The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-12-03
LOCAL MASOYS PART
in National Celebration of
Hundredth Anniversary
OF WASHINGT0NS DEATH
Plans of Biggest Celebration
Ever Here.

The 18th Of this month will be a
memorable occasion in the annals of
Freemasonry in America. and incident
ally one Of Importance in the history OF
the nation.
George Washington, the first president
Of the great republic of the United
States, and affectionateIy termed the
Father Of lbs Country. died on that date,
1893. He was Master of his lodge at Mt.
Vernon. Va, and also High Priest of
the local chapter. Masonry has ever
since the days of the building Of King
Solomons famous temple, counted among
the ranks of Ancient and Accepted Ma
sons, both operative and speculative,
some of the earth's most illustrious
names Statesmen, potentates. kings,
famous generals, men of letters ecclesi-
astics and jurists are enrolled on the
pillars of fame within the sacred pre-
cincts of her lodges. Solomon himself
King of Israel; Hiram. Kink of Tyre;
King Abiff the Master Builder: clear
down to Richard COer de Leon. Philip
de Mollai, Phillip the Bold, Charlemagne
Tancred, Godfrey de st. Omar, Pythag-
oras, the Young Pretender, and all
through the crusades period and me-
dievial stirring history to that of the
young republic of Columbia; in fact all
ages and all nations have furnished
heroes whose names are part of the
worlds great drama, and they were
Knights Templar, or craftsmen of the
esoteric rite. 1t is not generally known
but all but three of the signers of the
sons, and President Washington was
among the most jealous and active in the
order, forming or allowing to be formed
wherever practicable what is known as
Lodges of Emergency" in the early
Continental army. Away back in 1893
the grand lodge of Colorado sent out
communications 10 all the sister grand
jurisdictions suggesting a universal cele-
bration of Washington's death. One at a
time each and all of the grand bodies
have taken up this matter and all voted
to celebrate with public honors this
event. All will send both delegate rep
resentation and funds to Mt. Vernon, a t
which time the most respondent and
elaborate ceremonies WIN be conducted
ui.-er the auspices direct of the grand
lodge of Virginia, with the local lodge
assisting. Kansas, as usual is first in
the field, and at its last session of the
grand lodge, A. T. & A NJ, held at
Leavenworth, voted a liberal fund, about
the largest of any of the states to assist
the Virginia sister to celebrate with fit
ting pomp and respect so important a
Masonic landmark. in the Year of Light,
$500. Those who will leave to represent
Kansas at these imposing ceremonies are
as follows: Colonel H. c. LOOMS, Win
field. Most Worshipful Grand Master A.
X. Wilson, Topeka, Right Worshipful
Grand Secretary; Judge A. H. Ellis, Be
lott. Right Worshipful Past Deputy
Grand Master; ]. c. Posthlewaite Jewel
City Most Worshipful Past Grand Mas
ter. and w. NJ. Shaver. Topeka, Most
WorshipfuI Past Grand Master. Many
other illustrious Kansas Masons who
have reached a high rank in the order
will go Independently, but the above five
will be official representatives.
In addition to this there has been sent
out from the grand east 'of the grand
lodge. an official communication to all
subordinate lodges in this jurisdiction
urging upon all that they celebrate the
hundredth anniversary in fitting man
ner. Wichita has already planned and
arranged for a splendid public ceremonial
session, a full program of which will be
announced in due time, the details of
which are as yet not fully completed.
Suffice it to say that the first city in
the state in Masonic circles will sustain
her high rank and do fitting honors to
one of the most venerated Masons Amer |
lea has produced. as well as a great |
statesman and military commander. The
official assignment OF the three local
lodges for the committee of publicity
who will regularly make further public /
announcements are as follows: W. II. /
Harrison Latham and Q z Bigelow.