Ohio was among the first states to offer its veterans of The Great War a bonus. They were paid ten dollars for each month of service up to 25 months. A twenty-five million dollar bond issue was sold, but it didn't cover the cost. Another ten million dollars was appropriated.

Change within the state took on more emphasis during the 1920's than previously. Child labor laws until 1921 laxly enforced, took on more importance. The School age was raised to 18, and 16 became the minimum age for workers in a long list of industries. In 1923, the age of majority for women, as well as men, became the law. And, women were extended the same rights as men as voters. Even so, some women still didn't feel their rights were equal to those of men.

On the national political scene came another Ohioan. Warren G. Harding, of Marion Lodge No. 70, carried Ohio by a plurality of four hundred thousand votes; the electoral vote of the nation by 404 to 127.

State election laws were changed, and then changed again and again. Methods of taxation were changed, and changed. From indirect taxation, the state and countries went to open taxation, still keeping those indirect levies intact.

There may have been a moral lethargy in the years prior to the World War, but this was more than compensated for in the new morality of the post-war years.

Economically, Ohio had grown prosperous through its agricultural products and industry. At the beginning of the century, Ohio ranked first in the manufacture if many products. It ranked second only to Michigan in the production of automobiles and their accessories. Akron became
known as "The Rubber Capital of the World." With the expansion of the automobile, it, along with many other Ohio communities, became even more prosperous.

The improvements in the automobile as a means of transportation brought changes in Freemasonry. Visitations over a wider area in a shorter time became more prevalent. Masons were no longer tied to their communities. Friendships were extended throughout the state and
nation. Differences, though minor, were noted in the way Lodge business was conducted and the ritual exemplified. News traveled faster. This was sometimes detrimental.

Grand Master John R. Flotron, a member of Mystic Lodge No.405, mentioned his concern about this during the Annual Communication of October 19, 1921: "A large portion of our members do not seem to be aware of the fact that the business of, a Lodge is just as secret as its ritualistic work, especially so with reference to the ballot, which is one of its most sacred institutions. It is not given to all men to be honored by becoming members, but Masonry does not contemplate placing upon such men a mark if character in the community in which they live."

Flotron was unhappy because the Grand Lodge in 1919 had excluded Masons who had received their degrees in Sea and Field Lodges warranted by the Grand Lodge of New York. He believed the action of the Grand Lodge in 1919 left "the subject open for further investigation and action. "He did this. He found "these Lodges were purely military in character; that they had jurisdiction over none but Americans in the American Expeditionary Forces." He issued a "Declaration and Edict":

That said Sea and Field Lodges warranted by The Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of New York are found to have been regular Army Lodges, created and operating according to Masonic Law, and all members made in said Lodges, or presenting Dimits therefrom, shall be received in all Lodges under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge F. A.M. of Ohio and accorded full Masonic recognition.

There had been several calls for relief during the year. In June, portions of Colorado were flooded. A check for $1,000 was sent to that Grand Lodge from the emergency relief fund. It wasn't needed, so Colorado returned it with its thanks.

Freemasonry in America was doing all it could to help those in distress in Europe. Grand Master Flotron investigated the "Near East Relief" committee. He found it was chartered by the Congress to help hundreds of thousands of Armenian and Assyrian women and children "left
destitute and homeless by Turkish oppression." He authorized a representative of this committee to visit and explain its work in any Ohio Lodge "desirous of granting" its help.

The Masonic War Relief Association was doing all it could to help children in France, Belgium, Italy, Serbia, and England. The Committee on Charity reported:

Whereas, Among the people of Armenia and Syria a most desperate situation was brought about by the world war, and continues to exist to-day, and as a result hundreds of thousands of innocent children have been reduced to the most heart-rendering condition the world has ever
known, through no fault of their own, but primarily be cause they are Christians and because their fathers and brothers fought with the fathers and brothers of America in the great world war; that the war which left them destitute, wherein their parents were massacred and tortured in the most fiendish manner by the Turks, was not a matter of political expediency, but purely a war of religious persecution; millions of these people have been massacred, their young women dragged into nameless captivity, and of the survivors countless thousands are starving to death daily.

The Grand Lodge agreed to send $5,ooo to the Masonic War Relief Association and another $5,000 to the Near East Relief Committee.

A Special Committee made a lengthy report on membership in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. It concluded there was no way of determining the liability of any Grand Lodge that became a member of the Association. It recommended, and the Grand
Lodge concurred, that "this matter be postponed until the question of the incorporation of the Association has been settled and the relation and liabilities of a Grand Lodge which becomes an Active Member of the Association has become clear and definite."

Robert I. Clegg, who would in later years become a noted Masonic historian, made a lengthy report on the ritual in Ohio. He said: "Practically all variations have ceased in our Jurisdiction and we are happily united on the practice of uniform ritualism. Former varieties of conferring degrees and of other Masonic service have now historic interest, though the Fielding Ritual and doubtless others are comparatively recent survivals."

Clegg noted representatives from several Grand Lodges had visited Ohio to study its Ritual. He claimed several former Ohioans had become prominent in Freemasonry in other states.

When the Grand Lodge convened on October 18, 1922 Past Grand Master Barton Smith was absent for the first time in more than 30 years. He was in Europe "on a mission for the Government, appointed to that mission by Brother Warren G. Harding." A cablegram was sent to Smith expressing the "love and loyalty" of the Grand Lodge.

Grand Master Frank M. Ransbottom, of Roseville Lodge No. 566, was pleased to announce: "On June 27, 1922, it was my privilege to lay the cornerstone of (the Rickly Memorial Hospital) on the grounds of the Masonic Home at Springfield. When completed, it will be at a cost of about
$750,000, and will be complete in every detail, and will enable the trustees to care for a class of applicants they have hertofore been obliged to reject."

Ransbottom closed his address by saying: "And for my closing words may I offer the prayer that the Easterners do:

May the peace of Allah abide with you.
Wherever you stay, wherever you go,
May the beautiful palms of Allah grow.
In your days of labor and your nights of rest
May the love of Allah make you blest.
So I touch my heart as the Easterners do,
And may the peace of Allah abide with you.

