*R5^ 
 
 19 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 
 SEVENTH TRIENNIAL ASSEMBLY, 
 
 CINCINNATI, OHIO, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 24th, 1900. 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030277051 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 -OF — 
 
 GENERAL GRAND MASTER. 
 
 SEVENTH TRIENNIAL ASSEMBLY, 
 
 CINCINNATI, OHIO, 
 
 ...SEPTEMBER 24th, 1900... 
 
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 3ii 
 
 ^^-B 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 Most Illustrious Companions: 
 
 The period of service to which' you elected me in 1897, with 
 all accompanying disappointments and perplexities, unlooked-for 
 changes and prosperities, undeserved attentions and pleasurable 
 notices from your several Grand jurisdictions and the unanimous 
 upholding of my weak hands in efforts to advance our beautiful 
 Rite, is now nearly spent. 
 
 As your servant and fellow workman, regretting unfilled hopes 
 hopes and withered ambitions to conquer all apparent, fancied or real 
 opposition throughout this Union, towards this General Grand 
 Body ; I come bringing some magnificent sheaves to gladden 
 every true, loving, loyal member of the Crypt. 
 
 In the atmosphere of this Body, made holy by the memory of 
 the great and good who have completed their labors in our midst, 
 let us pause to thank our Gracious Heavenly Father for His 
 numberless blessings, kind providences, and watchful care over 
 us, beginning our deliberations with a sincere determination to do 
 nothing that may bring reproach on His cause here, but in every 
 word and act seek His glory. 
 
 NECROI^OGY. 
 
 The individual members of this August body are, from its very 
 requirements well advanced toward the limit of man's pilgrimage 
 in the quarries of Earth. 
 
 Few are the days of our delving amid the unfathomable beau- 
 ties of our occupation as Select men. Here, indeed, are we hourly 
 taught by sad experience that the old must die and the wisest of us 
 knoweth not how soon. 
 
 Heaven's records show many, very many of our corps trans- 
 planted to its transcendentally happy clime since we last gathered 
 in General .Grand Convocation. We know in whom they believed 
 
and are persuaded they have simply passed on to their glorious 
 reward. 
 
 Two of our General Grand officers have answered the Master's 
 summons, Conic up. Right Puissant Seranus Bowen, Boston, Mass., 
 General Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, died April 7th, 
 1899. So soon as informed I telegraphed sympathy and condo- 
 lence to the family and caused our General Grand Recorder to 
 promulgate the fact throughout the several Grand bodies in Cir- 
 cular Xo. 4 which is herewith made a part of this message. 
 
 THE GENERAL GRAND COUNCIL 
 
 — or — 
 ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 ClRCl'I..\R Xo. 4. 
 
 Nashvili.ic, Tens., May 3, 1899. 
 
 To the Most Illustrious Grand Blasters and Cotnftanion Royal and Select 
 Masters: 
 
 Your General Grand Master had fondly hoped his administration 
 would not be further saddened by visits of Grim Death. Unexpectedly 
 to him and to most of his companions, the call has been made and as 
 quickly answered in the person of one we so dearly revered, 
 
 DR. SERANUS B(3WEX, Boston, Mass., 
 
 General Grand Principal Conductor of Works. 
 
 A telegrram advised us he died April 7th, 1899. He went prepared to 
 meet the blessings of God's children. 
 
 As sinks the sun at close of day. 
 
 As rest the weary birds at nig-ht. 
 So g-ently breathing- life away 
 
 Retired he from human sig-ht 
 Through the gates of death he passed. 
 
 Nor thought the way a vale of fear ; 
 Rest and wages were gained at last, 
 
 And entrance to a haven fair, 
 Where all are pure and bright and blest, 
 
 A sweet and sure eternal rest. 
 
Companion Bowen was bom in Abing-ton, Mass., February 14, 1840. 
 Early in life he develojied a great fondness for books, which eventually 
 turned his mind to the study of medicine. After graduating at Harvard 
 Medical College, he went to New York, where he builded himself a name 
 and fame. His heart, however, yearned for "Old Home," and returning, 
 he located at Boston, where, until incapacitated by illness, he successfully 
 practiced his chosen profession. He was loved, honored, and respected by 
 all his associates ; always ever modest and unassuming, yet tenacious of 
 every right principle, he was the embodiment of truth and trust. 
 
 Masonic. 
 
 He was a Master Mason in St. John Lodge, Boston, 1865. 
 
 Royal Arch Mason in St. Andrew Chapter, Boston, 1867. 
 Royal and Select Master in Boston Council, 1867. 
 Knight Templar in Boston Commandery, 1867. 
 
 He had filled the offices of Grand High Priest of Massachusetts, in 1898. 
 Served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massa- 
 chusetts, 1885-6 and '87, and as Grand Recorder from March, 1891, to 
 December, 1898. Was elected General Grand Conductor of General Grand 
 Council, 1894, and promoted to General Grand Principal Conductor of 
 Works in 1897. 
 
 Called to the grander and higher council above before his work with 
 us was completed, we feel assured that his labors here are more than amplv 
 rewarded, and his Master has perfected the work in him begun, fitting him 
 fully to enjoy his celestial home. 
 
 To perpetuate the memory of so noble a companion, these lines are 
 penned and order made for their distribution throughout the general 
 jurisdiction. 
 
 Bradford Nichoi,, 
 
 [seal] General Grand Master. 
 
 Attest : Hexrv W. Mordhurst, 
 
 General Grand Recorder. 
 
 Right Puissant Rev. Dr. William d'Orville Doty, General 
 Grand Chaplain, died in the city of Rochester, N. Y., his death 
 occurring January 6th, 1900. 
 
(This tribute is paid him by his Grand Body.) 
 
 GRAND COUNCIL 
 
 ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS 
 
 OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 
 
 Ai,BANY, January 8th, A. Dep. 2900. 
 
 To the Officers and Members of the several Councils of Royal and Select 
 Masters, under the furisdiction of the Grand Council of Royal and 
 Select Masters of the State of New York : 
 
 It becomes my sad duty at this time to announce the death of our 
 Grand Chaplain, Rig-ht Illustrious and Reverend Companion, 
 
 WILLIAM D'ORVILI E DOTY, D. D., 
 
 which occurred at his home in the City of Rochester, on the morning- of 
 Januar}' Sth, 1900, after a brief illness. 
 
 Although the Reverend Companion was an untiring worker in the 
 duties called for by his profession, as evidenced by the large increase in 
 membership of "Christ Protestant Episcopal Church," of Rochester, of 
 which he was its Pastor for a period of over twenty-two years, as well as 
 the love and respect shown him at all times by those who knew him — yet 
 he found time to show his devotion to Masonry, being a firm friend and 
 constant advocate of its principles from the time he first beheld its 
 beauties, until he received the final summons " to rest from his labors." 
 
 Rev. Comp. WiIvLIAm D'Orvii<i,k Doty was at the time of his death a 
 member of Prank R. Lawrence Lodge No. 707, F. & A. M. ; Hamilton 
 Chapter No. 62, R. A. M. ; Doric Council No. 19, R. & S. M. ; Monroe 
 Commandery No. 12, K. T. ; Rochester Consistory A. and A. S. Rite ; in 
 all of which bodies he was a regular attendant, and by his advice and 
 counsel manifested the great interest he felt in their welfare. 
 
 He was appointed to the office of Grand Chaplain in the Grand Council 
 in the year 1888, and each succeeding year records the love and esteem the 
 companions bore him, by his unbroken term of service from that time 
 until the " Angel of Death " retired him from all earthly cares. 
 
 Let us profit by the lessons he has taught us, so that in following his 
 footsteps our end may be peaceful as his. 
 
 It is my order that this communication be read in open Council at the 
 first regular assembly after its reception, and as a token of the respect and 
 esteem we cherish for our beloved Companion, that the Altar be draped in 
 habiliments of mourning for the space of sixty days. 
 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 [sealI James B. McFwan, 
 
 Grand Master. 
 Attest : GkorgE VanVwet, . 
 
 Grand Recorder. 
 
Dr. William Abram Love, Past General Grand Principal Con- 
 ductor of the General Grand Council, died January 22nd, 1898, in 
 Atlanta, Ga. For many sessions he came among us. His flowing 
 white locks and white beard each conspicuous, and his grand and dis- 
 tinguished bearing, easily bespoke the southern gentleman. A prom- 
 inent member of his chosen profession in his adopted State, he 
 ranked with the foremost. Moving to Atlanta in 1870, he devoted 
 his time, study and energy to "Gynecological" medicine. 
 
