The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1904-09-29
IN MEMaRIAM.
Masons Revere the Memory Of
Thomas @. Collins.

G. Collins, have submitted their re-
port as follows:
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-
latiyes and friends, our beloved brother
| fell asleep to awake upon the shores
of eternal bliss. AS the angels open
ed the pearly gates to welcome him
into paradise we hear these words:
4 "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 su-
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, exemplified in his daily life, the
noblest expression Of the principles OF
freemaS0nry. The record of his life
is one Of thorough integrity and tried
manhood, worthy of emulation Of ev-
cry mason Firm in his convictions
of right and duty, thoughtful, court
eous and affabses 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. In his social relations,
his home life was beautiful;his friend
ships intense and lasting. In short
he was a true mason, kind friend,
good citizen, splendid neighbor,
devoted husband, and an indulgent
father. His spotless character and
strong common sense made him one
of Vinita's staunchest citizens. For
seventeen years he has struggled to
upbuIld our little city. In his home,
all found welcome. He know
the philosophy Of life and lived
it. No sorrow came to that home,
it was ruled by love. The general
public will estimate his worth and
place him high among those who have
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 m
the gentle and unassuming manners,
in the quiet and modest nature Of
our deceased brother. From human
view, his death was unusually sad and
pathetic. In the full vigor Of man
hood he was taken, yet his fate was
not uncommon. BY faith we indulge
the hope that beyond the grave is
brighter world and that today in his
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 his heart.
Well do we agree with one of ma
BS-es noblest bards that,
'Death is heavens dawn of day.
We said not good night
"But in some brighter CLINE,
Wen say good morning"
Resolved: Firstly, that vinita lodge
No. 3 A. +. & A. NJ. has suffered ir-
reparable loss in the death Of brother
Thomas G. Collins; his family depriy-
ed Of a noble fatherand husband; the
town and community, a most worthy
citizen; the church, one Of its most
faithful members.
Secondly, that to the bereaved fam
ily Of our departed brother and com
panion, we tender our heartfelt sym
pathy and pray earnestly that the
goeat Ruler Of the universe viii look
down with compassion upon the widow
and children in this hour Of their sad
ailliction.
Thirdly, that a copy Of these reso-
lutions be spread upon the minutes
Of the lodge, copy sent the family
of our deceased brother, a copy given
the papers at Vinita, and a copy sent
to the papers of his native town in
Missouri for publication.
Respectfully submitted,
w. S. DUGGER, chairman,
B. r. FoRTNER,
f. j. BARRETT,
Committee.