Robert Clegg, as Chairman of the History Committee, reported an Ohioan was the first Master of a Lodge on the Pacific coast. He recalled an item appearing in The Spectator on February 5, 1846:

MASONIC NOTICE

The members of the Masonic Fraternity in Oregon Territory are respectfully requested to meet at the City Hotel in Oregon City on the 21st inst. to adopt some measures to obtain a Charter for a Lodge.

Seven Master Masons met and applied for a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. On October 19, 1846, it was issued to Joseph Hull, a Past Master of Milford Lodge No. 54, empowering him to form Multnomah Lodge No. 84. It would later become No. 1 of Oregon City on the roster of The Grand Lodge of Oregon.

Concerning one of Ohio's early lecturers Clegg recorded:

John Barney as the very trustworthy Representative of this Grand Lodge took an active, leading, and admirable conservative part in the Baltimore Convention of 1843. This meeting was memorable as the latest ambitious attempt to bring about a uniform standard ritualism for the Lodges of the United States. Futile as was the effort and great as was the irritation and dismay that spread in its train, the endeavors of Bro. Barney were everywhere highly esteemed, and several Grand Lodges from then till now have formally adopted and practiced the Barney work. So much of this Ohio labor for consistent traditional Ritual centered in this neighborhood,
as at Worthington, that in this our present meeting we may fitly allude with pride to the fact. Truly John Barney . . . was, to use a time-honored phrase, a Crafts man of great skill, true and trusty, and a lover of the whole Fraternity wherever dispersed.

President Warren Gamaliel Harding died on August 2, 1923. He passed away about three hours after his secretary, also a Mason, read an address Harding had written to be given at a meeting of Knights Templar in Hollywood, California.

Harding had been Initiated in Marion Lodge No. 70 on June 28, 1901. Nineteen years later, he was Passed, then made a Master Mason on August 27, 1920. On May 21, 1921, at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., he told a large group of Masons:

No man ever took the oaths and subscribed to the obligations with greater watchfulness and care than I have exercised in receiving the various rites of Masonry, and I say it with due deliberation and without fear of breaking faith, I have never encountered a lesson, never witnessed an example, never heard an obligation uttered which could not be proclaimed to the world.

To the people of Birmingham, Alabama, who witnessed the laying of a cornerstone, he said:

I have been a better citizen for being a Mason. There is nothing in Masonry that a free, religious and just American could not be proud to subscribe to and be a better citizen for so doing.

On August 8, 1923, Harding's body was conducted from the White House to the Capitol with the six Commanderies of Knight Templar Washington, D. C., in the funeral cortege.

The sorrow in Ohio was deep. Grand master Harry S. Johnson, of Hoffner Lodge No.253, directed for a period have their lights and jewels suitably draped for a period of 60 days." He asked for "appropriate memorial exercises to be held as a fitting tribute to this amiable and distinguished Mason."

Freemasonry will always have problems with members who do not understand, or choose to ignore, the landmarks, traditions and customs of the Craft. Grand master Johnson told the delegates on October 17, 1923, he had been confronted with several situations of "gross Masonic misconduct" during the year.

One case involved the Worshipful Master of Bradford Lodge No. 593 who had formed a "Masonic Club Committee." The Grand Master learned this "club" was selling raffle tickets. He asked the Worshipful Master to meet with him to discuss the matter. Johnson said: :He advised me that if I would be kind enough to take care of his expenses, which would amount to $20.46 according to his calculations, that upon receipt of that amount he would be glad to come to Cincinnati."

Johnson wrote the Master "and asked him to indicate any reason why he ought not be suspended as Master of his Lodge." The Master said the Grand Master didn't know the "First principle about the case." He concluded his letter: Now if you conscientiously believe that you have sufficient light in this case to start suspension proceedings, then proceed and may the Lord bless you in my prayer." Two days later the Grand Master suspended him.

The Master believed he was right in what he was doing. "In order to enable the Lodge to meet its financial obligations, a number of the membership formed a Club, which is in no way connected with the Lodge, and decided to sell tickets for an automobile and turn the money thus raised over to the Lodge. This Club, therefore, issued the letter you refer to and the Lodge had nothing to do with it, and did not know as a Lodge that such a letter was sent out."

The Grand Master concluded: "This Club has resorted to practices expressly prohibited by the Grand Lodge. I have stated that the Grand Lodge of Ohio can not permit its Lodges to form organizations within themselves and resort to practices contrary to its regulations and claim ex
emption from discipline. This Grand Lodge must make it clear that every Mason is subject to the discipline of the Grand Lodge and its constituted authority."

Johnson was deeply concerned about what was being done throughout the state by "extraneous organizations":

During the year my attention has been repeatedly called to the activities of the various organizations which predicate their membership on Masonry. An investigation of these activities discloses conditions which constitute a menace to Masonry more serious and destructive than anything that has ever heretofore concerned it. Masonry in the past has been assailed from without and had withstood its every assault, Now, however, it is being attacked from within by most insidious and pernicious artifices.

An organization of the Grotto in one of our cities staged a performance so indecent that many of the members of that organization protested. This same organization at another time, in a full-page advertisement, called attention to two performances of a circus under its auspices on Sunday. On another occasion it conducted a minstrel show in a Masonic auditorium on Sunday.

A section of the Sunday edition of two daily papers was devoted exclusively to an organization of the Grotto in another city. Each carried a proclamation which was a shock to the moral sensibilities of many Masons. Sunday afternoon and evening performances were advertised to
be given in the theater. A full-page advertisement solicited all Masons to join this organization. Personal advertisements bore the emblems of this same organization. Parodies and other articles, subjecting Scripture and gems of literature to debasing, jazzy, sacrilegious burlesque, were also carried.

An organization of the Shrine in another city gave a circus dunng 1922 at which there was gambling. This year gambling was started in connection with the curcus and the Police Department put a stop to it. On the occasion of a ceremonial this same Shrine secured a show
from a theater, which had been closed by the Mayor of the city on account of its vile and indecent performances, and put it on in connection with its work. . .

Just recently an organization of the Shrine at which other city put on a circus and gambling of all sorts was allowed.

A Shrine Club recently conducted an outing at which there was boxing, wrestling, and gambling of about every known kind, drunkenness, and much vile and indecent language.

