Ao P-r.. ° .N*^"- '^^^^l' .^"•''^-^. V '.♦ r^0 V • 1 *: V •!• •••->o /.C^/^-e, /.i^jiLi'.^^ //i^'\ /•li^^.'^oo -.c,^^ ^^•v 1^ ..V W-'y" "v^^V^ %;^^V* \J^^\o'>^ \J'^^V *bv^ 'y .>°'^<*-. .^^°^ - «o «:^q^ '* V.^* ,^'\ J' ^Xi. '.L :X iP "Ti • ' ^9^ .^■^v ^.^ • '^ AV ♦ '..^o. .4-^..!^% V • %/ ^i i ENTERED. NOVEMBER -1 . PASSED, MARCH 3. ' RAISED, AUGI.'ST 4, r)752 GEORGE WASHINGTON Centennial Memorial Exercises Mount Vernon, December 14, 1899 Record by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Colorado A. F. & A. M. DENVER. COLORADO: The W. F. Robinson Printing Co , Printers. 1903. 12 THE L'tSAHV OF CONCHESS, 1 -vr Copiui Rewivor OCT 12 1903 Co|>>ii£nt tntiy CLASS XXo. No COPY B. OF WORSHIPFUL BROTHER GEORGE WASHINGTON, INSCRIBED ON THE CENTENNIAL OF HIS DEATH BY THE M. W. GRAND LODGE, A. F. & A. M. OF THE STATE OF COLORADO ; WHICH WAS ADMITTED TO THE UNION OF STATES ON THE CENTENNIAL OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WHICH WAS MADE EFFECTIVE BY WASHINGTON THROUGH HIS PRACTICE OF THE VARIOUS MASONIC VIRTUES. Bnterod accordiog to the Act of Congress by the M, W. Qrand Lodge of Colorado, A. F. & A. M., in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, in the year 1903. The M. W. Grand Lodge of Colorado A. F. & A. M. GRAND MASTER'S OFFICE. Glenwood Springs, Colo., March 28, 1903. RoQES W. WooDBUET, Denver, Colo. : Dear Brother Woodbury — I have just received a letter from Past Grand Master A. A. Burnand, in which he advises that suitable likenesses of the Colorado representatives to the Washington Centennial Memorial exercises at Washington's tomb be published in our memorial volume. I fully concur with him and will as Grand Master instruct you to please see that suitable cuts or halftones are procured of the Colorado representatives, that is, the five who were at Mount Vernon. The expense at best cannot be great, and I regard this volume as one that will reflect great credit on this Grand Jurisdiction. With best wishes for your health, I am, Fraternally yours, Marshall H. Dean, Grand Master. ROGEIt WILLIAMS WOODBURY. Past Grand Master of Colorado. Ohairmaii Colorado WashiiiBton Centennial Memorial Committee. Died July 11th. inOS. Introduction. The Masonic Memorial Exercises which took place at Mount Vernon on the centennial anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, were formally inaugurated by the ^Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado in 1893, in response to a recommendation in the address of Grand Master William D. Wright, made on the suggestion and request of Past Grand Master E. W. Woodbury. The official recommendation was referred to the Committee on Juris- prudence, consisting of Past Gi'and Masters R. W. Woodbury, James H. Peabody and William D. Todd. This committee reported at the same Grand Communication in favor of the proposition, and presented a method of procedure. E.xecution of the same was entrusted to a committee to serve until the close of the proposed memorial exercises, and Past Grand Masters R. W. Woodbury, William D. Wright and William D. Todd were ap- pointed as SDcli committee, who reported progress to the Grand Lodge from year to year. The first circular of the committee was sent to all Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries in the United States. They were requested to recom- mend the fonnal approval of their Grand Lodges, and to appoint commit- tees to report to, and co-operate with, the Colorado committee. The irregular dates at wliicli the various Grand Lodges assemble made progress slow, and a year elapsed before all had convened. Quite a num- ber of Grand Masters at once gave hearty and patriotic endorsement. Some neglected it until another year. From the Grand Masters it went to Grand 8 ^be iClasbincjton fIDasonic Lodge committees for consideration. Some approved and committees were promptly appointed. Others advised delay. One or two, and perhnps more, disapproved. Then the idea nm the gauntlet of praise or ridicule of the various Committees on Foreign Corresjwndence. After many discouragements, several circulars and scores of letters, the co-operation of Grand Lodges was slowly obtained, until, when the com- mittee had been engaged three years at their work, enough Grand Lodges had acquiesced to ensure a national character to the memorial exercises on the lines originally proposed. All the preliminary work having been accomplished, and it having been detennined that the exercises could only take place at Mount Vernon, the Grand Lodge of Virginia was then formally invited to arrange all de- tails, with Colorado guaranteed as a faithful suppoiter to the end. The invitation was accepted, with special acknowledgements to the Grand Lodge of Colorado for its inception of the Memorial, and for the services it had performed. The Colorado committee continued in frequent correspondence witli the Virginia committee, not only in the raising of money for the Virginia committee, but in an advisory capacity generally. The Memorial Exercises were perfected and carried out by the Grand Lodge of Virginia substantially as outlined by the Colorado committee early in their work. Because of the national character of the exercises, and the conceded fact tliat they memorialized "the largest figure in all merely human his- tory," and the almost certainty that they will bo repeated by untold genera- tions as long as Freemasonry continues to exist, have impelled the Grand Lodge of Colorado to round up its work by putting in imperishable form the principal records pertaining to its inception, progress and culmination, Centennial flDemorial and also the exercises which took phice in Colorado simultaneously with the national exercises at Mount Vernon. It is to be regretted that a ma- jority of the Colorado Lodges failed to report their memorial proceedings to the Grand Secretary; and it is also to be regretted that the requests of this committee for copies of the addresses delivered before local Lodges were not all responded to. This volume contains all the addresses that were received by the committee or the Grand Secretary. The correspondence carried on by the committee is mostly omitted. While of local interest, as showing the volume and scope of the work of the committee, it does not possess such a general and permanent interest as to justify its being perpetuated in this volume. EoGEE W. Woodbury, Chairman. Preliminary Preparations and General Arrangements Centennial flDemorial i? Washington as a Mason. A detailed account of tlie Masonic incidents of Washington's life is of intense interest to Freemasons, but a few facts only can be presented in this book. He was initiated in Fredericksburg Lodge, "Virginia, on the 4th of November, 1752, a few months before he reached the age of twenty-one. He was passed on the 3rd of ]\Iarch following, and raised on the 4th of August. The records of the Lodge showing the above facts are still pre- served, as is also the Bible upon which he was obligated. After the War for Independence the Lodge at Alexandria, then work- ing under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, elected to become subordinate to the new Grand Lodge of Virginia, and petitioned the latter for a charter, witli George Washington as Worshipful Master. On the 28th of April, 17S8, the charter was duly issued to "Alexandria Ko. 22," and contained the following phrase: * * * "do hereby constitute and appoint our illustrious and well-beloved brother George Washington, Esq., late General and Commander in Chief of the forces of the United States of America," etc. On the 20th of December in the same year Washington was re-elected Master for the year commencing with St. John's Day, December 27, 1788. After his death it was the desire of the members that the Lodge name should be changed so as to embrace that of their illustrious first Master, whereupon the name was officially changed to "Alexandria Washington Lodffe No. 22." 14 ^bc ^asbtiiflton flDasonlc The most conspicuous event of Washington's Masonic record was the hiving of tho corner-stone of the National Capitol at Wiishington, on the 18th of September, 1793. He was then President of the United States, and acted :is ilasUn* n\xm the invitjition of Dr. Dick, then Master of Alex- andria Lodge. There is no doubt but that in tbe minds of his Masonic compeers after the war he was regarded as the Great Patron of the fraternity of America, and many were led to believe that he had held official rank as General Grand Master. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and others sought to create a general grand mastership and elevate Washington to that office, and a medal was struck two years before his deatli, bearing his bust and name upon its face, with Masonic emblems and the letters "G. W. G. G. M." upon the obverse. * * * The story of Washington as a Mason must now be left, tliough with reluctance, and the formal record of tlie inception, progress and culmination of the Centennial Memorinl Exorcises at his tomb, begun. FROM THE ADDRESS OF M. W. WILLIAM D. WRIGHT, GRAND MASTER OF COLORADO 1893. The story of "the days that tried men's souls" is a record of which Masonry may well be proud. The first overt act of resistance to taxation was when in the twilight of a December day in 1773, a band of patriots, disguised as Indians, threw overboard the tea in Boston harbor. Masonic records of colonial times are said to establish the fact that the act was com- mitted by a body of Masons, who left a ilasonio Lodge room for that pui^ pose. WILLIAM D. WRIGHT, Past Grand Master of Colorado. Member Colorado Washington Centennial Memorial Committee. Centennial fIDemortal 15 The famous midnight ride of Paul Revere was in April, 1775. His cry of alarm aroused the farmers to prepare for the battle of Lexington, the first conflict of the War of Independence. Longfellow writes: "And yet, through the gloom and the light, The fate of a nation was riding that night; And the spark struck out by that steed in his flight. Kindled the land into flame with its heat." He did his work and served the great cause with freedom, fervency and zeal, for Paul Revere was a Mason, and afterwards became Grand Mas- ter of Masons in the State of Massachusetts. July 4, 1776, after a long and solemn debate over the consequences of the act, the members of the first Continental Congress, pledging to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors, attached their sig- natures to a simple scroll. That scroll was the Declaration of American Independence. It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, a Mason. * * * Benjamin Franklin, then Master of a Masonic Lodge in Philadelphia, in many respects the wisest and greatest man of this day, was a member of the committee afterwards appointed to draft tie Constitution of the United States. The first President of the Republic, the immortal Washington, was a Mason. He took the oati of office witli his hand resting upin a Bible, which had just been taken from a Masonic altar. As Grand Master of Masons just a hundred years ago yesterday, he laid the cornerstone of the eapitol at Washington. His pictured form, clothed masonically, looks do\vn upon us from its honored station just above the Grand Master's chair as I now address you. It decorates the walls of nearly every Masonic Lodge in the land. By imiversal consent of civilized men, he is the largest figure in all merely human history, and his name stands first upon the roll 1 6 ^be Masbington flDasonic of Masonry's illustrious dead. Acting now iipon a suggestion originally made to me by Past Grand Master R. W. Woodbury, Chairman of our Committee on Jurisprudence, I respectfully recommend tlio appointment of a committee to report at tJiis session, with a view to the holding of na- tional Masonic memorial services at the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon, on the centennial anniversary of his death, December 14, 1899. The report of such committee, together with the action of this Grand Lodge thereon, would then be presented to all other Grand Lodges in the United States, for such action as they may think best. Should this sug- gestion happen to meet with their approval, as such Grand Lodges meet annually, it would not give too much time in which to properly consult and make suitable arrangements. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE. This portion of the Grand Master's address was referred to the Com- mittee on Jurisprudence, consisting of Past Grand Masters E. W. Wood- bury, Chairman ; James H. Peabody and William D. Todd, which commit- tee reported as follows : Denver, Colo., September 20, 1893. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge: The Standing Committee on Jurisprudence, to which was referred the suggestions and recommendations of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, respectfully reports that it has considered that part relating to a proper memorial observance of the centennial of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, which took place on the 14th day of December, 1799. The committee believes that public recognition of the services and charac- ters of the great and good has a salutary influence upon the lives of others, particularly the young, stimulating them to emulation, exalting their own efforts, and ennobling their characters. A due observance of the centen- Centennial flDemorial 17 nial of Washingtou's death would revive public interest in, and disseminate knowledge of, his virtues, and in the pioneer work of the fathers of the Re- public who laid the foundations of our national government. We ai'e taught, as Masons, to be true to the government of the country under which we live, and in a broader sense than mere loyalty, we should be true to the principles which underlie its system. These principles were in- stilled into the American heart by fortitude, prudence, justice, hardship, adversity, perseverance, unselfishness and toil, and the best manhood to-day comes from the same sources of strength. As citizens, we cannot too often present this truth to those who are striving for fame and influence through paths which are less noble, and we cannot present it through a grander char- acter than that Master Mason on whom was bestowed the loving title of "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Country- men." Tens of thousands of good men have had their favorable attention directed to Masonry because it embraced principles and truths which were deemed worthy of the loyalty of George Washington, and we are proud that it was so in his day, and is so still. We believe the Grand Lodges of the United States will like to unite for tlie pTirpose of doing honor to his memory and that the proposition thereto will be especially appropriate from the Grand Lodge of the State which was admitted to the American Union on the hundredth anniversary of the independence of tlie colonies, which Washington did so much to secure. We therefore approve the Grand Master's suggestion, and recommend the following, viz. : That a committee of tliree be appointed to present the subject to the several Grand Masters and Grand Lodges of the United States and request : i8 ^be MasblnQton flDagontc First. Tlie appointment of a committee of one from each Grand Jurisdiction, with one alternate, to serve through all the arrangements, in order to save confusion by annual changes. Second. Tliat the committee from this Grand Lodge arrange by cor- respondence with the committees from sister Grand Tx)dges for a place of meeting of said committee at some early date subsequent to the next annual Grand Communication of each of said Grand Lodges. Third. That the committee from this Grand Lodge be recommended to suggest memorial services and suitable addresses at the tomb of Wash- ington at Mount Vemon, at which all the Grand Masters of the United States be present, with their subordinate officers and other members. Fourth. That the committee representing the Grand Lodges report in detail their recommendations for the memorial to their respective Grand Lodges for approval before the same be actually undertaken. Because of the number of Grand Lodges and the irregular periods of their annual Communications, this process will consume three or four years at least, whicli will leave barely two years in which to perfect the final ar- rangements. Fraternally submitted, K. W. Woodbury, J. H. Peabody, W. D. Todd, Committee on Jurisprudence. The report of the committee was imanimously adopted and Past Grand Masters R. W. Woodbury, W. D. Wright and W. D. Todd were ap- pointed on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Colorado to present the matter to other Grand Lodges and Grand Masters of other Grand Jurisdictions. Centennial HDemorial 19 FIRST CIRCULAR. The foregoing report, with the action of the Grand Lodge of Colorado thereon, was subsequently printed in circular form, certified by the Grand Secretary and forwarded to all Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries in the United States, accompanied by the following introductory circular: Denvee, Colo., September 30, 1S93. Dear Sir and Host Worshipful Brother: In accordance with the instructions contained in the foregoing extracts from the proceedings of tlie Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Colorado, at the annual Grand Communication held in this city the present month, we have the honor and the pleasure to make official presenta- tion of the same to you. We entertain the hope that tlie subject matter will be deemed worthy of your approval, and that your Most Worshipful Grand Lodge will join by ordering a committee in accordance with tlie plan pro- posed. To facilitate a meeting of the General Committee, which would ordinarily be difficult because of the uncertainty as to when it will be filled by the several Grand Lodges, the committee from Colorado has thought it would be satisfactory if appointments should be made known to them ; and when all Grand Lodges shall have acted, they will communicate with all the members, and call a meeting at a central point for organization. Will you please request your Grand Secretary to advise the ciairman of this committee of tlie action of your Grand Lodge hereon, with the name and postoffice address of the appointee named thereby, should such an appoint- ment be made. Fraternally yours, K. W. WoODBtlKY. W. D. Wright. Wm. D. Todd. 20 ZEbe TKIlasbinaton flDasonic SECOND CIRCULAR. Over a year elapsed, devoted to personal and official correspondence, when, under date of March 15, 1895, another circular was issued, copying the first and closing with the following: Since the adoption of the foregoing report, a sufficient number of the Grand Lodges of America have taken favorable action thereon to warrant the committee appointed by the Grand Lodge of Colorado taking the second step. No information has been received by this committee or by the Grand Secretary of Colorado, of adverse action by any Grand Lodge. It is therefore presumable that all will in time gladly join in suitable memo- rial observances of that Mason, who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." As foreseen upon the initiation of the project, the irregular periods of meeting of the several Grand Lodges necessarily consumes much time in preliminary arrangements, and at least a couple of years more will be re- quired for the several Grand Lodges to consider and approve the plans to be presented by the General Committee. Prior to calling a meeting of that committee, the members from Colorado have thought that an expression of opinion upon various details would be desirable, and they will therefore thank you, as a member of said committee, to forward to Ed. C. Parmelee, Grand Secretary, Denver, Colorado, your opinions upon the specific points hereinafter mentioned, together with such others as you may have, relating to the general subject. The Grand Lodge of Colorado will cause these opinions to be pub- lished in full, and a copy forwarded to each member of the committee, in order that all may be wisely considered and the best adopted. 1. Please state if in your opinion any other day than the 14th of December, in 1899, should be considered for the memorial observances. 2. Do you favor a general rendezvous at the City of Washington ? Centennial flDcmorial 21 3. Would you favor chartering of transportation to Mount Vernon for Masons alone, to be paid from a general fund to be provided, or for the boat on which the Masons travel to be for the accommodation of the jmblic also, each Mason or other person paying his own fare ? 4. Please state if in your opinion other addresses should be given than one upon the life and character of Washington, and another upon his Masonic career. 5. Please state if in your opinion it would be well for every Grand Master to prepare and read an address of two or three minutes' duration, suitable to the occasion. 6. Please express your opinion whether or not the President of the United States should be invited to be present. 7. Please express your opinion on the advisability of requesting the President of the United States, whether a Mason or otherwise, to give an address. 8. Please express your opinion whether or not the Vice-President, Cabinet, Justices of the Supreme Court, or any of them, or others, should be invited to be present in case of an affirmative opinion as to the presence of the President. 9. Please express your opinion if the Grand Master of Virginia should not by virtue of the circumstances, preside at the observances. 10. Please express your opinion if a Lodge of Master Masons should be opened prior to the public observances. 11. Please express your opinion if the General Grand Chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons of the United States, or the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States, should be invited to participate. 12. Please name several eminent Masons, in the order of your pref- erence, who should be selected to give the addresses that may be deter- mined upon. XLbc Masbinoton ni:)asonic 13. Please express your opinion upon the question of music, its char- acter, whether vocal or instrumental, or hoth, and the pieces to be selected. 14. Please express your opinion upon the time and place for the com- mittee to be called to formulate the report for presentation to the respective Grand Lodges. 15. Please state your opinion, if the order of procession in Wash- ington, and from the river to the mansion, should place the youngest Grand Lodge at the head, to be followed by others according to juniority, with Virginia at the rear. 16. Please state, if, in yoiir opinion, the Grand Lodge of Virginia, or the Grand Lodges of Virginia and the District of Columbia, should be requested to appoint special committees to make local arrangements for carrying out the programme tbat may be adopted. 17. Please make suggestions for observances at Mount Vernon other tban those suggested herein. 18. State if in your opinion the respective Grand Lodges should rec- ommend their constituent Lodges to hold memorial services in their respec- tive Lodge rooms on the anniversary of Washington's death. Respectfully and fraternally yours, E. W. Woodbury, W. D. Todd, W. D. Wkigiit, Committee from the Grand Lodge of Colorado. REPORT IN 1896. In 1896 the committee reported progress to tbe Grand Lodge, again reciting from the original report of the Committee on Jurisprudence, and closed as follows : Centennial flDemorial 23 A number of Grand Lodges have appointed committees to serve with that from this Grand Lodge, * * * and yonr committee think there is amjjle time to complete all arrangements, and that evei-y Grand Lodge will gladly take part in the Memorial Exercises. The only serious difficulty in the original suggestions was the cmnber- some manner of arriving at a plan which required committees from all over the United States to meet somewhere and agree, and then report back to their respective Grand Lodges for approval, and when that had been done, to proceed Avith the arrangements approved. In discussing the proposi- tions that should be submitted by this committee to the committees of other Grand Lodges, the latter were invited to express their opinion upon the advisability of the Grand Lodge of Virginia taking the leadership, and the opinions expressed by other committees were in the affirmative. This committee is now further of the opinion that the Grand Lodge of Virginia should now be formally requested to take the leadership, adopt such plans as to it may seem best, and the committee from this Grand Lodge co-operate with the Grand Lodge of Virginia in carrying out those plans. As a matter of fact, the Memorial Exercises originally proposed would nec- essarily be under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, if a national gathering of Grand Lodges, or their Eepresentatives, should be undertaken, for such a gathering and the memorial addresses should be held only at Mount Vernon. We therefore recommend that this Grand Lodge authorize this com- mittee to present the matter to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and make the formal request suggested, providing it first meets the approval of the com- mittees from other Grand Lodges who have notified us of their appointment to act in conjunction with your committee. We further advise that your committee be directed to recommend to its associate committees from other Gi-and Lodges that each Grand Lodge 24 ^bc Masbinoton fiDasonic recouimeiul every SulKirtliiiate Lodge in its jurisdiction to hold lueniorial exercises on the 14tli day of December, 1899, simultaneously with the national exercises at Mount Vernon. Fraternally submitted, r. w. woodbuet. Wm. D. Todd. W. D. Wright. CIRCULAR OF 1896. Immediately after the approval of the foregoing report by the Grand Lodge of Colorado another formal circular was issued, which after reciting the report in full, and its adoption by the Grand Lodge, proceeded to say : In a great measure the above report explains itself. It is often the case that a matter which seems clear at its first inception develops compli- cations after acquaintance, and it has been found in this case difficult to perfect details, or even generals, because of the large number of represen- tatives of Grand Lodges to be consulted, the irregularity of Communica- tions of the various Grand Lodges and the difficulty of conveniently holding a meeting of Grand Lodge committees. It was, therefore, thought here that it would be better, all things considered, for the committees that have been appointed by the Grand Lodges to request the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia to continue plans, as to it may seem best, for such recognition of the 14th of December, 1899. In any event, the Grand Lodge of Virginia would, by right and courtesy, have charge of whatever Memorial Exercises might be provided for at Mount Vernon, and it is probable that every Grand Lodge in the United States would be glad to lend its presence and influence on tJiat occasion upon invitation from the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia. This arrangement would eliminate the difficulties which have de- \eloped in the progress of this committee's work, and we will ask you to Centennial flDemorial 2$ notify this committee or the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Colo- receipt of the ai^proval of the majority of the committees heretofore ap- proval could be conveyed without waiting to submit it to your own Grand Lodge, for the reason that it requires no expenditure from your Grand Lodge, and there can be no question of its meeting the approval of all. On receipt of the approval of the majority of the committees heretofore ap- pointed, this committee will communicate and make formal invitation in behalf of these committees, using their names in said invitation, to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in accordance with the foregoing report. We conceive that the suggestion that each Grand Lodge should advise its Subordinates to arrange for memorial exercises in each of their Lodge rooms on the date of the anniversary, need not necessarily depend upon the adoption or rejection of the invitation to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, but that, should the latter accede to our invitation, the proposition will there- after fittingly emanate from that Grand Lodge; if not, that the several committees should recommend such action to their respective Grand Lodges. Fraternally yours, R. W. Woodbury. W. D. Weight. W. D. Todd. LETTER TO GRAND MASTER OF VIRGINIA. Denvee, Colo., May 18, 1897. Hoif. A. E, CouETNEY, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Richmond, Va. : Dear Sir and Most Worshipful Brother — It gives me pleasure to for- ward to you, as the honored Grand Master of Masons of Virginia, the enclosed invitation to your Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, in accordance with the action of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, at its last annual Grand Communication, to assume the leadership in devising suitable Memorial 26 Zbc 'Masbinoton fIDasonic Services and carrying out the same, on tJie one-luindrcdth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington. It has consumed much time in getting replies from the respective committees of other Grand Lodges, a difficulty that was early impressed ujwn this committee, and which aroused it to the necessity of your Grand Lodge taking the interesting subject into its own hands, and acting arbitrarily and witliout consultation with any otlier. At tlic beginning, the Grand Lodge of Colorado felt tliat as it was ad- mitted into the Union of States on the one-hundredth anniversary of the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence (which Brother George Washington made an effective instniment by his success in the field and in State-craft), the suggestion of holding Memorial Exercises on the anni- versary of his death would emanate from Colorado with as much propriety as a child may suggest and arrange to observe tlie anniversary of a parent's loss with due solemnity and reverence. I have seen biit one unkind reference to the proposition, and that was by some foreign coiTcspondent, whose name and State remains not in mem- ory, and who wrote it somewhat flippantly as a "celebration," rather con- veying the idea of a gala day. This committee has uniformly referred to the exercises as "Memorial" Services, yet it is not inappropriate to speak of "celebrating" it. The church uses the word for its most solemn occa- sions, but I need not enlai-ge iipon tliat point. The brother to whose com- ment 1 have referred had evidently sought to make a sharp and sparkling report in correspondence, as some occasionally do; and had not permitted his mind to dwell long enough upon this subject to perceive its magnitude. No person of intarate cover, copies of our circular letters, and a copy of mir last Grand Lodge proceedings, with Centennial flDemorial 27 various references marked in tlie report of the Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence relative to the action of other Grand Lodges upon this general subject. You will, of course, understand that tlie irregular periods at which the Grand Lodges of the United States assemble, and the time required to print all their proceedings and then have them reviewed by a foreign corre- spondence committee, and that committee to report to its own Grand Lodge, and the latter have it put in type with its own proceedings, precludes the possibility of a single year's proceedings covering the action of all Grand Lodges. Some have been reported by our former proceedings, and some have committees still considering the subject, so far as we know. The vari- ous committees have different tenures of oiBce. Some were appointed to serve until after the proposed Memorial Services. We conceive, however, that if your Grand Lodge now approves the general wish, it should take the initiative as if nothing had been done by us. By your personal sympathy all tJie Grand Lodges of the United States will become enthusiasts in the support of old Virginia. Our committee thinks that much depends upon you personally, for if your heart is in harmony with the movement, as we believe it to be, you will appoint an exceptionally able committee from your Grand Lodge, broad enough, and great enough to grasp the national scope of this enterprise. Our committee thinks that as your Grand Lodge does not meet until December, it would serve to increase the interest in the various Grand Jurisdictions were wo to report to the several committees and embody a copy of our official invitation to your Grand Lodge ; but we realize the im- propriety of our furnishing a copy of a paper addressed to your Grand Lodge, to any one except our own Grand Lodge in our official report to that body, which will meet in September. We will, however, issue a circular to die other committees and Grand Lodges, and if it meets your approval. 