davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04
OUTLINE OF FREE MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA

eral lodges of the State outside of those
composing the boards of relief, Ma
sons and the widows and orphans of
Masons belonging to other jurisdictions,
and also the sum expended by the POI
lodges of the State for the relief of
their own members. 1t is needless to
say that Masonry in California is doing
a great work.
In 1890 the Grand Lodge adopted
series of resolutions looking to the
founding of a Masonic Home for the
nurture and the intellectual, moral and
physical culture of the children of de-
ceased Master Masons of the State, and
as a temporary asylum for poor and
distressed Masons and the widows of
deceased Masons. In 1891 the Grand
Lodge adopted a resolution providing
for the appointment of board of trus-
tees whose duty it should be to organ
ize such home This board organized
in 1892 and at once began the arduous
undertaking. Suffice 1t to say that in
due time the home was established. a
palatial structure was erected at De-
coto, in Alameda County, and Califor-
MIA now has a Masonic Widows and
Orphans Home. we'll equipped, and
serving a most beneficient purpose. The
Masons of the State have great pride
in the home and seem disposed, with
one accord, to live to 1t the support
which it requires. Already some of the
noble-hearted brethren have made lib
eral donations: the ladies of the State
contribute literally; through the liber-
ality of particular brethren additional
structures have been erected and 1t
now ranks among the best OF this class
of charitable institutions in the land.
Masonry in California. with equal
foot, advances with every other interest
of the State.
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

having more than one lodge, each of
the lodges is under the same obligation.
In order properly to distribute the bur-
dens imposed upon the lodges in San
Francisco, and to enable them to dis
pense more equitably their charities, as
well as to- guard against imposition on
the part of improper applicants, the
masters of five of the seven lodges To-
Gated in San Francisco, in 1855 formed
a compact and organized Masonic
Board of Relief.
This board has regularly held its meet
inP every Saturday evening from its
inception to the present time. 1t is not
in the power of pen to depict its bene-
faction in administering relief, burying
the dead and comforting and caring for
the widows and orphans &C Masons.
The expenditures of the board have
yearly increased, until in 1903 they had
reached the munificent sum of $13,-
9S7 16. The total expenditures of the
board during the fifty years of its ex-
istence for charity has amounted to
$685., ,046 or, while it's incidental ex-
penses have only amounted to $42,-
2S3 5S, or less than an average of $3.50
per annum. This is the monetary
record; the record of its other chari-
ties cannot be estimated.
Since the formation of the San Fran
cisco boards, similar bodies have been
established in Los Angeles, Oakland,
Stockton, San Diego, Sacramento and
San Jose. All the boards, in addition
10 moneys contributed by the asserting
lodges, are literally assisted bv the
Grand Lodge. 1t will afford some idea
of the work done by these boards to
state that in 1903 the entire sum ex-
pended by all amounted to $24,391 SO.
To this sum is to be added the several
amounts expended in relief by the sew
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

turned and gave the candidate the nee
essary instructions as to the manner in
which he should act, and then led him
to the door of the chapter-room.
On entering, he cast himself on his
knees before the master, and said:
Sir, am come before God, before you
and the brethren, and pray and be-
seech you, for God and our dear Lady's
sake, to admit me into your fellowship
and the good deeds of the order, as one
who will for all his life be the, servant
and slave of the order" The master
then addressed the candidate and ex-
planned to him what he must renounce,
what he must undergo, and what he
must expect If he was to become
member Of this order of knighthood;
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

