Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-01-11

for all he has done for us as individuals
and families during the past year, and
bless him, too for the success of our associ-
alton.
Masonry teaches us that all good springs
from him, and certainly the spirit of be-
nevolence and brotherly love is his gift.
In! rejecting therefore upon the benef
cence of our work and in reviewing the
happy and good dispensing opera
lions of the year just gone and in adjust
ing ourselves to the duties of a new year
we should do all, think all and hope all in
the name of the Almighty Master, who
resides in the eternal east. do not wish to
weary you with the repetition of details
and therefore respectfully refer you to the
reports of the officers of the association,
wherein you will find the work of the past
year fully set forth. 1t again becomes my
duty and my pleasure to bear testimony to
the faithful and efficient services of the
officers associated with me in the admins
tration of the affairs of our association.
During the past yer we have lost by death
twenty -four members. From the surplus,
nine death losses were paid. Assuming $1.4O
as the average assessme 1T, each member of
our association has paid in S22.4O. In
other words, we have each carried lnsur-
ance for $4,000 at an annual cost of $11.2O
per thousand. am happy to be able to
state that no delay has occurred in the pay
ment Of losses, and we have had the proud
satisfaction of havirg rendered prompt
and efficient aid to the families of our de-
ceased members.
The accumulation of a reserve fund.- to
meet extraordinary assessments was
brought to your notice in a former report.
The subject was referred to a committee
for the purpose of ascertalning the views
of our members. This committee will re-
port at this meeting, and final action can
be had on the subject. Much can be said
for and against the formation of such a
fund, but am satisfied that you have
given it the consideration its Importance
demands, and that your action will be for
the best interests of all concerned.
The increase of fees to agents, recon-
mended in my last annual report, has slim
ulated effort on their part,as is fully shown
in the large increase of membership within
the past year.
When this association was formed we
were told by those whose interests prompt
ed them to oppose any form of cooper
alive insurance that it would not last five
years-that the members would die, and
otherwise drop out and none would be
left to continue the business. It is, there
fore, gratifying to announce that at the
close of the tenth year we are more pros
porous than at any period in our history.
The average age of our membership is even
less than it was at the close of the second
year. and while there are no indications
of decay or dissolution, there are many
evidences of the stability of our associa-
ton in its growing popularity among the
Masonic fraternity.
For the second time the dark shadows of
death have passed over your board of di-
rectors, and one of your most efficient
servants has been called from labor to
rest.
He was gentleman by nature, liberal,
warm hearted and true to his friends,
true to his Masonic obligations and true to
his duty as member of your board. No
longer will he meet with US in this earthly
lodge. No longer shall we have the bene-
fit of his sage counsel and advice, but We
have faith to believe that our loss is the
eternal gain of John Fl. Reaney.
In conclusion, brethren, while there Is
no need that assure you of the undying
character of our association, love, to ex-
press my confidence in its perpetuity and
you will indulge me in again recording the
faith in these words. Such work as ours
born of such inciples-founded on such
rock and approved by such a master,
must continue-and though another year
may call some of US here to-day away from
this labor of love to the refreshments of
the lodge above, Masonic love and affection
will inspire others to take our places who
may perhaps excel our zeal and continue
to gather widows and orphans under the
Egis of Masonic protection.
R. w. JOHNSON, President.