M.W. E.H. HOLMES

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

The gavel was then turned over to Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master A. J. Braggs (6), who announced the next order of business would be the presentation of the Grand Master’s Address, whereupon the Most Worshipful Grand Master, E. H. Holmes (3), read his address as follows:

You ask me why I am a Mason, and I shall answer: Because I love its sublime principles; because it is the oldest and best secret order in the world. Its principles cannot be excelled. Its teachings are perfect. It has many imitators—none equal it.

Masonry has stood for centuries the embodiment of the best there is in man. Its moral laws are transcendently grand. Do not attempt to add to its scheme, its plan and harmony. You can not do it. That would be an innovation foredoomed to defeat. The wisdom of Solomon may have contrived its beauties; it would take a wiser than he to improve upon it. Upon this rock it stands. It has outlived every age: wars, pestilence, downfall of government, the destructive ravage and all devouring tooth of time has but increased its usefulness. The terrific assault of enemies has but increased its hold upon the affection of men.

Masonry has serenely gone on its errand of mercy, teaching brotherly love and affection, relieving distress, caring for its widows, educating its orphans. Its home is the world, its teach­ings in the heart of every noble man.

Masonry is the touchstone of nobility of character, unselfish­ness, charity, truth, self-sacrifice, love, heartfelt sympathy for the distressed and oppressed.

Masonry has been, is the bulwark of liberty. Liberty of speech, action, love of conscience.

Masonry demands in government the rule of the majority, the consent of the governed; of religion, that conscience must be the guide. France, Italy, Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary and other European states stand up and testify to the heroic patriotism, the inflexible valor, the unattainable attitude of Masons for the liberty of the people.  For separation of church and state.  Its victories are its glories.

Masonry never sleeps—unending its activities to make the world better. Count its slain and bleeding that have died to estab­lish its principles, and it makes bright the pages of history and leaves hope enthroned.

Masonry—my ancestors worshipped at your shrine, kept you alive in days lost in the misty and hoary past, and turned you over to their successors in all your pristine purity—without blotch or blemish. Now to think when your mantle has again fallen upon our shoulders that there should be those who rise up and call us clandestine! If it were not too absurd it would be laughable. You Masonry that knows no color, respects no wealth nor station nor earthly emoluments, that exacts service from humanity to humanity as your only toll. To think that you have been stigmatized by Un-thoughtful, narrow-minded men that we charitably regard as brethren who have had your beauties unfolded to them, but who will never grasp its requirements because they yet grope in the darkness, and in the night of hideous race prejudice.

Let us ask them in your name, Masonry, where were they when the plan of Masonry was first laid upon the tressle board? If they knew who were there?  If they were black or white men?  Where were they when the craft assembled at Jerusalem? And the foundation of the temple laid? When Amos let down his plumb line? And Bro. Pythagoras propounded his forty-seventh problem of Euclid? And Solomon, our first Grand Master, called the craft from refreshment to labor?

Masonry, where were they when the workmen assembled at Lebanon, and to hew the stones and cut the timber for the temple? Where were they when the chief pillars of the building—Wisdom, Strength and Beauty—were erected? Answer and tell us if you can why Solomon said “I am black and comely”? Answer if you can measure your wisdom with his? Tell us, please, if Solomon’s wisdom was to be despised, and his face black and comely, why you adopt the greatest system of morals ever devised, the creature of his brains?

Answer and tell us where the color line is to be found in the land marks or the secret work of Masonry? Answer and tell us if you are not made of the same clay—and go back to the same dust?  And stink like other dead? Answer, Masonry, and dare you deny that in turning your back on the black Masons if you haven’t’ perverted your faith; lied in your obligation; recre­ant and unfaithful to your trust and polluted the pure crystal stream of Masonry that flows from the very throne of God!

I’ll make haste and answer them about their charge of our being clandestine; I’ll tell them to read Egyptian love and the story of the ancients; to turn back the pages of history and read them understandingly. That a black race has nothing to be ashamed of. That it gave them their all in the arts of civilization and conferred upon them their greatest boon, their universal brotherhood of Masonry! I’ll tell them that we shall dispute their charge and call upon the sacred pages of the Bible to bear us witness.

