The Vinita weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1905, 1904-10-06
IN MEMORIAR.


T
Thomas G, Collins was born 81 years
ago In the county OF Howard In the
state of Missouri AT his peaceful
home on September 7th, 1904, surround
ed by his devoted wife and family, re-
latives and friends, our beloved brother
fell asleep to awake upon the shores
of eternal bliss. AS the angels open
cd the pearly gates TO welcome him
into paradise we hear these words
"Well done thou good and faithful
servant; enter thou into the JOY Of
thy Lord.
Though suffering intense pain many
long weary days he never murmured.
His Christian resignation and forth
tude make his last hours truly SUI
blime. While mourning his depart
ure We revere his memory. He was a
man whom all Masons delighted to
honor for his many virtues and amia-
BILE department, A loyal member OF
his lodge, faithful to every duty, he
lived In accordance with its tenets
and, exempliiied In his daily life, the
noblest expression Of the principles OF
freemasonry. The record OF his life
is one OF thorough integrity and tried
manhood, worthy OF emulation of ey-
cry mason. Firm In his convictions
Of right and duty thoughtful court
eous and atfable, he held the respect
and love of all persons. In the varied
duties OF his God, his country, his
family, his neighbor and himself, he
represented the best type of Ameri-
can manhood la his social relations
his home life was beautiful;his friend
ships intense and lasting. In short
he was a true mason, kind friend,
a good citizen, a splendid neighbor
a devoted husband, aud an indulgent
father. His spotless character and
strong common sense made him one
Of Ninita's staunehest citizens. For
seventeen years he has struggled 10
upbuild our little city. In his home,
all found welcome. lie know
the philosophy Of life and lived
it. No sorrow came 10 that home,
il was ruled by love Tie general
public will estimate his worth and
place him high among those who lave
labored for the elevation of mankind.
Lord Bacon has truly said that,
some men, by their quiet acts and
gentle manners, carry with them a
perpetual letter Of recommendation.
How beautifully was this shown n
the gentle aud unassuming manners,
In the quiet aud modest nature Of
our deceased brother. From human
view, his death was unusually sad and
pathetic. In the fan yigor Of man
hood he was taken, yet his fate was
not uncommon. By faith we indulge
the hope that beyond tie grave IS
brighter world ard that today IN lis
celestial home the spirit Of our de-
parted friend lives and expands grasp
Ing the revelations Of eternal happi-
ness. May we too NOT entertain the
conviction that,
AS the darkness Of death fell upon
his earnest soul, the radiant light Of
eternity broke into bis heart
Well do we agree with one Of ma
lures mobiles. bards that
Death is heavens dawn Of day
We said not good night.
"But Ia some brighter CLINE.
Wen say good morning.
Resolved. Firstly that vinlta lodge
No. a. r s 4. n. has suffered ir.
reparable loss In the death Of brother
Thomas c. Collins lis family depriy-
ed Of a noble father and husband; the
town and community, a most worthy
citizen; the church, one Of its most
faithful members.
Secondly. that 10 the bereayed fam
ily OF our departed brother aud COM
panion, We tender our heartfelt SYM
pathy and pray earnestly that the
goeat Ruler OF the universe will look
down with compassion upon the widow
and children IN this hour Of their sad
afiiiction
Thirdly, that \ copy Of these reso-
lutlons be spread upon the minutes
Of the lodge, copy sent the family
Of our deceased brother, q cops given
the papers AZ Vinlta, and a copy sent
10 the papers Of his native town in
Missouri for publication.
Respectfully submitted.
W. S. DuGoER chairman,
y. r. FoBrNER.
+. J. BARRETT
Committee