The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-01-04
Grand Lodqe of South Carolina.

Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
The annual communication of the Grand
Lodge of South Carolina was held in Charles
ton on the 18th and 2Oth of December last
Bro. w. <. Blake, of Spartanburg, presided as
Grand Master. The representatives of one
hundred and twenty-three subordinate Lodges
were in attendance A brief synopsis of the
most important business transacted will prove
interesting to the craft in this section.
The annual address of the Grand Master
embraced full account of matters under his
charge during the preceding year, and was
sensible and practical document, demonstrating
the wisdom of tbs Grand Lodge in selecting
Bro, Blake for that high position. 1t WAS, nni=
versally regretted among the brethren that cir
cumstances forced the Grand Master to decline
a reelection.
The amendment to the Constitution, author
izing the appointment of District Deputy Grand
Masters, was adopted. 1t provides for ten Ma
sonic Districts within this Jurisdiction, over
which will be appointed competent brethren,
whose duties and powers are defined in the
amendment, and who will rank as above stated.
It win secure uniformity of work, and should
bethe means Of. adding efficiency among the
subordinate Lodges and promoting harmony
throughout the Jurisdiction.
An amendment 10 the Constitution was like
wise adopted, changing the time of the annual
communication to the second Tuesday in De-
cember 80 -; }'ll : = ...
The The amendment proposing to strike ont the
1llth Article of the Constitution, relative to
the physical qualifications of candidates, was
debated at great length by number Of eminent
brethren. The discussion was ably conducted,
+ and formed one of the most interesting features
of the session ;: but the Grand Lodge deter
mined to adhere to the old regulations, and re-
quire candidates to possess 'shale and entire
limbs" &c. The relaxation of the ancient
rule was warmly advocated, however, and num-
bered among its adherents some of the most
intelligent Masons in this jurisdiction.
The election of officers for the ensuing year
resulted in the choice of the following breth-
rem:
r. S. Bruins, of Charleston, Grand Master.
J.B. Kershaw, of Camden, Deputy Grand
Master.
James A. Hoyt, of Anderson, Senior Grand
Warden. 10.
Jas; Birnie, of Greenville, Junior Grand
Warden. ,1e'
II. W. Schroeder, of Charleston, Grand Treas
urer.
B. Rush Campbell, of Laurens, Grand Sec
retary.
Rev. A. Toomer Porter, of Charleston, Grand
Chaplain.
The next session of the Grand Lodge will be
held in Charleston, and will take place in the
new Masonic Temple now being erected. The
laying Of the cornerstone of this magnificent
building was conducted with appropriate cere-
monies on Wednesday.morning. Theimposing
rites of the order were fully carried out, ac-
cording to the.,elaborate arrangements of the
committee appointed for that purpose, A full
description of the procession and ceremonie'
would greatly exceed our limited space, and it
must suffice to say that the entire affair reflect
ed the utmost credit upon all concerned. The
streets were thronged with. the beauty and fash
ion of Charleston, and every available space
was occupied with bright forms and PLEASANT
faces. The charge of the Grand Master was q
model of appropriateness and beauty, while the
address of the chosen orator, Gen. J.B.' 'Ker-
shaw, was all that could be expected Of that
distinguished citizep and scholarly Mason. The
address will be published with the proceedings
of the Grand Lodge, and we would advise every
member of the ancient and honorable order to
give it careful perusal, feeling assured that it
will dispense light and instruction to the entire
craft. 49,.