M. W. J.W. PAYNE

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Brethren, Greetings:

With the passing of years our Grand Lodge is growing in influence, in numbers and in importance. Thus far we have been successful in doing well or, at least, satis­factorily, the things that have come to our hands. It is a matter of gratification that this is true. We have come a long way in the nine years of our existence. Ours, to a large extent, have been the experiences of the average Grand Lodge that are wroughting in Masonry. We have had our ups and downs, our joys and dis­appointments, but through it all we have kept our faces front and our feet in the road to progress, observing as well as we know how the ancient customs and usages of the craft. Sometimes it pays to take a retrospective view and looking backward note the height we have attained. History, to be of any value, must be true and accurate.

My readings have taught me that very few organizations, at their inception, were free from discord, envy and strife. It was not my pleasure to be present at the organization of this Grand Lodge.  Much to my regret.  But oft’ have I heard recounted like an inspired story, from the lips of those present, who dwelt upon those fateful days with fond recollections, of the surpassingly important events that transpired. They related with enthusiasm the hopes, the aims and the ambitions of the actors in that stirring drama. It is fascinating indeed to hear them recount the determination, the energy and tenacity of purpose displayed by some of the actors. M.W. J.E. Hawkins, who has just gone to his reward, was one of the leading lights. It may be well said of him and Bro. G.S. Bailey, our first Grand Lecturer that they belonged to the constructive period of Masonry in this far Northwestern country.

Strong men met in Seattle in 1903 to launch the old craft upon what proved to be rather tempestuous seas of Masonry. Grim and determined, with the love of Masonry pulsating warmly in their hearts, they had no idea other than the time was ripe, the occasion propitious. There were no dissenting opinions as to the necessity of a Grand Lodge. Questions affecting the methods and “modus-operandi” to be pursued early cropped out. Many of these brethren were wise and cunning in the statecraft and jurispru­dence of Masonry; few, if any, ever had experience in organizing a Grand Lodge and play for advantage in the selecting of “temporary officers” early manifested itself. Division crept into the convention assembled as to who should head the craft. New and perplexing problems arose hourly.  Bro. J. C. Logan and Bro. Jas E. Shepperson—both now our honored Past Grand Masters, strong men and brothers, intellectual giants, learned in the laws of Ma­sonry—.-faced each other upon the “field of forensic” effort and parliamentary practices. The struggle was titanic. Thus the rivalry displayed sharpened their wits and made them ready, for the fray. These brethren and others gave and took and from it evolved the Grand Lodge of Washington, officered and manned by members of our race, whom we revere, All honor to the brave men and brethren who made the gallant fight, making it possible to obtain the main result for which they so zealously labored.

At that time we had four lodges in the jurisdiction, with a membership of 119.  Today we have seven lodges on our register, with one “defunct” lodge (Compass No. 4) and two consolidated Washington and Trinity), which would give us nine under ordinary circumstances.  We have 180 members.  At this time the value of lodge property was practically nothing; today it is $3,200 in the lodge treasuries (no funds of any consequence).  At this time we have, according to our last annual returns $1,000 cash in the treasuries of the lodges. Then for several years struggling for recognition, with our territory invaded and besetments of a harassing and annoying nature within and from with­out, but today recognized and sustaining the most friendly relations with all, with scarcely a ripple upon the surface to cause friction or discord. Is this not a happy epoch?  Is this not a theme upon which to contemplate with rejoicing and thanksgiving?

Happy, harmonious and prosperous, living life’s fitful day with an approv­ing conscience in the fear of God, faithfully “wroughting in Ma­sonry.” It is indeed a subject that is pleasing and a matter for congratulation that we have come thus far and done so well.

When elected Grand Master at Everett under most happy and gratifying circumstances. I felt deeply a sense of gratitude that only deeds and not words must testify. I say the occasion was auspicious, doubtly so to me, for I was the first of your Grand Lodge officers to come from the South to the East under our law and receive the highest gift and honor in your power to bestow— that of Grand Master of Masons. I am proud of that record.  I thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve you.

Of the greatness of the office and station of Grand Master I had preconceived ideas, which to this day I cherish and never sur­render. A “halo of glory” surrounds it. For years unnumbered, either at the head of the Grand Lodge or of some particular craft the Grand Master has presided. Noblemen have graced it; the greatest men on earth have aspired to reach it. Its tremendous importance lies in the power it affords to do good. I am not of that school of Grand Masters that think “the king can do no wrong,” for I am of the opinion that in our day, at least, that the constitution both limits and defines the line beyond which the Grand Master should not attempt to go. The Grand Master can find sufficient field for his talents in the display of good judgment and the execution of the law of Masonry during his term of office. To him is entrusted “the Arc of the Covenant within which is deposited the tables of law.” If he shall see to it that the law is executed and that none depart there from he shall have fairly well performed the duties for which the craft selected him,

I desire to advance the proposition that no Grand Master is above the constitution and law of his Grand Lodge.  In emergent cases he should use his best judgment where “regulations and law” do not control and act as he thinks the craft would were they assembled. He should not conceive the idea that because he is the Grand Master he can go as far as he likes. The so-called “inherent rights of the Grand Master” are not popular with me. The Grand Lodge alone can make new regulations. If I could find any rep­utable authority to sustain the contention’ that the Grand Master may assume such authority I would yield to the claim. But, except “Mackey,” whom I consider both unreliable and uncritical, I can find no support to bolster up the contention: “That the Grand Master can make new regulations.” That in its last analysis is what the so-called “inherent powers of the Grand Master” amount to. According to that school, where there is no law the Grand Master can make law, falling back upon his “ancient prerogatives,” which is another name for “usurpation of power.” If the Grand Master is required to act, I reiterate, let it be with discretion and modulation in cases of emergency, about like he thinks his craft would act if assembled. He is then using well the “discretionary powers” that the Grand Lodge has endowed him for the period of one year.

My reason for reciting this dissertation upon the “powers of the Grand Master” is for the benefit of those who shall come after me.  Jurisdictional questions have taken so much of our time in the past that we have neglected in annual addresses to touch upon these great questions affecting the policy and the attitude of the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master toward them.

