The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-12-01
Hundreds of Order Are
 Here. TIE GRAND COUNCIL
 ELECTED ITS OFFICERS Walter Smith of Tuscaloosa Chosen
 Grand Master. Lawrence H. Lee, of Montgomery, Elected Deputy Grand Master. Grand Royal Arch Chapter
 Shows Great Growth.

ing of the Masonic fraternity in the history of the order in Alabama. has been drawn to Montgomery to attend the annual meeting of the grand bodies which began yesterday in the spacious Masonic Temple here. The first ses- sions were well attended yesterday morning. afternoon and night, and in- ferest will continue in the meetings which are to be held today.
 The Grand Royal Arch Chapter and the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons transacted all the business that was booked for the first days work. The latter body proceeded with the election of officers while the for- nier postponed this part of their bus mess until this morning, This and the other work of the Grand Chapter should be completed before noon today.
 Walter Smith. of Tuscaloosa, was elected Most IIlustrious Grand Master at the Councils sessions yesterday af- ternoon. He had previously held the offce of Deputy Grand Master. Law renee H. Lee, of Montgomery, moved up, by the choice of the Council. to tl1s office of Deputy Grand Master, hav- ing previously been Grand P. c. Work.
 The bulk of numbers who will ar- rive today and who arrived last night consists of the great army of men who represent the various subordinate lodges of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons.
 One of the most important matters that will engage the attention of this body is the consideration of a place for the proposed Widows and Orphans Home. It has been about decided to build such an institution, and 1t Is probable that actual steps will be ta- ken before adjournment of the Grand Lodge.
 TRe Grand Lodge win hold their first session this afternoon beginning at 3 o'clock.
 The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maso1s of the State of Alabama met in its Sind annual con- vocation at the Masonic Temple in Montgomery yesterday at o'clock G. m. -. Grand High Priest: Robert ". South eriand Deputy Grand High Priest; John B. Christian, Grand King; Will Ham F. Bingham, Grand Scribe; Wil@ liam H. Dingley. Grand Treasurer; George A Beauchanp, Grand Secreta- ry; Stewart Mcqueen. Grand Chaplain: Lawrence H. Lee. Grand Captain of the Host; John B. Lyons Grand Prin- cipaI Sojourner; Albert D. Pace. Grand Royal Arch Captain; Norman Gum, Grand Master of the 3rd Veil; William ". Ransom. Grand Master of the End Veu; LOUIS WIlBnI as 0ranu MaSter or the tst Veil: William H. Tice, Grand SepGlneL
 <~The Past Grand High Priests present were W. W. Screws, Montgomery; Ba- sil NJ Hill. Springville, and Francis M. Bates. Hamburg, Past Grand Secretary George A. Joiner. Talladega.
 A large majority of the representa- tives of other Grand Chapters were present. Nearly every chapter was represented and reports were sent in from all of them.
 The Grand Chapter was opened in ample form.
 Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Stew art Mcqueen.
 The Grand High Priest delivered his annual address. It was compre. hsnsive summary of the conditions of the order in this State and of his of- fieiaI acts and rulings. Beautiful trib- ute was paid to the memories of Past High Priests Josiah Jernigan and John c. Harris. who have died since the last convocati0n-
 1t was referred to Past High Priests ". W. Screws, B. NJ. Hill and F. NJ Bates.
 The report of the Grand Secretary George A. Beauchamp was submitted and referred to the Finance Commit tee. It showed g. gratifying condition and the largest membership in many years. During the year Roanoke and AL exander City were re-organized and five new chapters were organized as follows: Elba, Floralla, Auburn, Sam son and Columbia. There are so work ing chapters with a membership of about 5000.
 The report of Grand Treasurer w. H, DingIey was received and referred to the Finance Committee. It showed fine condition for the Grand Treas ury.
 The report of the Chairman of For eign Correspondence W. '. Tilcomh was submitted and ordered printed in the annual proceedings. It fs quite a voluminous and interesting docu-
 The various committees were an- nounced by the Grand High Priest as
 Chartered Chapters No. John B. Lyons. W. W. Banson. J. J. Paulint and F. r. LazarelL
 Chartered Chapters No 2--Robert L. Douglas. Lewis J. Wright. W J. Rem froe and w. H. May.
 Dispensations-W Walter Smith, Joseph D. Matlock. and C. R. Lorenz.
 Bylaws-G. A. Joiner, John H. Mo Corrnick and H. P. Miles.
 Suspensions. Expulsions and Appeals -J. B. Christian, J. U. Ray, A. NJ. P.
 The members of the standing conn rnittees are as follows;
 On Foreign Correspondenee-Willi ' Titcomb.
 On Masonic Jurisprudence-James T.