* ^ y ^ 5-37 047005 Qlarnell Hmueratty Slihrara FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY History Grand Lodge OF Iowa A. F. AND A. M. Vol. II, Part I PRESENTED BY ORDER OF Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. AND A. M. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT TO NEWTON R. PARVIN, Grand Secretary | 1913 CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 097 851 459 ^ ^i^r^r^ ^ ^^^^^-^^-^^^^-^^^^^ 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/cu31924097851459 History of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A. F. and A, M. History of Grand Lodge of Iowa A. F. and A. M. Brought down to July 1912 and comprising all matters not included in Volume One, to which are added sketches and portraits o( the Grand Masters (or the period covered in the history By William F. Cleveland, P. G. M. Historian Volume Two Part One Prepaied and Publiihed by Authority a( the Grand Lodge of Iowa 1913 Umited lo thirtttn hundred copies fS^76^X6X^ THE TORCH PRESS CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA To the MASONS OF IOWA Who have advanced the cause of Masonry by the exemplification of its sublime teachings in their daily lives This Volume is fraternally dedicated by The Author INTRODUCTION The first volume of the history of the Grand Lodge of Iowa was written by Brother Joseph B. Morcombe and published in 1910. The office of Grand Lodge Historian being vacant, Grand Master David W. Clements in his annual address in 1910 recommended the completion of the history, and that a Historian be selected for that purpose. The Grand Lodge concurred, and authorized the Grand Master-elect to make the appointment We quote from the address of Grand Master Frederick W. Craig : "By your action last year it was made my duty to ap- point a Historian to complete the History of this Grand Lodge, covering the remaining period outside that covered by Brother Morcombe in Volume I. To my mind it was very important to select a brother who is naturally adapted to continue this great work, one who will maintain the high standard of excellence set in the first volume, one who will give painstakiug care to the necessary research, one who will take advantage of any personal knowledge possessed by another brother, one who holds the love and confidence of the craft. I gave the subject much consideration and decided that Most Worshipful Brother William F. Cleve- land possessed those qualities to a marked degree and was peculiarly well fitted for the task. I therefore appointed Past Grand Master Cleveland to be Grand Historian. He accepted the appointment and has entered upon the work. I believe that no one could be found who by temperament, ability and experience is better fitted for the work. Brother Cleveland will make a report upon what he has done and I recommend that the work be continued and com- 8 INTRODUCTION pleted according to the dictates of his good judgment." (XXII-256) The Committee on the Grand Master's address re- ported as follows: "The appointment of Past Grand Master Cleveland as Historian was a wise selection, and his acceptance of the appointment insures the fulfillment of the promise that, when finished, the work will be well done." The report was adopted by the Grand Lodge. (XXII- 332) I confess that it was with considerable hesitancy that I accepted the appointment as Grand Lodge Historian. Brother Morcombe in the preparation of the first volume had set a high standard of excellence. I realized that com- parisons and possibly criticisms would be made, but the work was congenial and appealed strongly to my desire to serve Masonry. Trusting that I might be able to con- tribute something of value to the Craft, I accepted the ap- pointment, entered earnestly upon the work, and as the re- sult of my research and labor I now present the first part of Volume II. The Masonic Library with its priceless records of the past has been a mine of valuable information. It is in- deed a treasure that will increase in value as the years go by. I here express my keen appreciation of the valuable assistance given me by Grand Secretary Newton R. Parviu and his ofBce corps. William F. Cleveland Harlan, Iowa, March 1, 1913 CONTENTS Chapter I. Growth in Membership 13 Masonic Ceremonials . 18 Chapter II. Masonic Colleges . 71 Masonic Temples . 76 Masonic Congresses 82 Chapter III. Grand Representatives . 96 Non-Appiliation 106 Honorary Membership . 116 Book of the Law . 122 Physical Perfection 134 Chapter IV. Cebneau Masonry . 147 Chapter V. Charity — Masonic Home 197 Chapter VI. Semt-Centennial Anniversary 260 Biographical Sketches 293 Past Grand Masters — Campbell Kennedy Peck 295 Reuben Micket, 300 John Scott 304 Ozias Phelps Waters . 307 Joseph Chapman 311 Henry WniUAM Rothert 315 Zephanl^h Caleb Luse . 319 Jeremiah Wright Wilson 323 Albert Cutt,er Abbott . 326 John Newton McClenahan - 329 George Banta Van Saun 332 Charles Trumbull Granger 335 William Paggett Allen 339 Edwin Cableton Blackmab 343 James De Kalb Gamble . 348 Ralph Gurley Phelps . 351 Liberty Eaton Fellows . 355 ILLUSTRATIONS Campbell Kennedy Peck Reuben Mickel John Scott . OzL\.s Phelps Watees . Joseph Chapman . HeNEY WnjjLLM ROTHEET Zephaniah Caleb Ltjse . Jebemiah Weight WhiSon Al-bebt Cutlee Abbott . John Newton McClenahan Geoege Banta Van Saun Chaeles Teumbitll Geangeb Whliam Paggett Allen Edwin Caeleton Blackmae James DeKalb Gamble . Ralph Gueley Phelps . LiBEETY Eaton Fellows facing p. 295 facing p. 300 facing p. 304 facing p. 307 facing p. 311 facing p. 315 facing p. 319 facing p. 323 facing p. 326 facing p. 329 facing p. 332 facing p. 335 facing p. 339 facing p. 343 facing p. 348 facing p. 351 facing p. 355 CHAPTER I Growth in Membership In taking up and completing the History of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, let us first consider conditions existing at the close of the Civil "War. Looking backward when the lapse of more than half a century has completely wiped out the hate which civil war inevitably engenders, it is ex- ceedingly difficult to appreciate the influence which sec- tional strife had upon fraternal relations. A writer has said : "In coming years when men seek to draw the moral of our great Civil War nothing will seem to them so admirable in all the history of our two magnificent armies as the way in which the war came to a close. When the Confederate armies saw the time had come they acknowledged the pitiless logic of facts and ceased fighting ; when the army of the Union saw it was no longer needed, without a murmur or question, making no terms, asking no return, in the flush of victory and fullness of might, it laid down its arms and melted back into the mass of peaceful citizens. There is no event since the Na- tion was born, which so proved its solid capacity for self government. ' ' The war had ended, the white dove of peace had re- turned to the "land of the free and the home of the brave." The patriotic men who had gone forth from Iowa in re- sponse to the call to arms, had returned to their homes af- ter four long years of strife to engage in peaceful pursuits. The tide of emigration was then flowing from the congested districts of the East to the fertile plains of the West. This movement was materially augmented by the Eastern 14 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA soldiers who, having returned to their homes, were at- tracted to the West by the splendid opportunities there offered for future prosperity. The railroads were pushing many lines across our state; the trend of public thought was towards the West ; and the unemployed soldiers of the East caught the spirit of the hour and took up the west- ward march in great numbers. Iowa received her full share of those who, rejoicing in the return of peace, sought the opportunities that awaited them upon the rolling prairies of this great Commonwealth. Masons in large numbers were found in the contending armies. There are instances where brother met brother upon the field of battle. Loyalty to the obligations of a common fraternity alleviated the sufferings of the wounded and robbed war of many of its horrors. Civil strife in the fair Southland had a blighting effect upon the Masonic fra- ternity throughout the entire country. It affected the growth in membership of the lodges in Iowa. There was a steady increase from the organization of the Grand Lodge in 1844, until the year 1861. That year and the two years following show an actual loss. Up to 1866 the settlement of Iowa had been largely con- fined to the eastern half of the State. The organization of lodges and growth in membership had kept pace with the increase in population. The State capital had but recently been permanently located at Des Moines. Of the 155 lodges composing the Grand Lodge of Iowa at this time, all but twenty-nine were located in the eastern half of the State. As a result of improved transportation facilities the western half of the State was being rapidly settled by the tide of emigration that was flowing from