 His home -paper speaks as follows : — "As a Mason, Dr. Love's 
 fame spread far and wide and he was perhaps better known in, this 
 line in other States than at home. His writings contained an unu- 
 sual prominence, and he was considered as authority on all Masonic 
 matters. He was a member of Gate City Lodge at the time of his 
 death. • He was P. M. of that body. Past High Priest of Chapter, 
 Past T. L M. of his Council, Past Eminent Commander of his 
 Commandery, Past Deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of 
 Georgia, and a thirty-second degree member of the Scottish Rite. 
 The fun eral occurred Monday afternoon, 2 o 'clock, from the 
 Second Baptist Church" As in the case of Companion Bowen, I 
 forwarded sympathy and love to the family and am in receipt of 
 an acknowledgment from his daughter, who extends thanks and 
 love from her widowed mother and self. 
 
 I am advised of the death of the following members of this 
 General Grand Body and ask that suitable mention be made in our 
 minutes : — 
 
 Samuel Wright Williams, Arkansas, March 4, 1900 
 
 James A. Henry, Arkansas, April 25, 1899 
 
 James Hayden VanHoose, Arkansas, May 6, 1899 
 
 John J. Sumpter, Arkansas, January 22, 1899 
 
 Orlando McClendon, Georgia, September 26, 1899 
 
 Thomas B. Long, Indiana, July 2, 1900 
 
 Samuel Braden Richardson, Indiana, January 27, 1900 
 
 Jacob DeWitt, Kansas, January 28, 1900 
 
 Albert D. McConaughy, Kansas, February '), 1900 
 
 John Q. A. Fellows, Louisiana, November 28, 1897 
 
 Daniel W. Jones, Massachusetts, November 27, 1897 
 
8 
 
 Jefferson H. Foxworthy, 
 William H. Dale, 
 Charles A. Tufts, 
 Georg-e M. Stroud, 
 Charles C. Kiefer, 
 Henry Theobald, 
 David p. Chamberlin, 
 Georg-e H. Morgan, 
 William Robert Bowen, 
 
 Nebraska, October 
 
 Missouri, November 
 
 New Hampshire, February 
 
 Oregon, April 
 
 Ohio, . March 
 
 Ohio, April, 
 
 Ohio, August 
 
 Tennessee, July 
 
 Nebraska, May 
 
 ,V number of dearly beloved M. I. Past Grand Masters belong- 
 ing to Independent Grand Councils have passed beyond : — 
 
 27, 1897 
 6, 1899 
 2, 1899 
 14, 1899 
 12, 1899 
 1899 
 22, 1900 
 27, 1900 
 6, 1899 
 
 Connecticut, 
 
 September 
 
 (), 
 
 1899 
 
 Connecticut, 
 
 December 
 
 16, 
 
 1899 
 
 Iowa, 
 
 November 
 
 21, 
 
 1898 
 
 Illinois, 
 
 December 
 
 30, 
 
 1898 
 
 Michigan, 
 
 January 
 
 24, 
 
 1898 
 
 Michigan, 
 
 August 
 
 17, 
 
 1898 
 
 Mississippi, 
 
 October 
 
 2(), 
 
 1898 
 
 Pennsylvania, 
 
 May 
 
 19, 
 
 1899 
 
 Rhode Island, 
 
 January 
 
 6, 
 
 1900 
 
 Kentucky, 
 
 August 
 
 18, 
 
 1898 
 
 Dwight Phelps, 
 James H. Welsh, 
 George A. Quimby, 
 James A. Hawley, 
 George H. Greene, 
 Charles R. Bagg, 
 William G. Paxton, 
 Andrew J. Kauffman, 
 Eugene Stevens, 
 Lorenzo Dow Croninger, 
 
 And yet companions, 
 
 " They are not dead ! they have but passed 
 
 Beyond the mists that blind us here, 
 Into the new and larger life 
 
 Of that serener sphere. 
 They have but dropped their robes of clay 
 
 To put their shining- i-aiment on ; 
 They have not wandered far away. 
 
 They are not ' lost ' nor ' gone.' 
 Ever near us, though unseen, 
 
 The dear immortal spirits tread — 
 For all the boundless universe 
 
 Is life, — there are no dead ! " 
 
 CGUNCII^S UNDER DISPENSATIONS. 
 
 There have been no dispensations to form new councils in 
 unoccupied territory save in the State of Iowa. 
 
In concert with distinguished companions of that State and 
 elsewhere I used every endeavor and successfully, to have their 
 Grand Chapter divorce the Cryptic from the Capitular degrees, 
 which object was obtained by suitable statutes passed by their 
 Grand Chapter at its regular convocation in 1899. So soon as 
 properly informed I caused to be prepared a Circular No. 3 which 
 I mailed to each High Priest in Iowa, having previously secured 
 the promise of their Grand High Priest to accept our deputyship, 
 for the purpose of assisting in the wonderful work. Circular No. 
 3 is here inserted for \our information, and 1 would pause to drop 
 a tear at the removal by death of Companion George A. Quimby, 
 who so faithfully and ardent!}- assisted me along the wav until his 
 transfer to a holier work. 
 
 Circular No. 3. 
 
 Nashville, Tenn., February 1st, 1899. 
 
 To the Royal and Select Masters of Iowa : 
 
 Accept sincere greeting's, that after a few weeks ( throug-h the action 
 of the Grand Chapter of Iowa at its last convocation) you will be authorized 
 to institute councils of Royal and Select Masters under dispensations to 
 be granted by the General Grand Council of the tlnited States. Thus will 
 the beauties and landmarks of the Royal Crypt be made manifest, its 
 symmetry preserved and your zeal and fidelity rewarded. That 3'ou may 
 begin this noble and glorious work at the quickest date ( March 1st ) we 
 forward you this communication. A large number of companions have 
 already secured the necessary blanks and instructions from the General 
 Grand Recorder, Henry W. Mordhurst, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and filed 
 applications, and that you may have all essential advice near at hand, I 
 have requested 5-our beloved Grand High Priest, and dear friend and 
 companion of my early manhood. Most Excellent W. F. Cleveland, to 
 assi.st you in this laudable enterprise. He has kindly consented to act as 
 my Deputy and will ffladly serve you in this matter- Let your requests be 
 promptly made. All shall be done to obtain a Grand Council for your 
 State at the earliest practical period. May the blessing of the Great I Am 
 be yours. Fraternally and lovinijly, 
 
 Bradforb Nichol, 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 Attest: Hknrv W. .Mordhurst, 
 
 (jcneral Grand Recorder. 
 
10 
 
 I granted dispensations to form Councils : — 
 1899. 
 On March 2. To Frederick W. Craig and sixty-three companions 
 to form Alpha Council, at Des Moines, Iowa. 
 To Ripley C. Hoffman and fifty-four companions 
 
 to form Zabud Council, at Oscaloosa,, Iowa. 
 To Wm. F. Cleveland and twenty-two companions 
 
 to form Adelphi Council, at Harlan, Iowa. 
 To John Kapp and twenty-five companions to form 
 
 Dubuque Council, at Dubuque, Iowa. 
 To George R. Turner and twenty-four companions 
 
 to form Gebal Council, at Ames, Iowa. 
 To James F Woody and twenty-one companions 
 to form Adoniram Council, at Guthrie Cen- 
 ter, Iowa. 
 On April 4. To Henry H. Bernard and fourteen companions to 
 
 form Lincoln Council, at Elkader, Iowa. 
 On April 5. To William F. Bogan and thirty-one companions 
 
 to form Olive Council, at Hamburg. Iowa. 
 On April 7. To David H. Park and twenty- four companions to 
 
 form Hiram Council, at Carroll, Iowa. 
 On May 23. To John A. Cottrell and fifty-six companions to 
 
 form LeMars Council, at LaMars, Iowa. 
 On Aug. 15. To George W. Hunt and thirty-three companions 
 to form Elam Council, at Manchester, Iowa. 
 1900. 
 On Jan. 20. To Ira P. Clark and twenty-five companions to 
 
 form Coming Council, at Corning, Iowa. 
 On April 4. To Thomas J. Givens and twenty-eight compan- 
 ions to form Tyrian Council, at Creston, Iowa. 
 To Theo. F. Shunk and nineteen companions to 
 form Afton Council, at Afton, Iowa. 
 I make the official report of Special Deputy Wm. F. Cleveland 
 a part of this message so you may fully appreciate his labor so 
 liberally called for and cheerfully executed in behalf of this General 
 Grand Council. We will find earnest, intelligent, active, compan- 
 
11 
 
 ions in these newly organized bodies, as their glowing letters on 
 file indicate. 
 