Samuel C. benson, Wiley j. Tinnin.
Edmund c. Atkinson. Hiram n. Ruck-
er, William Johnston, Henry Sayre
Orme, James B. Stevens, William I.
Lucas, Thomas Flint Jr., Frank M.
Angellotti, Charles l.. Patton, James
A. Foshay, William S. Wells, Orrin S.
Henderson and Charles w. Nutting.
Since the organization of the Grand
Lodge but eight brethren have occu-
pied the position of grand treasurer
Levi Stowell, one year; 7. A. Thomas.
one year; Addison Martin, nine years;
James Laidley, sixteen years; Moses
Heller, eight years; N. w. Spaulding,
eight years; Edward Coleman, the
incumbent, eleven years.
But four different persons have oc-
cupied the position of grand secretary
John H. Gihon, one Year, Levi Stow
, ell, five years; Alexander G. Abel,
thirty-five years.. George Johnson, the
present efficient officer fourteen years.
Among other prominent officers may
be named Henry Hare Hartley Theo-
dore G. Cockrill, Charles l.. Wiggin,
John Quincy Adams, Sasher Woods.
John r. Mcconnell, Richard f. Knott,
Samuel A. Merritt, Alvinza Hayward,
Jacob Hart Neff, Henry Hay Knapp,
Marcus D. Boruck. George w. Hunter,
Motley H. Flint, Edward Henry Hart.
- This brief sketch of the history of
Masonry in California would be incom-
plete without reference to two of its
most important benefactions. 1t is a
cardinal teaching of the institution of
Masonry that every lodge is under obli-
cation to minister to the relief of its
own membership, and also the relief
of the distressed or destitute of any
other lodge wherever located, while So
Journing in its jurisdiction. In cities
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

sepulcher. and after the disastrous
defeat in Acre in 1891, had, ex-
cepting a short stay in Cyprus, hur-
ried to the various manors which were
held by the order in the different coun-
tries of Europe. These priories or pre-
ceptories have been estimated to have
numbered 5000, and the divisions Of the
orders yielded the revenue of kings.
The knights Hospitaler, on the other
hand. after evacuating Palestine, re-
mained at Cyprus and Rhodes, Great
ing a naval force and engaging in sue
cessful maritime warfare against the
Turks and Saracens throughout the
Mediterranean.
The different lines Of policy pursued
by the two orders created a distrust of
the Templars and therefore the people
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

passing away when its work was ac-
complished.
The peculiar dress Of the order was
cross on the front and back. Over this
was worn the white Templar cloak or
mantle, displaying red Templar cross
over the left breast; and the head was
covered with a cap or hood attached
to the mantle. The white garments
were worn only by the Knights who
had been bound to the order for fixed
period or for life. The chaplains
clothed themselves in dark robes suit
able to their profession, but ornament
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

any attention from a woman without
the consent of his superiors; not to kiss
a woman; not to abuse any one and to
be ever courteous TO all; to attend
divine service; to begin and end his
meals with prayer; to be submissive
and obedient to the grand master and
all those in authority; to cross the
seas; to go to battle, and never turn
his back on three foes, and, if alone,
to fight them if they were infdels.
The life of the soldier was part sol
dier and part monk. Daily religious
services were required and none could
absent themselves without the con-
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

ed with the cross of the order The
brethren-at-arms, the serving brethren
and others connected with the order
were bidden to wear dark or dusky
brown garments, but no bright or
parti-colored clothing was allowed to
be worn on any occasion
The armor was that of the age,
either plate or chain, the latter coming
into favor with the knights after their
experience in battles with the Sara
Gems Over the mail was worn the
mantle and cross of the order, but no
further distinguishing mark or insig-
mia was allowed. The arms were the
sword, lance, mace and shield, and.
afterward, from knowledge gained in
Palestine, the bow and arrow were at
times used.
AS the Knights were a mounted force
the fighting was done on horseback
There is a legend that during the
earlier years Of the order, because OF
poverty, two knights were mounted on
one horse, but such tradition is doubt
full. Wealth came to the organization
from the first, and all duly created
Knights were provided with two and
sometimes three horses.
The banners of the order were two.
The beauseant, the upper half OF
which was black and the lower half
white, was sometimes known as the
vexillium belli, or battle flag or war
banner of the order and was horne in
all conflicts. At times the knights car
ried the beauseant in the form of Il
small pennant at the end of their lances
The red cross banner was white
flag on which was displayed the
broad red passion cross, and this
~ standard might be called the
headquarters flag of the organ
ization as it was always placed
J in front of the grand masters
station.
The order as a military institu
4 ticn existed two centuries ard its
chroniclers have furnished poets
and historians themes which
will never be forgotten. The
a history Of Palestine during
twelfth and thirteenth CEN
turfes is virtually a story of
the knights Templar and
the knights Hospitaler
and a record of their
y struggles against the
4 Saracens for dominion
in the Holy Land.
The zeal of these
Knights was never
NM questioned. T h y
were the first to ad
vance and the last to
retreat, for in accord
ance with the rules Of
their order they never
turned their backs upon
an infidel foe.
During the latter years Of
z the order power and pros
perity sapped the warlike
spirit of the Templars, and
although wealth and lu-
thority had been OBJ
tanned, such acquisi-
tion had been OBJ
tanned by loss Of
pety and virtue.
There was a
growing senti-
ment against the
order, for the
Templars seemed
y - $50 to have forgotten
their vows to
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04
Photo by Bushnell.