the eastern States and from foreign lands as well. Masonry in Iowa was still in its infancy with a total membership of less than seven thousand. Many members of the Masonic fraternity were in- cluded in the large increase in population, who bringing GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP 15 their dimits with them affiliated with the lodges already or- ganized and at work, or joined in the organization of new lodges. The growth in membership each year was large and substantial. The increase during 1866 was not sur- passed until 1908. Masonry in Iowa took on new life and activity; it had survived its formative period, and enjoy- ing from the first the wise counsel of sagacious minds, the Grand Lodge of Iowa laid the broad and solid foundation upon which it securely rests today, grown to such mag- nificent proportions that it occupies a position well to the front among the Grand Lodges of the world. So many of the early members of the lodges having re- ceived the degrees in other jurisdictions, it was perfectly natural that they should bring with them not only precon- ceived ideas regarding the ritualistic work but also widely differing views of Masonic law and practice. This great diversity of opinion raised many questions which were met and adjusted in a true Masonic spirit. It is claimed for Masonry that during the ever-changing conditions of this life, it remains unchanged, that today it is the same as it was When the toiling hosts were laying the foundation of the Temple of Solomon. This may be true in a sense, yet, in the marvelous growth and development of this country, Masonry has adapted itself to existing conditions. In the early days in Iowa we find that the Grand Master was ex- pected to personally exemplify the work of the degrees be- fore the Grand Lodge at the annual communications. Then the Grand Lodge was a comparatively small body. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge required that a brother should receive the Past Master's degree before he could be installed as Master of a lodge. As early as 1848 some of the Grand Lodges of the country permitted the conferring of the Past Master's degree upon the "Wardens of the lodges, and some went a step further and considered all Master Masons in good standing eligible to receive the degree. In 1881 Brother Theodore S. Parvin in his Report 16 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA on Foreign Correspondence said: "Save the very few Grand Lodges which like our own hold on to this relic of an ignorant age, all of the Grand Lodges make light, if not sport, of us that so intelligent a Grand Lodge as they con- cede ours to be should not long ago have thrown aside this 'foolish notion.' It is not a symbolic degree, does not be- long to Ancient Craft Masonry, is not within the jurisdic- tion nor under the control of a Grand Lodge, two-thirds of whose members as wardens ean know nothing of it or the legislation they are made to do for it. It is the second degree in Capitular Masonry and we have no right to steal their thunder. The ceremony of installation of a Master- elect is all that is necessary or required to qualify him to preside over his lodge. Let it be thrown over among the rubbish." In the revised Masonic Code of 1888 Section 267 reads as follows: "The degree of Past Master is not necessary before a Master can be installed." Since then that degree has not been conferred in the lodges of Iowa. It is however recognized as one of the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter. From 1844 to 1860 there was a steady growth in the number of lodges and in their membership, and at the later date there were 158 chartered lodges with a total member- ship of 4671. During each of the years 1862, 1863, 1877, and 1880 there was a small decrease in membership. All other years show a substantial increase in lodges and mem- bers. Considered by decades, the gain from 1866 to 1875 was eleven thousand and forty-eight members, from 1876 to 1885 four thousand nine hundred and one, from 1886 to 1895 four thousand two hundred and eighty-seven; the golden period of growth was from 1902 to 1911 with a net increase of thirteen thousand and nineteen. The growth and expansion of the Grand Lodge in Iowa have kept pace with the devolpment of the State. With the present high standard of membership maintained. Free Masonry in Iowa is assured of a magnifiicent future, its moral influence GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP 17 will become more and more potent and its field of useful- ness wiU steadily expand. The past is illustrious, the pres- ent has great and unsurpassed opportunities, and the future m.ky be made glorious if we improve those oppor- tunities. When we consider the small beginning of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, with its four lodges embracing a member- ship of one hundred and one, and realize how rapidly lodges have been organized, and their membership has in- creased, we are filled with amazement and we wonder if the growth has not been too rapid for the good of the fra- ternity. From the beginning Free Masonry found condi- tions in Iowa favorable to a good healthy growth. As the State continued to develope, organizing new counties to the west, building up new cities and towns, each newly elected Grand Master was called upon to issue many dispensations for new lodges. Prosperity crowned the labors of the early settlers in their efforts to build a great state, and as the lodges increased in number, attracted by the high standard of Free Masonry, the best men of all professions and voca- tions in life sought the door of the lodge, eager to enter, and today the membership of the fraternity in Iowa repre- sents the very best elements of American citizenship. Early emigrants from the eastern States were soon fol- lowed by those from foreign countries. These newcomers soon adapted themselves to existing conditions, became good American citizens, and many of them useful and active members of the Masonic fraternity. As is the case in all new countries, the Masonic pio- neers held their lodge meetings in the best rooms they could obtain, oftentimes occupying them jointly with other secret societies. As they increased in membership and prospered financially they sought better and more desir- able meeting places. And today in Iowa many lodges own their lodge rooms and the handsome and stately Masonic Temples found in various cities and towns are indicative 18 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OP IOWA of the prominent place Free Masonry occupies in those communities. In every community where there is a Masonic lodge, it enters into the social life of the people, exerting a whole- some, moral influence. While it is not to be expected that all should be active in, lodge work, yet, appreciating their duty, the members of the fraternity are ever ready to re- spond to the call of the sick and needy. With such a re- serve force at hand, is it surprising that Free Masonry has continued to grow in influence in the hearts of the people ? But the pathway of Masonry has not always been strewn with roses. It has felt the bitter antagonism of ignorance and intolerance ; it has been persecuted by some who claim to f oUow in the footsteps of the meek and lowly Nazarene. Fanaticism under the cloak of Christianity has in the past inflamed the public mind, and encouraged deeds of violence against the members of the Masonic fraternity. Yet, amid these uncalled for attacks the Institution, confident in its own integrity, has successfully withstood the assaults of its enemies and has emerged from the fires of adversity, puri- fied and strengthened by the crucial tests, more secure in the hearts of the people, exerting a greater influence for good than ever, bearing aloft its banner upon which is in- scribed the message, "Peace on earth and good will towards men. ' ' Masonic Ceremonials The beautiful and impressive ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a building about to be erected for public, educational, religious, or Masonic purpose, has come down to the Masonic fraternity from the Israelitish people ; no trace is found of any such ceremony ever having been prac- ticed by the heathen. The origin of the term "corner- stone" is of great antiquity, a very early reference to it being found in the book of Job, thirty-eighth chapter, sixth verse: "Wherefore are the foundations thereof fastened. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 19 or who laid the comer-stone thereof?" In the course of time man's mind was impressed with the propriety of fit- ting ceremonies for the laying of corner-stones of buildings to be erected for public use. The world has witnessed the rise and fall of the Jewish people as a nation. As God's chosen people the Jews had long enjoyed His especial favor, but for their transgressions they were punished by being sent into bond- age for seventy years. When they were permitted to re- turn to their own country to rebuild their city and temple, their hearts were filled with thanksgiving and praise to Al- mighty God for bis great goodness, and they laid the corner-stone of their second Temple with great pomp and ceremony. This is probably the first record of such formal ceremonies. From the laying of the foundation of the new Temple at Jerusalem 535 years before the birth of Christ, down to about the year 1830, no instance is to be found in the recorded history where this ceremony was performed by others than the Jewish people and the fraternity of An- cient Craft Masons. In recent years denominational churches and fraternal societies have assumed to perform this interesting rite with ceremonies somewhat similar to our own, but all of its impressive beauty and significance belong to the Masonic fraternity by right of inheritance and centuries of undisputed possession and practice. During the marvelous growth and development of this country the Masonic fraternity has been called upon to lay corner-stones of public buildings ih all the large cities of the Nation. The Capitol Building, the Soldiers' Monu- ment, and other public structures in the city of "Washing- ton, D. C, as well as public buildings in almost every city and state in the Union furnish well known instances. As the lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction grew in num- bers and prosperity the importance of securing permanent quarters for the preservation of their records and in which 20 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OF IOWA to hold their meetings soon became a matter for serious consideration. This resulted in the erection of Masonic Halls and Temples aU over the state and each incoming Grand Master has found almost his first duty to be the performance of this important function. The Masonic fraternity of Iowa has ever been ready and willing to respond to invitations of this character, thus identifying it with the progressive spirit of the times. The Grand Lodge of Iowa first performed this im- portant ceremony in 1860. Since that time each Grand Master has been called upon to lay corner-stones for many public buildings, a complete list of which will be found in the Appendix of this work. However, a number of these ceremonials have been of sufficient importance to entitle them to special mention. In 1868 Grand Master Reuben Mickel officiated at the laying of the corner-stone of the United States court-house and post-office building at Des Moines. The ceremonies were very impressive. Brothers John A. Kasson and E. A. Guilbert delivered eloquent addresses. In 1876 Grand Master Henry "W. Rothert laid the corner-stone of the exposition building at Des Moines. The Grand Lodge was holding its annual Communication in that city and on the afternoon of the second day pro- ceeded under escort of Temple Commandery No. 4, K. T., Pioneer Lodge No. 22, Capitol Lodge No. 110, and Home Lodge No. 370 to the designated place, where Grand Mas- ter Rothert laid the corner-stone with the impressive cere- monies of the Craft. It was one of those rare occasions when all the Grand Lodge officers were present to fiU their several stations and places. Brother C. C. Cole delivered an eloquent oration. On October 4, 1877, Grand Master Zephaniah C. Luse laid the comer-stone of the Davenport Academy of Natural Science. The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Iowa, was in Annual Conclave at that time and together with St. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 21 Simon of Cyrene Commandery No. 9, K. T., acted as escort. The ceremony was very impressive and at its close Brother Theodore S. Parvin, Grand Secretary, delivered an elo- quent address. Again on November 6, 1877, Grand Master Z. C. Luse performed a similar service for the Davenport Library Association. The Grand Lodge was called in emergent communication and under escort of St. Simon of Cyrene Commandery No. 9, K. T., proceeded to the site and con- ducted the beautiful ceremony of the Craft. Honorable John F. Dillon, of the United States Circuit Court, de- livered an able address. In 1881 Grand Master George B. Van Saun laid the corner-stone of the library building at Keokuk, and in 1882 performed a similar ceremony at the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. Scholarly addresses were delivered upon this occasion by Rev. Bro. A. L. Frisbie and Brother Buren R. Sherman, Governor of the State. "Without doubt the most interesting and important Masonic event that has ever occurred in this Grand Juris- diction since the organization of the Grand Lodge, was the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the Masonic Li- brary Building that was erected at Cedar Rapids by the Grand Lodge of Iowa. This took place May 7, 1884, the same day the Grand Lodge laid the corner-stone of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Cedar Rapids. The com- plete account of the dual ceremony as it appears in the printed proceedings is here inserted : Opening Ceremonies The Grand Master, with the assistance of his Grand OfiSeers, then proceeded to open the Grand Lodge of Iowa in ample form on the third degree. EOLIi CALL The Grand Secretary called the roll of officers and 22 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OF IOWA members, when the following answered to their names. The meagre attendance was due to the fact that it had rained for four (not forty) days and nights continuously. GRAND OPFICEES PRESENT George B. Van Saun, Grand Master. Charles T. Granger, Senior Grand Warden. Amasa Mann, as Junior Grand Warden. Edwin C. Blackmar, P. G. T., as Grand Treasurer. Theodore S. Parvin, Grand Secretary. L. D. LewelUng, Deputy Grand Master. W. W. Bstabrooke, Grand Chaplain. Z. D. Scobey, Senior Grand Deacon. G. E. Coggswell, as Junior Grand Deacon. A. R. West, P. J. G. W., as Grand Marshal. J. G. Graves, Senior Grand Steward. George Sneer, as Junior Grand Steward. J. H. Pierson, Grand Sword Bearer. D. P. Hebard, Grand Pursuivant. Theodore Schreiner, Grand Tyler. PAST GRAND OFFICERS T. S. Parvin, Past Grand Master. E. A. Guilbert, Past Grand Master. 0. P. Waters, Past Grand Master. J. R. Hartsoek, Past Grand Master. Z. C. Luse, Past Grand Master. W. P. Allen, Past Senior Grand Warden. A. R. West, Past Junior Grand Warden. C. S. Binckley, Past Junior Grand Warden. E. C. Blackmar, Past Grand Treasurer. LODGES REPRESENTED MEMBERS PRESENT No. 25. Crescent Lodge E. A. Charles, W. M. No. 34. DeWitt Lodge R. J. Crouch, W. M. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 23 No. 49. Metropolitan Richard Hermon, "W. M. No. 93. Lyons Lodge J. G. Root, proxy S. W. No. 100. "Western Star George B. Lee, W. M. No. 110. Capitol Lodge George Sneer, "W. M. No. 112. Mt. Vernon Lodge Alex. Torrence, W. M. No. 116. Tyrrell Lodge Thomas Downing, proxy W. M. Frank Bean, S. W. Thomas Tyrrell, proxy J. W. G. R. Struble, W. M. No. 118. Toledo Lodge J. L. Bailey, S. W. No. 142. Vienna Lodge J. B. Wayne, W. M. No. 155. Patmos Lodge William Inks, W. M. Edwin Rhodes, S. W. H. P. Stoffel, proxy J. W. No. 175. Hope Lodge C. E. Dayton, W. M. W. H. Vandyke, S. W. J. B. Cox, J. W. No. 205. Prudence Lodge Charles D. Terry, proxy S.W. No. 219. Fountain Lodge J. S. Nye, S. W. No. 245. Triangular Lodge William Lancaster, S. W. No. 248. Pleiades Lodge Aaron Brown, W. M. J. W. Emmons, S. W. No. 263. Mt.Hermon Lodge George B. Coggswell, proxy W. M. No. 264. Signet Lodge F. M. Howard, W. M. No. 281. Right Hand Lodge Simon Moritz, proxy S. W. No. 350. Prospect Lodge William Harris, W. M. No. 374. Hebron Lodge S. C. Kenyon, W. M. No. 430. Coral Lodge F. S. Thomas, proxy S. W. VISITORS A large number of visiting brethren were present from the lodges in this vicinity. 24 HISTOEY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA CORNER-STONES LIBRARY BXTILDING AND ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL The Grand Master stated that he should present no business for the action of the Grand Lodge, but that he had accepted the invitation of the officers of St. Luke's Hospital to lay the corner-stone of that building, and would do so this afternoon, in connection with (and pre- ceeding) that of our own library building. And then proceeded to designate the several office- bearers to assist him in the performance of his duties. Brother Andrew Reeder West, of Cedar Rapids, Past Junior Grand Warden, was appointed Grand Marshal for the occasion. CALLED FROM LABOR When the Grand Lodge was called from labor till one o'clock sharp. LABOR RESUMED At one o'clock, Grand Master and officers and mem- bers present, when the Grand Marshal, Brother West, read the following PROGRAMME OF EXERCISES The order of exercises will be as follows : The M. W. Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. F. & A. M., Geo. B. Van Saun, Grand Master, will convene at the haU de- signated at one o'clock sharp, joined by the Cedar Rapids lodges, E. A. Charles and James Morton, Masters. Under the escort of Apollo Commandery, No. 26, of Cedar Rapids, and the Sir Knights of Iowa in line, Sir Knight C. G. Greene, acting Eminent Commander, in com- mand, the procession will proceed to the grounds of St. Luke's Hospital, on A avenue. On arriving at the hos- pital, the corner-stone wiU be laid with suitable religious and masonic ceremonies. Short addresses will then be made by the following gentlemen: MASONIC CEREMONIALS 25 The Rt. Rev. Bishop William Stevens Perry, D. D., in behalf of Christian charity. To which Grand Master Van Suan will respond for the Masonic fraternity. Mayor C. "W. Eaton for the city. Charles B. Soutter in behalf of our commercial in- terests. Dr. Henry Ristine for the medical, and Col. Charles A. Clark for the legal professions. Rev. Samuel Ringgold, President of St. Luke's Hos- pital, will introduce the speakers. After these ceremonies, the body will then proceeed direct to the site of the library building, on First avenue, when the exercises will be concluded in the following order : Music by the band; introductory address by Hon. Mayor Eaton ; address by Rt. Rev. Bishop Perry ; response by Grand Master Van Saun; laying the corner-stone by Grand Master Van Saun and his Grand Officers ; the cere- monies being interspersed with vocal and instrumental music ; music by the band ; oration by T. S. Parvin, Grand Secretary; benediction by Rt. Rev. Bishop Perry; closing exercises. And proceeded to form the PROCESSION Two Tylers with drawn swords. Tyler of oldest lodge with sword. Two Stewards of the oldest lodge. Entered Apprentices. Fellow Crafts. Master Masons. Stewards. Junior Deacons. Senior Deacons. Secretaries. 26 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OF IOWA Treasurers. Past "Wardens. Junior Wardens. Senior Wardens. Past Masters. Royal Arch Masons. Knights Templar (acting as escort). Masters. Music. Grand Tyler (Brother Schreiner) with drawn sword. Grand Stewards (Brothers Graves and Sneer) with white rods. Brother J. S. Nye, 219, with a golden vessel containing corn. Brothers (Brothers Thomas Downing, 116, and Simon Moritz, 281) with silver vessels, one contain- ing wine, and the other oil. Principal Architect (Mr. Liebbe, of the firm of Foster & Liebbe, architects, Des Moines), with Square, Level, and Plumb. Bible, Square, and Compass, carried by (Brother J. A. Ladd, 340) a Master of a lodge, supported by two Stewards. Grand Chaplain. Past Grand Wardens. Past Deputy Grand Masters. Past Grand Masters. Chief Magistrate (Brother C. W. Eaton, Mayor) of the city. Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Two large lights borne by (Brothers G. B. Lea, 100, and F. M. Howard, 264) Masters of lodges. Grand Wardens. One large light borne by (Brother WiUiam Inks, 155) Master of a lodge. Deputy Grand Master. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 27 Master of the oldest lodge bearing the Book of Constitu- tions. Grand Deacons. Grand Master. Grand Sword Bearer with a drawn sword. Two Stewards with white rods. The procession then passed to the place of laying the stone of St. Luke's Hospital, and the brethren repaired to their stands. The ceremonies were proceeded with in accordance with the ceremonials of the order. The corner-stone (St. Luke's Hospital) having been laid by Grand Master Van Saun, Bishop Perry, acting as Grand Chaplain, read solemn prayer, and at the close of the ceremonies delivered the following ADDEESS "Grand Master Yan Saun, the Grand Officers and mem- bers of the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa, mem- bers of the Masonic fraternity generally, brethren of the clergy and laity. Christian friends, citizens of Cedar Rapids, ladies and gentlemen : "The act in which we are now engaged is an act of faith, an act of hope, and an act of Christian charity. The loving care and thought for those in sorrow, sickness, and suffering springs from the great teaching of the Incarna- tion, the coming of the Son of God in the flesh. It is in response to His teachings and His example, who came not to be ministered unto but to minister. It is in grate- ful recognition of His mission, who so tenderly bore our sickness as well as our sins, that we with prayer, and trust, and glad thanksgiving, lay broad and deep today the foun- dation-stone of a Christian charity, whence, in all time to come, influence of good to bodies and souls diseased shall radiate far and wide. Our work, then, is pre-eminently an act of faith; faith in the God of love, who would have us 28 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA who believe in Him be compassionate, sympathetic, liberal, loving, in our ministries of willing service to all in need — faith in the Son of Man, — in Him, the gracious One, who in His wanderings to and fro along the plains of Holy Land two thousand years ago, taught us the true worth of humanity, and himself a man, deemed nothing human foreign to him. By word and precept would He teach us, His followers, to do good to all men, recognizing in the wonderful fact of His tabernacling in the flesh not only the value of our souls but also the sacredness of our bodies; thus enabling us to find in every one who was in sickness, sorrow, need, a brother, a sister, to whom we for Christ's sake should bring relief. "It is a work of hope we enter upon today. The world has grown better since the light from Heaven shone in the darkness, centuries and centuries ago, and Christ was born in Bethlehem. No longer do brute force and irresponsible might rule the nations. No longer are the soul's prostrations made, the heart's worship rendered up to wealth alone, or intellect, or rank. No longer, as in the ages before Christ, do men serve solely their lusts, unless, alas! in their abject thraldom they serve others' lusts and were helpless in their shame. A revolution has been brought upon the earth. Christ and His holy life, the pat- tern-life, Christ and His holy teachings, the embodiment of truth, Christ and His holy church, the kingdom as set upon the earth, are factors now in the great work of bringing back more than the fabled golden age, in the blessed work in which every true-hearted man, every noble-minded wo- man, aye, every loving child has a part to do — the work of universal betterment ; of uplifting the masses ; of spread- ing far and wide the culturing, energizing and improving influence of faith and holiness ; of extending the domain of right and equity; of increasing and equalizing the com- forts and pleasures of a rational existence, and by leading all men, grateful to God for his abounding gifts on earth to MASONIC CEREMONIALS 29 us, the creatures of his hands, to recognize in him the au- thor of every good and perfect gift, the source of all the true good, the giver of all true happiness, the bestower of pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life. In hope of the hastening of the better day that yet shall dawn upon the earth, the coming day of joy and gladness when all shall know and serve the Lord — the day when love and peace, and happiness, shall reign supreme in hearts regenerate and lives consecrated, and showing to all men every Christian grace and virtue, we lay this foundation-stone today, knowing well that other foundation can no man lay than is laid, even Jesus Christ our Lord. "It is an act of charity in which we take a part to- day — an act of Christian charity. The coming of the Son of God from heaven to earth wrought a change in the very speech of man. Where and what were the old Roman and Greek words for love and charity till Christianity formed them for herself, and stamping them with the di- vine image of Him who was love himself made them cur- rent as pure gold amidst a debased and corrupted mintage ? "We have the echoes of the word the Greek and Latin tongues did possess, in the adjectives, erotic and amatory, which come to us from classic speech, but they so reeked with heathen and lustful associations that Christianity could not rescue them from the mire and filth in which they lay. But love and charity, one and the same word by-the-by, with all their softening, culturing, Christianiz- ing associations and influences, and all the holy deeds of love and self-denial they have inspired, are the creation, as they are the glory, of our most holy faith. A love springing from the love of the Son of God, who loved us even unto death, for us, constrains, compels us to love others, all men. Charity, the covering of faults, the giv- ing to the needy, the denial of self, the living and laboring as Christ our Lord lived and labored for others and for other's good, it is this Grace we recognize today. The pro- 30 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA vision for the sick and suffering is pre-eminently a Chris- tian act. Homes for the needy, asylums for those impaired in body, mind or estate, hospitals for the diseased and suf- fering, have marked the progress of the church of Christ throughout ages named and dated from the coming of our Lord in the flesh. These institutions are not the outgrowth of disbelief. The corner-stone of such a structure as we lay today, founded by atheists