Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-06-13
VERMONT GRAND LODGE
=
in ANNUAL SESSION
s.f
Blue Lodge Mas0ns to the Num-
Der of more Than 800 in At
=, tendance at 125th Commune
cation-Masonic Veteran AS
ISOLATION Elects Officers

Yesterday morning the 125th annual COM
munication of the Grand Lodge of YER
mont was held in Masonic hall with more
than 300 Blue Lodge Masons in attendance
. from all parts of the State. The commu-
2 nicaton formally opened at 10 o'clock.
with David A. Elliott of White River
Junction, the grand master. in charge.
The business of the morning consisted
Of the reading of reports, introduction
of distinguished guests. appointments of
committees, etc. The Grand Lodge will
complete It's business to-day, the last
item of business to be carried out being
1.-The election and installation Of officers.
9 The report of Grand Secretary II. II.
Ross of Burlington showed that a total
membership Of 1900 was in the jurisdic-
ton, and about 1903 lodges. The deaths
during the year numbered 257 and 600 new
rMasons We're made, thus leaving a net
gain of about 800 for the year
) An honor roll of the members in the
!. service. which will total several hundred,
: Is being compiled by Grand Secretary
Ross but it will be several months be-
fore the roll is completed. A Thrift Stamp
Club has been formed, each member re-
isceiving circular letter from the grand
NJ ster urging him to subscribe 20 the
war savings stamp drive
1.-the per capita tax be raised from 20 to
rs cents and that the Grand Lodge sever
connection with the Masonic Relief ASSOC
citation, n body designed to guard mem-
hers against fraudulent Masons. During
the year dispensations We're granted in
Z "a cases. The Insurance on the fire in the
n temple has been settled.
NJ, In his annual address, which in part is
{ printed below, the grand master mode ref
& erence to the death of Charles II. Bige-
7 low of East Brookfeld, grand senior
deacon The address:
=. GRAND MASTERS ADDRESS
!, Again we are permitted to assemble
+. on the beautiful shores Of historic Cham
: plain, for our annaul communication. The
i majestic hills and fertile valleys OF our
/. fair State are dressed in their new habili-
!. rnents of living green. emblematical of
1.-the loving care and wise providence of
iAlHim who doeth all things we'll / heartily
:. welcome you all TO the 18th annual COM
p munication. While peace and harmony
y, prevail in our ranks, nothing of a serious
: nature having occurred TO mar the tran
c. guilty of our fraternal Intercourse. yet
3 our hearts are saddened and bowed down
as we realize the terrific contest that Is
being waged between the powers of OPP
preston, injustice and tyranny the
one hand, and freedom and liberty and
: equality on the other. Never before in
the history of the world has civilized hu-
manity become called upon to fight for
] existence on the scale of the present
! struggle.
~ The titanic forces of evil with unblush-
& ting effrontery and blasphemous protesta-
lions of Divine guidance are arraigned in
, the power of their might against the
peace of the world.
The flower of our manhood has with
fervor responded to the call of the op-
!. pressed.
.. Thousands of our brethren are on the
\. 'neld of duty ready to sacrifice their all
for the principles they hold so dear. Sac
VI rihces are demanded of us all. To us
I is accorded the privilege and duty of up
4. holding the hands of the government.
y combating the dangerous propaganda of