 Bradford Nichol, General Grand Master of the General Grand Council 
 
 of the U. S., Nashville, Tennessee: 
 M. P. Grand Master: — 
 
 I beg leave to submit this report of my official doing-s as your Special 
 Deputy for the State of Iowa, together with a brief statement of the con- 
 dition of Cryptic masonry in this Grand jurisdiction. 
 
 From the year 1878 until 1898, covering fully a period of twenty years, 
 the Council degrees in this state were under the exclusive control of the 
 Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and the degrees were conferred by 
 the constituent Chapters upon Royal Arch Masons who made application 
 therefor. At the annual convocation of the Grand Chapter held in 1898, 
 it was decided to relinquish further control of these degrees after March 
 1st, 1899, and on that date they were cast adrift, friendless waifs, upon the 
 cold charity of the world. But these beautiful degrees of such inestima- 
 ble value to the craft, were not without friends who fully appreciated their 
 intrinsic worth and importance and who determined to rescue them from 
 seeming obscurity. Through their energy and masonic zeal this branch 
 of our fratarnity has been preserved and assigned to its proper place in 
 our American sysfem of Ancient Craft Masonry within this Grand juris- 
 diction. 
 
 Fully appreciating the honor you conferred in selecting me as your 
 
 special deputy for the purpose of organizing new Councils within the now 
 
 unoccupied territory of Iowa, I have endeavored to discharge the duties 
 
 imposed upon me, not alone from a sense of duty but from a sincere love 
 
 for the beautiful degrees and teachings of Cryptic .Masonry. Under the 
 
 authority of dispensations issued through you by the General Grand 
 
 Council of the United States, I have organized fourteen Council.s in this 
 
 State, viz: 
 
 ... T .■ Date of Charter 
 
 .Name. Location. Organization. Members. 
 
 1-Alpha, DesMoines, Apr. 7, 1899, 32 
 
 2-Zabud, Oskaloosa, Apr. 18, 1899, 
 
 3-Dubuque, Dubuque, May 8,1899, 
 
 4-Adelphi, Harlan, Apr. 26, 1899, 
 
 S-Gebal, Ames, July 24, 1899, 
 
 6-Adoniram, Guthrie Center, July 27, 1899, 
 
 7~Hiram, Carroll, May 24, 1899, 
 
 8-Lincoln, Elkader, May 9, 1899, 
 
 9-Olive, Hamburg, July 20, 1899 
 
 10-L,eMars, LeMars, Aug. 23, 1899, 
 
 11-Elam, Manchester, Oct. 11, 1899. 
 
 12-Corning, Corning, Mch. 9, 1900. 
 
 13-Tyrian, Creston, May 2, 1900, 
 
 14-Afton, Afton, May 3, 1900, 
 
 14 
 
 51 
 33 
 24 
 
 2S 
 
 IS 
 
 24 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 20 
 
 Name of 
 T. I. M. 
 
 Fred. W. Craig 
 R. C. -Hotfman 
 John Kapp 
 W. F. Cleveland 
 Geo. R. Turner 
 James F. Woody 
 D. H. Parks 
 H. H. Barnard 
 W. L. Bogan 
 J. C. Cottrell 
 Geo. W. Hunt 
 Ira P. Clark 
 Thos. G. Given 
 J. W. Lande! 
 
12 
 
 It affords me pleasure to report that these new Councils start out 
 under very promising' conditions; the members are enthusiastic and 
 deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of Cryptic masonrj'. The 
 reports from these Councils that will be submitted at the coming- session 
 of the General Grand Council and upon which they will ask for charters, 
 will show, I think, that they have not been idle, and that they really 
 merit consideration at the hands of the General Grand Body. 
 
 I cannot permit this opportunity to pass without expressing my sin- 
 cere thanks for the honor you have conferred upon me as well as the many 
 kind evidences of fraternal regard that you have from time to time 
 extended to me, and I sincerely trust that I have discharged my duties to 
 your satisfaction. With the pleasant remembrances of your association 
 and friendship of years long past when we were in the vigor of early 
 manhood, there is to me a pathetic.pleasure in thus being brought together 
 again in intimate relations when the shadows of life are slanting towards 
 the East. 
 
 With renewed expressions of personal regard, I am as ever, 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 W. F. Cleve;i<and, 
 
 Special Deputy. 
 
 The General Grand Recorder furnished me July 8th, 1900, a 
 list of seventeen Councils, which had become careless or direlect in 
 duty. Some of these had paid no dues for three years, others had 
 forwarded no reports for one or two }-ears. The seriousness of 
 these matters called for my instant attention. I adressed letters 
 to each Thrice 111. Master requesting a prompt compliance with 
 our requirements and a settlement with Companion Mordhurst. 
 The one addressed to Hiram Council, Valley City, North Dakota, 
 was returned uncalled for. That I may do no injustice to any who 
 have since complied with the notice, I refer you to the Report of 
 our General (jrand Recorder, who will doubtless give details. 
 
 GRA.\D COUNCILS -\DM1TTED. 
 
 So soon as I assumed office, I made efforts to secure co-opera- 
 tion from sister Independent Grand Councils. I wrote to the Grand 
 Officers in charge and others to ascertain if a favorable consideration 
 (o our invitation, viz: to join the General Grand Council could be 
 li:id. W'lien in Baltimore I freely and full}- talked over the mat- 
 
13 
 
 ter with North CaroHna, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Colorado and 
 Illinois companions. From conversations had, I ambitiously 
 hoped for at least five accessions. 
 
 On May i8th, 1898, a motion was made by Most 111. M. S. 
 \\ illard, of W'ilmington, in the Grand Council of North Carolina, 
 that the Constitution of the General Grand Council be ratified. It 
 was unanimously carried and your Grand Master legally notified, 
 whereupon I promulgated Circular No. i for the information of 
 the several Grand Bodies. This circular is made a part of this 
 rc]")ort and is as follows : — 
 
 Gp;nekal Cikcul.vk No. 1. 
 
 To the Officers and .^fembers of General Grand Council, R. and S. M. 
 
 Beloved Comp.^nions: - Official notice having; been made through our 
 General Grand Recorder, that the Grand Council R. & S. M. of North 
 Carolina, at their annual convocation holden at Raleigh, on May 19th, 1898, 
 did ratify the Constitution of the Gen -ral Grand Council of the U. S., it is 
 with jrreat pleasure we promulgate the said information. 
 
 By that proceeding the Grand Council of North Caroline became a 
 constituent member of our General Grand Body and as such in i'your name 
 we extend to every member of said Grand Jurisdiction a most hearty, ear- 
 nest and cordial greeting. 
 
 Bradford Nichol, 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 Attest : Henry W. Mordhurst, 
 
 General Grand Recorder. 
 
 Mississippi took adverse action on the proposal. My private 
 letter to Companion Fredrick Speed, M. I. G. M., was presented 
 and read in their Grand Council. 
 
 I herewith reproduce said letter and the remarks made thereon 
 for \our information. 
 
 Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 12th, 189P. 
 Hon. Frederick .Speed, M. III. G. ^[ aster. 
 
 My Dear Companion:— Are you surprised I should write you? Well 
 I wish to keep in touch with my friends for several reasons, but principally 
 Masonic. Judge ! my earnest prayerful desire is to obtain Mississippi 
 Grand Council as one of the constituents of the General Grand Council. 
 Whv not ? Let me learn your reasons why this has not been done before. 
 
14 
 
 I had you to explain them while we were in Minneopolis, but times are 
 changing-, and with them should we not overlook the New York incident 
 of the past and come together as one Grand Body ? I know yov can obtain 
 this glorious end, and I want to shew in General Grand Council my love 
 for you ere I leave this sphere. Come ! forgive and forget, and assist 
 these companions in this work. You are aware of the fact that all Colorado 
 matters are settled, and that North Carolina has also become one of us. 
 Knowing my attachment for Mississippi, is it strange I regret her absence 
 from our Council Chamber ? If deemed presumptions in me to open up 
 this matter, over-look, but do not let it drop. Trouble yourself to write 
 me, and allow me in my humble way to advance Cryptic Masonry by 
 removing any obstacle in the waj' of completest unity. 
 
