Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-08-19

Albert G.. Mackey, VIM. r. Singleton and
others, scarcely less known to the Masonic
world.
BENZ. B. French was grand master of
Templars of the United States for six con-
secutive years, from 1859 to 1860 and no
since his administration has served so
long in the office. He had been grand re-
corder of the grand encampment for nine
years prior to his election as grand mas
ter. In the Templar Asylum of the Ma
sonic Temple in this city is a beautiful
gold-mounted sword presented by the
Grand Encampment to Sir knight French
as a slight token of it's regard for his abili-
ties and his services to the order.
Columbia Commandery.
Columbia Commandery, No. 2, which was
instituted in 1868 and chartered in 1865.
enjoys the unique honor and distinction of
having introduced the now popular plan
of parade and escort to the Grand En-
campment the occasion of a trien-
NAL conclave. 1t attended the meet
ing of the Grand Encampment of the
United States in 1865, which was held that
year at Columbus, Ohio, and acted as
cert to the grand encampment, then pre-
sided over by Grand Master Benz. b.
French this being the first time in the
history of the order that commandery
appeared in parade on such an occasion.
Columbia Commandery won great distinc-
ton because of this event. The rolls of
this commandery also show the names of
many distinguished persons. President
Garfield was knighted in Columbia Com
mandery. May IS, 1866, and took a lively
interest in it's affairs up to the time of his
assassination. On the occasion of it's in
auguration the commandery was assigned
a position in the parade Immediately pre-
ceding the presidential carriage, but. be-
cause of Indictment weather, the eminent
commander deemed it prudent not to turn
out. But the commardery took part in
the parade when his remains We're brought
from Elberon and l. i'd in state at the Capt.
tol, in the escort to the depot when being
taken away, in the great funeral process
sion in Cleveland, and at the laying of
the cornerstone Of the Garfield monument
in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, in
August, 1SS3-in each case being assigned z
most prominent position
Adjutant General COrbn, Admiral Schley
NJ M. Parker, Milton e. Allies, and anany
other prominent citizens now on the
roll of this commandery. Admiral Schley
will accompany his fraters to Louisville if
the naval court OF inquiry does not pre-
vent.
Contest Over Uniforms.
The membership of the order in the Dis
trict of Columbia ranks that of almost
majority of the grand communicates of the
United States, and while the grand COM
mandery here was organized less than
decade ago, the influence of it's member
ship has been notable for many years. For
example. in many Of the states. COM
manderies have been wearing what is
known as the standard or regulation uni
form, which is different from that formerly
authorized by the grand encampment.
Each grand cOmmandery is now allowed to
choose the uniform to be worn by its
subordinates. This change was brought
about by the influence alone of Washington
Commandery of the District of Columbia.
This organization has always appeared in
what is. known as the "black" uniform,
regarded the oldest Templar garb worn
mo m IN hoe
been proud Of this fact: When. therefore,
the grand encampment tried many years
ago to force the Templars of the United
States to wear a new uniform, which diff
fered from the black In the absence of
the apron and lthe substitution of white
bald1ic for that formerly used, the sir
knights of Washington. No. 1. RETAINED
from wearing the new uniform, and APP
peared only In citizens dress whenever
they turned out as organization. So
strong plea did they make at New Or
leans in 1874 that the edict of suspension
which had been passed upon them was set
aside. and by special resolution this COM
mandery was authorized thereafter to
wear their former uniform. And this they
do to this day The beautiful appearance
they always made in public led to legisla-
ton in the Grand Encampment to allow
each grand commandery to determine
what uniform its own subordinates should
wear, and at the present time. as before
stated, in a number of Jurisdictions, the
standard uniform has given place to others
known as the black uniform. or some
thing akin thereto.
The other Communicates Of the District
Potomac, No. g. De Molay, Mounted. No.
f. and Orient, No. 5-have come into exist
ence since the occurrence of most OF the
events above mentioned, but all of them
have since contributed their full share to
the reputation which the local Templars
enjoy throughout the country. De Molay
Commandery is one Of the few mounted or
ganiaztions in the order. and always makes
an attractive appearance. Many business
men owning horses are members OF De
Molay.
Interest In the Conclavc.
Much interest is manifested in the ap-
preaching conclave at Louisville. Among
the most important questions which will
come up for action win be q proffered
amendment repeating the statute requiring
utilization in lodge and chapter as pre-
requisite Of good standing In the COM
mandery. Doubtless, too. In the election
there will be quite contest for the lowest
elective office. that If grand funior WardeF