Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-11-03
nAscM1c CONVENTION.

or John G. Fulton appointed Secretary.
Nj. w. Brother j. w. Saith, after briefly allu-
ding to the objects for which the Convention had
assembled, moved the following resolutions which
were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That this Convention views with
deep interest the subject OF the disposal OF the
GIenu Charity Fund under the control OF the
Grand Lodge Of Virginia, unwilling as we are to
that fund appropriated TO any other object than
the establishment of school for the education OF
the destitute orphans OF Master Masons.
Resolved, Tina, a Committee be appointed who
shall prepare by way oil report, to this Conven-
ZION, an address tc the various Lodges in our
State upon the subject Of the disposal OF the above
mentioned fund.
Brothers Smith, Lewis. Fulton, Beard, Carroll.
Webb and Peters, were appointed the committee
under the second resolution, who reported through
Brother Charles ii. Lewis, the following address,
which was unanimously adop,ed-and 200 copies
thereof, ordered to be printed for distribution.
To The Master. Wardens, and Brethren IF
Lodge, No.
this purpose, by Masonic Convention, held at
New Hope, on Saturday the 22d instant, send
Greeting:
Ii is known TO you, brethren, that in the year
1918, the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in accordance
with that most excellent tenet Of our profession
which enjoins upon us the relief OF the widow and
tho orphan, Instituted fund for this purpose,
which has up to this period been slowly though
steadily increasing. We believe it is neither de-
! MED doubted, that from the time of its crea-
Ton to comparatively recent date, the great body
of our fraternity in this Stale regarded the estab
lishment of school for the education Of the des-
titute orphans of Master MasoDs, the best and
surest means of carrying out the design OF the
founders Of this fund and that their contribu-
tons to it made under the influence Of the
belief, f not the positive assurance, that 1t would
be appropriated to this object. Certain it is that
our Grand Lodge at its annual communication in
1885, took this view of the subject, ard appointed
board of trustees, at the head of which was the
ilustrious and veGeraied Marshall, with full pow
ers to establish such school, Owing to some
untcward circumstances, the plan was frustrated,
and nothing has been done since that time towards
the definite investment of this fund. Though we
have found with surprise and regret that portion
OF our brethren are i'll favour OF disposng OF il in
other and different ways, we are glad TO believe
that large majority of the fraternity unwill-
ing 10 see il appropriated to any other than what
we have been accustomed 10 consider its legitimate
object. We believe too that the time for earnest
and efficient action has come-that delay is
dangerous 10 our long cherished scheme-und
that If we hope TO that scheme put into
successful operation must look TO the next
Grand Communication, where ii is to be hoped no
Lodge VIII be unrepresented. The available fund
now amounts to about $4,000, and it has been
clearly ascertained that tire contributions of phi
anhropic individuals who are anxious to see this
600; ample enough in our humble opinion to pur-
chase a farm and commence school, such as was
contemplated by the Grand Lodge of 1885. We
indulge the hope, dear brethren, that you e.
qually jealous with ourselves, and far more eff
cient in furlhering the success of this great mea-
sure; for it is surely for the success Of
which il behooves Us all to work. Our brethren
of Missouri and elsewhere, are turning their at
tention to benevolent establishments of this kind
and are cheered by the prospect OF perfect sue
cess; and shall we suffer them 10 outsrip us in
that noble rivalry of who shall best carry out the
benevolent principles of our ancient institution
! 1t seems 10 that respect to the memory of the
lastrious founders OF this fund, and justice to the
Of their daily toll, equally forbid us to- think Of ii.
verting 1T from what we have so louo looked for
| ward to as its final destination. Would II he i,
accordance with the cherished principles of our
order to abandon this scheme now unless il con
| be shown to be impraccable, or unless soma nm.
( qnestlonaby better way otnvestno the fund could
[ be pointed outl And who will undertake to shew
that the scheme is impracticable when we Rave
tlie authority OF such men as Marshall, Allen and
! Peyton. and host of others of VirUnja,s he.t
and wisest sons, for its practicabiity They
ooked upon as practicable, and nd opted it as the
! means oil conferring permanent blessing upon
our fraternity and our State. To expaiate in this
letter upon the capacities for high usefulness of
s"ch an institution when established on "A sure
! foundation, would be idle in the extreme: thew
| must be apparent to the comprehension of every
! one Tho chances at the subject. And what are
the schemes proposed as substitutes for the ere
we have adopted! Are they so much better that
| they warrant breach of good faith with the
living and the dead! 1t is proposed TO hoard this
treasure Tor the use of the Grand Lodge Are
not the contributions OF the subordinate LodUes
amply sufficient to defray the necessary expenses
OF the Grand Lodge! And could any committee
OF tEat veRerated body find out better way of
dispensing this treasure than to tighten the cares
OF The widow and administer to the wants of The
orphan! Others are in favour Of distribution of
Tire fund amongst the subordinate Lodges. Sun
pose such plan could be SO carried out as to dis
Pense even-!IaHdcd justice to the LODGES which
have contributed in notoriousy UNEQUAL pro-
portions to its increase, have we such assn
RANGES as to warrant the confidence that even a
majority Of them would husband their resources
wisely On the other hand is 1t not TO be great.
~ reared that by furnishing them with the means
we would offer them inducements 10 enter unon
system OF indulgence and extravaganza that
would tend to retard their good works and reflect
oisgrace upon cur institution? Is it to be even
hoPed' II such plan were adopted, that after thu,
idPse OF nan score OF years, vestige of the be-
nelits Of this fund would remain to reward the La
DOR OF more than quarter of century Another
Argument, and one which in opinions is con-
elusive against this propositions is to be found in
,he TACT Mat many of the Lodges which contr;-
ou'cd Literally 10 this fund, are now dormant, and
N Wonid be impossible to distribute the fund
WIhout great and manifest Injustice TO them.
FOR these and divers other considerations to
"h'ch we regret that our space prevents us from
auVertlng, we cannot forego the indulgence Of the
tN