Grand Master James W. Morgan, a member of Trowel Lodge No. 132, attended the Conference of Grand Masters held at the Willard Hotel, Washington, D.C., on February 20,1930. He was pleased with the results of the Conference. During the following two days, he attended meetings
held in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial building. He along with the others in attendance, toured "This fine structure."

"One of the pleasant surprises of this meeting," he said, "was the playing of a set of chimes placed in the tower of the George Washington Memorial, which was donated by Colonel Louis A. Watres, President of the Association. These chimes were installed without the knowledge of the resident of Alexandria and those in attendance at the meeting."

Grand Master Morgan was asked for a ruling in the following letter:

For the last two or three years, Fort Industry Lodge, No. 630, and Pyramid Lodge, No.701, have held what the call a Christmas Party.

The members bring gifts of canned fruit, vegetables and other things that can be used in making up baskets for distribution and if they do not bring any of the above, some give money which is used to relieve worthy distressed persons and families at the Christmas time.

There were those who considered this a violation of the laws of the Grand Lodge, particularly Resolution No. 4. The Grand Master replied:

My opinion of this Resolution is that it is intended to prohibit lotteries and gift distribution on which chances are sold, but in your case, where the members makes a gift of fruit or money, without any chances being sold, I can see no objection and believe it would be a nice thing for you to continue the custom.

The Grand Master did condemn unofficial appeals for assistance from Brethren from other States. He also condemned the issuing of "chain prayers." He said:

In this enlightened age it seems ridiculous that any one would believe in the power of such letters, but the number of letters that have come to my attention shows that some people do believe in them, and I know from experience that some Masons believe they are under obligations to keep the chain intact. These prayers are founded on the superstitions which have come to us from the Dark Ages. If a person would take the time to figure our how rapidly these letters multiply, they could see that it would not take the twelve years since the close of the war for everyone in the world to receive one or more prayers.

He also condemned the endorsement of political candidates. He concluded, "If we permit politics to enter into our work, it will be to our detriment."

The Grand Master noted that sixteen cornerstones had been laid during the year, and with one exception, "these cornerstones have been laid on Sunday, and the one exception was on Washington's birthday. There seems to be a growing tendency to perform these ceremonies on Sunday and I am of the opinion that we should use our best efforts to discourage this practice."

"During the year," said Morgan, "there have come to my attention several cases where members of Ohio Lodges have been in other Jurisdictions in need of assistance, and in several cases the local Masonic Relief Bodies or Lodges have extended relief to these Brethren." He was "pleased to say that in most cases the Lodges have responded nobly." He was distressed because the Grand Lodge had no funds authorized for use in cases of individual distress.

A Special Committee on Masonic Education reported: "The Grand Lodge of Ohio at no time in its history has officially undertaken systematic work in promotion of Masonic education such as should involve a premeditated program and an expenditure of money." It recommended a Grand Lodge bulletin of 24 pages be published bi-monthly. It also believed the story of Freemasonry in Ohio should be told on a set of "One hundred lantern slides which set forth in script and picture the development of Masonry in Ohio covering various phases of Grand and Subordinate Lodge." This was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for further study.

The question of life membership was debated at length by the Committee on Jurisprudence. It was determined that prior to 1909 a Lodge could provide for life membership. Following the Annual Communication that year, life memberships were prohibited so all those members who had complied with the regulation for life membership prior to that date would remain life members. No others could qualify. And, today there are still a few of these life members
living in the Jurisdiction of Ohio.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence believed the time had arrived when requirements for recognition of other Grand Lodges should be adopted. It proposed the following, and in 1931 the Grand Lodge agreed, thereby making Ohio one of the first Jurisdictions to establish criteria for the recognition of Grand Lodges:

1. That such Grand Body has been formed lawfully by at least three just and duly constituted Lodges, or that it has been legalized by a valid act issuing from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, or from a Grand Body in fraternal relations with this Grand Lodge.

2. That it is an independent, self-governing, responsible organization, with entire, undisputed, and exclusive dogmatic and administrative authority over the Symbolic Lodges within its Jurisdiction, and not in any sense what ever subject to, or dividing such authority with, a Supreme Council or other Body claiming ritualistic or other supervision or control.

3. That it makes Masons of men only.

4. That it requires conformity to the following, which the Grand Lodge of Ohio considers necessary in a Masonic Body:
(a) Acknowledgment of a belief in God, the Father of all men.
(b) Secrecy.
(c) The symbolism of Operative Masonry.
(d) The division of Symbolic Masonry into the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.
(e) The legend of the Third Degree.
(f) That its dominant purposes are charitable, benevolent, educational, and for the worship of God; and that it excludes controversial politics and sectarian religion from all activities under its auspices.
(g) The Sacred Book of the Divine Law, chief among the Three Great Lights of Masonry, indispensably present in the Lodges while at work.

That is occupies exclusively its territorial jurisdiction or else shares the same with another by mutual consent; and that it does not presume to extend its authority into or presume to establish Lodges in a territory occupied by a lawful Grand Lodge, without the expressed assent of such supreme governing Masonic Body.

The Committee on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association made a lengthy report. It covered the history of the Washington relics prior to the adoption of a movement to build a Memorial in which to keeping the remaining relics. It was noted that Ohio had contributed $50,497 to date and stood fourth from the bottom in the list of contributors. The Committee recommended "the Lodge of Ohio assume her share of the financial responsibility of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association based on the $1 per capita plan."

After a lengthy discussion, the Committee's report was adopted. After almost ten years of debate, the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in essence, joined the Association. "joining" was made official.

A lengthy discussion was held on the Committee's recommendation for financing Ohio's contribution to the Memorial. The amendment it submitted was lost, but the Grand Lodge approved an increase in the per capita to $1.50, with thirty cents of this "to be retained by the Grand Lodge and the balance ($1.20), to be turned over to the Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home; but no part of said dollar and twenty cents ($1.20) shall be placed in the Endowment Fund."

Grand Master Harry C. Gram, of Clark Lodge No. 101, did not attend the meeting of the George Washington National Memorial Association, because "the Grand Lodge failed to make any appropriations at its last meeting."

On June 22, 1931, Grand Master Gram sent a letter to every Lodge in the State: "It is the fervent wish of your Grand Master that every member of every Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction not only be fully informed of the preparation that is being made for the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington, but that each may enter into the spirit of the occasion, and from the beginning of the celebration on February 22, 1932, until its close on Thanksgiving Day of that year, permit it to be the all-absorbing theme of his life."

He believed, "There is no institution that may, or should of right enter into the celebration with greater zeal and enthusiasm and sincerity than Masonry." He wrote at length of the Memorial and noted: "We have contributed out of our treasury from time to time, but. But our member
ship has never been accorded the happy privilege of attesting its approval of the project by making direct contributions of a dollar or more per capita." He hoped this oversight would be corrected. He asked for all contributions to be sent as soon as possible to the Grand Secretary.

He received an anonymous letter from Medina saying:

The year 1931, with hundreds of thousands out of work and in actual want, is no time for such bally-hoo as the above. George has waited two hundred years for a monument; he can surely stand a few more until times improve.

In his Address, Grand Master Gram said he didn't expect unanimity in his appeal, but was heartened by the number of Lodges that responded willingly. "Real patriotism contemplates something more than the fervor that is engendered during the stress of war," he said. "Any great movement that will tend to keep alive and burning bright those attributes of good citizenship and the highest type of loyalty to our government is certainly most worth while."

Evidence of the depression raging throughout the world was brought forcefully to the attention of the Grand Lodge. Twenty Lodges were unable to pay "their annual Grand Lodge dues because of bank failures in their respective communities." Eight other Lodges couldn't for otherreasons. This brought Grand Master Gram before the Committee on Ways and Means.

He explained the destitute condition of the delinquent Lodges, and their promises to pay their per capita as soon as possible. He asked the Committee to approve the payment of per diem and mileage to the representatives of these Lodges. The Committee agreed: "In view of the extra
ordinary situation existing this year the Committee on Ways and Means is disposed to accept the advice of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and it feels sure that this action will meet with the unanimous approval of this Grand Lodge." It did.

The same Committee approved another request from the Grand Master. The Emergency Relief Fund became the Grand Master's to use whenever and wherever he believed it was necessary and desirable.

It also agreed with the Committee on Masonic Education – partially. It recommended funds be provided for lantern slides to tell the story of Ohio Masonry. The Committee on Masonic Education had asked for more, but felt "that Ohio should at least make a modest start in educational work, and under Grand Lodge supervision. As a state, we are among the most backward in the promotion of educational work. In spite of a depressed financial situation, we are convinced that a line of educational work among our Lodges will promote a greater interest among our members and contribute toward a more intelligent Masonry."