28 ^be Masbinoton flDasonic suggest that you write us a letter, to be incorporated in tJiat circular, ac- knowledging the receipt of tlie official invitation to your Grand Lodge, and expressing your favorable sentiments >iihmi the general subject. All the committees and Grand Lodges would thereupon look wiiii increasing inter- est for the next Grand Communication of your Grand Lodge. If there be any service tliis committee can perform to aid you or your Grand Lodge, I beg you to feel tliat it will be a pleasure to respond ; and in behalf of the committee from Colorado I beg you to present our letter of invitation to your Grand Lodge, and accept, Most Worshipful Brother, this profession of oiir fraternal esteem. Sincerely yours, E. W. Woodbury, Chairman. In due time Brother Kemper of the original Virginia committee, ap- pointed to co-operate with the Grand Lodge of Colorado, reported to this Grand Lodge all the Colorado circulars and correspondence, together with tlie following : BROTHER KEMPER'S REPORT TO VIRGINIA. To the Most Worshipful Orand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia: 1 have tlie honor to submit a report of the inception, progress and present status of the proposed observance of the centennial anniversary of tlie death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. By reference to the Proceedings of tlie Grand Lodge of Virginia for the year 1803, it will be seen that the Grand Master, in his annual address, made mention of tie receipt by him of a letter from a committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, proposing to mark tlie notable anniversary re- ferred to bv suitable Masonic observances at Mount Vernon. Centennial HDeniorial The committee to whom the Grand Master's address was referred, in their report, among other things, recommended the following action : "Resolved, 2. That this Grand Lodge accepts the patriotic suggestion of the Grand Lodge of Colorado with regard to the centennial anniversary of the death of Washington on the 14th day of December, 1899, and the Grand Master is authorized to appoint a committee as therein recommended." This recommendation was adopted, and the Grand Master appointed as the committee Right Worshipful Francis A. Keed, principal, and Wor- shipful K. Kemper, alternate. Your committee promptly informed the committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado of their appointment and their readiness to co-operate, and in due time received from the latter a circular letter dated March 15, 1895, a copy of which is annexed marked exhibit "A," and made a part of this re- jx)rt. Suitable answers to the propositions and suggestions contained in the circular letter were made by the undersigned, the death of our lamented Brother Reed, principal, having devolved the work on the alternate. It resulted from the answers received by the committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado to the above mentioned circular that your committee re- ceived another commimication dated September 19, 1896, formally "re- questing the Grand Lodge of Virginia to take the leadership in this matter and adopt such plans as to it may seem best" for a successful consummation, in co-operation with the other Grand Lodges in the United States. In evidence of the alacrity with which the other Grand Lodges acceded to the suggestion of the committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, that primacy in these interesting ceremonies should be assigned to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, the Colorado committee sent me copies of many of the answers above referred to. No further action was taken imtil some time in last August, when, in response to an urgent request from the Colorado committee to be informed 30 ^be MaebinQton riDasonic as to the likelihood of the Grand Lodge of Virginia being willing to assume the proposed leadership, I sent to the chairman of that committee a letter, of which the following is a copy : Alexandria, Va., August 25, 1897. Right Worshipful Roger W. Woodbury, Chairman, etc.: Dear Sir and Brother — Acknowledging the receipt of your valued letter, with accompanying papers, concerning the proposed Memorial Exercises in honor of Brother George Washington, in 1899, and suggesting that the Grand Lodge of Virginia should assume the leadership of the same, I have the honor to make answer that I have seized the first opportunity presenting itself to confer person- ally with the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and as the result of that conference I am authorized to accept for the present committee of our Grand Lodge the primacy in this interesting matter so gracefully tendered by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and to say that a full report of the proposition will be made to our Grand Lodge at its annual communication in December next, at which time I have no doubt a committee will be appointed to take charge of the matter, who will in due time formulate a programme, and take all other steps need- ful to carry to a successful completion these exercises naturally so full of interest to all Americans, especially to "the household of the Faithful." This committee will, when appointed, I am sure, gladly avail themselves of your kind offers of assistance. Reciprocating your kind expressions, I remain. Yours fraternally, K. KEMPER. Committee Grand Lodge of Virginia. Immediately following the receipt by the Colorado committee of the foregoing letter, that committee issued a circular note to each of the Grand Lodges in the United States, informing them of the status of the corre- spondence with your committee, and concluding with the suggestion that each committee of the several Grand Lodges "at once forward to Brother Kemper, at Alexandria, their names and addresses, in order to facilitate correspondence from that office." Following in due time the issuance of this circular from the Colorado committee, letters in fui-therance of its concluding suggestion began to be Centennial fiDemorial 31 received by your committee, and at this wi-iting I have to report the receipt of these, viz. ; * * * •■■ From the zeal displayed in these letters, and, indeed, in every incident of the correspondence as set fortli in this report, it is evident that the pro- posed commemorative exercises, if carried out to the successful conclusion so plainly assured by the hearty co-operation of our brethren all over the country, will, without doubt, be the grandest Masonic event of the century. In conclusion, I beg to tliank the Grand Lodge for their kindness in imposing upon me this labor of love, as in its performance I have enjoyed the privilege of pleasant correspondence with so many of the brethren of the Mystic tie in different sections of our land, and have the honor to close this report with the recommendation that the Grand Master be authorized and requested to appoint a committee consisting of not less than three nor more than five members to take charge of these proposed commemorative observances, with plenary powers to make all needful arrangements, finan- cial, social, and literary; and to suggest tentatively the following pro- gramme. * * * * All of which is respectfully submitted. K. Kempek, Chairman. ACTION OF GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA. The foregoing report of Brother Kemper was referred by the Grand Lodge of Virginia to its Standing Committee on Propositions, which re- ported as follows, and the same was formally adopted by that Grand Lodge : That they have given careful consideration to the said report and its accompanying exhibits, and that they find that this Grand Lodge at its annual Communication in the year 1893, resolved to accept the patriotic suggestion of the Grand Lodge of Colorado with regard to the centennial 32 ^be TKHasbiiiflton fIDasonic anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington on the 14th day of December, 1799 ; and they further find that Eight Worshipful Brother K. Kemper did, on the 25th of August, 1897, in a letter to Eight Worshipful Eoger W. Woodbury, Chairman of tlie Committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, write him that he had consulted with the Most Worship- ful Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, and tliat as a re-sult of that confer- ence had accepted from the then committee of that Grand Lodge primacy in tlie matter of the proper observance of the 14th day of December, 1899, and that he had no doubt that a committee would be appointed at this an- nual Conuuuiiieation to take charge of the matter, and would, in due time, formulate a programme and take all other steps needful to carry to a suc- cessful completion tlie exercises naturally so full of interest to all Ameri- cans, and especially to "the household of the faithful." So that the committee, at the outset, ascertained that this Grand Lodge is fully committed to the work of the proper observance of the day indi- cated. That the matter has received thoughtful attention in the admirable ad- dress of the retiring Grand Master, Courtney, who says that the crowning glory of this old Commonwealth is the honor of having furnished a Wash- ington to the cause of liberty and constitutional government, and that every son of hers, whether he be adopted or to the manor born, should join most heartily in the work to be done. In view of these facts, and what your committee believes will be renardcd by this Grand Lodge as properly the most illustrious and conspicuous undertaking it has ever been called upon to take part in, we recommend tliat tJie suggestion contained in Eight Wor- shipful Brother Kemper's report be adopted, and that the Grand blaster, at this session of the Grand Lodge, be requested to appoint a committee con- sisting of five Master Masons to take charge of these proposed commem- orative ceremonies with power to make all needful arrangements, finan- Centennial flDemortal 33 cial, social, literary and otherwise, and that in so doing they act under and at all times subject to the direction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Virginia during the recess of this Grand Body, and that the programme tentatively mapped out by Right Worshipful Brother Kemper be referred to this committee, when appointed, with these directions: That, if practicable, Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, of Virginia, in which Worshipful Brother George Washington was entered, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, be included in the ceremo- nies which it may deem proper to have in pursuance of the object of this report, and that the Board of Lady Regents at Mount Vernon, Virginia, be respectfully and earnestly requested, through this committee, to lend their consent and cordial co-operation in the exercises that may be deemed perti- nent and appropriate to an observance of the anniversary of Worshipful Brother George Washington's death on December 14, 1899; and that, as soon as practicable after the closing of tliis Grand Lodge, a copy of this report be addressed to the Grand Master of every Grand Lodge of Masons in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, and that each and every Grand Lodge be invited to be present (at the proposed services or cei'emonies) in the person of its Grand Master, or, in his absence, such alternate as such Grand Master may appoint. That the Grand Lodge of Colorado be frater- nally thanked for inaugurating this matter, and that some duty in the pro- gramme be especially assigned to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of that jurisdiction. That Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 and Alexandria- Washington Lodge No. 22, of the latter of which Worshipful Brother Gen- eral George Washington was the Master named in its charter, be especially invited to aid in the furtherance of the object of this report, and that, if practicable, each of those Lodges, because of its history and connection with Worshipful Brother George Washington, be given prominent parts in the exercises it may be deemed proper to arrange for in the programme. M Zbc IRHasbinoton flDasonic That tlie. foiuinittcc hereinbefore provided for be allowed, with tlic apjiro- bation of tlie Grand blaster, to draw nn the Treasurer of tlic Grand Lodge for reasonable sums to be expended in furtherance of tbe object of this un- dertaking, and tliat tbey be requested in their report to the next Grand Loilgv to do\iso :i phin for raising tlu' money neceasary to defray tbe ex- penses incident to the observance hereinbefore sought to be provided for. That tlie Grand Secretary in his communications to tlie several Grand Masters be requested to a. the programme for a proper observance of Deeetfully submitted. W. B. McClIESXEY. Jamks B. Sekek. J. T. Le Sneur. J. 11. Fisher. A copy teste. Geo. W. Carrinotox, Grand Secretar\-. -T. E. Sehkei.e. j as. j). boxdurant. ^^'^^. Deax. Frank E. Coxkad. Centennial flDemorial ?? REPORT OF THE COLORADO COMMITTEE 1897. To the Most Worshipful Orand Lodge: YoTir committee appointed in 1893 to inaugurate a movement for suit- able National Masonic Memorial Services upon the one-hundredth anni- versary of the death of our Illustrious Brother George Washington, respectfully and fraternally report: That in accordance with your action at your last Annual Grand Com- munication they duly communicated through tlie representative of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and its Most Worshipful Grand Master, with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia, inviting that Grand Jurisdic- tion to assume and take full control of the proposed Memorial Services, and all arrangements connected tlierewith. Our Communication was nec- essarily a review of all that had been done by this committee, so that a clear understanding would be liad of the situation ; and as a part of the history of this Grand Lodge, we herewith quote the same in fiill, as follows: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Virginia: In accordance with the recommendation made by the Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1893, the Grand Lodge of Colorado, A. F. and A. M., appointed the under- signed as a committee to inaugurate a movement for suitable National Masonic Memorial Services upon the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. As an undertaking so important should be entered upon only after reasonable assurances that it could be carried out in a manner befitting the character and dignity of the occasion, the first duty of the committee was to submit the recommendation to the several Grand Masters, and through them to the Grand Lodges of the United States for their approval. As the result of such preliminary correspondence a sufficient number of Grand Lodges expressly approved the recommendation, and no information of adverse action was conveyed to the committee. The latter, therefore, felt warranted in assuming that in due time all the Grand bodies, representing the great body of American Freemasonry, would loyally unite to appropriately honor the memory of him to whom it was said in the original recommendation of the Grand Master of Colorado, that by "universal consent of civilized men he is the largest figure in ^6 Ebe Magbinflton flDagonic all merely human history, and his name stands first upon the roll of Masonry's illus- trious dead." The correspondence of this committee with committees appointed by other Grand Lodges invited expressions of opinion by way of suggestions as to various specific details of the proposed ceremonies. One of these questions was as to the advisability of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia taking the leadership in, and having charge of, the exercises, and that said exercises should most ap- propriately be held at Mount Vernon. In reply to these questions the co-operating committees expressed opinions in the affirmative. At the Annual Grand Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado in 1896, this committee made a report upon the subject, which was unan- imously adopted by the Grand Lodge. * • * » Subsequently, and under date of September 19, 1896, a circular letter was by this committee sent to all committees appointed by other Grand Lodges. It em- bodied the whole of the report adopted by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, above referred to, together with some additional suggestions on the part of the commit- tee. To this last circular letter this committee is in receipt of replies from the several committees representing other Grand Lodges. Though in some instances modestly disclaiming to speak oificially, the distinguished Masons serving on these committees, and from whom these replies were received, may well be regarded as expressing the sentiments of their respective Grand Lodges. And as indicating approval of the recommendation generally, and the kindly sentiment in favor of the Grand Lodge of Virginia formulating and taking full charge of the exercises, this committee takes the liberty of quoting in part only, from a few of these com- munications, as follows: The representative of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia thus expresses him- self: "I heartily agree in the suggestions in the foregoing letters. The grand old Lodge of dear old Virginia ought to have the lead in this matter." The Grand Lodge of Maryland, through its committee, says: "We concur in the suggestion that the Grand Lodge of Virginia be requested to assume the lead in the matter. This is especially appropriate in view of the proposition to hold the services upon the soil of that State." From Vermont on the north, the duly appointed committee of its Grand Lodge says: "The suggestions made in the circular recently received from you in relation to the formulation of plans by the Grand Lodge of Virginia for the observance of the centennial of Washington's death, meets with my hearty concurrence. I am joined in this by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, who approves fully of your suggestions." From Texas in the extreme south, we have the following: "I most heartily concur with the committee on the part of our Grand Lodge, wherein they recom- Centennial fIDeniorial 37 mend that the Grand Lodge of Virginia be requested to formulate plans for the proper observance of the centennial of the death of Brother George Washington, and that it take active charge and control of the matter." Indiana, through the proper representative of its Grand Lodge, thus warmly gives encouragement: "I most heartily approve the action of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and am satisfied that when the time comes the Grand Lodge of Indiana will be found in line, and her Subordinate Lodges in no manner lacking." The Grand Lodge of Michigan, through its representative, speaks in the fol- lowing manner: "Acting as a special committee to represent the Grand Lodge of Michigan on this memorial occasion, I am in full sympathy with the suggestions of your committee, in requesting the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which was the Masonic home of the illustrious dead, to formulate the plans for this memorial occasion." The Grand Lodge of Arkansas gives its approval in the following manner: "This Grand Lodge approves the suggestion to invite the Grand Lodge of Virginia to formulate the particular exercises to be held, and will gladly co-operate in what- ever may be indicated therefor." From Kansas, the Grand Lodge, through its appointed committee, promises co-operation as follows: "We heartily coincide with the committee of your Grand Lodge in its suggestion that the Grand Lodge of Virginia adopt such plans as it seems best, for the proposed Memorial Services on the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington, and that the several Grand Lodges throughout the United States co-operate with the Grand Lodge of Virginia in carry- ing out such plans." In behalf of all the Grand Lodges whose Committees we are in correspondence with, we now feel warranted in assuring you of the strength and support of all. The distinguished Masons whose names are attached to many such approving letters may be regarded as speaking on this subject the voice of Masonry in their several States. It is, therefore, the great body of the Craft, which, through them, now in- vites the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State, which was the "Mother of Presidents," to assume its proper leadership in honoring the memory of the first and greatest President, and Virginia's most illustrious son. Under such honored leadership, with the interest sure to be taken by the several Grand Lodges and the Craft generally, the Memorial should result in a great National Assemblage of leading Masons, sure to be representative citizens from their several sections. It would be a most notable assemblage, held under circumstances which would make it one of the greatest events in the Masonic history of the world. It would call attention anew to the remarkable array of great men, who in the "days that tried men's souls," were distinguished alike for love of country and of Masonry. It would add to the accepted belief of American Masons that the absorption and 38 ^be XIOasbinGton fiDasonic ardent advocacy of Masonic principles by so many of the founders of the Republic, happily did much to strengthen the cause of Liberty. The many modern fraterni- ties, following as to their main teachings in the footsteps of Masonry, and thereby conserving the best interests of society in the perilous changes so rapidly going on in social and political conditions, it will be remembered were not then in existence. The field was occupied almost exclusively by Masonry, then, as now, and at all times, attracting to its ranks the higher grade of men, naturally fitted to mould the destinies of States. Under such circumstances, the common fatherhood of God, as taught by Masonry, expanded into the religious toleration and the total separa- tion of Church and State, which the Fathers so wisely embodied in the laws of the Republic; and the Masonic teaching of the common brotherhood of man grew and unfolded into the abolition of the Old-World titles of distinction, and the civil equality of all men before the Law, under a government of the people. And thus by the evolution and expansive force of great ideas under favoring conditions the fundamental teachings of Masonry became the foundation principles of the Re- public. The thoughts and memories suggested by such an occasion should strengthen the sentiment of Patriotism among all our people, and promote the honor and glory of Masonry. In conclusion we assure you that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colo- rado, which we have the honor to represent, will do all in its power to assist you in the important work we now fraternally invite you to assume the full control of. Fraternally yours, ROGER WILLIAMS WOODBURY, WILLIAM D. WRIGHT, WILLIAM DAVID TODD, Committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. The Grand Lodge of Virginia will meet in Annual Communication next December, but your committee lias the extreme pleasure of reporting that yoni- invitation has been received in a spirit worthy of the occasion, as appears from the letter furnished us in advance of the Virginia Annual Grand Communication, in order that their sentiments might be now re- ported to you. (See letter of Worshipful Brother K. Kemper, on page 30.) The Grand Lodge of Colorado may therefore rely upon receiving in due time an official request and invitation from the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia to co-operate with, ami join with it, in suitable Memorial Exercises, Centennial fIDemorial 39 and we deem further action by your committee, until then, unnecessary, except to communicate to our associate committees appointed by other Grand Lodges the contents of the foregoing letter from the representative of Virginia. We are pleased to advise you of the favorable result of our negotia- tions, and feel that the Masonic patriotism and statesmanship which has caused your proposition to be so happily received by our distinguished brothers of "Old Virginia" is a cause for profound congratulation. Respectfully and fraternally submitted, RoGEE Williams Woodbury, William D. Weight, William David Todd, Committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. FROM ADDRESS OF THE GRAND MASTER OF COLORADO 1898. On February 2, 189S, I received the following letter from the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of Virginia: Ricbmond, Va., January 29. 1898. Most Worshipful Cromwell Tucker, Grand Master of Masons in Colorado: Most Worshipful Brother — In compliance with the mandate of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, as contained in the enclosed report, it affords me great pleasure to extend to your Grand Lodge Virginia's cordial invitation to be present at, and participate in, the Memorial Ceremonies incident to the observance of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, to be held at Mount Vernon, on De- cember 14, 1899, either in the person of the Grand Master, or such alternate as he may appoint. Full information as to the details of the ceremonies on that occasion will, in due time, be forwarded to your Grand Lodge by the Special Committee of Arrange- ments appointed by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Hoping to be notified at an early day of your acceptance of this invitation, I have the honor to be, Yours fraternally, GEO. W. CARRINGTON, Grand Secretary. 40 ^be TaHasbinflton fIDasonic To wliieli reply was made as follows : Denver, Colo., February 9, 1898. Right Worshiiifiil Geo. W. Carrington. Grand Secretary. Richmond, Va.: Right Worshipful Brother — It affords me much pleasure to acknowledge re- ceipt of your letter of January 29, in which you convey the cordial invitation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, requesting our par- ticipation in the Memorial Ceremonies incident to the observance of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, which are to be held at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1899, either in the person of our then Grand Master, or such alternate as he may appoint, and in reply thereto, I beg to say that without doubt our Grand Lodge will be so represented. The patriotic sentiments contained in the proposed Commemorative Cere- monies appeal so strongly to every member of our Craft throughout the United States of America, that it does not require a prophetic eye to foresee that the gathering of Masons on that occasion will be the largest in our history, and be pregnant with the most important results. We fully agree with the sentiments, so admirably expressed by Most Worship- ful Brother Courtney, that the crowning glory of your old Commonwealth is the honor of having furnished a Washington to the cause of liberty and constitutional government, yet we, while not "to the manor born," claim almost, if not an equal honor, in the same crowning glory, the effects of which are felt and always will be felt by all civilized nations throughout the world. It is my further duty and extreme pleasure to fraternally acknowledge the courteous action of your Grand Lodge in extending its thanks for our inauguration of this matter, and for the special assignment of some duty in the programme to the Grand Master of Colorado. Permit me to express the hope that the success of the undertaking may be commensurate with the wishes and desires of your own people, and of all Masons wheresoever dispersed, and assuring you of the cordial and hearty co-operation of this Grand Lodge, I beg to remain. Most fraternally yours, CROMWELL TUCKER, Grand Master. On August 29, 1898, the following circular letter was received : To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge A. F. and A. M. of Colorado: Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren — At the instance of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and subsequently at the request of her sister Grand Lodges, the Grand Centennial flDemorial 41 Lodge of Virginia assumed the conduct of the proper commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington, the services incident to the occasion to take place at Mount Vernon, on December 14, 1899. The undersigned, in pursuance of a resolution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia, have been appointed a committee to prepare a suitable programme, and to devise the ways and means for carrying out the same with credit to those who have undertaken it, and honor to our ancient and honorable Fraternity. After repeated meetings of our committee and most careful consideration of the subject, we have found that it will require an outlay of money which will be equal to a per capita assessment of one cent per member in each Grand Jurisdiction. As the commemoration is to be a national one, and Virginia has undertaken its management at the request of her sister Grand Lodges, this committee deems it proper that these Grand Lodges shall have the opportunity — if they so desire — to contribute to its proper observance. To that end, if your Grand Jurisdiction deem the proposed observance worthy of the expenditure named, they can forward any amount they feel disposed to con- tribute to R. W. Fred. Pleasants, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, Masonic Temple, Richmond, Va., who has kindly consented to act as treasurer for the committee, and who will receipt for same. K. KEMPER, Chairman. J. B. SENER, JNO. W. DANIEL, MICAJAH WOODS, A. R. COURTNEY, Committee. Alexandria, Va., August 22, 1898. In regard to the opportunity offered for our financial participation of the expenses incident to the occasion, I would fraternally recom- mend that as the event is to be a national one, and the management of the same has been undertaken by the Grand Lodge of Virginia at the request and suggestion of other Grand Lodges, we should contribute our per capita proportion and even more if necessary, to protect the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia against undue expense. Any other matters of importance in connection with this great Ma- sonic ceremony will doubtless be communicated to you by the standing com- 42 '^be Washington fIDasonic inittee, which consists of Most Worshijjful Brothers Roger \V. Woodbury, William D. Wright and William D. Todd, to whom T would respectfully suggest that the correspondence submitted herewith be referred. This portion of the Grand Master's address being referred to the Me- morial Committee, report was made thereon, and unanimously adopted, as follows : REPORT OF THE COLORADO COMMITTEE 1898. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge: Your Committee on Memorial Exercises upon the centennial anniver- sary of the death of Worshipful Brother General George Washington, re- spectfully report : That they have had under consideration tJie references and recom- mendations made in the address of Most Worshipful Grand Master Tucker, and during the past year have continued in official correspondence with the Committee of Arrangements appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia. The committee of the Grand Lodge of Virginia which was originally appointed to consider and report upon the invitation of this Grand Lodge to take general charge of tlie Memorial Exercises, referred to it in their report as "properly the most illustrious and conspicuous undertaking" that the Grand Lodge of Virginia had ever been called upon to take part in. Their report, which was adopted, also contained the following: "That the Grand Lodge of Colorado be fraternally thanked for inaugurating this matter, and that some duty in the programme be especially assigned to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of that Jurisdiction." Centennial fIDeniorial 43 The Committee of Arrangements of the Grand Lodge of Virginia has forwarded to your Grand Master and to tJiis committee the following pro- posed order of exercises : PROGRAMME, MASONIC SERVICES, DECEMBER 14, 1S99, AT THE TOMB OP BROTHER GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON. The Grand Lodge of Virginia, Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, Alexandria-Wash- ington Lodge No. 22, delegates and representatives from other Grand Jurisdic- tions, and invited guests, will proceed from Alexandria to Mount Vernon by electric cars, leaving Alexandria at 9:30 a. m. At Mount Vernon the bodies will form on the east side of the house, and pro- ceed to the old vault by the same path and in the same order in which the pro- cession was formed, and moved, on the day of General Washington's funeral, December 18, 1799. At the old vault the services will commence and be conducted as follows: Solemn dirge by the band. Prayer by Brother the Right Reverend A. M. Randolph, Bishop of the diocese of Southern Virginia. Music by an octette. Address by the Grand Master of Colorado. Procession will then move to the vault, within which the earthly remains of General Washington and his wife now lie, encased in marble tombs. The Grand Lodge will form in a circle around the vault. Grand Officers and Representatives of other Jurisdictions in front, Lodge No. 4 on the right and Lodge No. 22 on the left. Masonic services at the tomb, conducted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, aided by the Representatives of other Grand Jurisdictions. Prayer by the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Vocal music. Benediction. The procession will then return to the east front of the mansion, where the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia will introduce the President of the United States, who will make an address to Masons and the general public, who will then be admitted to full participation in the ceremonies. 44 ^be TKHaebinoton flDasonic Hymn "America," sung by all present, the band leading the music. During the ceremonies minute guns will be fired from Fort Washington, and from a United States war vessel, to be stationed in the Potomac opposite Mount Vernon, in case permission can be obtained from the proper officials. K. KEMPER, Chairman. J. B. SENER, JNO. W. DANIEL, MICAJAH WOODS, A. B. COURTNEY, Committee. The Virginia committee has also furnished us with a printed account of the ceremonies which took place at Mount Vernon upon the death of Washington, and wliich we summarize as follows: Washington died at twenty minutes past 10, on Saturday night, December 14, 1799. On the succeeding Monday a funeral Lodge was held to make arrangements for the interment. At an early hour on Wednesday, the 18th, the Masonic fraternity, under es- cort of the military and citizens of Alexandria, started for Mount Vernon, where they arrived about one o'clock in the afternoon, and at three the funeral proces- sion moved in the following order: The troops, horse and foot. The clergy. The General's horse (with saddle, holsters and pistols), led by two colored grooms. Music. Guard. The body of Washington, which was borne on a bier by a detail of four Vir- ginian lieutenants. The pallbearers, consisting of officers of the Revolution, all members of Alex- andria Lodge, except one. The principal mourners. The corporation of Alexandria. Alexandria Lodge No. 22. Brooke Lodge No. 47, of Alexandria. Federal Lodge No. 15, of Washington. Centennial fIDemorial 4? Upon arriving at ttie grave the services of the Episcopal Church were con- ducted by the Rector of Christ Church of Alexandria, and the Masonic ceremonies by Dr. Elisha Cullen Diclc, Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22, and Rev. James Muir, Chaplain of the same Lodge. During the exercises general discharges were fired by the infantry, cavalry and eleven pieces of artillery on the banks of the Potomac, back of the vault, and minute guns from a vessel in the stream. From the programme arranged for the Centennial Memorial, it will be observed that the procession, salutes and exercises are to follow as closely as practicable the original obsequies. Your committee thinks it would verge ujwu a Masonic crime for any Grand Lodge in the United States to be unrepresented at the Memorial Ceremonies in honor of the Father of his Country, and whose Masonic in- fluence, through the hundred years since his death, has recommended tens of thousands of good men to become Masons. The presence of the several Grand Masters will be an official act, testi- fying to the love and affection of all the Freemasons of their respective Grand Jurisdictions, and as such it should be done at the expense of the Grand Lodges themselves. The fame of Washington as a patriot and a Mason belongs to all the States in the Union, and not alone to Virginia, and so each Grand Lodge should feel it a duty as well as a pleasure to contribute from its means towards defraying the expense of tlie tribute of love and affection which Virginia is called upon to carry through. Your committee therefore recommends the adoption of the following resolutions : Resolved, That there is hereby appropriated from the Grand Treasury the sum of seventy-five dollars toward the expenses of the Washington Centennial Memo- rial exercises under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia, and the Grand Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to draw a warrant for 46 Z\)c Masbinoton flDasonic the amount, and forward the same to Right Worshipful Fred. Pleasants, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, for the purpose herein stated. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to inform the chairman of the committee of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, having the Washington Centennial Memorial exercises in charge, that should that com- mittee's estimate of expenses be exceeded, this Grand Lodge will cheerfully con- tribute such additional pro rata as may be necessary. Resolved, Tliat there is hereljy appropriated from the Grand Treasury such sum of money as may be required to pay the necessary expenses of the Most Worshipful Grand Master or his Representative in attending the Washington Centennial Memo- rial exercises in behalf of this Grand Lodge, and the brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction; and that the Grand Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to draw a warrant for such sum as shall be certified to him for such purpose. Resolved, That each Lodge in this Jurisdiction be and hereby is recommended to make such independent arrangements as to it may seem most appropriate for the observance of the 14th day of December. 1899, in their respective Lodge rooms, in memory of the exalted virtues and public and Masonic services of that brother who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Fraternally submitted, ROGER W. WOODBURY. WILLIAM D. WRIGHT. WILLIAM D. TODD. FINANCIAL AID TO THE VIRGINIA COMMITTEE. Fkedericksbueg, Va., January 14, 1899. To EoQER W. Woodbury, W. T). Wimoiit .\nd Wm. D. Todd, Coininittee: Dca7- Sirs and Brothers — At a meeting of the Executive Committee held yesterday, after most patient consideration of the whole question of the December 14, 1899, Centennial, in which your primacy as to its sug- gestion, and our primacy in its conduct, was fully considered, the necessity of raising means to make it a Masonic success was fully considered, and I was deputed, my brctlircu, to say tliese things luito you. As you will see from tlio pajiers wliich I enclose, the Grand Lodge of Virginia has already arranged to raise $3,000 to insure its success, but this will be a long ways Centennial flDemorial 47 from making it a success. If you have followed the action of the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Illinois and Texas, no provision has so far been made to extend us any financial assistance. It is all-im]x)rtant that at the very latest this committee should know by June 1st what means it can control in order to make the Centennial a success. So far the only Grand Lodges that have voted appropriations are Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Idaho, Mon- tana and Soutli Carolina. In all not over $200, on the one-cent per capita basis. Now more than this amount was expended in preliminary meetings, printing, travel and postage last year. No salaries are being paid. Of course, printing, postage and typewriting are inevitable expenses. The statistics show that your Grand Lodge has more than seven-twelfths of the membership of our Grand Lodge. We recognize, however, that the expense of your coiainittee in attending, and of your Grand Master and Grand Sec- retary, will cost several hundred dollars, and after maturest consideration it has occurred to us that as we deem it a necessity, you will esteem it a pleasure to raise for the exj>enses of this occasion at least $1,000. The Centennial occasion will no doubt evoke not only the highest sentiment, but the most practical results for its accomplishment from the Centennial State. It does not occur to us that anything more than this simple presen- tation will be necessary to secure tie amount asked for, and we write at this time because we are calling upon our own Subordinate Lodges, as you will see by circular enclosed, to raise their amount if practicable, by the 22nd of February, and advised as you now are, we have no doubt that after con- ference with your Grand Master and Grand Secretary the necessary steps can be taken to do this. My OAvn mother Lodge of Washington of this place, which has contributed $100, did so by calling on its members for per- sonal contributions, and these were promptly made. In this connection permit me to ask you to have prepared a short sketch of your Grand Lodge and of your Centennial Grand Master and Grand Secretary, so that we 48 Zbe IKHasbinoton HDasonic mav have the same for the memorial volume. I especially invite your at- tention to the tentative order of observance at the new tomb at Mount Ver- non, and ask that you will give it patient thought, and make any and every suggestion that you may deem pertinent, in order that its appropriateness may challenge the admiration of the present generation, and serve as an ad- mirable precedent for anotlier centennial. There is a large amount of work to be done and a large amount of correspondence ahead, and I espe- cially rely upon your promptness in correspondence and your cordial co- operation in all of our plans. Fratenially, James E. Sener, Chairman Executive Committee. Grand Junction, Colo., January 24, 1899. R. ^Y. WooDBUKY, Chairman, Denver, Colorado : Dear Sir and Right Worshipful Brother — Your favor of the 19th inst. witli enclosures as statecl, came to hand Saturday evening, and I have given the same careful consideration. I feel anxious that Colorado shoiild do her part and do it generously in providing funds to assist in defraying the expenses of the Washington Memorial SeiTice. Believing tliat brethren so well versed in Masonic law as the members of your committee, would do nothing that could possibly bring any criticism upon their actions, I take pleasure in enclosing you herewith a commission of authority to raise the necessary funds in such a manner, as, in tlic wisdom of your committee, may seem best. Permit me to request, however, that you kindly report to me the plan adopted, and tlio lino of action which tlio comniittoe will jmrsuo in this matter. * * * * Centennial fIDeniorial 49 With kindest personal regards and wishing jou abundant success in your undertaking, I am, Very fraternally, Horace T. DeLong, Grand Master. Grand Junction, Colorado, January 24, 1899. To All to Whom These Presents May Come, Greeting: Know ye, that I, Horace T. DeLong, Grand Master of Masons of the State of Colorado, reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity, skill and Masonic ability of our Worshipful Brothers Roger W. Woodbury, William D. Wright and William D. Todd, do hereby constitute and appoint them a committee to raise, in the name and on behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado, funds to assist in defraying the expense assumed by the Grand Lodge of Virginia in con- nection with the commemoration ceremonies on the centennial anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. I do hereby authorize and empower them to solicit funds for this purpose from the Masons of Colorado, and from any and all Lodges throughout our Grand Jurisdiction, and for so doing this shall be their sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and private seal this 23d day of January, A. L. 5899, A. D. 1899, at Grand Junction, Colorado. HORACE T. DE LCfNG, Grand Master. By Authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Colorado, A. F. and A. M. Denver, Colo., February 1, 1899. Dear Sir and Brother: Six years ago (1893) the Grand Master of Masons of Colorado rec- ommended the Grand Lodge to consider the initiation of a movement for the holding of national Masonic memorial exercises upon the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, which took place on the 14th of December, 1799. ^o port from the Centennial State, which requested them to assume the re- sponsibility. Recognizing fully our duty, due largely to our primal re- sponsibility, and at the request of the Executive Committee from Virginia, we have been officially authorized by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Colorado to raise not less than $1,000 towards the expenses of our breth- ren in Vii'ginia, which expenses will be several times that amount. "The Grand Lodge of the State which was admitted to the American Union on the hundredth anniversary of the indej^endence of the colonies which Washington did so much to secure," wislies to stand shoulder to shoulder witJb old Virginia, not niggardly as if it were an ordinary event, but grandly and nobly, commensurate with self resj^ect, and reverence for the moral, patriotic and Masonic virtues and services of the Father of Our Country. It can be expected that the action of our Grand Lodge in initi- ating this first Memorial will result in the permanent observance of the anniversary upon each centennial recurrence, not only by the Masonic fra- ternity of our o'wn country, but in time by the whole world. The early Masonic Lodge, which inculcated the brotherhood of man, schooled the colonial leaders to build a nation founded on equal rights, and it is indeed probable that when the Memorial Volume of this Centennial shall be pe- rused by the brethren in formulating their exercises at the second centen- nial observance, there will then be no part of the world uncivilized, and the American and Masonic ideas of our colonial Masons will have become so general that all will deem it a privilege to do Masonic honifu- to the glory of the first American. With confidence that your sentiments will be in harmony with the desire of our Grand Lodge, and by authority of our Grand Master, we fra- 52 ^bc Masbinoton nDasonic temally solicit sueli contribution as j'oii may be willing to make toward maintaining Colorado's recognized repiitjition for doing well whatever it undertjikes. Subscriptions should be forwarded to citJier member of this conunit- tee, by whom report will be made to the Grand Master and the Grand Ixidge, but checks should be made payable to the order of Ed. C. Parmelee, Grajid Secretary. Fraternally yours, R. W. Woodbury, Chairman, P. O. Bo.\ 1344. W. D. Weight, 615 E. & C. Building. W. D. Toi>D, P. O. Bo.x 440, Denver, Colo. Past Grand Masters, Committee of the Grand Lodge of Colorado on the Washinsrton Centennial !^^enlorial. Denver, Colo., September 19, 1899. Hon. a. K. Courtney, Chairman Committee of Arrangements, Washing- ton Centennial Memorial Exercises, Richmond, Virginia : Dear Sir and Most Worshipful Brother — I tJike plejisnre in inform- ing you that in accordance with my anticipations, the Grand Lodge of Colo- rado in Anniuil Grand Communication to-day, unanimously voted an ap- propriation from the Grand Treasury of $1,000 for the uses of your com- mittee: and ordered the iunuodiate drawing of the warrant on our Grand Treasurer, and the sending of a draft in favor of your Grand Treasurer. Our committee reported the names of one hundred Masons who had made personal subscriptions of ten dollars each, but this appropriation of Centennial riDemoilal ?3 the Grand Lodge relieves those individual subscribers. The Grand Lodge believed it to be its duty, which it was glad to make effective by this appro- priation. There was not a word against it, but the vote was unanimous in the midst of not a little enthusiasm. As heretofore advised you and your committee, the Grand Lodge of Colorado is enlisted heart and soul in the work which you are doing. Fraternally yours, v E. W. Woodbury, Chairman. Richmond, Va., September 23, 1899. Most Worshipful R. W. Woodbury, Chairman Centennial Committee of Colorado : Dear Sir and Brother — Your favor of the 19th inst. to hand this forc^ noon, containing the good news of your success in securing the endorsement of your Grand Lodge for the $1,000. I have just returned from Washing- ton, where I have negotiated for the banquet and the illustrated programme, and tlie action of Colorado will greatly strengthen tlie committee. * * * Yours fraternally, A. R. Courtney, Chairman Executive Committee. An appendix U) tlie report of the committee to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, 189!), was as follows: Herewith we report a copy of the subscription paper heretofore men- tioned in this report, and the names of one hundred brethren subscribing ten dollars each, as follows: \Miereas, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons of Colorado suggested and initiated proceedings for National Masonic Memorial Exer- 54 ^bc Wlaebinoton flDasonic cisc'S t*) be lieKl on this one liundredth anniversary of the death of Worship fnl Brother George Washington, at Mount Vernon, and which movement has been approved by some fifty Masonic Grand Lodges tliroughout the world ; and at the request of the Grand Lodge of Colorado the Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge of Virginia has undertaken full control of all the ar- rangements therefor; and the movement having assumed such proportions that it will be actively participated in by the President of the United States and many other prominent representative Freemasons from the Old, as well as tic New World, and will likely be one of, if not tlie greatest of events in Masonic history, and tlie Grand Lodge of Colorado being desirous that its bretlireji should generously aid in contributing to tlie expense of carrying out this important undertaking with credit to the Masonic name of the State and the general honor of Masonry, Therefore, Wo, the undersigned, hereby subscribe the sums set opposite our respective names to be used for the purposes above set forth, and will pay the same at tlie call of the committee representing the Grand Lodge of Colorado, to-wit: Roger W. Woodbury, William D. Wright and William D. Todd. Names. Amount. Wolfe Londoner $ 10.00 W. G. Brown 10.00 James H. Blood 10.00 B. L. James 10.00 W. H. Kistler 10.00 Adolph Schinner 10.00 Cromwell Tucker 10.00 Edmund L. Scholtz 10.00 W. F. Robinson 10.00 Arthur E. Jones 10.00 W. S. Cheesman 10.00 Wm. D. Peirce 10.00 Henry Bohm 10.00 George Stidger 10.00 Cooper & Powell 10.00 Centennial flDcniorial 55 Names. Amount. Julius A. Myers $ 10.00 Geo. S. Van Law 10.00 W. A. Marean 10.00 Ed C. Parmelee 10.00 L. N. Greenleaf 10.00 John Chase 10.00 Hubert L. Shattuck 10.0(1 Horace T. DeLong 10.00 Wm. Smedley 10.00 Philip Feldhauser 10.00 I. N. Stevens 10.00 Wm. H. Sanford 10.00 F. Dillingham 10.00 P. J. Sours 1(1.00 Geo. J. Besser 10.00 William Geddes 10.00 Ralph Talbot 10.00 E. C. Shumway 10.00 Melvin Edwards 10.00 Jos. N. Stephens 10.00 J. C. Helm 10.00 F. J. Chamberlin 10.00 Cass E. Herrington 10.00 George C. Norris 10.00 Harry B. Martin 10.00 Jason P. LaBelle 10.00 Benj. F. Harrington 10.00 C. D. Cobb 10.00 C. M. Day 10.00 Earl M. Cranston 10.00 Chas. M. Ford 10.00 Jos. H. Smith 10.00 A. B. McGaffey 10.00 R. W. Steele 10.00 W. W. Dale 10.00 D. K. Lee 10.00 William G. Erans 10.00 Rodney Curtis 10.00 W. W. Booth 10.00 R. A. Kincaid 10.00 A. L. Doud 10.00 Frank Kratzer 10.00 H. C. Woodworth &. Son 10.00 56 ZTbe HClasbinoton fIDasonic Names. Amount. H. M. Orahood $ 10.00 Ernest LeNeve Foster 10.00 Luther H. Wygant, Jr 10.00 Henry Apple 10.00 Frank C. Goudy lO.i Durand C. Packard 10.00 Andrew W. Gillette 10.00 O. B. Scobey 10.00 C. T. Linton 10.00 J. P. Hall 10.00 E. M. Ashley 10.00 R. P. Rollins 10.00 J. J. Walley 10.00 Peter Winnc 10.00 J. H. Montgomery 10.00 Henry P. Steele 10.00 Geo. L. Sites 10.00 James H. Brown 10.00 H. M. Teller 10.00 William B. Greenlee 10.00 Robert S. Roe 10.00 Wm. K. Burchinell 10.00 O. S. Storrs 10.00 Benton Canon 10.00 C. M. Kellogg l'\00 Booth M. Malone 10.00 M. S. Appel 10.00 H. J. Hersey 10.00 Wm. J. Miles 10.00 H. A. Beard 10.00 J. R. Saville 10.00 Frank L. Bishop lO.On John Gregor 10.00 Llewellyn-Rees 10.00 Lewis B. France 10.00 Geo. F. Dunklee 10.00 J. C. Johnston 10.00 H. J. Hernage 1 .00 J. C. Dresser 10.00 Frederick H. Randall 10.00 W. D. Wright 10.00 Roger W. Woodbury 10.00 $1,000.00 Centennial flDemorial 57 After appropriation by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, a postal was mailed to each subscriber in the following terms : Denver, Colo., September 28, 1899. Dear Sir and Brother — The committee of the Grand Lodge of ]\Iasons of Colorado take pleasure in informing you that the Grand Lodge on the 19th instant unanimously appropriated from the Grand Treasury the amount desired for the Washington Memorial Exercises, and esi^ecially thanked the brethren who had made up tlie subscription list, and whose names were duly reported to the Grand Lodge. You are therefore relieved from any liability under said subscription. Fraternallj^ yours, R. W. Woohbury, Chairman. REPORT OF THE COLORADO COMMITTEE 1899. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge : In 1893 the Grand Master recommended this Grand Lodge to consider the initiation of a movement for the holding of national Masonic Memorial Exercises upon the one hundredth anniversary of tlie death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, which took place on the 14th of December, 1799. The committee of the Grand Lodge which reported upon the recom- mendation of the Grand Master, said : "The committee believes that public recognition of the services and character of the great and good has a salutary influence upon the lives of others, particularly the young, stimulating them to emulation, exalting their own efforts, and ennobling their characters. A due observance of the centennial of Washington's death would revive public interest in and disseminate knowledge of, his virtues, and in the pio- neer work of the fathers of the Republic who laid the foundations of our national government. We are taught, as Masons, to be true to the government of the country under which we live; and, in a broader sense than mere loyalty, we ^8 ^bc Masbinoton flDasonic should be true to the principles which underlie its system. These principles were instilled into the American heart by fortitude, prudence, justice, hardship, ad- versity, perseverance, unselfishness and toil, and the best manhood today comes from the same source of strength. As citizens we can not too often present this truth to those who are striving for fame and influence through paths which are less noble; and we can not present it through a grander character than that Master Mason, on whom was bestowed the loving title of 'First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.' Tens of thousands of good men have had their favorable attention directed to Masonry because It embraces principles and truths which were deemed worthy of the loyalty of George Washington, and we are proud that it was so in his day, and is so still. We believe the Grand Lodges of the United States will like to unite for the purpose of doing honor to his memory, and that the proposition thereto will be especially appropriate from the Grand Lodge of the State which was admitted to the American Union on the hundredth anniversary of the independence of the colonies which Washington did so much to secure." The report was unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge and a com- mittee was appointed to initiate the movement among the Grand Lodges of the United States. Aft-er three years of correspondence, taking it to 1S96, so many Grand Lodges had signified their approval and co-oi)eration, that tlie Grand Lodge of Virginia was then formally requested by this Grand Lodge to take charge of all arrangements, which request was fonnally ac- ceded to at the next meeting of tliat Grand Lodge. Its committee is com- posed of a ninnbcr of the ablest men in Masonic, professional and political life in tliat State, and they expect not only that all the Grand Lodges of the L'nited States will be represented at the Memorial, but also a number of foreign jurisdictions. It is expected to be the most general gathering of Grand ^Masters and Representative Masons tliat the world has ever seen. General Washington died at iNfiuint Vernon at twenty minutes past ten o'clock on Saturday, December ^A, ITOO. A Lodge to make arrangements for the funeral was held on the IHth at Alexandria. Centennial fiDemoiial ?9 On the IStli, tlic Masonic fraternity, under escort of the niilitary and citizens of Alexandria, proceeded to Mount Vernon, and formed funeral procession as follows: i The troops, consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery ; clergy, three of whom were members of the Lodge ; tlie General's horse, with saddle, hol- sters and pistols, led by two grooms ; music ; guard ; the body, borne on a bier by four Virginia lieutenants; pallbearers, all officers of the Revolu- tion, and all members of the Lodge No. 22 but one ; the principal mourners ; the corporation of Alexandria; Alexandria Lodge No. 22; Brooks Lodge No. 47 of Alexandria; Federal Lodge No. 15 of Washington. At tlie grave the services of the Episcopal Church were rendered by the clergy and followed by Masonic services by Washington's own Lodge No. 22. Three general volleys were discharged by the infantry, cavalry and eleven pieces of artillery, which lined the baidvs of the Potomac back of the vault. The order of exercises for the Centennial Memorial is as follows: (Here followed the programme as published later in this volume.) In the early part of the present year, our brethren in Virginia were somewhat discouraged over the contribution of funds to carry out the Me- morial Exercises in a manner commensurate with national dignity ; and as our Grand Lodge initiated the movement and placed the responsibility upon Virginia, they requested that we should contribute one thousand dol- lars so as to ensure complete success. As the brethren of Virginia number but a few thousand more than those of our own State, and as the expenses will be several times the amount requested of us, it was at once conceded that they should not be permitted to be unduly burdened by having ac- cepted a responsibility placed upon them by lis. Wc quote from our rejily to the Virginia committee as follows: 6o ^be XKHasbinoton fIDasonic "The committee representing the Grand Lodge of Colorado desires to assure you, as they have heretofore done, that anything deemed necessary from us will be undertaken with cheerfulness and love. Our Grand Master resides several hun- dred miles from Denver, and we shall immediately communicate with him and request his permission to our raising the sum requested of us. • • • Wg antici- pate his willing consent, and have no doubt of our ability to comply with your request." Your Graud Master entered most heartily into the task whicli was placed upon us, and gave us much needed encouragement from time to time. We also consulted with leading brethren relative to the raising of the de- sired amount by subscription, and the consensus of opinion was that the Grand Lodge would consider it a duty, as well as a pleasure and honor, to pay the same from its treasury ; that having originated and carried on the great enterprise for three years, and having requested Virginia to take on itself the further labor and responsibility, and the latter having solicited our financial support, in excess of the pro rata requested of other Grand Jurisdictions because of our initiation of the Memorial, our Grand Lodge would not hesitate a moment in complying, and would not permit indi- vidual brethren to pay the money. There being, however, no authority to so employ our Grand Lodge funds, the committee proceeded to obtain indi- vidual subscriptions, so th;it in the event of the Grand Lodge's refusal, the honor of this Grand Jurisdiction should still be maintained. The commit- tee first sent out by mail requests for contributions, as a test of the efficiency of that method, but the results demonstrated that a personal canvass was necessary. The expense of visiting and canvassing other parts of the State, however, effectually prevented efforts for an equal distribution throughout the jurisdiction, and so the committee felt obliged to confine their canvass to the City of Denver. It is well known that soliciting committees are al- ways out, in Denvei-, on all kinds of missions, and Masons contribute their share to them all ; but we could appeal to our Masonic brethren only, and we Centennial flDemorial 6i feel that their response is deserving of more than ordinary commendation from the Grand Lodge which they so graciously served. There is no doubt that the brethren of all parts of the State would have responded with equal generosity, but as personal explanation of the facts was always necessary, at greater or less length, it was, as before stated, impracticable to reach them without large expense, to say nothing of the additional time that would have been required for your committee. We think it proper to re- port the names of the subscribers in full, and it is with some pride that we are able to report that we met with no positive refusals in obtaining one hundred subscribers of ten dollars each. Most of these were made upon the statement by your committee (after correspondence with the Grand Master), that they would only be called in, in case of the refusal of the Grand Lodge to malce the appropriation, and that tlie committee believed such appropriation would be made. This entire enterprise is in the name of our beloved Grand Lodge. No individual, except he who may become your Grand Master for tlie ensu- ing year, and who has been assigned by our Virginia brethren to divide the honors of oratory with the President of the United States, can receive any personal honor. It all belongs to the Grand Lodge of the State that was admitted to the American Union on the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence which Washington made effective. And so your committee believes, after conference with many of your members, that it will be entirely foreign to your wishes to use any of the subscriptions that have been made, and that you will prefer to stand shoulder to shoulder with old Virginia, not niggardly as if it was an ordinary event, but grandly, nobly and with generous self-respect, by unanimously appropri- ating the amount from the general treasury. So believing, we recommend the adoption of the following resolution : 62 Zbc Maablnflton flPagontc ' "Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be, and hereby is, directed to draw a warrant upon the Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer for the sum of $1,000, and that a draft for that amount be immediately forwarded to the Treasurer of the Commit- tee of Arrangements at Richmond, and that such personal subscriptions as have been paid in, be returned by the Grand Secretary to the subscribers, with the thanks of this Grand Lodge for the same." In a former report by this committee it was recommended and the Grand J.odge voted, tliat all the Ix)dges in tliis Jurisdiction be requested to arrange for local Memorial Exercises on the anniversary of Worshipful Brother Washington's death. During the present year your Grand Master requested this committee •to suggest at tins annual Grand Communication a stiitable programme or order of exercises for use in whole or in part by the Subordinate Lodges. In accordance with that report, after availing themselves of valuable sug- gestions from the Grand Master himself, the conunittee presents the fol- lowing to be interspersed with such music as may be arranged by the Lodges : That where tJiere is more than one Lodge in any town or city, the brethren all unite in the exercises. That they be held on tlie day or evening of the 1-ith of December next, the anniversary of General Washington's death. That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be requested to issue gen- eral authority to all Lodges tliat may wish to avail themselves of the same, to hold their exercises in any public hall, to be attended by the public, and to march in procession thereto. That the flag of our country, draped Avith crape, be displayed in every Lodge room or public hall used by the Lodges during the ^lemorial Exer- cises. The reading of an account of Washington's last illness, from the dairy of his secretary, published in McClure's Magazine of February, 1898. Centennial flDemorial 63 The reading of a jjersonal letter to the Lodges of Colorado, from the Worshipful Master of Alexandria- Washington Lodge, of which Washing- ton was the first Master under its Virginia charter, which letter iucludes an account of Washington's Masonic life. An address upon the early influence of Masonry on the development of the American idea of the equality of men, as expressed in the Declara- tion of Lidependence, and its culmination in the Independence of the American Colonies. An address on the i>ei'sonal character and public services of Wash- ington. The reading of Washington's "Farewell Address." We recommend tliat the foregoing programme be printed in circular form, without unnecessary delay, and copies thereof be forwarded by the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary to each Lodge in this Jurisdiction ; and that the letter of the Worshipful Master of Alexandi-ia-Washington Lodge be printed in separate form, and forwarded for reading at each Lodge. This letter is of especial interest, first, because coming from a brother who occupies the East, where Washington once presided, it seems to bridge the chasm of time that has elapsed since he sat with his brethren ; and second, because it includes an interesting account of the leading events of his Ma- sonic life, of the present condition of the Bible on which he was obligated, the chair iu which he presided, and other priceless i-elics of his connection with Freemasonry. This letter was prepared by the Master of that Lodge at our request, for the purpose of being used by our Lodges as herein rec- ommended. We consider that the holding of local Memorial Exercises in all the Lodges of the United States will be of equal or even greater effect, in re- viving public interest iu the virtues of our great countr\anan, as the na- tional exercises at Mount Vernon; and to foster such exercises in other 64 Cbe Masbinflton flDasonic Jurisdictions, we recommend that the Grand Secretary be instructed to for- ward copies of this programme in advance of our regular proceedings, to tlie Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries of all Grand Lodges with which we are in correspondence. We further recommend that the proceedings of this annual Grand Communication contain a memorial page as a frontispiece, with the fol- lowing inscription : TO THE MEMORY of WORSHIPFUL BROTHER GEORGE WASHINGTON. Inscribed on the Centennial of His Death by the M. W. Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of tlie State of Colorado ; Which was admitted to the Union of States on the Centennial of the Declaration of Independence, Which was made effective by WASHINGTON, Through his practice of tlie various MASONIC VIRTUES. I Centennial flDemorial 65 This comnuttee has had a copy made of its correspondence, which with the original letters to it, and the reports and circulars that have ema- nated from Colorado and Virginia, compose an historical account of the movement from its inception in 1893, and all these have been bound into a volume for preservation. This volume, which will develop historical interest and value, we will now deliver to the Grand Secretary. In conclusion, Most Worshipful Grand Master and brethren, after six years of service upon this most interesting subject, your committee de- sires to briefly trench upon the realms of prophecy : The proposed Memorial Exercises at Mount Vernon and in all the Lodges of the United States, will constitute tlie most prominent feature in all the daily papers of the country upon the succeeding day. Millions of people will be brought into close knowledge and sympathy with the gov- erning principles of our forefathers; and their sentiments will be favor- ably turned to Masomy, as something which Washington and his patriotic contemjx)raries loved, and found worthy of their own connection with. Greater than any mere prosperity to the fraternity itself, will develop a popular perception, now scarcely recognized, of the intimate relations ex- isting between Masonry and the pi'ogress of the woi'ld. The action of our Grand Lodge in initiating this Memorial will long appear in its history as the most beautiful jewel that sparkles in a crown. It will result in the observance of the anniversary upon each centennial re- currence, not only by the Masonic fraternity of our o-wn country, but in time by the whole world. The early Masonic Lodge which inculcated the brotherhood of man, schooled the colonial leaders to build a nation founded on equal rights, and when the memorial volume of this centennial shall be perused by our brethren in formulating their exercises one hundred 66 ZTbc ItUladbinaton HDasonic years from now, there will tlien be no part of the inhabited world unci\nl- ized; and the ideas of our colonial Masons will have become so universal that men of all nations will deem it a privilege to journey to Mount Ver^ non to do Masonic honor to the Memory of the First American. Roger W. Woodbury, William D. Wrioiit, William D. Todd, Committee. 1 I HENllV M. Tlii^LKU, Past Grand Master of Colorado. Siu'cial Ucpresi'iitative to Washington Centennial Meniot-jal l-'xei-cises. Mount Vernon. December Mth. isna. Exercises at Mount Vernon ALPHUNSK A. UlllNAN'D. Grand Master of Ciiliirad.). 