The performances of circuses or other show on Sunday are in violation of the laws of the State of Ohio. . . .

Gambling of every kind and description is prohibited not only by the State, but by our Grand Lodge since 1867. . .

Grand Master Johnson closed this portion of his report by stating:

It has always been difficult to determine the nature of the presumption that prompts men to organize within the body of Masonry without its consent, and then follow their own inclinations regardless of the laws of Masonry or the State and resort to specious argument to defend their practices. They are willing to enjoy the patrimony, but disown and even deny the paternity. There is not a man here who has an inborn or inherent right to become a Mason. It is a privilege extended by this Grand Lodge through its Subordinate Lodges, and is accepted only under the express condition that one will maintain and support the laws, rules, and regulations of his own
Lodge as well as the Constitution, Laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge.

As membership in these organizations is predicated on Masonry, it follows a man must be a Mason first. His good standing and well-being in Masonry is dependent upon his loyalty to the Laws of this Grand Lodge, and unless he is obedient to these his membership on the Masonic Fraternity is jeopardized. It is evident, therefore, that the Brethren responsible for the acts complained of are answerable as Masons for their conduct. Many Masons, as members of these organizations, have not this conception of their relations to this Grand Lodge. It seems to me the situation would be considerably clarified and the members of such organizations would be much
more circumspect in their conduct if they comprehended the fact that identification with their organizations does not render them exempt from the application of the Laws of this Grand Lodge, and that this Grand Lodge will not tolerate any conduct discreditable to the Fraternity. I pray, Brethren, that this Grand Lodge may make a solemn and unequivocal declaration to that effect.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported at length on this portion of the Grand Master's address, and the Grand Lodge concurred in its recommendation:

UNAUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS OF MASONS

The Grand Master's Address on this subject awakens serious thoughts on this growing modern menace to Masonry. There are a number - and the number is multiplying – of organizations, clubs, and societies whose membership is limited to Masons only. And their ceremonies, conduct, public exhibitions, and display are in popular mind chargeable to the Masonic Fraternity, and their behavior, when reprehensible, brings reproach upon Brotherhood. Now there is no doubt that this Grand Lodge has power by law, duly enacted by it, to forbid all Masons owing it allegiance to join or to require them to withdraw from any or all such clubs, societies, organizations whose character or conduct may, in the opinion of the Grand Lodge, be detrimental to Masonry. So far this has not been done except in the case of the Cerneaus, and for the present let us hope that it may not become necessary. Let us hope that the Masons who maybe members of any such clubs, societies, or organizations, or who may hereafter join the same, will see to it that such bodies and their members do not offend against our laws or the laws of the State.

By our Ancient Charge, "A Mason is a peaceable subject to the Civil powers;" "A Mason is obliged by his Tenure, to obey the moral law;" and "To act as becomes a moral and wise man." Our laws also prohibit "all gift distributions and lotteries" and all kindred chance or gambling devices.

Every Mason under allegiance to this Grand Lodge is bound to obey these rules, laws, and regulations. Any violation of the laws of this Grand Lodge or of the State of Ohio will subject him to charges of un-masonic conduct, trial, and the penalty provided by our Code. He can not shield himself by joining any club, society, or organization and as such member unite in violation of the laws of the State or Masonry and vicious immoralities and offend against the fundamental decencies of life. All guilt is personal to the guilty offender and can not be unloaded by him upon any organization of which he may be a member.

The vice, gambling, drunkenness, profanity, Sabbath violation, jazz burlesque, mockery of God and the Sacred Scriptures, the shock of moral sensibilities practiced by some Masons, thoughtless or vicious, as pointed out by the Grand Master in his Address, are reprehensible in the extreme. It seems passing strange that any Mason who, to gain admission, professed his faith in God should so engage in blasphemy, ribaldry, and mockery of his Maker whose universal Fatherhood is the tie that binds us in Brotherhood.

It is the inescapable duty of this Lodge to put on trial for un-masonic conduct any member guilty if the acts or any such acts mentioned, and on its failure to do so the Grand Master should discipline such Lodge even to the extent, if necessary, of arresting the Charter and blotting out of existence such delinquent Lodge.

We recommend that the Grand Master's Address on this subject and this report be read in each subordinate Lodge each month during the next year, and that the District Lecturers see that this is done and makes report thereon.

The Grand Lodge upheld the Grand Master's suspension of the Worshipful Master of Bradford Lodge No. 593. It went a step further and recommended the new Grand Master take whatever steps he deemed necessary in this or any similar case.

On the afternoon of October 17, 1923, the Grand Lodge assembled at the Ohio Masonic Home for the dedication of the Rickly Memorial Building: For those who were not at Grand Lodge, the Home was easily reached. Among the several railroad lines entering Springfield one was most convenient. "The Ohio Electric Railway (this line stops on the grounds of the Home every hour, and is known as The Indiana, Columbus and Eastern Traction Co.)."

The Rickly Memorial was described as:

. . . a three-story fire proof building of brick and concrete construction, with a basement practically all of which is utilized for various purposes. Its design comprises a central hub with five radiating wings, permitting the separation or segregation of patients in accordance with such classification as may be found necessary or desirable. The central wing contains a large assembly hall with suitable stage and moving picture facilities for the use and benefit of all residents of the home. The Rickly Memorial is connected with the administration building by a subway, offering easy access for these entertainment features.

Each wing provides from ten to fourteen private rooms on each floor, with a solarium which in case of need can be utilized for ward purposes. The rooms and wards furnish facilities for approximately 200 beds. The first floor of one of the diagonal wings is equipped with two isolation wards for contagious diseases. Diet kitchens and rooms for surgical dressings and ample toilet and bath facilities are provided on each floor. The basement contains a complete and well-lighted kitchen and dining room and a thoroughly up4o-date hydrotherapy department.

Grand Master Campbell M. Voorhees, of Magnolia Lodge No.20, carried a cheek for $5,000 to present to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. He presented it on November 1, 1923, when the cornerstone of the Memorial was laid on Shooters Hill, Alexandria, Virginia. During the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on October 15, 1924, he recommended $5,000 more be contributed. The Grand Lodge agreed.

