The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-07
GRAND LODGE NOW AT WORK MaSOnS of Alabama in
 Montgomery. ADDRESS OF MIR. RIDDEN
 - Retiring Master Elicitates Members of Order. or.,..,. L,t... i. Yer, Large RoyakArch Mason. Finish
 Their Labors.

fIiS iS 4hdoOhAC oC6eOH AsAoht6oAs efy and the keys of the city have been <delivered to the Craft. The latch string hangs on the outside of every door and the Masons of Alabama are extended a cordial welcome to the hearts and homes of the Capital City.
 The occasion Of this assembling of the Masonic brethren Is the eighty fourth annual Communication and Con- vocation of the grand bodies of the diff ferent Masonic organizations of Ala bama.
 The record for the past year has been a most flattering and prosperous one and there have been many additions to the order. Twenty-six new lodges have applied for charters having organized during that time and all will for business by>this Grand Lodge. -
 Happy Fraternal Feeling.
 The Grand Lodge is the popular Masonic body and its meeting nre always much of a social as well as of a business character and are the happy occasion of the brethren meeting once year and comparing notes and pledg- ing their faith and honest endeavors to promote and advance the good of the Craft for the coming year. It always brings pleasant and memorable re- unions and the renewal of friendly and brotherly ties which the annual coming together has cemented and made more sacred and holy year after year.
 This year Is no exception. There is a larger attendance this year than for years owing. doubtless to the prosper ous and satisfactory conditions in all parts of the State, and the fact of the ability of so many of the brethren to pay visit to the Capital City. It is a good omen for the future of Masonry and 1t is hoped that 1t will continue to gEow.
 The Grand Lodge Meets.
 When Most Worshipful Grand Mas ter R. J. Redden of Sulligent sounded the gavel that convened the Grand Lodge. A. F. and A. M, of Alabama In the eighty-fourth annual communica- ton at o'clock last night, there were more than 400 brethren within the hall and the grand officers were in their stations. as follows:
 Robert J. Redden, Sulligent, Grand Master; Henry H. Matthews, Montgom- cry, Deputy Grand Master; Ben M Ja- cobs, Birmingham, S. Grand Warden; Hugh s. D. Mallory, Selma, J. Grand Warden: William H. Dingley, Montgom- cry, Grand Treasurer; George A. Beau champ, Montgomery. Grand Secretary; William c. Bledsoe. Lafayette, Grand Chaplain; David w. McIver Montgom- cry, Grand Marshal; Edward 8. Catch ell. Selma, S. Grand Deacon; Joseph H. Edwards, Wylam, J. Grand Deacon; Erie Pettus. Athens, S. Grand Steward: {: Elliott G. Rickarby, Mobile. J. Grand Steward: Charles A. Allen, Montgomery. Grand Tyler.
 The Past Grand Masters present were Major John SG. Harris, Judge J. A. Bill bro Gen George P. Harrison and Gov ernor R. M. Cunningham. There are only three other Past Grand Masters living. ex-Governor R. w. Cobb, Con- gtessman J. H. Bankhead and Dudley w. Williams.
 Of the committee chairmen there were present William Y. Titcomb, Anniston. Foreign Correspondence: George P. Harrison. Opelika. Masonic Jurispru- dence; James T. Greene, Anniston. Sus- pensions. Expulsions and Appeals. and Lew Lazarus Birmingham. of Finance.
 Grand Masters Report.
 Most Worshipful Grand Master Rob- ert J. Redden. after the Lodge had been opened and delegates enrolled, read his annual address. which was brim-full of wise and forceful sugges- tions, and clearly demonstrated the prosperous and promising condition of the Masonic order throughout this ju- risdiction.
 The address. among other valuable things. calls attention to the fact that the Grand Lodge has grown from the representatives of seven lodges eighty four years ago, to those of over 300 lodges today, with 430 lodges on the roll. During the year just passed no grand officer has died.
 Reviewing the work of the year, giv- ing the many dispensations, edicts and acts of the Grand Master, 1t is stated ir conclusion that the incoming Grand Master will begin his administration with the order in a more prosperous and growing condition than at any oth- CT period of it's history; that the af- fairs of the order will be most wisely administered and that 1t will continue to grow and prosper in his hands. have no semblance of doubt. To be chosen to the highest office in the gift of this Gand Lodge Is as great an honor as can be conferred by any or- ganization, whatever its character may be. You have elected me twice to this