1S9S. Who Di'livered One of the Three Addresses at Mount Vernon, December H, 1S99. Centennial flDeniorial 69 Exercises at Mount Vernon, GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS AT ALEXANDRIA. At the annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia, held at Alexandria, Va., December 13, 1899, the evening preceding the exercises at Mount Vernon, officers from all Grand Jurisdictions were called upon for remarks. Grand Master A. A. Burnand of Colorado was inti'oduced, received with grand honors, and spoke as follows: Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Virginia: It gives me great pleasure to meet with you upon this occasion, because of the joy one must feel in visiting a sister Grand Jurisdiction, engaged in the great work of spreading the cement of brotherly love, and because of the opportunity it affords me to thank you on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Colorado for the special mark of honor assigned to our Jurisdiction in to-morrow's Memorial Exercises. In accept- ing the kind and fraternal distinction, I said to your Grand Master that I fully appre- ciate the reason why we were selected for special honors; that I was also mindful of the fact that, had the idea not originated with Colorado, it would have pre- sented itself to your own or some other Jurisdiction long before December 14, 1S99. Above all things. Masons love constancy and fidelity of purpose, inflexible courage, tempered with charity, sacrifices made in the interest of a common hu- manity. In all these virtues, who pointed the way like unto Washington? It is for these reasons that I said that had the idea not been presented by Colorado, it would have been by some other Grand Lodge, for Masons do not forget their dead, especially those who, like our brother, willingly ventured their all for the common good when duty called. And this at a time when failure meant the loss of all real and personal property, civil rights, and life itself. I can not conceive that the centenary of his death would have passed without national observance: for, though 70 (Ebe Masblnoton flDaeonic childless himself, the country loves to call him father. The honor which your kindness conferred upon our Jurisdiction is doubly appreciated, inasmuch as it was entirely unexpected, for I assure you that the brother who first spoke the word which has resulted in this great patriotic gathering of Freemasons from the East, the West, the North and South, did it purely out of love for country and its greatest man. Realizing that you are all desirous of seeing and hearing from this brother, I trust your Most Worshipful Grand Master will at some time during the evening call upon Most Worshipful Brother Roger W. Woodbury, and I gladly resign to him such further time as may be allotted to Colorado. Let me again assure you that I feel greatly honored in visiting the Grand Lodge of that great Commonwealth which nurtured, maintained and honored our Washington. GENERAL ORDERS. Headqdakters of Grand Mabsiial. Enr.iTT House, Washington, D. C, December 8, 1899. I. The undersigned, having been appointed by the Grand Master of Virginia as Grand Marshal, to conduct the ceremonies commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Worshipful George Washing- ton, December 14, 1899, as.sumes command and announces, for the infor- mation of all concerned, the following appointments : Aides. James Parke Corbin, Fredericksburg. Va. S. K. Donohoe, Fairfax County, Va. Harry Hodges, Norfolk, Va. Edi;ar Warfield. Alexandria, Va. Edward S. Conrad, Harrisonburg, Va. William H. Sands, Kiehmond, Va. II. The following are the orders for the organization, movement, and dismissal of Masonic bodies participating in these ceremonies: Centennial flDemorial 7> III. Master Masons of the District of Cohmibia, except Federal Lodge JSTo. 1, will form line on tlie west side of Fourteenth street, facing east, between Pennsylvania avenue and F street N. W., right resting on Pennsylvania avenue. IV. All visiting Master Masons in the District of Columbia will as- semble at 8 o'clock a. m., and form line on the east side of Fourteenth street, facing west, between Pennsylvania avenue and F street iST. W., right resting on F street. V. Federal Lodge No. 1, of Washington, D. C, will fonu line on the south side of F street, facing north, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets N. W., right of line resting on Fourteenth street, and will be re- ported to the Grand Marshal for assignment to position. VI. Grand Masters and Representatives of Grand Lodges of juris- dictions outside of the District of Cohunbia will be ready to take carriages at 8 o'clock a. m. at the F street entrance of the Ebbitt House; carriages will be formed in columns of twos on Fourteenth street facing south, be- tween F street and Pennsylvania avenue, head of column resting on Penn- sylvania avenue. VII. Officers of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, under charge of the Grand Marshal, will assemble at Masonic Temple, prepared to take carriages at 8 o'clock a. m., and follow in rear of the carriages of the visiting Grand Masters and Representatives of Grand Lodges of Juris- dictions outside of the District of Columbia. VIII. As thus organized, this column, in the order above mentioned, will proceed by way of Fourteenth street to Pennsylvania avenue, to Sev- enth street, thence to the wharf of the Mount Venion and Marshall Hall Steamboat Company, where they will go aboard the steamer for conveyance to Mount Vernon. 72 ^be TRIlaebiiuiton flDasonic IX. The Grand Lodge of Virginia will form on King street, in the city of Alexandria, Thursday, Poceniber 14, 1S99, at 9 o'clock a. m., the head of the column at tlie opera house, and in order, from front to rear, as follows : Master Masons. Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4. Oflicei-s of the Grand Lodge of the State of Virginia. Grand Master of Virginia. The column will proceed to the landing of the Mount Vernon and Marshall Hall Steamboat Company, wheiv thoy will go aboard the steamer for conveyance t*> Moimt Vernon. X. In order that the column at Mount Vernon may be organized as indicated below, it will lx> necessary that the steamer conveying Masons from tlu> District of Columbia make the tirst landing at Mount Vernon wliarf. The steamer conveying the Masons from Virginia will remain at tJie wharf to embark the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which will be tlie first t-o tiike steamer at the close of tlie ceremonies. XT. On disembarking at Mount Vernon wharf, the procession will be formed in the following order: Third United States Cavalry Band. Grand Tiler of tlie Grand Lodge of Virginia. blaster ^fasons of the District of Columbia. Visiting Master Masons. Master Masons of Virginia. Federal Lodge No. 1 of Washington. D. C. Fredericksburg Lodge Xo. 4, of FrtHlericksburg, Va. Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, of Alexandria. Va. Grand ifastors. Grand Officers. Centennial fIDemorfal 73 Grand Representatives of Jurisdictions outside of the District of Columbia. Officers of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Officers of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Grand Master of Virginia. XII. The procession as thus formed will then move by way of the Mansion, where the President of the United States will enter the column, when the line of the funeral procession of one hundred years ago will be followed. On arriving at the old vault, the ranks will be opened, facing inward, and the Grand Master of Virginia and invited guests — Alexandria- Washington Lodge No. 22, Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 and Federal Lodge No. 1 — will pass between the ranks which will then be closed. The Grand Master of Colorado will make his address from a platform at the old vault, after which tlie procession will again form, with tlie Grand Master of Virginia, Grand Officers, and invited guests, together with the three Lodges named, leading, and proceed to the present tomb — the Grand Mas- ter of Virginia and other Grand Officers taking a position in front of the tomb as assigiied by programme of Grand Lodge of Virginia ; Alexandria- Washington Lodge No. 22 on right, Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 on left, and Federal Lodge No. 1 in rear of Grand Master of Virginia. Ranks will again be opened, facing inward, and the Master Masons in rear will then move forward between these ranks, thus reversing tlie column, and will thence move in circle to the right around the tomb enclosing the Masonic bodies above mentioned. After the ceremonies at the present tomb the procession will again be formed and proceed in the original order to the Mansion, where the Presi- dent of the United States will make an address, after introduction by the Grand Master of Virsjinia. 74 ^be Masbinflton fIDasonic y XIII. At the conclusion of the President's address the column will again be formed and will proceed in the original order to the wharf, ^^^len the head of the column arrives near the wharf the column will be halted, ranks opened facing inward, and the Grand Master of Virginia, officers of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, Alexandria-Washington Lodge Xo. 22 of Alexandria, Va., Fredericksburg Lodge Xo. 4, of Fredericksburg. Va., and the Master Masons of Virginia, in the order named, will pass through the ranks and proceed aboard the steamer for conveyance to and dismissal at the original place of assembly. XIV. The above embarkation having been accomplished, the corre- sponding bodies from the District of Columbia, beginning from the rear, will pass between the remaining open ranks and take steamer for ^Vash- ington, D. C, where the column will be formed in its original order and proceed through the same streets to original place of assembly, where it will be dismissed without formal orders. 1. At Fort Washington a gun will be fired every half hour beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset. 2. As the procession moves into Mount Vernon grounds, a platoon of Light Battery M, 7th U. S. Artillery, from Washington Barracks, will fire twenty-one minute guns. 3. At the conclusion of ceremonies at the new tomb, the firing party, composed of a detachment from Battery A, 4th U. S. Artillery, Fort Hunt, Va.. will fire tliree volleys. 4. At the conclusion of the Pi-esident"s address, twenty-one guns will be fired by the L. S. S. Sylph, anchored in the river. 5. Taps will be sounded. Grand Masters, officers of Grand Lodges and Representatives of Grand Lodges will wear their official clothing and jewels. Centennial flDemorial 7? Master Masons must be properly clothed — black clothes, black hat, white apron and white gloves. The apron to be worn outside the coat. Grand Masters, Grand Officers and Grand Representatives of Grand Lodges outside of the State of Virginia and the District of Columbia will report to the Grand Marshal at the Ebbitt House, Washington, D. C, upon their arrival in the city, to register and report the number of Master Ma- sons accompanying them, and to receive information and instructions. Aides and Assistant Aides assigned for duty in Alexandria, Va., will report to Grand Marshal at headquarters in Alexandria, at 8 :30 a. m., December 14. Aides and Assistant Aides assigned for duty in Washington, D. C, will report to the Grand Marshal at headquarters, Ebbitt House, at 7 :30 a. m., December 14. Space has been reserved, during the ceremonies, on the grounds at Mount Vernon for the wives and daughters of Master Masons. Admis- sion to same by card to be obtained only of the Grand Marshal at Ebbitt House, December 12 and 13. Arrangements have been made for the accommodation of the press, and cards of admission within the lines will be issued by the Grand INTar- shal, at the Ebbitt House, December 12 and 13. Master Masons (and ladies accompanying them) must secure trans- lx)rtation to Mount Vernon prior to the morning of the 14th, at the follow- ing places: Grand Opera House, Alexandria, Va. ; Masonic Temple, Wash- ington, D. C. ; Headquarters Grand Marshal, Ebbitt House, Washington, D. C. RoBT. White, Official: Grand Marshal. Haeky Standiford, Assistant Grand Marshal. 76 Cbc Ma?binoton ni>a£>on(c PROGRAMME. The Grand Mastei-s ami ropvosontatives of the several jurisdictions attending tJie Centennial Ceremonies, and all other Masons desiring to par- ticipate will, on December 14, 1899, leave Washington, D. C, for Mount \ornon, at 9:30 a. m., in steamere engaged by tJie committee for that pur- ]Kiso and touch at Alexandria, for the Grand Lodge of Virginia and their families, arriving at Mount Vernon about 11 o'clock a. m. The procession and entire ceremonies will bo in charge of the following officers: Colonel Robert Whit*?, of \Mieeling, W. Va.. Grand Marshal; Harrv Standiford, of Washington, IX C, Assistj\nt (ivaud ^larslial. Aides — James Parke Corbin, of Fredericksburg, Va. ; S. R. Donohoe, of Fairfax Countv, Va. ; Edgar Warfield, Sr., of Alexandria, Va. ; Edward S. Conrad, of Harri- sonburg, Va. ; William II. Sands, of Richmond. Va. ; TIarrv Ilodges, of Norfolk, Va. At Mount Vernon the Masonic bodies will form together with die in- vited guests on the east side of the Mansion and proceed to the old vault, by the same patli and in tlie same order in which the procession was fonned and moved on the day of Greneral Washington's funeral, December IS, 1799. At the old vault the services will be conducted as follows : Solenm dirge by the band. Prayer by Brother, the Right Rev. A. M. Randolph, Bishop of the Sontlieni Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Music bv an octettei from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Addi-ess by the Grand Master of Masons of Colorado. After the address of the Graiul Master of Colorado, at the old vault, the procession will nu\rch to the t^uub in which are now dejxisited the re- mains of Washington. The Grand Mastei-s of the thirteen original St^ites (or their represen- tatives) will then st^uul in a line in front of the tomb, facing out, TIu^ Centennial flDemorial 77 Grand Masters of other States and Foreign Jurisdictions (or their repre- sentatives) in a half circle facing them. The Grand Lodge and other brethren in a circle around the tomb, joining hands. After prayer by the Grand Chaplain the Grand Master of Virginia will then say: My brethren, one hundred years ago the Supreme Architect of the Universe removed from the terrestrial to the celestial Lodge our brother, George Washington. About his tomb we assemble to-day in our character as Masons to testify tliat time has not weakened our veneration for his memory, nor years brought forgetfulness of his virtues. From the East and West, from the North and South, from the Isles of the Sea, Masons have come to-day to mark the first century of his departure from earth to Heaven. My brother, the Grand Master of Massachusetts, what message do you bring us to-day ? Grand Master of Massachusetts : From the Commonwealth where Lex- ington and Concord and Bunker Hill were fought; from the Cradle of American Freedom, I bring greetings of veneration and respect, and a wreath of leaves from the elm under which he took command of the armies of freedom. Washington and Adams and Warren sleep, but liberty is yet awake. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Rhode Island, have you a message for us ? Grand Master of Rhode Island: From the Old Plantations I bring you a greeting to the immortal memory of our greatest dead. Great men die, but great principles are eternal. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Connec- ticut, what is your message? 78 ^be Masblnoton flDasonic Grand Master of Connecticut: The same blood runs in the veins of those who made tlie oak the treasure hoiise of their charter. The spirits of Roger Sherman and Israel Putnam hail that of their great compatriot. Hail — never to say farewell ! Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of New Hampshire, we await your message. Grand Master of Xew Hampshire : Of old sat Freedom on the heights ; her dwelling place is with us yet The land of Stark greets these ashes as the Temple in which once dwelt the Father of American Freedom. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Xew York, what greeting do you give us ? Grand Master of Xew York : The Empire State hails the memory of him who might have been king, and would not- The land of Hamilton, his councillor; of Jay, his Chief Justice, brings to his memory love and veneration. Grand Master of Virginia: My brother, the Grand Master of Xew Jersey, have you a message ? Grand Master of Xew Jersey: Monmouth and Trenton and Prince- ton knew him. Valley Forge yet remembers his prayers, and the endur- ance of the heroes whom he led. The soul-stirring peals of the bell which proclaimed Liberty from its tower in Philadelphia, the birthplace of Inde- pendence, are still sounding through our land testimonials that the mem- ory of Washington is imperishable. Xo Commonwealth cherishes more faithfully his illustrious name. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Dela- ware, have you a message I Grand Master of Delaware: Where is the Commonwealth in whose borders he is not reverenced ? I bring you to-day the love and veneration of my people, as true now as in 1776. Centennial flDemorial 79 Grand Master of Virginia: My brother, the Grand Master of Mary- land, your greeting ? Grand Master of Maryland : From the mountains to the Chesapeake his fame dwells secure. But a river divides his birthplace and his tomb from our Commonwealth. All the seas could not divide us from our love and admiration of his memory. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of North Carolina, what testimonial do you bring ? Grand Master of North Carolina: His memory is as green to-day as the verdure of our pine trees. His fame as enduring as our everlasting hills. Cowpens, and King's Mountain and Guilford. We brought him these. We bring him to-day tlie love of sons as faithful as their sires. Grand Master of Virginia: My brother, the Grand Master of South Carolina, what say you ? Grand Master of South Carolina: Sumter and Jasper and Marion were ours. Washington was no less ours, for he made their victories com- plete. I bring you this palmetto for your wreath. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Georgia, your message ? Grand Ma.ster of Georgia: Last, but not least of the thirteen! Pu- laski's blood enriched our soil ! Washington was ours as he was yours. Peace to these ashes and peace to the land he loved. All of the Grand Masters : Enlighten us with Thy Light everlasting, Oh, Father ; and grant unto us perpetual jjeace. The Craft : So mote it be. Amen. Grand Master of Virginia : My brother, the Grand Master of Maine, what say yoii ? Grand Master of Maine: The granite hills shall perish before the memory of his greatness shall pass away. We yield to no Commonwealth in our love for Washington. 8o (ibc "WHasbinoton fiDasonic Grand Master of Virginia : What says the South ? The Grand Masters of Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Ala- bama and Tennessee in union : Pine trees and palnis ; broad prairies and sa- vannahs ; the Mighty Father of Waters. All these knew of his greatness ; all these claim him as tlie Father of tlieir Liberties. Grand Master of Virginia : What say the States once part of old Vir- ginia — Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia i Grand Masters in union: Masons throughout our mountains, valleys and prairies honor and revere the memory of (Jeorge Washington, and bow around his tomb in gratitude for his services to the land he loved, and to the cause of Masonry to whicli he devoted his earliest and latest manhood. Grand Master of Virginia : ^Miat savs the West ? The Grand Masters from all the Western States, in union: We, too, are children of the Father of His Country. Here we proclaim our love for his memory and thankfulness for his life. Grand Master of Virginia : The Nortli, the South, the East, and the West have spoken. J>ut Washington belongs not to any one clime or people. What say you, my brethren of other lands ? Lands foreign the cowan may call you, but in the name of Masonry, I hail you as our own. Grand blaster of England (or his representative) here makes such re- sponse as he may deem best, followed by responses from other Jurisdictions outside of the United States. The Grand Masters (or their representatives) and the Craft then re- peat in alternate verse the following: Grand Masters: Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place from one generation to another. The Craft: Before the mountains were brought forth or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting. Thou art God. I i Centennial flDemovial 8i Grand Masters : For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yester- day when it is past and as a watch in the night. The Craft : For we are consumed by Thy anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. Grand Masters : The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. The Craft : He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. Grand Masters: As far as the East is from the West so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. The Craft : As for man, his days are as grass, as the flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Grand Masters : For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more. The Craft: But the mercy of the Lord is from Everlasting to Ever- lasting upon them that fear Him and His righteousness unto children's children. Grand Masters : The faithful are minished from the earth. The Craft : But the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. Grand Masters : Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. The Craft : The Lord knoweth the days of the upright ; and their in- heritance shall be forever. Grand Masters : \Vlio hath raised up the righteous man from the East, called him to His foot, gave the nations before him and made him rule over kings ? Wlio gave them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow? The Craft: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Grand Masters : So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 82 Zbc Masbinflton flDasonic The Craft: Oh. satisfy us early with Thy mercy that we may rejoice aiiil bo ghul all our days. Grand AEasters: Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants and Thy glory unto their children. The Craft: And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands uix>n us ; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. The Grand blaster of the District of Columbia (representing the At- lantic States) : This lambskin or white leather apron is an emblem of inuo- Ct'uce and the time-honored badge of a Free and Accepted Mason. Kings have not disdained it; princes have been proud to wear it. Washington wore it, aiid its spotless form lay upon his coffin a century ago. I deposit it here in remembrance of this beloved brothei- — a workman who in no re- sjiect was ever unworthy of his work. The Grand ^Faster of Missouri ( repi-esenting the Central States): This glove is a token of friendship. I dejKvsit it here as an evidence that death only breaks the handclasp. The tie which binds the heart of man to the heart of man remains unbroken forever and forever. The Grand Master of California (representing the Western States) : This evergreen is an emblem of the Masonic faitli in the resurrection of the body and the immortality of the soul. I deposit it here in the confidence of a certain faith, in the reasonable religious and holy hojx" that the dead body eueoffinetl here will at the last day arise a glorious form to meet our Grod. To whom be glory and honor and power and majesty and might and dominion now and for evermore. The Craft : Amen ! All of the Grand blasters : Oh, Death, where is thy sting ? The Craft : Oh. Grave, where is thv victorv i 3 2 a » c 3 •„ 3 a X Centennial fiDemorial 83 The Grand Masters then dei^osit their wreaths or evergreens and the Craft slowly march past the tomb, depositing the evergreens. After which the brethren will proceed to the Mansion, where Brother William McKinley, after being appropriately introduced by tlie Grand Master of Virginia, will deliver an address, and the ceremonies at Mount Vernon will be closed with an appropriate benediction by Brother Ed. TST. Calisch, rabbi of Beth Ahaba Synagogue, Kichmond, Va. The Masons and their families will then return to Washington on the steamers, and from 9 to 11 o'clock that night a reception will be held at Willard's Hotel, comer Pennsylvania avenue and Fourteenth street, by the Grand Masters and other distinguished Masons who will be present, includ- ing, as we hope, President McKinley. Wliile the reception is going on in the spacious parlors of Old Willard's, on the upper floor, a buffet banquet will be spread in the grand dining room below, of which guests may par- take at their pleasure. Upon the retirement of the guests and the receiving party on this oc- casion will end the ceremonies of the one himdredth anniversary of the death of the grandest man the world has ever produced, and a devoted Ma- son from his manhood to his grave. GRAND MASTER BURNAND'S ADDRESS AT MOUNT VERNON. Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Mr. President and Brethren: We have assembled to-day from every part of our great land in the character of Freemasons, not for ostentatious display, but to offer to the memory of our Brother a renewal of that heartfelt homage and sincere tribute of reverance and affection which our brethren and countrymen felt, when one hundred years ago, they laid him to rest in that peace which the world can neither give nor take away. Love and admiration are due from 84 ttbe Masbinfiton fiDasonic us, not only as Freemasons, but as citizens of this great republic, for whose liberty .iiid life he gave those years which are usually devoted by men to the pursuit of personal interest. The revolution was the development in America of the old spirit of the Commons of England, protesting, resisting, and tlien fighting for their reasonable rights. From the extreme north to the extreme Soutli, Liberty became the watchword of patriots. Its cradle was rocked at Lexington, and it inatured in Philadelphia, when the old bell proclaimed tlio birtii and iii(li'j)endence of a iialidii. Thrilling as arc all these memories, they pale at the thought that the embodiiiiont of all Colo- nial courage, skill, wisdom, hope and resolve lies buried here. Here silently rests that grand personality, that reserved force, that unmatched courage and individiudity which made a possibility a reality, and in spite of adversity, defeat, internal dissensions and a cabal, gave a glorious name and honored grave to every officer and soldier of the Continentiil .Vrmy. That our brother would have been a great and good man under any cir- cumstances, the whole world knows, for I believe man is born great. Lie may see the light of day in an obscure house, in an unknown hamlet, his early life may offer opportunity but for the simplest education, but the un- erring hand of destiny will guide him over all obstacles until he reaches the niche of fame intended for him. Thus our brother was one of those rare beings whom God places among his people on occasions as beacons to diffuse His light uixui the path of hu- man progress. Our country has had, has now, and will continue to have, great men, but I believe God intended but one Washington, as he intended but one Lincoln. Each was unique in his place and viewed in the light of the present day each seems to have been created for his particular sphere. We know tlu> teachings of our Craft had nevertheless more or less influence upon Washington's life. He was initiated at an age when tlie mind is easily impressed, when ideas have not become fixed, when youth merges Centennial nDemorial 85 into manhood and young manhood is inspired with noble and beautiful re- solves. It would indeed be strange if the time honored and tried tenets of Masonry had not left lasting impressions upon his well ordered mind. I hold it impossible for a sincere upright man to receive the degrees of Free- masonry and not emerge with a broader view of his purpose upon earth. The maxim that all men are created equal is of greater antiquity than the Declaration of Independence, and it was instilled into the hearts of Free- masons for generations before that immortal manifesto was published ; and so we may be assured that the beautiful lessons and sublime truths taught by Freemasonry exerted great influence in the development of those quali- ties which made Washington the friend and counsellor of tlie people and enabled him during forty years of public life to deal justly and equitably by all. They gave him strength during the dark hours of Brandywine and Germantown, and endowed him with fortitude for the awful days of Valley Forge; for the faitliful Mason maintains his trust in God and his faith in the ultimate triumj:)h of right over might. There is a shrine in every land from which radiates an infinity of gos- samer threads of tenderness ; and here at Mount Vernon, the place of Wash- ington's repose, is the Mecca that appeals to Americans. It is the cradle of Patriotism, the soul of solemnity, the fountain of inspiration. No American education is finished until this tomb has been visited. No father who loves his boy and hopes to see his name enrolled among the wise and virtuous of his countrymen, dare forget the priceless resolves that here have birth. No man is equipped to do duty as a legislator or even as a voter, who has not bared his head before tliis tomb, and received the inspi- ration that thrills the soul. Here, too, is the one place above all others for introspection. Here the conscience should be no stranger but a famil- iar friend. Here, too, should be reviewed the history of our land — its vic- tories and its errors, from the work laid OTit by this immortal chief and 86 ^bc Masbinoton flDasonic carried on :it his deatJi by his compatriots, and tlien by sons nurtured of the same stock, each striving for the best interest of the principles annunciated in 1776 to the culmination of the war of humanity in 1898, when the last stains of despotism and oppression were wijwd out in the Western Hemis- phere with the blood of the !N'ation's sons. Unliappily there are many who subvert great principles conceived in the interest of humanity to gratify personal ambition and aggrandizement. Such individual or parties not only lose sight of the lessons taught by the Fathers of American Freedom, that the noblest motive should ever be the public good, but they also advance us one step towards skepticism, which is always fraught with danger, for when men lose faith in God they also lose faith in themselves, and if that time should ever arrive, which God forbid, then farewell thou dear land of liberty, tJie home of the free and the brave, land of Washington and his confreres, now sepulchre of all their hopes and ambitions. Bretliren, I wish we could all carry with us from this place a patriotism, love of country and fellowTuan, which would enable lis to al- ways place our country's interest in the van of our own, a trait which would elevate us upon a plane far above that of we^alth. social ambition or political glory. Let us tlien on the eve of the Twentieth Century. uix>n this gi-ound sanctified by the memory and ashes of that great man and brother who left his impression upon the world for all time, resolve to imitate his unselfish example and so leave our children that richest of endoAvments, a life devoted to God, country and home. Let us consider our mortal existence as a pro- bation, a step, a trial for a more perfect one. Just what that is, need not disturb us, for if we follow the teachings of our Great Light and fulfill our duty to God and man we can safely le^ive the hereafter in the hands of Him who has ever blessed our efforts and prospered us as a nation. We are born for greater destinies than those of earth, and unlike our ancient brethren, we build not of things material, but spiritual. The house Centennial flDemorlal 87 which we are erecting will stiiiid to the end of time, but the two great pil- lars of our Craft, the one truth, the other brotherly love, must be grounded upon this life, and if we continue as the builders of old, animated by the same spirit which pi-ompted them, no doubt but that the great crowning arch of our fraternity, Cliarity, will be lost in Heaven and the cope stone placed therein by the Heavenly Host. The State I represent lies among the pine-clad hills and snow-capped mountains of our great country, and within the memory of man some of our national legislators offered a prayer of thanksgiving to the Almighty for placing the mountains there, projwsed drawing a line along the ridge mark- i:ig the western limits of the republic, and upon the highest peak thereof wished they to erect a statue to the fabled God Terminus, never to be pulled do\vii. And to-day we also thank God for jilacing the "stony mountains" there, for by the jjerseverance, pluck and endurance displayed by the pio- neers of forty years ago, among the first and foremost of whom were many of our brethren, tliis uninviting portion of our public domain has been ti'ansformed into the chief treasure house of the nation, as well as into a beautiful commonwealth, and was admitted to our great Union of States on the one hundredth anniversary of the independence of tlie colonies, which our brother did so much to foster and secure. From there T bring you upon this occasion the greeting and this immortelle, from a Community of our brotherhood whose love for country and our illustrious great brother is as pure and immutable as the eternal snows which envelop their moun- tain.s. And now let me close with the words of one of our immortals: "Lord of the TTniverse! shield us and guide us. Trusting Thee always, through shadow and sun. Thou hast united us, who shall divide us ? Keep us, oh keep us, the many in one." 88 Zl)c Masbinoton flDasonic ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT BROTHER WILLIAM McKINLEY AT MOUNT VERNON. We have just participated in a service commemorative of the one hun- dredth anniversary of the death of George Washington. Here at his old home, which he loved so well, and which the patriotic women of the country have guarded with loving hands, exercises are conducted under the auspices of the great fraternity of Masons, which a century ago planned and exe- cuted the solemn ceremonial which attended the Father of His Country to his tomb. The Lodge in which he was initiated and the one over which he afterward presided as Worshipful Master, accorded positions of honor at his obsequies, are to-day represented here in token of profound respect to the memory of their most illustrious member and beloved brother. Masons throughout the United States testify anew their reverence for the name of Washington and the inspiring example of" his life. Distin- guished representatives are here from all the Grand Lodges of the country to render the ceremonies as dignified and impressive as possible, and most cordial greetings have come from across our borders and from beyond the sea. Not alone in this country, but throughout the world, have Masons taken especial interest in the observance of this Centennial Anniversary. The fraternity justly claims the immortal patriot as one of its members; the whole human family acknowledges him as one of its greatest benefac- tors. Public bodies, patriotic societies and other organizations, our citi- zens everywhere, have esteemed it a privilege to-day to pay their tribute to his memory and to the splendor of his achievements in the advancement of justice and liberty among men. "His fair fame, secure in its immortality, shall shine through countless ages with undiminished luster." The struggling Republic for which Washington was williuff to give his life and for which lie ever freely spent his fortune, and whicli at nil times a 2 ^^1 O -^ *T" ^ m S ^ i 3 H 2 - O ■■" ^ I I Centennial flDemorial 89 was the object of his most earnest solicitude, has steadily and wonderfully developed along the lines which his sagacity and foresight carefully planned. It has stood every trial, aud at the dawn of a new century is stronger than ever to carry forward its mission of liberty. During all the intervening years it has been true, forever true, to the precejjts of the Con- stitution which he and his illustrious colleagues framed for its guidance and government. He was the national architect, says Bancroft, the his- torian, and but for him the nation could not have achieved its independence, could not have formed its union, could not have put the Federal Govern- ment into operation. He had neither precedent nor predecessor. His work was original and constructive and has successfully stood the severest tests. He selected the site for the capital of the Eepublic he founded, and gave it tlie name of the Federal City, but the connnission substituted the name of Washington as the more fitting, and to be a perpetual recognition of the services of the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, the president of the convention which framed the Constitution, and the first President of the Republic. More than seventy millions of people acknowl- edge allegiance to the flag which he made triumphant. The nation is his best eulogist and his noblest monument. I have been deeply interested and touched by the sentiments of his con- teni]X)raries, uttered a hundred years ago on the occasion of his death. The Rev. Walter King of Norwich, Conn., in the course of an eloquent eulogy delivered in that city on January 5, 1800, said in part: "By one mighty effort of manly resolution we were born anew, and declared our independence. Now commenced the bloody contest for everything we held dear. The same Almighty Being, by whose guidance we were hitherto conducted, beheld us with compassion, and saw what we needed — a pilot, a leader in the peril- ous enterprise we had undertaken. He called for Washington, already prepared, annointed him as His servant with regal dignity, and put into his hands the control of all our defensive operations. 