Grand Master Voorhees learned Sir Alfred Robbins, President of the Board of General Purposes of the Grand Lodge of England, along with Lady Robbins, be visiting the United States. He extended them an invitation to visit Ohio. The invitation was accepted. And on May 2, 1924, a large gathering of Grand Lodge officers and Freemasons greeted the couple upon their arrival in Columbus. They were taken to the Masonic Home where they were treated to a luncheon. In the evening, a Masonic meeting was held in the Masonic Temple at 34 North Fourth Street. Sir Alfred was the principal speaker. The following day, at high twelve, an emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge was held in the Hall of New England Lodge No. 4 with the Grand Master presiding. Sir Alfred was once again the principal speaker.

After Sir Alfred had returned to England he wrote:

May I Say through you to the Brethren of Ohio that I am greatly heartened in my Masonic task by the splendid spirit I saw exhibited by Symbolic Masonry in every part of the United States I had time and opportunity visit. The Brethren to of Ohio are taking their full share in a wonderful work, which is of more than local, more than and national importance, for its influence is world wide. The Ohio Brethren, like those of England, are steadfast to the truth, as we see it in Masonry; and I congratulate you, M. W. Grand Master, with all sincerity upon the honor and the privilege of being, even temporarily at the head of such a body of Masons. That you may enjoy a long period of future usefulness, and that the Masons in your State will always be a happy band of Brethren is now, and will always be, my earnest prayer.

Within his report to "His Royal Highness", the Grand Master of Masons in England, he said: "I journeyed on the night of May 1st to Columbus to be met by the Brethren of Ohio, headed by their Grand Master, with the same cordial enthusiasm that had accompanied me throughout the journey. In this last city, I addressed, under the presidency of the Grand Master, a gathering of about 2,000 Masons, assembled from all parts of the Jurisdiction. The next morning, I visited the New England Lodge at Worthington, one of the oldest Lodges in the State, where an Emergent Meeting of the Grand Lodge of Ohio was convened to greet me; and it was due alone to the sudden and severe illness of his eldest son, that I did not have a promised interview with the State Governor."

In his address to the Grand Lodge, Voorhees said:

"The address delivered by Sir Alfred at the Masonic meeting held Friday evening, May 2nd, and his response to the welcome extended by the Grand Lodge at its Special Emergent Communication held at Worthington, Saturday, May 3rd, created very favorable impressions, and his plea for cooperation and a mutual and appreciative understanding of world issues between this country and Great Britain were eloquent and timely, and one could not help feeling that an interchange of representative men in the world of Masonry would serve to enhance the interest of peace and good will among the English-speaking people."

Jacob Henry Bromwell died on June 4, 1924. He had served faithfully as Grand Secretary from October 14, 1888, until the day of his death. While serving as Grand Secretary he also served as a member of Congress from 1894 to 1903. He was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Hamilton County from 1907 to 1913. From 1880 to 1886, he served as Mayor of the Village of Wyoming, Hamilton County. It was noted that the membership was 33,218 at the beginning of his 35 years of service and that it had grown to more than 180,000 by the time of his death. Harry S. Johnson had been appointed to serve out the remainder of his term as Grand Secretary. Johnson was elected to the office during the Annual Communication.

"Temple destroyed; Charter saved; Details later," read a telegram received by the Grand Master on July 1, 1924, from the Worshipful Master of Lorain Lodge No. 552. A devastating tornado had destroyed the town to such an extent it was several days before a committee could enter it to determine the assistance needed. The Grand Master wasted no time. He ordered $1,000 sent immediately to the local relief committee. He sent an urgent plea to all the Lodges in Ohio for assistance. Over $20, 000 was turned over to the committee in Lorain and another $10,000 contributed to the Red Cross. A survey of the catastrophe showed 11 Masons were killed and 13 injured. The property loss was set at over $250,000.

Past Grand Master Allen Andrews reporting for the Committee on Jurisprudence stated, after a well-meaning Brother had withdrawn his amendment to a resolution:

While I am on the floor, I would just like to say, on my own responsibility, that nearly every year some very enthusiastic and well-meaning Brother comes before this Committee with some worthy cause or organization which are very meritorious and doing a great work for good and the uplifting of humanity, and they say that, therefore, the Masonic Fraternity should foster it and to attach it to Masonry. In the very nature of things usually that cannot be done. We, all of us here, are in perfect accord in fostering and forwarding the cause of Freemasonry or we would not be here. We all agree on that. But the very moment we undertake to hitch some good cause onto that very likely some of us will not agree with you and thereby we simply sow discord and dissension among ourselves, and we would lose our identity as a Fraternity of Freemasons and we might become a sort of an army of crusaders, fostering a great many things and dissolving our organization. For instance, you know the Methodist Church is a splendid thing, and if we had them come before our Committee someone might say that he thought the Baptist Church is a better one and another one would say he thought that the Episcopal Church should be taken up. One might think that the Democratic party was a good institution and he would like to let it makes its headquarters in Masonic Hall. At once a good many of us would take an opposite view. It would not work at all.

The Grand Master noted: "I have received during the year may assurances by Officers and members of organization that may be considered extraneous, to the effect that the order of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., will be fully observed by the members of such organizations, and a hearty co-operation has been assured."

But Grand Master James B. Ruhi, of Meridian Lodge No. 610, told the delegates on October 21, 1925, it hadn't taken long for the appendant bodies to break their promises. "Reliable and creditable information has been brought to the Grand Master that there has been in operation in some parts of the State (in large cities) certain raffles or lotteries, under one form or another, for the alleged purpose of providing funds for organizations whose members are Masons." he said. He had sent out letters making it clear he would not tolerate the breaking of Masonic law.

Along with "the forty-nine Grand Masters of the United States," Grand Master Ruhl attended the meeting of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association on February 23, 1925. He responded to the welcoming address of the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.