Should we “nip in the bud,” so to speak, any attempt at assumption, to use a moderate term, on the part of the Grand Master to overstep the constitution and law we shall build well. The craft will be insured against invasion upon their rights and be what it always has been—the very center of union and har­mony, upon which the Grand Lodge is erected. If the Grand Lodge adopts this attitude, I predict that never in the history of our institution will the story be told of “an invasion of the rights of lodges” by the Grand Master and the unlawful dispensing with the laws or the non-essential granting of dispensations for frivolous purposes, never contemplated in our masonry.

Brethren, I think that I should amplify and make myself clear with reference to any objections to Mackey. Now, when Mackey makes the preposterous claim that “one of the landmarks is that no Negro can be made a Master Mason” he stamped himself a bigot and thoroughly prejudiced writer. Mackey sought to brand you and I with the stigma of slavery, which once enthralled our fathers. The late lamented Wendell Phillips, reliable scholar and author, said in an oration that shall live until men shall be no more “That all races of men at some period or other have been slaves. The white, the black and yellow alike,” Yet this biased and prejudiced jurist would have us believe that the word “Free” as contained in the “ancient lore of Masonry” applies only to us as a people, seemingly forgetting that the Grand Lodge of England (The Mother Grand Lodge) struck that objectionable word from its records many years ago.

If it meant literally what Mackey imputed to It, how could a Jew become a Mason? Or an Englishman?  Or an American? They or their immediate ances­tors all felt the blighting hand of serfdom. But. I assail Bro. Mackey upon another and higher ground.

His researches into Masonic facts and history were in fact no research at all. What he did not know he assumed. Verifying nothing, he claimed everything. Spreading the pernicious doctrine of “States Rights” in Masonry, he helped to fasten upon the econ­omy of our Masonry an abortion in the shape of State limits for Masonry as far as jurisdiction is concerned. He applied the term “American Doctrine,” thus prescribing its boundaries and to a great extent circumscribing and limiting its usefulness in this country. His statements added confusion and many white Masons verily be­lieve that all Negro Lodges are “clandestine.”

True, Upton exploded many absurd theories and upset many of Mackey’s dogmatic arguments. Despite these facts the error is deep-rooted and it will take another generation to correct the evil Mackey did.  Be it remembered that thousands of white Masons in this country are not “Reading Masons,” and the leaders of Masonic thought among them have never taken any too kindly to Upton’s “Negro Masonry” and say as little about it as they can. Thus a false idea has permeated the “bone and fibre” of their Masonry, conveying the thought that there is something radically different between our Masonry and theirs. There may be to the extent that ours is the best, because ours is literally “stripped of taint and cloud in its origin.” The close student of Masonry is compelled to admit that many irregularities are attendant upon theirs. There­fore I advise you, my craft, to eschew Mackey and stand for your own code. It is the best extant. “Ancient Craft Masonry” as practiced by the fathers who pursued their labors without regard to color or creed is contained therein. Mackey has tried to raise a doubt as to our legitimacy to cause us to apologize for our existence.

I am of the opinion that the Grand Master, like the Master of a lodge, should give “good and wholesome instructions for their labors.  ”Hence I dwell at this time upon plans for the “Trestle Board” that otherwise I would eschew. I wish to discuss briefly some of the many evils that confront the craft in our jurisdiction and that, to my mind, has become a cancerous growth upon the body Masonic. I refer to the disastrous and appalling loss of membership in our lodges through the agency of “dropping mem­bers for non-payment of dues.” Brethren, we must face this prob­lem bravely and strive to find the remedy. The country is full of these derelicts. Thousands of them good men, who have been thrown into the “rubbish heap of the temple” because they could not and would not meet the excessive demands put upon them. I believe it a fact that many brethren who have gone into Masonry would have remained out had they known of the increasing finan­cial obligations imposed. I say the last advisedly. In the aggregate the imposition that we exact seems small, but the increasing demands for this and that counts. Assessments are levied for funeral expenses, entertainments. Insurance, for this thing and other things, which together with annual dues and lodge dues affect the incomes of many brethren in a way they can not meet. Especially if these brethren have large families and are building homes. When they do not pay they are “dropped.” Many never return. And for the rest of their lives are tossed about in “the Masonic world,” beaten “from pillar to post,” with no Masonic home they can call their own.

This was never contemplated in our Masonry.  No Mason worthy the name wishes to escape his just obligations to the craft, but, are they always “just obligations”? If not, we should not be so drastic in applying ruthless hands of destruction. I know but one remedy that will simplify this situation. That is’ to own your own lodge property and make the same self-supporting. Then you can do away with the burdensome requirements that are sapping the vitality and the very life-blood of our “ancient institution.”

I wish to enlarge upon this idea. What I mean with reference to lodges becoming self-sustaining is this: If they own their halls, and ground the property can be made a paying proposition. When rent is “cut out,” as also other expenses that consume the funds of our institution are eliminated, we can minimize dues and assess­ments very largely. This is the ideal situation. Let us begin now to purchase land for such purposes. Though we are compelled to go “out” considerable distances, remember that the “phenomenal growth” of our cities make it only a matter of a short time before we shall be “close in.”

 Grand Lodge a Deliberative Body

I wish to impress upon my craft that a Grand Lodge is a great deliberative body. We meet for the purpose of inspecting the work and to deliberate upon ways and means to obtain the best results. Wholesome legislation and correction of abuses in Masonry—if there be any—also engage our attention. In a Grand Lodge of Master Masons the majority rules and we should make up our minds to that fact. While I am Grand Master that prin­ciple shall be firmly established. Nor shall it be said that: “De­bate is circumscribed and the free expression of the brethren’s will throttled.” You shall have an opportunity to speak your minds, so that the “work will not be hindered.” I do not mean to infer that debate must degenerate into a farce, or be abused. At all times I shall look to the brethren to express their views with a reasonable brevity and thoroughness and give them the satisfac­tion of being heard and all sides of a question presented. I shall permit no interruptions. “Points of order” are confusing and oft-times obstructive and detrimental to the best interests of the craft.

Visitations

I am happy to advise that I have visited all the crafts in the jurisdiction, beginning at Spokane, where I found everything en­tirely lovely in Inland Empire No. 3, and ending at Portland with Enterprise No. 1, where the brethren are still pursuing their labors in a manner that reflects credit and are bringing splendid result.

