Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-04-23
From the Black River Falls Banner.l
Masonic Incidents.

Worshipful Master Hoyt, of old Phe-
nix Lodge of Randolph, Vermont, had
been man of wealth, but by misfortune
in business was reduced to poverty-had
nothing left but his sterling manhood :.
In his poverty he was taken i'll at his
humble home in Braintree, some seven
miles distant from the lodge room. His
pride persuaded him not to inform his
brethren of his extreme want, and so he
quietly sent for physician not a men,
Der of the fraternity.
had been talking with old Deacon
Culver, who was Master Mason at the
outbreak OF the Morgan excitement, but
who, like many other foolish men, Sc
coded from Masonry. The deacon as
sured me that the institution of Mason
nv was a foe to christianity, inimical to
free institutions. and in fact, the very hot
bed of evil. Said he: "The fraternity
pirate a good deal about their charity, but
Masonic charity is but an empty sound
it has no substance" "Young man,"
said he earnestly, never connect your
self with the abominable league"
left the. snug cottage of the deacon
for the store of nv whilom friend, Will
liam Mann, who was S. w. of Phoenix
Lodge. l found him alone in his store.
We sat there some time talking about
the institution of Freemasonry. He
and the deacon did not agree very well
as to the character of Masonry. Never
have l listened to more truthful tribute
to the institution than my friend paid it.
He said it was not cold, formal end sell
fish, but that its great warm heart was
full of charity. That its record was
record of good deeds, noble impulses and
proud in all the attributes of truth and
virtue.
While my friend was thus discussing
upon the beauties of the institution, old
DIR. Kendrick came into the store. AT
ter some conversation the doctor remark
ed that he had just been up to Braintree
to see Hoyt; that be was pretty sick
man, and, al guess" added the doctor,
"that his family are suffering for want
of the necessaries of life." What,
Hoyt?" responded my friend. The
one that used to be engaged in business
with ParbelI," replied the doctor. "Hoyt
and family suffering for want of food
and he sick p said my friend with great
emphasis. "Come," said he to me,
lets take a tramp" l accompanied
him. He first engaged livery to con-
vey some goods to the residence of Bro.
Hoyt. He then went to the grocery
store of S. ds CTS and purchased an
ample supply of -four, sugar, tea and
other substantials and Injuries of life,
enough to make a good load for the team;
and in less than one half hour from
the time my friend learned of the des-
titution of Bro. Hoyt and family, the
necessaries of life were sen route" for
the humble home of the sick brother.
This, thought l, is Masonic charity.
1t is really something more than an
empty sound. 1t is real, it is substantial.
How, oh how it will gladden. the hearts
of the sick brother and his family.
The deacon must be wrong-Masonry is
right!
In one short week from the time
when the brethren learned, in the manner
as l have above stated, of the sickness of
their Master, the Grand Master of the
Universe summoned his soul to fit
abode 10 that Celestial Lodge above,
where there is eternal bliss. But dur
ing these days of final dissolution. he
was cared for with all the attention
of Masonic kindness and Masonic SYM
pathy.
l attended the funeral of Bro. Hoyt.
1t was the first Masonic burial l had ever
witnessed. 1 shall never forget it. A
procession of at least four hundred breth-
rem, clothed in white aprons and gloves"
followed the remains of the fallen broth
er to his grave. The sprig of acacia
that each brother wore testified his firm
belief in the Immortality of the soul.
And the sad and impressive ceremonies
at the grave, drew tears from many.
That venerable brother, Phillip G. Tuck
er, offciated. AS he stood at the head
of the grave and deposited the lambskin
and evergreen in the grave of the de.
ceased brother, the tears trickled down
his wrinkled cheek, and grief at times
choked the old mans utterance. How
sadly were the remains of Bro. Hoyt
consigned to the grave, and how prayer
fully his spirit was commended to God
who gave it.
/ left that sad scene friend of the
great institution of Freemasonry, con.
vert to its charity, and believer in its
6dalitv and yirfua.