Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-08
MASONS IN SESSION.
GRAND LODGE CONVENED IN An
NUAL COMMUNICATION LAST NIGHT.
IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED.
The Grand Masters Address Re-
ceiyed-Many Suggestions Made
and Propositions Referred to Com
mittees.
Inittees.

The Grand Lodge Of Masons Of Vir-
ri1a assembled here last night in an
ru1l communication, and the session
viii continue throughout tonight and
r9-norrow night. Last evening was de-
voted to the reception of reports and to
The discussion Of several important pro-
positions. and this afternoon at 6 o'clock
The election of officers for the ensuing
twelve months will be gone into.
The attendance on last nights session
vas exceedingly large. and when Grand
Master Courtney called the craft to
labor the spacious hall was filled with
the brethren. The first business Of i'm
u0rtance was the reception of the Grand
Masters address.
no LODGES HAVE DROPPED.
In this address, Major Courtney says:
.Wnile material PROSPERITY and financial
success have not blessed our people IN
the twelve months last past. yet our list
W suspensions for non-payment OF dues
has not exceeded that of former years,
nor have any Of our lodges surrendered
their charters for want OF the necessary
funds 20 meet current expenses. In ad-
.u.l 90 this gratifying i&ct, W. nave
been s'ugularly spared from frequent re-
grrluce of those occasions OF heartache
and SORROW which come 70 US When we
have 90 lay away from view the earjhly
remains Of eminent cOunselOrs OF our
household. II Is true mat the ali-ue-
r.urlu- Sevthe Of Time has been in our
midst and now and then within the cir
...e uf our lodges loving hearts nave btth
caused 10 bleed, and loving eyes 10 weep
beneath us relentless blows but rev or
l0s 10 whom we are accustomed 10
look for guidance on this floor have Deeh
called away since we last met IN frater-
r.l counsel We have, therefore, my
brethren. unusual cause for lifting our
hear, .u thankfulness TO Coo before pro-
coej.re 10 the business Of this session,
and .U deem humility. 90 bless HIS holy
name Tor His great kindness ana mercy
" during the year"
Attention Is called 20 the death OF
EghtWorshipful stephen MEG. Fisher
after which It 81 set forth that dispersal
tons had been issued for the formation
~ the following new lodges: Old Do
mini0n Lodge at Low Moor, Allegheny
county, December %, 1896; Corinthian
Lodge, 40 Norfolk, February 6, 1871;
Clarke Lodge. AT Lawyers, CampDeil
county Va. June g. 1891; Otter River
Lodge. az Lynchs. Campbell county, June
g. 1897; EgglestOn Lodge at Eggleston'
Giles county July %. 1897; Clinchport ,
Lodge. at Clinchport, Scott county, Sep
tcmber 2 1897; Wynn Lodge, at White
Shoals Lee county September z, 1877
Denlron Lodge, az Dendron, Surry coun-
ty, october l6, 1897.
THE MASONIC HOME.
The Grand Master recommends that
the subordinate lodges do more than mas
been done I'm the past toward the main
talance Of the Masonic Home, and APP
ponds a statement from the Grand Sec
rotary showing that in response 10 an
appeal sent out May p, 1884, in behaif
Of the institution. Slg72.S was contrl-
bltel Only l3i out Of the 253 lodges III
lle state are named therein.
Under the head OF recognition OF foreign
grand lodges, the Grand Master recon-
merds that the Grand Dicta OF Mexico
be now recognized by Virginia Masons'
j. is also recommended that a new edi-
Ton Of the Virginia textbook be ordered
and that the Methodical Digest be re-
vs.d so as 10 be reconciled with Masonic
law and usage.
ROTATION IN OFFICE.
In conclusion, the Grand Master says;
with few exceptions my predecessors
N he Office Of Grand Master have server
tr two years which Is the limit OF en-
si'lliy. under our laws, and think every
4tA Who aspires TO this position shoulo
.' 20 with the intention OF giving w"
cars " his time and talents 10 the dls-
ldiy and necessarily better qualified lhe
ttlJnl year. and can give better service
70 me craft. i have no sympathy Win
,le modern idea OF rapid rotation In ONCE.
h4t ] am 50 situated, at this time-my
private and professional engagements are
euch-that / cannot. with justice 10 my
N and family, continue longer TO bear
lhs hOnOrs you have so kindly placed
upon me, even IL you were disposed 10 re-
invest me with them. /, therefore, ask
lhat you viii excuse me from standing
Igf reelection for 81 second term. But
mhen ] step down and out OF this orice
OF Grand Master, do not by any means
usofe or intend 20 step out Of the pains
yi Masonic labor and usefulness. ! shail
~ eyer ready and willing 20 do what
can IN behalf OF our ancient Institution.
The report Of the Board Of Governors
" inc Masonic Home was submitted,
ana u shows that the total receipts for
we year were $sG55.91, and the disburse-
ments %,2Q7s, leaving $i4sls on hand.
THE WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL.
one Of the most interesting matters be- |
lore the body was a proposition that Vir-
tipia shall take charge Of the ceremony |
incident 10 the celebration OF the centen- |
A&i anniversary OF the death Of Wash |