or infidels, and sustained by those who assail the faith and church of Christ, is yet to be shaped in the quarry and put in place. But Christians, mindful that their Master claimed to be the Great Physi- cian, and knowing well His care for the bodies as well as the souls of those He came to seek and to save, have in all ages of the Faith given gladly and abundantly of their means, and even from their penury, to found and main- tain these institutions of Christian charity. And just as long as the church of Christ is faithful to her Head in this ministry of love to needy, suffering, dying men and women, caring not alone for the soul's instruction, but for the body's relief and restoration to its proper healthful state, that man with sound mind and sound body may serve God and his fellow-men, just so long the gates of hell will not prevail against her. She can with her Christian charities answer the sneer of unbelief, the attacking infidel opposing the truth. "In this work of Christian charity, in the present in- stance the offspring of the loving thought and prompt and eloquent advocacy of my beloved and reverend brother, Dr. Samuel Ringgold, to whom this hospital will ever owe its birth and wise development ; the late fulfillment, too, of the wise forethought and noble charity of one whom aU who hear me will gladly honor as they with me grieve that he is not with us here today to see the realization of hopes and longings which found a prominent place among his many devisings of good to the church of his love and the community where he lived. I mean the late Hon. George MASONIC CEREMONIALS 31 Greene, sustained and supported by the Christian love and charity of the parish well named 'Grace,' so grace-filled and grace-bestowing is it in the eyes of all men ; with the glad and ready aid and liberal co-operation of the Christian people of all names iu this charitable and cultured city; and attracting the sympathy of every kindly heart and open hand. I turn to you. Grand Master Van Saun and the Grand Officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa, and to the members of the masonic fra- ternity generally — an order known all over the world by its many and noble charities ; for the laying with the cere- monies that have come down to us from a remote antiquity, the corner-stone of this charitable building to be known as St. Luke's Hospital. And in asking your aid that this work may be rightly and in a workmanlike manner done, I would, most honored sir, breathe with a benediction on this high and holy enterprise, the prayer that we, each and aU associated here today may be built into the holy and spiritual temple of our God, each a living stone, as that glorious structure arises from earth to pierce the heavens. Of that Temple Jesus Christ our Lord is the chief corner- stone, and at last the cap-stone shall be placed upon it amid shoutings of 'grace, grace unto it.' " To which Grand Master Geo. B. Van Saun made the following responsive address: ' ' It may not be amiss nor out of place for me, at such a time as this, to express some sentiments in words relat- ing to this, our present gathering. To be present and par- ticipate in the exercises of laying the corner-stone of a structure to be used to relieve the afflictions and distress of the unfortunate, is deemed by us, Freemasons, to be in- deed a pleasure and a privil^e. Having been invited, as a fraternity, to perform this agreeable duty, we readily and cheerfully complied therewith. From time immemor- ial it has been the custom of our fraternity to lay the corner-stones of public buildings, particularly those of a 32 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OF IOWA charitable and benevolent character, upon request of those in authority. "To accept such duties is truly in accord with the spirit of our institution ; with its tenets, which are so often inculcated ; and so forcibly recommended in our forms and ceremonies. "We are taught by the exercise of brotherly love to regard the whole human species as one family — the high, the low, the rich, the poor — who were created by one almighty parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect each other. To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympa- thize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miser- ies, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view? And to cement, or to clinch, as it were, the above into a line of action, we are taught that truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue; therefore, to be good men and true, is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. I know of no institu- tion that is more cosmopolitan in its character than the Masonic ; for we are taught to be diligent, temperate, pru- dent, and discreet; that every human being has a claim upon our kind ofi&ces ; that we must do good unto aU, seek- ing to follow the golden rule — 'Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you. ' If these teachings are inculcated by our Masonic institutions, how appropri- ate is it, then, for us to show forth, by our presence here, that this enterprise has our best wishes for its success, so that the afflicted and the unfortunate, who may come to these walls for assistance, may here find the relief sought for ; and humanity at large be benefited thereby. "To those who have this enterprise at heart, and are working for its upbuilding and ultimate success, we, as Freemasons of Iowa, bid you God-speed in this great and good work. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 33 It e Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind its Footprints on the sands of time. " 'Footprints that perhaps another — Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forelorn and shipwrecked brother. Seeing, may take heart again. " 'Let us then be up and doing. With a heart for any fate. Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.'" Following Grand Master Van Saun, the Mayor, Brother C. W. Eaton, made the following address at the hospital : "Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Executive Commit- tee of St. Luke's Hospital: "Words expressive of the appreciation of your labors in establishing in our midst a hospital for the care of the destitute or friendless, sick and disabled, are hardly ne- cessary, and yet it seems on this occasion so eminently fit- ting that you should receive some slight tribute expressing to you thanks for your labors and the praise you are richly entitled to from the eitiiiens of Cedar Rapids, for your exertions in pushing so far the good work toward com- pletion. "For months and years past the necessity of a hos- pital in our city has been felt by the citizens, and many plans have been suggested to bring about the desired re- sults, but none have seemed feasible until yours came be- fore the public; and with a commendable zeal and energy you have so far advanced your plans that all now needed is 34 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA a little time to complete your work, and make St. Luke's Hospital one of the standard institutions of our growing city. "The good people of Cedar Rapids, ever ready to re- spond to all calls upon them whereby the interests of the city wiU be advanced, have liberally responded to your ap- peals for assistance, in a financial donation, and I have no doubt will ever take a lively interest in lending their aid in the same direction whenever they may be called on to do so, for the maintenance of the institution when it shall be completed. "Mr. President, when the workmen shall have finished their contracts, and St. Luke's Hospital shall have been declared completed, your labors wiU be but commenced. "Day after day, and month after month, your advice and coTinsel will be a necessity in the management of the institution which has been the product of your labors, your thoughts, and your exertions for many years. Since you came among us you have seen our city grow and increase, until it now doubles in numbers the people within its corporate lines at the time you cast your lot with us. "No one dreams or thinks that we will stop now in our growth and improvements, but aU believe in common that we wiU, inside the next ten years, see Cedar Rapids a city of forty thousand people, and the hospital, whose corner- stone we have today laid, will double its present proposed size to meet the requirements of a fiourishing, growing, im- proving city. Sir, many wiU be the words of thanks. Many wiU be the prayers uttered under the roof of St. Luke's Hospital by the suffering, maimed, or the destitute, sick, and friendless strangers, for the comforts and care they wiU receive in the institution in construction today. "The citizens of Cedar Rapids now thank you and your associates for the good work you have commenced. May the same be completed to your fullest satisfaction, and when you and I 'shall no more be known in this world,' may MASONIC CEREMONIALS 35 St. Luke's Hospital remain and flourish in immortal green." And was followed