The Owosso times., 1899-12-15
In Memory of Washington's Death.

OW0S50 Lodge NO. 81, r. ana "A. M.
swung wide its doors last evening to mem
bers and friends alike In memory OF the one
hundredth anniversary of the death of that
grsndest of American patriots, and man
too, who knew from experience the true
value. the strength, wisdom, purity and
beauty of the teachings of Masonry. and
best Of all lived them in his life, George
Washington. The lodge room had been
tas.elully decorated with number OF large
United States flags and fue portraits Of
Washington which were draped with the
national colors, presenting an Appearance at
once appropriate, patriotic. aud very pleas
ing.
The evenings exercises were opened with
a few well chosen words of welcome from
Wo. h pful Master B. 5. Stratton, who out
lined the program of the evening and told
of the feeling which came over him some
time since when at the national capital, he
was viewing mementoes of the various
Presidents in the congressional library and
there saw Masonic aprons which Washing.
ton himself had worn and other para
phernalla belonging TO the craft which ne
had used.
The subject of Masonry had been as
signed to Rev. Carlos II. Hanks, and he
handled the subject In way that was au
inspiration to everyone who heard him. While
thers was wit enough shown to make the
brief address one continual cause for enjoy
ment. Masonry was not so much a secret
society as a society, with secrets. Every
family, he said, was such a society aud
even man, IL he was worth anything, had
some secrets which he told to none. He
then referred briefly in turn to the three
pillars of Masonry, Wisdom, Strength, and
Beauty. Masonry teaches belief IN God,
it believes In a future life and 1t believes in
virtue, in justice, and in charity. Its wis
dom is found in IFS belief and its precepts;
its strength in its secrecy; its beauty in
those traits of character which make men
manly and lOyeable. As MasOns we love
this country to which we all bear allegiance
and we love our fellow man wherever
found.
The address on Washington was given by
Hon. Milo d. Campbell, state insurance
commissioner and president of the tax com
mission. The address was we'll written
and read In pleasing manner. The great
or part of 1t was recounting of the story of
Washington's life with sketch Of the
earlier family history, but in almost the be-
ginning q tnId nj old Iriab lpUapd nf IN,
enchanted isle which appeared from out the
depths of the sea only once in each seven
years. 1t was a paradise but sank out of
sight again and could only be made to stay
by the placing of a lighted brand on it by
some man. st. Brandon finally after re-
peated trials succeeded In reaching the laud
and there found birds and animals and other
creatures sent from Heaven to serve God
there. 50 with America, 1t was saved for
centuries and then occupied by select souls
driven from all parts of Europe, here to
serve God. 1t was fitting introduction to
the story of the life of one who served his
God as perhaps no American has ever served
Hin before or since. Another pleasing ref
erence to the life of Washington through
his friends was made when Mr.. Campbell
told of a personal visit made by him whf q
in Paris, May 30, 1890, to the grave of La
fayette also Mason and one of the closest
and most trusted friends of Washington,
and SD be observed Decoration Day tho Ia a
foreign land decorating the grave of an
American soldier, a Mason aud friend of
Washin
Washington took the entered apprentice
degree in Masonory in 1852 aud was made
a Master Mason in August of the Following
year. A few years later his name was
found prominently connected with the most
important affairs of the order. In 1898 he
assisted in laying the corner stone OF the
national apitol with Masonic rites. The very
Bible which hs kissed when taking the oath
OF Office as president of the United States
was one belonging to ST. Johns Lodge of
New York. After his death ON Decem Der
IA, 1859, he was buried with Masonic
honors. These few thots are but fragments
from the address by Mr.. Campbell, which as
before noted, recounted much OF the life
of Washington and but very small part
of the address was devoted to Washington.
the Mason. except as Washington the
Mason, was also Washington the man, the
patriot and the father of his county. The
entire address was much enjoyed.
Music for the evening was furnished by
the Masonic chorus consisting of Messrs
u. ID. Mcintosh, 9. r. Danforth, j. c.
Usher, v. X. Pond, A. K. Ferry, G. L
Campbell. j. B. Nc lntosh and T.
Horsman. In closing the entire audience
Joined In singing America.
Didn't Object to His Creed.
The English language reminds me OF
some of these typewriters and the