I’ll tell them that Upton and Clark defied them and confounded them in this age, and that a Mother Grand Lodge gave us birth in old England, and that we are the legitimate offspring of that Mother who did not stoop to bastardy.

I’ll tell them that our Masonry teaches us to be charitable, and we love them because they are our brethren.

I’ll tell them that the Bible—our Great Light—teaches us to pray for those who despitefully use us, and that we shall leave their case with God! 

Brethren, we must not turn aside but press on with the ban­ner of Masonry as our shield; its lofty teachings as our guide.

State of the Craft

Prince Hall restored to us on this continent the Masonry that sin and degradation wrested from us on another hemisphere. Brought it back to the sons of Ham, and I ask, “Watchman, what of the hour?” From one end of the nation to the other let’s hear their reply. We love the brethren. Are practicing truth, brotherly love, and relief; also charity--though we are a little mixed on that; some of our schemes run to insurance and border upon inno­vations, but our chief officers—the mariners of our craft—are bringing us back to our ancient moorings of the Grand Lodge charity system. The true—the only—system that conforms to Masonry. 

The land is dotted with Masonic homes for the widows and orphans, and decayed brethren. And thousands of dollars are con­tributed for their more handsome relief.

In our jurisdiction the craft prospers, and the work of reliev­ing our worthy distressed has taken no backward step. My appeals for the relief of Bro. Scott Harris—a brother stricken blind—has met with the most generous response. Every lodge has done its duty well. Brethren we must do more, give more, work more. Build up a Grand Lodge Charity Fund that will enable us to assist our widows and orphans and worthy distressed brethren. We have learned to give liberally, systematically of our means except in isolated cases. As Masons we must give more and more and make our Masonry—our charity—a living reality.

Brethren, do not leave the widows, the orphans, poor old worn-out brethren to their fate. If they were true and trusty in the vigor of their manhood and gave freely of their means to the sup­port of Masonry, it is our duty after they are gone to assist, care for, and succor those left behind when the evil days come.

We must keep Masons out of the poorfarm, provide them with help. With food and raiment, and a roof for their shelter. Anything less is a crime, and proves us unworthy of being men and Masons.

The Mason who falls short of this deceives the dead, disap­points the living, makes Masonry a mockery, an unclean thing. Meaning nothing. What are our principles? Truth, brotherly love, relief. Write them high! Reach up to them! Live up to them!

Let’s see; you told your master you were induced to become a Master Mason so that you might “work and earn a master’s wages” —for what purpose? “To better enable me to support myself and family, contribute to the relief a worthy distressed brother, the widows and orphans.” That’s the point. Are you doing that? If you are not, you have failed.

Brethren of the Grand Lodge, this then is my plea, my story, my song: Let’s give more—do more—increase your Grand Lodge Charity Fund—live more, feel more for the widows and orphans. and decayed brethren. I am indeed gratified to advise you that the state of the craft in our jurisdiction is most excellent.

Upton Memorial

M.W. Bro. J. C. Logan, P. G. M., Chairman Upton Memorial Committee, will report to the Grand Lodge, with recommendations. I have been active and diligent to get this project on foot. Last September I went to the beautiful Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla and visited the grave of our great champion—the only Negro Grand Master that has ever visited this hallowed spot I un­covered. As I felt I was standing on holy ground, I strewed beau­tiful flowers on Upton’s grave and remembered the wife of his bosom and his son, who laid close beside him. On the 30th of May I again decorated Bro. Upton’s grave with a profusion of sweet flowers breathing an incense of the love and veneration in which his memory is held by Negro Masons of the world.

Brethren, let’s build a monument to the immortal Upton!

State of Nation

Grim war stalks abroad. The murderous Hun wreaking his vengeance and trying to subjugate others to do his will is still unconquered. Millions have gone down never to rise until the morn of resurrection. Yet the carnage continues. Blood has run in rivers to the sea. Let us pray that his hand will be stayed; that he will be defeated in his nefarious designs. The Negro youth of the land has responded to his country’s call and stands with bared breast to shot and shell.

Black and white are our countrymen, but race pride thrills us for our own. They will fight like their fathers fought—with face to the foe—asking and giving no quarter. What is our duty?  Those of us left behind must work, give, sacrifice and pray for them. Negro Masons must buy bonds, Liberty stamps and subscribe to all agencies of war and assist our women in their war enterprises. In short, make ourselves useful and a factor.

