treated a high office with such disdain, and had it not been for the fact that the expense would have been too great I would have convened the Grand Lodge and strongly urged the removal of Bro. White from office.  I earnestly recommend that the Committee on Grievances and Appeals take jurisdiction of this matter and cite Bro, White to appear and ascertain what excuse if any, he has to offer for criminal neglect of his im­portant duties, and lay same before this ancient craft, together with their recommendations.  We can not tolerate the drone, much less misgovernment, and we must make an example in this case that will long be remembered in the jurisdiction.

I virtually took over the duties of Bro. White office, and with the assistance of my Grand Treasurer, R. W. Bro A. J. Braggs, than whom there is no better, no more faithful craftsman in the jurisdiction, and with the support of my distinguished District Deputy Grand Masters and other faithful Masons, we have managed to get along splendidly well.

 Lodge Under Dispensation

A number of brethren at Lewiston, Idaho, organized a Masonic club, wrote to me regarding the organization of a Masonic Lodge at that place.  I advised them of our law, and what steps to take. Owing to our very excellent law fixing the fee at $25 to enter, pass and raise Masons, these young men were not sufficiently interested in the arts and mysteries of Masonry to pay that amount, and under no circumstances would I dispense with the law, Hence the project was abandoned—I may add I do not think at any loss to our jurisdiction. While we want good and true men, we are not going to encourage the rushing of men into Masonry at cut rates, thus cheapening our Masonry and giving the lie to the “It is” that they come of their own free will and accord.

I fraternally and earnestly urged the craft to celebrate the festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1914, A. L. 5914.  I urged the craft not to forget the widow and orphan, calling atten­tion to the fact that winter was at hand, that a load of coal, gro­ceries, etc., would indeed be a substantial gift, perhaps he remembered with joy in the sky. I asked the craft not to forget to remember at Christmas time the fatherless of our society.  These injunctions were obeyed in a large measure, and it is gratifying to know it is so.

The Most Worshipful, the Grand Master of Masons, Charles H. Patterson, formerly secretary for the jurisdiction of Minnesota nominated Bro. James Eddings of Anchor-Hillyard Lodge No. 2 of Minneap­olis, Minnesota, on July 11, 1914, as Grand Representative of our Grand Lodge near the Grand East of Minnesota.  This nomination found favor with me and, upon request; I nominated Worshipful Bro. Chas. Isham, a Past Master of Evergreen Lodge No. 9, at Everett, near our Grand East. In due course, the Grand Master, M. W Bro. Robinson, fraternally advised that Bro. Isham’s nomination had been approved and commission sent.

The W. D. Allen Case

 In the closing hours of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge ordered that Enterprise Lodge No. 1, of Portland, accept certain monies due from Bro. W. D. Allen, a member of that lodge, and when same had been tendered and Bro. Allen was financially straight and no charges  pending, to grant him his demit. Contrary to the mandate of Grand Lodge, when Bro. Allen presented this money, for frivolous and irrelevant reason, his petition was sent to ballot and rejected.  Being apprised  of the action of the lodge, I cause Bro. Allen to be notified, had him send the money due Enterprise Lodge to this office, and granted him a certificate of good standing demit.  This is an aggravated case.  The member of this craft, under the denomination  of  M. W. Bro. J. C. Logan, have set their faces like flint against doing justice to Bro. Allen.  The case has many and wide ramifications and the lodge  is willing to go to the lengths to deprive Bro. Allen of his rights.  I stepped in and, in obedience to your command, being fully advised of the situation, saw that even and exact justice was done.  I hand you  herewith the sum of $____, which can be placed to the credit of the Enterprise Lodge or transmitted direct as the Grand Lodge sees fit.

In Regard to Finances

In April I sent my proclamation to all particular lodges urging them to pay their back indebtedness. I instructed the lodges to remit direct to R. W. Bro. A. J. Braggs. Grand Treasurer. Not one lodge in the jurisdiction complied.  We must hold to strict accountability the Master of the lodge who owes this Grand Lodge funds, and makes no effort to pay same.

