The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-13
Highest Of all Leavenng Power-U. Govt Report Arg r 1889
Roe! B Bsxds'!
ABSOLUTELY PURE
ABSOLUTELY PURE

the first but the second temple: and as those were
builded, dedicated and consecrated TO the wor-
ship OF COO, so let us make our Masonic edlhces
living temples for the diffusion OF beneyolence,
wisdom, liberation, liberty and brotherly love
the cradles of justice and mercy, the coffins OF
bigotry and superstition. The Masonic institu-
ton has always been the graDdest monument
ever erected TO the Godiike principal OF pro-
gress, and the only one which, through the
dark ages OF persecution withstood the batter
ing rams OF despotism, and marched boldly
through the seething caldron OF religious
fanariclsm and papal intolerance, ana emerged
purified like molten gold from their frultless
endeavors TO annihilate it. Masonry IS pro-
gressive science and in taught by degrees only:
hence each degree is but the sure foundation OF
the next to follow. The first is based upon the
result OF Gods power and wisdom In equilib-
rum, which is harmony.
But. to particularize. until we reach the lofty
point from which we may survey the surround.
ing beauties would occupy more than Is now at
my disposal, and hence will close by calling
attention TO the historical facts that the degrees
OF Masonry up TO and including the third or
Masters degree. remind us of something yet IN
learned; something that the grand master could
not alone impart. In other words, II presents
all the appearance of being in mutilated or
unfinished state As a result, the progressive
will and FESTIVE mind must, unbidden, inquire,
unsatisfed and craving for something that IL
does not possess. To supply this want ana 10
unfold more of the intrinsic excellencies OF
Masonry was the degree OF the Holy Royal Arch
first grand masters to build the first temple In
spired the first grand council who built the sec
ond. The Royal Arch is the cap-stone OF the
Masonic edifice, while the Masters degree is
its foundation. The latter records a loss
intrinsically of little value, yet in its symbolic
reference OF the utmost importance; Inc
former records recovery which is equally SYM
bolical-the recovery cannot be appreciated I'M
less we have first experienced the loss ana the
loss would be unmeaning did we not suDse-
quently meet with its recovery.
To the Great Judge Masonry looks for justice
tempered with mercy; and opening wide its por-
tails, 1t invites to enter there and live In peace
and harmony the Protestant, the Catholic, tho
Jew, the Moslem-every man who Will leao
truly virtuous life, love his brethren. minister
10 the sick and distressed and believe in one all
powerful, all-wise, everywhere present God,
architect creator and preserver OF all things, by
whose universal law OF harmony ever rolls on
this universe, the great, vast infinite circle OF
successive death aud life, to whose ineffable
name let all true Masons pay profoundest ho-
mage.
Death is the great teacher stern, cold, mex
orable, irresistible, whom the collected might
OF the world cannot stay or ward of. The
breath, that parting from the lips OF king or
beggar scarcely stirB the hushed air, cannot be
bought, or brought back for moment with the
wealth of empires. What a lesson IS this,
taught or frailty feebleness and infinite power
beyond us. 1t is a fearful lesson, that never be-
comes familiar. 1t walks through the earth in
dread mystery, and lays its hands upon all. 1t
ID a universal lesson, that is read everywhere
and by all men. 1t messages come every year
and every day. The past years are crowded
with its sad and solemn mementos; and deaths
finger traces its handwriting upon the walls OF
every human habitation. 1t teaches us duty
in learning how to live, We learn how TO die.
There Is no evil in death but that which life
makes, and Masonry cannot cease to labor in
the cause OF social progress without ceasing TO
be true to itself-without ceasing TO be Masonry.
Here, then, with all the knowledge be-
queathed to US; the history of the past
spread out as panoramic view before us and
our own acquired wisdom and experience added,
shall we not commence the erection OF temple
OF fraternity, where only the highest thoughts
and fairest deeds shall find lodgment and thus
endear ourselves to all of the thinking people OF
the holy impulses which will close our lips to
evil speaking, our ears to profanity and scandal,
our eyes to obscenity and our hearts against
hatred and jealousy.
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,
Than the stalled OK and hatred herewith
Better like the lowly Nazarene, have not
where to lay our heads, IL our hearts, like his,
throb with friendship, than to dwell in marble
halls and pull around US the mantle OF selfish
LESS and ingratitude.
Grand Secretary Blalock's report followed,
showing total membership of 735. There have
been AS exaltations, 81 admitted, 15 Identified,
suspended for non-payment of dues, l ex-
PEELED, and 10 companions died during the year
as follows:
walla Wa;la-Jacques Bauer, in July; Y. B.
vember seattle-George F. Redington, August
s, 1890; William Richards, July 2. 1890; Charles
H. Mack, November q, 1890; Louis Kline, April
Is. 1891. Colfax-W j. Bramwell, January 10,
1881; II. Vanderberg, October 81, 1890. Ellens-
burg-Charles Bailey, January 10, 1891
The report of the treasurer showed S1.565. 50 in
the treasury. The three subordinate chapters
under dispensation were granted charters. At
o'clock the companions of the grand chapter
scaled off" until 10 o'clock this morning.
The past high priest degree was then conferred
upon number of companions that had passed
the high priests chair.
MASONIC NOTES.
Thomas Milburne Reed was frs: elected secre-
tary of thee rand Lodge of Masons upon its or
ganization in 1858, and has held the position
ever since with the exception of four years.
three of which years he served as grand master.
He has been elected secretary for twenty-five
consecutive years, and in all has served in that
capacity for thirty years.
Benjamin Harmed, grand treasurer OF the same
Grand Lodge, has also been elected TO his posi-
ton for twenty-five consecutive years. He also
served in the same Office during the year 1859,
making twenty-six terms as treasurer.
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar.
which holds its annual conclave today, will
among other things, select representatives to the
Triennial Grand Encampment Knights Templar,
which assemblies at Denver next year
Three patients were received and two dis
charged at Providence hospital yesterday.
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