The Craft Returns to Everett—Some Things We Must Do

I love this city; its people; the brethren in Everett, who do nothing by halves. We are pleased to return. Let’s hold here a session of our Grand Lodge that will be memorable and go down in the annals of our history as one of the busiest and best.

Let our motto be “Just Business.” Frame and pass a good election law. Increase your revenues—the times demand it; every­thing has gone up. We have five more widows to assist; several orphans to look after; a worthy distressed brother stricken blind with a wife and five children. Those sightless orbs cannot look out upon this fair land; those hands, once industrious, and that mind and heart that sympathized; that pocketbook of his that flew open to the distressed when the evil days came not upon him, must be remembered and cared for in a manner that comports with the dig­nity of Masonry and loving brethren.

Listen to what Job says, in the 29th chapter, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th verses: “Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him the blessings of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy * * * I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame * * * I was a father to the poor, and the cause which I knew not I searched out.” Masons of Washington, let those excellent precepts be our example. We, too, must cause the widow’s heart to sing with joy. We must deliver from want, hunger and privation the fatherless of our order and be a father to the worthy distressed Master Mason, the widow and orphan.

How We Should Conduct Our Business

Let the Committees on Grievances and Appeals, Jurisprudence, Finance get right down to business. Lay before the Grand Lodge reports and recommendations speedily, so we can take intelligent action. Let’s be orderly, concise, intelligent. Introduce your new laws without delay. Let them be referred to the proper committees without debate.

We Mourn for Loved Ones Dead

Death has stalked ruthlessly through the jurisdiction and cut down in the vigor of their manhood five loving brethren. Their sun has set. They have run life’s race and been gathered to the Fathers. Again I shall refer to Job. Hear him ask: “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hireling? Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down. He fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing his days are deter­mined, the number of his months are with thee; thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.” These are the most sublime truths regarding life and death in the English language. “And if a man die shall he live again?” We are given the most comforting assurances that if we shall serve the true and living God that we shall not only live again but dwell with Him and His heavenly host forevermore.

Brethren, when Bro. Eli Purl of Guiding Star Lodge No. 6, Yakima; Boston Holman and James Golden of Harmony Lodge No.. 2, Seattle; F. L. Wilson of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, Spokane, and Roy Phelps of G. S. Bailey Lodge U. D., Pendleton, surren­dered to the grim reaper Death, five good men and true fell before an implacable, invincible foe. We mourn their loss. It is my orders that the Committee on Obituary prepare suitable condolences and resolutions of our lamented dead; that a Lodge of Sorrow be held to their memory at the hour of 11 A. M. tomorrow.

Official Acts—”The Bogus Masons Situation”

I determined to run down the “Bogus Mason” situation during my term as Grand Master so that you might know how the matter stands. A swindling liar and thief who posed as their Grand Master had intercepted their Grand Lodge Charity Fund, broken into the mail, cashed the money orders and appropriated it to his own use. His high-handed actions had led indirectly to the so-called deputy that he sent to Pasco being shot to death—as a result their house, built upon the sand, toppled and fell. Today it has fallen so low that there is none to do it reverence. At Pasco they threatened to put their Grand in jail if he ever dared to come there again.  At Seattle, Everett and Kennydale the same story. Men “bilked” out of their money have turned in disgust and denounced roundly the scoundrels guilty of this grand larceny. These vultures may be expected to prey upon weak and ignorant men as long as there is a chance to separate their victims from their easy money.

Your Grand Master is not an exponent of physical violence; nevertheless he believes in its efficacy, when it comes to dealing with this class of monstrosities, who go forth seeking whom they may devour; peddling their bastardly brand of secret work, mislabeled Masonry, to cripples, sports, young men in non-age, old men in their dotage, pimps and macks and other vile wretches who should be in the penitentiary at Walla Walla.

Past Grand Secretary Turns Over Records

Upon demand, Bro. G. N. White, Past Grand Secretary, very graciously turned over records, books, typewriter, etc., while I was in Portland, belonging to the Grand Lodge, last September. The Grand Secretary will advise the shape he found them in.