The group they journeyed to Mt. Vernon where Ruhl was asked to place a wreath at the tomb of George Washington. He followed this by giving the eulogy. He sadly reported: "Just as the last sentence of the eulogy was spoken, Mary William Ruhl, wife of the Grand Master, who had been ought from Washington to the gates of Mt. Vernon, and accompanied her husband to the tomb,
and while standing with and in care of the Grand Master of Virginia was instantly called to life and light eternal. She had been suffering for some time from the dreaded disease angina pectoris, and though two physicians present, Brethren of the Craft, did all within their power, yet it was without avail. . . . She was ardent in behalf of Masonry, and was at all times an encouragement to your Grand Master in every Masonic endeavor from the time he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason to her demise. Much of your Grand Master's success, both in and out of Masonry, may be ascribed to her earnest and sincere cooperation and her loving, helpful thoughtfulness. In her taking away has come to your Grand Master his greatest sorrow - and yet he bows in humble submission to Him who doth all things well."

On May 13, 1925, after a brief illness, Past Grand Master Horace A. Irvin passed away. He had served as Grand Treasurer since 1919.

On a happier note, Grand Master Ruhl commended the Order of the Eastern Star for purchasing 102 acres of land and donating it to the Masonic Home.

The Committee on Ways and Means finally agreed a card index system was necessary for the Grand Secretary's office. It was needed to record the Masonic record of all members from the founding of the Grand Lodge in 1808. The same Committee recommended, and the Grand Lodge concurred, that $10,000 be donated to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

The Grand Lodge arrested the Charter of Vattier Lodge No.386 of Cincinnati. It had not followed the law of the Grand Lodge in fixing the penalty of one of its members at a reprimand. The member had been a policeman, expelled from the force, and sentenced to a tern "in the United States penal institution at Atlanta, Georgia." The Grand Lodge believed the penalty should have been expulsion from the rights and benefits of Freemasonry. So, it ordered the Charter of the Lodge arrested.

The Grand Secretary appeared before the Lodge on October 26, 1925, read the communication from the Grand Lodge, and picked up the Charter, seal, books, and other property of Vattier Lodge.

Grand Master Stewart met in the "Charter Room of the old Masonic Temple on November 3 with about 50 members of the Lodge, "among whom was the Worshipful Master, and of the others the majority were Past Masters of the Lodge. At this meeting, it was the expressed sentiment of those present that, if Vattier Lodge should be given a Dispensation to meet and work, they would make every proper endeavor to have the case of (the Brother) reconsidered, and the proper penalty, that of expulsion, inflicted.

The attitude of the members present seemed to me to show the correct spirit, and I became of the opinion that it would be advised to grant to such Lodge a Dispensation to meet and work, in order that it might have an opportunity to comply with the decree of the Grand Lodge."

The Grand Master searched the records and asked for advice. He concluded that once the Grand Lodge had rested a Charter a Grand Master could not issue a Dispensation.

In January, he received a letter from the Lodge asking for a Dispensation. It was signed by the Worshipful Master and 358 members. The Grand Master said: "It was with considerable reluctance and after a most thorough and exhaustive study of the Masonic law and decisions touching upon this matter, that I was forced to concur in the opinion of the members of the Jurisprudence Committee, that a Grand Master could not grant a Dispensation under such
circumstances, for I felt that at some time during the year such a Dispensation should be granted and the Lodge given the opportunity to show its willingness to comply with the decree of the Grand Lodge." He recommended the Charter be restored so the Lodge could go back to work.

The Jurisprudence Committee agreed with the Grand Master. The Charter was restored to Vattier Lodge on October 21, 1926, subject to its expelling from all rights and benefits of Freemasonry the culprit involved within 90 Days.

Grand Master Earle Stewart and Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson attended the Grand Master's Conference on Noverber17, 1925, at the Hotel LaSalle in Chicago. Stewart said: "This was a most interesting and profitable meeting, and the addresses and discussion were of high character and greatly enjoyed. When such conferences are again called, I feel this Grand Lodge should be represented by at least its M. W. Grand Master, R.W. Deputy Grand Master, and R.W. Grand Secretary."

The following day, they attended the meeting of The National Masonic Service Association held at the same place. They joyed the Annual Banquet held in the evening.

An Emergent Communication" of the Grand Lodge was held at Marietta on June 24, 1926. Its purpose was to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of American Union Lodge No. 1Representatives were present from Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and 185 Ohio Lodges. From Virginia came a telegram reading: "Greetings: Norfolk Lodge No.1, F. & A.M., the oldest Lodge in the United States, extends its best wishes to your Lodge on the occasion of your One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary. May you live long and prosper." It was signed by Delamater Davis, the Secretary, who claimed his Lodge received a Dispensation in 1729 and a Charter from the Grand Lodge of England in 1732.

George N. Cole, of Magnolia Lodge No. 20 of Columbus, gave an account of the first three Worshipful Masters of American Union Lodge No.1: Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Clark; General Samuel Hol den Parsons; and Captain Jonathan Heart who brought the Charter of the Lodge to Ohio.

The principal address was given in Mound Cemetery by Herbert P. Bagley, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He recounted what little information his Grand Lodge had about American Union Lodge. It had none concerning Rufus Putnam. Interestingly, he didn't comment on the claim of Norfolk Lodge No. 1 of Virginia being the oldest Lodge in America.

During the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on October 20, 1926, Grand Master Earle Stewart of Lawrence Lodge No.198 said: "It was an inspiration to meet with a Lodge older than our National Government, and which has numbered among its distinguished visitors the Father of His Country, General George Washington."

Florida had been struck by a devastating hurricane, and the Grand Lodge agreed to send $5.000 for assistance. Then the Committee on Relief said: "Since the above report was written your committee learns from the public press that another hurricane has devastated Florida during the past 12 hours." The Grand Master was authorized to use his own discretion about what aid to add.

A uniform dues card was ordered to be printed and sent to every Secretary of every Lodge in Ohio. It was also ordered that "each and every Secretary of a Lodge be required to use said uniform receipt in the collection and receipting for dues."

The Special Committee appointed to investigate The Masonic Service Association of the United States reported. In its opinion, the Grand Lodge of Ohio was taking care of disaster victims and needed no help from any other agency. As for Masonic education, the Committee believed the Grand Lodge could take care of its members without outside assistance. It concluded: "Seeing no benefit in joining the Masonic Service Association which could not come to us through our present facilities, and also noting some obvious disadvantages, we recommend that the Grand Lodge of Ohio does not affiliate with the Masonic Service Association." The delegates accepted the report.