For the first time in years, the Grand Secretary had to report a net loss in members. In 1932, the loss was even greater, and the net membership dropped below the 200,000 mark to 199,284. In two years, mainly because of non-payment of dues, over 11,000 members were lost.

Robert Ingham Clegg, one of Ohio's noted Masonic historians, died on December 3, 1931. Among his many accomplishments for Freemasonry was a revision of Albert Mackey's Encyclopedia. Over the years, he had held most of the degrees of the small appendant bodies from all over the world. His son later presented Clegg's entire collection of books to the Cincinnati Masonic Temple Library.

Grand Master Harvey F. Ake, of William McKinley Lodge No.431, had set aside April 22, 1982, as "the time for our Ohio Masonic patriotic celebration." He later estimated 30,000 or more Master Masons were in Lodge attendance on that day. He believed the meetings were "an
inspiration to those who were sufficiently interested to attend, and no man may measure the impetus given to Freemasonry in this Grand Jurisdiction thereby. This part of the celebration was a success." Ohio had done its part in the celebration, proclaimed by the federal government, of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.

The Grand Master went on a "Masonic journey" through southern Ohio during the last week in May. On Monday, May 23, he and Mrs. Ake drove to Marietta where he "was permitted to satisfy one ambition – that of sitting in American Union Lodge No.1." From there, he went to
Glouster Lodge No.607 and dedicated its new building. Then, he met with Delta Lodge No.207 for the afternoon conferral of the Master Mason Degree.

He dedicated the Temple of Mingo Lodge No. 171 on the evening of May 25. On the evening of the 26th, "great meeting was held in the Temple" of Xenia Lodge No. 49. On the 27th, he attended West Union Lodge No. 43 in the afternoon. In the evening, he visited Union Lodge No. 71 in Ripley. The Lodge wouldn't hold all who attended, so the Grand Master issued a Dispensation for the Lodge to meet in the gymnasium of the new high school.

On the evening of May 28, Cincinnati Lodge No. 133 received two Grand Masters, Harvey Ake of Ohio and Edwin C. Landberg of Kentucky. They witnessed a "fine exemplification of the Master Mason Degree, this being the Annual Inspection of the Lodge." On Sunday, Ake and his
wife visited the Ohio Masonic Home at Springfield. He attended a sunrise meeting of Marion Lodge No. 70. At 4 a.m., he was met by Asa Queen, the Senior Grand Deacon and escorted to the Masonic Temple. He expected to find a handful present, but "to my great surprise, Masons were thronging the building, hundreds of them, the registered attendance being 480."

After a new flag was unfurled, and a memorial service held, the Master Mason Degree was conferred. Then "the ladies of the Eastern Star served breakfast – and what a breakfast!" Still "early in the morning, but in the sunshine of a glorious day, led by a band - the members of which are all Master Masons – the entire assembly, Master Masons and members of the Eastern Star, all went to the tomb of former President Bro. Warren G. Harding." Then, he return to his home in Canton.

During the months of July, August, and part of September, Grand Master Ake was "forced into inactivity." He said: My affliction is best described by the following rhyme (written by H. Ross Ake):

A Judge, a real son-o f-a-gunner,
Developed a belly wall runner;
His Doc used a "Zipper"
To fix up the ripper,
And gave him the "bench" for the Summer."

The Judge was "most happy to report the operation a success."

The Annual Communication held on October 19, 1932, was open in an usual manner. The Committee on Ways and means took over. It explained this was necessary to get a matter over with before the report of the Committee on Credentials. Many Lodges were delinquent in paying their assessments to the Grand Lodge. Under the law, these Lodges could have no vote. The Committee felt, under the circumstances, this wasn't as it should be:

The unusual financial conditions existing in this country today warrant the Grand Lodge in again extending to the Brethren who represent these Lodges, the privilege of participating in the proceedings of this Grand Lodge and also in paying to these Brethren their mileage and per diem.

It is believed that our economic and financial condition is improving and that it will not be necessary to grant this privilege again. So far as we have been able to ascertain, last year was the first time in the history of this Grand Lodge that this rule has ever been set aside and of course, the fact that unprecedented financial conditions have made it desirable to change this rule for the past two years should not, in any sense, establish a precedent for future years.

The Grand Lodge agreed with the Committee. The delinquent Lodges were permitted to fully participate in the proceedings. The Committee, however, was overly optimistic. This wouldn't be the last year for the "unprecedented" request.

Grand Master Ake was concerned about the lack of interest in the Masonic Lodges:

The matter of Lodge attendance is one that vitally concerns not only this Grand Lodge but every Subordinate Lodge within this Grand Jurisdiction. I have no guaranteed solution. However, I am strongly opposed to coaxing members into Lodge attendance by feeding them or amusing them. To me, Freemasonry has an appeal that in and of itself should attract its members into its meetings. At this time, when so many Master Masons are unemployed, it would seem that they would seek the friendship and society of their Brethren; that they would appreciate and avail themselves of that peculiarly sympathetic and common understanding and equality of association that is to be found nowhere except in a Masonic Lodge. There has been but a slight increase in attendance during the past year.

My thought in connection with Lodge attendance is that it may be brought about only through an educational program. That Masons do not attend is in part due to the universal practice - in this Grand Jurisdiction at least - of taking the candidate through the several degrees, making him a Master Mason and then discontinuing our interest in him, at least – our active interest. Some plan must be devised through which from the inception of the petitioner's interest in Freemasonry, through and until he shall have signed the By-Laws, he be given instructive and educational insight into the principles and workings of our Fraternity.

The Grand Master asked that the John Snow gavesite and monument be repaired and asked the Grand Lodge to appropriate the funds necessary. He also asked that the Temple of New England Lodge No. 4, the oldest Masonic Temple west of the Allegheny Mountains, be repaired inside and out. He felt this Temple should become a Masonic Shrine. Two decades later it would.

Grand Master Ake sent a letter on March 17, 1932, to every Worshipful Master in Ohio:

As your Grand Master, I have pledged you to support in any way you can the campaign in the "War Against Depression," the object being to assist in finding employment in any way possible. You are urged to contact the Committee in your community having charge of this campaign. If no local committee has been formed, then associate yourself in this matter with the Com
mander of your local American Legion Post or the President of any Labor Council.

You will be able to get from the daily press and by way of the radio much information concerning this campaign, and what it aims to do.

The Grand Master had kept his promise to "Mr. Frank Knox, Chairman of 'Citizens' Reconstruction Organization," who had asked for the support of all Master masons in the
"War Against Depression."

The Committee on Ways and Means approved the printing of "the Lodge System of Masonic education." This was to be distributed among the Lodges and the balance sold to Lodges or to the Brethren at 25¢ per copy. The Committee on Education reported that it had made one hundred slides and entitled the series The Story of Freemasonry in Ohio." the series had been well received everywhere, except in one Lodge. The general comments were that they were
‘Welcome' and "fine and instructive." The Grand Lodge office still has copies of the slides and pamphlets.

The Grand Master recommended the title "District Lecturer" be changed to that of "District Deputy Grand Master." The Committee on Jurisprudence felt "the title ‘District Lecturer' is so interwoven with the history and progress if this Grand Lodge and with its legislation throughout that it would be unwise at this time to make any change in the title."

The Grand Historian Charles S. Plumb wrote an excellent pamphlet on "A Study of Destructive Fires in Ohio masonic Temple." He showed what had long been known, there we too many disastrous and costly fires in Masonic building throughout the State. From the chart he enclosed, it would appear Hamilton County Lodges suffered the greatest losses.

In December, Grand Master Simeon Nash, of Columbus Lodge No. 30, was informed Ralph Osborn, the District Deputy Grand Master of the Canal Zone, had died in November. His body was to be shipped to his native city, Columbus, Ohio. The Grand Master wrote to the Grand
Master of Massachusetts informing him he would convene the Grand Lodge of Ohio on January 25, 1933, the date set by the family. Grand Master Curtis Chipman, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, was present. During the Emergent, Communication, Curtis Chipman presented Simeon Nash with the coveted Henry Price Medal of Massachusetts.

Because of the economic conditions existing, the Grand Master issued an edict changing the date for suspension for non-payment of dues from February to July. He also asked every Lodge to set up a "Brotherly Love Fund" to assist those who could not pay their dues. And he felt it was an injustice for any Brother who had been suspended for non-payment of dues to have to petition and be balloted on again. He requested the Jurisprudence Committee to take action that would prevent this. It did, and the Grand Lodge agreed that upon the payment of back dues a member
would reinstated without the necessity of being balloted on again.

One of the goals of the Presidential candidate, Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Mason, was the repeal of Prohibition. After his election, the Congress agreed with him and passed a "3.2 Beer Law." Roosevelt signed it into law on March 22, 1933. This brought into being the legal sales of "3.2 beer" on April 7. The Legislature of Ohio passed a similar act as an "Emergency Law" which went into effect on March 30, 1933. Immediately the Grand Master began to receive inquiries from Lodges about the effect this would have on those selling this beer.