90 ^bc MasbiiiQton flDasonic "But here admiration suppresses utterance. Your own minds must fill out the active character of the man. A description of the warlike sliill, the profound wis- dom, tlie prudence, the heroism and inteRrity which he displayed in the character of the commander-in-chief would suffer materially in hands like mine. But this I may say — the eyes of all our American Israel were placed upon him as their savior, under the direction of heaven, and they were not disappointed." The Rev. Nathan Strong, pastor of the North Presbyterian (^hureli in Hartford, spoke as follows on December 27, 1799 : "He was as much the angel of peace as of war, as much respected, as deeply reverenced in the political cabinet for a luminous coolness of disposition, whereby party jealoiisy became enlightened and ashamed of itself, as he was for a coolness of couimand in the dreadful moment when empires hung suspended on the fate of battle. His opinions became the opinions of the public body, and every man was pleased with himself when he found he thought like Washington. "Under the auspices of this great warrior, who was formed by the providence of God to defend his country, the war was ended and America ranked among the nations. He who might have been a monarch retired to his own Vernon, un- clothed of all authority, to cn.ioy the bliss of being a free private citizen. This was a strange sight, and gave a new triumph to human virtue — a triumph that hath never been exceeded in the history of the world, except it was by his second recess, which was from the presidency of the United States." And on tlu' day preceding, December 26, 1799, in tiic course of his memorable funeral oration before hnili hmises of Congress, Major General Lee, then a representative from the State of Virginia, gave utterance to the noble seutimi'iit as forceful to-day as in tliose early years of our natidiial life: "To the horrid din of battle sweet peace succeeded, and our virtuous chief, mindful only of the common good, in a moment tempting personal aggrandizement, hiished the discontent of growing sedition, and. surrendering his power into the hands from which he had received it, converted his sword into a plowshare, teach- ing an admiring world that to be truly great you must be truly good." While strong with his own generation, ho is stronger oven in the judgment of the generations which have followed. After a lapse of a cen- tury lie is bettor ajipreciatcd, move ])erfectly tinderstood, more thoroughly Centennial flDemorial 91 venerated and loved tluin when he lived, lie remains an ever-increasing influence for good in every part and sphere of action of the Republic. lie is recognized as not oidy the most far-sighted statesman of his generation, but as having had almost prophetic vision. He bnilt not alone for his OAvn time, but for the great future, and pointed the rightful solution of many of the problems which were to arise in tlie years to come. John Adams, the immediate successor of Washington, said of him in an address to the Senate on the 23d of December, 1799 : "For himself, he had lived enough to life, and to glory. For his fellow citi- zens, if their prayers could have been answered, he would have been immortal. * * * His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens and men, not only in the present age, but in future genera- tions, as long as our history shall be read." The nation needs at this moment the help of his wise example. In dealing with our vast responsibilities we turn to him. We invoke the coun- sel of his life and character and courage. We summon his precepts that we may keep his pledges to maintain justice and law, education and moral- ity, and civil and religious liberty in every part of our country, the new as well as the old. ADDRESS OF THE GRAND MASTER OF VIRGINIA. My Brethren — The divisions of time are but the mile stones men erect on the highway leading to eternity. In His sight to whom a thousand years are but as yesterday when it is past and as a watcli in the night, the centuries are but as the seconds which are gone ere we can reckon them. And we who here to-day, gathering in the light of a majestic memory, commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the death of a great man — bear testimony that the good man never dies. This is the only answer we can make to the question : Why these cere- monies? 92 ^be Wlasbinoton flDasonic If oue hundred years ago, the real George Washington died, then these ceremonies are but vain and idle and mocking miimmeries, serving to recall an e\"ent whose memory brings with it only a sense of the emptiness of hu- man glory and the end of human greatness. But Washington lives to-day, not only in the minds of men — in the records of fame — not only in the pages of history — but lives in that serene light which emanates from the presence of God — lives a sentient, glorious and glorified being, and we assemble here to-day to thank God that he lived, to thank God that he lives, and to commemorate the one hundredth anni- versary of the dawn of a greater life unto the greatest life that was ever lived by a mere mortal. We have to-day borne the same light and the same book and jewels borne when his body was laid to rest. We have re- traced in solemn procession the route that simple funeral cortege followed a century ago. Cannon have thundered from the river — the voices of war calling vainly to the eternal peace — as they thundered when the great war- rior rested in peace. We have recited from the great poet the inspired words sung to Israel's God — outliving Israel — recognizing in all himTanity that it is His voice alone that can say "return ye children of men." And now all set ceremonies are over, and we have heard the head of the nation pay his tribute to the nation's first head. And we shall go back to the city's noise and timiult — ^we shall leave these quiet fields — this iinpre- tejitious mansion — ^yonder silent and sacred tenement of the dead — to hear tlie sound of joy and gladness, the notes of revelry, of music and of song. Vain and empty and useless vriW this commemoration be — unworthy of the man and of his memory — if it be merely a commemoration, and stir not up our hearts and minds to some useful pur}x>se — some purer impulse. The grander days of the fathers should be recalled — and this recurrence should awaken a recurrence of the spirit of that time, ilen were men, it is true, then, as now. Politicians were politicians then, as now. This great soul Centennial fiDemorial 9? had enemies and slanderers and vilifiers then, as great men have now and will have as long as greatness exists and vileness can crawl and bite its heel. His motives were maligned — his self-sacrifices were belittled — his charac- ter was aspersed. And 3'et when he died, a wave of grief and of dismay and an awakened sense of gratitude swept over the entire land, and the voice of slander died away. We may not withhold the highest meed of praise from the great minds who conceived and framed the Constitution. Every wind that blows from the Virginia hills, every wave that laps her shores and the shores of the gi'eat thirteen States, would rebuke the voice that dare belittle the work of Madison and Hamilton, Franklin and Morris. But these men were the scTilptors, the designers, who with infinite toil and patience, and genius and skill, made the clay model. Washington M'as the workman that cast the figure in the enduring bronze, that now for over a century has stood the rain and the hail and the mist of doubt and distrust, the storm of war, the deadly canker of corruption and the hurricane of party strife. And to-day I would invoke that same cessation of party spirit, that same feeling of a common interest in a common country, and pray that the first lesson we shall carry back from this place shall be a lesson of charity and consideration, and kindliness to all in authority, whether our o^vn suf- frages placed the men in authority above us or not. That public men and public measures should be judged not in the littleness of party prejudice or party passion, but tliat in things political as well as in things private, char- ity should govern all who wish the welfare of their country. The curse of this age is the personality, the bitterness, the uneharitableness of politics. Nothing is sTifficiently vile to say of a political opponent; no motive too mean to be ascribed to a political measure. Xo man's patriotism is be- lieved sincere unless his opinion coincides with our oA\ni, and the floodgates of vituperation, abuse and misrepresentation are opened often when hardly 94 n that ^Vashington was never a Mason, or, if ever one, ceased to recognize his membership or obligations. Washington never failed to recognize any obligation, from the greatest to the smallest. This was one of the characteristics of the man, one of the characteristics of every truly great man, one of the characteristics that man derives from God, to whom there is nothing great or small, in whose august vision the fall of the sparrow is observed, as well as the wreck of a world. That Washington was made a Mason in Fredericksburff Lods:e Xo. -t, Aueust 4, IT.'^S, no man Centennial fiDemorial 9? can deny. I myself have seen the record. Tliiit he was a charter member of Alexandria Lodge (now Alexandria- Washington) No. 22, and its first Worshipful Master, can be proved by as indisputable evidence as that he was our first President. That Lafayette was made a Mason in his pres- ence is beyond dispute, and to-day we have here the Masonic regalia worked by Madame Lafayette, presented to Washington by Lafayette himself and accepted by him as a Mason. And to-day we have l>orne the Bible, the jewels and the three, lights borne by the Lodge at his funeral as a Mason, one hundred years ago ; and I hold in my hand as I speak the gavel he used when, clothed as a Mason and acting as Grand Master of Masons, he laid the corner-stone of the capitol. Wliat he thought of Masonry can be easily found if one desires to find it in his answers to the addresses of Masonic Lodges in his Union. Pi-inted in liis writings, they are of easy access to every man, and he it was who suniuiod up the conclusion of the whole mat- ter when he said in answer to the address of the Grand Lodge of Massachu- setts to their ''illustrious brother, George Washington" on the 27th day of December, 1797, "the great object of Masonry is to promote the liappiness of the humaji race." When he wrote these words there were not over eight thousand Masons in the United States. To-day there are nearly eight liundred thousand in this nation alone, and the ancient boast of the institution is to-day an abso- lute verity, "in every clime a Mason may be found." Here to-day all voices are hushed save those which speak to the higher impulses of the immortal soul. Here we gather about the dead with no tears — with no regrets. What have tears and regrets to do with the ileath of the just man ? I know of no shrine to which men can come with holier, purer, more peaceful thoughts than a grave. Glory is the possession of the few — death is the property of all, and the grave is the gate opening into the tenderest. 96 Cbe Masbinaton fiDasonic sweetest, purest thoughts of tln^ himiaii soul. As had been well said, of all the pulpits from which human voice is ever sent forth there is none from which it reaches so far as from the grave. And here at this shrine wo have come, my brethren, to show that Ma- sonry can never forget her illustrious dead. Can never forget that death is but the birth of immortality, and that nothing that is good in man or worthy of love and admiration can ever die. VERSES To accompany wreaths of oak and ev'ergreen from Londesborough Park, East Yorkshire ; sent by The Right Honorable, the Earl of Londes- borough, P. M. 294, P. G. Senior Warden of England, and the Worshipful Masters, officers and brethren of the Constitutional Lodge No. 294, of An- cient Free and Accepted Masons, of Beverley, East Yorkshire, England, to be placed on Washington's tomb on the occasion of the hundredth anni- versary of his death. An English wreatli we fain would lay Upon this mighty tomb to-day — Of laurel, ivy, oak and yew, Wliich drank the English sun and dew On far-off Yorkshire's grassy sod ; Where once — we boast — his fathers trod. Whom East and West unite to praise And c^o^\^l with never-fading bays. II. O Washington, thy symbol be The oak for strength and constancy. Centennial fIDemorial 97 For grandeur and for grace of form, For calmness in the stress and storm, The monarch of the forest thoii ! To thee the generations bow; And under thy great shadow rest, Forever free, forever blest. III. And thine the laurel, for the fame Illustrious of a Conqueror's name — Patient to wait and prompt to strike. Intrepid, fiery, mild alike: Great, for tlie greatness of the foe Which fell by thy repeated blow: Great, for thy country's greatness, won By thee, her most beloved son. IV. And as the ivy twines around Cottage and tower, thy heart was found Clinging to home, and church and wife, The sweeter for the finished strife: And so thy memory, like the yew. Will still be green to mortal view^ — "The greatest of good men" confest By all, "and of great men the best!" KiCHARD Wilton, Canon of York and Chaplain to the Earl of Londesborough. Londesborough Rectory, East Yorkshire, November, 1899. Note — John Washington, the foimder of the American family of Washington, and great grandfather of the President, lived at South Cave, not far from Londesborough and Beverley, England. 98 ^be Maebinaton nDasontc MISCELLANEOUS. Denver, Colo., December IS, 1899. To the Ladies Sewing Guild of Christ Church, Alexandria, Va.: It would have been a pleasure for iiic to have returned you in person the thanks that arc due for your gift on the 13th insitant, of a cane made from a tree from the churchyard where the Father of Our Country once worshipped — but the circumstances wore unfavorable, and yon will permit me to tJiank you by letter. I know of uotliing more attractive to a reflec- tive mind than a gift which is associated with a great name, and it is now universally conceded that Washington stands at the head of all tiiat have appeared in human history. Everything that is associated with him, or the scenes of his daily life, bridges the years that have passed, and brings us nearer to his pei*sonality, his public services, and the loveliness of his domestic virtues. Your gift possesses a special feature in that it relates to Washington's faith in Divine guidance which we know exerted so great an intiuenee upon his public acts. The modei-n men of so-called greatness may well dwell u]ion this virtvie of the first of Americans, and perhaps dis- cover wherein tlioy are little, and he was so great and strong. 1 shall preserve your gift with more than ordinary earo and finally leave it to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, with the request that it be pre- served, and when the next Centennial of Washington's death shall be ob- served by the Freemasons of the United State* at his beautiful resting place on tlie banks of the Potonuic, it shall be c^irried by the Grand Master of Masons of Colorado, and the circumstances of its history be again repeated. Accept my sincere thanks, with my wishes for your prosperity, and a long and useful life, Respectfully, Roger Williams WooDnrRV. Centennial fiDemorial 99 Denver, Colo., December 19, 1899. Hon. a. R. Coubtney, Cliairman of the Executive Comnuttee, Richmond, Va. : My Dear Sir and Mod Worshipful Brother — Inasmuch as the circum- stances prevented my addressing the Grand Lodge of Virginia at its late Annual Grand Communication, preparatory to the National Masonic Me- morial Exercises on the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington, I would like now to convey to them my appreciation of their labors, and its effectiveness, with some reflections pertaining to it. When I originally proposed to the Grand Master of Colorado in 1893 that he should give the idea the benefit of ofiBcial introduction to the Ma- sonic world, in his annual address, I think I had, even at that early day, a very fair comprehension of the labor that would be necessary ; and when it was formally turned over to your Grand Lodge three years later, it had so long been considered that the labor you have since been called upon to per- fonn, has been no surprise to me. Personally I should have been glad to have continued at the work, instead of calling on the good brethren of Vir- ginia. There were several reasons against this, but I will here only refer to one. It was right for Colorado to proy)ose tlio Memorial, but it was not so clear that it should undertake to actually carry through National Exercises, that must of necessity be within the jurisdiction of Virginia ; and in order to be successful, must have the active co-operation of certain Subordinate Lodges of Virginia, whose history was especially identified with the Ma- sonic life of Washington. I foresaw the possibility of wounded sensibili- ties, sooner or later, if Virginia was not awarded the honor of taking full charge of these exercises comnicmoriitive of her great son. I knew that as the time approached, and the arrangements began to attract more public >L.ifC. loo ^bc Masbinaton fRasonic attention, some of the brethren in Virginia would naturally feel grieved at any Grand Lodge being at the head of the movement except their own — not in jealousy, but with grief at an invasion of privilege that might very projierly be held to be theirs by right. It was something of a self denial for us to "step down and out," but I am sure it was tbe right thing, and I am glad it was done. The work has been performed by those brethren who of right ought to have done it, and I am satisfied and rejoice at their suc- cess. I conceive that the favorable attention of a great many worthy men will be directed to your Lodges through the publicity given to the fact that tlie first and last Presidentii were brothers of tlie Fraternity. In a some- what lesser degree this will be felt all over the L^nited States, and reflected in foreign lands. You have brought together more Grand Lodges, through their Grand Masters or their representatives, tban has ever been done during the re- corded history of Masonry, and we know that it reaches back to 1599, just three hundred years. You have written a great chapter in Masonic history, and at the same time it is an important feature in the secular history of our country. Like the laying of the comei^stone of the capitol, it is a Masonic performance of a great national duty. You have revived public interest in, and disseminated knowledge of, the virtues and public services of Washington and his contemporaries, which has almost passed away from the mind? of these later generations. You have, through the means of the public press, caused more information about Washington and the early struggles for the Union to be distributed among the people than they had received during the previous many years. You have laid out the work for untold generations of brethren in the centuries yet to come, for as certain as that Freemasonry will continue to Centennial flDemortal loi exist in America, will your steps be closely followed whenever the cycling years shall have brought around the Centennial Day. You have linked your names witli that of Washington just as your brethren in 1799 handed down theirs to us when they bore the mortal re- mains of the immortal chief to his tomb. Either of these achievements is well worthy of the labor you have given, but all combined they make the opportunity of a lifetime. Permit me to suggest that the records of this annual Grand Communication of your Grand Lodge should be complete to the smallest detail necessary to a perfect understanding, when read for the guidance of your brethren a hun- dred years hence. You should especially apply to each Grand Master or representative who addressed your Grand Lodge on the evening of the 13th instant, for a copy of his remarks, to be inscribed at length in your proceed- ings ; and the exercises of the 14th should be equally as precise, and include as many names of those who took part as the Grand Master and Masters of Lodges can furnish. There is much labor in this, but it is an appropriate mnding up of the great and solemn event which you owe to the great body of Masons of the United States whom you have represented on this occasion, to yourselves, and to posterity. When the next Centennial occurs all lands will be under civilized gov- ernments and those governments will either have for their foundations those principles of liberty which were put into practical test by Washington and his contemporaries, or they will be in process of assimilating them. This name will stand as the founder of the world's liberty as it now does of Amer- ican liberty, and the representatives of those govenmients and peoples from every country and clime will then come to participate with your Grand Lodge in honoring the mortal remains of the immortal Washington in his beautiful place of repose on the banks of the Potomac. I02 ^be MasblriQton HDasonic Personally, I wish to tliank you for the kindness which I received at your hands as one i)f the representatives of the Grand Lodge of Colorado ; and I trust that no friction will ever mar the warm relations now existing between our two grand bodies. Fraternally yours, E. W. WOODBUKY. REPORT OF COLORADO COMMITTEE 1900. To the Most Woishipful Grand Lodge: Your Committee on Centennial Memorial Exercises of Worshipful Brother George Washington herewith respectfully and fraternally present their final report. Grand Master Bumand and all the members of your committee were present at the convening of the Grand Lodge of Virginia at the Opera House in Alexandria, Va., on the evening of the 13th of December last The premises were very much crowded with perhaps one thousand brethren. The officers and representatives of other Grand Jurisdictions were seated upon the stage, and by States they were severally introduced, received with grand honors and made brief addresses, some of which were very appropri- ate. Just how many Grand Jurisdictions were represented we do not know, biit most of them in the United States as well as Canada, and one or more from abroad. The response to the call for Colorado was most fit- tingly made by Grand Master Bumand. The Grand Lodge was in session for several hours, and then attempted to proceed to another building a little distance away, where an elegant ban- quet had been prepared by the brethren of Alexandria in honor of the Grand Lodge and its guests. For reasons for which the brethren of Alexandria were not responsible the toasts and responses that had been arranged to take place after the banquet were all abandoned. WILLIAM PAVin TODD. Past Grand Master ot Colorado. Member Colorado Washington Centennial Memorial Committee. Centennial flDemorial 103 On the morning of the 14th several thousand Masons and as many other persons proceeded to Mount Vernon, a detailed account of which ap- pears in the published extracts incorporated in this volume. Most of the brethren and visitors went by steamers, included among which were your Grand Master and Brothers Teller and Todd. The other members of your committee had been assigned to tlie Presidential train by way of the elec- tric railroad. Parts of the grounds at Mount Vernon were as crowded as was the Grand Lodge and the banquet hall the preceding evening, and some of the solemnity of the occasion was lost through the obliteration of the niceties of the programme. The address of Grand Master Burnand was listened to with respectful attention and deep interest ; and it was delivered with self-possession, ear- nestness and dig-nity. He was accompanied in the procession, and supported on the stand where he spoke by Past Grand Masters Teller and Todd, while tlie other members of your committee were lost in the throng of the Presi- dential party. At the vault where the remains of Washington now repose, and where the formal Memorial Exercises took place, the crush was tremendous, but at the close Brother Todd succeeded in depositing upon the sarcophagus the wreath procured by Grand Master Bumand, and gave it the most imposing place among the floral offerings. The exercises at Mount Vernon closed with addresses in front of the mansion by the President of the United States and the Grand Master of Virginia. In the evening at Washington a reception was held by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and later a banquet was given at one of the hotels, at which Brother Wright of your committee was one of the speakers. Whatever the general verdict may have been as to the details, your committee feel that the exercises were a great national event, as was fore- I04 ^be IRHasblnoton fiDasonic seen by this Grand Lodge when it proposed the Memorial. We were proud to represent this Grand Lodge there, and to feel the fraternal warmth that was frequently expressed toward it by the brethren from other Jurisdic- tions. We know that at the beginning there was no thought of any special credit attaching to this Jurisdiction because of originating exercises that must perforce be repeated on each Centennial recurrence of the anniver- sary ; nor any expectation of the Memorial being used for personal display. Colorado cared only to show that the Masonic heart is wanii for all that is good and noble; that it reveres the name of its Brother Washington ; and in holding Memorial Exercises at his grave it expressed affection and indebted- ness to all who aided in founding the government under which we live. To one who has long lived "beneath the shadow of the Rocky Moun- tains" there was a wondrous inspiration in gathering on the centennial of Washington's death where he lived, loved, worshipped and died. The hu- man mind venerates age, even when pertaining to inanimate objects. Men look with awe upon lofty mountains, not so much from their being evidences of infinite power, but because they stand as representatives of untold cen- turies, long antedating the supposed advent of man u}X)n earth. But the ancient works of man himself inspire even greater reverence; and when these are associated with the memories of such historic deeds as cluster around Mount Vernon, we who journeyed from Colorado (to reach which a hundred years ago would have consumed more time than is now taken to encompass the earth) felt it to be hallowed ground, where the head is in- voluntarily bared, the voice becomes hushed and gentle, and the heart is open to all those silent influences which make men better, and fill them with the resolve of emulation. The report of this committee presented at your last annual Grand Communication presupposed that nothing later would be expected by the Grand Lodge; but the sentiment then expressed has caused this committee dentennial flDemorial 105 to recall from the office of the Grand Secretary the bound report then made, and add to it for historical purposes subsequent correspondence, official cir- culars and reports, newspaper articles, photographs, badges, maps, and a detailed account of the various local exercises held in this Grand Jurisdic- tion so far as correspondence and personal effort have been made to gather them. All of these features have been incorporated with the volume re- ported one year ago, so that the book is now a fairly complete history of the Memorial Exercises, from their inception to their execution. A special effort was made by your committee to procure copies of all the addresses made in our Colorado Lodges. Personal application was made by letter to all from which Lodge reports were made to the Grand Secretary, which reports formed the basis of your committee's information as to where Memorial Exercises had been held. Wherever they heard of addresses having been delivered, tliey wrote for copies, and in some cases several letters were written for a single address. They only succeeded, however, in obtaining the copy of sixteen, as follows : James H. Peabody, Canon City. Ernest Le Neve Foster and Flor Ashbaugh, Central City. R. D. Graham and W. T. Miller, Colorado Springs. Ezra T. Elliott, Del Norte. Aaron Gove and E. A. Williams, Denver. N. C. Miller, Durango. D. R. Hatch, Georgetown. Marshall H. Dean, Glenwood Springs. Frank Madden, Greeley. W. L. Biish, Idaho Springs. J. M. Maxwell and L. M. Goddard, Leadville. M. H. Fitch, Pueblo. io6 abc Masbinoton fl>asonic These addresses, together with those made at Mount Vernon, will all be found in this volume ; and there are some extracts from newspapers or other addresses made in this State. Some of those given in full are of ex- ceptional merit, well worthy of being handed down to generations yet to come. By consent of the Grand Secretary the official reports from Lodges, of their observance of the memorial programme, have been incorporated in this volume, so as to bring together everything pertaining to the subject. It is probable that at some future time some of our Lodges will regret that they are unrepresented. We have also included in this book such memorial circulars from other Gi'and Lodges as have come into our possession. These are of interest to us because some of them closely follow the Colorado programme, republishing and circulating to their Grand Jurisdictions as a part of their local pro- granmie, our letters from Brother Treat and the Worshipful Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge. There are also bound in this volume four photographs of the Mount Vernon exercises — two being different views of your Grand Master while delivering his address, the third being the front of the mansion, and the President of the United States and his audience ; and the fourth, Washing- ton's tomb, showing the floral deposits through the gates, conspicuous among which is that of Colorado. Also appearing in the book are the badges worn at Mount Vernon by one of your committee. Also a map showing the order of the procession on the grounds, and the places where the respective addresses were deliv- ered. The newspaper clippings occupy fifty pages, with three columns to the page. They are mostly from the Washington press, and not only contain much matter of Masonic and general interest, but verify the former predic- Centennial fiDemorial 107 tion of your committee that millions of people would by these exercises be brought intx) closer knowledge and sympathy with the historic facts and gov- erning principles of our forefathers. These newspaper clippings also have many illustrations of Washington and his home, and other scenes and per- sons of present interest They also include in full the accurate and ex- cellent compilation of Brother Greenleaf in his "Square and Compass." Your committee are unable to close their final report, at the end of seven years of service in this most interesting field, without directing atten- tion to the fact that every action of this Grand Lodge upon the subject of the Washington Centennial Memorial Exercises, from their inception, has been unanimous ; and that no disposition has been manifest from any source not in harmony with the exalted objects of the Memorial. Every member of the Grand Lodge has appreciated the patriotism, and we may add the statesmanshij), involved in and underlying this great national proposition ; and we repeat what we said last year, that the action of this Grand Lodge in initiating this Memorial will long appear in its historj' as the most beauti- ful jewel that sparkles in a crown. To all tlie brethren who have contributed to lighten the labors of this committee, to the members generally of the Grand Lodge who have so gen- erously supported the recommendations of the committee, to the Grand Secretary, who has co-operated in so much of their clerical work, and to the several Grand Masters who have presided in the Grand East since the ap- pointment of this committee, and some of wlioni have given invaluable ad- vice and assistance, we return our profound acknowledgements. EoGEE Williams Woodbury, William David Todd, William D. Weight, Committee. - a* « fc. a ^ = 2; n O - £ o hj A ;3 H Exercises in Colorado Centennial riDemorial 1 1 1 Memorial Exercises in Colorado. LETTER TO THE MASTER OF WASHINGTON'S LODGE. To THE Worshipful Mastek of i\.LEXANDEiA- Washington Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Alexandria, Va. : My Dear Sir and Worshipful Brother — The Grand Lodge of Masons of Colorado is arranging for Memorial Services on the centennial of the death of Brother George Washington, to be held in every Lodge in this Jurisdiction, and in preparing a programme for adoption we desire an offi- cial letter from you, as Worshipful Master of the Lodge once presided over by Washington. Your letter we desire to print and furnish to each of our Lodges, to be read on the occasion specified. It seems to us that the read- ing of a letter from the brother who now presides in the East where Wash- ington once presided, would bring us into closer fraternal union with him and his Masonic life, his personal worth, and his exalted public services. Without undertaking to outline what such a sketch should contain, we beg to suggest that it include a sketch of his Masonic life, his connection with your Lodge, and the adoption of his name by your Lodge. We wish to print for our Subordinate Lodges a good account of Washington's Masonic life, and we had rather