C. S. Plumb, the Grand Historian, reported at length on a survey made of the Lodges concerning interest in Masonic education. He concluded: "This survey gives evidence that during the history of Ohio important educational work of the Craft has been accomplished. However, today, with nearly 200,000 members, not enough of the Brethren are showing an interest in the educational side of the work.

The general testimony of the Lodges heard from is unfavorable in that respect."

O. P. Sperra, the Foreign Correspondent, concluded his report by saying: "The word 'can't' does not appear to be a part of the Masonic vocabulary, and in view of this conclusion o our part we quote from the distinguished poet and Mason, Edgar A. Guest:

Can't is the word that is foe to ambition, An enemy ambushed to shatter your will; Its prey is forever the nan with a mission, And bows but to courage and patience and skill. Hate it with hatred that's deep and undying, For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man; Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying And answer this demon by saying: "I CAN."

The Grand Masters' Conference held in Chicago on November 16, 1926, was attended by Grand Master Charles L. Minor, a member of Anthony Lodge No.455. This would be the last conference held in Chicago. The group voted to hold future meetings in the Washington Memorial on or near February 22 each year. He also attended the meeting of The Masonic Service Association "as an observer." He was particularly interested in a report concerning "the National Masonic Tuberculosis Sanatoria Association." He said the report claimed $12,000 had been received by the Association, "of which $10,000 has been expended for propaganda and $400 for actual relief."

In February, the Grand Master learned the Tuberculosis Sanatoria had corresponded directly with the District Lecturers. He objected strongly and said so in a letter to Herbert B. Holt, Grand Master of Masons in New Mexico, who was President of the Sanatoria. About the same time, Holt asked for assistance for "an adult sister of a Master Mason of Ohio." Minor advised Holt no provisions were made by the Grand Lodge of Ohio for such cases.

On April 26, 1927, Dr. Charles L. Minor received a telegram from New Orleans, Louisiana: "Conference of Grand Masters and other representatives here discloses terribly extensive and growing conditions of death, suffering, and property loss apparently far greater than in Florida. Substantial funds needed immediately while complete survey being made for ultimate amount for Masonic relief and rehabilitation." It was signed by the Grand Masters of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, plus the Executive Secretary of The Masonic Service association "for the Conference." The Grand Master immediately ordered a check for $6,000 to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary of Louisiana. He notified all concerned, Ohio stood ready to add additional assistance if necessary. He heard nothing further.

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was held in Springfield on October 19, 1927. As had been the case for many years, the delegates were welcomed by an official of the city in which they were meeting. The City Manager, Brother Robert W. Flack, warmly addressed the Grand Lodge:

To welcome you, of course, would be entirely inadequate. You are a part of this community. Since the year 1809, when Harmony Lodge met in the village of Springfield, Ohio, the fiber, the character, the worth-wiliness of the industrial, mercantile, and civic life of this community have been wound and woven with the ideals and precepts of Freemasonry.

You have made the western approach to this city a wonderful thing. You have bejeweled and ornamented that approach with monuments of brotherly love. You have made of our city a shrine to which thousands come to pay homage to the efforts of man in emulating God's work and the work of Christ. You have made of our main street a thoroughfare, broad and wide, over which thousands trudge to to that Citadel of brotherly love and service on the western side of our city.

Dr. Charles L. Minor was concerned about the lack of Masonic education: "Every Mason realizes that we are spending more time adding names to our membership lists than we are in inculcating the principles of Masonry in those already raised.

"It has been the Grand Master's endeavor this year to start a campaign of education in the various Lodges by requesting that they have at least three such meetings during the year." He also believed the Masters' and Wardens' Associations "that have been developed in the cities, or counties, or union of counties, have been decidedly helpful and should be encouraged."

The Grand Lodge was reconvened at 3 p. m. at the Ohio Masonic Home for "the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the children's building."

Each year, a committee is appointed to secure a Past Grand Master's jewel for the immediate Past Grand Master. This year's Committee acted differently from the others. It had a new jewel struck, because "Your Committee thought it desirable to secure a new type of Past Grand Master's jewel more in keeping with the jewels now used by the Grand Lodge of Ohio for its active officers."

Tuberculosis had become a scourge in many parts of the United States. Many Jurisdictions had agonized over what Freemasonry's role should be. Ohio was no exception. Early in his reign as Grand Master, Dr. Minor appointed a committee to study the question, including what "The
National Masonic Tuberculosis Sanatoria Association" in New Mexico was doing. The committee made a lengthy report.

It was determined "Tuberculosis claims its victims from among the young as well as the old and from among the rich as well as the poor. It is not only found in homes and surroundings where squalor and want exist, but as well in the homes where affluence dwells and sanitation is studied and practiced." As for the treatment:

It seems to be the present day thought that tuberculosis can be as successfully treated in tuberculosis camps and sanatoria in the home State of the patient as in foreign States which boast only of climatic conditions.

Our present M. W. Grand Master is a physician of many year's practice and wide experience, and to him you Committee is greatly indebted for valuable information as to the modern methods of treating tuberculosis. He says in his Address:

"The accepted treatment of tuberculosis at the present time is rest, fresh air, good food, in the environment in which the individual resides, with no medication except such as is needed to temporarily control certain symptoms. Climatic treatment is no longer an accepted pro
cedire in the handling of the tubercular patient."

The Committee had sought information from several other sources and it noted:

These reports show that there are in Ohio today more than 20 tuberculosis camps and sanatoria, where the rest and fresh-air treatment of this disease is being successfully carried on, and that five more are in course of construction. About one-half of these are in connection with state institutions, some of them are county institutions, and others are merely tuberculosis camps, but all are working to the same end and for the same purpose –that of affording relief to, and, as far as possible, effecting cures of persons afflicted with tuberculosis. . . .

Your committee believes that no greater service can be rendered them by the Freemasons of Ohio than to start a campaign of education showing the futility of migration to the more salubrious climate for treatment and urging the use of Ohio Sanateria, especially in the early stages of the disease. Your committee believes that all Lodges and members should be urged to encourage the enlargement and improvement of the facilities of existing State, County and district Sanatoria in Ohio, and the erection of others, and to create public sentiment in favor of those institutions, especially among Masons and their families, thereby encouraging them to keep their tubercular friends and relatives at home or within our own State, and thus lightening the burdens which seem to fall upon our Brethren of other Grand Jurisdictions.

