The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-02-14
TABLET UNVEILED
TO HIGHEST MASON
Memory Of First, Last ano
Only Grand Master" Honored
in Halifax.

Halifax. n. c.. February l3.--Thc
tablet erected to the memory of Joseph
Montford first last and only grand
Halifax to-day with impressive Ma
sonic rites and ceremonies.
Not since the assembinge in April
1916 which event Is commemorated by
the date on the North Carolina nag, has
such distinguished body OF men as
sembled in the history OF the town OF
HailfaX. The Grand Lodge OF Masons
the Governor of the State w W.
kitchin. and many others have spent
today In this community. The law
making body of North Carolina once
met here to legislate for the people
John Paul, visitor at the hone OF VIII
lie Jones In the banqucting hall OF
The Groves" assumed the name John
Paul Jones. here Lord CORVALLIS had
his headquarters for a time. and Gen.
crai Lafayette was once n visitor. and
distinguished men have assembled here
In the years gone by.
The Grand Lodge of Masons met
here to-day with the Royal White Hart
Lodge. Grand Master II. y. iackct pre-
siding. The lodge met In the Old
Lodge room. that has been in use for
more than hundred years. and after
the lodge was opened the members re-
tired to the yard. where tablet was
unveiled to the memory OF Joseph
Montfort. the first. last and only grand
master OF America. AT the grave Past
Grand Master S. NJ. Gattis, on behalf
Of the Joseph Montfort Memorial Asso-
citation. presented the memorial to the
Grand Lodge, which was received by
Grand Master Hackett. Past Grand
Master T. D. Winston. on behalf of the
association, presented the memorial to
the Royal White Lodge. IL being re-
ceivcd by Worshipful Master J. l.
Weller.
tablet. was drawn aside by Miss Sailie
Welch Long. Of Northampton county.
granddaughter or Captain 7. w. Ma
son and direct descendant OF Joseph
Montfort.
Following Is tho inscription on the
fright worshipful Jos. Montfort
born In England 1924. died in Halifax,
y c.. March 25th, 1916.
Appointed Provincial Grand Master
for America January 18th, i1Ii.
by Duke Of Beaufort. Grand Master
of Grand Lodge England. ~. f. and
a. NJ. First Clerk Halifax county;
Treasurer OF Province OF North Caro-
lima: Colonel Colonial Troops; mcmbc,
Provincial Congress-
"Oratos Statesman. Patriot Soldier
Highest Masonic official ever residing
on this continent; first last and only
Grand Master"
After the cere monics at tho grave
the exercises were continued at the
courthouse. Excellent High Priest r
G. Dunn. Of Enfield Chapter, presided
and introduced the speakers.
Grand Master W. II. Mckoy. OF VIII
mngton. delivered n splendid historical
nddress :, He vas , followed by Past
paying tribute TO Halifax people and
visiting Masons from Connecticut read
poem giving the history OF Masonry
an address was also made by Past
Grand Master d. $. Register. who spoke
OF the Masonic Orphanage at Oxford
Thrice lllustrious Master j. G.. McPher-
son. Franklin Council Norwich. Conn,
from members OF the fraternity in that
state. Other Representatives from Nor
wien; Conn were !; l. Hubbard. F. l.
l!rtchings. z. p: kinsman and DR.. H.
lished the one here.
Tho last address OF the afternoon
was made by Governor w. W. Kitchin
who spoke concerning some of the
exercises were closed by singing THE
Old North State" During the after
noon God Save the King was sung
IN honor OF the Duke OF Beaufort, who
appointed Grand Master Montfort. and
then Dixie in honor OF the Connec-
ticut visitors
Tonight n banquet was given r. G.
Dunn was toastmastcr. and toasts were
responded 10 by prominent Masons from
throughout the State.
Roanoke Council was presented a
loving cup by Franklin Councii. Nor
wich. Conn. Roanoke Council, Of Hal
flax. was organized by a delegation
from Franklin Council ninety years
ago.
The banquet was followed By ball.
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