Early in May I proclaimed in the jurisdiction the near approach of St. John the Baptist Day, June 24th: asked the craft to celebrate the same in a befitting manner; called their’ attention to the 30th of May, Decoration Day, and urged them to decorate the graves of the deceased Master Masons of their lodges.

I received an invitation from M. W. Bro. Chas. F. White, P. G. M., of the Union Grand Lodge of Michigan, inviting us to be represented at Detroit upon the occasion of the Semi-Centennial celebration of his Grand Lodge, July 19th to 23rd, inclusive, 1915. I answered assuring this distinguished Mason and brother of our warm appreciation and my regret at our inability to be represented. The Grand Lodge of Michigan, 1 may add, is one of oar best, and the long years that it has been wroughting and achieving in Masonry has produced splendid results, and we congratulate her upon being fifty years old and hope they may ever live and prosper.

I commissioned R. W. Bro. E. H. Holmes, my Grand Junior War­den, June 1, 1915, A. L. 5315, my special representative to visit the M.W. Sovereign Grand Lodge of California, which sits in San Fran­cisco, June 7th. I commanded my special representative to bear my congratulations and felicitations to the Grand Lodge of California. Sixty-one years ago they embarked upon the eventful journey which they have since pursued with such splendid results. My distinguished representative afterward wrote me that he had obeyed my orders, visited these hospitable brethren, was received with grand honors and in a manner comporting to the dignity of the station and the Grand Lodge which he represented with such skill and ability. Bro. Holmes said that Grand Master Harris invited him to a seat in the Grand East at the right of the Grand Master, that the Grand Master had invited him to address the Grand Lodge. He responded and was generously rewarded by the attention and the warm manner in which his address was received, and the marked attention, the congratulations and words of praise and thanks that the brethren bestowed upon him. Bro. Holmes discussed with them the plan and harmony of our Masonry, spoke words of praise for their many years of usefulness, the inspiration California had given the Masons of the Pacific Coast, of the high character of its rank and file, and then paid a glowing tribute to R. W. Bro. W. L. Goldsborough, deceased, who had come to us from California, of his work and worth. He urged the brethren to pursue the plan of Masonry as laid out upon the trestle board of ancient craft Masonry, and to build wisely and well for the future. My Grand Representative advised me that he was invited to make the closing address at the grand reception tendered the Grand Lodge, and in the presence of a large audience he was glad to respond and represent not only himself, his Grand Master, but the Grand Lodge to which he has so long been identified.

Bro. Holmes called my attention to the fact that the wife of our distinguished Past Grand Master, M.W. Bro. H. J. Asberry, and her sister, Mrs. Townsend of Denver, were present upon this auspicious and enjoyable occasion, and that it made him doubly proud to speak to strangers and to those he knew. I thanked this veteran Mason for the very fine manner in which he had represented me and assured him that his good offices would not soon be forgotten.

Fraternal Dead

It is my painful duty to chronicle the sad death of R. W. Bro. Benj. J. Angelles of Cassia Lodge No. 5, which occurred at his home in Georgetown, a suburb of Seattle, January 2, 1915, A. L. 5915. At the time of his death Bro. Angelles held the Grand Senior Steward’s station in this grand lodge. He was Past Junior Warden and had served acceptably for several years as District Deputy Grand Master of the District of Pierce. One of the organizers of our Grand Lodge, fifty years a Mason, his zeal was only measured by his sterling worth, integrity and unfailing fidelity to every trust and duty. In 1912 we offered him the Grand Mastership unanimously at North Yakima as a befitting climax of the splendid work he had done, and the many years of untiring labor in Masonry. We thought this testimonial of our love would demonstrate to him the affection in which he was held. The infirmities that at last conquered him were given as the excuse for not accepting. His was an unique person­ality—kindly, lovable and hospitable. Charity was his hobby, and he took justifiable pride in the fact that he ever headed the committee on charity, and urged successfully the claim of the widow and orphan. Another question near and dear to his heart was the Grand Lodge land purchase. From the inception of the Grand Lodge until the day of his death this was his pet object, his dearest wish that the Grand Lodge should purchase land while it was cheap for a future home. Now he is gathered unto the fathers, and I know of no Master Mason who will be more sadly missed.