On April 30 I began my annual visitation to lodges. When I reached Spokane on the above date Bro. C. Ross, the faithful and proficient Master of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, and my Grand Secretary, Bro. E. H. Holmes, with Bro. Robert E. Crump, a Past Master, awaited me.

This reception committee extended to me a most cordial welcome. I was taken to the home of the Grand Secretary and his sister, Mrs. C. J. Flowers,” wife of our deceased and lamented Grand Senior Deacon, Bro. Jerry Flowers. They showed me every possible courtesy during my stay in Spokane.

Alarming reports had reached me from time to time of condi­tions that, to say the least, were discouraging and unsatisfactory in Inland Empire No. 3. If they were to be believed discord, in-harmony and demoralization prevailed in the craft. Such news were both painful and well-nigh unbelievable, when it is recalled that the brethren in this particular lodge are among the most loyal and devoted craftsmen in the jurisdiction. I made immediate and searching inquiry of the brethren the day I arrived in Spo­kane and was gratified to find that the reports were baseless and without merit. I went into Inland Empire Lodge that evening; the craft was peacefully working in the Third degree of Masonry, “raising three candidates.” I assisted my Grand Lecturer, Bro. F.A. Stokes, to confer the M\M\ degree upon Bros. Henry Lathnen, Roland R. Lawrence and P.F. Powell, as fine looking “young craftsmen” as you would want to meet. I was greatly impressed with the proficiency of our Grand Lecturer as also of my “true and trusty” District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Everett Petway. They disdained the use of rituals and would not allow one in the lodge room.

I found this craft dwelling together in peace and harmony, meeting all the obligations of the Grand Lodge and Masonry promptly. Their treasury was small, owing to the death of three members during this year and the further fact of their contribut­ing to the relief of the widow and orphans of one of their craftsmen. Much credit is due Bro. Crockett Ross, the Master, for the harmonious condition existing, and to Bro. Petway, my D\D\G\M\, who has been assisting Bro. Ross in his efforts. I found that there had been several acquisitions to this craft and that several “petitions for membership” were in the hands of their committee of investigation.

Receptions galore were accorded me while in Spokane. I vis­ited at the home of Bro. Frank L. Wilson and his charming wife as their guest over night. I found them cozily ensconced in one of the prettiest and most attractive homes in the city. Everything was done for my comfort that human ingenuity could suggest. The next day I was the recipient of a luncheon at the hands of Bro. Wilson at the University Club, of which he is the very effi­cient steward. Bro. Wilson is our Past Grand Treasurer.

Bro. Robert E. Crump and good wife royally entertained your Grand Master at their splendid home with one of the best dinners that I have eaten in many a day. They were so gracious and kindly disposed that I felt loth to leave that home of prosperity and cheer.

My District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. E. Petway, and his good wife received me at their home with every evidence of pleasure and sincere welcome, for which I was very grateful. Bro. J.H. Vincent, a member of my own lodge (Enterprise No. 1), residing in Spokane, insisted that I should come to the home over which he and his dear wife presided jointly the following day and bring along my Grand Secretary. I found awaiting us one of those appetizing repasts that excite the “gastric juices” of the stomach and whets the appetite. Mrs. Vincent knows how to entertain and how to prepare for a Grand Master and his chief-of-staff. The agreeable company present lent an additional hour of pleasure to a well-cooked and much enjoyed dinner. The Grand Lecturer, Bro. Stokes, and his wife insisted I should accept their hospitality while in Spokane. So I accepted their invitation to dine with them. Mrs. Stokes had prepared a lovely dinner, which was both appetiz­ing and satisfying to “the inner man.” After we had finished our meal I looked about Bro. Stokes’ lovely and discovered that he had not only a home but a location of which any one might with justifiable pride feel proud of. The lovely, spacious velvety lawn, the house furnishings, the musical instruments attested the air of refinement that pervaded their home. Afterward I attended a session of the “Business Men’s League,” of which Bro. Stokes is president and which, I am glad to say, is doing a great work. I had the pleasure of addressing the many fine representatives of the business men of Spokane, complimenting them for their industry and well directed efforts.  Sergeant and Mrs. Huston, U.S.A., retired, were host and hostess and excelled in this par­ticular. I enjoyed myself in Spokane; well pleased with conditions as I found them in Inland Empire Lodge No. 3.

I must not conclude my report of visitation to Inland Empire without calling attention to the able seconds put over by my Grand Secretary. I was treated with such courtesy and hospitality that it almost became a question of physical endurance. Whenever I wavered, Bro. Holmes came nobly to my rescue. When I could not eat, he seemed in the best of appetite; between the two of us we managed to give satisfaction and do justice to the many friends who had gone to the trouble and expense to prepare for us.

I visited Guiding Star Lodge No. 6 May 3. My inspection of the work at this point—North Yakima, where the Grand Lodge is now in session—convinces me that we made no mistake in our decision. I found them making preparations for and very enthusi­astic about the coming of the invited brethren who would invade their city early in July. I was met at the depot by Bro. A. J. Braggs, Past Master of the lodge; Bro. Jos. T. Simms, Grand Senior Warden; Bro. W.L. Perkins, Grand Junior Deacon, and others whom I do not now recall. I was taken to the home of Bro. A.J. Braggs, whose guest I was during my stay in the city. From a valley of sand “and waste places,” the country in which North Yakima the metropolis peacefully rests, I found that “irri­gation” had converted it into a veritable paradise. The best part of it all is that our people are enjoying to a very large extent the “prosperity” that has come to this section. The apples and hops that are grown in this valley have become famous the world over.

Bro. Garfield Taylor, the Master of the lodge, I found to be a diligent, faithful and devoted craftsman. These brethren guard well their treasury and husband their resources—a commendable and praiseworthy practice. Things seem to go more smoothly, more satisfaction in all lodges and business enterprises when the treasury is full and being safeguarded. Erroneous information had been given this craft with reference to my “special assessment.” They listened with interest to the explanation I gave them as to the purpose and intent of the same. They seemed satisfied and have since paid their assessment. I am proud of this little craft and the faithfulness of its officers and members.