it should be incorporated in your letter than to be obliged to have recourse to some printed account, which will be much less interesting than one coming from you. Our Grand Lodge meets on the 19th of September, and as our report will be quite long, we would like your letter as early in the month as possi- ble. In the meantime, will you kindly infomi me at once if we may rely 112 ^be xaHasbinaton flDasonic upon your compliance witli uur request? You are at liberty to make the letter as long as you desire, and not feel restricted in the least Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, and assistance, and with the most kindly sentiments, I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, R. W. Woodbury, Chairman. LETTER FROM THE MASTER OF WASHINGTON'S LODGE. Alexandeia, Va., September 2, 1899. To the Brethren of the Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado, Oreeting: On the 14th of December, of this year, we meet in Solemn Lodge to celebrate tlie one hundredth anniversary of the death of our illustrious Ma- sonic Brother George Washington. He was a man of destiny, sent by the Supreme Architect of the Uni- verse for a specific purpose, and that accomplished, his soul winged its flight to the Heavenly Lodge above, where the King of Glory in all majesty and dominion presides. History fails to record a nobler, purer, and more unselfish character. Caesar thrice refused a crovsm that they would not have dared offer the patriot Washington. Napoleon Bonaparte erected statues of bronze and marble to commemorate his achievements, accom- plished at the expense of infinite suffering and torrents of blood ; but these monuments will crumble to dust, while the fame of our noble, gentle and humane Washington, enshrined in the hearts of a grateful people, will go reverberating down through the ages, gathering greater and greater lustre until time is no more. Washington's advent into the world was co-incidont with tlic estab- lishment of Masonry in this country, for he was bom on the 22d day of February, 1732, and the first regular Lodge of Masons in America was in- Centennial flDeniorial 1 1 3 stituted in Boston, Mass., in the year 1733, under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of England. Just before Washington attained his majority a Lodge was established at Fredericksburg, Va., and he immediately, although he was not twenty- one years of age, applied for admission. He was duly elected, and re- ceived the Entered Apprentice degree on November 24, 1752, the Fellow Craft degree on March 3, 1753, and was raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason on August 4, 1753. The Bible on which he was obligated was printed at Cambridge, Eng- land, in 1688, by John Field, Printer to the University, and is to-day in a splendid state of preservation. Its hallowed associations make this book the most valuable and venerated of all Masonic treasures in America. The fact that Washington was initiated into the mysteries of Free- masonry before he became of age, was not an unusual proceeding at that time, for he had already attained the physical, mental and moral develop- ments of a man, and thoroughly understood and appreciated the responsi- bilities of life. Then, too, it was customary in some European countries, to admit into the fraternity men under twenty-one years of age, who were well vouched for, notably the sons of Masons. On the 3rd of February, 1783, the Masons of Alexandria, Va., ob- tained a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to hold a Lodge of Ancient Masons, and was numbered thirty-nine. Robert Adams was the first Master. It wrought under this warrant until a Grand Lodge was established in Richmond, Va., when it immediately petitioned for a new charter, and asked that "our Brother George Washington, Esq.," should be named as the first Master of the Lodge. This prayer was granted at the next communication of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, on April 28, 1788, aud the number changed to twenty-two. Edmund Randolph, Governor of Virginia, was Grand Master at the time. 114 Itbc IftHasbinflton flDasonic George Washington was, therefore, first Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22. In 1805 the members unanimously requested the Grand Lodge to change the name of tlic Lodge to "Alexandria- Washington Lodge" No. 22, and this was accordingly done. So tlie name of tlie iimuortal Washing- ton is indissolubly linked for all time with the Lodge with which he was so intimately associated for many years. On the IStli of September, 1793, the corner-stone of the capitol in the (^ity of Washington was laid with appropriate Masonic ceremonies, Washington (at that time President of tlie United States) acting as Wor- shipful Master of Lodge No. 22. The Masonic regalia worn by him on that oeciision, and the trowel he used to spread the cement, are preserved as precious relics by this Lodge. The cliair he occupied in the East has been in continuous use ever since, and it is tlie highest ambition of tlie members of the old Lodge to be elected to the stiition he once filled witli such signal ability. He died at Mount Vernon, his beloved home, on the banks of the Po- tomac, six miles below Alexandria, on the 14th day of December, 1799, l^eforo nature's decay had begun to impair his wonderful physical and mental vitality. He was laid to rest at Mount Vernon on the IStJi day of December, by the brethren of the Order he loved so well, and whose precepts he had so faithfully followed. Well might he have said with tlie Evangelist: *'I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, tJic rightTOus Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto formed in procession and march to the eluireli as Denver Lodge No. 5. It is estimated that tliere are one hundriMl Past Masters in the city, and in lace supplied by the reading of a short account of Washington's life by Brother Chadsey. The Lodge then returned to tlie hall and closed in due form. Fraternally yours, Clememt L. Russell, Secretarv. I Centennial flDcmoinal 177 PROGRAM. 1799-1899. Diirango Lodge No. 46, A. F'. and A. M., Durango, Colorado. Music — (a) The Heavens Are Telling Hesperian (b) Our Washington Chorus Invocation Rev. L. R. Smith Address — Washington and Masonry Worshipful Master C. A. Pike Annie Laurie (Dudley Buck) Male Quartette Letter from the Master of Alexandria- Washington Lodge, Virginia Past Grand Master J. C. Sanford Selections from Washington's Farewell Address Rev. L. R. Smith Soldiers' Chorus (Gounod) Double Quartette Washington's Last Illness, Written by His Private Secretary. .Blair Burwell Old Kentucky Home Ladies' Quartette Washington as a Citizen N. C. Miller America Audience ADDRESS BY BROTHER N. C. MILLER. Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren: It is fitting that an Order, enriched with so bright a jewel In its diadem, as the illustrious Washington, should assemble in public Communication throughout the nation on this centennial of his death, to do reverence to his memory. The old Greeks and Romans were accustomed to deify their dead heroes, and to assign them to constellations in the heavens. Nor does this peculiarity wholly disappear as people become more civilized. As years recede, only the stronger lines of the heroes' character stand out to view, and the rate at which they grow in our estimation affords some measure of their greatness. It is a pleasant attribute of our nature to forget human shortcomings. The effect is like that of leaving behind us the distant mountain; only the magnificent outlines appear on the hori- zon. So when we view our hero of the past we see only the grand outlines of his character, and Ihe-manliness of his deeds, and in our love for a beautiful ideal, we fill in the minor parts with creations of a prejudiced fancy. The tendency of pos- terity to magnify the character of illustrious statesmen who are dead, carries with it invaluable blessings. It creates ideals which elevate citizenship, inspire leaders and produce in the young the most lofty conceptions of patriotism. A great nation must have its heroes of the past; their memories keep alive our pride and affection for our country. 178 Zbc Maebinfiton flDasonic The simplicity, honesty and high purpose of our nation's heroes are its great- est treasures. Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, Franlilin, Madison, Monroe, Jack- son, Lincoln, Grant ami General Sherman are some of the ideals of our people, and so long as we revere their memories and adhere to their teachings as the purest source of political wisdom, we are not apt to be driven into false doctrines during tempestuous political storms. The fault is that the worst and best vie with each other in the attempt to trace their theories of government to the same illustrious source. A great people create high ideals. We do not look for great patriots in China. In their flourishing period Carthage, Greece and Rome each had their generals and statesmen, whose appearance thrilled the people, and whose return from war was celebrated with pomp and splendor. Those were the days when honesty, simplicity and patriotism were the boasted virtues of the people. The same starry -decked heavens keep vigil watch over their homes now as then; air no less salubrious and bracing courses over their classic hills and valleys; their shores are washed by waves no less indulgent, and the same warm and benignant sun sheds its rays upon the land — but the greatness of the people is gone, and no longer do a liberty-loving people look to them for fresh inspiration. It is a happy country that can create a military hero without fear of militarism or revolution. How many of the countries of the world could welcome home a Dewey, and invite the people to unrestrained expressions of joy and admiration without some fear of social disturbance? Surely England; possibly Germany; are there more? France stationed 8,000 soldiers near by, to insure peace on the an- nouncement of the Dreyfus verdict. The heroes of our country have been cradled, educated and matured in a laud where the people are sovereign, and to whom never occurs the faintest notion of relinquishment, to any hero. The land of the free and the home of the brave is more than a capricious sentiment. It is the strongest national sentiment of our people, and the national air expressive of it, thrills the soul and awakens within us the strongest ties of country. The sturdy spirit of our forefathers, who were seeking individual liberty as a reaction from the intolerable interference of the State in church and secular affairs, has established too firmly to be shaken, the confidence of the people in their independence. The progressive couree of the world has always supplied the right man at the critical moment. The insatiable ambition of Napoleon met the cool, calculating and unflinching Wellington. It was part of the order of progress that Napoleon should be confronted by such a man at Waterloo. The undulating wave of progress was then rising; free institutions were taking a strong hold on civilization, and the crest of the wave had not yet risen full high. No man could overcome its force. It matters not what errors Napoleon might have avoided; under ordinary calcula- tions they were not errors. The eternal forces of justice which always finally Centennial flDctnortat 179 triumph, planted Wellington at Mont St. Jean, an impassable barrier to unworthy ambition. The evolution of our national affairs required a Lincoln and a Grant, while the critical reconstruction period demanded the firmness of the latter. When we look at the narrow fringe of settlements whose people resisted with dauntless courage the attempt of George III to crowd upon the colonies his nations of the crown's prerogatives, we are filled with inexpressible admiration for the men and women of the Revolution. No task seemed too great; no trial too severe; unpaid, half clad, and starved, year in and year out, the descendants of Royalists in the South and Puritans in the North, fought, that the colonies might enjoy a free government. It is a false notion to picture to ourselves a serene and united spirit among the colonists. At times the greatest discord prevailed, threat- ening the very existence of the army, and the success of its cause. Men like Robert Morris, who expended their fortunes, and labored to arm, feed and pay the soldiers, are seldom counted among our great benefactors. Those were days when great men lived in America. If human perfection consists in each individual making the most out of his endowments, whether large or small, then, indeed, the men who were associated with Washington rose high in the scale of greatness. But when you consider men like Washington and Lincoln from the cradle to the grave, they appear enormities. Nature overleaps her accustomed yield when she produces them. They are part of the great plan of nature. Their brain, tempera- ment and character were made to give a favorable turn to a great crisis. We ad- mire them; we cannot understand them. Can you compare them to such men as Alexander or Cassar, or any of the great heroes of the world who sought to quench their thirst for glory in conquest? These were actuated by selfish motives, and the governments they instituted were almost as fleeting as their lives. Even the crusades, which have been called holy wars, were of a questionable spirit; for be- neath the sentimental ambition of rescuing the tomb of Christ from the hand of Moslem, there lurked the barbarous pride of arms that characterized the fantastic chivalry of the Middle Ages. National aggrandizement, greed of territory, hope of plunder, the hollow glory of conquest, the Insanity of revenge, these motives and such as these, have marshaled and sent forward the armies of invasion that have vexed the world and crowned the warriors with greatness. Nor can we picture as the idol of these patriots a general who was planning an empire for himself. The people of America were thirsting for civil and religious liberty, and a lesser man than Washington could not have fulfilled the destiny of this new civilization. If I were to talk to you of a typical American, I would not choose as my ideal Washington. The traits of American character now familiar to us all, were not then blended in aay one great man. Our people had not yet formed sentiments or habits free and distinct from the mother country. The gentleman of the age i8o Zbc MasbiuGton fiDasonic was in some sense an English gentleman. His ideas of living were cast in an English mould. His theories of government were colored by ideals borrowed from history, and America had no history. The principle of universal suffrage had not yet taken hold of the Colonial statesman, while the debates in the Constitutional Convention displayed honest distrust of the people as the safest foundation of free government. Washington's training, thought and action had not taught him to lean with unfaltering trust on the people. Lord Brougham said he was the greatest man of his own or any age. The most wonderful thing about Washington was his majestic and beautiful character, which towered matchless and unsullied in its serenity and strength above all his countrymen; a man of faultless judgment; endowed with a high sense of justice; actuated by a spirit too broad and generous to descend into factional quarrels; liv- ing and doing so as to impress the people that his sole ambition was to make America free and great; he was the one man on whom all factions would unite and harmonize. Soothing the factious spirit of discord, ever manifesting amidst the gloom or glory of war a profound reverence for the laws of peace; with the mag- ical charm of his placid but firm character, moulding the pioneers of America into a brave and loyal army; now worrying the enemy with his strategical marches, now harassing them by his bold sallies; fitted to meet every emergency, unnerved by no discouragement, General Washington, at the surrender of Yorktown, was the idol of the army and the oracle of the people. At the zenith of his military glory and power, with a patriotism unexampled, he returned to Congress his sword, in an address full of wisdom and patriotism; and with the respect and love of all, he sought the quietude of his Mount Vernon home, and the familiar scenes of his boy- hood. Where in all history has another general written letters to the people in such a spirit of paternal care and solicitude, and the people received them with such filial respect? When his soldiers, tempted into sedition by disappointment and want of appreciation on the part of their country, which was then too poor to fittingly honor them, offered to make him king in the West, he spurned the offer in an address ringing with patriotism and devotion to his country, and laden with tender affection for the soldiers, half clad and starved, who had clung to him with unfaltering courage and loyalty, amid the cold and hunger of the winter about Val- ley Forge. No wonder we cling to his memory to-day, with a fond admiration which sees no peer among the patriots of his day. His character and deeds are the glory of our free institutions; he is the bright star in that firmament of patriots who founded a new government on new principles, which are still maturing and grow- ing and carrying the people forward to new conceptions of national greatness. Undoubtedly, there have been brave, wise and good men before Washington, but I do not know of another Instance in history, where the hero of his people won so Centennial fIDcmortal i8i completely their affections and confidence, and at the very height of his glory and prestige surrendered every vestige of power and became their wisest and safest counselor. No sectional hatred, no dogma, no bias, no rivalry, no jealousy changed his purpose; he loved America and his countrymen, and they lavished upon him the most precious honors. Without a dissenting vote, he was made chairman of the convention that framed our Constitution at a time when the jealousy between the rival States made the delegations suspicious of the fairness of any other man, and after its adoption he was twice unanimously chosen President, and with a keen foresight for the future safety of the new nation, he established a precedent which even the hero of Appomattox could not transcend. His was a turbulent time. It was an epic period In our country's history; the great nations of the earth were tossing on the raging billows of the political sea, and out of the chaos came forth the only enduring Republic the sun ever shone on. The wonder is that a single nation ever was evolved out of the turmoil. When the storms of passion raged fiercest, and the blasts of calumny sounded loudest, with wise discretion and dignity unbroken, he nursed and fostered with paternal care the new experiment in government, and with his wise counsel and courageous de- meanor overcame much of the jealousy between the States. With his matchless letters of wisdom, he blazed the pathway for future years, and on his deathbed, calm and hopeful, in anxious and grateful remembrance of his country, he died, the bright consummate flower of our early patriots. We revere his memory to-day for the rich treasures of wisdom left us; for the sublime example of the pure and un- selfish motives actuating him in public and private life; for the grandeur and hon- esty of his character, which rallied all parties about him, and carried the country through the vexaticus and perilous period of infancy; and planted it firmly and permanently on the solid foundation of the Constitution. Such a man belongs to no one people or section; his teachings are a legacy to the world; his fame is imperish- able, and will go down the ages of eternity challenging admiration and growing in brilliancy as the love of liberty and respect for the equal rights of man sink deeper in the human soul. "His resting place will be the world." EATON. Eato^t, Colo., December 23, 1890. Ed. C. Parmelee, Grand Secretary: Dear Sir and Right Worshipful Brother — Acknowledging receipt of Dispensation, and acting upon the suggestions therein contained, Abdallah 1 82 ^be Masbliiflton fIDasonic Lodge, TJ. D., made an pffort, to comply to the best of its ability. The sec- retaiy was ordered to procure a life size picture of General Washington, and have it placed in the place of meeting, properly draped with crape and the American colors, which was done. A programme was arranged and various members of the Lodge were assigned the respective parts. The public was invited to attend, through a notice published one week previous. The members of the Lodge met at Brother Steel's store, and marched in a body to the Congregational Church, where the exercises were held. The procession was led by tlie Tiler, fol- lowed by the brethren wearing their aprons. The Lodge occupied the plat- form. The following programme was then rendered : Invocation Rev. Carson "My Country 'Tis of Thee" The entire congregation Solo Miss Smith Reading — "The Last Illness of Washington" Brother W. L. Petrikin Reading of a letter from the Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, of which Washington was the First Master. . . .Brother G. W. Atkinson Reading of a Letter Dictated by Brother Adna A. Treat, possibly the oldest Mason in the United States Brother G. W. Atkinson Violin Solo Miss Dulbridge Select Reading — The Character of Washington Rev. Carson Address — "Masonry" Brother J. M. Price Benediction Rev. Carson Attest: G. W. Atkinson, Secretary. GEORGETOWN. Georgetown, Colo., December 24. Ed. C. Pakmelee, Esq., Right Worshipful Grand Secretary : Conforming to the order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, I herewitli return details of our Washington Memorial Exercisoe, held De- cember 14, 1899. Centennial flDeniorial 183 We were unable to present an address on the "Idea of the Equality of Men," etc., but in all other respects the Grand Lodge committee's recom- mendations were carried out to the letter. The exercises were conducted jointly by ]^os. 12 and 48, the latter being then in annual session; No. 12 met with them, the officers being equally divided between Nos. 12 and 48 — Brother D. E. Hatch, Master of No. 12, acting as Worshipful Master. About forty brethren, being clothed and bearing tlie Great Lights, formed in procession and marched to the Presbyterian Church. After concluding the exercises, the Lodge re-formed and marched to their hall, where the Lodge was duly closed ou the third degree. A large number of citizens filled the church and manifested much interest in the exercises. We desire to especially invite attention to the very able address of Wor- shipful Master Dorus R. Hatch on "The Services and Character of Wash- ington," and trust it may be found worthy of distinction. Fraternally submitted, Heney H. Nash, Secretary. GEORGETOWN CENTENNIAL Of the Death of GEORGE WASHINGTON, Thursday, December 14, 1899. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Washington Lodge No. 12. Georgetown Lodge No. 48. PROGRAM. Opening Prayer Rev. George Darley Letter from the Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge Read by W. M. Fletcher i84 Zbc TMaebinoton flI>a9onic Quartette — "Sleep, Peacefully Sleep" Letter from Brother Treat Read by H. H. Nash Lear's Account of Washington's Death Read by Mary I. Fletcher Solo — "The Grave of Washington" The Farewell Address Read by Fred Dewey Services and Character of Washington Address by D. R. Hatch "America" Congregation Benediction. ADDRESS BY D. R. HATCH. We boast of what America has done, of important inventions and great dis- coveries; of ingenious appliances to save time and labor, to increase wealth and comfort. We call them the crowning efforts of man's progress in his struggle with the powers of nature. These are noble achievements, but they are not the greatest glory of our nation. Nor are material things, however ingenious and wonderful, wealth, however vast, or knowledge, however profound, the chief possession of a people. Let a nation boast of the men it has produced, for unless successive gen- erations are of a noble breed, unless they are of a better quality of mind, unless they are of a finer moral fiber, all progress in wealth and knowledge is in vain. The chief glory of these United States is the men they have produced. From 1607 to 1763. from the settlement of Jamestown to the close of the Old French War, America was known to the world only as a howling wilderness, inhab- ited by fierce beasts and fiercer men. In all that time no poet, no philosopher, no warrior, no statesman had arisen. But that century and a half did not elapse in vain. Its generations were not unfruitful. There was breeding a race of men, the like of which the world has never known, a race of warriors, patriots and construc- tive statesmen, v.'hose writings surpass the masterpieces of antiquity, whose nation building was fraught with greater moment to the world than that of Alexander or of Csesar. Of all the men who ever lived on earth fit to perform that ancient and heroic work, the founding of a State, they were the fittest, and among them Wash- ington was first. What constitutes a State? Not high-raised battlements or labored mound. Thick wall or moated gate. Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crowned; Not starred and spangled courts. Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride. No. Men — high-minded men — Men who their duties know. But know their right, and. knowing, dare maintain. Centennial fIDeniorlal 185 The world has need of such as these, and God had prepared the crisis, the hour, and the men. Athens of old boasted that her citizens sprang from the soil, were sons of Mother Earth. So are all men. Nature, in her outer aspect, marked the man. The soil, climate, the mountains, the sea, the forest; these determine the occupa- tions and mould the mind of man. Our forefathers were set where Nature taught her grandest lessons. Before them rolled the limitless expanse of ocean, behind them the endless forests covered the innumerable hills which measured the dis- tance to the mountains and beyond — men yet scarce knew what, but vast, illimit- able, and in it the possibility of future empire. All this they saw with broadened minds. Nature also taught them the homelier virtues. She taught them simplicity from their necessities, she taught them self-reliance from the dangers of the wilder- ness, she taught them industry to wring bread from a reluctant soil; and best of all, she taught them Independence; the love of liberty was in the air they breathed. Years of Washington's young life were spent in close and solitary companionship with nature — by day the immeasurable and stately forest, the eternal hills, the ma- jestic river; by night, the stars and all the hushed teachings of a midnight stillness in the forest. From these he drew his thoughts, and reasoned back from creation to Creator. The age demanded a form of government free from the caprice of princes, free from caste and class, free from the servility and superstition of the past. The colonies had worked a century and a half on this problem. The instinct of self- government they had as an Anglo-Saxon inheritance. They had resisted the ag- gressions of kings; they had enacted and altered constitutions; they had made their own laws. Virginia had defied the Crown, she had thrust a worthless royal governor out, she had rebelled against another. The Colonists had stood upon their rights as Englishmen and men, all the while working unconsciously toward that nice grant of, and delicate balancing of, governmental powers, whereby a multi- tude can rule itself. To all this experience Washington was heir. He had occu- pied public positions, he had sat among the burgesses, he had represented them in two Continental Congresses. Such a preparation was to be had nowhere else on earth. Thus nature and experience had educated the Colonists to become the builders of a nation. They rendered a service, not only to their country, but to us, their posterity, and to the world, whose effect shall reach to the end of time. The part of that service performed by Washington is matter of common knowledge to the American people. Streets and towns, cities and counties, col- leges, societies and men by thousands, bear his name throughout our land. His statue adorns our parks and halls. His picture hangs on every wall. His deeds are part and parcel of the folklore upon which our children feed at mother's knee. 1 86 ^bc Masbinoton flDasontc In recounting the deeds of men we are accustomed to tell of disadvantages and hardships. We say in spite of lowly birth, of poverty, of grinding toil, they rose to greatness. Surely nothing could be more in error. We should say by the aid of lowly birth, blessed by poverty, and educated by grinding toil, they rose to greatness. For surely there is no hindrance like a long line of pride-stuffed an- cestors, there is no sedative like wealth; and there is no stimulus like poverty, no education like that of grinding toil, no courage like that of diffi- culties overcome. For the leader of a great democratic people, no man was ever born to greater disadvantages than Washington. He was handicapped by birth, by wealth, by religion, and by the social institutions of his State. What need had he of honor and social position? A long line of worthy ancestors, honest and honor- able every one, had bequeathed him that. What need had he of wealth? The finest plantations of Virginia were his by inheritance. What need had he for ef- fort, for the education of grinding toil? A hundred slaves were born to do his bidding. He was born to a family of cavaliers, whose guiding principle was loyalty to the house of Stuart. His great-grandfather had fled from England to escape the wrath of a so-called commonwealth, because he loved monarchy and revered his monarch. Washington was born to a State church, whose head was the King of England, whose chiefest tenet was passive obedience to the powers ordained of heaven. He was born to a society of castes and classes, founded on slavery reaping where it had not sown, and eating where it had not toiled. To all these malignant influences was he born. But he was not born to these alone, thank God. There were those mighty powers at work which set at naught the monarchizing trend of church, and state, and aristocracy. Those powers which made the Colonies the breeding ground of patriots and statesmen, Virginia, the mother of Presidents, and Washington, the father of a free people. There were three periods of his public life; there were three inestimable ser- vices performed. As general he led the army to success and gained our priceless heritage of freedom; as a private citizen he persuaded his distracted countrymen to union; as President he based our government on such principles and organized its powers In such form as to secure our lasting happiness. We see Washington in war moulding an army out of diverse and unruly sol- diers. We see him holding that army together against almost insuperable difficul- ties. We see him fighting always on his own terms, continually surprising the enemy, never taken unawares himself. We see him directing every wise and brill- iant movement of an eight years' war. We see him opposing, checking, harassing, defeating, and finally capturing armies superior to his own in equipment, discipline and numbers. Such deeds are done only by a military genius of the highest order. Centennial flDemorial 187 Frederick the Great of Prussia, himself a consummate master of the military art, pronounced them the most brilliant and daring of the century. Where shall we look in that long war, full of heroism and pathos, for the pic- ture that shall show us Washington at his best and greatest — that shall show in him at once the genius of the general and the moral grandeur of the man? Many could be painted which would show his bravery, his genius, his wisdom, his gener- osity, his tenderness, his faith. But there is none to equal in sublimity that Christ- mas night upon the Delaware. There was no shadow of doubt, no moment of hesi- tation. The fit of fate was on him. In his breast the hope that gave earnest of to-morrow's victory, in his breast that courage that deserved success and won it, in his soul, I doubt it not, a serene and abiding faith in Providence. There was a God in Israel. Justice would prevail. It is the sublimest picture In all history. The war ended, peace was declared, but there was no peace. Independence had been conquered, but not tranquility and union. Impoverished by war, with property destroyed, credit undermined, and occupations gone, the Colonists found that they had changed a stable, steady-going government for a condition not far from anarchy. The Congress was a shadow, without money, without credit, with- out authority — its requisitions refused, its decisions disregarded, unable to keep the peace at home, without respect abroad — the Confederation was a rope of sand. The crisis fast approached. Were they to be one nation, respectable and prosper- ous, or thirteen nations, contemptible and miserable? Was independence won so brilliantly, and at such a cost, to be thrown away? No, not so, while Washington, who won that independence, lived. Argument, entreaty, warning, influence, radi- ated throughout the land from Mount Vernon as a center. Yorktown closed the first period of his life, so the Constitutional Convention closed the second. He came at the head of the Virginia delegation. The Conven- tion met in the old State House In Philadelphia, in the room where the Declaration of Independence had been adopted. Here again the wisdom of the people was as- sembled to give forth another immortal document. Above in the belfry was the old bell, which bore upon its lip the legend, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Again it was to peal its proclamation, then of liberty, now of union. In his administration as President, Washington was confronted with a prob- lem such as no man ever faced before. The Constitution was made, but not the government. The document was to be interpreted. In this interpretation Wash- ington was perforce a pioneer. He believed that the arm of the national govern- ment should be long and strong. It was not yet decided whether we were a nation, one and inseparable, or a mere confederation. Nor was the question settled, ex- cept by the Ci%'il War. Washington set the precedent when he, by overwhelming i88 Z\K Masbinoton flDasonic force, crushed rebellion in Western Pennsylvania. WTiile he was President, there was no question but what we were a nation, and when the test of civil war came, the chief executive was another such as he. Lincoln, puttin;? forth the mighty power of an expanded nation to crush rebellion but followed on the lines laid down by Washington. Thus it was his wish that this nation should become strong and great. It was to become strong and great that it might lift its head among the powers of earth and show forth a model of free government. But