“Consider every end, that it is but the end of a beginning.

So is death an end—but it breedeth infinite beginning;

Limits are for time, and death killeth time;

Eternity’s beginning is forever.”

I issued a proclamation ordering all particular lodges to drape their furniture for thirty days in honor of our dead brother. Sent a consoling letter to the wife and son of the deceased. I appointed R. W. Bro. James G. Gayles, my Deputy Grand Master, my proxy to act as Grand Master at the funeral, and it is a matter of keen regret that this pioneer Mason through stupidity on the part of the craft at Tacoma and Seattle did not receive the honors comporting to the dignity of as faithful Master Mason as ever trod the earth. I com­mand that the Committee on Grievances and Appeals ascertain who was to blame for the failure and report back with recommendations so we may intelligently consider the case. Somebody must suffer for this shameful neglect and this Grand Lodge must repair the over­sight, march to the grave of our deceased grand officer and pay fitting tribute to the life and time of this distinguished old Master Mason who spent the best years of life in building up our society in the Northwest.

Further, we must appropriate at least $50 from any unexpended monies, and immediately transmit to his widow, whom I understand bore the funeral expenses and is complaining because she has not been reimbursed. We must care for this widow and the orphan boy. Bro. Angelles left them penniless, though with a good home. Breth­ren, this is a serious matter. We must play well our part. Suitable resolutions should be drawn and sent the widow of our late Senior Steward. I recommend that a memorial page together with the photo of Bro. Angelles be published in our 1915 proceedings.

Distinguished Dead of Other Jurisdictions

Death, the Black Camel that knocks at every man’s door, has reaped an unusual harvest of distinguished Masons in recent years. His visitations frequent though they be leave a train of sadness and vacancies that can never be filled.

The Grand Lodge of Illinois has been called, upon to mourn the loss of Past Grand Master T. H. Smith; Tennessee, a great Grand Master in the person of M. W., Bro. J. A. Henry, Grand Master of Masons, who died February 2, 1914. Also R. W. Bro. W. S. Thomp­son, one of the ablest of Grand Secretaries of the Jurisdiction of Ten­nessee, was called home from labor to reward May 15, 1914. New Jersey was called upon to mourn the death of Past Grand Master M. W. Bro. Philip T. Colding, who had finished his course, run well the race of life and yielded up the ghost. R. W. Bro. Wm. H. Buckner, for many years Ohio’s able Grand Secretary, answered the roll call of the Grand Master above April 28, 1913. R. W. Bro. Alonzo John­son, Grand Secretary of Connecticut, entered into his reward Janu­ary 4, 1914. Grand Secretary W. H. Myers of the District of Co­lumbia joined the silent majority June 7, 1914. M. W. Bro. Jas. W. Grant, P. G. M., of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, laid down his working tools September 29, 1914, and his soul took its flight. We sympathize with our sister Grand Lodges in their hour of sorrow and drop a tear at the bier of those gone on before.

I recommend that a memorial page be printed in our proceedings commemorating the lives of these distinguished brethren who were master builders and did so much in their day to strengthen the build­ing and labored so zealously for their race and masonry.

“O! Death, what art thou?

A lawgiver that never altereth,

Fixing the consummating seal,

Whereby the deeds of life become established:

*  *  *  * O Death! What art thou?

A husbandman, that reapeth always,

Out of season, as in season, with the

Sickle in his hand. O Death! What art thou?

Nurse of dreamless slumber; freshening the

Fevered flesh to a wakefulness eternal.”

Fraternal Relations

Our fraternal relations are of the happiest nature. We are at peace with all sister jurisdictions and enjoy the very best and most cordial relations with all.

