The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-04
|MASONS ELECT
 NEW OFFICERS The Grand Lodge Met Last Night.
 SESSION THIS MORNING
States Best Citizens are Here
 for Convention.
The Meeting in Masonic Temple was the Largest in History of the State Order and Much Busi-
 ness Was Transacted.

1 Montgomery is entertaining. members | of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons | from every section of Alabama and no more representative crowd of Alabama | citizenship every gathered in the Capital | City of the State. The Grand Lodge of Masons of Ala bama began It's eighty-first annual com munication at the handsome Masonic | Temple at 7:3o o'clock yesterday evening | and more than 1000 delegates were present. There are 400 Masonic lodges | in Alabama and each of these lodges | is entitled to three delegates to the Grand Lodge. In addition to this vast throng of Masons who have journeyed to Mont | gomery there is a great crowd of visit ing Masons and the local hotels are packed to their fullest capacity. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons completed its labors yesterday. elected officers and adjourned. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons held it's meeting at 2:3O o'clock yesterday afternoon and officers were elected for the ensuing term. The principal feature of the first ses- sion of the Grand Lodge which assem- bled yesterday evening was the reading of the annual address of the Grand Master of Alabama, Dr. Russell M Cum ningham of Ensley. The Grand Master recommended that the Grand Lodge take steps for the establishment in Alabama of Masonic Widows and Orphans Home. This recommendation was cheered by the assembled Mssons and it is said that it is probable some action will be taken upon the recommendation during the deliberations of She Grand Lodge.
 At o'clock this morning the Grand Lodge will continue its work. It Is ex- pected that 1t will finish its labors late tonight.
 All of the Grand Officers were present yesterday evening, except Senior Grand Warden, Henry H. Matthews, of this city, who was suffering from painful bruise recently received in an accident. His indisposition was so serious as to conhne him to his bed, and It was i'm possible for him to be present. Mir. Robert s. Teague. of this city, filled the station temporarily. The officers of the Grand Lodge are as follows:
 Russell Nj. Cunningham, Ensley, Grand Master.
 Robert Redden. sulligent, Deputy Grand Master.
 Henry H. Matthews seniar Grand Warden.
 Ben M Jacobs. Birmingham. Junior Grand Warden.
 William II. Dingley. Montgomery, Grand Treasurer.
 George A. Beauchamp, Montgomery, Grand Secretary.
 William C. Bledsoe, Lafayette, Grand Chaplain.
 D. w. McIver, Montgomery. Grand Marshal.
 George H. Thigpen, Elba. Senior Grand Deacon.
 II. E. Mitchell. oneonta Junior Grand Deacon.
 E. J. Garrison, Ashland. Senior Grand Steward.
 E. S. Gatchell. Selma Junior Grand Steward.
 Charles A. Allen. Montgomery. Grand Tyler.
 Past Grand Masters J. G. Harris. George P. Harrison and B. Dudley Williams were also present.
 The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form The Grand Master, Dr. Cunning ham, at once began to read his address and at its conclusion it was referred to a committee of Past Grand Masters.
 The address was exceedingly interest ing and held the undivided attention of the Grand Lodge from opening to closing sentence. His references to past grand officers who have died within the past year were especially appropriate. That part of his address relating to the es- tablishment of a Masonic Widows and Orphans Home was enthusiastically re- ceived. The applause, indicated that his recommendations will be carried out
 The Grand Secretary and Grand Treas urer submitted their reports which were referred to the Finance Committee.
 Chairman w. r. Titcomb of the For eign Correspondence Committee. made report, which was ordered printed in the proceedings.
 The various committees were then an- nounced
 Some reports were submitted from the | Standing Committee on Suspensions. Ex- pulsions and Appeals all of which, after | some discussion, were adopted
 The Grand Lodge will reassemble at | o'clock this morning.
 THE GRAND CHAPTER.