The W. D. Allen Case

I went into Enterprise Lodge in September last and took up the case of Bro. W. D. Allen, which has been hanging fire for four years. Enterprise Lodge had been ordered by the Grand Lodge to grant Bro. Allen a demit, but had resisted and refused to do so upon the ground that this brother was not entitled to a demit until several equitable and brotherly things embraced in the comity and proprieties of Masonry had been done. Bro. Allen came to the lodge; the matter was gone into at length. The fact established that Bro. Allen was guilty of un-Masonic conduct on account of some rude, unbrotherly language made in heat of passion and di­rected at the craft in Enterprise Lodge. The attitude of the lodge was entirely brotherly. They offered to accept an apology from Bro. Allen even in this language: “That if I did say the things you claim I said, I am sorry and apologize.” Bro. Allen positively re­fused; was stubborn and unreasonable. Having exhausted every effort, I excused Bro. Allen.

Your Grand Master feels that Bro. Allen’s rights and priv­ileges as a Mason have been safeguarded in every particular and recommends that his appeal from the decision of Enterprise Lodge, denying him his demit, be dismissed.

Why the Minutes Have Not Been Printed

The Grand Secretary will tell you why the minutes have not been printed. I have urged upon him to do his best to get them ready for the press. I am sure it was not his fault nor mine that we have been unable to print them. He will explain.

Organization of Lodges Under Dispensation

Upon the petition of seven Master Masons residing at Pendle­ton, Ore., and the approval of Enterprise Lodge No. 1, at Portland, being the nearest lodge to Pendleton, upon November 11, 1917, I organized G. S. Bailey Lodge U. D., with 18 members. I was ably assisted by M. W. Bro. J. C. Logan, P. G. M., and my District Deputy Grand Master for Oregon, and Bro. Frank DeHart of Enter­prise Lodge No. 1, at Portland, Ore.

This lodge was named in honor of that Grand old man of Masonry, Gideon S. Bailey, our first Grand Lecturer, and one of the organizers of our Grand Lodge, and one of the petitioners that raised the question of the legitimacy of our Masonry and caused the great Upton to investigate our Masonic status, and his Grand Lodge to recognize us as legitimate Masons.

I appointed as Worshipful Master, Bro. H. M. Hobson; as S. W., Bro. Ernest Allen; as J. W., Bro. Geo. Hooker. This lodge is composed of intelligent, progressive, true and trusty men of our race. I have kept in constant touch with them, visited them often, and I feel proud of them. I recommend that a charter be granted them.

On May 3rd, 1918, upon petition of seven Master Masons, I organized at Lewistown, Montana, William Henry Upton Lodge under dispensation. I appointed Bro. Hartzelle Ball, W. M.; Bro. Max Reed, S. W.; Bro. G. Hamilton, J. W. These brethren seem­ingly taking inspiration from him for whom they were named are indeed worthy of all praise and give promise of being one of the best lodges in the jurisdiction. I ask the Committee on Charters and New Lodges, and all that has to do with the organization of lodges and granting of charters, to consider well their request to be granted a charter at this session.

Grand Masters Step Up

On January 1st, 1918, I was appointed Superintendent of Identification of Criminals and Record Clerk at the Washington State Penitentiary at Walla Walla by the Honorable Ernest Lister, Governor of the State of Washington. The letters of congratula­tion and hearty words of praise that I received from the Masons of my jurisdiction and others I shall ever prize. Especially do I thank publicly the brethren of Enterprise Lodge No. 1 for the vote of that craft in sending congratulations. My old friends and breth­ren, M. W. Bro. J. C. Logan, P. G. M.; M. W. Bro. J. W. Payne, P. G. M.; M. W. Bro. Jas. E. Shepperson, P. G. M.; M. W. Bro. J. T. Simms, P. G. M., and Robert E. Crump, W. M., and the brethren of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 at Spokane, to which I belong, who tendered me a reception. The other brethren were warm in their praise and hearty congratulations.

