Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-06-10
Masonic.

Masonic. '
We are indebted to friend for pamphlet copy
Of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of North Carolina" for 1862, from
which We learn that there are 217 Lodges in this
State.
j. The officers of the Grand Lodgs for the present
year as as follows: DR.. E. F. Watson, Grand Mas
ter; Dr. John Mccormick, Grand Seuior Warden
Dr.. R. K. Speed, Grand Junior Warden; O. W. D.
Hutchings, Grand Treasurer; William 7. Balm,
Grand Secretary. Hon. Edwin G. Resde, Deputy
Grand Master; Rev. James Reid, Grand Chaplain;
S. p Horton, Grand Senior Deacon; D. 81. Stephen
son, Grand Junior Deacon; ]. NJ. Long, Grand
Marshal Dr. Eugene Grissom, Grand Sword Bearer;
F. G. Foster Grand Pursuivant; 8. NJ. Parish,
Grand Tyler.
~ We mske the following extracts from the excel
lent address or Communication by the former
Grand Master Dr.. William g. Hill, on opening the
Lodge in December, 1862:
"When last we met our political horizon was
shrouded in the deepest gloom. At war with cruel
foe, who regardless of right, sought only the sub
version Of liberties and the utter destruction of
all we hold dearest and best on EARTH disaster fol-
lowed disaster in quick succession, until patriot
hearts grew heavy and hope had we'll nigh Perished
But IN the darkest hour there came change
"The Lord of Hosts was with us, " nervng the arms
ofour soldiers an6 inspiring their hearts with daunt-
less herois,n The invading army that beleaguered
our Capitol bafed, defeated, demoralized, and
our forces everywhere victorious until triumph
after triumph had shed imperishable lustre on our
arms.
Yet to-day the war-cloud is still dark and low
ering. The shadows thicken around us. The foe
is still stranng every nerve and exhausting every
resource to subjugate and destroy US. Many Of our
brave soldiers ragged and barefoot while their
loved ones at home are pinched by penury and
stared at by famine. Greed of gain too, is abroad
in the land, and many are Christening to be rich by
grinding the faces of the poor" regardless alike of
the cries of suffering humanity, and the words of
Him who has said: " He that wthholdeth corn, the
people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon
the head of him that selleth it"
The garden spot of our good old State is in the
hand of the spoiler The sound of the gavel can no
longer be heard in subordinate Lodges, and we
vainly look around US for familiar faces which were
wont to greet US here.
Masonry, so prosperous and fourishing in peace,
lanpuishes in war. But sad as this reflection may
be- it is but another evidence that tine great princ
Piles of our Order are nearly allied to the sublime
teachings of Him, whose mission was to proclaim
peace, good will on earth"
let us be hopeful, and faithful and patient Noo,
more than ever, should the benign influence of the
great principles on which our Order is founded be
every where felt and recognized-felt and manifest
ed in the prompt energetic, selfsacrifcng endeavor
to comfort the distressed to succor the needy, to
minister to the wants of the widow and the father
less. This is mission. Let US gladly fulfill it.
At our last Communication, owing to
the unsettled condition of our public affairs, your
committee on Foreipn Correspondence made no, re.
port, such correspondence having doubtless wholly
ceased The continuance of the war precluding in
a great measure, communication with other juris-
dictions, deemed i unnecessary to appoint like
committee during the present year. nave received
however, the proceedings Of the following Grand
Lodges, viz Virginia. Louisiana, Alabama, Florida,
Arkansas and Georgia. had at their last annual Com
mumcations. They are interesting exponents OF
the condition of the Graft in their several jurisdic
tions, but contain nothing that requires especial
consideration at your hands. l would
earnestly recommend that measures be taken, at our
present Communication for the relief of such sub
ordinate Lodges in invaded districts are liable to
a forfeiture of their Charters for non payment Of
dues and failure IN making their proper returns
Isolated as they are in many instances, and pre-
cluded from communicating with their more fortu-
nate brethren, their condition should awaken our
liveliest sympathes in their behalf 1t
has long been your custoln-one which originated
in Masonic courtesy-to elect for second term the
incumbent Grand Master; but from this usage, for
the present. would have you depart. Grateful for
the part;allty which first conferred so high trust,
and now stands ready to renew it, yet must plead
my advanced age and arduous professional duties
in bar of further SERVICE invoking for our present
reunion the harmony and good will which have
hitherto pervaded our councils"
WIN. G. HILL, Grand Master.