 I cannot state how happy I was at your reception as a visitor with us 
 at Baltimore. Come closer. Ratify- the Constitution as now amended and 
 allow your friend Nichol the peculiar gratification and honor of reporting 
 your action. This shall be regarded by me, my greatest honor and 
 attainment of good to the rite. Pardon this long letter. 'Tis not my 
 custom, only the occasion demanded. 
 
 As ever your Friend and Companion, 
 
 Bradkokd Nichoi^. 
 
 In presenting my letter, he said : — 
 
 "I received this letter from my esteemed friend, which though not 
 signed officially or perhaps intended for publication, I lay before you for 
 your consideration, that you may see that there is an ardent desire upon 
 the part of that illustrious body and its adherents, that we should become 
 its constituent. While I confess that if it were purely a personal question 
 and there were no grave reasons which in my judgment debar us from 
 seeking admission into that body, that I should yield any mere personal 
 preferences to the strong claims of fraternal good feeling, for as I grow 
 older, the desire of drawing nearer to all the brethren grows stronger, and 
 I would strengthen the bonds between. us, in everj- possible way, but as I 
 said to my beloved companion, in reply to his letter, the objection we have 
 to National Masopic governing bodies are not founded upon anything 
 which has taken place since the General Grand Council has been formed, 
 and however unpleasant the memory of certain occurrences may be to us, 
 every cause of entrangement has been expurged by the action of the last 
 General Assembly of that body, and we harbor no ill will and will not 
 permit ourselves to ever recall them, except as history of the past. The 
 league between the Grand Chapters which exists under the name of the 
 General Grand Chapter is my ideal of a National Body, but one of a kind 
 is enough, and I see no necessity for the existence of the General Grand 
 Council. However, my personal views have no weight in the matter, and 
 if you think that any compensating good is to come from a union with 
 
IS 
 
 that body, I should obey your mandate with cheerfulness and loyally serve 
 under it, but until something- is presented to my mind which is more 
 convincing- than has heretofore been offered, I cannot advise such action. 
 I admire and applaud the zeal of the members of the General Grand 
 Council in seeking to strengthen its position, because they believe in its 
 utility, and while it causes me a pang to refuse anything to the large number 
 of personal friends, which it is my great pleasure to know that I have in 
 its membership, I cannot bring myself to the point of yielding our opinion 
 on the subject, merely to gratify them, which as I say is the only 
 consideration that would induce me to abandon our position in the 
 matter. 
 
 "The question is before you; it will always be before jtou as long as 
 that body exists; act upon it without reference to the past, and upon its 
 merits, and I shall be content with merely recording a negative vote. I 
 say 1, because somehow, the impression exists in the minds of the General 
 Grand Council, that it is in deference to me that you have refused your 
 consent to a union with it. In this they do me honor overmuch, for 
 although I am not insensible to your many expressions of confidence in 
 me, I am not the Grand Council, only its most obedient and willing 
 servant, and I should regret to know that you had yielded any question 
 merely to gratify me, and I take occasion to say here and now, that I am 
 proud to be that servant, but I should despise you if I ever became your 
 master, other than in a symbolical sense. Here we are all equals and 
 every man's opinion is entitled to equal consideration and respect, 
 mine no more than those of any one else who appeals to your reason and 
 understanding. " 
 
 A motion was made to ratify our constitution and lost. 
 
 IIvLINOIS. 
 
 I had a very long and varied correspondence with members of 
 this Grand Body. The matter was submitted to their several subor- 
 dinate Councils and their officers instructed to come to the Grand 
 Council in 1899, prepared to vote on the subject of Ratification of 
 General Grand Council Constitution. Being thus advised I sent 
 each Thrice 111. Master in Illinois the following letter through 111. 
 Companion Gil. W. Bernard, Grand Recorder: 
 
 To the Thrice Illustrious Masters and Companions of Councils R. & S. 
 M., Crand Council of HH'iois: 
 Dear Companions:— You have under consideration a proposition to 
 unite with the General Grand Council of the United States. This resolution 
 
16 
 
 will be voted on at your annual Assembly in Oclober. The undersigned 
 were, at our last Triennial Assembly, appointed a committee to ascertain 
 if we could not effect a complete unification of the several Grand Councils 
 in the United States. Colorado and North Carolina have taken favorable 
 action, and now we approach you in sincerest love and esteem, requesting: 
 your assistance and cordially asking you to become a constituent of our 
 General Body. The o:ily barrier that has ever been brought to the 
 knowledge of the General Grand Council was, at that time removed, and 
 now we feel assured each and all of us will be benefited, these beautiful 
 rites and ceremonies, we so dearly venerate, better preserved, and their 
 teachings more thoroughly enjoyed by their beneficiaries. 
 
 Come then ! let us consult and work together in this glorious under- 
 taking. 
 
 FraternalU', 
 
 Bradford Nichol, 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 Henry W. Mordhurst, 
 
 General Grand Recorder. 
 September 27, 1899. Committee. 
 
 The Jurisprudence Committee at the annual meeting reported 
 favorably upon the proposition, but there were Chapter-made 
 Council Alasons who would not agree to a healing process which 
 the}- claime d was unnecessary, and so determined on opposition, I 
 regret their view obtained, at least temporarilly, for I am assured 
 that no ill feelings were aroused and that my successor will greet 
 them members before another term lapses. 
 
 COLORADO. 
 
 As I allude to this jurisdiction I feel unable to fully explain 
 how the happy termination of former misunderstandings were 
 righted. I sought every light upon the subject while in Baltitnore 
 at our last Triennial. I, bv appointment met Companion T. E. 
 Shears, Grand High Priest of Colorado, who had been selected by 
 that jurisdiction as Grand Master. We were closeted possibly six 
 or eight hours, and went over the ground thoroughlv and in the 
 most loving spirit. I requested that on his return home, he reduce 
 his views to writing, I would forward ours and felt assured that 
 his companions would quickly concur in our conclusions. 
 
17 
 
 He did so promptly and numerous communications passed 
 between us. At first too much feeling was manifested from sources 
 unexpected, and our labors seemed ill-timed, yet by goodly advice 
 from Patriarchs we each loved, our views at last accorded, where- 
 upon I delegated Companion J, H. Peabody, Thrice llustrious 
 Master of Canon City Council, No. 5, Colorado, to act as our rep- 
 resentative and meet Companion Shears, that they might formulate 
 a plan for unanimous action. 
 
 This correspondence is too voluminous to spread before you, 
 besides therein are expressions that had better remain hidden and 
 still, I pray you believe me, at every point, I was treated with 
 superlative courtesy. A petition in proper form from every 
 Council in Colorado, for a convention to meet in Denver July 30, 
 1898, for organization of Grand Council, etc., was presented and 
 I granted a dispensation therefor July 4th, 1898. 
 
 I feel that this Grand Body should embrace in its proceedings 
 the transactions had then and there and so I include as a part of 
 this message "Colorado Proceedings, 1898," from pages 3 to 10 in- 
 clusive, as follows : 
 
 HELD AT DENVER, COtOEADO, JULY 30, 1898. 
 
 At a convention of the several chartered Councils of Royal and Select 
 Masters of Colorado, held pursuant to their request made to M. 111. Thomas 
 E. Shears, Grand Master of Colorado, as set forth in the following- petition: 
 
 Canon City, Colo., May 20th, 1898. 
 Most III. Thomas E. Sheais, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal: 
 and Select Masters of Colorado: 
 
 Most III. Sir and Companion: — 
 
 Whereas, to-wit, December 6th, 1894, the representatives of several 
 Councils of Royal and Select Masters located in Colorado did assemble ia 
 convention in the city of Denver, Colorado; and 
 
 Whereas, said convention of such representatives did then and there 
 proceed to form and open a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for 
 the State of Colorado, and did elect and did install the officers thereof ; 
 and 
 
 Whereas, certain organizations of Masons and sundry members of 
 the masonic fraternity believe the calling of said convention and the 
 organization of said Grand Council to have been in some respect irregu- 
 lar and; 
 
18 
 
 ' WheeBaS, it is the wish of every Cryptic Mason within the State of 
 
 Colorado that no irregularity, or the semblaace thereof, shall attach to 
 their masonic actions, whether the criticisms made are based upon fact or 
 fancy, and whether the acts complained of are real or imaginary. 
 
