The colored American., 1901-08-31


District of Columbis, Greeting;-
n Ex-Grand High Priest
There are occasions in this NJ. EX-
Grand Chapter when we turn from the
business to behold the work OF the
reaper Death" There are times of
sOlemnitY and bereavement, when Ian
guage cannot portray the emotions of
the soul. There are periods when sad
ness. like q tidal wave, sweeps over
this NJ Ex. Grand Chapter with resist
beget bitter thought, unavsillng tears
and vain regret that, like the breath of
winter, is fraught with desOlatiOn.
NJ. Ex. Grand High Priest
Who can glory in his strength or
stretch forth his hand and stay the
Angel Of Death? Who can defy the
dread summons TO join the innumerable
host whose way lies through the por-
tails Of the tomb? Who can tell the day
or the hour when bis earthly estate
shall be closed and an account rendered
Of the deeds done IN the body.
Most Excellent
the uncertainty of human life looms
up ever before us and seem to make eli
human achievements futile and worth
less, but this Is only apparently so,
Royal Arch MasOns pass away but their
Masonic works endure. The body may
be laid in the grave but the rich legacy
of Masonic lessons and influences of the
life Of good, brave and true Royal
Arch Mason remain to this Most Excel
leut Grand High Royal Arch Chapter.
The powerful though silent influences
of such a life bear perennial harvests
which death cannot destroy.
NJ. Ex. Grand High Priest
Our beloved Companion John Henry
Burrell has been taken from US, this
Most Excellent Grand Chapter mourns
his lost, true and tried Royal Arch
Mason, wise counsellor and 3 devoted
father has passed away and the wall Of
the family, the friends nor this Most
Excellent Grand Chapter will not re-
turn to Us the departed. The cOnsOla-
tiOn OF religion, the teaching of faith,
our inbOrn conviction of Immortality
may assuage our grief and temper our
sorrow, but this Is q wound that can
not be healed.
II. Ex. Grand High Priest
The committee who was appointed
by your Honorable self to review the
life services and character as 8 Royal
Arch Mason Of our late beloved Com
paniOn John Henry Burrell have to the
best their ability attended to tie duty
assigned them and do now present their
findings with resolutions to this Most
Excellent Grand Chapter for their con-
sideratiOn and approval.
NJ. Elk. Grand High Priest
Our late beloved Companion John
Henry BurreIl was born In Virginia
IN the early fOrtles, came to Washing
Ton along in about 1857 8, became q
royal Arch Mason in 1889, elect as
the M. e. 81. Priest OF St. Johns Chap
ter 1871, elected as the Excellen Grand
scribe OF the Most Excellent Grand
chapter 1874; elected as the D. q. q
PTiest Of the Most Excellent Grand
chapter 1875, elected as the Grand
secretary of the Most Excellent Grand
chapter in 1880, reelected in 1881 re-
elected in 1882, elected ss the Most Elk.
celent Grand High Priest In 1888, re
elected IN 1884, again elected as Grand
Secretary In 1885 and from that time
on up to 1900 our late beloved Com
pauion has been the choice Of this
Most Excellent Grand Chapter for itG
Erand Secretary for on the account o.
failing health he had to decline to &C
cept the office Of Grand Secretary fol
another year.
N. Ex. Grand High Priest
The question will be asked, ''Wh Why
was 1t that our beloved Companion
Joan Henry Burrell stepped from on
fn Al Il