"It became apparent," said the Grand Master, "that unless some definite rule be given for the governor of our Brethren, intolerable confusion would result." He consulted with members of the Committee on Jurisprudence and on April 1, 1933, sent this letter to the "Masters, Wardens and Brethren":

Section 58 of the Masonic Code of the Grand Lodge reads as follows:

"To engage in the selling of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes is a Masonic offense and should subject any Brother so offending to charges and expulsions; it should also be a disqualification for initiation or affiliation in a Masonic Lodge."

The present legislation concerning 3.2 per cent Beer has caused many inquiries to be sent to me, and in order to avoid confusion, the status of this legislation not having been determined by the Court, I am announcing certain principles to govern the Craft until the Annual Communication in October:

1. So long as the present legislation is effective, my ruling is that Beer which complies with that legislation, will have to be held to be non-intoxicating, and therefore it will not be a Masonic offense to sell it. Any Brother so engaging, however, must expect to cease such business and conform to the Masonic Code, if the Courts hereafter invalidate this legislation.

2. Our Masonic duty to circumscribe our desires requires that I direct thot such 3.2 per cent Beer be not sold or used in any Masonic Temple, either at festivities or any restaurants conducted therein.

3. The Masonic Code still requires Masons to properly conduct themselves. Any Mason engaged in any business, who suffers disorderly or any other conduct in connection therewith, which would tend to cast disrepute upon the Fraternity, will always he guilty of un-masonic
conduct.

This ruling was agreed to by the Grand Lodge during its Annual Communication and remains the law of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Grand Master Nash had a busy year. In addition to his many visitations and duties in Ohio, he attended the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on June 7, 1933. On June 19, he went to Chicago to attend the Thirteenth Annual Convention of the National Sojourners. On the 25th, he arrived in Boston to participate in the Bicentennial observance of Freemasonry in Massachusetts.

He sailed for France on July 6. Then he went to England where he arrived on July 15, 1933. He was there to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio at the dedication of the "Masonic Peace Memorial" in Freemason's Hall in London. He described the ceremonies:

So that you may comprehend the occasion, I explain the project. H. R. H. The Duke of Connaught, Grand Master, a son of Queen Victoria, has been responsible for the adoption and completion of the project. At a session of the United Grand Lodge of England, held shortly
after the signature of the treaty of Versailles, June 27, 1919, he proposed that a new Freemasons' Hall be erected as a memorial to the Masons who had given their lives in the World War; the project was enthusiastically approved by the United Grand Lodge of England, the building to be known as the Masonic Peace Memorial, a fund of one million pounds to be raised, the building being commonly referred to as the million-pound Memorial; the sum, however, having been exceeded. This fund was paid in cash, not from dues normally payable, but from voluntary contributions by individual Brethren and Lodges. While it is a memorial to the Brethren who died in the World War, it is not a monument, as the title might imply, but is a most elaborate and ultra-modern Masonic building.

Tuesday, July 18, the Grand Lodge convened in the Royal Albert Hall, a well-known public auditorium. The eight thousand English Brethren made a colorful picture, dressed in their Craft clothes, with Masonic collars varying in color according to rank. The Grand Lodge Representatives, grouped in deputations from the several parts of the world, were formally, but most graciously, received, we from America being introduced as one deputation. H. R. H. The Duke of Connaught, K. G., although more than eighty years of age, presided and welcomed use in most gracious terms, thereafter investing H. R. H. Prince George, K. G., as Senior Grand Warden. Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, K. G., and Prince Arthur of Connaught, G. G., were present at this and the subsequent session.

The site of the Memorial has been the home of the Grand Lodge of England since its inception in 1717, additional land having been acquired, the present tract bounded by Gt. Queen Street, Wild Street, and Wild Court, containing more than two acres. at. Queen Street meets Drury Lane almost at this point, the junction of these streets having been enlarged into a circus, or what we would call a "place," so that Long Acre, a continuation of Gt. Queen Street, forms a vista leading to the magnificent tower, by which the entire Temple is architecturally dominated, this being the main entrance, which leads, by magnificent stairways, to the Temple Apartment, or Grand Lodge Hall, the main auditorium, in which the Grand Lodge always meets. A full description issued by the Grand Lodge of England is reproduced in the Appendix. It is at once apparent that much money and space has been used in expressing the ideals of Masonry, mere utility being subordinated. The approach, the entrances, the stained-glass windows with their symbolism, the massive bronze doors with their historical and Masonic symbols and biblical quotations cast thereon, the presence of the Seal of the United Grand Lodge of England, with its motto.

Throughout the building, the reverent and Masonic decoration of Grand Lodge Hall, with the four cardinal virtues and our Masonic patrons frescoed therein, the biblical quotation around the ceiling in Grand Lodge Hall, 'He shall build me an house and I will establish his throne for ever. I will be his Father and He shall be my Son. I will settle Him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever, and His Throne shall be established for evermore.' The biblical quotation cast in the two bronze doors of the Grand Lodge Hall, 'Concerning this house which thou art in building - if thou wilt walk in my statutes and execute my judgments and keep all my commandments and walk in them then will I establish my word with thee'; all these things give to him who enters the conviction that he is in the presence of the principle of Masonry rendered in beautiful marble, bronze, tile, glass and color.

On July 19, at the Dedication Ceremony in the Grand Lodge Hall, we were again received formally, but most graciously by deputations. The entire Memorial building was crowded with English Brethren, again in their varicolored Craft clothes, the dedication itself being transmitted electrically throughout the building. The substance of the ceremony of dedication was about as ours: the corn, wine, and oil being poured upon the symbol of the Lodge, which is not a mere piece of carpet, as with us, but a beautiful panel, always adorned with suitable Masonic symbols, and always placed in the center of the Grand Lodge, when open. I invite your attention to the words of dedication by the Grand Master:

"Men and Brethren, here assembled to behold this ceremony:

Be it known that we, the lawful Masons, true and faithful to the laws of our country, and engaged by solemn obligation to fear God, T.G.A.O.T.U. are assembled here today, in the presence of you all, to Dedicate this Building, to the Honour and Glory of the Most High, which we pray God may prosper as it may seem good to Him, and trust that those who enter it for cere
monial work may go away raised and uplifted. In ordinary circumstances, in consecrating a Lodge, we ask God's blessing on the Founders and the Lodge, but today we ask His blessing on this Temple, not only on the building, for beautiful as it is, it will, in course of time, crumble
away to dust, but upon all those who enter here; I now dedicate this Hall to Freemasonry; to the service of T.G.A.O.T.U.; to the purpose of that great Brotherhood which seeks by faith in God to promote good will among men and to inculcate the purest principles of Piety and Virtue."

In each Lodge room and Grand Lodge Hall, there is suspended from a miniature derrick at the Junior Warden's station the Rough Ashlar, at the Senior Warden's station the Perfect Ashlar. These were brought from Jerusalem, being of the same limestone used in King Solomon's Temple; their preparation was supervised by the Lodge of King Solomon's Temple, No. 4611, at Jerusalem, consecrated under English Warrant by Sir Colville Smith, April 28, 1924.

The thought stressed in the title "Masonic Peace Memorial," having reference to Masons who gave their lives during the World War, is most adequately and beautifully expressed in the 'War Memorial Window' which faces the entrance to the Grand Lodge Hall.

One of the outstanding elements in the Masonic Peace Memorial is the Library and Museum, which occupies a large space and in which many Masonic relics and early books are displayed. It is most interesting to any Mason and will attract Masonic visitors. Prominently hung at one end of the Museum apartment appears a large full-length portrait of George Washington, which
was presented to the United Grand Lodge of England by an English Brother. We in America appreciate the prominence thus accorded the memory of George Washington, the Mason.

At the session of the Grand Lodge in Royal Albert hall, at the Dedication, at a session of Canada Lodge, No. 3527, I was much impressed by the singing of hymns by all of the Brethren; hymns which we would term of a religion, rather than of a merely Masonic, nature.

Inquiring concerning the music at the Dedication, I procured by courtesy of Sir Colville Smith, C. V.O., Grand Secretary, a score of the special music, prepared for the Dedication, which I reproduce in the appendix. This singing of hymns and responses, enthusiastically joined in by a concourse of eight thousand Brethren, furnished an inspiration seldom equalled.

* * * *

It is difficult for anyone, at a distance, to immediately comprehend the full significance of this project, so magnificently conceived, so generously supported, so faultlessly executed, erected at "The birthplace of modern Freemasonry," as the home of 'The Mother Grand Lodge of the World,' a description fully warranted by historic records. The Masonic Peace Memorial will grow upon the Masons of the world, and will rightfully become the Masonic shrine of the world.

