The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-06-03
Small beginnings have ever marked

Ing was completed by the laDorS OF 10y
atty and dedicated to the service of God
and free people. 1t stands to-day the
most superb model of civil and religious
architecture that the world has ever seen.
A poor woman lived in humble circum-
stances. Her kind words and loving
heart caused a stepSon to feel, as he often
said in after-life, ''like a human being"
The modest and gentle influence OF that
woman buiIded character grander than
she knew, and the sweet, unseltish devo-
ton of Sally Bush gave to the world an
Abraham Lincoln.
He it was whose inspired soul gave ut
terance to those undying words, w It'll
malice towards none, with charity for
all;' and. no matter whether in or out OF
the fraternity, Abraham Lincoln pro-
claimed the real, living, sublime princi-
pies of Freemasonry.
Thus does individual, civil and religi-
Gus life furnish striking example of the
truth / have stated-that little things pro-
duce great results.
My brethren, no great work was ever
completed without great labor and sacri-
flee, and the illustrations just given APP
ply with equal force to the Masonic
world.
The plan and purpose of this asylum
was not born in day; it had its small be-
ginning.
Eighty-three years ago twenty lodges,
representing few hundred members,
assembled in Grand Lodge Communica-
ton in the City of New York. a resolu-
ton was then adopted: That q commit
tee be appointed to devise and report a
plan for the education of children OF poor
Masons." A few months later that com
mittee reported: THAT they are OF opin-
ion that fund may be raised sufficient
to defray the expense of an establishment
to consist of fifty children; and, in order
to ascertain the probable expense OF edu-
cation, including all articles necessary
for that purpose, your committee APP
piled to the Trustees OF the Free School
agreed TO educate in their seminary fifty
children constantly for $500 annually"
Although the Grand Lodge at that time
was neither great in wealth nor numbers,
it nevertheless was interested then, as we
are now. in the dear children, and after
considering the subject reported a plan
''for the education Of fifty poor children
whose fathers are, or have been, members
of the ancient and honorable Fraternity
of Free and Accepted MasonS."
The report was adopted, and on the
9th day of December, 1910, the school
Committee delivered over to the Trus-
tees OF the New York Free School fifty
children.
1t is interesting to note, then as now,
zion, as evidenced by the open ARRANGE
ment made between the officials OF the
Free School Of New York and the Craft.
q Mcntion is made from time to time of
the progress Of the scholars; their physi-
cal comforts were duly cared for by the
brethren. and much good seems to have
been accomplished Without further de-
tail concerning this, our first Masonic
Home and SCHOOL, project. / will briefly
state, that record was made from time to
time of its existence until June 4, 1919,
when it appears that this most worthy
charity in behalf of children came to an
end.
The mere handful of seed thus sown in
our Masonic vineyard seems to have been
scattered and well nigh lost. But God
wiser than man, never permits the seed OF
unseltish endeavor 10 die. 1t may lay
dormant for q season, but Will surely
sprout again.
The seed sown by our Masonic fathers
did lay dormant from 1919 to 1872, when
it again took root in the hearts of Green
field Pote, James Herring and other no.
BILE workmen, who will be forever re-
membered by grateful brotherhood for
bringing to Masonic light that most won
derful memorial which prayed for the
building of hall and the founding of
an asylum for worthy, decayed Masons,
their widows and their orphans"
The historic fact should be recorded
that this memorial was conceived and
written by James Herring, Grand Secre-
tary, and the first subscription of one
dollar was made and paid at that time by
Greenfield Pote, Grand Tiler. Therefore,
we properly claim that the Hall and
Asylum FUND.- had its origin in the year
1872 although the interesting document
did not officially reach the Grand Lodge
until the Sth day of June, 1913.
l. -,
were present from forty-nine lodges,
which included a membership of few
thousand.
The first subscription was followed by
others from time to time, until the mem
orial was presented to the Grand Lodge
signed, as we are told, ''by one hundred
brethren, and the amount subscribed up
wards OF $500" The glorious inspiration
of James Herring, and the first contribu-
ton by Greenfield Pote, on that bright
day for FreemaSonry, IN 1912, made pos
sible, aye, certain, the ceremonies of this
day.
Forty-nine years have passed since that
memorable event-years full ofmarvelous
growth and improvement
The small beginnings of 1908 and 1912
have developed into the broad and grand
field of May q, 1891.
The seed sown by that original charity
fund of $500 was scattered broadcast
throughout this grand jurisdiction, and
aud none Of it has ever fallen on unfruitful
ground. 1t mas brought forth an hun
dred, aye, many hundred fold. Among
other good things it has brought forth in
money, S3,5l4. 800 30, which has builded
and furnished Il Masonic Hall, paid a
debt, purchased these broad and beauti-
full acres, placed III bank on the first of
the present month 500, 464 IS, a sum more
than sufficient to erect and equip this
asylum, the corner stone of which We
have just placed with loving hands and
grateful hearts.
Although we officially designate this
building by the name asylum" let us
vie with each other to make il a home, y
with all the endearnentS surrounding
that sacred retreat.
Freemasonry thus plainly presents to
its friends and supporters the character OF
its life-work. In it the brethren all labor
as equals, but they teach the equality that
elevateS. Thank God there is no ariStoc-
racy in our institution, unless it be that OF
faithful servant service, of honest merit;
and so long as we remain true to our
standard, Freemasonry viii never need a
defender.
But, my brethren, be not forgetful that
the high character of an institution does
not necessarily form the good conduct OF
its members; neither is an institution
great or useful by reason of its boosted
antiquity, but rather on account of its
love and labor for the human family.
Proudly can we boast that the Masonic
institution is both great and useful, be-
cause its every thought is pure; its every
teaching ennobling; its every effort dedi-
Gated to the service ofGod and distressed
brother. Measured by such standards,
consecrated by such motives, do you won
der that we prosper? Do you wonder that
we are united? DO you wonder that we
are permanent? Do you wonder that the
benediction of God rests upon us?
Nv beloved brethren LET not rrnsnnrifv