The Claiborne Case

I very greatly regret to advise the craft that Bro. O. D. Claiborne, a Master Mason with membership in Pioneer Lodge No. 1, St. Paul, Minn., and Grand Patron, O. E. S., State of Washington and Jurisdiction, was suspended from the rights and privileges of Masonry May 1st, 1918, by Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, at Spokane, for a period of one year. The charges being un-Masonic conduct, based upon two specifications, viz.: That Bro. Claiborne denounced the Grand Master and charged him maliciously with unlawful con­duct, and assailed and defamed the Grand Master’s integrity.

Personally the Grand Master did not care for this denunciation, for he was not conscious of having done anything to justify such malicious attack, but he was concerned that the high office and station that he occupied was being defamed, made a football and target for the abuse of Bro. Claiborne, and the Grand Master felt that this was intolerable and that the office should be protected from assault and aspersion. The Grand Master’s office has never been dishonored in our jurisdiction by the recipient of it having so far forgotten him­self as to be guilty of the very reprehensible conduct that I will not dignify by naming, and of which Bro. Claiborne accused. My effort has been toward dignifying the exalted station and keeping it above reproach.

Bro. Claiborne, emboldened by his denunciation of the Grand Master, went a step further and boldly challenged the Masons of Inland Empire and of this jurisdiction by issuing an interdiction against the Masons of Inland Empire who were members of the sister branch of the O. E. S., and of Evergreen Chapter, O. E. S., at Spokane, and tiled the doors of chapters in the jurisdiction against them.

Bro. Charles Carter, a Master Mason of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 at Spokane, in good standing, and his wife, both members of Evergreen Chapter, O. E. S., at Spokane, were denied the right of visitation in Olympia Chapter, O. E. S., at Tacoma by express orders of Bro. Claiborne.

The Masons at Spokane would not tolerate this situation. They believed in protecting the rights and privileges of their members at all hazards. They preferred charges against Bro. Claiborne; had him stand to the award of the brethren, and convicted him on two counts, fixing the penalty at six months’ suspension upon each count, or a total of one year.

I was present at the trial. Every requirement of the law was faithfully observed. Bro. Claiborne’s rights were safeguarded by Bro. Crump, W. M., who presided at the trial. As this case has been appealed, I shall content myself with this brief outline and when it reaches the Committee on Grievances and Appeals we shall go into it at length.

Case of Rev. William Gailyard

I was called to Pendleton May 21st to settle grievances and confusion in the craft. I found after a most painstaking and careful examination that the situation was serious. So much so that I rather reluctantly permitted the craft in G. S. Bailey Lodge U. D., with the Grand Master presiding, to try Bro. Gailyard for unmasonic conduct. He was convicted and suspended from the rights and privileges of Masonry for one year from date thereof. Bro. Gailyard gave notice of appeal and, without prejudicing his case, it will be found, I think, that he was shown every brotherly consideration and that his offense was heinous and unmasonic.

New Lodges

If the Grand Master shall say that the field is ripe for the harvest and spread of Masonry among the worthy and deserving men of our race in our immediate vicinity I hope he will be understood as meaning that we must use every energy to see that this is done. Without particularizing I wish to say that all in around and about us are fertile fields. Send out the reapers and gleaners, brethren. The fields are ripe.

Our Noble Brotherhood

I have elsewhere referred to the generous response I received to my appeal in behalf of Bro. Scott C. Harris. I would he un­grateful should I fail to mention the brethren in Enterprise Lodge No. 1, Harmony Lodge No. 2, Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, Cassia Lodge No. 5, Guiding Star Lodge No. 6, Cascade Lodge No. 8, Evergreen Lodge No. 9, G. S. Bailey Lodge U. D., who responded nobly to Bro. Harris’ relief and are still sending him substantial tokens of their brotherly love. God bless our noble brotherhood

who in time of stress and misfortune stand shoulder to shoulder, nor count dollars and cents but give freely of their means to show their brotherly love and affection.

Of Grand Representatives and My Activities

On May 17th I submitted the name of my true and trusty Pro. Robert E. Crump, W. M., of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, Spokane, as Grand Representative near the Grand East of California, to Bro. T.A. Harris, Grand Master of Masons, in place of R. W. Bro. F. L. Wilson, deceased. In due course Bro. Harris confirmed this appointment and caused a commission to issue in favor of Bro. Grump. I submitted the name of my skillful and well beloved Bro. J A. Hall, W. M., of Guiding Star Lodge No. 6, Yakima, as Grand Representative of New Jersey, and M. W. Bro. E. L. Mosely, Grand Master of Masons, confirmed the same and sent his commission to Bro. Hall.  Likewise I submitted the nomination of Bro. Scott Harris, P. M., Evergreen Lodge No. 7, Everett, as Grand Representa­tive for Virginia, and M. W. Bro. Wilson F. Foreman, Grand Master of Masons, confirmed same and sent Bro. Harris a commission. I was glad to cement in brotherly love and affection the mutual in­terests of these ancient crafts.