by Mr. C. B. Soutter, at the hos- pital, in behalf of the commercial interests of the city, who spoke as follows: "It is obviously appropriate that the corner-stone of a hospital should be laid by the hands of those whose voca- tion is to minister to the needs of the soul and the body, and by those who administer the laws which promote the safety and welfare of society, so that the votaries of re- ligion, of medicine, and the law may fittingly unite in the ceremonies which bring us here. But what is the interest which draws the man of business to this place, and leads him to an active part in the undertaking? There is no promise of financial profit to its supporters; nor, if we must accept the character which is sometimes attributed to commercial pursuits, will pure benevolence be assumed as the motive which animates the men of business in the foun- dation of a hospital. It may be permitted me, then, in applauding the undertaking which is established today, to advert to the grounds on which the business community so heartily give it their sympathy. The region where charity and sympathy go hand-in-hand, inspired by the precept and example of the Divine Master, may be supposed to lie be- yond the scope of the business view; yet, while the ardor, and impulse, and enthusiasm of these forerunners may be absent, not the less sincerely will the business principle aid the progress of social welfare. To measure wants and pos- sibilities, demand and supply, and to adapt the best means to the wisest purpose, is the soul of business life, and gives it zest and pleasure. One source, therefore, of satisfaction to the business mind in connection with this institution is, that it is designed and fitted to accomplish promptly, and without waste of effort, that which hitherto has been left to spontaneous action of unorganized charity. To know that sick or wounded need not linger in suffering awaiting 36 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OP IOWA the good Samaritan, while the priest and the Levite pass by, is a subject of gratification to the business mind, which ab- hors inadequate means and haphazard methods. In our ac- tive and populous city the needs of business cause many risks to those who engage in it. The mill, the factory, the foundry, and the railway feel the want of prompt aid, and often of patient and skillful nursing. I have known an employee of our factories, worn out by disease, to lie four weeks on a cot built him in a corner of the work-shop, at- tended by his comrades, fed, washed, and his wounds dressed by their care, until he died in the shop where he had worked. I have known the stranger within our gates, deserving but unfortunate, dying by slow degrees, main- tained by contributions from our men of business, lodged with difficulty and in unsuitable quarters, until death came to his relief. While charity has abounded in this com- munity, it is a source of gratification to the business com- munity that adequate and regular provision is now to be made for such cases. It is with pleasure, also, that we mark this corner-stone as one of the mile-stones in the progress of our city. One by one the great appliances of the highest civilization — the church, the school, and the college — have been established, and have kept pace with the city's growth. Rather they have stimulated and nourished that growth ; and now, the needs of the soul and mind being cared for, the seeds of religion and knowledge planted, watered, and brought to fruition we hail the up- building of these walls, where religion and science may find their perfect union." In behalf of the medical faculty, Dr. Ristine delivered the following address: "I am to speak to you on this occasion, so full of in- terest to us aU, especially to the medical profession, in be- half of the physician, as to his relation to the public hos- pital. The subject is a vast one, full of suggestions touch- ing the tenderest chords of the human heart, and its noblest MASONIC CEREMONIALS 37 inspirations. In that familiar, homely story of the good Samaritan, the great ideal physician of all the Christian centuries points out the foundation-stone on which the modern hospital rests, with this two-fold legend: AH human life is sacred — even the lowliest ; the true solidarity of the human race includes all peoples and tongues, alike the children of one fatherhood ; kindred in one all-embrac- ing family. This name, which we have taken and placed upon its portals, is the old Roman term for guest, hospes, around which the eastern and western worlds alike have twined their traditions of hospitality. "The 'inn' of the good Samaritan, the 'Hospice' of the middle ages, on the highways of travel and in the mountain fortresses, have simply culminated in the shelter- ing arms of the hospital of today, giving up to it their name and that spirit of unselfish care for the weak and suffering that softens the dark pictures of those sanguinary ages. ' ' The modern hospital, as we view it, is the outgrowth of only a few past years, hardly going back to the opening of the present century. Home, with all that name now im- plies, and the security and affection that throw their halo over it ; with aU that science and art have done to render it healthful, beautiful, and the center of earthly happiness, claims the hospital as her adjunct ; and such, if our ideal be realized, it will be. The traditional value of drugs, with their magic charms and mysterious 'cures,' have been left in the embrace of alchemy and mystic arts, or to the char- latans of our own time. Who stiU prey with their panaceas on the superstitious element with which humanity is so largely endowed. "The geuine physician of today deals with the laws of health and Ufe, seeks for a conservation of nature's forces, and to follow her teachings in the appHeation of his reme- dies ; striving to take away the hindrances to her work, to let in upon the disordered and enfeebled organs those true restoratives — pure air and good food — and open up the 38 HISTOEY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA channels for the warm, life-giving energies that nature has so lavishly bestowed. Not less important now than then, is the skill of the surgeon, although more honored now is the saving than the sacrificing of injured limbs. Nor less valued are the remedies that past experience has put in the physician's hands to antidote the insidious poison of malaria, or sooth the anguish and calm the excitement of the nerves, whose paroxysmal violence would destroy the power of the recuperative forces. True innumerable speci- fics of the olden time, with the magic of their promise, have been swept away; but the methods of application of those that remain have brought immeasurable gain, while besides these, with their increased value, the true importance of nature's storehouse has been disclosed, as we have seen, and the untold wealth of her resources placed in the physician's hands. "But nowhere so perfectly can the virtues of these remedial means be utilized as at the modern hospital, con- structed on the true principles of recent sanitary science, in which the sick are ministered to by trained nurses, in- fluenced not only by professional zeal, but by a true de- votion to, and an inborn fitness for their peculiar work. And here permit me to emphasize, in reference to the en- tire hospital management, with a special reference to our own in prospect, this fundamental principle for its suc- cess, special talent is absolutely requisite in the superin- tendence and management of all institutions that deal with disordered humanity; either in asylums, reformatories, prisons, or hospitals. The mjo-iad shipwrecks that strew the pathway of their past history, prove that the most lavish expenditures, and the most enlarged philanthropy may be squandered upon them, while the endowment of the highest education and personal accomplishments may be his who holds the helm, if he has not the true spirit, and the in- sight into the deep springs of the disordered mind and soul, which is nature's gift, only, sooner or later failure will MASONIC CEREMONIALS 39 come. The Howards, the Fryes, and the Nightingales were nature's princes in this region of human rule. "If it be true that the 'poet is torn, not made,' in a far more important sense, and with a far-reaching influence of a nobler range, is it true of him who superintends the refuge and home of the sick and feeble, either in mind or body. "In an institution such as we hope and intend to rear, the managing power should be \inited in purpose and ac- tion. Here is no place for any element liable to produce discord or dissension. The moral forces of the hospital should all conspire to the same end, in the same spirit of judicious kindness. Firmness and patience are needed in carrying out judicious rules in the care of patients, whom their injudicious friends would often kill with kindness. All the more necessary, therefore, is the moral power of the perfect confidence of the patient — the