Evening journal., 1921-10-10
DelalUare Masonry
and Americanism
High Spots the Annual Address Made by Grand Master William
Highhed to the Masonic Grand Lodge of Delaware at Its
Annual Communication.

speaks. with simple eloquence and
true sublimity, the language OF all
our hearts.
AS Masons, we behold. emblazon-
ed upon its folds in letters OF living
light, the names and fame OF our
Masonic forebears who were fore
most among those who founded this
Republic and bequeathed to us our
heritage OF civil and religious liberty.
AS citizens OF the Diamond State,
which claims peerage among the
States, we take just pride In exalt-
ing and honoring the nag and in
pledging to It through the coming
years that loyalty and devotion
which our forebears and their sons
ever have accorded It.
I. therefore, fraternally recon-
mend that Flag Day be observed an
nually by constituent lodges in this
jurisdiction, and that the occasion
shall be httingly celebrated with
music, addresses. and other patrio-
tic exercises. Let it be remember
ed, that such celebrations, however
fitting and appropriate are by no
means an end In themselves, but are
designed to teach the lesson OF abid-
ing and enduring patriotism; and let
us. the Masons OF Delaware, highly
resolve to manifest our devotion to
the Flag OF our country, not merely
with our lips, but also in our hearts
and with our lives.
also recommend that the cele-
bration OF the Masonic Birthday of
Brother George Washington be OBJ
served annually, on the first Thurs
day in November, by all lodges in
this Jurisdiction; and that the pro-
gram used at the last celebration,
and all future celebrations OF the
Masonic Birthday OF Brother George
Washington be embodied in the print
ed proceedings OF this Grand Lodge.
Our OF the thousands OF Free
masons who put off the garb OF
peace to plunge into the worlds war,
eight OF the brethren OF this jursi-
diction did not return. BY shell,
hand grenade OF steel, by deadly gas
or disease, that number of the faith
ful OF our fraternity poured out gem
erously libation to death with lives.
As a fitting testimonial to the
memory OF these silent brothers,
recommend that this Grand Lodge
cause to be planted on the lawn OF
the Masonic Home OF Delaware, a
memorial tree for each OF these
brethren, symbolic OF their associa-
ton with our fraternity
1 further would recommend that
each individual tree ultimately bear
on bronze plate. the name, the
battle in which he fell, and the name
and number OF the lodge OF each Of
those who went forth to battle and
came not home again.
During the past two or three
years one of the most interesting
questions that has been up for Ma
sonic consideration within and with
out the lodges has been that OF
new temple to be erected in the city
Of Wilmington. Nothing OF def
mite nature has been done by way
Of settlement OF that question. There
has been and there is today, great
conflict OF opinion on this impor-
tant matter. Many Masons are In
favor OF new temple. Others are
in favor OF remodeling and retaining
the building in which we now are
assembled. 1t is high time that a
solution OF this matter be arrived at
because It is a well-known fact that
the present accommodations are
grossly inadequate to house properly
the several Masonic bodies which
meet here. 1t is my earnest hope
that within a short time something
definite and beneficial will be done
in this matter.
l. therefore. would fraternsily rec
ommend to the subordinate lodges in
Wilmington the importance OF
strengthening and remodeling the
present building at an early date. or
proceed with the erection OF a new
temple so soon as financial matters
can be satisfactorily arranged.
Under date OF May "a hst. I
addressed the various subordinate
lodges OF this Jurisdiction. suggesting
the establishment OF such a scholar
ship at the University OF Delaware
to symbolic the practical interest OF
Delaware Masons in the matter OF
higher education, and to keep green
the memory OF Cunning Bedford,
Jr.. our first Grand Master.
II Is gratifying to know that all
subordinate lodges. with two or
three exceptions. concurred in the
suggestion, and pledged their fnsn-
cial support TO the project II Is un-
fortunate that this scholarship could
not be established for the present
college year. the deferring or the
proposition by a few lodges preclud-
ing immediate action in that behalf
believe the Masons OF this state
consider the free public school the
greatest unifying and assimilatine
factor in the development OF dem
ocracy Of the United States; that
they regard such public schools the
bulwark Of the state and Nation
and that such schools must be pre-.
served under the sole domination
and direction Of the state. without
interference by any other influence
political or ecclesiastical
I, therefore, recommend the ap'
| pointment OF Especial committee {,
arrange for the establishment Of th'
above mentioned college scholarship
In conclusion, permit me to say