Grand Master Mosely accredited Bro. C. L. Bassett, P. M., of his jurisdiction as our Grand Representative and I authorized my Grand Secretary to issue Bro. Bassett a commission.  Grand Master Mosely submitted for my approval the name of P. G. M. Walter Cladding as our Grand Representative for New Jersey, and I was gratified to approve it.  My Grand Secretary struck a commission in favor of Bro. Galdding and same was forwarded in due course.

I may state in passing that I have sent fraternal greetings to several Grand Lodge on the eve of their annual communication, felicitating and congratulating them upon their usefulness and the many years they have worked and wrought in Masonry. I have also kept in constant touch with the lodges and officers of my jurisdiction; gone into the jurisdiction of every lodge in the jurisdiction since I have been Grand Master, some of them several times; without expense to them and with profit and joy to myself.  

I felt it incumbent upon the Grand Master to keep you fully advise as to what  was transpiring  n the jurisdiction and I wanted to know first hand as to how you prospered, of your  hopes, your aims and ambitions.  I have been the recipient of every courtesy, for which I thank the brethren heartily.  My chairmen of Standing Committees--M.W. Bro. J. E. Shepperson, P.G.M, of the Finance Committee; M, W. Bro. J. W. Payne, of Jurisprudence Committee; M.W. J.C. Logan, P. G. M, of the Committee on Grievance and Appeals; my faithful Deputy Grand Master, A.J. Braggs, and my splendid Grand Secretary, R.W. Bro. T. H. Jefferson, have been a tower of strength to me.  Nor must I fail in mentioning my faithful District Deputy Grand Masters; in fact Masters and Secretaries of lodges, and all that have contributed to make my work pleasant and performed cheerfully and faithfully every duty.

I shall not enumerate further of my official activities. You know of them. They are an open book and a matter of record.  Let them stand or fall upon their merits.

Finance of Grand Lodge 

The finance of the Grand Lodge is excellent in proportion to our numbers.  Not a cent has been spent from your treasury by your Grand Master for office or traveling expenses.  I have made this sacrifice that you might prosper and that the Grand Lodge finances reach a maximum of strength. The report of the Grand Secretary will discuss this matter at length.

Decisions

The Masonic Code is your guide. There you will find the law.  have rendered several decisions upon what was regarded as per­plexing questions by some of our Masters of lodges:

1.         I decided that a one-eyed man was eligible for the degrees of Masonry. If the sight of the remaining eye was unimpaired.

2.         I refused to permit a lodge to E. P. & R. at the same com­munication for the obvious reasons that it was unlawful, and not compatible with the plan and harmony of our Masonry.

3.         I presided in a lodge after having temporarily displaced the W. M.

4.         I decided that the life of a dispensation was exactly for the period under its provisions. A candidate who had not been raised was entitled to become beneficiary of its provisions. That a dis­pensation to reduce the fee meant that and nothing more. That every other law and its terms must be faithfully observed in re­gard to E. P. & R. candidates.

5.         I required G. S. Bailey Lodge U. D. to enter, pass and raise a so-called Mason made in a “bogus Mason Lodge” and charged him full fee, as that brand of Masonry was nauseating and a stench in the nostrils of true and trusty Masons.

Visitations

I have before mentioned having been in the jurisdiction of all of our particular lodges. In addition I have visited, inspected the work in G. S. Galley Lodge U. D., William Henry Upton Lodge U. D., Guiding Star No. 6, at Yakima.

I found these crafts prospering, new members being inducted; the Ark of the Covenant in safe hands, all true and trusty.

Before I take up my recommendations I want to discuss with you some ambitious plans—bold, but I hope timely. Ambitions— yes, but I hope entirely proper and feasible.