The supreme power of the order Wa
vested in a grand master, elected fo
life, and whose authority was wei
nigh absolute. His residence was a
first ut Jerusalem. and afterward a
the city or place where the headquar
ters of the order were located.
The next officer in rank to tn,
grand master was the seneschal. wh'
exercised authority in case of the dis
ability of the master. The marshal
third in rank, was the military of
ficer or general of the order. Th
treasurer, having duties as implied b,
his name. also exercised authority a
admiral. The draper performed thos
duties which in the present day ar
incumbent upon the commissary gen
eral. The turcopolier was the com
nlander of the cavalry.
As the order grew in strength
was divided into provinces, and thes
territorial districts were governed b.
grand preceptors or grand priors.
The highest executive body of
/ order was composed of the
officers of the order as men
toned. the grand preceptors of
provinces and a certain num-
ber of distinguished Sir
knights These formed the
Chapter General of the
order. and in this body all
THE laws and regulations
were made and the grand
officers elected. The au-
thority and lands of the
order were divided up
into fifteen provinces,
extending from Pales-
tine to the western
bounds Of Europe. and
from Sicily to Ger
many forming an en-
pire by itself and hav-
ing one interest and
controlled by one poll
icy.
The reception of
knight into the order
was a solemn ceremo-
nial and was secret, as
none but members
We're entitled to be
present The full de-
tails of the ceremonies
OF initiation are not
known in the present
day, as a portion of
esoteric work has been
lost. We know. how
ever. the general detail
of the rite of reception
of a candidate for the
candidate for the honors
Of the order in those days,
and sketch of such
reception is given.
On the day Of the re-
ception the master and
Knights were sent to
warn the candidate of
the dangers and hard
ships which he would
be obliged to encoun-
ter if he became
knight cf the order.
If his replies were sat-
isfactory the commit
tee returned to the
chapter room n d
made z report, which,
on being received, and
there being no objec-
fio,7 the cop7 r7itfoe re-
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04

IT HE following historical
account of the carly Tenn
/ plars is from the pen OF
Right Eminent Sir Frank
William Summer. past grand
commander of the Grand Com
nsanGcry Of California. repre-
sentative cf tic grand master of
t.le Craad Encanlpmcnt for tho
eighteenth district, embracing
California. Washington. Oregon
and t.le Hawaiian TERRITORY. and
the author Of 'Sanner's Tao
ucs,% the official drill manual
ior tho jurisdiction OF CaIifcr-
cia.
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04
Past Grand Commander Grand
Commandery Of California

sent of the mas
Ter or preceptor.
Two plain meals
an d sometimes
three were allowed
each day, but the
fare was at times
coarse: wine was
served, but strict
silence enjoined that
all might listen to
the words from Holy
Writ. which were
read by a chaplain or
one Of the knights.
Complete obedience
to the master and abb
solute devotion to the
rider were ever enjoin-
d. 1t was a wonderful
brotherh o o d a n d
dourished accord
ing to the
necessi-
~ ties of
t n e
- ase,
The San Francisco call., 1904-09-04
OIT
Frank William Sumner

and if he re-
piled. that he still
desired TO be re-
ceived, he was
questioned fur
ther as to his
mind and con-
science.
The candidate
was then seated
before the mas
ter, who deliv-
cred to him a
discourse on his
Obligations TO the
order. Among his
duties may be men
toned: He wa!
never to assaul
Il n y Christians,
nor swear,
nor re-
ceiVa
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

