The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-29

were representatives OF the best type OF
intelligent manhood There w%~" one
among the number 10 whom the place Of
pre-eminence must be accorded. IL Is not
invidious. certainly is not without the
warrant OF historic evidence TO designate
Thomas Smith Webb as the founder OF
our commandery,
THE Order OF the Temple was first con-
ferred by the newly-formed st. Johns
encanpment, at the conclave held 100
years ago today. The record of that as
sembiy reads I'm part as follows:
sir William Wilkinson and Sir Nathan
Fisher. who had previously been pro-
pounded, were ballotted for and accepted
as candidates for the order OF knights
Templar and Knights OF Malta. They
were accordingly prepared and introduced
by the master OF ceremonies, w. Sir
Henry Fowle and after the usual SOL
emnites were knighted and admitted
members of those ancient orders.
Hardly had Webb succeeded In effect
Ing the organization OF st. Johns En-
campment before he started movement
which resulted in the formation of what
is now the Grand Commandery of Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island and later In
the establishment OF the Grand Encamp-
ment OF the United States.
The speaker concluded his review OF the
SS the sy sens ssyns s taen. sat It .,
abundant prosperity" constantly en-
larging Influence and usefulness.
lie next paused to consider the second
The order Of the Temple" he said, was
conferred on Luther Woodward. April Z.
lS2s;
There was no other candidate for the
orders during the next ten years.
That decade was one OF opposition and
persecution.
The Templar body was bitterly assail-
ed; st Johns encarnpment was under a
cloud but the members stood to,tethp',
held occasional meetings, never once
passed an annual without electing ofri-
GERS"
DR.; Rugg characterized the third era
vival for Free Masonry and the Templar
order, consequent upon the return OF the
people 70 their senses.
st Iohns' encampment was quick to
respond he said. TO the change OF
public feeling IL was living and not
a dead body in 1889, when this improve
ment OF condition ebgan."
Coming down TO the fourth or final
period In the history Of St. Johns DR..
Rugg said that 1t need not be traced so
personal knowledge OF many of its mem
oers. Notice may be given 10 few
eonspicaous eonsI a events. The year .is!2 wit
ter and the establishment OF a charity
fund now amounting to upwards OF s10.
wv. A public installation were held by
OF the year. 1875. The then grand com
mander Installed the eminent commander
eject Sir Thomas A. Doyle, and SIR Nell
eral, installed the other officers
one event. the dedication OF the Doyle
statue, deserves special attention. Our
June 3, 1859. Mayor Doyle. 10 whom this
memorial was thus dedicated received the
dempiar 1 5, orders In 81. Johns command
IN thls connection DIR, Rugg paid elo-
quent tribute to the memory and worth
OF Mayor Doyle and the late Judge Car
nI W. hnV
ous service 10 St Johns commandery and
10 Templary at large.
In summing up his comprehensive and
sltosetner admirable address. DR. Rugg
specified certain distinguishing character
istics OF st. Johns Commandery AS they
appeared to him from his survey of the
records and from his personal knowledge
OF the body extending over something OF
a third OF the century.
Continuing he said. Sir Knights OF St
Johhs commanderyl The wireless tele-
graphy OF the ages has for us TODAY. n
message Of deep Significance The story
OK the past, IL rightly read and Interpreted
is the power OF the present--the prophecy
OF the future.
Life Is brief. duty grave; but with rain
folded wings
or yesterdays sunshine the greatfui
heart sings"
We are the owners OF st. Johns his
tory. To us Of right belongs its ancient
glory and us present prestige-on us de-
pends It's future fame and fortune. We
arc called upon TO translate into thought
and action, the message OF the century
we are empowered 20 transmit that mes
sage 20 the generations who shall follow.
Let us then see 20 II. Brothers and Sir
Knights, that we prove worthy OF the
trust reposcd. May we reverence the
truth we have received may we never al
low the standards OF our proud inheri-
tance 90 trail In the dust; may the faith
and fealty Of the fathers be renewed I'm
the high resolve and noble deed OF each
member of St Johns commandery.
Traditions and associations, rituals and
ceremonials. are important adjuncts IN n
commanderys life. but the essential eie-
ment Is found In the personal devotion
OF its membership 90 the truths Il repre-
sents. The end OF man. is an action. not
l a thought. though II were the noblest,