 Therefore, we, the undersigned, do hereby respectfully and fraternally 
 request you to procure a dispensation from the General Grand Council of 
 Royal and Select Masters of the United States of America, for the purpose 
 hereinafter expressed, and in pursuance of such dispensation call a con- 
 vention of the representatives of all the Councils of Royal and Select 
 Masters of Colorado, at such time and place as to you may appear best 
 for the purpose of healing and in all respects making regular the Grand 
 Council of Colorado, and healing and making regular all other matters 
 and things in and about these matters complained of. 
 
 Submitted to you in truly sincere and fraternal spirit. 
 
 Approved by resolution regularly adopted by Denver Council No. 1, 
 Royal and Select Masters, June 27th, 1898. 
 
 Calvin %. Reed, T. I. M. 
 
 (Seal.) Signed Henry DowSON, D. M. 
 
 Cromweli, Tdcker, p. C. W. 
 Attest : Henry Apple, Rec. 
 
 By resolution regularly adopted on Maj- 26th, 1898, the above petition 
 was approved and concurred in by Rocky Mountain Council, No. 2, 
 Trinidad. 
 
 John H. Humphreys, T. I. i\j. 
 (Seal.) Signed F. D. Goodale, D. M. 
 
 D. S. Harper, P. C. W. 
 Attest : I. O. Milliken, Rec. 
 
 Approved and adopted by Durango Council, No. 3, R. & S. M., June 
 13, 1898. 
 
 George Weaver, T. I; M. 
 
 (Seal.) Signed J. L,. Parsons, D. M. 
 
 Thou AS Rock wood, P. C. W. 
 Attest: D. J. McCaffry, Rec. 
 
 Canon City Council, No. 5, R. & S. M. 
 
 J. H. Peabody, T. I. M. 
 
 («eal.) Signed Jos. W. Milson, D. M. 
 
 Jos. T. Little, P. C. W. 
 Attest: H. L. Price, Rec. 
 
 Approved and adopted by Pueblo Council, No. 6, R. & S. M., May 
 27 th, 1898. 
 
 (Se,al.) Signed E. W. Hathaway, T. I. M. 
 
 Attest: Wm. Peach, Rec. 
 
1.9 
 
 Approved and adopts^ Py Hiram Council, No. 7, R. & S. M., Greely 
 J^uije 11th, 1898. 
 
 Frbdrick STA^iK Manning, T- I. M. 
 (Seal.) Signed W. L. Mll,i,BR, D. M. 
 
 Sharon Atkinson, P. C. W. 
 Attest: Jos. A. Woodbury, Rec. 
 
 And called by him in his circular letter of July 18th, 1898, as follows: 
 GRAND COUNCII, 
 
 RoYAi, AND Select Masters of Colorado. 
 Grand Master's Office. 
 
 Denvbh, Coi,o., July 18th, 1898. 
 
 To the Royal and Select Masters of the State of Colorado, and more 
 
 especially to the Members of Denver Council No. j, Denver, Colo.; 
 
 Rocky Mountain Council No. 2, Trinidad, Colo.; Durango Council 
 
 No. J, Durango Colo.; Canon City Council No. 5, Canon City, Colo.; 
 
 Pueblo Council No. 6, Pueblo, Colo.; Hiram Council No. 7, Greeley, 
 
 Colo.; and Zabud Council U. D., Colorado Springs, Colo. — Grbkting: 
 
 Companions: — I have the honor to inform you that in answer to your 
 
 petition of May 20, 1898, I respectfully asked the General Grand Master of 
 
 the General Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, of the United States 
 
 of America to grant the documents necessary to carry out your wishes. 
 
 It is with pleasure that I now convey the information to you, that the 
 
 needed dispensation was granted on July 4, 1898, and was received by me 
 
 on the 16th of July. 
 
 In answer to the further prayer of the petition and by virtue of the 
 authority given me in the Dispensation, I hereby call a convention of all 
 of the several Chartered and Constituted Councils, located in the State of 
 Colorado, to meet on the 30th day of July, A. D. 1898, at 2:30 p. m., in the 
 Council Room of Denver Council No. 1, in the Masonic Temple, on the 
 corner of 16th and Welton Streets. 
 
 Said Convention to be for the purposes set forth in the petition of May 
 30, 1898, viz: " Of healing and in all respects making regular the Grand 
 Council of Colorado, and of healing and making regular in all other mat- 
 ters and things in and about these matters complained of." And for such 
 other lawful proceedure as may best tend to the " Good of the Rite" in the 
 State of Colorado The several Councils will take due notice of this call 
 and make arrangements to be represented by accredited delegates. A copy 
 of this notice will be mailed to every Select Master in the State so far as I 
 can obtain the address; and I desire to say to each of you, that your 
 presence at this meeting is most fraternally solicited. 
 
 Fraternally, 
 
 Thomas E. Shears, 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
20 
 
 There were present the following Companions : 
 
 Henry Apple, Byron L. Carr, Ed. E. Clarke, J. E. Crellin, Ernest Le 
 Neve Foster, Lawrence W. Greenleaf , Edmund W. Hathaway, M. Hodgsen, 
 J. C. Johnson, Thomas Unton, J. M. Meales, J. P. Mertel, Joseph W. Milson. 
 James H .Peabody, William D. Pierce, William W. Quinn, Gfeorge Roberts, 
 Calvin E. Reed, Thomas E. Shears, H. M. Smidlap, Cromwell Tucker, 
 J. D. Westhaver and T. J. Zollars. 
 
 The Convention was called to order in the Council Room of Denver 
 Chapter, No. 1, in Denver, Colorado, on July 30th, 1898, A. Dep. 2898, at 
 2:30 o'clock P. M., by the Grand Master of Royal and Select Masons of 
 Colorado. M. I. Thomas E. Shears, acting as General Grand Master of 
 the U. S. A., who then read the following letter and reply : 
 
 grand council 
 
 Royal and Select Masters of Colorado. 
 
 Grand Master's Office. 
 
 Denvek, Coi.orado. June 29, 1898. 
 M. P. Bradford A'ichol, General Grand Master, General Grand Council 
 
 of Royal and Select Masters of the United States of America: 
 
 Most Puissant Sir and Companion:— I have the honor, and the 
 pleasure, of informing you that all of the Chartered Councils of Royal and 
 Select Masters in the State of Colorado, being those that acknowleged the 
 authority of the Grand Council of Colorado, as well as those who only 
 acknowledged the authority of the August Body over which you preside, 
 have united upon what they believe will be, and what they sincerely desire 
 may be, a means toward ending the trouble and discord that has unfortu- 
 nately existed between Colorado and the General Grand Council of the 
 United States. In taking the action to which I allude, the companions on 
 either side do not wish to be understood that they have changed their 
 views as to the right or wrong of their past actions, or their belief in the 
 sincerity of purpose, honesty, and purity of inotive, of those who repre- 
 sented them in the organization of the body, whose regularity has been 
 questioned, but that they intend to sink all personal feeling and do that 
 which most appears to them will best subserve the interest of Cryptic 
 Masonry in their own State, if not through the United States. 
 
 To bring the matter into shape for action. Canon City Council, No. 5, 
 of the General Grand Council allegiance addressed a petition to the Grand 
 Master of the Grand Council of Colorado. This petition has since been 
 approved and indorsed by all the constituted Councils of the State and is 
 herewith submitted as my authority for making the request that follows. 
 
 In answer to the prayer of that petition I would most respectfully ask 
 that a dispensation be granted to hold a Convention in the manner and for 
 the purposes set forth in the petition, and that the necessary commission 
 
21 
 
 for a Deputy to constitute the Grand Council of Colorado, together with 
 such other authority as may be necessary to complete and make perfect 
 the work, be sent at same time. 
 
 I believe that it is the wish of the companions that whenever it may 
 be necessary to name a companion in the documents asked for, that the 
 name of Thomas E. Shears be used if agreeable to you. 
 