When the Grand Lodge convened on October 18, 1933, the Committee on Ways and Means once again was first on the agenda. It stated: "This has been another year of great stress and strain. During the past twelve months, we experienced a bank holiday such as this country has not known for many decades. While our financial institutions are gradually rehabilitating themselves, yet there are many in which funds are still frozen." It said many of the Lodges could not pay their per capita because of the situation. The Committee stated: "It is therefore the unanimous judgment of your committee that the representatives of all such Lodges should be permitted to participate in deliberations of this Grand Lodge and receive their mileage and per diem, provided that in the case of each Lodge it has the approval. of the M. W. Grand Master." Again the Grand agreed.

The Grand Master recommended that the Committees on Charity and Ways and Means make a study of ways in which the Grand Lodge could help destitute Masons and their families. He was particularly happy with the work of local Masonic relief boards and associations, and said: "I have found that the Grand Lodge officially knows little or nothing of actual relief of the distressed, but that in many localities boards and associations for masonic relief are functioning through the thoughtfulness, care, and hard work of the local Lodges, the local Brethren, and other local Masonic bodies."

Grand Master Nash was pleased with the reception his "Masonic Service Committee" had received. He said he had "observed the cordial reception, by the subordinate Lodges, of this system of instruction. The older Brethren are greatly interested in the information set forth and our new generation of Masons will be well-informed Masons. The system adds greatly to the candidates' knowledge of and interest in our institution."

The Committee on Masonic Service and Information reported the pamphlet entitled "The Lodge System of Masonic Information" had become so popular 6,000 copies had to be printed. It proved a point, because $1,077.75 had been received for the sale of these pamphlets. The total
expenditure was $778.28, leaving a balance of $289.47. The Grand Lodge appropriation of $350 was untouched.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that immediately after the close of the Grand Lodge in 7932 in met to determine what could be done about the granting of a Charter by the State of Ohio to an organization called "The National Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Free
Masons for the United States of America, Inc." During the year, John W. Bricker, Attorney General of the State of Ohio, had agreed to assist the Attorneys employed by the Grand Lodge to contest the validity of the issuing of that Charter. A petition was entered in the Court of Appeals of Franklin County. The spurious Grand Lodge was later ruled illegal and ordered to disband and dissolve the corporation.

The Grand Lodge approved a recommendation to make the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Standing Committees of the Grand Lodge.

It was agreed the Order of DeMolay could not use Masonic Lodge rooms for the conferral of its degrees.

The Committee on Ways and Means recommended the expenses of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master be paid for attending the Conference of Grand Masters each year.

It was agreed the name of Fort Hamilton Lodge No. 686 if Hamilton be permitted to change its name to Hugh L. Bates Lodge No. 686. "Bates was an active and ardent Masonic workers and served for a number of years as District Lecturer." Naming this Lodge after him was a "tribute to his memory."

The 125th Annual Communication was delayed. It had been scheduled to begin on October 17, 1934. It couldn't be opened. A constitutional number of members weren't present. Theo. F. Humphreys, the District Lecturer for the 22nd District, acting as Grand Master, recessed the
Grand Lodge until October 31.

Grand Master Sam H. Squire, of King Solomon Lodge, No. 56, on the 31st, explained why: "The date set for this meetings as determined by the Committee on Time and Place was October 17 and 18. Their report was adopted at our last session. Through failure to secure adequate hotel accommodations for the time specified, it became necessary to convene the Grand Lodge on the date fixed, and recess from day to day to the present time. Due notice was sent to each Lodge to that effect."

Proceedings record an event that had never occurred before in the Grand Lodge. "The colors were posted by Brethren of Service Lodge No.658 after which a quartette and the Brethren of the Grand Lodge sang the National Anthem."

Grand Master Squire called attention to conditions in the country:

We are living, as the poet says, in perilous times. A major depression, such as this country has been going through for the last five years, must of necessity have left its mark.

Our nation has not balanced its budget, states and municipalities cannot keep the status quo between receipts and expenditures. Corporations have been met at every hand with problems deep and perplexing. The individual with lessened income, intermittent employment and, in so many instances, no work for months at a time presents a picture, regrettable through it may be, which challenges our attention.

As every Grand Master for many years had, Simeon Nash acknowledged the receipt of the handwritten copy of the ritual. But no other Grand Master had before recorded that "many requests during the year have been received from Masters of Lodges for the privilege of examining the official ritual. It indicated the desire upon the part of these officers to be letter perfect in their work, I have encouraged the idea, and wherever possible have taken the Ritual to the meetings of Masters and Wardens Associations."

The Grand Master recommended that Past Grand Master Barton Smith be made a "Chairman Emeritus of the Committee on Jurisprudence. He had long been ill and had been unable to attend the Annual Communication for five years. The Jurisprudence Committee and Delegates agreed with the Grand Master.

Grand Master Squire said one of the most important decisions he had to make during the year concerned the "liquor question." After much thought, he sent a lengthy letter to the Lodges. In it, for the most part, he repeated what his predecessor, Simeon Nash, had said. The main addition stated: "My decision is that no Lodge or Masonic Temple Company can rent or ]ease any portion of its building where same is to be used for dealing in intoxicating liquors." This has remained the law ever since.

He also ruled that "3.2 beer is not considered intoxicating." Therefore, "it did not come within the provisions of our law regarding intoxicating liquors, and hence the selling of it does not subject the Brothers to Masonic discipline."

As had been the case in previous years, several Ohio Lodges wanted Lodges from other jurisdictions to exemplify the Ritual according to their jurisdiction's work. This had been ruled against by every Grand Master. Grand Master Squire ruled the same way, but added: "Personally, I feel that for educational purposes, a meeting now and then of the kind mentioned would be novel and extremely interesting. However, I will not go so far as to recommend a change in our law." The Committee on Jurisprudence would not recommend a change in the law either.

It was learned that the grave site of John D. Caldwell, who had served for 36 years as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge and 14 years as Grand Secretary Emeritus, and that of his wife were in deplorable condition. A Committee recommended that a bronze tablet suitably inscribed be placed upon the grave of Caldwell and his wife in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. It also recommended that an appropriation be made for perpetual care.

The Grand Historian, Past Grand Master Charles S. Plumb, said the history of American Union Lodge No.1, which he had written, had been published.

New regalia for the officers of the Grand Lodge was authorized to be purchased.

The attorneys who had worked on the litigation concerning "The National Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Freemasons of the United States of America, Incorporated" refused to submit a bill for their services. The Grand Lodge agreed to pay them $1,000 anyway. All concerned were happy with the outcome. Especially so was Otto R. Heilgman, Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania, who sent a telegram dated October 31, 1934, saying:"The Grand Master of Pennsylvania congratulates The Grand Lodge of Ohio upon the successful termination of the litigation."

The Committee on Masonic Service and Information reported a busy year. It noted there is apparently "a laxity, either through lassitude or inefficiency that clearly shows the need of a systematic education for Lodge officers." It claimed. "The Master of a Lodge is the mainspring of a social order that stands for law and order. We cannot point with pride to our institution when 60% of our Lodges have so little regard for its own laws. The Depression is blamed for the lack of candidates and loss of members, but surely it cannot be blamed for the lack of attendance and interest of those who are still paying members - there must be a reason."

Asa Queen, the Senior Grand Warden, died on February 16, 1935. "Having been afflicted with a contagious disease, a private funeral was required. His body was laid to rest in Marion Cemetery on Sunday, February 17, 1935." On April 14, the Grand Lodge held a memorial service for him in Marion.

The Grand Master was pleased to attend a special event – a sunrise meeting on July 4, 1935:

Acting under special Dispensation from the Grand Master, Center Lodge, No. 86, and Bloomfield Lodge, No. 422, convened at 5 a.m. on top of Buel's Hill, three miles south of Centerburg. A candidate was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

This out-of-door meeting was one of the most inspiring of all the meetings which the Grand Master was privileged to attend during the year. Buel's Hill rises 150 feet above the surrounding country, on top of which is a sunken amphitheater capable of seating 2,000 or more persons.

Into this depression had been moved rocks to serve in the place of the conventional altar and other Lodge furniture. During the preceding night and through the progress of the meeting, Brethren from these Lodges patrolled the hill. The touch of primitive Masonry said to have been practiced by our ancestors, and with the natural setting of this spot, could not help but impress the several hundred Masons present.

At noon, the Grand Master moved to New England Lodge No. 4 in Worthington where he opened an emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge, for the purpose of holding a brief Patriotic Service."

Again the Annual Communication was opened with a statement about conditions in the State:"Once more your Committee on Ways and Means comes before the Grand Lodge with a recommendation that the rules of the Grand Lodge be again suspended for the benefit of a few Lodges. In the last five years, we have gone through a harrowing period."

