Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-06-26

the asylum. The grand officers were:
R. E. G. c.. Sir John A. Schlener.
We D. &. c., Walter H. Sanborn.
E. G. G., Calvin L. Spauldine.
E. G. c. G., Isaac Slade.
E G. P, Philo P. Hubbell.
E. G. S. W., A. z lowering.
E. &. J. W., Milton e. Powell.
E. G. T., G. McFadden.
E. G., Recorder, A. T. G. Pierson.
E.G.S.B., Frank F. Grant (not present. }
E. G.. s. B., n. Stoughton.
E. G. w., Sir D. R. Sutherland.
At o clock other delegations arrived
on the trains of the Milwaukee road, max
Ing about $50 visiting Sir Knights pres
ent, representing II of the 20 commander
les in the state. A large number of the
Sir Knights were accompanied by their
ladies. The visiting ladies were enter
tanned by the Austin ladies at D. B.
Smiths residence, where house and
grounds were beautifully decorated for
the occasion.
At 3 o'clock occurred the grand parade,
200 SIR Knights in full uniform marching
through the principal streets to music
furnished by two fine bands. On their
return to the Asylum the Grand Comman-
derry held short session, appointed COM
mittees and transacted other business.
The evenings work began with ban
quet at Armory Hall, in which Sir Knights
and ladies to the number of $50 partlci-
pated. After being thus ''refreshed' En-
inent Commander West, as toast master,
presented number of toasts which were
happily responded to by members of the
Grand Commandery.
To the toast, The Grand CommanderY
80 ;~h< E;- Nd
Commander John A. Schlener responded
as follows:
Eminent Commander, Ladies and Sir Knights:
The Grand Commandery of the State of
Minnesota, like the State of its birth is young.
1t was organized in 1865, with three Com
manderies to lean upon. Like the State it
has been characterized with energy and
develOpement, for it now has subject to its
jurisdiction twenr-one Communicates, whose
rolls of membership approaches the figure of
1000.
shall not attempt to speak OF the Grand
Commandery from historical point of
view-its history is written, and you can
read it with that just pride which Its work
warrants.
I am thinking more tonight of the in
dividual than 1 am Of the ag9regate-of the
men who unitediy form the various COM
manderies, more than am of the Associa.
ton which produces the Grand Commandery
What of these Sir Knights? How co they
bear themselves? Have they gathered in.
spira,ion from the teachings of the order. or
is their worship at the shrine the perfunctory
bending of the knee? A correct answer to
these questions, determines the character
ar Of Il
Commandery. Who are these men march
ing under the banner of our order? They
tread the path of every duty in life. The
influence they exert is potent for good or
evil. The responsibility they bear is weighed
by that influence. How important it is then
that those that wear the cross of our order
should deport themselves as true Sir Knights.
We are not needed to guard Pilgrims on
their way to holy shrine; to engage in
actual combat for the destitute widow or
helpless orphan; religious wars are over
and civilization and humanity guides the
destinies of nations and holds in check
the sword Of destroying armies; ours is
grander, broader, higher field than that in
which circled the knights of old; and if we
justly appreciate the lessons our order
would teach. we can win in it fame more
immortal than that won by DePayne.
AS defenders of virtue. teachers Of charity
and upholders and believers in the christian
religion. the world expects US to practice
what we preach. Do we do this? IS Ques-
ton. which his own conscience should ad-
dress to every Sir Knight; and if he cannot
in all uthfulness answer, yes, his honor is
stained and he.. has forgotten or never
learned the precepts of the order. would
haye the Templar never forget that he is q
Knight. The word itself imports bravery,
charity and high character. Coupled with it
history records deeds which stir mems souls.
True it is, that armed Cap-a-pie, and mounted
on his charger with sword and buckler, he is
the hero of dead generation; but as have
said, there is another field in which we can
win renown, so that your lives may be an
example for good; and the spurs you will
win, will shine brighter than the silver ones
of olden times.
Don't forget the cross you march under.
Remember it with all it's beautiful lessons.
Somewhere at some point on our western
coast range. there is one mountain towering
above its fellows, itself so cleft by the con-
vulsions of nature, that upon it's face exists
great assures filled with snow which form a
perfect passion cross. The face of the
mountain as seen from the distance is bare,
and in the sunlight the great white cross
CLEANS and glistens like thing of.life, but
when you reach it, after toilsome climb,
the Icy gatherings of a hundred winters il
all that greets you. So to him that looks at
distance at the cross of our order, it ap
pears with all its sanctity, living gem afford.
ing protection to the weak, charity to the
needy, and love to humanity.
See to it, Sir Knights, that the weary
traveller having at last reached it, does not