The Parker. New Era recently re-
marked that had Coe I. Crawford
stated at the beginning of his cam
paign for governor that he would not.
if elected, use the governors chair as
stepping stone into the U. s. Senate, his
campaign would not have been so diff
cult-words to that effect. No such an
announcement was necessary, brother.
Had Mr. Crawford simply announced his
candidacy for the nomination subject
to the will of the state convention, we
believe no power on earth could have
defeated him. 1t would have been pos
sible for everyone to support in that
case; but now he has made it impossible
for anyone to support him who believes
in tho integrity and loyalty Of Senators
Kittredge and Gamble, Congressman
Martin aud Burke, Chairman Crane and
the host of other leaders who have
fought successfully our party's battles
in the past. We believe this is asking
too much of anyone no matter how
much we admire Crawford as man.
Salem Special.
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

w SAoSeSs& ~ ASAoAoP 81" AASy' Al oAAC
evening, on July 3rd. DR.. Bradley.
President of the Iowa college at Grin.
nell, will preach, and those who have
heard him say he is one of the ablest
expounders of scripture in the country.
July 4. SenatoF Knute Nelson, the
most prominent Scandinavian in Amer.
ica. He will deliver grand patriotic
address and his friends from three
states will fill the auditorium and the
park
July 4. S. 6, the Old Homestead Male
Quartet, best in the United States.
July7, 8, and 8, Mr.. Robertson of
New York city will be present. He is
the leading moving picture man in the
world.
July z will be great day. 1t is des.
ignated as Capital Day. At this time
the champions of Mitchell and Pierre
will meet in orstorical battle and pre-.
sent the capital city question for the
consideration Of the great crowd that
will be present. The Pierre boomers
say they will have their friends here by
thousands, and the Mitchell boomers
say they will have their friends here
also by thousands, and it is quite
reasonable to presume that Canton will
see the biggest crowd of people ever
assembled at one time in this state
The capital orators are not all decided
upon, hence no names will be mention.
ed now. All railroads will run special
trains.
July to 1s, Wesleyan Quartet, the
best on earth.
July will be known as Farmers
Day." Hon. F. NJ. Greeley and Mr..
Laws will be present to talk to the
farmers. Those who heard Mr.. Greeley
in Canton in February during the insti.
tute, say he is the best man they ever
heard talk on farm topics. Mrs. Laws
can entertain the ladies just as we'll a.
Mr.. Greeley can the men.
July 10, Sunday, noted Bishop will
be present: DR.. Oldham Of Chicago
will be present in the evening and q
grand sacred concert will be given.
July II will be known as Democratic
Day, and probably Senator Pettigrew
or some other noted democrat will talk
to the people. DR.. Green in the even.
ing.
July - will be Republican Day. and
during the afternoon soms noted repub.
lican orator will Re present. Congress.
man Martin says he will be one of the
greatest orators in the country. His
name will be known soon. DR.. Greene
in the evening. and after DR.. Greene
will come the closing jubilee.
There will be many other interesting
features during the assembly, and the
forenoon schools will be under the di.
rection Of the ablest instructors in the
country.
Enough has been noted here, how.
ever. to convince any one that Canton'e
Assembly for 1904. will far surpass any.
thing ever given in this state.
There will hs ball games and other
attractions between the beginning Of
the Advent camp meeting June 10 and
the closing of the Assembly on July IL.
There will be 80 days Of solid pleasure
and healthful entertainment. after
which Canton will be ready for anothe,
breathing spell while the farmers jump
into the haavest.
1t will be great year for Canton,
and our business men have responded
to every financial requirement with q
liberslity that is patriotic and com.
mendable.
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