During the Communication of October 16, 1935, Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson, ended his report with a request:

If each Lodge would give an account of its struggle during the depression of tbe past years, it would be a story so thrilling as to stir the deepest emotions of the heart and convince the most incredulous we had learned well the lesson in time of difficulty and danger and in days of dire peril to put our trust in God. That exercise of faith has brought us a reward so gracious and so
generous, so convincing of divine leading as to make our hearts continually glow with gratitude to God in caring for and preserving our great Institutions.

The manner in which our Lodges have exercised, with the greatest of sacrifice, brotherly love in remitting the dues of so many Brethren and in discharging their financial obligation for the Home, as well as otherwise, will greatly refresh their spiritual life and redone to their material welfare.

We are indeed deeply thankful to God that our Lodges have come through the years of depression in such a marvelous manner. while many are still suffering severely on account of a Temple debt, and in some instances may have to resort to drastic means to refinance and readjust their indebtedness, and a few others will be some time in recovering from their loss on account of bank failures, all Lodges are making definite progress toward a normal financial condition.

The Committee on Masonic Service and Information reported another busy year. It had been of service to many Lodges and had prepared an "Officers' Manual." It out lined several items Lodges could use for programs. It was particularly proud to say: "We wish to call attention to
the fact that, in the several years of this committee's existence, it has not used one penny of funds appropriated for it and at the present time has a balance of approximately $1,000 to its credit." It was made a Standing Committee of the Grand Lodge.

The Jurisdiction had been divided into 25 Lecture District, but the law was changed to read: "The State shall be divided by the Grand Master into twenty-five lecture districts, and he shall appoint a District Lecturer in each of said Districts containing thirty Lodges or less, and may
appoint two District Lecturers each in Districts containing more than thirty Lodges, who, after their appointment, shall be ex-officio members of the Grand Lodge and entitled to all its privileges. . . . The Grand Master is hereby invested with the power to assign a Lodge or Lodges, for economy and efficiency, from one District temporarily to another District for inspection purposes."

The Committee on Jurisprudence agreed with the Grand Master. The owners of "whiskey warehouse receipts" were subject to Masonic discipline. The Committee also agreed with him on another point!!! The law against the use of loose leaf minute books was repealed. The Secretaries could, if they desired, now type their minutes.

Past Grand Master Nelson Williams was attending his 46th consecutive Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Grand Master Ellenwood, a member of Ebenezer Lodge No. 33, called upon him to address the Brethren. He did by asking several questions:

Whenever I do stop to consider (Freemasonry's age) and whenever I stand before an audience such as this, I stop to wonder what vital force or power or energy Freemasonry possesses that enables it thus to run on into the cycle of centuries, riding the darkness of ignorance and oppression, and yet gathering increased strength with the advancement of civil pride in the enlightenment of civilization. Upon what depends this strength? What marvelous energy has enabled it thus to live on, outliving other Fraternal Societies and surviving them not with the weakness of old age, but with still a freshness and youthful vigor as in the younger years of manhood? To what source can we trace this loving fidelity which invigorates and revivifies her, as though she had drunk from the fountain of immortal youth? . . . There must be something in it beyond our ritualism. I believe the spontaneous answer is answer is that because the natural impulses of the human soul in its conception of moral obligation and of right and wrong are the fundamental principles upon which this great Fraternity stands. I may be wrong about this. But I believe that that is what makes our Fraternity what it is.

It is not our ritualism. The Ritual is simply the shell, and the kernel within is the thing that I am trying to bring to your attention. It is the real Freemasonry, that Freemasonry which looks to the character pf our Brethren.

The Grand Historian, Charles S. Plumb, told the story of "The Ohio Masonic Historical Society and the John Snow Homestead." He noted that in 1817 John Snow arrived at Worthington. He had come from Providence, Rhode Island, where he was born on February 25, 1780. In 1809, snow had been made a Master Mason in Mt. Vernon Lodge in Providence. A year later, he was elected as Worshipful Master, a position he held until 1817. In that year, he left for the West. He visited New England Lodge No. 4 and a short time later was elected its Worshipful: Master. Then Thomas Smith Webb, who had also been born in Rhode Island, came to Worthington and became a member of New England Lodge. Snow and Webb became close friends and business associates. Together they worked for Freemasonry. Snow served as Worshipful Master of New England Lodge from 1818 until 1822 and again from 1827 to 1831. In 1819, he was elected Grand Master and Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Historian, Charles S. Plumb, said it was time for a younger man to assume the position he had held for ten successive years. He then gave a resume of the work of previous Committees on History and Grand Historians. He praised the service of those who had preceded him: Past Grand Master W. M. Cunningham; Past Master John G. Reeves; and Robert I. Clegg. He said that each year since he was appointed in 1925 he had presented a sketch pertaining to Ohio Freemasonry. There was on exception and that was an article on Lafayette.

He closed his report by stating: "Through this service I have had much pleasure in promoting here in Ohio the greatly needed field of Masonic education, a subject in which but very few members of the Craft interest themselves, notwithstanding the fact that important and useful
Masonic Libraries are found here and there over this broad land. Roughly speaking, it is estimated that about 100,000 books have been published on Freemasonry since the year
1722, when the first book on this subject was brought forth. May I ask this question of each of you in conclusion: How much do you or your Lodge contribute to a better knowledge of Freemasonry through the promotion of Masonic education?'

The Grand Master was pleased to appoint Professor Charles S. Plumb, Grand Historian Emeritus. He then pointed Dr. James J. Tyler of Warren as Grand Historian on the recommendation of Dr. Plumb.

Grand Master Carl W. Ellenwood said he had refused several Dispensations to permit "an exchange of visitations between Lodges in Ohio and some adjoining State." But he believed it was time for the Code to be changed, or modified, "to permit the visitations of Lodges from other Grand Jurisdictions to Ohio for the purpose of exemplifying their Ritual." No action was taken on his suggestion.

Grand Master Elmer R. Am, of Horace Irvin Lodge No. 647, participated in a rare ceremony on October 26, 1935. He and his corps of officers were escorted from his hotel to the Masonic Temple in Dayton by Knights Templars, headed by the Boys' Band of the Masonic Home. Following dinner, they moved to the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Horace A. Irvin Lodge No. 647 was "then opened for the five hundredth time," after which the Grand Lodge was convened. Dr. Phil Porter, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, was installed Grand Chaplain.

The highlight of the evening was the conferral of the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on the Grand Master's son, Elmer Raymond Am, Jr. Over 1,652 Masons were present, representing 136 Ohio Lodges, 54 Lodges were from 25 other Jurisdictions. Music "was furnished by the Scottish Rite Choir."

For more than five years, Past Grand Master Barton Smith "stood, as it were, on the very brink of death." His "bark slipped into the unknown stream" and he "passed into the great beyond at 6 :30 a.m., November 16, 1935."

Gambling, by whatever name it might be called, was was not confined to one Jurisdiction. At the Conference of Grand Masters the agenda called for a discussion on: 1. Gambling devises and lotteries. (a) To what extent indulged in by Subordinate Lodges, and how camouflaged in an ef
fort to avoid violation of law? (b) Methods to be employed in dealing with members of allied or dependent bodies conducting lotteries."

Grand Master Am said: "It was the consensus of opinion that permanent results can only come from positive action by Grand Lodges, and that the Grand Master should have the power, after notification to the Brethren engaging in these enterprises, of suspending them from the rights
and privileges of Masonry during the interim between the time of the offense and the next session of the Grand Lodge."

He said Grand Master Claude L. Allen of Massachusetts concluded his address by stating: "Let us in our respective states approach this problem with our erring Brethren by seeking their cooperation in the maintenance of our standards and integrity of our Order, pointing out to them, in a friendly way, the danger to the Fraternity, which they may not have realized; in the first instance seeking their support as Masons working for a common purpose, but, failing to secure such cooperation and support, let us then deal with them with all the courage, firmness, and power at our command, to the end that Masonry may maintain its high standing in the eyes of the world."

Grand Master Arn was asked to close the discussion and did by saying: "The Brethren should remember that when they appear on the streets or in so-called taverns wearing the fez, red or black, of their respective organizations, that fez demands the same sanctity, the same reverence, and the same respect as the white apron worn in the Lodge room."

In April, the Grand Master learned three "of the large Shrines of Ohio were conducting elaborate programs of gambling." He sent the heads of the bodies a letter quoting Masonic and federal laws prohibiting gambling in any form. He closed his letter by saying: "I would advise that your present lottery scheme be stopped and that, as Masons, you conform to the rules of The Grand Lodge of Ohio."

He was informed "by the presiding officers of these organizations that these programs were planned by their Committee to raise money for the Welfare Fund and Crippled Children." Other reasons were cited as to why the lotteries should not be stopped. One of the leaders was distressed because his was. He believed it would "have been successful as planned had it been permitted to run its course." The Grand Master agreed, but said it would have been to the detriment of Freemasonry.

