Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-01-13

1 No. Ito, OdcLletOu, henry IL. OldIh,
Jonas Phillips, Miss Lettie Chapel.
No. 119, Chester, Hamilton Dearborn,
Mrs. Burnham Martin.
No. 121, Peninsula, Alburgh Cen ter,
Thos Marvin.
No. 1872, Junction, Essex, A. R. Howard
No. 1913, Leicester, w. s. Alden.
No. 100, Lake Dunmore, Salisbury,
Trial E. Beach. w. A. Waterhouse.
Miss Lucy ]. Bradshaw, acting Worthy
Chief Templar, then delivered the follow
ing address:
Worthy Obfdsrs and Members We
meet to-day in our seventh annual sess.
ion under solemn and affective circum.
stances.
Shortly after our last session, brother
H. X. Cobb, removed from the State and
vacated the Office of Grand Worthy Coun-
sellor; and on the 9th day of April last
past, our beloved brother, Rev. Pliny II.
White, whom you had elected Grand
Worthy Chief Templar, was called from
this, our worthy Temple, to that Temple
not made with hands, eternal in the heav-
ems. And now, the intelligence comes to
US that brother Cobb, too, has been called
to his rest; having departed this life on
| the 10Th day OF November.
Surely we are afflicted But we mourn
not as those without hope. We feel con-
fident both were fully prepared for their
departure, and to receive the faithful re-
ward of faithful servants. On brother
White, as our standard-bearer, great hopes
for success to our cause were placed. His
great knowledge, experience and zeal,
seemed to point to him as the one to lead
us to victory.
But God, III His providence ordered
otherwise. In the full vigor of manhood,
with his armor on and at his post, he
fell asleep in Jesus, leaving to us an ex-
ample of Christian manhood few have
equalled and worthy of all imitation.
How inscrutable are the ways of God,
and past finding out We bow to His
will we sympathize with the bereaved !;
and under the influence of God, let US
each and all, renew our obligations and
consecrate ourselves afresh to our noble
cause.
Thus it occurs in the providence of God,
that stand before you to-day as Grand
Worthy Chief Templar, to render account
of my stewardship, and make such sugges-
tions for the good of the order as may seem
worthy of consideration.
need not attempt to tell you how en-
barrassing a succession to so exalted an
Office would have been to me under any
circumstances, but to succeed one 80
talented, so universally beloved. and so
jealous as was our lamented Brother
White, seemed almost impossible for me.
Trusting in God, and your forbearance,
however, 1 assumed its responsibilities,
and have labored earnestly, and to the
best of my abilities, to discharge its du
ties, with what results you are the proper
judges.
The offices of Grand Worthy Counsel
lor, and Grand Worthy Vice Templar,
being vacant, it was deemed advisable
that they should be filled, and accordingly
Brother @. @. Sargent of Corinth, was APP
pointed G.. w. c., and Sister c.. Ellen
Johnson, of Vergennes, G. W. V. T.
Both accepting, entered on the discharge
OF their respective duties.
| But one regular meeting of your execu-
tive committee has been held during the
year, and that was held at Montpelier on
the 10th day of November.
Previous to the death of Brother White,
it had been arranged by himself and
Brother Cushing that they should lecture
in various parts of the State, and thus
carry out your desirs, as expressed at the
last session for lectures This arrange
ment was carried out on Brother Cusb-
ing's part, and believe satisfactorily to
those who have had the good fortune to
hear him. His labors in this field have
resulted in great good.
In the early part of August our R. w.
G. T., Brother Orne, favored us with a
visit, and in various parts of the State
addressed public meetings, and gave val
liable instruction to our lodges, and L
doubt not it would have been a pleasure
to himself, as it would have been of great
advantage to US, to have visited every
lodge in the State.
Our finances are in good condition as
will appear by the report of the Secre-
tary and Treasurer. Strict economy has
been observed in this department. so far
as can judge, and every expense avoided
with due regard to our interests.
Two regular appeals have come before
me for discussion, and a large number of
points and cases in an informal manner
submitted and decided. | submit those
of any general Importance herewith for
your consideration.
And here it may bo proper to say it has
become the habit of many lodges and
members to refer all questions containing
doubts directly to the G. W. g. T., thereby
augmentiug the labors of that office. But
have considered all such cases atteu-
lively, and decided them at the earliest
moment compatible with the other official
duties, and am happy to say all have
been acquiesced i'll, so far az | know, with
one exception. This is an appeal by Con
necticut River Lodge No. so, from decis-
ion marked No. 7, herewith submitted,
which is to come before you, az | am in
formed.) How far this practice may be
extended with profit to our order is
predetermined. The direct reference of
many of them to the G. W. G. T., who is
presumed to be free from local prejudicee
and competent to Judge correctly, often
tends to allay feelings which, by discus
sions, delays aud reference to deputies,
might result injuriously to the harmony
that should always prevail. While on the
other hand, in a majority of cases, such
discus sions would be of advantage by
stimulating officers and members to study
our laws and parliamentary rules quicken
their intellects and fit them for the vari-
Gus duties of their positions.
In reviewing our labors of the year we
find great cause for thankfulness to God
for the progress made. Commencing it
with ninety-four working lodges, and
about 5000 members, we close it with one
hundred and twenty five lodges and over
5000 members.
Gratifying as this numerical increase
may be we have gained still more in social,
moral and political influence. Our Lodges,
as general thing, are active and vigilent,
and the more influential classes seeing
our good works, are coming to our aid
MBny lodges include the most talented
, and progressive men and women in their
respective communities, aud while we
feel that we merit and should have the
positive aid of u good people, We rejoice
that so many champions of right are
with us. Most of the lodges contain one
or more ministers of the gospel, and some
OF them three or four SUCH, who are exert
e9ing a powerful influence, and as watch
men on our walls are giving no uncertain
sound. Would l could report to you that
all ministers and churches were alto