The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1901-01-17
MASONIC GRAND LODGE
OPENED IT'S ANNUAL SESSION HER
yesterday.

Past Year One of the Most Prosperous In
Hfstory-N on-Paymcnt of Dues by
Many Members Makes Receipts Less
Than Amy Previous Yenr-Denth Rate
Members of the Masonic fraternity from
all parts of Connecticut assembled here
yesterday for the annual session of the
Grand lodge.
Proceedings were begun yesterday with
prayer by the grand chaplain, c. q. Bristol,
of Hartford, following the formal rituals
tie opening ceremonies.
The following committees were appoint
ed:
Committee on masters address-F. w.
Herein, George w. kies, Reuben FL. Tucker.
On charities-Samuel Bassett, z. G. M.
George A. French and Arthur b. Caul-
kins.
On fnance-James Mccormick, Isaiah Ba-
ker and William Il. Hurd.
w, Il. Gillette and r. j. Mccormick.
On delinquencies-F. A. Verplanck, Frank
FL. Wheeler, M. D., and W. D. Granniss.
On misunderstanding W. Lee, David II,
Alling and George G. McGil.
Special committee-F. ". Heren, James
Mccormick, George II. Kies, II. o. War
ner and George G. McGill.
There was an interesting ceremony per
formed in the presentation to the. Grand
lodge of handsome savel. 1t was pre-
scented by L. G. Clark, the master of Rising
sun lodge, of Washington. 1t is said that
there is an interesting history connected
with this gavel and the wood of which 1t Is
made comes from Palestine and there are
memories connected with 1t which would
be interesting to every Mason.
The committee on credentials having re
ported, the lodge listened to the address of
the grand master John 0. Rowland, of
Wallingford. MI. Rowland spoke of the
past year as one of the most prosperous in
the history of Masonry In Connecticut
There has, he said, been more than usual
activity among the craft throughout the
jurisdiction, and enthusiasm has every
where permeated the order
AS an evidence of healthy condition Of
Masonry, the grand master instanced the
fact that, in general, masters of the lodges
have been chosen wisely, so that through
out the entire year the grand master has
not been called upon TO make a new ruling
pute having been settled by proper inyesti-
cation on the part of the lodge masters.
The address commended the organization
known as the Masonic Veteran association,
tons for it be made by the grand lodge.
The work of the Masonic home was also
heartily commended.
Reports We're also given by the deputy
the grand treasurer, Miles w. Graves, of
Hartford; the grand secretary, John Ii.
Barlow, of Hartford, and by the grand
trustees, Nelson G. Hinckley, of Hartford,
William r. Highly, of Bridgeport, and Ed
win Tweedy, of Danbury.
The grand secretarys address contained
many facts and figures of interest to the
order, After speaking, of the progress of
the grand lodge library, Mr., Barlow said
that the returns from the lodges for the
year present a most unusual state of affairs.
While nearly all the lodges have been pros
in any previous year, so great has been the
number stricken from the rolls for non.
of dues that the number of affl-
lated Masons and the receipts for the grand
lodge are less than the previous year. The
death rate has also been unusually heavy.
The grand lodge receipts have been 3d.
005; number of lodges on the roll, no.
number of master Masons at last report
lodges have done no work A gain in mem
bership is reported by 81 lodges, loss of
36, while 13 have neither gained nor lost
members.
resolution of recognition of the Grand ORR
ant of Belgium, passed at the annual cont
In 1898, be rescinded.
At the evening session Of the Grand lodge
were elected; Grand master, Frederick S
Stevens, Of Bridgeport; deputy grand mas
ter Arthur C. Wheeler, Of Norwak; grand
senior warden, Leon NJ. Woodruff, of Nau-
of Norwich; grand treasurer,
Miles w. Graves, of Hartford; grand secre-
,ary, John Fl. Barlow grand senior deacon,
Asa r. Fitch, of Hartford grand Junior
deacon, Benjamin f. Turner, of Middle
own; grand marshal, Andrew J. Hallock, Of
Danbury; grand senior steward Edward e.
Weston S. Grannis.
These officers will be installed this fore
noon by Past Grand Master Luke A. Lock
wood, of Greenwich. The installation will
De practically ali the business to be trans
acted to-day and the Grand lodge meeting
will probably adjourn this forenoon.
Among the prominent Masons attending
he session are Past Grand Masters Lock-
wood, Of Greenwich, James l.. Gould, Will
lam W. Lee, of Meriden, John H. Barlow,
If Hartford, James Mccormick, Of Wind
,or, George A. Kles, of Norwich, Samuel
3assett, Of New Britain, F. w. Ravens, Of
Hartford, George G. McNall, of Greenwich,
Asa Smith, of New Haven.