 Trusting that this action and this request may meet ^ith your appro- 
 val, and awaiting your valuable advice, I am 
 
 Fraternally and courteously yours, 
 
 Thomas E. Sheaks, G. M. 
 
 The General Grand Council, 
 
 OF — 
 
 Royal and Select Masters of the United States. 
 Bradford Nichol, Genera.l Grand Master. 
 
 Nashville, Tknn., July 4, 1898. 
 Companion T. E. Shears, Denver. Colo. 
 
 Beloved Companion: — Ignoring and disregarding everything in the 
 past, which may have been irregular, erroneous, ill-timed or seemingly 
 so, and in view of the fact that there is now presented a respectful applica- 
 tion breathing a most loving and fraternal spirit and duly adopted by all 
 subordinate Councils in the State of Colorado, asking that a Convention of 
 all the L ouncils of Royal and Select Masters of said State be called for the 
 purpose of an organization of the Grand Council and correcting and 
 healing any irregularities that may have occured since December 6, 1894. 
 
 Now, therefore, by the virtue of the power vested as the Most Puissant 
 General Grand Master of the General Grand Council, Royal and Select 
 Masters of the United States of America, I do hereby issue said dis- 
 pensation; Thomas E. Shears of Denver Council No. J, is hereby appointed 
 our General Grand Deputy, to carry out said request, and will at his 
 earliest convenience call said Convention, giving due and timely notice to 
 every Council in said Jurisdiction. Having completed the labors assigned 
 him, he will report results to the General Grand Recorder. 
 
 (Signed) Bradford Nichol, 
 
 [seal.] General Grand Master. 
 
 Attest: Hknrv W. Mordhurst, 
 
 General Grand Recorder. 
 
 It was moved and seconded that Companion Ernest Le Nerve act as 
 Recorder of the Convention, which motion was carried. 
 
 Companion James H. Peabody moved and it was adopted that a 
 Committee of three, with the Recorder as Chairman, be appointed on 
 Credentials. 
 
i2 
 
 THe following Cotumittee was appointed: Companion ErneSt Le Ner'Vie 
 Foster, James H. Peabody and Ivawrence N. Greenleaf, who shorttj^ 
 reported the following as present and entitled to seats and votes: 
 
 it was moved and seconded that Companion Ernest Le Neve act as 
 Recorder of the Convention, which motion was carried. 
 
 Companion James H. Peabody moved and it was adopted that a Com 
 nfiittee of three, with the Recorder as Chairman, be appointed on 
 Credentials. 
 
 The following Committee was appointed : Companions Ernest Le 
 Neve Foster, James H. Peabody and Lawrence N. Greenleaf, who shortly 
 reported the following as present and entitled to seats and votes : 
 
 Denver Council, No. i. 
 
 Calvin E. Reed, T. I. M. 
 
 Thomas J. Zollars, proxy for Henry Dowson, D. I M. 
 
 Cromwell Tucker, P. C. W. 
 
 Rocky Mountain Council, No. 2. 
 
 William D. Pierce, proxy for John Humphreys, T. I. M. 
 
 " proxy for F. D. Goodale, D. I. IVT. 
 
 " " proxy for David G. Harper. 
 
 DURANGO COUNCII,, No. 3. 
 
 Thomas E. Shears, proxy for George Weaver, T. I. M. 
 
 Ernest Le Neve Foster, proxy for J. L. Parsons, D. I. M. 
 
 Lawrence N. Greenleaf, proxy for Thomas Rockwood, P. C. W. 
 
 Canon City Council, No. 5. 
 
 Comp. James H. Peabody, T j ^ 
 
 " Joseph W. Milson, D_ j jj 
 
 " James H. Peabody, proxy for Joseph T. Little, P. C. W. 
 
 Pueblo Council, No. 6. 
 
 Cortip. E. W. Hathawaty, T j y^ 
 
 " J. M. Meales, proxy for John F. Bishop, D I nj! 
 
 " J. P. Mertel, p_ ^: ^^ 
 
 Which report T*as, on motioii of Companion Cromwell Tucker, received 
 and adopted. 
 
 Th6 following resoltition was offered by Companion J. H. PeaboSy atid 
 adopted: 
 
23 
 
 That a Committee of three, consisting of Companions Calvin E. Reed, 
 Jos. W Milson and William D. Pierce, be appointed to formulate all. 
 material matters concerning this Convention. 
 
 Said Committee made the following report: 
 
 REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 To the Convention of Delegates representing the Councils of Royal and 
 
 Select Masters of Colorado. 
 
 The undersigned Committee, to whom was referred the task of formu- 
 lating all matter material to the work concerning this Convention, respect- 
 fully report the following: — 
 
 First: That the temporary organization of this Convention be made 
 permanent. 
 
 Second: For the purpose of healing and in all respects making reg- • 
 ular the existing organization and proceedings of the Grand and subordi- 
 nate Councils of Colorado, the Committee recommends the adoption of the 
 following resolution: 
 
 Resolved: That the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of 
 Colorado be now and is hereby, organized as a Constituent Grand Council 
 of the General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of the United 
 States of America. That the existing Constitution and By-I/aws of the 
 Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Colorado be, 
 and is hereby, ratified, approved, and adopted, excepting the last sentence 
 of Section "7" Art. I., which reads as follows: 
 
 "This Section to become operative, only, on this Grand Council 
 becoming a constituent of said General Grand > ouncil of the United 
 States. That the Grand Officers elected and appointed at the last Annual 
 Assembly of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of the State of 
 Colorado held on September 24, 1897, be, and are hereby, declared to be the 
 elected and appointed officers of this Grand Council to serve until the 
 next annual assembly, or until their successors are elected and installed. 
 That the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of 
 Colorado, and all its acts and doings as such, together with its records and 
 proceedings from and including the date of its organization on December 
 6, 1894, to the present time be, and the same is hereby, ratified and 
 approved, healed and declared in all respects regular, and that the action, 
 proceedings and work of Denver Coundil, No. 1; Rocky Mountain Council, 
 No. 2; Durango Council, No. 3; Canon City Council, No. 5; Pueblo Council, 
 No. 6; and Hiram Council, No. 7; be, and is hereby, ratified, approved, 
 healed and declared in all respects regular. 
 
 . That the consecutive numbering of the Grand Assembly of the Grand 
 Council of Colorado be continued and that its organization be declared in 
 all respect a continuation of the organization of the Grand Council Royal 
 
24 
 
 and Select Masters of the State of Colorado, org-anized on December 8' 
 1894, and now a constituent of the General Grand CcJuricil Royal and Seledt 
 Masters of the United States of America. 
 
 Third: Declaration of the General Grand Deputy, declaring- organiza- 
 tion of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters, as a C6nstituent of 
 the General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of the United States 
 
 Cai<vin E. Reed, 
 Joseph W. MiIvSon, 
 "Wii<LiAM D. Pierce, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 Companion Thomas J. ZoUars moved that the report be received and 
 adopted as a whole which was unanimously carried. 
 
 M. I. Companion Thomas E. Shears, as the Deputy of the Grand Mas- 
 ter of the United States, then made proclamation that the Grand Council 
 of the State of Colorado was reg-ularly org-anized and constituted on this 
 30th day of July, A. D., 1898, A. Dep. 2898, and all acts of said Grand 
 Council and its subordinates done on and since December 6th, 1894, were 
 healed, ratified and confirmed. 
 
 Companion Thomas J. ZoUars then moved and it was adopted that "it 
 is the sense of this Convention that it is proper and right for the Grand 
 Master of Colorado to issue a charter to Colorado Springs Council at Colo- 
 rado, El Paso County, when they surrender the dispensation of the 
 General Grand M aster under which they are at present acting. 
 
 M. I. Thomas E. shears. Deputy of the General Grand Master of the 
 United States of America, then declared the I 'onvention closed, and its 
 labors completed. 
 
 Thomas E. Shears. 
 Deputy of the General Grand Master of the U. S. A. 
 
 Attest: Ernest Le Neve Foster, Recorder. 
 