it was to become strong and great by inward expansion, not by conquest. Let other nations seize here and seize there, let them scramble for the possession of weaker people. He would have none of it. This policy he followed when he made the treaty with England. Half the people would ally with England and fight France, half would ally with France and fight England. He decreed a strict neutrality, and the wisdom of his decision abides. Thus the two principles, that of strong central government, and that of strict neutrality, from which has flowed our welfare as a nation, originated with Washington. To lead an army to success, to form a nation, to establish its government on just and lasting principles; these things may have been done before, but never in the face of such tremendous difficulties; never with such pure and lofty motives; never with such glorious results. And for these deeds history will forever ring with the love and fame of Washington. No long analysis of character is needed. It is blazoned in his works. What he was, he did; and what he did, he was. Genius alone could perform his feats of war. Intensity, persistence and great force alone could persuade a people to unite. Great wisdom, indomitable will, and moral heroism, alone could have established an untried form of government. Only honor, generosity, and goodness could have enshrined him in the affections of a whole people. Only lofty aims and great en- deavors, moral purity and constant self-sacrifice could have enkindled that rever- ence akin to worship, with which we still regard him. Great passion slumbered in his breast and anon flamed forth in terrible in- vective, but only when some base cowardice or mighty injustice had been done. Did not the Master curse the Pharisees? The supreme lesson of his life is self- control, and that is the lesson that he sends adown the years to you and me; it is the only safeguard of a self-governed people. His character is massive in its strength. We see him as a tower in the storm. The key to it was duty; clearly he saw what he ought to do, and did it well; more than that, can no man do. Such self-control and devotion to duty can spring only from an abiding faith in God. Such faith he had, and because he had faith in God, he had faith in men. He lived a pure and blameless life; vice touched him not; he occupied high place and power. Centennial fiDemorial 189 yet ambition did not disturb his slumbers, and all the ends he aimed at were his country's, his God's and truth's. A hundred years ago to-day, "soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust," he passed away as "one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." Now stand with me upon the stately porch of the mansion at Mount Vernon. The grassy slope drops gracefully away, its surface shaded here and there by trees. At its foot the placid Potomac rolls its placid waters in peaceful silence to the sea; beyond and far away and blue the hills of Maryland. The scene is that of beauty; the air is that of peace. God's benediction rests upon the spot, and here in shaded nook, in ivy-covered tomb, the great heart sleeps. The rulers of the nation, the mighty of the land, were there to-day; with uncovered heads and bowed they stood. The spirit of the Master was upon them, and they took away, as I trust we shall take away, aspirations for a nobler life. GLENWOOD SPRINGS. CENTEN^XIAL MEMOEIAL OF WASHINGTON'S DEATH. (Portrait of Washington.) Held at the DuKAND Opera House, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, by Glenwood Lodge No. G5, A. F. and A. M., Thursday evening, December 14, 1899. PROGRAMME. Prayer — Brother, the Rev. Hiram Bullis, Pastor of the Episcopal Church of Glenwood Springs. Music — '"Solemn Strikes the Funeral Chime." Exhortation — Right Worshipful Brother, David W. Rees, Master of Glen- wood Lodge No. 65, A. F. and A. M. 190 ^be Ma0binoton flDaeonic Music — "Thou Art Gone to the Grave." Prayer — Grand Master's ceremony. Music — "O Lord, Our Fathers Oft Have Told." Address— Right Worshipful Brother Marshall H. Dean, Grand Junior Warden. Music — "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." Benediction. ADDRESS BY MARSHALL H. DEAN. Worshipful Master, Wardens, Brethren and Friends: We have met here this evening to pay our respects to the memory of our Worshipful Brother George Washington, whose death occurred at Mount Vernon, Virginia, at twenty minutes past ten o'clock, P. M., December 14, 1799, in his sixty- eighth year. The Masonic fraternity of the United States have assembled at Mount Vernon on this day, represented by the Grand Masters of the several jurisdictions of this country, and have re-enacted the solemn ceremonies that took place there one hundred years ago. Having been designated by my Lodge to prepare an address for this evening, I have compiled a few facts relative to George Washington's Masonic life, which I hope may prove of interest to our audience, and especially to the brethren of the Craft here assembled to do honor to the memory of our departed Brother. One hundred and forty-seven years ago George Washington was initiated into the sublime mysteries of the Masonic Institution; the scenes enacted on that day in a small and obscure Lodge of the Old Dominion, were then, while the dark veil of the futurity was still undrawn, supposed to be of an ordinary character. The minute book of the Lodge at Fredericlisburg, Virginia, presents no more than the usual record, that on the fourth day of November, 1752, George Washing- ton was initiated as an entered apprentice Mason. The youth, who, though even then, had been honored by a distinguished ap- pointment in the military service of his native State, had not yet developed the germ of his future greatness, passed undoubtedly through the solemn ceremonies of initiation into our mystic rights, without any suspicion on the part of those who assisted in bestowing on him the light of Masonry, that the transaction then occur- ring was to become an era in the annals of our institution; but time, whose lessons are always progressive, are often unexpected, has since taught us that the event of that evening was among the most important in the history of American Masonry. It has furnished a topic of angry discussion to the enemies, and of grateful exulta- Centennial fiDemortal 191 tion to the friends, of our institution. It lias given an abiding testimony to the virtuous principles of that society among whose disciples "The Patriot, the Hero and the Sage" did not disdain to be numbered. And while time shall last and Masonry shall endure that old but distinctly legible page in the record book of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 of Virginia, will be pointed to with proud satisfaction by every Mason as indisputable evidence that the wisest of statesmen, the purest of patriots, the most virtuous of men, was indeed his brother, and bound with him in one common but mystic tie of fraternity and love. In the ancient book of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, at Fredericksburg, Vir- ginia, will be found the following entries: ■■November 4, 1752. This evening Mr. George Washington was initiated as an entered apprentice, and the receipt of the entrance fee, amounting to two pounds three shillings, is acknowledged." '■On the 3rd day of March, 1753, Mr. George Washington is recorded as having passed a fellowcraft." "On the 4th of the succeeding August. 1753. the transactions of the evening are that Mr. George Washington and others who.se names are mentioned, are stated to have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason." The records of the early Masonic career of Washington are inestimable to the Mason as memorial of the first connection of the Father of his Country with our institution. But if the history of that connection had there ceased, if admitted to our Temple he had but glanced with cold and indifferent eye upon its mysteries, and if then unaffected by their beauty, untouched by their sublimity, and unawakened by their truth, lie had departed from our portals, the pride with which we hail him as a Brother would have been a vain presumption, and this tribute to his memory a senseless mockery. But the seeds of Masonry which were sown on the evening of that November fell not on barren soil. It grew with his growth, and strengthened with his strength, and bloomed and ripened into an abiding love and glowing zeal for our Order, nor ever withered or decayed amid all the trials and struggles, the perils and excitements of a long life spent, first in battling to gain the liberties of his country, and then in counseling to preserve them. The evidence of all this is on record, and the genuineness of the record cannot be disputed. Whatever the enemies of Masonry may say to the contrary, however they may have attempted in the virulence of their persecution to insinuate that his con- nection with our Order was but accidental and temporary, first formed in the thoughtlessness of youth, and then at once and forever dissolved, there is abundant testimony to show that he never for a moment disowned allegiance to the Mystic Art, and never omitted on every appropriate occasion by active participation in our rites, to vindicate the purity of the institution, and to demonstrate in the most public manner his respect for its principles. 192 Zbc MasbiuGton fIDasonic Years after his initiation, when he held the exalted rank of leader of our armies in those perilous days, which have been so well defined as "The times that tried men's souls," notwithstandinR his responsible duties, his arduous labors, his mental disquietudes, he would often lay aside the ensigns of his supreme authority and forgetting for a time "the pomp and circumstances of glorious war," would enter the secluded tent and mingle on a level with his brav^ companions in the solemn devotion and mystic rights of some military lodge, where, under the sacred inlluence of Masonry, the God of carnage found no libations poured upon his altar, but where the heartfelt prayer for the prevalence of harmony and brotherly love was offered to the Grand Architect of the Universe. We have the authority of a distinguished Mason of Virginia, who has elab- orately investigated the Masonic life of Washington, for saying that "frequently, when surrounded by a brilliant staff he would depart from the gay assemblage and seek the instruction of the Lodge," and on one of these occasions Captain Hugh Maloy was initiated in the Marquee of Washington, the Commander-in-Chief him- self presiding at the ceremony. In scenes like these the great Napoleon has been known to appear, and the Lodges of Paris have more than once beheld the ruler of the Empire mingling in their labors, a willing witness of the great doctrine of Masonic equality; but in the founder of a new dynasty such condescension might, and possibly with some truth, be attributed to the policy of winning public applause. In our true-hearted, single- minded Washington, no such subserviency to man-worship could be suspected; his only motives were deep love for the institution and profound admiration for its principles. In the Forty-sixth regiment of the British army there was a traveling Lodge, holding its warrant of constitution under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and after an engagement between the American and British forces, in which the latter were defeated, the private chest of the Lodge, containing its jewels, furniture and implements, fell into the hands of the Americans. The cap- tors reported the circumstance to General Washington, who at once ordered the chest to be returned to the Lodge and regiment under a guard of honor. The surprise, says the historian of the event (himself an EnBllsliman and Ma- son), the feelings of both oflloers .ind men m;iy be im.iKined when they perceived the nag of truce that announced this elegant compliment from thoir noble opponent, but still more noble brother. The guard of honor with their music playing a sacred march, the chest containing the Constitution and implements of the Craft borne aloft like an- other ark of the covenant, eiiually by Englishmen and Americans, who lately engaged In the strife of war, now marched through the enfiladed ranks of the gallant regiment, that with presented arms and colors hailed the glorious act by cheers which the senti- ment rendered sacred as the hallelujahs of an angel's song. Ce ntennial flDemortal 193 When the contest which secured the independence and freedom for his coun- try was terminated, Washington, covered with the admiration and gratitude of his fellow citizens, retired like another Cincinnatus to the shades of private life, but he did not abandon then his interest in the institution of which he was an honored member. In 1788 he united with others in presenting a petition for the formation of a new Lodge at Alexandria, Virginia, and the warrant of constitution, as the instrument authorizing the organization is technically called, is still in existence, preserved in the archives of that Lodge. That warrant commences with these words: "I, Kdmond Randolph. Governor of the State, and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, do hereby constitute and appoint our illustrious and well beloved Brother George Washington. Esq.. late General and Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States of America, and our worthy brethren, Robert McCrea, William Hunter, Jr., and Joseph Allison, Esq., together with all such other brethren as may be admitted to associate witli tliem. to be a just, true and regular Lodge of Freemasons, by the name and title and designation of Alexandria Lodge No. 22." The Lodge is still in existence, and in active operation, but in 1805 its name was changed in honor of its first Master, to that of Alexandria-Washington Lodge. The Honorable Timothy Bigelow, in an eulogy delivered before the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, two months after Washington's death, when there were still living witnesses, supplies us with further evidence of his Masonic character. He says: The information received from our brethren wlio had the happiness to be mem- bers of the Lodge over which Washington presided for many years, and of which he died the Master, furnished abundant proof of his persevering zeal for the prosperity of the institution. Constant and punctual in his attendance, scrupulous in liis observance of the regulations of the Lodge, and solicitous at all times to communicate light and instruction, he discharged the duties of the cliair with uncommon dignity and intelli- gence in all the mysteries of our art. Incidents like these, interesting as they may be, are not all that is left to us to exhibit the attachment of Washington to Masonry. On repeated occasions he has announced in his letters and addresses to various Masonic bodies his profound esteem for the character and his just appreciation of the principles of that institu- tion into which at so early an age he had been admitted. And during his long and laborious life no opportunity was presented of which he did not gladly avail him- self to evince that he was a Mason in heart as well as in name. Thus in the year 1797, in reply to an affectionate address from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, he says: My attachment to the society of which we are members will di.spose me always to contribute my best endeavors to promote the honors and prosperity of the Craft. 194 ^'^e Masblnoton flDasontc Five years before this letter was written, he had, in a communication to the same body, expressed his opinion of the Masonic institution as one whose liberal principles are founded on the immutable laws of truth and justice, and whose grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race. In answer to an address from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1791, he says: I recognize with pleasure my relation to the brethren of your society, and I shall be happy on every occasion to evince my regard for the Fraternity. In writing to the oflScers of St. David's Lodge at Newport, Rhode Island, in the same year, he uses this language: Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic fraternity is founded must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interests of tlie society, .and to be considered by them as a deserving brother. And in a letter addressed in November, 1798, only thirteen months before his death, to the Grand Lodge of Maryland, he makes this explicit declaration of his opinion of the institution: So far as I am acquainted with the doctrines and principles of Freemasonry I conceive them to be founded in benevolence, and to be exercised only for the good of mankind. I cannot, therefore, upon this ground, withdraw my approbation from it. If I have paused thus long upon these memorials of the past, and if I have borrowed thus largely from these evidences of Washington's opinions, it is that so far this audience at least may know of his sincere attachment to our Order, and that Washington was in very truth a Mason in heart, in affection and in allegiance, not merely in name and in outward bearing, but one who wrought with \is in our hours of labor, and whose visits to our temple were prompted by no idle curiosity, but by warm devotion to the interests of the Craft, and a philosophical admiration of our mystic system. And is It not a noble eulogy of our institution that it should have numbered among its faithful disciples one so stainless in morals, so devout in religion, a patriot so pure, a statesman so virtuous, that his life was the admira- tion of the world, his death the desolation of his country? There is, indeed, in the whole pervading spirit of Freemasonry, something of that beauty of holiness which must have been congenial to the character of such a man as he. His heart was irresistibly drawn to it by the purity of its prin- ciples and the sublime beneficence of its design. He could not but love it because it was holy, and he could not but admire it because it was intellectual. Unfaltering trust in God, an humble dependence on the wisdom and power of the Supreme Controller of the Universe, is the first as well as the most indispensable moral Centennial flDemorial 195 qualification of every candidate for our mystic rites, and this virtue the foundation and suggestion of every other, was a distinguishing feature In the religious consti- tution of Washington. In all his private and public letters, in his official correspondence with the government and in his orders to the army, this firm reliance, this trustful depend- ence on Divine Providence, is prominently and frequently referred to as though it were a topic on which he could not too often dilate. Of charity, which has been aptly called the capstone of the Masonic edifice, and which, like the virtue already spoken of is taught in the most important cere- mony of initiation, Washington was an illustrious example. He uniformly acted whenever the poor and deserving were presented to his notice. Under the influence of that great doctrine of our Order, which teaches us "To sooth the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds," brotherly love, that sublime principle of philan- thropy by which, as it is defined in our ritual, "We are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor, who as created by one Almighty Parent are to aid. support and protect each other," was admirably exemplified in his humanity to the prisoner. His was indeed the character to win kindness from an enemy or to secure fidelity in a friend. But why extend this catalogue, or why protract this eulogium of him whom now to praise were indeed "to paint the lily or to gild fine gold?" May we not, in viewing this goodly audience and this large assemblage of the members of a mystic fraternity offering up the holocaust of their whole heart's veneration, and that, too, not here alone, but in all the widely separated segments of this vast empire, in the North, in the South, in the East and in the West, be all animated by one common feeling of Joyous exaltation, and that the most loved and honored of our mighty dead was with us and of us, bound willingly and cheerfully himself in our bond of fraternity? Looking thus at all that is around us in this public display, and all that is in us and about us in the sentiment of honest pride, that as Masons warms and animates us, may we not point to this day and to these services as a monument to the memory of our own, our venerated brother? The fact that Washington was an active and devoted member of our fraternity is in itself a source of congratulation. But while we thus peculiarly honor the greatest man of his age, and assert that in uniting with us he vindicated by his own virtue the purities of his principles, we may be permitted to indulge in the consoling consciousness that such a vindication was not altogether wanting, but that both before and since the connection of Washington with the Craft Free- masonry has presented a catalogue of glorious names inscribed upon its proud escutcheon. It is indeed with truth that the ritual of our order declares to each 196 ^be Masbinaton HDasonic Initiate that "the greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of the art. and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the fraternity, to extend their privileges, and to patronize their assemblies." General Washington never forgot Masonry when a soldier. He encouraged and \isited camp Lodges, and participated in their labors, frequently oflSciating as Master. It was at the old Freeman's Tavern on the green of Morristown, New Jersey, in 1777, that Washington himself made General Lafayette a FYeemason. Washing- ton became a Royal Arch Mason in the year 1755, in a military Lodge connected with a British regiment in the command of the ill-fated General Braddock. So deeply, so fully was he impressed with the solemnities of the degree, that the Bible on which he sealed his obedience to the Order was henceforth to him not only the venerated word of God, but the sublime witness of his Royal Brotherhood. This volume, which witnessed the exaltation of the august companion, is now in the possession of a Lodge in Manchester, England, where in the years 1834 and 1852 it was exhibited in solemn procession which moved three times around the Temple, and accompanied by a guard of soldiers. On the roll of workmen who have labored in the erection of our mystic Temple there are found many eminent and honored names, names that have been conspicuous in the history of our race, and which are often repeated when the great achievements of the past are recounted. The records of Masonry are adorned with such on almost every page; we need not go back to remote antiquity to search for distinguished craftsmen among its traditionary legends, though such are not wanting even there. Frederick the Great of Prussia, George the IV of England, with all his uncles and brothers; Oscar of Sweden, Christian of Denmark and Ernest of Hanover may be named among the kings and princes who have not only been the patrons but the disciples of our art. Napoleon, with every marshal! and general of his camp; Nelson, Wellington, Collingswood and Napier, and every distinguished leader of England's army and navy have worn the Masonic badge and learned the Mason's sign. In our own country the role of distinguished Masons is not less honorable to the fraternity. In the Revolutionary War all the generals of the American army, and those noble and kindred spirits who came from France, Germany and Poland to assist us, were bound together, not only by the glorious bonds of the common struggle, but by the additional cords of Masonic fraternity. And when, in after days, Lafayette, that patriot of the two hemispheres, had returned to the home from which for our cause he had so long been in exile, he could find no better token of his grateful recollection to convey to Washington, his venerated father in arms. Centennial nPeinortal 197 than a Mason's scarf and a Mason's apron, and which, wrought by Madam Lafay- ette, a Mason's wife, were long treasured and worn by him to whom they were presented, and are now preserved as sacred relics by Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. In civil life we claim an equally noble catalogue. More than fifty of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, several of our Presidents, including President William McKinley, also many of our judges and distinguished statesmen, have been initiated into the rites of Masonry. Henry Clay is recorded in our annals as a Mason of unfaltering devotion, who years ago sacrificed the aspirations of ambition to his love of the Craft and refused the nomination for the Presidency by what was then supposed to be a powerful party, when the price of his support was to be a renunciation of Freemasonry. The records of the Craft are full, not only of noble names, but of the noble deeds of those who have shared in our labors and participated in our mystic rites; such names as Joseph Warren, Thomas Smith Webb, Sir Christopher Wren, James Anderson, Joseph Brandt, the Duke of Sussex, DeWitt Clinton, Benjamin Franklin, Marquis Lafayette, Israel Putnam, Paul Revere, David Wooster, Albert Pike, Dr. Oliver, Robert Morris, Dr. Mackey and a host of others too numerous to recite in this brief address; men whose hearts have swelled with pure emotions, whose strong arms and great souls have been the bulwarks of their country's rights and freedom, and whose living thoughts on science, philosophy and ethics have flashed like sunbeams on the intellect of the world ; men who have adorned all professions that are honorable, and won distinction in every field of legitimate employment. Among all these we find those who were proud to be numbered among the royal Craft, and hailed by them as Free and Accepted Masons. But why prolong this glorious theme to men, to minds, to hearts like these coming up in their devotions to our altars from all times and from all countries? Masonry may proudly point, as Cornelia did of old to her children, and say, indeed, with truth, "These, these are my jewels." A century has passed since George Washington's immortal spirit passed beyond. How many old empires have passed away, and how many new ones have been ushered into existence! How many dynasties of kings and kaisers have been blotted from the herald book of history, and how many others have been inscribed upon its pages of mundane glory! How many of the wise and good, the noble and the great, have drifted in the shattered bark of life to the shores where all is dumb! How many hearts that then beat with all the hopes of youth, or with all the ambition of age have ceased to pulsate, and all their throbs of joy and love, or hate and grief, been stilled in the silence of the tomb! 198 Cbc masbinaton HDasonic What millions of that busy throng who then peopled the earth's surface have buried ail their struggles, and found a certain rest for all their varied labors in the grave! What revolutions have there not been In nations; what changes in arts and science; how many old theories have been proved to be fallacious: how many new ones invested with truth since that memorable day when George Wash- ington, our brother, was laid to rest, and he, too, with all his energy and endurance, with all his wisdom and purity, with all his power and popularity, even he has passed away, has gone from us forever. leaving his glory and virtues as a legacy to his country. But time, which has thus drawn into the vortex of its mighty gulf the perish- able fabrics of man's device and buried in one common wreck the inventors and their inventions, the players and the stage on which they "strutted their brief hour." has beaten in vain with all its billows against the impregnable rock of Masonry. Though other things have passed away, that still remains now as it ever has been, indissoluble, immutable, no land marks subverted, no fragments dissevered from its perfect mass, its columns still standing in strong support, its lights still blazing with their sacred fires, its truth still pure as in the days of its birthhood, and when the cycle of another century shall have revolved, and you and I. and all that are elsewhere meeting on this Ceremonial Day. shall have gone down to the dust from whence we sprung, another generation will be here again to meet upon a second ceremony of the two htmdredth anniversary of the day when the brother- hood lost the noblest of her sons. Deep and solid he laid the foundations of this mighty nation. His was "square work;" even when tested by the severest rules of art. He proved himself a '"Master Workman" wherever and whenever he applied his strength and skill, and at near the age which Providence usually allots to man, at peace with the world, in the bosom of his family, in a green and honored old age, he laid him down, and died in full hope of a glorious immortality, and was buried on his own ground, on the shores of the noble stream so dear to his heart. Disturb not his slumbers, let 'Washiii&ton sleep 'Xeath the bousbs of the willows that over him weep: His arm is unnerved, but his deeds remain bright As the stars in the dark vaulted heaven at night. O. 'wake not the hero, his battles are o'er. Let him rest, calmlr rest, on his own native shore. Willie the stars and the stripes of our country shall wave O'er the land that can boast of a Washington's grave. Centennial flDeniorlal 199 GOLDEN. Golden, Colo., December 23, 1899. Right Worshipful Brother Grand Secretary: I regret to say that this Lodge held no observance of the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington on December 14, 1899, as suggested by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, and, therefore, I have no report of proceedings to make. Fraternally yours, George K. Kimball, Secretary. GRAND JUNCTION. (Picture of Washington.) MEMOKIAL EXERCISES. Mesa LodcxE No. .55, A. F. and A. M., Grand Junction, Colorado, December 14, A. D. 1899. PROGRAM. Music. Prayer Rev. O. E. Ostenson The Washington Memorial Exercises Horace T. De Long The Influence of Masonry on the Development of the American Idea of the Equality of Men Rev. R. Sanderson Music. A Letter to the Lodges of Colorado from the Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge, of which Lodge Washington Was the First Master Under Its Virginia Charter Oscar D. Stewart An Account of Washington's Last Illness, from the Diary of His Sec- retary Lovias P. Ingersoll 200 (Ibe Masbiiifiton flDasonic My Recollections of Grand Marquis de Lafayette, the Warm Personal Friend of George Wastiington. by Adna Adams Treat of Denver, now in the 103rd Year of His Age William I. Hammond Music. Washington's Farewell Address Heman R. Bull The Personal Character and Public Services of Washington Prof. W. H. Miller Music. Benediction Rev. John M. P. Martin America — "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," etc. GREELEY. A special communication of Occidental Lodge No. 20, A. F. and A. M., was held in Masonic Hall, December 14, 1899, at 8:30 p. m., A. L. 5S99, for the purpose of holding Memorial Exercises upon the centennial of the death of Brother George Washington. The Lodge opened in due form on the third degree, and was then called from labor to refreshment, and the public invited to the Lodge room, where the following programme was rendered: . Opening Prayer By Brother Joseph Moore Response By M. E. Church Choir Reading Personal Letter to the Lodges of Colorado from the Worship- ful Master of Alexandria Lodge, of which Lodge Washington Was the First Worshipful Master Under Its Virginia Charter By Brother H. T. West Music — Banjo selection Brother A. W. James Reading — Personal Character and Public Services of Washington .... Brother Frank Maddon Solo- — Mount Vernon Bells Miss M. Nora Boylan Reading — Personal Letter from Adna Adams Treat of Denver Brother S. Atkinson Reading — An Account of Washington's Last Illness, from Diary of His Secretary J. M. B. Peterkin Centennial nPemorial 20^ Memorial Hymn M. E. Church Choir Reading — Washington's Farewell Address Brother Z. X. Snyder Song — "America" By the audience The public having retired, the Lodge was then called from refreshment to labor, and closed on the third degree in due and ancient form. Sharon Atkinson, Secretary. ADDRESS BY BROTHER FRANK MADDON. The private character of George Washington was to a great degree molded by his surroundings, and the influences with which he was environed. Left fatherless at the age of ten years, he fell under the influences of his brother Lawrence, his senior by some fourteen years, a man who had received a finished education in Europe, and who, because of his abilities and acquirements, held a commission in the British army. It is no wonder, then, that the young ambition of George should be stimulated to admiration by the well-bred, graceful, easy and polished manners of his tall and distinguished-looking brother. To his associations with his brother Lawrence, his biographer states, is due, in a great measure, his inclinations toward a military life. With visions of ultimate fame on the field of battle young Washington, no doubt, at this early day, looked forward with no little anxiety for opportunities where he might distinguish himself in the profession of arms, and much of the methodical manner with which he conducted his own private affairs is due to the discipline to which he devoted so much time and attention, both in early and after life, while in command of his troops in the several campaigns in which he was en- gaged. To him the past is not an oblivion. The silence of the tomb echoes the acclamations of his countrymen, as, in that distant day, he was just such a person- age as would excite the admiration of both citizen and soldier alike. A man of magnificent presence, wanting in what, at the present day, might be termed a uni- versity training, yet because of his natural gifts and rare qualities of mind he suc- cessfully met and gained the esteem of the most distinguished diplomats of the Old World. In his intercourse with men as a private citizen, he impressed all with respect and admiration, not only because of his excellent qualities, but on account of his unerring judgment, strong appreciation and consideration of the 202 ilbc Masbiiujton flDasonic rights of others, and withal a delicacy so admirable as to call forth favorable criti- cism from all those with whom he conducted business. A man not gifted with eloquence, yet because of his honesty of purpose, both of heart and mind, he inspired his hearers with that confidence that carries with it conviction. Thomas Jefferson tells us that "His stature was exactly what one would wish, his deportment easy, erect and noble; the best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback." Washington was essen- tially a man of affairs. His life was a busy one. Idleness was not one of his faults, if, indeed, he was possessed of any erroneous characteristics; his business affairs were always attended to with scrupulous