On Saturday evening, May 4, I visited Roslyn and the brethren of Cascade Lodge No. 8. But, the occupation and scattered resi­dence of the brethren made it inconvenient for me to meet the craft. I, however, went over the situation with Bro. M. P. Echols, the W\M\and inspected the books and records. I was not entirely satisfied with the manner in which they were being kept and made several recommendations regarding the same. I found a disposition to contend with the Grand Master relative to the special assessment that had been levied. Your Grand Master was forced to announce that the assessment must be paid without further delay. They have since forwarded their assessment to the Grand Treasurer.  Bro. Echols appears to be a good Master and should have the support of the craft, without which a Master can not hope for success.

Bro. Past Grand Master Shepperson met me at Cle Elem Junction and carried me to Roslyn in an “auto.” While in the “little mountain city” I was entertained by Bro. Echols and lovely family. They made the occasion a pleasant one and gave me a dinner that I shall long remember. It was nip and tuck between Bro. Shepperson and myself on occasion as to who could inflict the most damage to the tempting meal before us. Bro. Shepperson finally “distanced me” and I conceded that I was fairly beaten. Bros. Echols and Shepperson showed me the city by moonlight. I had seen it by daylight. I was delighted to find that there is an array of cultured and intellectual people in Roslyn. I greatly enjoyed my short stay there and thank the brethren for courtesies shown. I was carried back to Cle Elem by Bro. Shepperson in time to catch the train for Seattle next morning.

On May 10, accompanied by my true and trusted Deputy, Bro. Henry J. Asberry, Past Grand Master, who consented to take up the work that Bro. W. L. Goldsborough had long and faithfully superintended, we visited Harmony Lodge No. 2, Seattle. Condi­tions in this craft are not satisfactory and had it not been that I want to give the young Master a chance to redeem himself I would have felt it incumbent upon me to have “arrested his jewel of office.” The secretary did not come to the lodge, notwithstanding I had long in advance apprised Bro. Fort, the Master, of my com­ing. He had made no efforts seemingly to have the records present for my inspection, nor had he apprised the craft of my special assessment levied in March, giving as an excuse “that he had put the notice in his pocket and had forgotten it,” which I very reluctantly accepted. I was compelled to explain in detail to the craft just what the assessment was for, as also the negligence of the Master. Such slothful and bunglesome work should not be tolerated. Seattle is the most important point in the State of Washington. I have always thought that if the affairs of Masonry were in proper hands, of brethren interested, lovers of Masonry, that a great work could be done there. Better not have any craft at all than to have this sort of thing. Later they wrote me asking for more time in the payment of the assessment. I am somewhat “put out” with this craft. They have “come up lame” too much to suit me. The consolidated lodges have never paid the indebtedness to the Grand Lodge. They have not paid the Grand Lodge charity dues for two years. They have treated with indifference the “mandates of the Grand Lodge” to pay Bakeman & Co., undertakers at Snohomish, the bill due for the care of a deceased Brother of former Washington Lodge No. 2.  As Grand Master in charge, desirous of seeing the work carried on, I feel that this lodge should have a thorough investigation of its affairs; then if the Grand Lodge is not satisfied with the situation in Harmony No. 2 I should resort to stringent measures. We have given them every­thing they have asked for; despite this fact, they treat with con­tempt seemingly an edict of the Grand Master. I realize that I am not helpless in the premises, but as it was so near time for the Grand Lodge to sit I preferred to await our assembling before taking drastic action. I lectured them severely and hope it will do them good for days to come.

On May the 7th I visited Cassia Lodge No. 5, the home of Past Grand Master Henry J. Asberry. As was to be expected, Most Worshipful Brother Asberry by precept and example is sur­rounded by as faithful a little band of craftsmen as are to be found in the jurisdiction. Though small in number they are meet­ing promptly the just demands of the Grand Lodge. Bro. Graves, the Worshipful Master, is a hard worker, painstaking, and a lover of the craft. If we had a few more like unto him the work would go forward by leaps and bounds. Bro. Asberry was my host. That he proved himself worthy of the name, that his wife, a very accomplished and charming lady, was an ideal hostess would be “putting it but mildly.” Cassia Lodge requires the endorsement of a score of its officers upon each check issued, a practice not by any means condemned. Because it is an augury of carefulness and a protection of the funds of the institution.

On May the 10th I met the brethren who compose Evergreen Lodge No. 9 in a secure place of meeting (they being unable to use their hall). I went over the ground very thoroughly with them and made minute inspection of their work and found they were yet striving and building in Masonry in a manner comporting to the dignity and requirements of our “ancient institution.”

They spread for me a feast which was greatly enjoyed. I listened with rapt attention as the craftsmen present, in speeches dwelt upon the plans and economy of our Masonry. I marveled that this young craft had made such gigantic strides in two short years.

Bro. Scott C. Harris has an excellent and superior craft; his officers impressed me with their earnestness and zeal. I wish to thank Bros. Harris, Guy, Morton and others as also my Grand Junior Warden R.:.W.:. Bro. N. Solomon, for the generous hospitality accorded me while in their midst.

I went into Enterprise Lodge No. 1, June 17th, to make my annual visit and inspect the work. The craft is in a most excellent condition. They have a splendid treasury, peace and harmony pre­vails, their books were in fine shape. Worshipful Brother Ed W. Rutherford is a “hustler” in Masonry and deserves great credit for the high state of proficiency and excellency this craft has attained.

Let us again admonish the craft of the desirability of a good treasury. It is the life’s blood of any institution—its fortress and mainstay. This craft of which I am so proud—my own—has an excellent bank account, owns 20 acres of land in fee simple at Winlock, Lewis County, Washington. They have acquired a burial plot that will accommodate their dead. So, when life’s fitful battles and toils shall have ended the weary Master Mason may rest his burden, be gathered unto the Father of all and sleep among his brethren.

This lodge has felt the kindly influence, the good offices and fatherly advices of Past Grand Master Logan for many years. Had it not been for him and the firm resolve of the craft to follow his instructions it is very probable that we would be where many other lodges are—-”nowhere, doing nothing.” Because of this fact, we are proud to say that our lodge (1 say. “our” with justifiable pride) is in the lead. The craft is also proficient in the “secret work.” They have met every obligation imposed upon them, cheerfully and promptly, and I wish to thank them for their encouragement and the splendid example they have set.