Condition of the Craft

The craft is in fairly prosperous condition. All are striving diligently to build up the work. I regret to advise that several of the lodges have not bonded their financial officers, nor are they collecting the Grand Lodge Charity Fund. Steps should be taken to remedy this situation.

Finance

The finances of the Grand Lodge are not what I should like them to be. I have consistently urged the lodges in the jurisdiction to pay up their back indebtedness.  Without avail, however. We had a bal­ance of $81.57 in the Grand Lodge Treasury when we closed at Port­land. I have been advised that Enterprise Lodge No. 1 paid $50 to R. W. Bro. G. N. White, Grand Secretary, on account of back indebt­edness. This represents the sum total on hand. Over $542.70 is owing this Grand Lodge from particular lodges, not to mention the sum of over $100 that Enterprise Lodge No. 1 is indebted to the Grand Lodge for the dues of last year. The time for delay is past. These lodges should be compelled to immediately pay up, or answer to the Grand Lodge in no uncertain manner for their neglect.

Office Expenses

I have used the utmost economy in conducting the affairs of my office. I have expended the modest sum of $7.25 for paper, envelopes, etc.; have drawn $35 to cover traveling expenses on annual visitations. Some other monies I expended personally. I shall hand receipts for the same to the Committee on Finance and they will be included in the report of the committee.

Decisions

“If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous and condemn the wicked.” Deuteronomy 25th chapter, first verse.

The Crawford Case

The old Biblical law is as pertinent today as it was thousands of years ago. Your Grand Master was called to enact the role of judge, jury and executioner—in the Crawford case. I did not hesitate. I exercised to the uttermost the full limits of my power, invested in my great office. I ask you to sit in judgment upon my decision. If I did right sustain me. If wrong to condemn.

The Crawford case is peculiarly aggravating. The facts are:

Brother Phil Crawford S.W. of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, of Spokane, in his efforts to prove eligible for membership, a woman in an Eastern Star Chapter, obtained thru correspondence Septem­ber 6th, 1914. The signature letter head, and impression of the seal, of the Grand Secretary and Grand Lodge of Colorado. Bro. Crawford in his desperation to prove this woman eligible to membership despite R.W. Bro. William Sprague’s letter, which con­veyed the information that her father was a suspended Mason. Crawford had a seal made front the impression of the Grand Lodge of Colorado contained upon Bro. Sprague a letter, in the office of the Pacific State Stamp Works of Spokane, for the purpose if forging a totter setting forth that the woman’s father in question was in good standing. and to make same legal and appear genuine, to use the seal falsely acquired upon same. Surely an heinous offense in Masonry.  A crime wicked and felonious in civil law, The deception reached the ears of ‘Bro. Cramp and other brethren of the Lodge at Spokane, they conducted a quite investigation obtained the correspondence and bogus seal, and forthwith charges of unmasonic conduct were preferred against Bro. Crawford. In due course the case came on for trial, Bro. Crawford was found guilty. Strange to relate in fixing the penalty by some strange, perverse, miscarriage of justice, often found, never successfully ex­plained in lodge trials, the brethren refused to do their duty by expelling this infamous individual from the rights and privileges of Masonry. This criminal who had broken his oath and obligation, who had outraged every sense of decency and set at naught the principles of our order. The enormity of whose offense would have landed him behind the prison bar if prosecuted in a criminal action.  He was convicted by a vote of 8 to 1; only 5 members voted to expel. I was present. The overwhelming evidence, the blot, the shame, and confusion that this wretch had brought upon the craft decided me. I did not propose to see this monstrosity committed, and a felon escape with suspension or a possible repri­mand. I stepped in as Grand Master, took the case out of the hands of the Lodge, inflicted the severest Sentence and penalty of which I was capable. That of expulsion from the rights and privileges of Masonry. I have no apologies. Desperate cases require desperate remedies. When the craft so far forgets itself or themselves, as to seemingly aid and abet crime, I shall not be a party to it. Nor, would I have been true to my convictions, nor the great office to which you entrusted me had I allowed this ruffian to have gone unwhipt of justice.