 Upon the official notice being received I promulgated Circular 
 No. 2, viz : 
 
 GENERAL CIRCULAR NO. 2: 
 
 'Na'ShvilIvE, Tenn., August 8th, 1898. 
 To the Officers and fllentbers of General Grand Council, Royal and. Select 
 
 Blasters: 
 
 Bei^oved:— With undisguised pleasure and gratification we publish 
 the following: 
 
 On July 4th, we received a request from every council in Colorado 
 asking that dispensation be granted for the purpose of formation of Grand 
 Council of Colorado.' On July 30th, said Convention met in Denver, organ- 
 ized, adopted constitution, elected Grand Oflicers, and ratified the Consti- 
 
25 
 
 tution of the General Grand Council, thereby becoming' a constituent 
 member of this General Grand Body. 
 
 . We allude to the past differences to state that our companions of 
 Colorado, with truly commendable Masonic spirit, threw aside every dis 
 dordant opinion and with a determination "to work and agree" entered 
 into correspondence January last with your General Grand Master and 
 since in Convention rectified any and every irregularity which had in any 
 manner crept into their jurisdiction. How well they and your Oenei-ftl 
 Grand Master have succeeded in removing errors, reproaches and animos- 
 ities remain for you to prove. Companions, we commend them to your 
 most cordial fraternal love and confidence. L,et the past be remembered 
 only to guide us only in a happy, prosperous future. 
 
 Bradford Nichol, 
 [seal.] Ge?teral Grand Master. 
 
 Attest: Henry W. .Mordhurst, 
 
 General Grand Recorder. 
 
 RULINGS. 
 
 Q. /. Can Council in Montana confer degrees on Royal Arch 
 Masons from Dakota? 
 
 Ans. Only with waiver of jurisdiction. 
 
 Raised by Chairman of Jurisprudence Committee of Illinois: 
 
 0. 2. In event we unite with the General Grand Council will we 
 still be permitted to recognize Chapter-made Council 
 Masons who visit us from Iowa and Texas? 
 
 Ans. The tieneral Grand Council, as does Pennsylvania and 
 other Independent Grand Councils agree — that only 
 Council-made select Masters should be recognized, 
 that when a Chapter-made Council Mason is accepted 
 hy affiliation in any subordinate Council, he is duly 
 healed and that every jurisdiction is competent to 
 judge of her visitors' qualification to sit with them. 
 
 Q. J. Does the General Grand Council recognize the Super- Ex- 
 cellent Masters' Degree as one of the regular 
 degrees ? 
 
 Ans. The General Grand Council recognizes the Select Mas- 
 ters' Degree as the working degree, but earnestly 
 recommends that the S. E. Degree be given without 
 
3b 
 
 charge to every Select Master that its beaeitiful les- 
 sons be imparted in the initiation. 
 
 Q. 4. Would Illinois be permitted to recognize Chapter-made 
 Council members of our own without the healing 
 process as formerly required by the General Grand 
 Council ? 
 
 Ans. The General Grand Council assumes no special healing 
 process, we cannot go behind the returns of a Grand 
 Council. Should their subordinate Councils admit by 
 affiliation Chapter-made Select Masters, it is their 
 State affair and we so accept it. 
 
 Q. 5. I understand we would not be compelled to use the Gen- 
 eral Grand Council ritual. Am I right? 
 
 Ans. Yes ! But as uniformity of work is truly desirable we do 
 earnestly recommend the adoption of the ritual as 
 promulgated by the General Grand Council. ■ 
 
 Q. 6. Are Grand Councils coming into the General Grand Coun- 
 cil compelled to remain forever? 
 
 Ans. No. See page 92, 1897. 
 
 Q. 7. Zabud Council of Colorado asked: — "Can any business be 
 transacted with less than . . . . ? 
 
 Ans. It cannot. 
 
 Q. 8. What is the Status of Iowa Chapter-made Royal and 
 Select Masters? 
 
 Ans. All right there, but must be healed to unite with the Gen- 
 eral Grand Council, or sit in their Body. 
 
 Q. p. What steps should lowan-made Cryptics take to form 
 Councils of Royal and Select Masters, the Grand 
 Chapter of Iowa having relinquished control of such 
 degrees after March ist, 1898? 
 
 Ans.. No step prior to that date, then any full made Roval Arch 
 Cryptic of said jurisdiction in good and regular stand- 
 ing can duly petition for organization of Council, 
 when at their institution of said Council he or they 
 must be healed. 
 
27 
 
 Q- liy. Will It be necessary to present Demits ? 
 
 Ans. Nb. Regular menibers of that jurisdiction need none. 
 
 RUtrNGS GOVERNING OUR SPECIAI, GENERAL GRAND DEPUTY 
 WILLIAM F. CLEVELAND, OF HARLAN, IOWA. 
 
 Q. I. Companion Cleveland must be healed although made a 
 Select Master in a regular Council, Nashville Coun- 
 cil, No. I, Tennessee. 
 
 Q. 2. All lowan companions must be healed before opening a 
 Council. 
 
 Q. 3. Companions other than those on the petition for Dispen- 
 sation to form Councils, should be regularly elected. 
 
 Q. 4. Royal Arch Masons in Iowa should be elected regularly 
 before institution, to participate as members. 
 
 Q. 5. All petitioners to the original Dispensation are Charter 
 members, whether present or absent at its institution, 
 needing only to be healed when presenting them- 
 selves. 
 
 Q. 6. The General Grand Deputy is authorized to delegate au- 
 thority to the Thrice 111. Master of Council to heai 
 absentees. 
 
 EXPENDITURES. 
 
 From October 15th, 1897, to August 31st, 1900, the General 
 Grand Recorder has forwarded proper vouchers from 82 to 107 
 inclusive, amounting to $1,946.49. 
 
 These were duly approved and orders drawn on the General 
 Grand Treasurer therefor. 
 
 OFFICIAL VISITS. 
 
 On March 7th, 1899, I received a comunication from M. I. 
 G. M. Thorp B. Jennings, of Kansas, stating that a pilgrimage to 
 Pike's Peak and other Colorado resorts would occur in August 
 under the direction of Grand Principal Conductor of the Works 
 
28 
 
 E. W. Wellington, of Ellsworth Council, No. 9, Kansas ; that M. I. 
 Grand Master John Humphreys, of Colorado, would issue his dis- 
 pensation for the purpose of allowing said Companion E. W. Wel- 
 lington to confer the Degrees of Council upon such o^;his Royal 
 Arch Masons as might go on that trip to Denver. He requested me 
 to grant to 111. Companion E. W. Wellington a dispensation to re- 
 ceive and act upon petitions of approved Royal Arch Masons from 
 Wyoming and authority to confer degrees in Denver in August. 
 I took the matter under advisement until I should be more speci- 
 fically informed. Numerous letters passed and in a few weeks I 
 received a copy of Companion Humphreys also Jennings Dispensa- 
 tions over their respective seals. Deeming it proper and wise as 
 well as a most excellent mode of extending the Rite in unoccupied 
 territor\-, after ascertaining the fact, that Companion Wellington 
 and his associates were not only thoroughly qualified but prudent, 
 careful gentlemen, 1 gave a dispensation allowing the reception of 
 petitions of Royal .Arch Masons (properly attested) seeking the 
 Council Degrees and residing in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyo- 
 ming, no expense attaching to the General Grand Council. 
 
 On .\pril 17th, 111. Companion Wellington wrote that the pil- 
 grimage was assuming National proportions and asking that I 
 accept an invitation as his own guest, to be present. Like invita- 
 tions were sent each of your General Grand Officers. In every 
 matter 1 enjoined on our 111. Companion to be painstaking and 
 move with legal exactness. Indeed, the pilgrimage appealed 
 strongly to my judgment as an occasion, which carefully prose- 
 cuted, would entail lasting benefits on our western companions; 
 the more so when I state my uniform aversion to any public, or 
 advertised display of our venerable order. 
 
 Arrangements were made to meet in Kansas City August 6th. 
 ^^^e found on arrival two trains billed for the pilgrimage. One 
 under the supervision of 111. Companion Wellington, and the other 
 under M. 111. William Kuhn, of Missouri. 
 
 Among these attending besides your General Grand Master, 
 were General Grand Deputy Mayo, Geiieral Grand Captain of 
 Guard Swanstrom and Grand Master Allen, of Missouri. Further 
 west were joined by companions from every State and Territory. 
 
29 
 
 There were thoughts unwordable, feelings inexpressible, an- 
 ticipations unfathomable and realities perfectly overwhelming, all 
 these awaited us as day by day realizations of. undreamed courte- 
 sies, unfolded wonders, and unexpected adulations from Colorado 
 Cryptics added to the "Never to be told" magnificently arranged 
 and carefully executed plans of our Kansas friends. 
 