Grand Master Am quoted a story to him: "A little lad who is suffering from infantile paralysis, and who is very dear to my heart, said to me after seeing one of the extravagant pamphlets that was being mailed to your Nobility: 'Daddy, how long are the Masons going to use the cripples for gambling purposes?' Read this statement over carefully and use the heart of a father, as the spirit of a Mason, and try to answer him."

The Committee on Ways and Means opened the Annual Communication of October 21, 1936, with its now usual request: That the delinquent Lodges be permitted to vote, and their delegates receive the usual per diem and mileage.

Grand Master Elmer R. Am was elated! "Ohio Masonry did not show a loss in membership in 1936!" In fact, Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson's report showed a net gain of 1,372 members, bringing the total to 178,464.

The Grand Treasurer, H. S. Kissell, wasn't happy with the times, though: "It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure anything like a fair return on our funds. Some banks give us two percent, and in some instances but one percent. Up to the present time, we have been able to keep our bond account on a fairly good basis considering the return on bonds today. Of course, up until a few years ago, we could get four and one-quarter percent on our bonds."

The Trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home reported the water supply was in jeopardy. "Some of the city officials held a conference as to whether they should cut off the Masonic Home from their water supply," said the Trustees. "But they did allow the water supply to continue. It is in
a very precarious condition, and one which has been a source of a great deal of worry to the Trustees." They went on to report two test wells had been drilled and they were guaranteed fifty gallons of water per minute. They felt these should be constructed as the water supply from
Springfield was not dependable. The Committee on Ways and Means agreed that $25,000 should be appropriated for the purpose of constructing the two wells and tanks. The Grand Lodge concurred.

The Committee on Masonic Service suggested fifteen different Lodge programs that could be followed. It was particularly pleased with the results of the Fathers' and Sons' Night programs that had been held in many Lodges.

The Grand Master had recommended, and the Committee on Jurisprudence agreed, a resolution should be enacted prohibiting gambling in the strongest terms. Consequently, the following resolution was submitted:

Paragraph 1. All gift distributions and lotteries, of every kind and character, by or under the management or supervision of Lodges within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, are hereby prohibited.

Paragraph 2. The Grand Master shall suspend from all the rights and privileges of Masonry until the next Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge, the presiding Officer, or others who may be parties thereto, of organization whose membership is based upon Masonic affiliation, whom he believes, upon investigation, to have been or are engaged in promoting lotteries, games of chance, and raffles of every kind and character, after having been duly advised of our prohibitory regulations.

Paragraph 3. Such suspension shall continue in definitely unless and until such Brother elects to be tried under the provisions of Section 67 of the Code, which election must be made not less than ninety days prior to any Stated Annual Grand Communication.

Paragraph 4. Officers and members of organizations referred to in Paragraph 2, when participating in behalf of their organizations in such prohibited activities, are amenable to any Lodge having jurisdiction over them for any violation of this By-Law.

Unanimous consent was asked for the immediate consideration of this resolution. It was granted.
The resolution was unanimously adopted and became the law of the Grand Lodge of Ohio immediately.

The Committee on Redistricting felt that subject should be left to the discretion of the Grand Master, and it asked to be excused. It was.

On October 27, 1937, the Ohio River reached flood stage. In the succeeding days, thousands of homes, business places, and Masonic Temples were "completely submerged" leaving sticky, muddy, slimy deposits of silt and debris. Thousands of citizens were made homeless. Grand Master J. Philip Perry ordered $5,000 contributed from the Grand Master's Emergency Fund to the American Red Cross. Then he sent out a request to all the Masons in the State for help. This resulted in over $32,000 being contributed for assistance. Offers of aid were received from several Grand Lodges and The Masonic Service Association. The Grand Master said he would hold those in abeyance. They were not needed.

Grand Master Perry, of Tuscan Lodge No. 342, during the Annual Communication of October 20, 1937, had to announce a membership loss of 2,249. He said, however: "We should always remember that the real strength of our great Fraternity is not measured in numbers, but rather in deeds accomplished for the betterment of mankind."

J. Philip Perry was following in the footsteps of his father, B. F. Perry, Jr. The latter had served as Grand Master in 1909.

The Grand Master was absolutely opposed to open installations. He used several reasons for his opposition, but his main one was something that occurred in one of the Lodges. When the presiding officer asked if there was any one who objected to an officer being installed, a member made an objection. The room was filled with men, women, and children. "What followed" he said, can well be imagined."

The Grand Master opposed the use of Masonry for political purposes. Too many Masons running for office were being subtle. They had their photographs taken while "conspicuously wearing a Masonic emblem or their Shrine or Grotto fez, and having these photographs inserted in appendant bodies to help "to keep masonry out of politics and to keep politics out of Masonry." He had to clarify the rules against the use of beer in Masonic Temples.

Grand Master Perry noted the Treasury Department had ruled Lodges were subject to the provisions of the Social secretary Act. He added: "Wherever may be the feelings as to the practicability of this law. We must nevertheless cheerfully comply with this Requirement.'

He found "Square Clubs" were being formed throughout the State. "If these Clubs could be no harn in such a procedure. Indeed, a new interest within the Lodge could well be fostered by occasionally permitting the Club officers to confer the degrees upon a few of their own fellow employees. But these Clubs, in some instances, have virtually taken over the Lodge itself. The Club officers insist upon the right to exemplify the degrees on every candidate who the right to exemplify the degrees on every candidate who is employed by the company, and in many Lodges this comprises practically all of its candidates. As a consequence, the regular Lodge officers are required to step aside and do nothing. This practice cannot be allowed to continue. No Square Club should be stronger than the Lodge in which it operates and the officers of the Lodge, for the good of Masonry, must see to it that these Clubs hereafter do not usurp the duties and prerogatives of the Lodge and that they are kept in their proper place."

The Grand Master had issued several Dispensations "authorized some of our Ohio Lodges to confer the Master Mason Degree upon their own candidate in a Lodge of another jurisdiction, with the consent, of course, of the Grand Master of that Jurisdiction. Dispensations were also issued to permit Lodges of other Jurisdictions to exemplify their degree work upon their own candidate in our Lodges."

He mentioned the occasion in May when St. George Lodge No. 367 of Toronto, Canada, visited Cleveland: "Every seat was taken and nearly three thousand Masons witnessed a beautiful exemplification of the Canadian rit ual. It was, to me, one of the most inspiring meetings that I have ever attended."

He closed his address by speaking about the evils of Communism: "The question has often been raised, Why is not Masonry, as an organization, doing more to check the spread of Communism and other foreign subversive doctrines, and why does it not participate in the many political, social, and economic problems that are confronting the people of this great country of ours?

"The answer is that Masonry is primarily a fraternal organization and, as such, cannot take an active part in political and other controversial matters.

"Masonry must continue to work through the individual Brother."

He went on to explain how Communism, an organization that does not believe in God, in morality or in personal liberty, has crushed nations throughout the world. "They advocate the overthrow of existing governments by force and violence, and wherever Communism, Naziism or Fascism exists there can be no Masonry and no personal liberty or security."

Grand Treasurer Harry S. Kissell reported banks were paying no more than 2% interest on funds and in most cases only one percent. The Trustees were able to invest funds in two and three-quarter percent government bonds. He also said: "We must never lose sight of the fact that The Grand Lodge of Ohio is carrying practically the entire burden of the Home and that no other Masonic Body is contributing annually to the Home for maintenance as formerly was the custom. During the past year, the only contribution received from another organization identified in any way with Masonry was $1,000 received from the Grotto which was used for educational purposes and not for the general maintenance of the home."

He was pleased to close his report by saying: "We should go back to the Lodges with the message that Masonry in Ohio is financially strong; that all its bills are paid; that its Masonic Home is being operate without any curtailment; that the buildings at the Home are being made, in excellent condition and improvements are being made, but we should also tell them that this condition can be continued only by an activity in the Lodges, by the prompt payment of Annual Dues, and by maintaining the Special Fee Fund as in the past."

The Committee on Masonic Service noted that it was planning to issue monthly bulletins to be read at the meeting of Lodges. It said: "The bulletin will contain a short, pithy message on topics directly related to Masonry or the effect of world conditions upon the Masonic Institution."

On the recommendation of the Committee on Jurisprudence, The Grand Lodge of Ohio made a momentous decision. The following resolution was adopted:

Resolved: That the State shall be divided by the Grand Master into twenty-five districts, and he shall appointed a District Deputy Grand Master in each of said districts, and may appoint two District Deputy Grand Masters in districts containing more than thirty Lodges, all of whom, after their appointment, shall be ex-officio members of the Grand Lodge and entitled to all of its
privileges by virtue of such appointment, during the pleasure of the Grand Master; and the Grand Secretary shall append to the printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge the names and locations of the District Deputy Grand Masters, with the boundaries of each district. The Grand Master is hereby invested with the power to assign a Lodge or Lodges, temporarily, to another district for inspection purposes.