home and the public generally — to make regulations effective for good, even when opposed. Hand-in-hand with such management will the honorable physician always be found ; and in pro- portion to the confidence and respect he has gained for his personal and professional character, wiU he be its most in- fluential and efficient co-operator. "But the subject is too broad, and our time too brief, to speak in full detail of this great work. To those who have so generously inaugurated this timely movement, praise from the speaker would be but a feeble echo of the sentiments of aU who understand and sympathize with this noble enterprise. To speak of its importance and its need would be to tell the tale of the rapid development and re- quirements of this young, growing center of manufactures and traffic, whose future is assured by all its natural re- sources of power, position, and surroundings, and all the energy and prosperity that speak in its industries, and in its public and private offices. "The hospital itself, we feel assured, will be the endur- 40 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA ing monument of the work of all its promoters, while its future history as it folds in its arms and restores to health and active duty the vast army of the weak, sick, and dis- abled that will claim its fostering care, will bring to their hearts a sweeter and more enduring paean of praise than any words, however eloquent or inspiring, that human lips could utter." When he had concluded, Col. Chas. A. Clark, in be- half of the legal profession, spoke substantially as follows : "The law enforces public charity, but it cannot carry forward the great work of caring for all the unfortunate and needy of mankind without the assistance of private charity, and of such private benevolent enterprises as that inaugurated here today. Recognizing this, the law has made it possible for charitable organizations to exist, not merely during the short lives of their founders, but so long as government shall stand and law hold its sway. By incorporation, artificial persons are created, having per- petual powers of succession, and thus transmitting from age to age the impetus which we give today to a grand and noble undertaking. These are some of the matters perti- nent to the occasion, to which a member of the legal pro- fession may refer as within the peculiar domain of his es- tate of the realm. But the lawyer, at his best, does not shut himself up within that man-made law which has been defined as "the perfection of human wisdom." He goes abroad into wider fields, and seeks truth wherever it can be found, widening his horizon of thought and action, and finding "perfection of wisdom" which the law-books know not of. The highest thought and truest wisdom enforce the lessons of charity, and the succor of the needy and op- pressed. " 'Lutheran, Popish, Calvinistic, all these creeds and doc- trines three. Extant are; but still the doubt is where Christianity may be.' MASONIC CEREMONIALS 41 "Its essence and substance, in spite of all creeds and dogmas, will be found in works of kindness and charity." EXERCISES AT LIBRARY BUILDING The procession was re-formed, when the Masons and citizens marched in the order of their coming, to the library building. The procession having reached the site of the library building, the Grand Officers and invited guests re- paired to the stand (platform) prepared for the occasion, when the quartette sang an ode and the Grand Master com- manded silence ; when Brother C. "W. Eaton, Mayor of the city of Cedar Rapids, being introduced by the Grand Sec- retary, delivered the following ADDRESS "Bight Worshipful Grand Master and Wardens, and Mem- bers of the Grand Lodge of Iowa and Brethren : "It becomes my pleasant duty to welcome you today to our pleasant city. From the east and west, the south, and on this occasion, from the north, you have gathered here to imite in a ceremony pleasing to all, and which will never be forgotten by you. "Many of the older states have built temples for their common use. Many of the cities in our own state have erected their own lodges and asylums, but in none can you find one built and owned by all the Masons in common to contain a library like ours. Nowhere in the United States can be found a collection of literature consisting of volvunes, books and pamphlets, of interest to the people at large (profanes as well as Masons), to compare with that which will soon receive a permanent resting place on this spot. "The collection of this library has been a work of years, and none know the labor and difficulties of gathering together such a large collection save those who have had the matter in charge. Not long ago the library of our late Brother Robert Farmer Bower, which he had spent many 42 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA years in collecting, was purcliased by our Grand Lodge and added to that which had been gathered together by Brother Grand Secretary Parvin, and which was considered a rare collection in itself; the two forming a library the like of which is not be found in our land. "We are about to lay the corner-stone of the building to receive this rare and immense collection of valuable books. The committee who have had the matter in charge have given their time and attention to the proper location of the same, and the architect who has designed the build- ing has succeeded in finishing plans and elevations for a structure, which when completed, wiU be a credit to the craft and an ornament to our city. For the contractor — a brother in good standing — I promise a faithful com- pliance with his promises, so that when the Masonic Library Building of Iowa shall be completed you will find that in points of style and good workmanship it will com- pare favorably with any structure in our state. This building is to contain not only this valuable library, but the offices of the Grand Officers as well. Here all brethren wiU be welcomed. Here the faithful Grand Secretary will ever be ready to promptly give aU Masonic information asked for. "The various bodies in our city are in a flourishing condition, and I challenge any city of our size to show more good, enthusiastic Masons than Cedar Rapids has, and these brethren wiU ever be pleased to receive calls from the wayfaring craftsmen who may be temporarily or per- manently in our midst. "Brethren, I welcome you most heartily today. I trust when these ceremonies shall be over you will safely return to your homes, and feel that the day has been well spent, and that it was good for you to be here." To which Grand Master George B. Van Saun, in re- sponse, addressed the brethren and citizens as follows: "My Brethren — We have assembled on this 7th day MASONIC CEREMONIALS 43 of May, 1884, as the Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M., of Iowa, to perform a pleasant and an agreeable duty — that of placing, or laying, the corner-stone of the first Masonic library building in our state, if not the first in the whole world, in accordance with the usages and customs of our ancient craft. To me, personally, it is a source of the greatest pleasure and gratification, and I trust I may be pardoned when I say, of considerable pride, that during my administration of masonic affairs in this Grand Lodge Jurisdiction the comer-stone of a structure so grand, so magnificent, and so important to our fraternity, as well as to the people at large — a structure which will contain the largest and best Masonic library in the world — shall be laid, under my supervision, assisted by my associate officers and so many faithful craftsmen from the various parts of our state. "I am hopeful that from this building (the masonic library) will emanate light — more light, yea, further light, not only to our own craftsmen, but to all men, so that the prejudice, and even hatred, of many may give way to the light of truth, and true charity be exercised thereby to aU men everywhere throughout the globe. As Masons, we are taught to have faith in God, hope in immortality and charity to all mankind. We are also taught that the great- est of these is charity; for our faith may be lost in sight, hope endeth in fruition, but charity extendeth beyond the grave, throughout the boundless realms of eternity. I sometimes question, in my own mind, whether to us mortals here below, hope is not the dearest, the sweetest, for the reason that we all seem to practice so little of the greatest of these graces. Charity and hope always encourage us to press onward and upward through the pearly gates into the light beyond, where charity shaU forever reign. " 'What is hope? The beauteous sun. Which colors all it shines upon; 44 HISTORY OP GRAND LODGE OP IOWA The beacon of life's dreamy sea; The star of immortality. Fountain of feeling, young and warm, A day-beam bursting through the storm; A tone of melody, whose birth Is, oh, too sweet, too pure for earth; A blossom of that radiant tree Whose fruit the angels only see. ' " So I am hopeful, and will