Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-08-15
NEGRO MASONIC
 GRAND LODGE
 HEARS REPORTS
Sing "star spangled Ban ner" at Opening Of
 second Day's Session.
(Bv w. E. Cloman.)

negro Mascns sang "Star Spangled Banner" at the opening of the second 1 days session of the Most Worthship- 1 ful Sovereign Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons yesterday morn ing all but lifting the roof from the masonic temple.
 Perhaps nc time in the history of the grand lodge was such an ,enthu siastic patriotic demonstration. Ev- cry mason present took part. "This is not an empty expression" said Grand Master John H. Harrison, 'for we mean every expression and stand ready to back it all with our own lives. We know but enc flag, one country, one nation that flag which the home of the brave.
 "For this country our fathers died, and the happiness and freedom which we have enjoyed was purchased by their blood on the battlefields. Nov comes another test, and we stand on ready, no we are not standing but our boys are marching at the com mand of Pershing in France that Old Glory shall ever float and be emblem of freedom and protection. We are ot stopping to discuss racial differences now, for when a foreign enemp ap- breaches us, we are all one and to- pether we meet him and together we slay him or together we die.
 "Save the boys,' Was the plea made by Mrs. Deloney, of Texarkana, who said that toe often the boy was al lowed to drift and grow up like weeds while everything was being done to save the girls. "You cannot have good girls" she said "unless you have good boys to associate with them. Toe of- ten negro boys are arrested and thrown in jails with hardened crim- inals. We are putting forth an effort to have reformatory to save our boys who are dear to us, and from them we are to get our men in the fu- ture.' To encourage the movement, the grand lodge donated $30.75.
 Charles Stewart, A. M., D. D., gen. eral missionary fthe National Bap- tist convention, and one of the lead- CTS eff the race in this country ad- dressed the Grand Lodge, giving some Information on what the ne- groes were doing in the various parts of the country to help to win the war.
 q am proud of what has been said by your grand master" he said "and what has been done by the grand lodge. Every where the negro is fall ing in line, demanding to kno wwhat he can do and where he can serve and 1 that service is rendered freely.
 The Mosiac Templars of America, an organization established by the late J. E. Bush, and his Chester Bush is his successor, has put in Liberty bonds $1O0,O00 and in War Savings Stamps $1,000; it is over the top. The North Carolina Mutual and Prevalent 1 Association, a negro insurance com pany, Durham, N. C., with John Mer rick, presidet, c. c. Spaulding, gener- al manager $1O1 ,0OO in Liberty bonds and our people everywhere have fall en in line.7 rD D1. A. H. Hill, who is slated for the episcopacy in the Afri can Methodist Episcopal church, and pastor St. John A. M E., church, re- sponded to the address, and offered resolutions commenting the work of Dr. Stewart for the uplift of his race along many lines. A donation follow ed.
 Reports of committees took up l much time.
 Committees Report-On charity, on dispensation and charters on burial board
 The hour arriving for adjournament the grand master proceeded to per- form that part of his duty and the second days labors were at an end. Night Session. Memorial Services. The memorial services was most solemn the death roll this year IS the largest in the history of colored ma sons in this tate, 172 having died. The total number of colored masons in the state is more than 12,000.
 Allen Temple choir needs special mention here for the sweet music ren- dered which squared with the occa- sion Mrs. Hclaway, the sweet sing CT of the race, brought tears to many eyes when she sang a most notable solo in preparation to the most re- markable sermon which was preach ed by Rev. pr. E. c. Morris of Helena the president of the National Baptist convention. Dr. Morris has few equals and no superiors in his line of christ ian endeavor. He is without doubt one of the strongest race men in America. Rev. w. E. Guy the pastor of Allen Temple put the grand lodge in his debt because of the splendid way he and his good people arranger for the comfort of the grand lodge of sorrow.
 The following is the program ren- dered during the evening:
 Lodge of Sorrow.
 7:30 p. m. Procession of The Grand Lodge from The Masonic Temple to Allen Temple A. M. E. Church.
 Opening of Lodge of Sorrow.
 Music.
 Prayer-Rev. C. s. Mebane.
 Music.
 Reading of Ceremonies
 Music.
 Reading of Scripture-Dr. T. s. Sandefur. ' Music.
 Reading names of deceased brthren W B. Gloman
 Music.
 Eulogy-Prof. F. T. Vinegar.
 Solo-Mrs M. E. Hollaway. N ~