I decided that notice of secretary of inland Empire Lodge No. 3, under (late of February 15th, 1915, A. L. 5915, that five ($5.00) dollars was due from Bro. Boston Holman, giving him until April 20th to pay same, was sufficient.  Bro. Holman in due course re­mitted this amount plus $2, and respectfully petitioned for his demit.  Being square on the books, and no charges pending, the Master of the lodge ruled that Bro. Holman’s request would have to go over until the books were audited. Bro. Holman appealed to me. I ordered that the demit he granted without delay.

I decided that a dispensation granted by the Deputy Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Jas. G. Gayles to Harmony Lodge No. 2  to install  out of time would be lawful when same had been officially sanctioned by myself, and the fee of $2 for same covered into the treasury of the Grand Lodge.

Charity

This Grand Lodge is at a standstill as far as the dispensing of Grand Lodge charity is concerned. Some writer of the secret work has well said “Charity is one of the brightest jewels that adorns our profession.” The Grand Lodge is duty bound to relieve the necessities of the widows of our deceased brethren and their orphan children.  Men and Masons of the type of brethren like the lamented G. S. Bailey, J. Edward Hawkins, Jerry Flowers and Benj. J. Angelles and others who devoted years to the upbuilding of our work and this Grand Lodge, now that they are gone, we must do our duty fully and faithfully by those left behind. While I occupy this exalted station I am going to insist that something be done for the widows of the brethren that I have named, ‘ere the sceptre of power passes. I shall appoint a Committee on Charity who will undoubtedly act in accord with the sentiments expressed.

 Minutes Not Printed

Your 1912, 1913 and 1914 Minutes were not printed, because funds were not available. We must publish our proceedings. The craft is entitled to know what is being done, and to have a complete record of the transactions of their Grand Lodge.

Grand Lodge Land Situation

I earnestly hope that the Grand Lodge Trustees will solve the problem surrounding our Grand Lodge land. They are thoroughly advised with reference to same. I will gladly meet with them and put them in touch with all information in my possession. Same will be in their report for your information.

Recommendations

The Grand Master’s Adieu

My work of love, no matter how incomplete, is done. I have attempted to detail at length and as briefly as I could what your Grand Master has done.  Of the work in the jurisdiction.  To give you the benefit of my best judgment upon the requirements of your Grand Lodge. The plans for the trestle hoard, the designs of Ma­sonry, lie before you. I hope sincerely that you will trace them well, and build wisely for the future.

The happenings of our day are so varied, so full and crowd so fastly upon us, and are so fraught with import, that it needs cour­age anti skill to successfully cope with them. The building anti completion of the Panama Canal, which will bring teeming millions to our shores and thousands of Negroes to the great Northwest; the latest decision of our Supreme Court that puts renewed hope and encouragement into the race, and rescues them from serfdom at the Southland; the great war raging in Europe, and at our very door ‘in Mexico, will mean a readjustment, of the’ relationship of mankind, and possibly will change the map of Europe. Out of it all must come a better and brighter day for you and for me. I hope that we may be ready for increased responsibilities, and take advantage of every favorable opportunity. I must not forget to speak of the P.P.I.E., one of the marvelous expositions of the century which is being celebrated at San Francisco in honor of the completion of the Panama Canal. The things of which I have spoken are all indications, with the possible exception of war, of the way that the world is moving and progressing. We must keep step with that progress and be prepared for the larger and better citizenship that awaits us.

A Last Word

If I have done anything during my term to upbuild this insti­tution, I feel highly gratified that it is so. I have given you the best service of which I was and am capable. I hope that it may at least be said of me: “He was faithful.” Accept my sincere, heartfelt thanks for the honor—the very great honor—the great trust conferred, and believe me when I say I shall ever be grateful to recall that I am a Master Mason, was your servant and your Grand Master.

THOMAS E. SALTER,