continue to grow more and more so, for I trust by such an enterprise as this in which we participate today, that the minds of the prejudiced, the ignorant, yea, that even the minds of the enemies of our fraternity themselves, may be illumined in the light of truth and justice, so that they may grant us the same charity that we are disposed to extend unto them. Life is too short to be quarreUing. Let us all endeavor to do what little good we can as opportunity may offer. "We will find that we accomplish but little good even then. Let us put into practice the sentiment of those beautiful words : " 'One by one the sands are flowing, One by one the mornents fall. Some are coming, some are going. Do not strive to grasp them all. One by one. " 'One by one thy duties wait thee Let thy whole strength go to each; Let no further dreams elate thee. Learn what present duties teach. One by one.' "In June, 1883, in 'this city, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Iowa, A. P. & A. M., in Grand Communica- tion, appointed a committee of five brethren to receive pro- posals from the brethren in the different cities of our state for the location of this masonic library building, and de- termine its location under certain instructions and condi- MASONIC CEREMONIALS 45 tions. There were five localities that competed for the prize — each and all of them idid well — but the masonic fraternity of Cedar Rapids outstripped them all and gained the prize. To you, my brethren of Cedar Rapids, I would say, that you have done nobly, and well deserve the pref- erence that was given you. May you always continue Worthy of the prize you have gained, and constantly show forth the same masonic zeal in the future as you have in the past. The committee were a unit in locating the edifice in this city — thus making Cedar Rapids in the future the headquarters of Freemasonry in Iowa. "To the people of Cedar Rapids I would say, that through the enterprise of the fraternity here, you have se- cured an institution which will make your city known, not only in the state and country, but throughout the nations of the entire globe. "Within a few months a record of our proceedings, made this day, will be read in every land under the sun. "May we all — residents of Cedar Rapids, and the fra- ternity of A. F. & A. M. of Iowa — never have cause to regret the duties performed by us this day. "Let us hope, therefore, that the choicest blessings of the Good Father above may continually hover over and constantly descend upon this masonic library building, the corner-stone of which we lay this day." At the conclusion of the Grand Master's address, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Perry, of the diocese of Iowa, was intro- duced to the audience by Grand Secretary Parvin, when he delivered the foUovsdng address: "Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Officers, and Members of the Grand Lodge, and Members of the Masonic Fraternity, generally: "It is no trifling tribute to the antiquity, the univer- sality, and the intelligence of the Masonic fraternity that its literature demands for its preservation and display so large and imposing an edifice as that which shall shortly surmount the broad and massive foundations we behold 46 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA today. That can be no ephemeral association, no unneces- sary or effete organization, no uncultured body, whose records in book and pamphlet form are numbered by thousands and tens of thousands, and whose contributions to the reading matter of the world date back to a remote antiquity and are printed in all the leading languages of the world. Who can stand among books without rever- ence ? Silent though they are, they speak to us with voices echoing down the stream of time. They talk with us in the speech of other days. They bring us in converse with the great and good who have passed away. As in some vast senate-house, we seem to see and hear the teachers of all past time. The old controversies take form and shape in them once more. Histories become instinct with the living actors who have borne their part in the world's drama, and then have laid their weary heads to rest. The world's great- singers time their voices afresh for us. The philosophers, the sages, the teachers of aU the earth, teU us of their wis- dom, and give us their ripe experience in sententious speech. Time is annihilated. The past and present come together amidst the books which tell the story of the one's acquisitions to imperishable truth, and gives the other's freshly-gathered stores of information. Ah! a library is a meeting-ground of long parted men; the dead and the living mingle. All men who have left their thoughts in printed form find here their immortality. "We may measure somewhat the mind by its endTiring fruits in volume form, and the ancient af&liated organiza- tion, known aU over the world as the Free and Accepted Masons, in this present venture claims a well-earned recog- nition in the republic of letters — offers in this massive structure and in this noble collection of masonic works, awaiting the care and shelter soon to be provided here, substantial proof that Masonry, which has long displayed its power in works of stone and piles of glorious architec- MASONIC CEREMONIALS 47 ture, now writes its story in ink, now fills the printed page with 'thoughts that breathe and words that bum.' "Heartily, as representing the clerk of ancient days, whence comes the 'cleric,' or clerical name and calling, would I extend congratulations to the fraternity in this noble enterprise of today. It is the expression of the Mason's appeal to history, to reason, to argument, to litera- ture in behalf of his honored order. The world will recog- nize this appeal to its intelligence. To other gifts and virtues, to enduring charities and kindly and beneficent deeds without number, the ancient and honorable craft now add the abiding proof of their intelligence, their culture, their learning, and their love of letters. "Other interests and memories cluster about this day and this scene, and the purpose of the work done here to- day. In the gathering of the noble collection soon to find its final and fitting resting-place within these walls, the almost unrivalled library of my beloved and honored friend, Robert F. Bower — a true and noble Christian, a most knightly, and a most devout man — is to be enshrined. Gratefully do we remember this worthy man and brother, who, in his devotion to the fraternity, whose interests were his life-long care, and whose highest honors were his fit- ting reward, may weU claim a thought today. He rests in peace. His works follow him. Again, most "Worshipful Grand Master, and Grand Officers, and members of the Grand Lodge and members of the fraternity generally, congratrdating you on the inception of this noble en- terprise, and thanking you for your courteous invi- tation to me to add my word to those of others who, unlike myself, of right are here today, I would heartily invoke heaven's blessing on the occasion, and pray that your work, so auspiciously begun, may be brought to a happy conclusion in God's good time." 48 HISTORY OF GRAND LODGE OF IOWA CEREMONIES LEBRABT BUILDING Grand Master George B. Van Saun said, "Brethren we are about to commence a great work and before enter- ing upon this or any great and important undertaking, we should always invoke the blessing of Deity." Prayer was ofEered by Grand Chaplain Brother Bsta- brooke. After prayer, the Grand Master then proceeded to lay the corner-stone of the Masonic Library Building with the beautiful and impressive ceremony of the Masonic fraternity. At its conclusion Brother Theodore S. Parvin, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary was introduced and delivered the following oration: "Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, and Citizens: "The sun at its meridian height not only beautifies and adorns the day, but summons the brethren to refreshment from labor. This gladsome fact we the more highly ap- preciate at this hour, in consequence of the continued rains, which threatened so much to mar the exercises of today. Spring has come again to gladden our hearts. The chill winds of winter have ceased to blow, and the snowflakes. Which so lately filled the air, no more carpet the earth, while the green grass rises to lighten the sound of our footsteps. "Our traditionary Grand Master, Solomon, in his in- imitable song, says: 'The flowers appear upon the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.' 'Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.' "We have come as representatives of the lodges, of our homes, and from distant portions of our great and prosperous state. We have come upon a mission — a mis- sion of love, of learning, and of pleasing duty. And surely at this hour the elements of nature around us, as well as the goodly citizens of your, yea, now our city, welcome us today, and welcome the occasion of our coming. MASONIC CEREMONIALS 49