Plans of Co-operation for the Trestle Board

Brethren, I want to draw this design for you for the trestle board of Masonry. I want you to consider it. Let it be ever, and be discussed in the body of the craft. Next year let us go up to the Grand Lodge and settle it. For fifteen years we have main­tained a Grand Lodge in this jurisdiction;

during that time we have buried our dead, relieved the necessities of our widows as much as we are capable of doing under the circumstances and our laws.

We have bought regalia, supplied the Grand Secretary’s office with proper records, paid our debts. What else have we accom­plished? NOTHING!

The Grand Master is now scolding you. According to the de­signs laid out on the tressle board we have done excellently well. “When we were children we acted as children, but when we are men we must put childish things away.”

Brethren, we must start today to build for the future. The first thing we must do is to acquire property and own our own lodge buildings. How are we going to do it?  By co-operation.

We must put our business men to the front—trust them—give them the money and grow independent and wealthy. HOW?

Though we are small in numbers a tax of $3 per capita each year will place in the hands of a Building Committee a sufficient sum of money to buy a lot in all of the smaller towns, the title to be in the name of your Grand Lodge. In the larger cities we could devote say $500 to lodges with a larger membership incumbent upon them raising the balance to purchase a suitable lot. In less than ten years every lodge in our jurisdiction would own its own property. Then, or perhaps before that period, we could embark upon the proposition of building. This is a case of the many helping the few, and vice versa, and as it redounds to our credit it would belong to us. We would all share and share alike. There need be no jeal­ousy or misunderstanding as your committee and your Grand Lodge ‘would work out the plan and submit it to the Grand Lodge for approval.

I don’t know what you think about it, but I wish you would empower me to enter negotiations with the trustees of Enterprise Lodge and to effect a settlement of our land matters. I have learned to know these brethren better since I have been their Grand Master and I have altered my opinion entirely of them. Some things we have said and done I feel that we should all be heartily ashamed of—that belongs to the past; let’s wipe the slate clean and figure anew. The spirit of cooperation is abroad, breth­ren. It has made gigantic strides in Europe and made its societies rich, self-respecting, powerful.

Masonry leads. Our coffers must be filled. Our energy, asleep, must be aroused. We love Masonry. We should be willing to pay our just proportion cheerfully and ungrudgingly for the perpetuity of its principles. To dignify and honor it. It has brought into our lives a richness, a lustre, a sense of responsibility and righteous­ness and dignity that cannot be equaled nor surpassed by any human agency.

Recommendations

Status of Grand Patron

Has a constituent body of the Masonic family erected and organized through our aid and consent the right to elect as one of its chief officers a brother who is not identified with the craft in our jurisdiction and holds this membership elsewhere? Especially one whose chief concern seems to be to block the progress of our jurisdiction, and say to our wives, our daughters, and female rela­tives, “You shall not identify yourself with Washington; you must fly your flag and standard under another jurisdiction because I say so.” Is this not a pertinent question for the Masons of Wash­ington to inquire into?

In Conclusion

Brethren, let us exclaim with the Psalmist “Remember’ me, O Lord, with the favor that thou bearest unto thy people; O visit me with thy salvation.”

I have told the story. The year’s work is done. I return to you like a traveler from a long journey to tell you the tale of my experiences. I have left much unsaid. Perhaps I have said things that should have been left unsaid. There was much to do. I have tried to do some things well. I believe in building up. Rebuilding the walls of the temple like Nehemiah. I have tried to strengthen the ties of brotherly love and affection so that they may burn brightly in your heart and mine, and to inculcate the true principles of Masonry deeply, so that they will stand for something—mean something. To my successor I shall leave the designs that are unfinished. I thank you gratefully for the trust that you reposed in me, for your uniform courtesy and support.

Masonry is a never-ending institution: It goes on forever. The Masonry that I know I learned at the feet of the fathers in this jurisdiction. From you who have been friend and brother for a generation. I want to say such associations are sweet and form the happiest chapter of my life. May God bless you and the noble work you are doing.

May I conclude by reciting just this one exquisite sentiment that runs the gamut of human experience and expresses the greatest ‘of all faith and hope—one that fits your case and mine: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful work to the children of men.”

Fraternally yours,

E. H. HOLMES,