The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-08-23
Masonic Notes.


At the meeting of Columbia Commandery
Friday evening the Order of the Temple was
conferred, and the usual large number of petit
tions acted upon. The Sir Knights, out of
regard for the weather, appeared in fatigue
uniform, although the Recorder, as prom
ised. introduced an innovation which materi-
ally reduced the temperature. With Dyren-
forths rain producer and Pitts temperature
reducer the latter part of the nineteenth cen
tury will become famous for the advances
made by science in the aid of suffering hu-
manity.
Noble Aaron Bell has demonstrated the fact
that he is one of the most energetic and versa
tile members of Almas Temple On the recent
excursion he was chairman of one important
committee and also served on several others
with degree of efficiency which surprised
even the most ardent believers in his capabili-
ties for looking after the comfort of his
friends
Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter No. 8 will
resume its regular semi-monthly convocation
on next Monday evening, the oath instant, at
1:3O p. m. The Most Excellent High Priest
hopes that large attendance of companions
may he present. The grand master degree
will doubtless be conferred.
Brother James Il. Trimble, after safe and
pleasant voyage to Boston by sea, is now stop
ping at Cambridgeport, Mass. He writes
that he is enjoying all the comforts he could
possibly desire.
Noble B. E. Fugett and mother are So
Journing for few weeks at Harper's Ferry.
Brother Bob has been fishing, and made some
miraculous catches.
Pentalpha Lodge No. % will hold a special
communication on Monday evening, for the
purpose of comforting the third degree
Past Master 0. S. Fermin has returned to
the city, after pleasant visit with his brothers
in Findlay, Ohio.
Brother Nj. A. Dillon is spending part of his
leave at his handsome residence in Mount
Pleasant.
Past Master j. F. Blackmar is ENJOYING
himself with his family in Connecticut.
Brother w. S. Webster is at Bar Harbor,
where he will remain until September.
Brother q. r. Edmonston is enioying a
Northern trip.
Leonard G. Wood and wife are stopping at
Atlantic City.
Life Tenure of Office Disapproved
In foreign countries the highest Masonic
officer is in several Jurisdictions hereditary,
and in several systems life tenure of office is
a common thing. In the United States with
its broad ideas of liberty and with practical
exempllhcation of the blessings which result
from a representative form of government
constantly before them, the Masonic fraternity
have in nearly every instance limited official
terms, never, however, destroying eligibility
for Office by reason of former service The
Supreme Council, which is the governing BODY
of the Scottish Rite, is composed, when its
number is complete, of thirty-three members
who hold Office for life. All vacancies are
filled by the survivors. The officers of the
Supreme Council are also selected for life
This has been the case in this Jurisdiction
until now, although originally the Supreme
Council consisted of only nine members The
members are selected as far as possible from
the several States comprising the jurisdiction,
without reference to the number of the
subordinate bodies or membership in such
state The object is to have one member
from each State. The Grand Commander,
Albert Pike, 33d degree, having died last
April, Mr., Bachelor, of New Orleans, who is
the Lieutenant Grand Commander, became at
once, under their laws, acting Grand Com
mander. He will SO continue until the next
meeting Of the Supreme Council, which will
be held in this city in October, 1892 at that
time the successor of Albert Pike will be
elected, more than probable for a short term
Of years, as the sentiment of the members
appears To be setting strongly in favor of a
representative form of government and the
abolition Of the life tenure of Office.
Sir Harrison Dingman's Banquet.