Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-30
retiring potentate. William =. auas. vas

as follows:
''The order has twofold relationship
to itself first and to the great Masonic fra
ternity second To the latter II Is so close
that 1t Is reckoned by the outside world as
part of it. and by many within its circle
as but higher degree. Its composition.
however, Is of those who have enjoyed the
privileges of the highest honors in both
the York and Scottish Rite Masonry; there
fore. 1t is to be presumed that its personnel
should be composed of the flower of the fra
ternity of which II should be expected that
such a flower should bloom In full loneliness
for the good of the order and the admira ton
Of all who know 1t. 1 fear that am as
sorting truth when / say that many OF
our flowers have suffered by transplanting
from the gardens that gave them Masonic
BIRTH and fail 10 appreciate either the
purpose or the dignity of our organizatio
The purpose is good fellowship. fraternalsm
In its brightness and beneficence the height
of which has not yet been reached.
The mutations of membership for the
Shrine year were shown to be as follows:
Initiated since Ia: affiliated. 2; reinstated.
4: died since last report. IL: Identified. Il;
suspended, 10: present membership, 1924;
net gain for the year, 102
Past Grand Master r. b. Donaldson.
president of the Masonic Veteran Associa-
tion-now embracing both old associations
of veterans-was present at tire annual ban
quet of the new united organiza ton. BY
reason of age and severe cold he was I'M
able to preside on the occasion. but he sub
mitte0 MS views OF the new analSafnaltu
| association in letter to- Vice. President
George E. Corson in which he paid this ex-
cellent tribute to the new association:
1.-The union or amalgamation of the two
associations into one, shall | say. grand
Masonic Veteran Association OF the District
| of Columbia event upon which. I
| think. we may all congratulate ourselves.
especially as 1t accomplished without
| friction in perfect harmony and by the
unanimous vote of the two bodies in joint
meeting assembled. And In view Of this
spirit of perfect harmony and unity of feel
ing. We can in our hearts repeat the words
of the Great Light. Behold how good and
how pleasant ii is for brethren to dwell to-
gether in unity
II was so unfortunate as to be unable to
/ attend the meeting when this important
movement was contaminated. but | have
been fully advised of all that took place
| And ii is needles to say that I am fully in
accord with the action combining the two
associations.
You have been pleased. brethren to elect
me president of this new association and /
| thank you sincerely for the honor you have
| thus conferred upon me- one which appre-
| ciate as a continuation of that fraternal re-
| gard which has heretofore been shown me-
| by my brethren of this Masonic jurisdiction
and which is dear to my heart, and / appre-
| ciate 1t all the more from its having been
| bestowed by those with many of whom I
| have been so long associated in Masonic
work-Veteran Masons who have shown by
| many years of service in its cause their
| love for Masonry and appreciation of it as
| a power for good in the world. and who
| have, SO far as human frailty has permit
| ted. exemplifed its pure principles and
| teachings in their lives.
Il will serve you, brethren in the Office
| with which you have honored me to the
| best of my ability. but 1 am sorry to say
| that just now, owing to an affection of The
| vocal chords. am unable to speak to you
| as would wish, and have. therefore. been
| Obliged to have our worthy vice president
| act for me-.
4 NJ I -S<h
| quotation from the poetical works OF our
| late distinguished brother, Bob Morris
| which expresses fully my own sentiments,
| and is, think. appropriate to the occasion:
| And so. In future years, should we be spared
| May recall this one more happy hour
This group Of cheerful faces. every hand.
| Strong In the grip fraternal. every eye
! Filled with the light fraternal every soul
| Softened and sanctifed by brother love;
| And when at last the summons come
| To join the Lodge Celestial. msy find
| Among our very happlest memories
| The hour Of social JOY We now begin.
DR.. Donaldson is the senior past grand
| master of this jurisdiction. having served
| over forty years ago. He Is much esteemed
and venerated by the Masonic fraternity.
I At the last regular session OF the Grand
| Lodge. L. o. o. F., the committee on the
| state of the order made an extended re-
port. In that the following complimentary
| and appreciative language was used re-
garding press committees: And that each
4 lodge appoint committee of one. with
| some special qualifications IL possible as a
press committee. to report regularly to the
veteran newspaper man who has charge OF
| the fraternity columns of The Evening Star
| any work or important event connected
| with the lodge. which may be proper for
| publication. with the hope that the interest
| of the membership may be aroused and the
| notice of the public attracted" This re-
| port was unanimously adopted by the
| Grand Lodge. 1t is now up to- the menu
| berShlp to act accordingly.