exactness. The tongue of scandal never whispered to the foul breezes anything deroga- tory to his private or domestic life. He stood before his fellow countrymen and the world a man of integrity, admirable in his rare gifts as a citizen of the new Republic, a model, so to speak, on which future generations might predicate a perfect type of American manhood and citizenship. In speaking of the private character of General Washington, it is in a measure diflicult to imagine him other than the hero who fought the battles of the nation, notwithstanding he was afterwards such a distinguished figure in her public affairs, and, we might add, the most illustrious personage that occupies a place in the his- tory of modern times. As to his public services, they have been so great and so varied, and at the same time so well known, that it seems almost useless to rehearse them to an audience composed of American citizens. All are more or less familiar with the history of the Revolution, where Washington's greatest talents were first called into requisition to their fullest extent, and the history of which never could be written were we to eliminate the name of George Washington, the central figure, around which cluster all those events which have made the sum total of the his- tory of the birth of the American Republic. His personality, strange as it may seem, is mirrored on every department of this nation from the Atlantic on the east to the Pacific on the west; from the perpetual snows of the north to the sunny land of Beulah on the south. All bespeak the characteristics so indelibly stamped on this nation, and to the existence of which he contributed so much and so unsel- fishly. Draper tells us that struggle as we may to change the inevitable trend of human progress, the time comes when such conditions are no longer possible as had heretofore existed, and the history of the world, for that reason, is the more rapidly made; and we may fairly assume that at this critical time the struggle heretofore waged by the mother country against the independence of the colonies. Centennial fiDcmortal 203 was by Washington, the instrument in the hands of Providence, brought forth in greater perfection than it might have been had the change talcen place at an earlier day. Notwithstanding his limited acquirements he was so gifted by nature as a soldier that he met every emergency and turned them to his own advantage, as often did Napoleon the Great. Again Jefferson tells us that he was rather slow to reach a conclusion, but when he had once fixed on his course of action, no man's judgment was more sound. It was conceded by those who knew him as a soldier that he was wholly devoid of fear on the field of battle. However, he never acted without due and mature deliberation, and once having seen his way clear no power could turn him from his purpose, whatever that might be. The confidence and es- teem in which he was held by his countrymen is evidenced by the positions of trust and responsibility to which he was so frequently called, and while serving his country, both as a soldier and legislator, his counsel was so often sought and held in such high esteem. No scandal growing out of any of his public acts, as is too often in our day made manifest, has been left to posterity, or to his fellow country- men as an inheritance, and when he finally retired to his home on the banks of the Potomac it was with a full sense of having done his whole duty, and with the grateful commendation of his felow citizens for work well and faithfully executed. The farewell address, to which we will listen, is characteristic of the man, wise, temperate and considerate of the destinies of the new-born nation. In the language of another: "In the production of Washington, it does really appear as if Nature was endeavoring to improve upon herself, and that all the virtues of the ancient world were but so many studies preparatory to the patriot of the new. Individual instances, no doubt there were; splendid exemplifications of some single qualification. Csesar was merciful; Scipio was continent; Hannibal was patient, but it was reserved for Washington to blend them all in one, and like the chef d'oeuvre of the Grecian artist, to exhibit in one glow of associated beauty the pride of every model and the perfection of every master. As a general he martialed the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of experience; as a statesman he enlarged the policy of the cabinet into the most comprehensive system of general advantage; and such was the wisdom of his views and the philos- ophy of his counsels that to the soldier and statesman he added the character of the sage! A conqueror, he was untainted with the crime of blood; a revolutionist, he was free from any stain of treason; for aggression commenced the contest, and his country called him to the command. Liberty unsheathed his sword, necessity stained it, victory returned it. If he paused here history might have doubted what station to assign him — whether at the head of her citizens or her soldiers, her heroes or her patriots. But the last glorious act crowned his career and banishes 204 ^be IMasbtnoton flDasonic all hesitation. Wlio, like Washington, after having emancipated a hemisphere, re- signed its crown and preferred the retirement of domestic life to the adoration of a land he might be almost said to have created?" In conclusion let me say, that while constitutional liberty lasts he shall re- main the most illustrious figure of his own or any other time, "the soldier hero who redeemed the nation and cut man's chains assiinder with his sword." From the tumult and strife of revolution, from the broken power of the nations of the old world, who with mailed hand had for centuries held undisputed their depend- encies, sprang the great Republic of Republics, a nation founded on a constitution, the beacon light of a new civilization, at the head of which stands our illustrious fellow craftsman — George Washington. IDAHO SPRINGS. Idaho Springs, Colo., December 16, 1899. E. C. Pakmelee, Grand Secretary: Right Worshipful Sir and Dear Brother — Acting nnder the general Dispensation issued by the Grand Master, Idaho Springs Lodge No. 26, A. F. and A. M., met at tlieir hall at 7 :30 o'clock p. m., December 14, 1899, with thirty members present, including officers and visitors. The Lodge was opened on the third degree, a procession was then formed and proceeded to the Presbyterian Church, where the following programme was rendered: Invocation Rev. Willman Song Choir Address — The Early Influence of Masonry on the Development of the Equality of Man, as Expressed in the Declaration of Independ- ence, and Its Culmination in the Independence of the American Colonies William L. Bush Song Choir Reading of a Personal Letter to the Lodges of Colorado from the Wor- shipful Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, of which Wash- ington Was the First Master Under Its Virginia Charter E. M. Moscript Solo — "Star Spangled Banner" Miss Baker Centennial flDemorial 205 Reading — An Account of Washington's Last Illness, Taken from the Diary of His Secretary P. A. Moss Address — The Personal Character and the Public Services of Wash- ington Rev. John L. Boyd Reading — Washington's Farewell Address. .Geo. T. Waltman of the G. A. R. Song — "America" By the audience Benedictioli Rev. Willman In view of the patriotic character of the exercises, the members of the G. A. K. were invited to attend in a body, which they did to the number of twenty. In addition to the members of the Lodge and the G. A. K., there were about one hundred and fifty others present. The exercises passed off pleasantly and were a credit to the Fraternity. Fraternally yours, William L. Bush, Acting Secretary. ADDRESS BY BROTHER W. L. BUSH. Before taking up the subject assigned to me, it might be well to state how the idea originated in the Masonic Fraternity of holding a Memorial Service on the centennial of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. At the session of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, held in September, 1893, Grand Master W. D. Wright, on the suggestion of Brother R. W. Woodbury, Chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence, recommended that proper memorial exercises be held at Mount Vernon on this date. At that time a committee of three was appointed to place the subject before the other Grand Lodges of the United States. A sufficient number of Grand Lodges having signified to co-operate to make the exercises a success, the arrangement of the details was placed in the hands of the Grand Lodge of Vir- ginia. And to-day, not only at Mount Vernon, but in hundreds of cities and towns throughout the United States the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons have met and done honor to the memory of him who was "first In war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen." It seems fitting and proper that this suggestion should come from Colorado, on account of having been admitted to statehood in 1876, one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In order to show what Influence, if any. Masonry had upon the development of the American idea of the equality of men, and in the independence of the Amer- 2o6 gbc THIlai?binoton flDat?onic ican colonies, it will be necessary to give in a general way some of the principal doctrines and teachings of the organization, and what is required of its votaries. The intluence of an institution reveals itself most clearly in the lives of men who have honored its principles and cherished its observances. This is the final test of all institutions in the eyes of the world. Masonry's influence has always been a silent one. Its work is like the works of nature, silent but irresistible. We can, therefore, only judge of its influence on the history of this nation in its formative period by the men who were connected with the Fraternity, and a comparison of its principles with those of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. First of all. Masonry requires a belief in God. Not in the narrow sense of any particular creed or dogma, but in that broad and liberal sense that permits the Christian, Jew. Mohammedan and heathen to worship at its altar. We are taught to implore His aid in all our laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief good. The right to worship God according to the dictates of the individual conscience has always been, and always will be the indisputable right of every Mason. One of the cardinal principles of Masonry is equality. Not by lowering, but by elevating to a common platform, where all meet upon the level, with equal rights and equal duties. Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors, believing that it is the internal and not the external qualifications which should recommend a man to favor. Around the Masonic altar all meet upon the level. All, let their rank in life be what it may, when in the Lodge room are brothers. The official jewel of the Senior Warden in every Lodge is a familiar emblem of this equality, and no Lodge is ever closed without hearing that principle reiterated from the lips of that oflScer. One of the qualifications essential in one who seeks admission to the Fra- ternity, is that the breath of liberty must have nourished and inspired him from the hour of his birth. To bondsmen and slaves Masonic light has ever been denied. To be made a Mason a man must be free born, and in every manner qualified for a career of usefulness. This is the doctrine of liberty taught to all Masons. Lib- erty that is not license, for Masonry teaches men to govern themselves. The insti- tution has ever stood with the doctrine of liberty, equality and toleration emblaz- oned on its banners, to wage war against feudal institutions and the despotism of churches over individual conscience. These are some of the cardinal principles of Masonry as taught in her Lodge rooms from the very inception of the organization. Long before the discovery of the New World these principles have been taught to those who knelt at the altar and took the Masonic vows. But under the form of government in monarchial countries, the very conditions of society, the methods of earthly monarchs. jealous Centenntal fiDemortal 207 of power, the growth of the organization was necessarily slow. There, conditions did not tend to the full and complete application of these teachings. Evoehes made and the wishes of the Grand Lodge were carried out so far as it was within our power. Yours fraternally, W. T. McGiNNis, Secretary. Centennial fiDemortal 231 WINDSOR. A special communication of Windsor Lodge No. 09, A. F. and A. M., was held December 14, A. D. 1899, A. L. 5899. The Lodge opened on the third degree of Masonry with Brothers George H. Trye, Worshipful Master; E. U. Minckwitz, Secretary; S. L. Getshell, Senior Warden; J. H. Springer, Junior Warden; T. E. Bonifield, Treasurer; L. Seaton, Senior Deacon; M. W. Kennedy, Junior Deacon; C. S. Toole, Tiler, and other brethren about the Lodge. After the Worshipful Master had announced what the call was made for, the Craft was ordered in funeral procession and marched to the I. O. O. F. Hall, where the following programme for the observance of Washington Centennial Memorial Day was rendered : Instrumental Music Miss Ellie Rogers Reading of an Account of Washington's Last Illness Brother F. B. Bonifield, Treasurer Reading of a Personal Letter from the Worshipful Master of Washing- ton-Alexandria Lodge, of which Washington Was the First Master Under its Virginia Charter Brother S. L. Getshell, Senior Warden Reading of a Letter from Brother Adna Adams Treat to the Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge of Colorado Brother G. H. Frye, Worshipful Master Song by Quartette . .Brothers A. Hahn, T. B. Gormeley, W. E. Williams and F. E. Bonifield Reading of a Sketch of the Personal Character and Public Services of Washington G. H. Frye, Worshipful Master Reading of a Portion of "Washington's Farewell Address" Brother L. Seaton, Senior Deacon Song by Quartette. 2^2 Hhc Masbington ilDasonic After the exercises, the Craft marched back to the Masonic HaH, where the Lodge was regularly closed on the third degree of Masonry, peace and harmony prevailing. E. U. MiNCKWITZ, Secretary. (Seal) Approved December 19, 1899. George H. Fete, Worshipful Master. WRAY. Hall of Wkay Lodge No. 71, A. F. and A. M. Weay, Colo., December 14, 1899. Ed. C. Parmelee, Grand Secretary, Denver, Colo. : Dear Sir and Brother — Memorial Services were observed by Wray Lodge to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Gen- eral George Washington. The brethren assembled in the hall, and from there marched to the Methodist Episcopal Church, where an appropriate programme was carried out, after which the brethren returned to the Lodge, and closed in Ample Form. Fraternally yours, J. N. Counter, Secretary. Extracts from Proceedings of Grand Lodges Centennial flDemorial 235 Extracts from Proceedings of Grand Lodges. Arizona's Review of Colorado. The Committee on the Washington Centennial Memorial made their final report. This Committee was appointed seven years ago, when this project o!f having a Centennial Masonic celebration of the anniversary of the death of Wor- shipful Brother George Washington was first broached. The idea originated with this Grand Lodge, and it has all the reflected glory of such conception, and the Committee says: "The action of this Grand Lodge, in initiating this memorial, will long appear in its history as the most beautiful jewel that sparkles in its crown." Canada. In referring to the Washington Memorial Services at Mount Vernon the Grand Master says: To the Mason and courtly gentleman who was loved by all and whose mem- ory we all revere, whose life was so pure that even with us of a different nation- ality his virtues and conduct are continually kept before us as worthy of emulation. Connecticut's Review of New Jersey. The Centennial Memorial of Brother George Washington marked an epoch in Masonic history. Its inception in the Centennial State — Colorado — and its culmi- nation in the "Old Dominion" were creditable to both. Such tribute to the patriot and Brother is worthy of the Fraternity. From far and near were gathered repre- sentative brethren to do honor to the memory of the Father of this Country, men who had passed the meridian of life, veterans in the cause of Masonry, being in the majority. 236 Zbc TKHasbincjton flDasonic Georgia's Review of Vermont. The Grand Master and Grand Lecturer O. W. Daley represented Vermont at the Washington Memorial Ceremonies. A full and enthusiastic account is given, in which the opinion is expressed that "words would be insufficient to indicate the significance of this international testimony to the memory of the 'Father of his Country,' whose influence as a Mason is still extending, inspiring and uplifting the seekers for light." Iowa's Review of Colorado. The report of the Washington Centennial Memorial Committee is a noble document of genuine interest; and the historic value of the volume compiled by the Committee, containing the addresses at Mount Vernon, and those before Colorado Lodges, together with Memorial Circulars and photographs, is great, and will be increasingly so in after years. The seven years of service by that committee were, in result, as that of Joseph in Egypt during a like number of years of plenty. Kansas' Review of Alabama. The Grand Lodge was entertained by Brother W. C. Wheeler, Worshipful Mas- ter of Helion Lodge No. 1, the oldest Lodge in that Grand Jurisdiction, by exhibit- ing a Masonic apron which was worn by Brother John W. Thompson, late a mem- ber of Helion Lodge, at the time when the Marquis de Lafayette visited the Lodge and occupied the station of Senior Warden, Brother George Washington presiding as Worshipful Master. This apron was tendered to the Grand Master for his use at the memorial ceremonies commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington. Kansas' Review of New South Wales. Letters were produced from the Grand Lodges of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, relating to a representation at the Washington Cen- tennial Ceremonies. These Grand Lodges had been invited to unite with the Grand Lodge of New South Wales and send a personal representative to represent them on the occasion of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the death of George Washington. They decided to call upon their respective repre- sentatives in America to represent the Grand Lodge and present the necessary compliments on that occasion. Centennial npemortal 237 Kentucky's Review of Virginia. The Washington Centennial Commemoration has special mention, and large praise is given to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for the part which it toolt in the ceremonies. A lamhskin apron was deposited by Grand Master Small, of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, upon the coffin of the illus- trious dead. Brother George Washington, during the ceremonies of that interesting occasion, and subsequently removed from the coffin at the close of the ceremony. On account of the courtesy and kindness of the Grand Lodge of the District and its officers, it was suggested by the Grand Master that the apron be placed in the midst of an engrossed inscription, setting out the facts of the presentation, signed by himself and attested by the Grand Secretary, under seal of the Grand I>odge, and handsomely framed in massive oak, should be presented to the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia at its next meeting. Maine. We feel that it was the most important event in which Masons, as such, have ever participated. So far as the outward world is concerned, the occasion gave a tremendous impulse to patriotism and veneration for the men who enrolled our country among the nations of the earth, and laid the foundations for government by the people, and especially for him, who now, more than ever before, is hailed as the "Father of our Country." Maine's Review of Colorado. He (Burnand) gives a brief account of the Washington Centennial, speaking in very modest terms of the excellent address he delivered upon that occasion. It will be remembered that the idea of commemorating this occasion was originated in the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and we believe by Past Grand Master Roger W. Woodbury, and the thanks of the Fraternity everywhere are due to Brother Woodbury and the Colorado brethren for the manner in which they aided in carrying out the plan originated by them. The committee having charge of the matter made a report also, giving a very brief statement of what was done, and stating that the matter had been incor- porated in a volume, made up, as we judge, like a scrap book. But we note that the matter of publishing the full Memorial was referred to a committee with power to have it published when a sufficient number of subscriptions should have been received. This is the first that we have noticed the matter, and we do not know whether the plan has been carried out. 238 ^be Maebington flDasontc Maine's Review of Iowa. Referring to the Washington Centennial, he says that a concise history of the Masonic life and services of Washington was published in the library bulletin for November, 1899, and he issued an edict setting apart the 14th of December for Me- morial Services, and while he himself went to Mount Vernon to attend there, a large number of Lodges observed the day. He says that "no occasion of Masonic import was ever so very generally observed by the Craft in that jurisdiction than was the Centennial Anniversary of the death of our beloved Brother George Wash- ington." Of the centennial itself, he says: "Grand in its conception and suc- cessfully executed, the ceremonies at Mount Vernon on the 14th of December last stand without a parallel in the Masonic history of America, or in the world." Maine's Review of Missouri. The Grand Master attended the Washington Memorial Services, and speaks of it In high terms, concluding as follows: "Concerning the appropriateness of such a service one hundred years after the death of Washington, there seemed to be only one opinion. Probably nothing in the history of our land has done more to place Freemasonry in its proper light before the American people as an institution which had so much to do with our be- ginning as a nation, and which is so closely interwoven with all that is best in American citizenship. The devotion of such a man as George Washington to Freemasonry for a period of seven and forty years is as good an answer as need be made to all cavilings that can be urged against our Order, and the Washington Memorial Service of last December, heralded so widely and reported so fully by the press, is worth vastly more to our Fraternity than all it cost In money, time and labor. Of the thousands of Masons who participated in those ceremonies there was not one whose devotions to the principles of our institutions was not quick- ened and whose spirit did not exult within him as he said, 'I, too, am a Free- mason.' " Maine's Review of Nebraska. He refers to the Washington Centennial Exercises, and does us the honor of giving, in his annual address, the greeting which we sent to the brethren of his jurisdiction. We think that almost everyone who was present was affected as he thus describes that he was: Centennial flDcmortal 2^ "As I stood that gray December day on that beautiful eminence which over- looks the broad Potomac and many historic spots hallowed with patriotic and fra- ternal blood, and listened to the last President of the United States, a Freemason, voice the affection and veneration of a mighty nation for the first President of the United States, also a Freemason, and one of the sublimest characters in all his- tory, my bosom swelled with love and pride for ancient Craft Masonry, and I left the sacred place with a clearer and profounder conception than I ever had before of the power, grandeur, beauty and beneficence of our beloved institution." Maine's Review of New Mexico. The Grand Master gives an extract from the report of his representative at the Washington Centennial, in which that Brother says: "These memorial ser- vices, in my opinion, were not only a grand demonstration to the world of the love and reverence of Masons generally for the name and memory of George Washing- ton, but will result in great good for our Craft, as well as the world at large, in that many will be thereby inspired with better and higher ideals, and with greater respect and reverence for the institution of Freemasonry." Maryland's Review of Virginia. According to the suggestions made a few years since by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, the Grand Lodge of Virginia invited the representatives of all the Grand Lodges in the world to assemble with it in the observance of the 100th anniversary of the death of our illustrious Brother George Washington. Immediately after the opening of the Grand Lodge the distinguished representatives present were re- ceived and welcomed. Nearly thirty-two pages of the proceedings are occupied by the speeches of welcome and the responses on the occasion. Montana's Review of Colorado. The Washington Memorial Observance, first suggested by Colorado, occupied much attention, and when Virginia asked further financial aid, a hundred Colorado Brethren subscribed $10 each. The event has since transpired and we have read the addresses and transactions with much interest. As Masons as well as citi- zens we cannot too often or too much recall the example and services of Washing- ton. Many of our Lodges held Memorial Services. In spite of the fact that many of the fathers of our nation were members of the Fraternity our country witnessed 240 Itbe Masbiiiflton fiDasonic later an anti-Masonic crusade, such as the Pope with all his pretended autho'rity has not been able to arouse in this era of light and more general intelligence. Some of the difference is partly due to greater publicity of Masonic transactions and more still perhaps that its efforts are more directed to practical charity. "By their deeds ye shall know them." Montana's Review of Utah. The Grand Master and Grand Secretary attended Washington Memorial Ser- vices, and speak enthusiastically of the ceremonies and attentions received. Very generally in the Utah Lodges the occasion was observed at home in ample form. Nebraska's Review of Maryland. The Grand Master reported that he and his Grand Lodge took a prominent part and place in the Centennial at Mount Vernon, December 14th, 1899. It was an honor, he said, of which he gladly availed himself. The occasion was largely ob- served throughout Maryland by those who did not go to Mount Vernon. Nevada's Review of New Brunswick. It is well to contemplate what this Masonic demonstration teaches, that the virtues of the distinguished Mason are more permanent than political or military power. New Brunswick. The one hundredth anniversary of the death of Worshipful Brother George Washington was a red-letter day in the Masonic calendar of our Brethren in the United States. In his native State, Virginia, the celebration assumed somewhat of a national character. Your Grand Master was most cordially invited to be present and take part, but was unable to accept, which he sincerely regrets. It is well to contemplate what this Masonic demonstration teaches, that the virtues of the dis- tinguished Mason are more permanent than political or military power. South Carolina's Review of Pennsylvania. The Washington Centennial was unique in character; there has been, there will be no parallel case to fit it; it was a grand Masonic demonstration. It seems to us that on that one peculiar occasion the Pennsylvania traditions would have been "more honored in the breach than in the observance." Centennial flDemorial 241 South Dakota. "The most notable event of the Masonic year has been the Washington Memo- rial Observance, a gathering of distinguished and other Freemasons to the number of thousands at Mount Vernon, in Virginia, the home of George Washington, the Father of his Country, and the Brother of Masons, to commemorate his virtues and his heroic life, and to testify in the strongest and most solemn manner possible to the great reverence and veneration we have for his memory. Colorado first pro- posed this "Observance," to take place on the one hundredth anniversary of the death of our venerated Brother. It was carried out by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The expense of the celebration was contributed to by nearly all American Grand Lodges, and representatives were commissioned to attend from many Grand Lodges from the world over, our Canadian and Australian brethren evincing the greatest interest in its successful execution. Famous military bands discoursed touching and thrilling music, cannon boomed the solemn funeral salute, volleys were dis- charged by the Marine brigade, while ten thousand people thronged to aid the pageant. Grand ceremonies by Grand Masters of Masons imparted dignity. The beautiful funeral rites were repeated. The President of the United States, Brother William McKinley, himself a Virginia-made Mason, in simple, touching words, paid eloquent tribute to the memory of that grand soul, whose example shows that "to be truly great one must be truly good." Hearts swelled to suffocation, all eyes were filled with tears, and our Brethren turned homeward, richer and better and happier far because of that great experience." South Dakota's Review of British Columbia. The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master attended Washington Memorial observance in a Washington Lodge, where the English and American flags were draped together. This pleased them very much. South Dakota's Review of Colorado. Most Worshipful Brother Todd presented the lambskin apron, properly in- scribed, that was worn by Grand Master Burnand at the Washington Centennial Memorial Exercises at Mount Vernon. The Grand Lodge returned thanks. It will be remembered that the Washington Centennial Memorial celebration had its origin in the Grand Lodge of Colorado. It culminated in a great national event. 242 Cbe Masbinoton flDasonic and our brethren in Colorado may well feel proud of it. The final report of the Committee is interesting, and it is contemplated to incorporate all addresses, etc., into a volume. Such an one will have great historic value. Resolutions of thanks to the Committee were adopted by the Grand Lodge. The Chairman of the Com- mittee then presented to the Grand Lodge a cane, inscribed as follows: ROGER WILLIAMS WOODBURY. Presented by the Ladies' Sewing Guild of Christ Church, Alexandria, Va., December 14, '99. From the Wood of an Old Forest Troo. which Grew in the Yard of WASHINGTON'S CHURCH. And asked that it be placed in the custody of the Grand Secretary and carefully preserved, and that on the occasion of the Washington Memorial Services one hun- dred years hence it be carried by the then Grand Master of Colorado. The caiie was accepted by a unanimous vote, and the Grand Secretary directed to have a plate attached, setting forth its presentation by Right Worshipful Brother Wood- bury. The inscription is as follows: "Presented by R. W. Woodbury to the Grand Lodge of Colorado, September, 1900, with request that it be carried by the Grand Master at Washington Memorial Exercises in 1999. Accepted by the Grand Lodge and the plate attached." South Dakota's Review of New Hampshire. Although this Communication was held for the purpose of exemplifying the work, the Grand Master gave a very interesting and entertaining account of his visit to Virginia on the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington. From it we learn that John Sullivan, first Governor of the State, and first Grand Master of New Hampshire Masons, was the first to begin activity in the Revolution by organizing a force and capturing Fort William and Mary, December 13, 1774. The same John Sullivan commanded the right wing at the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, and also defeated the British at Germantown, a Masonic ancestor of whom our Brother was justly proud. Centennial flDemorial 243 South Dakota's Review of Nova Scotia. An interesting account of the Grand Master's visit to Washington to attend the Memorial Observance is given, in which he expresses much pleasure enjoyed from the hospitality of the Masons there. He says: "To me the scene and occa- sion of that moment were thrilling, surrounded, as I was, by all that was truly rep- resentative of our great Craft, and connected, as the event was, with the history of a nation." Tennessee. "My love for Masonry and patriotism for my country arose to the highest point. To sum up the whole, it was inspiring from the beginning to the close of the grand ceremony." Virginia's Review of Colorado. In order to guarantee the appropriation of an extra thousand dollars asked for by our Centennial Committee, in view of the fact that the movement was, in its inception, Colorado's, and for fear the Grand Lodge would not vote the appropria- tion, one hundred Masons pledged ?10 each. The roll of honor appears on page 80, but the Grand Lodge met the issue, as Colorado might have been expected to do. 244 ^be Masbinoton flDasonic Conclusion. Denver, July, 1903. In closing this volume a few words seem necessary by reason of nn- forseen circumstances. The mind which conceived the idea of tliese exer- cises, and whose programme from inception to conclusion was practically carried out, not only in Colorado, but at Mount Vernon, was that of Roger Williams Woodbury, Past Grand Master of Colorado. Not only was it his mind to plan, but his hands to do, the consequent work. This Memo- rial Volume was entirely prepared by him, the copy all in the hands of the printer and a part of the proof read, when, without warning,"in the twink- ling of an eye," he was taken to his long home July llth, 1903. The completion of the work consequently fell upon the remaining members of the committee, who finished the task as well as circumstances permitted, handicapped by their grief at the sudden taking away of their chairman, friend and brother. Much could be said of tlie character of Brother Woodbury, which, however, would not properly belong in this volume. We take this opportunity of returning our thanks to Right Worshipful Brother Edgar A. Tennis, Grand Master F. & A. Masons in Pennsylvania, for his courteous and fraternal action in permitting us to use the Gilbert Stuart "Washington," which is the frontispiece of this volume, the steel plate being the property of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the ]>ortrait being considered one of the finest extant. This volume is now submitted to the Ma- sonic world in the belief that it has clearly told of tlie most interesting, impressive and im]x>rtant Masonic event of the last century. William D. Todd, For the Committee. Grand Secretary. %^k^ 89