The Dallas express., 1900-01-13

When their skill and energy are bent
In the proper diret ton!
/ Right, here, brethren, you will per-
NIT me to speak what | have often
said in many of my lectures, and in a
former address, that if free Masonry
was worth anything at all for us it
should and would elevate us in all the
avenues of life, and make us better
| citizens along all lines. We can ex-
claim that we thank God it is the case
with the majority of our brethren and
lodges. Think me not egotistic when
| say we can boast that the best citizens
| of our people have cast their lot with
the old national compact for truth,
virtue and morality.
Again, in referring to our accumula-
tion of property, we desire to say our
total value will, approximately speak
ing, exceed ten thousand dollars, In
the aggregate.
Such growth within twenty -four or
thirty months is marvellous indeed.
We commend the craft very much,
indeed, for the liberal manner in
which they have responded with the
money to purchase our grand lodge
banner. As grand master, we were
made to feel very proud of these no.
| ble-hearted brethren, and sisters Of
the court who assisted.
Dear brethren, there is one matter
which has laid heavily upon my heart,
and that is how to raise grand chari-
ty fund for our widows and orphans.
l have given this subject much study
and thought and have come to this
conclusions:
RECOMMENDATIONS.
And hereby make the following re-
commentators:
1st. Every lodge warranted, five
dollars for the grand charity fund.
I'd. Every new lodge instituted and
disTensated, five dollars go into the
grand charity fund.
Sd. Ten per cent of the state grand
lodge taxes go into the grand charity
fund.
4th. Each man entered, passed and
raised, half of the grand lodge reve-
nues for such degrees go into the grand
charity fund, which will be fifty cents.
9th. AnOtherimportant recommen-
dation l wish to place before you
that there be committee appointed
at this grand lodge session, whose duty
1t shall be to examine all titles to all
our property and see how the deeds
are made out, whether in the name of
our fraternity or individuals.
would recommend that all our titles,
warranty deeds, should be uniform and
the rights invested in the fraternity or
held in trust for the masonic use of the
brethren.
We desire to say that our cores
pondence with sister grand lodges and
officers, has been most pleasant and
cordial as well as profitable, also our
relations with all the National Grand
officers and the National Grand lodge
are most agreeable.
We desire to make special mention
of Brother J. Ii. Bond of Pennsylvania,
2. q. NJ. and chairman of our national
and international committees. His
fraternal letters are very inspiring and
Instructive, he is surely the right man
in the right place.
We cannot close this topic without
saying that most agreeable surprise
happened to MS during the year-we
received fraternal letter from State
Grand Master VIM. II. Upton, a white
grand master of Washington, he ex-
tended to us very cordial greeting.
To my knowledge, it is the firsC Of
the kind to this grand lodge.
In this connection, we wish to state
wherever we have been in this state
during the past year, the white people
have extended a cordial welcome and
every courtesy that we could reason
ably expect, for which we are thank
ful, as we see the ray Of a better day
coming.
We are glad to say that our national
banner has now extended her wings in
all parts of our national domain, let
US return thanks to Him who is the
preserver and giver of every goodthing
NOW, in conclusion brethren, de-
sire if it ever shall fall 20 my lot again
TO address you on such an occasion, [
would like to talk to you on the sub
ject of FreemasonTy, its origin, rise
and fall, among al races and nations.
We have often wondered why men
should be so facinated and cling to its
principles. Doubtless, the ceremonies,
forms and modes have had much to do
with the enticement of men.
Now, finally brethren, [ bring m7
sheaVes and lay them at your feet.
All / have done during this most
eventful year has been done conscien-
ciOusly with a sense of Justice to the
least of our craft as well as the great
est. /, therefore, bid you adieu and
ask that justice, truth, wisdom and
virtue shall guide you during our de-
iiberatiOns in this the fourteenth grand
communication.
Various committees made their re-
ports; among which was the commit
tee on resolutions
RESOLUTIONS.
To the the citizens of huntsville:
Whereas, the citizens Of Huntsville
both white and colored have thrown
wide their doors to the members Of st.
John Union grand lodge and have so
nicely cared for us; be it
Resolved, that we tender to them q
vote of thanks for this hospitality ana
that we feel very grateful for their
kindness, and that this resolution be
spread upon the minutes.
Resolved, second, that we tender
the various railroads vote of thanks
for reduced es. Unanimously
adopted.
Whereas, that there are a number
of colored men claiming to be Masons
who have been expelled from the
M. w. National Grand lodge of tx A. |
"A. Y. NJ. (c0mpact) Prince Hall or
igin, going through the country under
f9 leo nreterSe DeGdiinp degrees, |