The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-01-12
A FEATURE OF THE ORDER.

"A FEATURE OF The ORDER.
THE MASONIC MUTUAL BENEFIT soCIETY-ITs
ORGANIZATION, MISSION AN4 OFFICERS.
During the "a years, from the completion
of the Grand Lodge Hall, till its demolition
last summer, all the grand bodies held
their meetings in the building. The reports
of these years are full of interesting matter,
but limited space forbids any extended
mention of the events of this period. One
matter of especial interest to the fraternity
deserves notice. Many leading members OF
the order had long felt that some more
complete aud effective system should be
devised to provide for the families
of deceased Masons than the ordinary
charity OF the lodges able to furnish
AS an outgrowth OF this idea
THE MASONIC MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETY OF
INDIANA
was formed. This organization has become
so interviewer with Masonry in the state as
to form part OF it's history. The society was
incorporated on the 5th day of August, 1869.
The articles of Incorporation were signed by
John Love, w. w. Woollen, Charles Fisher,
J. o. Martin, Robert n. Todd, p G. G. Hunt,
and Henry C. Guffin. The object of the
society is [" to furnish financial aid to the
widows, orphans and dependents of deceased
members" Its membership is confined to
Master Masons of Indiana. 1t now mum
1
already paid
| ELEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
to the families of two hundred and seventy
tw decea:ed members. This vast sum OF
money has been distributed between about
fifteen hundred widows aud orphans, thus
making ample provision for their future
support. The average amounts paid to each
family have been about 81 200. 1t is GER
tainly one of the grendest charities In the
world. As system of life insurance 1t has
proved a great success. 1t has cost the
members less than one half what they would
nave been required to pay tor the same
aTount of insurance in any of the regular
companies. 1t is claimed that it has saved
over two million dollars to the circulating
medium of the state. 1t has stood the test
of the financial panic, and the hard times
that followed it, and is firmly established
Its plans and system have been copied by
the Masons and Odd Fello VS. of many other
states.
GEN. JOHN LOVE WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENT.
He took deep interest and did efficient
service in its organization. Whea the second
election of officers took place, General
Love was absent in Europe, intending to
remain abroad for several years, and
was succeeded by William Wesley Woollen
who still continues president of the society
Inc following are the OfQc5rS OF the organ
iZstiOn: w. w. WoolleD, president; Martin
II. Rice, vice president; j. o. Martin, score
tsry; Charles Fisher, treasurer; f. S. New.
conner, medical examiner; p. G. G. Hunt
general agent; II. G. GuffiD, attorney.
CONCLUSION.
We have sketched the history of Masonry
In Indiana from the first meeting in thu
wilderness in 1917 to the completion of the
"Second Temp pie" in this city. The Second
Temple" at jerusalem exceeded the glory o
the first, and sent out its builders to other
parts OF the world to carry the teaching anC
the skill of masonry to all lands, so we trust
that our second temple will exceed the glory
of the first. The task has been a pleasing
one. When this new temple shall
De destroyed by the tooth o
time or to give place to one still greater
may the historian of another century WHIT
shall write the story for our children's chill
dren be able tn show as great degree o
growth and prosperity as is shown in thu
past history of Masonry in our state. May
, his record show, as ours does, that thu
Grand Architect of the universe crowns
with his blessing the work of the craft.