Petition for Dispensation

A sufficient number of brethren residing at Vancouver, British Columbia, early in the year petitioned me for a “dispensation” to organize a lodge at that point. They being in territory organized by brethren of the other race, I felt it my duty to take the matter up with them and see if they felt that my granting the dispensation would be an invasion of their jurisdiction. I wrote Grand Secretary DeWolff Smith, New Westminster, B. C., regarding the matter. He assured me that, should those brethren petition his Grand Master, the petition would receive courteous consideration. While on my “tour” I visited Vancouver to investigate and found the situation merely an “embryo,” and that Grand Master Temoah of Massachusetts had further complicated matters by advising them that Ontario would have to be reckoned with before a lodge could be legally organized in Vancouver. British Columbia is open, unorganized territory, so far as a Grand Lodge of our people is concerned. Just why the Grand Master of Masons for the M\W\ Prince Hall Grand Lodge—the fountain head of Negro Masonry for America—should make such absurd claims surpasses our knowl­edge, The Grand Lodge of Ontario has no more rights in British Columbia than we have in Alaska, or the M\W\ Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has in New Hampshire.  I would suggest to the able Grand Master of Massachusetts that he “sharpen up a bit” as regards Grand Lodge organizations and “territorial rights.” I explained the situation to the brethren and left them. I later received a petition from Bro. Sam McCoy at Victoria regarding a lodge at that point in British Columbia, but before I could take any action I found that Bro. McCoy had left for other parts.

Restored

I restored M\W\ Bro. J. Edward Hawkins, P. G. M., to the “rights anti privileges of Masonry” and ordered his name enrolled in Harmony Lodge No. 2, upon my own initiative.  Being satisfied his days were numbered and that, “rightfully or wrongfully,” he would never comply to the mandates of the Grand Lodge regarding his case.  I did not wish to have him die out of Masonry. I assumed the responsibility that such an act would entail, set aside your man­date, ordered the craft at Seattle to restore him, as set forth above.

Death’s Heavy Hand

Death has laid its heavy hand upon our jurisdiction the last year and taken from our midst R\W\ Bro. W. L. Goldsborough, Grand Lecturer, who laid down life’s burden Nov. 16, 1911. A. L. 5911. Bro. Goldsborough was of that type we designate splen­did.” He was an eminent Mason, a loving husband and father. His passing away is sincerely lamented.

March 21st, 1912, A. L. 5912, M\W\ Bro. J. Edward Haw­kins breathed his last and went to join “the silent majority.” Bro. Hawkins was First Grand Secretary, twice D\G\M\ and elected Grand Master in 1908. His services to Masonry can not be accurately measured in our day. He belonged to the “con­structive period—the mighty builders, that laid deep and broad and solidly, the foundation upon which our structure rests.”

R\W\ Bro. B. F. Plater, stricken last spring, passed over May 24th, 1912, to “that bourne from whence no traveler returns.” Bro. Plater was Grand Pursuivant; twice he served most accept­ably on the Finance Committee, At our last annual communica­tion G. M. Asberry appointed him Grand Tyler, in which position he rendered faithful service.

Bro. Goldsborough was given the honors that comports to the dignity of the station and the eminence he had reached in Masonry. M.W. H.J. H. Asberry, Cassia Lodge, and visiting brethren from Seattle, Everett, Spokane and Portland participated at the funeral of our Grand Lecturer. After Masonry had paid its last sad tribute, the remains of Bro. Goldsborough were cremated.

Bro. Plater was laid to rest at Everett, surrounded by brethren and friends of his lodge. Evergreen Lodge No, 9 “consigned his body” to its last resting place in accord with our solemn burial ceremony.

A Regrettable Incident

I am loath to lay before my craft details of the failure of my District Deputy, R.:. W.:. James G. Gayles, and the Worshipful Master John L. Fort of Harmony Lodge No. 2, Seattle, in connec­tion with the funeral of M.:. W.:. Bro. J. Edward Hawkins, P,:. G.:. M.:. Being unable to attend the funeral I appointed M\W\ John C. Logan, P\G\ M\ (long a personal friend and admirer of Bro. Hawkins) as my proxy, to act in my stead and name on that solemn occasion, I having taken the precaution to wire Bro. Gayles to obtain a suitable place to assemble the craft on the morning of the funeral and to have all in readiness so there might be no hitch. Whether my instructions were studiously ignored, or designedly avoided, I perhaps shall never know. Suffice it to say, that my Deputy failed me and the craft assembling on the morning of the funeral were forced to stand around in the cold and wait for hours before Bro. Logan could open a Grand Lodge and issue his instructions and plans regarding the funeral. When at last the craft reached the undertaking parlors, greatly delayed through the failure of Bros. Gayles and Fort to have everything in readiness, the craft were compelled to undergo the humiliation of surrendering the “remains” of Bro. Hawkins, our Past Grand Master, to another organization and to follow in a procession thus constituted. I regret that Bro. Logan allowed my craft to participate in any such arrangements. Masonry views with disfavor the surrender of its “sacred dead” to another and is jealous of its rights. It must control in such an solemn occasion or, withdraw.

The excuse of Bros. Gayles and Fort, that they rented the lodge room to others, does not find ready acceptance. The Grand Lodge ‘should make searching inquiry into the matter, which is both regrettable and greatly to be deplored.

Fraternal Relations

I wish to lay before this ancient craft results of my efforts to arrive at some amicable settlement of the aggravating condi­tions existing at Portland, in re. “Invasion of Jurisdiction.”

As soon as I had reached my home after the Grand Lodge bad closed in Everett, I instructed my chairman on Foreign Correspond­ence, R\W\ Bro. E.H. Holmes, to renew his efforts and send me for my official approval all correspondence pertaining to the matter and touching the questions of “Invasion of Jurisdiction” upon the part of Euclid Lodge No. 47 under the M\W\ Grand Lodge of Missouri, located at Portland, Ore. This my chairman did and after acquainting myself more thoroughly with the situa­tion and reviewing the correspondence as regards the case we were then ready to proceed.

Fortune favored us. Bro. Holmes wrote me early in August that one of the brilliant young craftsmen of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 contemplated an early visit to Missouri and would reach Kansas City in time to be present at the Forty-fifth annual com­munication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri August 9th, 10th, 11th, A. L. 5911. And the further fact that a former Grand Lodge officer of ours residing at that time in Independence, Missouri (Rev. Bro. J.B. Beckham, P\G\ Chaplain), would also represent us at the Forty-fifth annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri if requested.

