Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-06-23

nucleus TO winch all are invited 10 dul,
and if attention is given to this matter, my
successor will be able to report a marked
advance in this direction at the next annual
reunion.
do not intend to trench upon the prov
ince of the biographical committee, whose
position, as well as their acknowledged
ability, especially fit them for the work, but
l may be pardoned for abiding to a matter
of history and the lesson derived from the
first invasion of our ranks by the grim
destroyer. When our venerable brothers,
Lyon and Cleveland, enrolled their names
upon our book of regulations. it was to my
mind the browning act of our organizations
moro than three score years had passed since
the BLACK cloud OF anti Masonry passed over
our commonwealth like tho slowly moving
storm of destruction; its force was directed
at every member of our institution; he was
tabood officially, ostracised socially. and Of
ten the victim of most outrageous SANDER.
Who can tell what the Masons of this
State passed through from 1928 to 1916
The history can only bs found in the re-
ports Of our Grand Lodge, for the first eight
years OF that period, and brief illusions in
the reports Immediately folio wing reorgani
cation, and the tradition that has come
down to those of us who have been for tun
ate enough to have acquaintance with Has
WELL Tucker IIoenbeck, Hill, Lyon,
Cleveland and their compatriots in Mason
~. OF the few survivors, Lyon and Cleve-
land, ripe in years, ripe in Masonic science,
veterans of the veterans, became organizers
with us. In tho course of nature Right
Worshipful Dan b. Lyon, was the first
called from our number to enter ''the door
that never outward swings" My acquaint-
ance with him was limited and it is not for
me to pronounce his eulogy, however much
of good might be said, but it is fairly With
in my province to hold up to the members
of this organization, the life of Brother
Lyon and his eminent services for the craft,
type Of that zeal and faithfulness which
should characterize every Masonic life.
We may not pass through the fiery ordeal
OF persecution; we may not feel the blight
ing effect Of an anti Masonic crusade may
God prevent it, for, in its unholiness, it is
second only to the persecution of the
church-but the field of Masonic labor and
usefulness, is wide as the poles, and the
demand for we'll directed zeal as great as
ever
The ship that withstands the tempests,
and after long and perilous voyage puts
safely into harbor, with life and cargo safe,
commands our admiration, but its DELAYS
usefulness; given a calm sea aud kindly
. winds, it may have accomplished twice as
much for mankind and the world.
The times are especially favorable to our
order. In all the Americas and most of
Europe, there is little opposition. aud as ig-
norance Of our teachings and principles shall
give place to careful study and examination
the reiudce OF ants will be overcome In
the onward movement OF Masonry, for the
lifting up of mankind and the solution Of
the great problem of happiness, we can have
no better rule for success than that of
emosthene5-"Actio Action, Action "
We come from the four quarters of the
State; we represent | hope, all its lodges,
we have an influence in our Masonic homes
and in our Masonic lives let it be eevatng
and enrolling; the young will come to us
for counsel in the battle aud it should be our
aim to so direct, that success should always
crown the Masonic banner Above all, may
we be of that number "To whom the stress
may prefcr'lts suit, whose hands are guided
by Justice aud whose hearts are expanded
by benevolencen
Veterans | thank you for this last honor
conferred upon me, hy making me the first
venerable Chief although one of the young
est of the veterans. | can only say that
sonic eterau association of Vermont is a
success. Its future is in your hands. | re-
turn with profound sense of my oblige-
ton, the title of venerable chief Hence
forth, US private in the ranks, / shall
gladly join you in service that should find
in all willing followers, active workers and
true and loyal Masons.
The steady march of time will decimate
our ranks and new faces greet us as the
years go by. The mama of our society sug-
gests that we are moving down the incline,
but the beautiful lines Of that veteran Ma
son, philosopher al1 poet, Albert Pike, af-
ford encouragement and hope.
You are growing Old" they tell us
Every year;
~ GU are more alone they tell us
Every year;
y GU can win no Lew affection.
You have only recollection.
Deeper sorrow and detection;
Every year.
YES Tho shores of life are shifting,
A., very YEAR
And we are seward drifting,
Every year;
Old places changing fret US,
Inc living more forget u.s.
There are fewer 10 regret US,
Every year.
but the truer life draws higher.
Every year;
And its morning star climbs higher.
Every year;
Earth : hold on US grows slighter,
And the heavy burden lighter,
And the dawn immortal brighter,
Every year"
Past Grand Master Park Davis, now of
South Dakota, was then called upon and
spoke most feeingly to tho craft most
cordial reception was given N. ". Bro.
Davis.
Remarks were made by Past Grand Mas
tiers Bowman, Meacham, Perkins, Wing and
Bacon OF Vermont, Grand Master TAYLOR of
Maine, Past Grand Master Tyler of Quebec
and exLieutenant Gov. Brother Wood
bury. a poem by S. w. Finn OF St.
Adams followed.
MIR. films POEM.
Veterans of Masonry, you tonight have como
To renew again the sacred, mystic ties
w hich bind TO God, to country and to homo
And which, as Masons, you ars taugnt 10
prize.