 Not one discordant note, not a solitary act was permitted 
 which could with the wildest stretch of language be conetrued, to 
 over-ride, lay aside or trespass on the rights of any jurisdiction. 
 A companion visiting from Missouri had his Chapter and Lodge 
 all regular, but had not his certificate of election and waiver at 
 hand, to receive the Council Degrees;' He told of his petition and 
 of his notification of his election, but was promptly turned off by 
 Companion Wellington. The degrees were conferred in Denver 
 and on about two hundred and seventy-five candidates, and I may 
 add — in the most completely, accurate manner I ever witnessed. 
 As a perpetual momento of the occasion there was deposited upon 
 the summit of Pike's Peak a box containing much Crj'ptic data. 
 This is imbedded in an immense granite overlooking a precipice of 
 four thousand feet. The box is capped witli elegant brass lid upon 
 which is engraven Council Jewels, date of Deposit and Names of 
 your Presiding Officer as well as that of Most 111. Wellington, of 
 Kansas, at whose instance and expense it was placed there. 
 
 I herewith file the more important letters touching this visit, 
 for the perusal of any one who may deem my dispensation of 
 questionable propriety. Since my return I have received twenty 
 letters congratulating the General Grand Council on the finale of 
 Colorado affairs and which this so beautifully crowned with double 
 blessings. 
 
 CENTENNIAL DEl'OSIT. 
 
 I have requested Past M. Puis. John W. Coburn, of New York, 
 to visit and report as to the Centennial Deposit in the vault of Bro. 
 Edward M. L. Ehlers, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of 
 New York. 
 
30 
 
 WASHINGTON MATTERS. 
 
 It is probably known to many of you that our brethren of the 
 Grand Lodge of Washington adopted a resolution two years ago, 
 which met with anathemas throughout the whole land. I was 
 requested to act in the matter by more than one Body, but awaited 
 developments and am delighted to announce, that the hurtful 
 resolution was rescinded at the last meeting of that Grand Lodge 
 and all are again at peace. 
 
 memo'riai,. 
 
 On April 3rd, 1890, I received this memorial from J. S. 
 Marrow, Grand Recorder of Indian Territory, asking the General 
 Grand Council to grant certain consolidation of jurisdictions. This 
 memorial should be granted. 
 
 MEMORIAI,. 
 
 Whereas, upon application of Cryptic Masons residing in Oklahoma 
 Territory, two years ago, the Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal 
 and Select Masters of Indian Territory tendered the services of the Grand 
 Council to the Grand Master of the General Grand Council Royal and 
 Select Masters of the United States of America to aid in the organization 
 of Councils in that Territory and for constitutional reasons they were 
 declined, and 
 
 Whereas, the constitutional objection can be removed by the General 
 Grand Council, now, therefore, 
 
 Be it enacted, that the Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of Indian 
 Territory be directed to lay before the General Grand Council our petition 
 for the extension of the boundary lines of this Grand Jurisdiction so as 
 to include the territory of Oklahoma, there being no organized Councils 
 in said Territory, and both Territories having a Grand Chapter in 
 common. 
 
 I certify that the above is a true copy of the action of the Grand 
 Council, Royal and Select Masters of Indian Territory, on the twelfth 
 day of September, 1899. 
 
 J. S. MURROVi', 
 
 Grand Recorder. 
 
31 
 
 THE PRESENT OUTLOOK. 
 
 On July 19th, 1900, 1 sent the following circular to eacb M. I. 
 G. M., as well as to each T. I. M. subordinate to this General Grand 
 Body, besides to possibly a score of others: 
 
 Nashvii.i<E, Tenn., July 21, 1900. 
 Beloved Companion: — As we near our Triennial to be holden Septem- 
 ber 24, 1900. at Cincinnati, Ohio, I desire to obtain approximately correct 
 information concerning- the Craft's progress since our last General Grand 
 Convocation. 
 
 This will aid us to an intelligent work for better results. Assist me 
 at your earliest convenience in this matter by answering these queries: 
 
 First: How does the interest to-day in Cryptic Masonary compare 
 with 1897 — Increased or diminished ? 
 
 Second: What changes can you offer for our betterment ? 
 These views from the several Grand Bodies should be condensed before 
 that date, that a suitable committee may have the benefit of your views. 
 Be prompt. 
 
 Hoping I may greet you then and there, I am, 
 Yours Fraternally, 
 
 Bradford Nichol, 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 
 Up to the time of formulating this address I have received 
 from companions twent>-eight responses, a compendium of which 
 I herewith transmit, with the assurance that this file will be of 
 considerable importance to my successor : 
 Responses as to the ist Question. 
 
 Twenty three answer — Yes, rapid, each year brighter. 
 Three answer — About normal. 
 
 Two report — Council dead, no interest, no quorum. 
 To THE 2ND Question. 
 
 Five had no suggestions to offer. 
 
 Twenty three lay great stress on the fact that every effort 
 should be made to induce the Grand Encampment to make the 
 Council Degrees obligatory on candidates seeking the Orders of 
 Knighthood. 
 
 recommendations. 
 1st. Appoint a committee to memorialize the Grand Encamp- 
 
32 
 
 ment on the subject of making the Royal and Select Masters' 
 degrees pre-requisites to Knighthood. Said committee to consist 
 of one from each Grand Council, together with the General Grand 
 Master, the Deputy and Principal Conductor of Work of this Gen- 
 eral Grand Council. 
 
 2nd. Give to the General Grand Master, Deputy and Princi- 
 pal Conductor of Work authority to grant charters during the 
 interim of, sessions of the General Grand Council. I am assured 
 great good will be accomplished. Subordinate Councils should not 
 be compelled to hold over two or three years. I have felt that it 
 worked a hardship in Iowa during this administration. 
 
 3rd. Return to Gi^and Council of Colorado, the dues paid this 
 General Grand Body by Canon City Council. 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
 
 And now, companions, I would be false to myself were I to 
 omit thanks and acknowledgments to companions who have per- 
 sonally endeared themselves to me, by my frequent calls upon 
 their time and superior knowledge given so freely to promote this 
 glorious cause. Chiefest among them without invidious distinc- 
 tion is Past Most Puis. Josiah Drummond, of Maine. At all times 
 he has proven himself an earnest, faithful advisor, prompt to 
 answer every demand on brain or time, whilst Companions W. H. 
 Mayo, A. P. Swanstrom and W. F. Foster have faltered not in 
 rendering valuable service. My work has been at times labo- 
 rious, yet at no moment lacked I unanimity of council. I have 
 fallen short of my expectations to accomplish all I hoped for. The 
 past is history, I return my insignia of office with the assured 
 knowledge that your loving hearts will overlook my imperfect 
 work, and with thanks for each courtesy and prayer that the Tender 
 Shepherd of Israel will watch over, keep and preserve us every one 
 blameless to divcll in that Home above, where we shall see Him 
 face to face, I am, 
 
 Yours fraternally, 
 
 Bradford Nichol, 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 
General grand Officers, 
 
 1897-1900 
 
 Bradford Nichol, Nashville, Tenn., 
 
 General Grand Master. 
 
 William H. Mayo, St. Louis, Mo., 
 
 General Grand Deputy Master. 
 
 General Grand Princifal Conductor. 
 
 Charles H. Heaton, Montpelier, Vt., 
 
 General Grand Treasurer. 
 
 Henry W. Mordhurst, Fort Wayne, Ind., 
 General Crrand Recorder. ' 
 
 Andrew P. Swanstrom, St. Paul, Minn., 
 
 General Grand Captain of Guard. 
 
 Henry C. Larrabee, Baltimore, Md., 
 
 General Grand Conductor oj Council. 
 
 Gkaff M. Acklin, Toledo, Ohio., 
 
 General Grand Marshal. 
 
 Jacob T. Barron, Columbia S. C, 
 
 General Grand Steward. 
 
G-WCWTOOm*« 
 
 PAMPHLET BINDER 
 
 Manufactured by 
 
 GAYLORD BROS. Inc. 
 
 Syracuse, N.Y. 
 
 Stockton, Calif. 
 
 Cornell University Library 
 HS397 .N59 
 
 Address of general Grand Master, Seventh 
 
 3 1924 030 277 051 
 olin,anx 
 
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