The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1914-01-16
ADDRESS OF E. r. MeSHANE, W. NJ.

NJ, on Monday evening, Jan. 9th,
1914.
Gentlemen:-I will have to ask you
to excuse me for reading from notes
what | have to say tonight; my reason
for so doing lies in the fact that my
"long suit is not extemporaneous
speaking, and were | to attempt it, |
would probably fail in my effort. On
account of the lack Of time, repose. and
serene environment necessary to dong
so, | could not prepare any set address,
but have iotted down a few thoughts.
that have occurred TO me, that may be
appropriate to the occasion, at least
hope so. and what it lacks in quality,
hope will be made up for by the SINGER
ity of its author, for in the things say,
| I'M thoroughly in earnest.
As a beginning, | desire to put my
self on record in the matter of a con-
plimentsry and deserved tribute to my
worthy predecessor, whose example |
will try to follow in so far as lies in my
power. Brother Hosmer has made us
an exceptionally worthy Master in ev-
cry way. He has been capable, eti-
cient and painstaking, and has always
been on the job, early and late, He has
devoted much of his very valuable time
to the cause of Masonry, both in and
out of the lodge, by comforting degrees
and Iecturing candidates. In addition
to this, he has looked after and visited
the sick and needy brethren, and
strange to say, he has not had the full
and cordial support and assistance from
the lodge as a whole. that was his by
right as Worshipful Master, to say
nothing of what his jealous labors in
the field entitled him to. Brethren, |
appreciate to the fullest extent the
honor that has been conferred upon me
in electing me WorshipfuI Master and
will do all that lies in me to fill the Of
fee creditably. BEFORE going further
| wish to say right here and now, that
my enthusiasm for the work and the
craft in general. shall depend upon the
lodge and the cooperation | get from
all of the brethren, for no n man can
accomplish much in any line of endeaV-
or without the assistance of his fellows.
Some twenty years ago | had the
honor of being elected Master of our
lodge and served four terms in success
sion. and was succeeded by Brother Lac
Bernstein; he served for three terms
and was succeeded by Brother c, Dunn;
who served one term and was succeed
ed by Brother G. B. Stewart; he, after
one term, was succeeded by Brother }.
H. Stephen, who, after one term, was
succeeded by Brother G. P. Elliott,
who served two terms, and was sue
ceeded by Brother G. B. Stewart, who,
after one term, was succeeded by Broth
! err Harry Hosmer, who served two
~ terms, and was succeeded by Brother
James Knight, and he, in turn, Wal
succeeded by Brother Harry Hosmel
and now comes your humble servant
who has been elected and installed a
your newest Master.
Brethren, | am proud to serve a
Worshipful Master of Greenwood Lodg'
No. 1856 for the year 1914, and bellev'
O. any Mason, big or little, high or low
90 rich or poor, should be proud to be 81
Al honored by his brethren. The immor
81 tai George Washington, second only il
"A importance in the history of the work
60 to the great teacher of two thousan'
wears ago, deemed it an honor to pre-
"a side as Master Of his lodge at Alexan
dria. Va, while alive. His portrait |
90 oil (Which is said to be the best an
So only true likeness of the Father OF HI
So Country ~extant) hangs in the East i
90 the lodge room of his old lodge
90 Alexandria, Va, and late accounts /
90 newspapers say the lodge refused 500
r. 600. 90 for his portrait. Brethren, m
past experience as Master of the Lodg
aid renders me alive to and sensible Of tn
re- responsibilities resting upon the MAJ
re-. ter's shoulders, and | will endeavor
aid discharge the duties of the office to tn
re- very best of my ability. Brethren
conditions are better than they were
or wear Co., or than they were two veal
r. ago, that is as far as our section
=, country is concerned; | mean, better
a material way. This makes US all fe
more optimistic, and encourages US
believe in the future, and that bett
things are in store for US. You hay
. elected a good set of officers to asst
lar me in the work that is before us in II
'''- new year, and | am very much hear
= ened thereby, and promise for the
w. and myself, that we will give a go'
- account of our stewardship a ye
hence.
Brethren, our lodge is not up to t
l. high standard it once occupied, b
IN there is no reason why it should not I
# gain its old renown for being one of t
best and brightest working lodges
the state. There are members here
night who can remember the time VIII
,,o our lodge was second to none in t
~ state IN efficiency and interest taken
: w the work. On behalf Of my broth
= o. officers and myself, | guarantee, if t
80 hr.+bren will give us the benefit