The Committee strongly opposed Ohio's joining the New Mexico organization. In even stronger terms, in condemned the actions of the Grand Master in New Mexico in endeavoring to embarrass Grand Master Minor.

Another $10,000 was contributed to the George Washington National Memorial Association.

The Grand Historian, Charles S. Plumb, wrote an interesting sketch of Samuel Stacker Williams. The type of Mason he was can perhaps be summed up in this paragraph by the Historian:

The Masonic activities of Bro. Williams really began on March 17, 1864, when he was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Center Star Lodge No. 11, at Granville, Ohio. It is interesting to note that in November of that year, within about nine months, he was elected Secretary of this Lodge. Two years later, in 1866, he was elected Senior Warden, and the following year Worshipful Master. One remarkable feature of his career as a Past Master of his Lodge was his installing the officers of Center Star Lodge No.11 for thirty successive years. His last service in this respect was in 1901, when, owing to sickness, the officers-elect came to Newark, his home, and were installed by him in his parlor.

In 1867, the year he was Worshipful Master of his Lodge, Williams was appointed Senior Grand Deacon in the Grand Lodge. Plumb added:

The real distinction of the career of Bro. S. Stacker Williams in the field of Freemasonry centers about the part he played in Symbolic Masonry, culminating with the Grand Lodge, and in the promotion of the Masonic library and education. A suitable consideration of each of these subjects justifies more than a superficial attention.

Soon after he entered upon his duties as Grand Master, B. Frank Thomas, of Western Star Lodge No. 21, lost his wife. Then, during the holiday season, while he was visiting a Lodge, he received news that his mother had also died. The Grand Chaplain said: "Now you have not had any intimation of this from the Grand Master himself. He has borne his burden as a Mason always bears his burden, or ought to bear it. We have marveled at him as he has carried on the work of our great Fraternity in spite of the heaviness of his spirit."

Thomas attended the Conference of Grand Masters in Washington in February. He was also present for the meeting of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. About this, he told his Grand Lodge:

While our Grand Jurisidiction has been considerate in their contributions toward this commendable activity, we have not assumed the responsibility of support given by all our Sister Jurisdictions with one exception. Believing that the members of our Fraternity throughout this Grand Jurisdiction are in sympathy with this commend able undertaking, I would recommend that a Committee of five be appointed by the Grand Master to make investigation, and if possible, devise a plan whereby we may become active in our support.

On November 11, 1927, the United Mine Workers of America asked the Grand Secretary to have the Grand Lodge contribute to the relief of its members. The Grand Master answered the request: "The Grand Lodge of Ohio is a Fraternal Institution and as such does not assume any responsibilities in industrial activities or differences. The matter to which you refer for assistance is not within the province of the Grand Master or Subordinate Lodges to take action."

A Worshipful Master asked for monetary assistance for a church. As soon as the Grand Master learned what was going on, he wired. "Do not permit any more circular letters soliciting funds mailed signed by you as Worshipful Master, and recall those that have been sent out." His orders were complied with.

From The Masonic Service Association, the Grand master received a telegram on September 21, 1928, calling attention to Puerto Rico's "greatest calamity in history." The Grand Master wired the Executive Secretary of the M. S. A. that he was forwarding $6,100 immediately. And he closed: "The Grand Lodge of Ohio appreciates the service your organization is rendering and if we may be of further service, kindly advise."

Five days later, he was taken up on his offer. "The Grand Master of Florida has now appealed direct to all Grand Jurisdictions for hurricane relief fund. . . He states that their need is great and urgent." From his Emergency Relief Fund, the Grand Master sent $3,000.

During the Annual Communication of October 17, 1928, Grand Master Thomas said he wasn't pleased with requests for the "exemplification of degrees according to foreign rituals." He added:

There are many things that might be said encouraging such a practice, and it affords an opportunity of enlarging our acquaintance. On the other hands, our regulations provide when, where, and how, and by whom the degrees shall be conferred and by the permission of exchanges of visits we create a sentiment of entertainment at the expense of the purpose if our activities of building character so that our members may be better prepared for discharging their duties of citizenship. A permission of such a practice is detrimental to the best interest of Masonry and I recommend that it be prohibited.

No action was taken on the recommendation. The Committee on Jurisprudence, however, reported again on "organizations requiring Masonic membership.":

We said in our former report that most of these organizations are conducted in a proper manner, reflect credit upon Masonry and never bring any discredit upon it, but that a few of them had so conducted themselves as to bring upon themselves the censure of the community and reflect discredit upon Masonry generally.

From time to time complaints along this line have been made and they are not without foundation. We advise the Grand Lodge to instruct its Grand Masters in the future, when complaints of this kind are made, to communicate them to the responsible officers of the or
ganization against which complaint is lodged, to advise such officers that the Grand Lodge of Ohio will insist upon its members conducting themselves in a manner consistent with their obligation, and that if the responsible officers of any organization fail to set their house in order, the Grand Lodge of Ohio will take such steps as it deems necessary to force all Masons within its Jurisdiction to conduct themselves consistently with their Masonic obligations, and it will never permit a few Masons to reflect discredit upon the Body of Freemasonry and go unpunished.

Your Committee is of the opinion that as the Grand Lodge has the power, it is its duty to see that a very small and irresponsible group of men shall not bring discredit upon our Organization.

The Special Committee on a Veterans Medal "carefully studied the question and believes that official recognition by this Grand Lodge of a completion of fifty years' membership by a Brother in our Lodges is eminently worthy of favor and is capable of adoption of very moderate expense of money and effort." The recommendation to present 50 year emblems was adopted. These emblems are still highly prized by the recipients.

A lengthy report was made concerning the S. Stacker Williams Library. It was concluded to let it remain in the Cincinnati Masonic Temple and not move it to the Ohio Masonic Home.

Another $10,000 was sent to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

Charles S. Plumb, the Grand Historian, reported at length on "a survey of Masonic Libraries in Ohio." He stated: "The intelligence of a people is largely measured by the literature which they publish. Through books and periodicals, we have placed at our disposal the priceless contributions of scholars in the many fields of literature, science, art, and the applied industries."

