The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1896-01-16
THE MASONIC GRAND LODGE
GRAND MASTER FARMERS ANNUAL
ADDRESS READ.

Secretary John ii. Barlow's Report shows
an Increase in Membership, and Treas
urer John G. Roots Report Shows Grati-
flying State of Finances-James IL. Welsh
for Grand Master.
Hartford, Jan. 15.-The annual COM
mrnication of the Connecticut grand
lodge of Masons was opened this morn
ing at the new Masonic Temple, the
lodges from all parts Of the state being
represented. This is the regular year
for the grand lodge to meet in this city,
and the session is the first one to be
held in the new Masonic structure
here.
The annual address was made by the
retiring grand master. Henry o. War
ner of Milford. Mr.. Warner paid a
handsome compliment to ex-Mayor Root
Of this city, on account of the felicity
and patriotism of his speech in present
ing the flag to the Masonic home in
Wallingford at its dedication last Sep
TENDER. The grand master also compli-
mented Herbert e. Benton, the Con-
necticut school fund commissioner, on
the eloquence of his response to the ex-
mayors effort.
The work of the order in the state
has been successful through the year,
and there has been a decided gain in
membership. Grand Master Warner in
addressing the members of the grand
lodge, said in substance:
'.Since our last communication have
received official notice of the death Of
the following officers of this and other
grand Jurisdictions: William e. San
ford, past grand master Of the grand
lodge of Connecticut, died at his home
in New York city May 25; Chauncey M.
Hatch, past grand lecturer of Connec-
ticut, died at his home in Dorchester,
Mass, April Z; David S. Miller, past
grand senior warden, died at his resi-
dence in Bristol, February 26.'
Then after giving the names Of the
district deputies appointed and the
work done by each in each county, the
grand master said: September 25 as
sisted by the officers of the grand lodge,
I dedicated the Masonic home in Wall
| ingford, witnessed by thousands of Ma
sons and their friends, each seeming
| to enjoy the occasion and in viewing
the beautiful home provided for the
comfort Of those who are so unfortu-
nate as to be dependent upon their
brethren for support" A very interest
| ing and instructive address was deliv-
cred by Past Grand Master Lockwood,
Sc no Voc MI
dation. The presentation Of the the flag
| of our country by r. w. John G. Root,
and acceptance of the same by Hon.
| Herbert e. Benton, added much to
the pleasure of the occasion, as their
| touching words of patriotism aroused
| a feeling of joy and pride within the
| hearts of ell those whose privilege
| it was to be present and within hearing.
| December q. assited by Brothers
Welsh, Barlow, browne, Fitch, Turner,
and others, / dedicated the Masonic
hall at Lakeville The brethren of
Montgomery lodge, No. ~, may well be
proud of their beautiful and conveuien.
quarters. June 81 attended the TWEEN
| ty-fifth annual reunion OF the Masonic
Veterans of Connecticut, held under
the auspices of Amos Beecher lodge, No.
l21. A large number of veterans who
have for years past enjoyed these oc-
sions were again present, and seemd to
have grown younger, rather than older.
/ recommend the usual appropriation
to assist in maintaining this worthy or
ganization.
"Since our last annual communica-
tion the Masonic home has been fitted
f,,, vi
of it's inmates and dedicated to Free
Masonry, virtue and benevolent uses.
It's doors have been opened to such as
were found eligible and dependent up
on the charities of their brethren and
happiness reigns within it's peaceful
walls. Generous gifts have been be-
slowed by many kind and loving
friends.
Appeals have been made to you to
help, aid and assist in this noble work
of charity. Generous responses have
been received from many of the lodges,
cheerfully fulfilling their duties and
obligations, as our records plainly show.
I am by duty compelled (but deeply re-
greet to inform you that there are those
who have not yet responded to the call
Of duty, but trust that the time will
soon come when every lodge within the
grand jurisdiction will not be found
wanting in the discharge of it's duty to-
ward this worthy object of charity.
There are now fifteen inmates at the
home dependent upon us for support.
Brethren, let us cheerfully provide for
their wants, that the honor and repu
tation of the craft may not suffer. Let
the pages of our history be so written
that future generations may never find
that even one among our number had
been neglected of forgetful of duty or
honor.
November / I commissioned Brother
George e. Carson as our grand repre-
sentative near the grand lodge of the
District of Columbia. Many questions
have been submitted for an opinion
from the grand master, but owing to
our excellent jurisprudence I have in
every instance been able to answer by
referring to the same. Brethren, my
official acts are now before you for
your consideration. AS my only ambi-
ton and desire has been to promote the
best interests of our time-honored in
stitution, l trust they will meet your
approval. Again 1 sincerely thank you
for the exalted position to which you
again saw fit to elevate me to serve as
your grand master, an honor of which
one may well be proud. l extend to