Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-09-16

getfulness of self in thought of 9TH
ers- the greatest single force for
good in the world.
"All these things are embodied in
the spirit of Masonry which should
be carried into our common every day
life. The present trying period needs
this spirit as never before. Closely
linked with this idea is the question:
What is the mission of masonry in
the world today?
In the past trying years the world
has undergone an upheaval. Europe
is now poor and distressed. Our own
country is confronted with problems
of serious moment: there is unrest and
discomfort here as in the rest of the
world. In view of this situation. GER
tain high Masons have urged that Ma
sons should make themselves felt as
factor in settling individual, sociologi-
cal, economic and moral questions. and
should take a part and make their in
huence felt in legislation and the
choice of public officials. / believe that
Masonry has no new mission such as
this. that its mission is the same now
as 100 years ago. and that its duty
-
It's purposes are TO enlighten minds,
arouse conscience, retain the noble
instincts of human hearts and to pro-
mote the best type of citizen based on
brotherly love.
Masonry has withstood the ravages
of time because it is buiided on a firm
foundation and has never attempted
to control public institutions. Masonry
has never attempted to dictate to it's
members any question of public policy
or public institutions. Masons have
a higher duty-to God. their country.
their neighbors and themselves. The
order should. however, oppose Dol
shevism and anarchy and should unite
and endeavor to protect the structure
of our government from all evil in
f1uences that threaten to destroy it
as an institution.
This great republic was erected
largely through the efforts and sacri-
fees of our Masonic forefathers.
George Washington, first president.
Joseph Warren. first to fall under the
colors at Bunker Hill; Paul Revere.
John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson. Rob-
ert Livingstone and others of their
type were always active. earnest Ma
sons. John Marshall was for 40 wears
worshipful master of one lodge. Every
general under Washington from a ma
Jor general up was Mason: 80 of
those who signed the Declare ton Of
Independence We're Free Masons
Masonry may well be proud of its
lllustrious bcnefactors of carly histo-
ryJ They have given US every reason
to give our full support to all these in
fuences to which we have alluded. In
divfdual freedom is the greatest boon
OF mankind. but this liberty is guar
antced by laws made by the majority.
The government guarantees our free
dpm and Masons have no higher duties
than recording and maintaining a uni
versal respect for the majesty of the
law.
Masonry is a brotherhood based on
Justice, sincerity and truth The hui
man touch. also. counts in this old
world of ours. Never hesitate TO ex
press communication and words Of en-
enlargement for the laudable efforts
OF your brethren and fellow-men.
We are all proud of Bethlehem
Lodge and its achievements of the
past and we have every reason for
faith in the future but we should NOT
rest content on the record of the past,
but should spread the good work to tn =
future carry on and carry forth in
rorder to perpetuate Masonry to bless
mankind. inspire it's members. incul-
Icate lessons of charity. and spread the
spirit generally of brotherhood to
Man"
The second speaker at the after
noon exercises was Most Worshipful
Thomas H. Dodge of Augusta, Past
Grand Master. who delivered q most
interesting historical address. When
Bethlehem Lodge was established in
this city in 1921 there were but 5000
inhabitants. there were no public
buildings and few churches AMI the
Kennebec dam had not vet been built.
Mr.. Bodge's history of the lodge is a
scholarly piece nf work. and the full
address. which fellows is we'll worthy
of careful study not only by those in
tcrcsted in Masonry but those inter-
ested as well in the early history of
Augusta.
Bethlehem Lodge
BY Thomas H. BODICE, Past Master.
The history of Maine masonry
dates from call issued by Portland
Lodge on August 10, 1919 for con-
vention of representatives of all the
lodges in Maine, to be held in Port
land October ii, 1919. Within the ter
Iitory about to become the State OF
Maine, there were thirty lodges, and
it is remarkable fact that every one
of them is still working Twenty five
of the lodges were represented at
that convention and in the record we
find it was unanimously voted:
First, that in the opinion of the
Lodges present, the good of Masonry
; will be greatly promoted by consti-
tuting a Grand Lodge in Maine and it
is expedient that suitable measures
he taken to effect that object"
After appointing a committee to
consider and report on the method to
be followed in obtaining its desire
the convention adjourned until Octo-
Der 10Th, when it was voted a memo
rial be addressed the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, praying for a separa-
ton, same to be signed by all the del
| egates in attendance. The memorial
| was prepared and signed, and a com
mittee of five selected to present