Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-05-24
A NIason Surprised.

One of the most interesting events Wnlch
has transpired in Masonic circles for some
time past was the presentation Of Past
Commanders Jewel 10 Sir Knight j. W.
Morris. of Wheeling COmmandery No. l..
The address was made by Sir knight Rev
SvOpe. Prelate of Wheeling Commandery
No !, and the language Of his speech on
the occasion being not only appropriate but
beautifully fitting, il has been by request
of many Sir Kn ghtS reproduced verOatum,
SO they can procure q copy OF the REGISTER
20 lay away i'm the archives TO keep in re
membrance and memory the happy event.
The address was as follows.
Among societies of men everywhere
and in an time pre-emiuOncc OF aolhtY ana
power has been recognized. In his print
ri We state man lived as in family groups:
his life was hard one, he had 10 contend
against the elements, against animal ana
insect life, against other men. Their iaml-
lies began TO group themselves together,
thus forming tribes When this was the
case there must be a head, or leader who
should rule the little community, admins
ter rude forms of Justice, and lead in the
chase. or war II was the age of force, and
the Chief was naturally the man Of the
greatest muscle and courage.
In time this rude form OF tribe lie de
veloped into natural life, the organization
OF society became more complete. Arts,
sciences. and Industrial occupations were
cultured. Christianity with its purifying.
elevating. enrolling influence was intro
duced. the doctrine of the brotherhood Of
men and the rights of man was received
and acknowledged. But this progress did
nor dispense with the need of leadership,
that remained and ever must. There
must be Il head 10 every organization Of
- b., f,r Mo IN Xxi
or religion, or the purposes which are
soucht i'm the various branches of our noble
Masonic system.
But what is 10 that now secures leader
ship. Not Drawn. but brain; ability, asso-
ciated with the broad sympathies aud gra-
cious cOnstaucv which draws US, as with
golden chain. 70 the Individual in whom
they inhere, thus constituting for tseir pos
SCISSOR patent of nobility more worthy OF
reverence than any that can be conferred
by any earthly monarch.
We honor those men among us who are
of this stamp by elevating them to rule,
and 10 is the glory aud the pride OF Masons
that those who ill the highest offices are
those whose natural worth makes them
worthy IL is the credit of our times that
many men are found who are eminently tit
ted 10 bear the sceptre and rule; this has
brought about the system of graduation IN
elective ollices,o so that every worthy and
well qualified man may have due recogni-
ton
Nasons observe this likewise, and pro
vide that those who prove themselves to
have the needful qualities shall be elevated
to rule in the lodge, the Chapter ana III the
ASYLUM of the COmmandery.
But heroes of this kind have their limit ;
there are offices beyond which there IS
nothing higher How, then, shall addl-
tional honors be conferred on one whom
his fellows regard as pre-eminenty
worthy.
n is I'M accordance with the precedent
+ thus set US. and for similar reasons, that
we now bestOw upon our eminent brother,
/ Sir knight John W Morris. this jewel II
I is the insignia of Past Eminent Com
mander. and is intended TO testify the es
TEEN i'm which Sir Knight Morris Is held
/ bv Wheeling Commandery No. l, knights
+ Templar of West Virginia, and, may add,
of the Masonic fraternity of our city and
State. Than. our eminent brother, none
have been mere Jealous for the good of the
order. more faithful ia the discharge OF Its
affairs and Offices. more devoted 10 its IN
terests. more loyal TO its principles.
+ Accept this Jewel then, Sir Knight and
wear il 10 remind YOU of the honor and eS-
I teen i'm which you are held by your breth-
rem of Wheeling Commandery No. l."
The presentation was complete sur
prise TO brother Sir Knight Morris, and
/ was only able to thank the Knights for the
token of the esteem and appreciation with
which he was held by them, and hoped
that he would wear it with pleasure to
them and in honor 10 TemplariSm.