I thereupon commissioned these two craftsmen of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 to act for us in presenting our grievance to the Grand Lodge of Mis­souri, thinking this would be preferable to more correspondence, we having done that so often heretofore without success. I then issued commissions and letters of complaint to the Grand Lodge of Missouri in annual communication.

I regret to advise that the two brethren whom I appointed, after having given me their solemn promises to attend the Grand Lodge of Missouri, for reasons that I regard as entirely frivolous, failed to attend. Keen as was my disappointment, I had the satis­faction of knowing that my communication reached the craft at Sedalia, for I was informed by Bro. Crawford that he sent them directly to the Grand Master, M\W\ Bro. R. T. Coles.  However they met the same fate as the others—neither acknowledg­ment nor attention. Later a distressing incident was to bring the two Grand Lodges closer together than they had ever been— that of the “bogus Masonry” being fostered at Portland, Missouri finding common grounds with us in repelling the vile imposters who were in Portland, enacting the horrors and butchery in Ma­sonry mentioned elsewhere. I invited Grand Master Coles to be present with us at this our annual communication, and information that I have received leads me to believe that he will be with us, a matter which I know will cause general rejoicing and gratification. 

Early in May I commissioned Bro. Charles E. Patterson, Secretary of Harmony Lodge No. 2 at Seattle, now residing in California, to visit the Grand Lodge of California, held in June, and lay before that ancient craft a communication that I sent them regarding “bogus Masons” that they had forced to leave California, asking them to co-operate with us in the effort to “make it too hot” on the Pacific slope for those scoundrels. I have the very great pleasure of laying before you the results of my efforts in that connection. I might say, regarding the communication in question, that I proposed that the brethren in California have introduced in the State Legislature of California, Arizona and Nevada stringent laws and to use their best influences to see them “put on the statute books” making it a felony for doing “irregular and bogus work.”

It affords me great pleasure to say that we are enjoying the most pleasant and harmonious fraternal relations with (the excep­tions noted) all our Sister Grand Lodges in this country. Not a ripple on the sea, not a wave of discontent anywhere.

I want to congratulate the Grand Lodge in having at the helm such an able Chairman on Foreign Correspondence as Bro. E.H. Holmes, who has risen to the occasion and defended the Grand Lodge ably regarding the publication of the unfortunate “Crawley affair” mentioned in our 1909 proceedings, something for which several Grand Lodges “took us to teak,” not. having a knowledge of our position in the matter and the necessity of the Grand Lodge’s action.

A Fight With Bogus Mason

Brethren, I regret that I have to advise that “peddlers of spurious and bogus Masonry” have invaded our jurisdiction at Portland. I have fought them consistently without a “letup” since the 17th day of last August, when I was apprised that they were on the ground. I intend to wage a relentless, unceasing, uncom­promising warfare against them as long as there is “hair or hide left of the varmints.” I recommend here in this connection that there be no compromise, no stop, no rest until this “bunch of cowans” (as scoundrely an aggregation as ever harassed men and Masons) are PUT OUT OF BUSINESS.

Past Grand Master J.C. Logan advised me that these villains were operating in our jurisdiction at Portland just as I was leaving the city late in August. I authorized Bro. Logan to “file com­plaint against them and have them looked up.” This he did and on my return these “hoodlums” were safely tucked away in jail. When the case came on for trial in the Municipal Court we were gratified to receive a favorable decision. An appeal to the Circuit Court did not end so satisfactorily. Through some flaw or tech­nicality in the credentials of one of our witnesses the case against these wretches failed and they were dismissed. I wish to call the attention of the craft to the fact that Bro. R.T. Coles of Missouri has stood valiantly by us in this struggle for decency in our Ma­sonry, to uphold its regularity. Bro. Coles is the Grand Master of Missouri and his Grand Lodge has borne one-half of all expenses incurred. Euclid Lodge No, 47, Portland, under Missouri jurisdiction, responded in no uncertain manner. (Doctor) Bro. J. A. Merriam, the very efficient Master of the craft, has been on the “firing line” in the thickest of the fray.

That the records might be clear, I wish to give in detail this important matter: The names of “these monstrosities” are A.W. Machack and John Mathews. They were thrown into jail, a very rude experience for men who call themselves Masons. The case was first tried August 23rd, 1911. Went to the Circuit Court on an appeal on March 22nd, 1912. In the Circuit Court the indictment was held faulty. The case was immediately taken to the grand jury, who found a new bill. On June 22nd, 1912, owing to defects mentioned in the foregoing, these infamous wretches escaped the just punishment to which they are liable under the laws of Oregon. The laws are very stringent for this species of crime and it is to be regretted that our case was not made invincible, I hope that the Grand Lodge will never rest until these “reptiles” are destroyed. Our attorney was the Hon. McCant Stewart. The fight cost us in money $125. Every dollar is as good an investment as the Grand Lodge will ever make. The name of the “bogus lodge” is Rose City No. 1, under the M. W. King Solomon Grand Lodge of Missouri.

I was advised by P.G. Senior Warden C. C. Crawley that these wretches had written him to know what could be done toward establishing a bogus lodge at Everett. Bro. Crawley replied “that there was a good chance for them to get in jail.” Since then he has heard nothing from them. They wrote one of our craftsmen at Roslyn that they wanted to invade our jurisdiction at that point. The matter, I am sure, was attended to by Past Grand Master Jas. E. Shepperson. I am sure, should they hit that little burg, they would think that they had “stirred up a hornet’s nest” by the time Bro. Shepperson and his followers had done with them.

Official Acts

 I waived jurisdiction over petitioners for the degrees of Ma­sonry, formerly members belonging to an Army Lodge at Fort Bliss, Texas. This was done in answer to a respectful request sent me by M\W\ Bro. R. T. Coles, Grand Master of Missouri, The brethren in question are located at Fort George Wright and Fort Lawton, Washington, respectively. I afterward received a letter from Grand Master Coles thanking me very warmly for my good offices and in response to my invitation said he hoped to be with us at this session of our Grand Lodge.