He continued: "An extensive Masonic literature has ben published since 1723. Certainly fifty thousand different books have been printed on Freemasonry since this literature first appeared in book form."

He also said the first mention of a Masonic library was in connection with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

He added: "The use of Masonic books in Ohio must date back to the pioneer settlement days. Long before Ohio was settled, books on Freemasonry were published in the states to the Eastward. The part Masonic literature has played in Ohio is well worth consideration here. So far as can be ascertained, the first publication was in pamphlet form, the report of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A.M., in 1808. The earliest book on Freemasonry to come to my knowledge as published in Ohio was 'The Craftsman and Freemason's Guide . . . ,' by Cornelius Moore, Past Master of LaFayette Lodge No. 79, and editor of the Masonic Review, Cincinnati. Published by Jacob Ernst, Cincinnati, 1846."

He noted, in studying the questionnaire sent to the Secretaries, he was convinced the Brethren of Ohio "are not making use of Masonic literature to any serious extent." He ended his report by saying, "It is to be hoped that the future will witness among the Lodges a material growth in interest in such books as contribute to a better knowledge of Freemasonry."

Grand Master Otto H. Hohly, of Rubicon Lodge No. 237, made an interesting observation in his Address during the Annual Communication on October 16, 1929:

It is my opinion that no Grand Master can in any possible way directly supervise the activities of the Lodges of the State of Ohio. Being of that opinion, and constantly hearing statements to the effect that interest in Masonry was waning, I conceived the idea of having the District Lecturers take their proper place in the activities of the Grand Lodge. They, therefore, were directed to take full charge of everything in their respective districts; to not merely visit the Lodge once a year for a prearranged inspection, but to become throughly familiar with every detail pertaining to the duties so plainly marked for them from the annual inspection to a close supervision of the finances, and a general interest at all times. They healed differences, created harmony, and acted as mentor and guide. In addition, they were instructed to lay cornerstones and to dedicate, using deserving and able workers for the purpose, thereby giving them an active part in some of our Grand Lodge duties, as well as recreating local interest. As far as I am concerned, and judging by the splendid reports reaching me of tasks assigned - willingly and properly performed, I am convinced that the idea is correct.

To say he was happy with the idea of the 50 year Veteran emblems would be a gross understatement: "Blessed be the man who conceived this idea," he said. "Nothing ever authorized by this Grand Lodge has caused more genuine enthusiasm and interest than this one thing.

"On the nights when these medals were pinned on the coats of the veterans the Lodge rooms were invariable filled with eager friends and Masons; old friendships renewed; frequent expressions voiced as to renewed interest being awakened; and a determination to keep that interest alive. Never allow this Fifty-Year Medal custom to be abandoned."

The Grand Master made an impassioned plea for better Masonic education. "We are constantly met with opposition," he said. "We are all quite well aware from where. The people concerned in this opposition have long practiced, and intensely, more and more education. May we lag no more, we who have boasted so long, and actually have the rules and precepts! May we actually realize the tremendous strength we have to make good our every claim.

"Bro. Plumb has striven almost alone and single-handed for the promotion of, and our understanding of, the philosophical side of Masonry." He later noted that Dr. Joseph Fort Newton, "of Philadelphia, one of America's outstanding Ministers whose fame is not confined to America." might be induced to serve Ohio Masonic education. He hoped this would be possible so he could "do for our State what he has done for Masonry in Iowa." He may not have known that because of his zeal for the Craft, Dr. Newton was violently condemned in certain Masonic circles.

Masonic employment bureaus, the Grand Master believed, should be more widely used: "Is it too much to ask why, as Masons, we cannot interest ourselves in the welfare and advancement of Brethren of the Fraternity? Is it too much to ask from our membership an interest in securing
employment for the children of Masons? Have we a right, or not, to seek positions for Masons' daughters in our public schools? If so, why not do it?"

The Grand Master sadly noted the chair of the Deputy Grand master, Harry Edward Engelhardt, was empty. He had died on June 4, 1929. "But I just feel," said the Grand Master, " and I know you do - I cannot help but touch on it – I just feel that for some reason, somewhere, some how, Harry knows what we are doing and that his spirit is with us here."

Upon the recommendation of the Jurisprudence Committed, the Grand Lodge approved the establishment of a Masonic Welfare Board for service in time of war. This committee would work in conjunction with the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana.

Another $10,000 was appropriated for the Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. But, there was evidence that the "Roaring 20's" was coming to an end, and those who predicted a deep recession, or depression, would be proven correct. The Masonic Home had run out of space for
applicants. This in spite of the completion of the Rickly Memorial. More money was needed for the Home, so an amendment to increase the per capita was introduced. This brought a request for an explanation of the need for the increase.

Past Gand Master Frank S. Harmon answered: "This amendment is presented here because of a lack of funds properly to conduct the Masonic Home. . . . This year the Grand Chapter was unable to give anything. The Grand Commandry . . . was unable to give anything. . . you are the people who must decide a year from now whether funds are to be available for carrying on that great institution."

There were 155 men, 106 women, 82 boys, and 57 girls residing at the Masonic Home. The membership, as reported by the Grand Secretary, was 206,720, a gain of 2,082 during the year. There would be another gain the following year, then the losses would begin.

Less than a week after the close of the Annual Communication, New York Times of Friday, October 25, 1929, had the headline: "Worst Stock Crash Stemmed by Banks; 12,894,650 -Share Day Swamps Market; Leaders Confer, Find Conditions Sound."

The "6 A.M. Edition" of the New York American for Tuesday, October 29, 1929, in large type, proclaimed: "STOCKS SLUMP 5 TO 47 POINTS; Bankers Warn Against Foolish Selling." The following day The New York Times carried the sad news: "Stocks Collapse in 16,410,030 - Share Day."

Before 1929 had reached its end, company after company had collapsed; hundreds of banks failed: suicides were prevalent. Before "The Great Depression" came to an ended, millions of men and women would be out of work. Thousands would stand in line hoping to hear if one of two of them would be hired for a day. Those who lived through the horrors of near starvation, no work, soup-kitchens and bread lines would never forget the experience – or be the same again.

The principles of Freemasonry were nee next decade more than ever before.

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