Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1907-10-04
uAsOUIC CONGRESS-.
Masons Of all Kinds and De-
grees are Present from
Parts Of the Country

Norfolk, Va, Sept. 26.-Norfolk Is
alive with members of the Masonic
fraternity. They have come from all
part of the country, from almost
every state and territory to attend the
Masonic Congress which is now hold
ing it's session in this city.
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
was opened in the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion church, on w. Church
street, and was presided over by Grand
Master Harris Barrett.
After the Grand Lodge had been
formed they marched through the prin-
cipal streets, escorted by the Grand
Commandery of Knights Templar and
the local Communicates under the di-
rection of r. G. Vaughn, grand mar
shall.
At one o'clock the visitors and the
locals marched to the boat and took a
trip to jamestown, where they were
met by committee and escorted to
the Negro building, where appropri.
ate exercises took place. The address
oil welcome was delivered by Brother
William Reid of Portsmouth. Other
addresses of welcome were delivered
by Hon. A. W. Harris of Petersburg,
or. behalf of the Grand Lodge. Hon.
w. D. Crum, NJ. D., Collector Of Gus
responded to the welcome address.
After the addresses, refreshments
were served and the visitors took in
the ''show." Every part of the Negro
Building was inspected and the visi-
tors expressed their admiration at the
splendid showing the Negro has made
at the Exposition. y. +.
At o'clock the parade formed again
and returned to Norfolk. Upon their
return they were escorted to the Amer
ican Amusement Park, where they
were given a real taste of the hospi-
tality of the State of Pocahontas and
John Smith. .t.N. s.s..,
Wednesday morning the actual work
of the Congress began the sessions be.
ing held in the Metropolitan A. M. E.
Zion church. The call to order was by
the M. W. Grand Master, Harris Bar
rett. A temporary Organization was
effected by electing Harris Barrett,
chairman; and H. L. Harris of Vir-
ginia, secretary. J. L. H. Smith of
was appointed in place Of
H. l.. Harris, who was absent.
The following named members were
appointed committee on credentials
and permanent organization:
On Credentials-R e. Jones, Vir-
ginia; G. c. johnson, South Carolina;
H. E, Burris, Illinois; G. G. Williams,
Missouri; w. III. Milligan, Iowa. .,s
On Permanent Organization-W. M.
Mcdonald, Texas; G. S. Goodman,
r. E. Robinson, Florida;
R. D. Robinson, West Virginia; J. F.
n. Wilkinson, District of Columbia.
The following we're named as Off
,ers of the Congress:
President-C. G. Williams, Mis-
souri,. -
Vice PRESIDENT. L. H. Smith,
Maryland. ...
Secretary-H. l.. Harris, Virginia.
Assistant Secretary-D. A. Perrin,
florida. "
Second Assistant Secretary-W. w.
Phillips, Mississippi.
Treasurer-A. A. Bland Iowa.
Marshall. F.. N. Wilkinson, Dis
rict of Columbia.
Chaplain-R. E. Robinson, Florida. |
The Committee on Credentials re- ,
,orted the followin jurisdictions rep |
esented: Maryland, South Carolina, |
North Carolina, Florida, West Vir-
,inia, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi.
District of Columbia Iowa. Illinois,
california, Oklahoma, Virginia. Geor-
ia, Alabama, Ohio.
In the afternoon paper was read
" H. E. Burress past grand master
f the State Of Illinois, on History
nd Accomplishment Of Masonic Con. I
resses." H
The paper was discussed by DR.. H.
j. Harris, grand secretary of Virginia;
!. A. Harris, NJ. D., of Texas. A pa
er was read by E. J. Sawyer, grand
ecretary of South Carolina on Era
ernal Representatives. the Desirable
ty of Their Appointment which was
iscussed by John w. McKenny, grand
Master of Texas; r. D. Robinson,
rand master of West Virginia; P. B.
lamsey, past grand master of Vir-
nia, and others. ,s
Rev. DR.. E. w. hampton, grand
Master of Mississippi, spoke on "Ma- I
onic Charity" The paper was dis
ussed by D. B. Martin, grand master
f Rhode Island: J. B. Scott of Flori- I
"a; General Robert Smalls Of South T
,arolina, and j. F. N. Wilkerson OF /
he District of Columbia E
The evening session was devoted to !