It shall be the duty of the District Deputy Grand Master to visit each and every Lodge assigned to him at least once during the Masonic year, in person, and to Make report of such visitation to the Grand Master at least within ten days after such visit.

He shall submit after each visitation a statement of his actual necessary expenses, and the same shall be paid out of the funds of the Grand Lodge upon the approval of the Grand Master, and at such times as he may direct.

Resolved Further, That the Jewel of a District Deputy Grand Master shall contain a Square, Compasses, Trowel, letter G, and Quadrant, all within a wreath of oak and olive leaves, suspended from a bar, on which shall be inscribed the words 'District Deputy Grand Master' and the number of the district, the whole to be worn suspended from the neck by a purple collar. This Jewel is to be the property of the M. W. Grand Lodge, and to be transmitted by each District Deputy Grand Master to his successor in office. It is further Resolved, That all resolutions and amended resolution appearing on page 57 of the Code of 1935, be, and the same are hereby repealed.

Unanimous consent was asked for and granted. The resolution was adopted. District Lecturers became District Deputy Grand Masters.

The "liquor question" still plagued the Grand Lodge. It spelled out exactly what could and couldn't be done:

No spirituous, malt, vinous or fermented liquors or beverages having an alcoholic content of more than one half of one percent by weight can be used for beverage purposes (except Ceremonial) in any Masonic Lodge room, anteroom, banqueting room or adjacent room in such Masonic Temple within this Grand Jurisdiction. This also applies to gatherings in Masonic Temples of organizations whose membership is predicated on Blue Lodge Masonry.

No Lodge or Masonic Temple Company may rent or lease any portion of its building where the same is to be used for selling or dealing in intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes.

It shafl neither be deemed a violation of Section 58, of the Code nor a Masonic offense to sell 3.2% beer, or any other beverage that has been legally determined to be non4ntoxicating, but no such beverage can either be sold or drunk in or about a Masonic Temple in this State.

Ohio Masons are at all times subject to Masonic discipline for unmasonic conduct in this State due to the excessive use of intoxicating liquors wherever obtained or used.

James J. Tyler, M.D., the Historian of The Grand Lodge of Ohio, presented an excellent treaties on "Freemasonry in the Northwest Territory." He said of Major General Arthur St. Clair, the first Governor of the Ohio Territory, and his Masonic life: "There is no doubt that he was a Master Mason at that time (1762) and there was a Military Lodge in his regiment of which Colonel Young was the Master while Arthur St. Clair was an officer."

Tyler added: "He was one of the petitioners for Nova Caesarea Lodge No. 10, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Warrant for this Lodge was issued by The Grand Lodge of New Jersey, September 8, 1791. General St. Clair was buried by his Masonic Brothers in a little country cemetery at Greensburg, Pennsylvania." Fourteen years later a plain sandstone monument was erected over his grave. On August 15, 1913, the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, unveiled a granite monument. On the East panel was inscribed: "At the head of the long roll of Ohio's great men it is fitting that there should stand the name of Arthur St. Clair, the friend and companion of Washington and Lafayette."

A different type of history was made by Royalton Union Lodge No.434. The historian records: "That rapid descent down the stairs, a hurried 180 degree turn down the alley, a careening wheel to the left, and a flank to the right on a dead run, with a hope and prayer that one of the two buildings ahead was unoccupied, came tp am abrupt end. Sharing of the cost of a proper drainage system with what was then the Red & White grocery store, Modern conveniences were installed in the Lodge Temple in 1938."

The Grand Lodge was convened by Grand Master Louis B. Blakemore, of Calvary-Clifton Lodge No. 700, at Marietta on April 9, 1938. "There certainly could be no more important event to the people who are resident in the states which now comprise the Northwest Territory than this one," he said. "And we honor ourselves and our Fraternity by manifesting a special interest in it. The people of this community and vicinity are particularly interested in celebrating at this time the sesquicentennial of the settlement of this then new country. The roster of those who were active in the founding of the territory is largely identical with the members of American Union Lodge No.1 at that time. It is therefore peculiarly appropriate that we should be here on this occasion as the guests of that Lodge out of whose membership came so many of the men who wrought valiantly in organizing the Territory and establishing a stable government."

It was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Rufus Putnam, so immediately after the close of the Grand Lodge, those present went to Mound Cemetery. There a wreath was placed on Putnam's grave.

After the Annual Communication was convened on October 19, 1938, Grand Master Blakemore said: "Friday, September 2, your Grand Master, accompanied by Mrs. Blakemore, (while returning from a Masonic engagement out West) met with a very serious auto accident. Mrs.
Blakemore had several vertebrae crushed, but her injuries, though painful, were not serious. I was thrown out of the machine, had my right arm broken, my jaw fractured in several places, my left shoulder sprained, chest injuries, bruises, and general shock. For a time my life was despaired of, but God in His infinite mercy was very good to us and spared my life. In justice to ourselves it should be said that the accident was unavoidable due to the blowing out of a tire, and while traveling at a rate of speed below forty miles an hour."

The Grand Master said that he had traveled over 46,000 miles on Masonic business. He had made it a point to let the Masonic world know there was a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio.

Past Grand Master Ake had been obliged to decline to continue representing Ohio on the Board of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. The Grand Master appointed Past Grand Master Elmer R. Arn to this position. A short time later Louis Watres, the President, died and Dr. Am was elected to that position.

Another loss in membership was reported by Grand Secretary Harry S. Johnson. He closed his report by saying: "In these days when nation is set against nation, race against race, let us lift up our hearts in prayer to God to preserve and strengthen our fellowship, cement and bind our friendship, and may our faith grow in the conviction that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah alone can save us."

He was undoubtedly referring to what was happening on the world scene, particularly in Europe. The German army had occupied Austria on March 12 at 13. Hitler immediately proclaimed a "union" of Austria and Germany. Britain, France, Italy, and Germany met for a parley at the end of September at Munich. They agreed to the "dismemberment" of Czechoslovakia. This wiped out Freemasonry in that country, along with its freedom. Chamberlain, proudly waving his umbrella, returned to London bringing "peace in our time." Six months later Hitler took over Czechoslovakia.

Blakemore asked the Grand Lodge to recognize the various youth organizations. The Jurisprudence Committee said "the matter has heretofore received the attention of the Grand Lodge" twice before. Both times it had refused to permit Lodges to sponsor them or let them meet in "Masonic Lodge rooms." It did not change its position.

The earlier position opposing interjurisdictional visitations was changed, however. They were permitted, "when under proper restrictions."

Dr. James J. Tyler, in his excellent account of "Chillicothe and the Beginning of The Grand Lodge of Ohio." named several Freemasons who were members of the first State Legislature. They included: Ephraim Cutler of American Union Lodge No. 1; Dr. William Goforth of Nova
Caesarea Lodge, then No. 10 of New Jersey ; Samuel Huntington of Scioto No. 6; Thomas Kirker, Junior Deacon in 1809; Nathaniel Massie, whose funeral was conducted by Scioto No. 6 on May 5, 1870; Thomas Worthington of Nova Caesarea No. 10; Rufus Putnam of American Union No. 1; William Creighton, Jr. of Scioto, then No. 2 of Massachusetts; Thomas Gibson, the first Worshipful Master of Scioto No. 2; and Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr. of American Union No. 1.

Grand Master Harry Meyer, of Humboldt Lodge No. 476, appointed ten extra District Deputy Grand Masters. He felt assistance was needed in the larger district. "There is no need of our failing to recognize that Masonry should deal very intimately with the man of today," he said. "A thing we need most in our Lodges is leadership. Not necessarily good ritualists, but men who have the capacity recognize the value of service as Masons to our Lodges, our communities in which we live, to the Church, or to any other civic, patriotic, or humanitarian movements. We must and should enter more into community life."

On January 21, 1939, the Grand Master met with 412 Secretary Ohio Lodges, the first such meeting held in Ohio. He was surprised at the number who had turned out. Later, several of those from the other 211 Lodges sent their regrets. He noted "a good Secretary alone may not make a Lodge, but a poor one soon can wreck it." He had called the meetings because he felt the Grand Lodge was neglecting these important officers. He would later tell the Grand Lodge: "I wish time would permit me telling you of the many expressions of appreciation made by the Secretaries in attendance at the meeting, and the many comments sent by others as to the value of the meeting, and the general impression of the amount of good that could be accomplished by these conferences."

Sunday April 80, 1939, had been set aside by Grand Master Meyer for the Lodges to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States. Masons were permitted to as semble in their Lodges, then clothed as Master Masons, to
attend the house of worship of their choice. Thousands participated in the remembrance.