Mr.. and Mrs. Geno Lorenson return
ed from their honey moon tour satur-
day, and are now costly at home in
their residence here. Geno is 30 happy
that you can sec him smile when you
call hlm up at Central. and we are glad
of it, and hope he and his bride will al
ways find their lives filled with joy,
happiness, prosperity. \
The boy and girl friends of Miss
Clara Eckle were invited to birthday
party to celebrate Miss Clara's thir-
teeneth birthday last Tuesday, March
%. at the pslatial Eckle home near
Moe. About forty of the young people
came and the day was regular festival
of fun and fun and frolic for them.
A glorious dinner and splendid sup.
per were served the young guests and
games galore were played and Miss
Clara's birthday party will be long and
joyfully remembered by her juvenile
friends. .-Hudsonite,
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

Superintendent Dobeon of the Cantor
Interstate Epworth League Assembly
has the program for the coming event
almost completed, and has furnished
the LEADER with brief. A few i'm
portant events are yet to be dated and
the best program ever arranged IN the
northwest for the entertainment Of the
people will be given to the public.
June and July this year will see Can
ton in holiday attire entertained and
entertaining. The first event will be
the state encampment Seven Day Ad'
ventisls which will be here from June
10 to 10. The annual meetings gener.
ally find from 700 to 1000 in camp, and
the latter number will be at Canton,
because of the advantages of Dobson
Park.
FIREMEN'S TOURNAMENT.
On June the % the annual tourna'
ment of the state firemen will begin
and continue four days. 1t is expected
that the Canton tournament this year
will see more fremen in line than at
any annual meeting for many years,
because the fire boys like Canton and
her people. There will be 1000 dollars
put up for prizes by the state and the
contests will make very enjoyable ex'
hibit of what the volunteers can do
Canton puts up $500 in addition to the
state money. After the tiremen have
had all kinds of fun and won all the
prizes and ribbons and glory, they will
depart for their several homes satisfied
that there is no better town in the state
than our beautiful little city on the
Sioux.
GRAND ARMY ENCAMPMENT
Canton will just be able to get a good
breath and more flags and bunting out
when along will come the advance
guard of the heroic heroes of 1865,
who will own the city. June % to 80,
and on the closing day of this historic
event Mrs. John Alexander Logan OF
Washington, will join the heroes. Hel
husband was one of the best corps
commanders developed during the
bitter contest. He was fearless, dash.
ing, able and q fighter and the boys
loved him and they love his widow, be-
cause she has labored for the benefit OF
the veterans since the death of her
noble husband. Mrs. Logan opens the
Assembly in the evening with an ad'
dress, and all the veterans will be there
and everybody else who can get inside
the auditorium. 1t will be magnifi'
cent testimonial to that noble woman
and to the heroes of the greatest war in
history, and Canton will be in patriotic
garb to honor her guests 1t will be an
event fit for patriotism and eagle birds,
and the star spangled banner will float
proudly over the rejoicing multitude
At the conclusion of the opening form
alities and Mrs. Logan's address, Hintor
White of Boston, the famous illustrated
lecturer. will be present to entertain
the audience. He is to be here fol
three days, July 1, 2, 4. Prof. White
is far ahead of Robertson a. an illus
trated lecturer, and any man who cal
beat Robertson is easily the best in th'
country.
June 80 to July 6, Miss Doland ant
Miss Stevens, impersonator and so
prano. stars of ten platforms. Hiawa
tha program, Dunbar Recitals, costume
entertainments and dilect songs.
July 2 and July 8, DR.. J. F. Berry
will be present He is secretary of the
Epworth League and editor of tn
Epworth Herald. and is very likely tt
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

Now is the time to take spring
tonic to purify the blood, cleanse the
liver and kidneys of all impurities.
HOLSTERS Rocky Mountain Tea will
do the business. IS cents Tea or
tablets. Sold by l. n. Helmey & Co.
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08
Money to Loan.

Money to loan on real estate at popu-
lar rates, large or small sums, first or
second mortgages and on good chattel
security. We are also prepared to
purchase good notes and securities.
30.42, PEOPLES SECURITY BANK.
Worthing, 8. D.
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

ALI kinds of base ball goods at
Noid's.
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

Wendt and Straw are meeting all
competition in groceries, and We handle
nothing but the best.
25- WENDT s. STRAW
Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1904-04-08

Best kinds of fishing tackle at
Noid's.