Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-02-15
From the Raleigh Sentinel.
IN MEMORVANU

The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, F. A. M
met In Masonic Hall, Raleigh, Feb. 2, 1867.
PRESENT:
r. W. Bro. Robert W. Best, Deputy Grand Mas
ter, as M. W. Grand Master.
M. w. Bro. VIM. G. HILL p. G. Master as Den
uty Grand Master.
Il. W. Bro. r. K. Speed, Junior Grand Warden
as Senior Grand Warden.
Warden.
R. W. Bro. Q. W. D. Hutchings, Grand Treas
urer.
w. Bro. John B. Neathery, as Grand Secretary.
W. Bro. A. Kline, as Senior Grand Deacon
W. Bro. j. II. Separks, as Junior Grand Deacon
W. Bro. f, G. Foster, Grand Marshal.
w. Bro. W. j. Palmer, as Grand Sword Bearer
W. Bro. W. J. Hicks, as Grand Pursuivant.
W. Bro. s. E. Linton, "raho stewards
w. Bro. j. M. Belts, Grand Tyler
There were present also large number of Mas
tiers, Wardens and brethren from various LODGES
under this jurisdiction, and many visitors
The Grand Lodge opened in due form
Prayer by K. w. Bro. r. W. Best
The NJ. W. Grand Master made the following
announcements
BRETHREN A special session of tho cro,5
Lodge of North Carolina has been called for flo
purpose of performing the last sad rites of Ma
sonic burial over the body of our deceased. r w
Grand Secretary W. T. Balm, who departed this
life on the LIST instant, O'clock A. M in the 74tb
year Of his age.
1t is seldom that Grand Lodges are called upon
to pay the last tribute of respect to their Grand
O1IlCSlS, anu presume Jlat no Grand ISOaOp N
this any other State, has eyer been called upon
to accompany to their final resting place the re-
mains OF one, who was more beloved and respect
ed than him whose remains we are now about to
convey to the grave.
Brother Balm not only known in this Mason
ic jurisdiction, but had national reputation and
was, perhaps, more universally respected and be-
loved than any other Grand Secretary in this
country.
But he rests from his labors-where
A jewel waits him, white stone,
Where his namai cOlOrs bright,
CLEANS in lines of liquid light;
There the Royal Master waits
To clothe In robes Of princely State,-
To honor him with angels sight
And crown him with crown of life.
Nothing, therefore, remains, but
&C The last act to do-the evergreen and sol
Leave his clay in the earth-hs spirit with God"
The Grand Marshal announced the following
appointments
Brother John r. Harrison, Bearer of the Great
Light
brothers W. D. Williams, P. NJ; E. Smith, w.
E. Lee, j. W. Beasley. j. II. Moore, p j. q. W;
5. D: Umsted, u. W. Allen and j. j. Christophers,
Pail Bearers.
The Lodge service was performed in due FORM
after which the Grand Lodge proceeded to the
late residence of the deceased, and took charge
Of the body, thence to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, where the burial service was performed
by Rev. H. L. Hudson. From the Church the
procession proceeded to the City Genet Try, where
the body was deposited in the grave in accordance
with the ancient rites Of the fraternity Ii. W. Bro.
Robert w. Best, officiating.
The Grand Lodge then returned to the Hall the
officers in their several stations and places when
r. W. Bro. Il. h. Speed, Ill brief Int touching
address, paid glowing tribute to the memory Of
the deceased.
Bro. J. Is. Neathery offered the following which
was unanimously adopted:
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, has heard
with the deepest sensbity the announcement Of
the death Of our venerable Brother, William Thorn
as Balm hOnOred and beloved by all for his unsWtr-
wing attachment to the principles Of our ancient
and honorable order the uprightness, integrity
and pety that has characterized his long and USE
full life, and the ardor, zeal and tathfulness with
which for more than quarter of a century, he has
the duties Of Grand Secretary Of this
Grand Lodge.
With character in all the relations of life
worthy OF our remembrance and emulation, he has
full Of honors leaving behind him an influence for
good, which will long survive him.
The Grand Master is reQuC sted to appoint some
brother to deliver address the lite and char
acter of Brother Balm, be ore the Grand Lodge in
December next
That the Grand Lodge Room bo draped in
until the close OF our next annual con-
location, and that the Grand Officers and breth-
en throughout this jurisdiction, the usual
badge of mourning for thirty days after receiving
his notice from the Grand Secretary pro tenn.
On motion OF NJ. W. Bro. W. G.. Hill, the proceed
ngs of this day were ordered to be printed with
he proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1866.
On motion of r. w. Bro G. W. D. Hutchngs,
these proceedings were ordered to be furnished
he city papers for publication.
The Grand Lodge then closed III due form,
Attest, j b. NEAIHERY,
Grand Secretary, Pro. Tenn.