The Arkansas banner., 1850-09-03
fFsr shs Banusr.1
To my Masonic Brethseu In the state Of
 Arkamsass

kof ths hamm0F.I
 To my Masonic nrethssu In the state Of
 ATkamsass
 Bgahrea: ii known to all Of you, that the Grand Lodge of the State of Arkansas meets In tbs city of Little Rock, on the first Monday of November next for the transaction of all buslsess connected with the interests of Masonry in this State. as well as all important questions concerning Masonry h general.
 Al the mestIsg ia November next. t Is supposed e far as we are advised, that questions important in their nature, will be presented to the Grand Lodge for its disposal It is deemed proper, under these circumstances, to anticipate far as may be possible the general business at the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, and present 1t now to the Masonic frateFniy in order that the subordi nate Lodges can take IL Into consideration prior to themeeting of the Grand Lodge and instruct their representatives In regard to such measures as they should approve or reject; and what course they should pursue In relation 10 aIbmeasures that may be presented for the action of the Grand Lodge By this means, 1t Is believed that the recommenda- tions of the Grand Lodge will receive prompt and energetic support from all the subordinate Lodges In the State; and that there will result harmOni ous action upon all matters tending to promote the general prosperity and usefulness of the Masonic fraternity.
 Tue first measure requiring the action of the Grand Lodge Is the propriety and necessity of erecting suitable Masonic buildings in the city of Little Rock. It requires no argument to demOn- strate the necessity of this measure. In this m. dertaking Western Star Lodge No. 2, and Union Chapter No. 2 will unite. We would further sug- gest the propriety of uniting with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, or rather of inviting that highly respectable and useful order of men to unite with us in the erection of the contemplated build ing. which could be made abundantly large for the accommodation of both Orders, as we'll as the Lodge and Chapter before referred to; and might be, in our opinion, a means of strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual fellow wship that should always exist between two great benevolent brotherhoods, having in view the same object, de- string to accomplish the same end, the imp'Ov ment and ameliOratiOn of the condition of mankind. Brethren, the building of this house is the bunness of the Grand Lodge; our limits in this address will not permit us to indulge in any specnlatons or
 
 present the matter for your consideration, the fur ther prosecution of it will devOlve upon such com m'ttee as in your wisdom you may .see proper to appoint.
 The next measure, in our opinion, coming pro- pery before the Grand Lodge for it's action, is the prOpriety of employing a Grand Lecturer for the Masonic Order in Arkansas. The necessity of uniform system of Masonic work is apparent to every one and tha,:this can be best accomplished through the instrumentality of Grand Lecturer is equally manifest We believe it will generally be admitted that great inconsistencies and errors have crept into onr Masonic Lodges in several portions of the State that they have been sanctioned by custom and long usage. until tt is with rerance the older members of our fraternity will relnquish them. A state of things now exists, unfortunate for Masonry, resulting not from design, but from our situation far removed to the Southwest with but few opportunities for en ghtened Masonic instruction, which can only be arrested by employ ing scientific and accomplished Masonic Lecturer, whose business it will be to go from Lodge to Lodge and instruct our bretheren in a uniform and i'm. proved system of Masonic labor.
 We orc s~aro that in regard to the necessity of this measure, there exists considerable diversity of of opinion among the brethren; and for this reason principally we now present. il for your delibera- ton. in order that the subordinate Lodges may take it into consideration that their delegates in the Grand Lodge, in November next, may be prepared to act knowingly; that no delegate in the Grand Lodge may bs under the necessity of saying he is ignorant of the views and wishes of the Lodge he may re- present, upon this subject For our own part, we regard it as almost iudspensably necessary, but deem it improper at present, 10 tax your patience with further reasons, therefore we submit il for your enlightened adjudication.
 The last. but by far the most important, subjec, which we will al present bring to your attention as likely to come before the Grand Lodge at its next | annual meeting, will be the institution of a Ma sonic College, or Seminary of learning for the pur- pose of afording our indigent orphans literary asylum, at which. in the true spirit of Masonic bensvoience. they can obtain all the benefits of liberal and scientific education; and which will like Wise attora all generous Masons an opportunity for an enlarged exercise of that active principle of charity which has always characterized the Ma sonic Order. In the erection and support of an in sttntion that may be beneficial, to some extent, in dftusing the blessing of universal education. so es- sentia to our individual and collective happiness, and so important in the maintenance and prosperity of our civil. religious and constitutional liberties; every properly enlightened Mason will find sincere pleasure, and yield to it that generous and hearty support so necessary to it's prosperity Brethren is there Masonic voice In the State that will be raised in opposition 10 this important measure, calculated so manifesiiy to promote the true designs of our Order to alleviate the sfiiclons Of the widow and the orphan. by presenting to the helpless and desti tute children of our deceased brethren an opportu- nifty to make themselves useful ana respecable and which may be the means of rendering innumeFabe blessings to the human family; 2 -'e-Iure of the last importance, but, for the credit and honor of Masonry, too long neglected in Arkansas It is time that Masonry engaged in some measure of