In March I received a request from Harmony Lodge for my letter of “dispensation” to lay a “cornerstone” for the A.M.E. Church in Seattle. As dispensations abridge laws I of course did not grant them for any such purpose, it being entirely lawful to lay cornerstones. Either the Grand Master or his proxy may do so, I told the brethren.

I have had several exchanges of letters with Grand Secretary W.A. DeWolf Smith of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia regarding the organization of a lodge at Vancouver, mentioned else­where. Bro. Smith is an “Eminent Mason” and gave me to under­stand that if a petition from the brethren, irrespective of color, reached his Grand Master it would receive courteous attention. I did not want those brethren to think that we would invade their jurisdiction without first “raising the question” with them as to what would be their attitude toward a respectful petition coming to them from members of our race.

Upon the receipt of intelligence of the death of Bro. Goldsborough I ordered that the lodges in our jurisdiction be in mourning for a period of sixty days.

In December I appointed R\W\ F. A. Stokes Grand Lecturer in the stead of Bro. Goldsborough.

Decisions

 I decided that it was both appropriate and proper for particular lodges to “celebrate the festival of St. John,” that if they failed to so do they were remiss in their duty.

I decided that a man wearing “a truss” was eligible to receive the Three Symbolic Degrees of Masonry.

I decided that, after a petitioner for the Degrees of Masonry had been elected, an objection would “act as an estoppel” to his being inducted into our fraternity.

I granted my letter of dispensation to Cassia Lodge No. 5 to “pass and raise” a candidate. My reason being that the brother in question lives a great distance from the lodge and could not attend regularly. I will state here that I am bitterly opposed to “railroading men into the secret work.”

I granted Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 dispensation to shorten the interval passing to the succeeding degree. I was very careful to warn the brethren that in this case the candidate must be given at least one week between degrees; that I would strictly hold the Master responsible for the carrying out of my orders. It was rep­resented to me that the young man in question was a resident of British Columbia and that he was in Spokane at great sacrifice and must hasten back to his duties that were very urgent. But, I am opposed to that sort of thing on general principles.

I decided that a petition signed by a number of brethren in Evergreen Lodge, Everett, could not be regarded under our law with any degree of favors I refused their request. The case was:

A petitioner for the degrees of Masonry twice rejected in the lodge was thought by a majority of the brethren “timber fitted for the builders’ use.” At the time of the second rejection a petition was circulated in the lodge, requesting me to remove the disability on the ground that the brother who “fouled the ballot” was actu­ated by improper motives (inasmuch as there had been some open warfare between the wives of the craftsman and the petitioner). I refused to order a re-ballot and told the craftsmen that a peti­tioner for the degrees of Masonry in lodges in this jurisdiction would have to abide by the decision rendered by the ballot. I did not like the attitude of the brethren who circulated the petition on the night of the rejection, it seems for the avowed purpose of “smoking out” the craftsman who threw the “clouded ballot.” The ballot is a safeguard and should not be used to vent “personal grievances.” On the other hand, neither should it be necessary for a member to be called upon to explain his reasons for the rights vouchsafed him as a Master Mason.

I forbade the Worshipful Master of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3 to reduce, or allow his craft to lift 10 days from a “definite sus­pension” of a brother who had been so sentenced for a period of 30 days for un-Masonic conduct. This case reached me on appeal from my true and trusted District Deputy R\W\ Bro. Everett Petway and my Grand Secretary, Bro. E.H. Holmes, both members of Inland Empire Lodge, who also stated that they had vigorously protested against the interpretation of the law by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Crockett Ross, contending that “a definite suspension expired by limitation and that a ballot on the question of reducing the suspension should not be had by A SHOW OF HANDS. Ross, the W. M., ruled that a vote must be taken ‘by a show of hands,” thus forcing members to disclose their ballot, which was both delicate and important.

All papers in connection with this case may be found in the Grand Master’s file. I wish to call attention to the fact that under our law the Grand Master has the right to forbid an act that is unlawful. I was positive that the position of Bro. Ross was such, especially when it is remembered that the suspension in question was imposed at one communication of the lodge and reduced at next following, on the flimsy pretext “the services of the brother who was the beneficiary of this abridgement of law were required at a Fourth of July picnic.”

I decided that Inland Empire Lodge should not be permitted to move their meeting place from a hall on Riverside avenue to an­other place that I regarded insecure. Later, being advised that the craft was in distress to some extent, that exorbitant rents were being charged them that they were trying to escape, that they would properly safeguard their place of meeting, I recalled my order. I impressed upon them that they must proceed at once and secure an absolutely safe place for the craft to meet.

Grand Lodge Land

The Board of Trustees will lay before you their annual report. We have contracted to purchase 20 acres of land in Lewis County, Washington, for $400 at 8% interest per annum. We paid $100 cash on the principal and $12 account of this year’s interest. We now owe the second installment of $100, which is due and payable July 8th, 1912. Some misunderstanding has arisen regarding the contract and the terms of our agreement with Enterprise Lodge No. 1. It has been alleged that the timber is being taken from the land. It would appear that the Grand Lodge, if the foregoing is correct, had made a very unwise bargain. But such is not the case. We are getting the same kind of a contract that Enterprise Lodge got, viz., that all standing timber is to be cut and removed in a certain period of time by the former owner. It would have been better had this been understood by the brethren last year. But the committee that handled the matter was supposed to know, for sev­eral were in possession of these facts, although nothing was said with reference to this matter. I will say that all the land in that particular vicinity contains this proviso in the contract. We shall have all the young timber that we shall need and enough cordwood for all immediate use.

Case of E.T. Asberry

Rev. Bro. E.T. Asberry, Past Grand Lecturer, who was “indefinitely suspended from the rights and privileges of Masonry” last year, has not returned to the jurisdiction. He was notified by Bro. Holmes of the action of the Grand Lodge but made no defense. I received a letter from him, threatening to sue the Grand Lodge for a huge sum of money if he was not immediately restored. I forwarded his letter to my Grand Secretary, who later advised me that Bro. Asberry had written a brother in the jurisdiction asking him to obtain his (Asberry’s) demit and to have it “back dated,” so that he might visit lodges in the jurisdiction of North Carolina, where he was then located. This, it is true, was not done but our Grand Secretary did advise the craft in North Carolina to be on the lookout for Bro. Asberry for he was an “impostor.” Their reply was that they would give him a warm reception should he show up. Our Fast Grand Lecturer, I fear is not what he should be. And I earnestly urge that the Grand Lodge take such actions in this matter to bring the case to an end. It is humiliating and a matter of regret that this unfortunate incident ever occurred.