Golden Square Lodge No.679 of Cleveland asked for a ruling on June 17. A former member of a Lodge in Czechoslovakia had been a frequent visitor. Now he couldn't pay his dues to his Lodge. When Germany took over his country, his Lodge and Grand Lodge were disbanded. Grand
Master Meyer ruled he could visit. The ruling was upheld by the Grand Lodge.

Past Grand Master Harry S. Kissell and Junior Grand Deacon David B. Sharp were appointed to represent The Grand Lodge of Ohio at the United Grand Lodge of England. Grand Master Meyer said this was necessary because "our times are ominous. Masonry is now the object of persecution in many countries by nations and institutions fostering ignorance and intolerance. This calls for the rededication of our lives to God, to whom we have already pledged our loyalty in the cementing of ties of our Brotherhood and all possible evidences of good will."

David Sharp reported on the visitation. He said the installation ceremony of the Grand Master of Masons of England took place in Olympia, a large auditorium capable of seating more than 13,000 persons. It was filled to capacity, and more than 23,000 others had to be refused tickets.

Upon entering the hall on July 19, 1939, at 3 p.m., they were "greeted by a fanfare of trumpets and great applause by the Brethren." Then his majesty, the King and Past Grand Master entered. An elaborate ceremony followed and the Grand Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Kent was received with "great applause." "His Majesty, the King, addressed the newly elected Grand Master and proceeded to obligate, invest, and install his brother, who then assumed the throne upon which there was another outburst of cheering."

The next day Sharp accepted an invitation to attend a joint meeting of the Lodge of Antiquity No. 2 and Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No. 4 at Freemasons' Hall. These are the only two surviving Lodges which formed the Grand Lodge in 1717.

Sharp noted delegates were present from all over the world: "We feel that this great gathering must have definitely contributed to the solidarity of the Prder throughout the world, and that, no matter how inadequate it may have been, it was well that The Grand of Ohio was represented 'at this important event in the history of Freemasonry.

"For the perfection of the arrangements made for our comfort and convenience, for the unbounded hospitality extended to us, for the extremely cordial manner in which we were received, not only by those in charge, but by the Brethren in general, for the uniform courtesy extended to us, and the truly fraternal spirit shown to all of us at all times, we shall be forever grateful to our English Brethren."

Governor and Brother John W. Bricker welcomed the delegates to Columbus for the Annual Communication on October 18, 1939. Within his address he said:

Today this Order of ours is inextricably connected still with the evolving liberties of peoples and with their right to participate in community affairs and in the affairs of their government. Anyone who is definitely interested in the betterment of his governmental structure, in this widening opportunity for the individual himself, who appreciates that, after all, the most import
ant thing in life is the individual soul, with its capacity for growth and for development and for service, must recognize the value of an Order such as this and the service which it renders within the communities, and that it is an essential part of our growing democratic free institutions.

As long as the spirit of Masonry, that spirit of taking care of our own, that spirit of better communities within which to live, that spirit of a free, open discussion of all affairs, that association with our fellow men upon an equal basis, that willingness to help, that desire to be of service, essentially the spirit of brother hood as long as those live in America, in the commun
ities throughout the country, small and large alike, we are certain of the perpetuation of the institutions of democracy.

Grand Master Harry Meyer presented Dr. Mcllyar H. Lichliter, the Grand Chaplain, "and who within the past few weeks has been elected an Active Member of the Supreme Council, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Lichliter gave some graphic examples of how Freemasons had assisted their Brethren on the other side during the Great Wars the United States had participated in. He warned them to think carefully about the perils prevalent in the world today. He said the heritage of Americans of liberty is now imperiled. "Not that we are in any grave danger from a lot of foreign radicals," he noted. "I think that we pay these obnoxious groups too high a compliment when we give them the publicity they crave above everything else. They are all pathological exhibitionists." Within
the closing paragraphs of his remarks he stated:

To speak as plainly as I know how, but to speak in a spirit of Masonic Brotherhood, the real enemies of Freemasonry in America are Masons.

Why may we not use the inspiring privileges of these days of fellowship to commit ourselves to a new loyalty. It is not only the careless church member who needs the tonic of a spiritual revival. We need that in our beloved Fraternity. We can pledge ourselves, under God, that we shall put away all petty jealousies, all personal rivalries, all disputes and contention within the
Craft. We can go to a Brother with whom we have had strained relations and seek a basis of friendship and real cooperation. There is room enough for all and enough hard work to be done in every Lodge without stepping on each other's toes. We can and must stand by each other when things go wrong. If a Brother's good name is attacked, let the whispering campaign stop with us. We must not fail a Brother who is finding life especially difficult and is fighting a hard and lonely battle either against his own bad habits, or against the opposition of unfriendly forces in the community. When we show the same loyalty to each other that certain other groups have demonstrated by their preferences in business and in politics, Masonry will have a rebirth of influence. And we can and must relearn the lessons of secrecy and silence.

From the Emergency Fund, the Grand Master had ordered funds sent to Chile, South America, because of a destructive earthquake. He had also learned Masons had been driving out of Spain and were in concentration camps in France. Feeling "there was no surer way of convincing such Brethren of our heartfelt sympathy, and desire to comfort those who were being persecuted for righteousness sake" funds were sent to assist them. He also ordered funds sent to the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina to assist Austrian and Czech Masons who had fled to that country for help.

The ruthless hand of Hitler's hordes were being felt everywhere they took over. And it would get worse. On September 1, 1939, the Germans invaded Poland, ignoring Great Britain and France. Two days later, those countries declared war on Germany. Before the month was over, Poland had been divided by Germany and the Soviet Union.

The closing words of Past Grand Master Elmer Arn, as President of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, were repeated by the Ohio Committee:

Today, when epidemics of hatred spread their contagion over mammoth areas of our civilized world, when moral anarchy, cynicism, and brutality dominate the chancelleries of the earth idealism takes on potent significance.

Today, we have come to realize the world needs idealism and trust and hope far more than it needs bread for the hungered or a cot for the weary.

Today, the world needs to be reminded that magnificent courage and heroism have prevailed through long sieges of terror and privation, through lawlessness and intimidation, because ideals have been at stake. Today, the world needs vivid reminders that people have carried on even under fire because they were safeguarding the ideal of democracy.

Today, the world needs evidence, if you please, that we of America, millions strong, have an invulnerable allegiance to our forebears whose monumental toil, whose labor, and whose sacrifice toward democratic idealism enriched this continent and put America far in the lead
on the highway of human progress.

Today, the world needs to feel that we of America will not tolerate the unclean thinking of another continent. Today, America must show deeds which will articulate the reverence it holds for the idealism which sets our America apart among the nations of the earth.

To make immortal the idealism of George Washington, the Mason, the Father of our Country, is one of the noblest overtures the Masonic Fraternity can make in giving concrete evidence that truth and justice and right still do and ever shall prevail in this land of liberty.

The Masonic Service Committee had sent out an address entitled "Philosophy of Liberty" to each Lodge. They were asked to have it read in open Lodge or at other Masonic gatherings.

The liquor question was still perplexing the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge. To help clarify the proceeding sections of the Code a new one was adopted, reading: "To engage in the selling of intoxicating liquors, to be drunk upon the premises where sold, shall subject a Brother so
offering to charges and expulsion; it shall also be a disqualification for initiation or affiliation in any Masonic Lodge." The Jurisprudence Committee noted: "The adoption of such a provision will nullify Note 7, under Section 58 of the Code, and remove the restrictions on employees of the State Department. Your Grand Master is asking your cooperation in enabling the tiding over of a condition which is perplexing in the extreme." After some discussion, the amendment was adopted.

The Committee and the Delegates also approved the recommendation of the Grand Master that all Secretaries must "engross upon the minutes a copy of the Annual return of the Lodge in compliance with his duty to 'make a record of that which is proper to be written."

It was ruled that "when a Brother has been elected Worshipful Master of his Lodge, he must have received, before installation, the Degree of Past Master according to the ritual authorized by this Grand Lodge, or as part of the work in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, as evidenced by a certificate from his Chapter."

The free for petitioners for initiation and applicants for affiliation from another Grand Jurisdiction was increased from $8.00 to $10.00. This sum was for the use of the Masonic Home.

With the war escalating in Europe, the United States began to come out of "The Great Depression." Soup kitchens, bread lines, and millions begging for assistance began to disappear. The employment picture brightened considerably, and would become even brighter as the dismal effects of war spread even wider. This would become apparent in many ways, not the least of which would be the increase in petitioners for Freemasonry. Ohio would experience a slight loss in membership in 1940, but dramatically increase its numbers in the succeeding years.

During the years of war, Freemasonry, unlike the period of World War I, would help the members of the Armed Forces in innumerable ways. Freemasonry would prove its worth to its fellow man.

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