The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-03-31

was favorablY considered by the Grand /
Chapter. Grand Council. and Grand Com
and Committees were appointed to devise I
the necessary plans. if possible; and to re- !
port the result Of their labors at the next
Annual Assemblaees Of the Graft. In con-
nection with the same subject. the Commit
tees were directed TO report upon the feasl,
bility of providing Masonic Educational
Institution for the State. IT. in their opin-
ion, either PLAN or both, were deemed
feasible, the Committees were directed to
prepare the proper acts OF incorporation
from the STATE authorities, SO that definite
action could be taken next January.
The following Masons compose the said
Committees:
FROM THE GRAND CHAPTER:
p. c.. High Priest, Giles M. Hillyer,
E.. High Priest, w. A. Champlln, Hands
boro.
PC. High Priest, j. M. Howry, Oxford
p. c.. Scribe, Thos. n. Martin, Hous-
p. c.. Orator, Thos. 5. Gathright,
Gholson.
FROM THE GRAND COUNCIL:
H.. Companion, NJ. p. Lowry, Ripley.
H.. Companion, j. NJ. Howry. Oxford.
III Companion, Chas. I. Bond, New AL
bany.
III. Companion, E. Geo. DeLap, Natchez.
M. Companion, W. a. Champlin, Hands
boro.
FRoMTHE GRAND coMMANDERY--
Sir knight, f. T. Henry, Vicksburg.
Sir Knight j. l.. Power, Jackson.
Sir Knight +. Geo. DeLap, Natchez.
Sir Knight, r. &. Mercer, Lexington.
Sir Knight, A. J. McConico, Water VAL
ley,
The work instructed to these Joint Com
mittee is one of high Importance. The Ma
An Of ha State evidently Tparn tn have a
Masonic Home, where yearly they can meet
exhibit the designs on their Trestle-
Boards, and gather the inspiration for future
endeayor which proceeds from combined
effort As light Is given forth in every di-
rection. so should there be q central point
from which Masonic light and Information
should be diffused-where the records of its
history should be gathered and permanent
~ preserved-where its several Secretariats
should be kept-its Libraries accumulated,
and its property preserved. There, every
Mason should be welcomed, and made to
feel at home. If not fully informed, there,
like the young eagle, he should be allowed
the privilege of bathing his plumage in the
light that strengthens and adOrns.
A Masonic Temple for Mississippi should
be one worthy, in its extent and architectu-
raj proportions, of the fifteen thousand
Craftsmen ofthe State which bears the name
of the great Father of Rivers. Mississippi,
the Masonic daughter of Kentucky and Ten
nessee, the Masonic mother of adjacent
States of the Southwest should, when she
builds her Home, build one worthy of her
Architects. Masonry was an organized in
stitution on her soil at a time coeval with
its occupancy by the L. 5. authorities.
Over half century has passed, and she still
wanders and roams without an abiding
place for her Representatives, as they each
year meet for legislation, redress of griev-
ances, election of Grand Officers, and for
perfecting the machinery which CONVEYS, in
countless trains, the blessings of the InSti-
tuition, to every county, and almost every
neighberhood in the State.
You will perceive by the composition of
the Committees, that every sectional inter
est of the State, and every locality, have
been consulted. The Southwest, the South
east, the West, the Centre, the East, the
Northeast, and the North, are all represen-
ted. | indulge the hope that the Grand
Master of Masons of the State, M. W..
Geo X. Fearn, of Canton. Will request an
advisory Committee, selected by himself, to
act in concert with the Committees named.
so that all the information possibly to be
gathered, can be before all the Masonic
Bodies, next January, and the entire sub
ject receive joint unanimous, and hearty
action.
In the discharge Ofmy duty, as Chairman
of the Committee from the Grand Chapter,
request every member of that Committee
and hope that every member of the Commit
tees from Grand Council and Commanderv
will freely correspond with me, so that the
NOnSulI IORelIcTs anu act
in entire harmony. The only idea / wish to
impress upon them, is that, when such a
Temple is erected, it should be done on a
scale and to an extent, that will be ornamen-
tai to the State-useful to the Fraternity,
and honorable to their numbers Influence
and wealth. 1t should be no ordinary
structure, and at no insignificant place. The
Mount AEOriah of Mississippi should COM
mand the respect-win the love, and elicit
the admiration of Masons of every cline.
In fnVN NKvffh ~ - O.
Masonic Temple, that of an Institution of
Learning for the children of Masons is re-
ferred to the same Committees. We live
and labor, not for ourselves, but for those
who are to come after us. We plant the
seed. that q harvest may be reaped hereafter
Little does it matter to us, whether we eat of
that harvest or realize return from what
little good we do. Were it so, selfishness
would be our motive principle. The per-
Torrance of duty-the fulfillment of trusts
the handing down to others in an increased
ratio and an improved condition, of the tall
ents laced in our hands by the Lord of the
Household-is demanded of us by every
Masonic obligation, and is a jewel and
Gordon more beautiful than all the ornaments
of silk or tinsel. To this subject | invite
your closest attention. The practicability
Of the scheme proposed-Jhe mode by which
it can be started and prosecuted to success
are fit matters for grave enquiry. AS to
its beneticent operation, when once estab-
lished, there can he no question. 1t is no
Ethiopia about which we should be content
to dream, and on which exhaust ourselves
in mere admiration. 1t is a great Educa-
tional Temple we should enquire about
erecting; where genuine learning, liberty
and law, should have a home, and within
whose gates there should be entire security
from ignorance, superstition, and falsehood.
Ofcourse, to erect such Masonic Temples
as are above referred to, will require the
hearty and extensive co operation, not
merely of individual members of the Craft,
but of the communities in whose neighbour
hood they may be erected. They will cost
tens of thousands of dollars. The various
sections of the State, various cities and towns,
VIII doubtless compete torthe honor of being
the Grand Masonic Home, and Will offer
large inducements for the selection of the |
locality they prefer. Facility of access by |
rail or water-the local advantage of town |
or city accommodations for visitors, the ey-
cry day interests of business. and the |
amount freely donated to the Grand Bodies |
for the erection of the proposed edifices, |
will have. justly, great weight in any re-
concentrations the Committees may make |
shall address a copy of this Circular, not
merely to the members of the various Com |
mittees named, but also. to all the Grand |
Officers of all the Grand Bodies of the State |
to various and influential Masons in the
State; to the Officers of all Lodges, Chapters,
Councils and COMMANDMENTS, where the
locality of such an edifiee would probably |
interest them. l hope that the Grand Sec |
reJarleS anu hecOruerS VIII Senu copy TO |
every Lodge in the State with their pub |
hshed Proceedings; and will endeavor to SO
arrange that the fullest information can be /
received by the Committees in charge of the /
subject, and at the earliest practicable mo-
ment.
1t is greet work that we are commence |
ing, and it needs the co-operation of the |
entire Fraternity. WISDOM STRENGTH. and /
Beauty, must aid by advice now, nv ever /
ton hereafter, and by Harmonious ee-onera /
ton, when the designs are completed. and /
active labor in accordance Herewith is to he /
1 respectfully ask from each member OF thu