Finance

The finances of the Grand Lodge have been practically depleted. This has been brought about by the large expenditure of money that we were forced to appropriate to “fight bogus Masons at Portland,” Never before in our history has a situation like this confronted us, and I was required to meet it resolutely and determinedly, and while it is true we were temporarily embarrassed still we must make the good fight when the occasion arises and depend upon a faithful craft to fill the breech. You have never failed to respond to our appeal. I had to levy special assessment of $1.50 per capita in March, to meet this and other requirements of the Grand Lodge, including payment of an installment on our minutes. All the lodges have responded except Harmony No. 2. It behooves us to devise ways and means to meet our increasing demands, until conditions become more tranquil and demands less exacting. We shall have to pay on our land and for our 1910~’11 minutes, a balance of $203, $100 already being paid. I have ad­vanced certain sums of money which will appear in the report of the Grand Secretary, detailed to a great length, which more com­prehensively set forth the financial status of our Grand Lodge.

Vacancies in Elective Offices

Because of the failure of the Grand Lodge to elect a Deputy Grand Master at Everett last year, the craft has been without such an officer. I met Bro. Ryan while in Spokane and he expressed no regrets as to his inability to be present, nor did he offer any apologies for the indifference that he assumed.  Our law is very clear. In the event of the death of the Grand Master the Deputy Grand Master succeeds to the duties of Grand Master and in the event of the disability of the Deputy Grand Master the Senior Grand Warden assumes the duties of Grand Master, and so on down the line. It would have been far better from every standpoint to have the stations of the elective offices filled, yet the Grand Lodge is the sole judge of the peculiar situation that con­fronted them at Everett and no doubt acted as they thought for the best interests of the craft.

Charity

I am gratified that the $25 you appropriated to the relief of Sister Bailey has been paid, She appeared very grateful for this evidence of your love and esteem, it is a pleasing fact, to be not only willing but able to in this manner assist one who is the widow of our first Grand Lecturer, beloved of the brethren, R\W\ Bro. S.S. Bailey.

I have received several communications from Sister Jones, wife of a deceased craftsman late of Seattle. I placed these appeals before Harmony Lodge No. 2, with instructions to make investiga­tion and take care of the same.

Recommendations

 I urge upon my craft the advisability of increasing Grand Lodge dues and Past Masters dues to sums that will be commen­surate to the pressing demands.

I recommend to the Grand Lodge the necessity of going thoroughly into the question of Grand Lecturer and “secret work.” This is an important department in Masonry and has not been filled to our satisfaction for several years, True, I appointed Bro. F.A. Stokes as successor to Bro. Goldsborough (deceased), Grand Lecturer. But his personal affairs have been of such nature that he could not give to this department of our Grand Lodge the attention necessary to bring it up to the standard that we had hoped, and of which he is capable.  We need Grand Lecturers that are capable to exemplify the work. We should not stop until we find them of that calibre.  After being qualified, they must be willing to devote proper time to lecturing the jurisdiction. He should know some­thing of the history, the jurisprudence and esotery of Masonry. I would suggest that the Grand Lodge consider the advisability of a Grand Lecturer and an assistant, the one on the East and the other on the West Side of the Cascade Mountains.

The additional fact that the “bogus Masons” who have been operating in and around Portland, having come into the State of Washington and set up a “lodge” at Vancouver, Washington, impels me to the belief that we shall have to strain every energy and exert every effort to head them off and rid our jurisdiction of them. The situation is serious and alarming, especially when we consider the “specimens of misfits and scallawags” that they are inducting into the arts and mysteries of Masonry. One-armed, one-legged, one-eyed and knock-kneed men, ill bred, uncouth monstrosities that are repulsive and an outrage to every sense of decency are being scattered broadcast in and around Portland. If we are to protect our Masonry we must wage a relentless war against these “crooks.” We should have a fund large enough to meet the requirements, so not to hamper the prosecution of these offenders and not be com­pelled to await the returns from “special assessments,” which, to say the least, are slow and unsatisfactory.

I am of the opinion that a “special assessment” of $5 per capita, payable in 30 days, will not be amiss. There is still pending an obligation in connection with the fight on the “bogus Masons” at Portland, an item of $35 attorney’s fee. The craft I hope will appreciate the seriousness of the matter and respond to a man, in upholding the law of the land as well as that of our order, for both are being rudely ignored and defied by these “ruffians and scoundrels, in the past we have been compelled ‘to draw on our Grand Lodge Charity Fund and appropriate the money to other purposes of the Grand Lodge. This is not good business, nor have we the right to do so, out under the peculiar circumstances there was no other recourse left to us. Pursuant to these facts I recommend that the “Charity Fund” be NOT drawn on, except for charitable purposes and in payment on Grand Lodge land.

In Conclusion

Brethren, let me say with the poet and inspired writer:

“All are Architects of fate,

Working in these walls of time;

Some with massive deeds and great,

Some with ornaments of rhyme.

Nothing useless is, or low;

Each thing in its place is best;

And what seems but idle show

Strengthens and supports the rest.

For the structure that we raise

Time is with material filled;

Our to days and yesterdays

Are the blocks with which we build.”

The work of one year now lies before you. There is much more I wish that I could have accomplished. What I have done I have tried to do well. I kept in mind the laws of Masonry as my guide, the ancient customs and usages as my inspiration. I want to thank, individually and collectively, those who so materially assisted me in the work. The office of Grand Master affords great opportunities for doing good and it has been my endeavor to ad­minister your affairs with an eye single to that specific purpose. I love Masonry, I love the brethren; I bespeak for my successor the same loyal support, the same devotion to duty that you have shown during my term of office.

That prosperity and success ever attend our Grand Lodge is my fondest hope. God bless you, my brethren, and may He ever keep you. Good-bye. But not fare-the-well, for I expect to be with you as long as life lasts.

I am sincerely and fraternally yours,

J.  W. PAYNE,