It was becoming more evident to the leaders of the Masonic lodges that there was need for the training of officers and Master Masons so that the progress of the Grand Lodge and the lodges would be motivated and increased. Good work was being accomplished in most lodges, as was evident from the records of the past. The lodges had built worthily and well, but there was need for new emphasis and increased motivation. The Masonic work had not only to be standardized, but there had to be greater application to it on the part of all who were in its leadership. This idea was expressed in correspondence and in conversation.
On April 25, 1912, prior to the session of the last Grand Lodge, Brother Gory Adams wrote to Brother C. L. Porter, Grand Lecturer as follows: "I firmly believe that if the Craft in general had a better knowledge of what Freemasonry really is and what it stands for, and what it means to be a Mason, they would come to realize a sense of their condition and wake up to a sense of their opportunities." Later in the same year, Brother Adams wrote that "the sad fact is that the Negro Mason is not bettor informed. I trust that Ohio may put them to thinking along that line." It was his opinion that better Masters were needed and that they should be prepared by the Warden stations. He believed that special study should be given to the Ritual, the lecture should be committee and that there should be a general knowledge of the Code while they were in these stations so that by the time they would be advanced to the Master's chair, they would be equipped, and he believed, that an intelligently conducted lodge would then result.
Brother Gory Adams had consistently believed in this point of view from the time when he joined Masonry at the formation of Lily Lodge No. 61. He had received his education in the public schools of Findlay, Ohio, and had served in the Post Office Department of Findlay as a Postman for more than twenty-five years, subsequently this service was extended to forty-seven years. He continued to be a studies of Masonry, and as a result of this industry he was appointed Grand Lecturer under Grand Master Clemens in 1906, and served until 1911 when he was elected Deputy Grand Master. His elevation to the Office of Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1912 brought to the leadership of Masonry in Ohio a devout Christian anti Mason who held the confidence of the entire Masonic community.
This point of view held by Brother Adams was brought to the attention of the lodges in a circular letter under date of October 14, 1912, in which he advocated "the necessity of establishing Masonic Schools located in convenient centers throughout the Jurisdiction." The belief was expressed by him that the lodges of the nearby communities would cooperate in conducting schools successfully in the several sections. He said that the Grand Lecturer should be present and invitations extended to all lodges within reasonable distances and that another letter would follow extending invitations. This plan would not only increase interest, he said, but would be of intellectual benefit to the lodges. The main purpose of this program was to raise standards in the practice of Masonry so that there would be a closer approach to Masonic ideals through their practice and exemplification.
Grand Master Adams also believed that the intellectual acquirement of Masonry would aid in the continuing recognition of Negro Masonry by white Masons. Shortly after his election as Grand Master he wrote to Brother F. J. Lewis, Grand Junior Warden, September 1, 1912, informing him of the congratulations which he had received from white Masons on his election. Then he added that, "from the number of conversations I have had with them the past few years, it seems that the sentiment is growing stronger each year to withdraw the line that has prevented fraternal recognition between the two bodies. They have given up entirely the question of legal status, their principal worry is the social intercourse that would necessarily be exchanged. While they believe as a whole intellectually, we are not as yet prepared for it. The only legal defense they had for separation has practically been removed, the remaining barrier lays with us to remove. This fact every Master Mason in Ohio should know and we must help them to realize and understand it.''
Following the death of Brother Buckner, Grand Master Adams appointed Brother William F. Clemens of Toledo, Ohio, Past Grand Master, to serve in the office of Grand Secretary. He stated that he knew of no one better qualified and having some knowledge of the office than Brother Clemens, although Brother J. J. Lee had served as Assistant Grand Secretary during the period of Brother Buckner's illness.
A joint fraternal committee representing the Grand Lodge of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias together with the representatives of the Grand Lodge met to consider plans whereby the fraternal society may lease, purchase and build suitable property. The Grand Lodge appointed Brother John H. Bowles, of Columbus and Brother V. W. Anderson of Dayton on this committee, with the Grand Master serving as the third member. Grand Master Adams observed in connection with the appointment of this committee that it was difficult to secure the construction of such a building since no lodge room could be dedicated for Masonic purposes and be used jointly by any other society. And then he was interested also in equal representation and equal voice on the Board of Trustees.
He directed attention to an organization, The Committee for the Protection of White Fraternities, which attempted to have a bill passed by Congress to prevent Negro Fraternal Societies from using the mails, since some of these societies used the same title as those used by fraternities for whites. Letters of protest were sent to Congress and it was reported that this action was not passed by Congress.
Serious disasters were occasioned by a flood on March 25 and it was reported that few sections of the state escaped entirely from this disaster to both life and property. A number of lodges reported that they were unable to meet or cope with the situation. The Grand Master then issued an appeal for aid for the flood sufferers and the circular letter was sent to all or the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and members of the subordinate lodges of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and other states were also included.
It is interesting to deserve that the proceedings of this Sixty-fourth Annual Communication in 1913 published The Original Charter, which was granted to the Grand Lodge of England on petition of Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson and other Masons of Boston constituting them into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons on September 29, 1784. This copy was published as a part of the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. There was also included the names and addresses of officers of the several Grand Lodges in the states.
On November 18, 1913, the first of the so-called Masonic Schools was inaugurated by St. Marks Lodge No. 7, Columbus, Ohio. Invitations had been sent to seven Grand Officers and representatives from five lodges located in surrounding cities. The Hall of St. Marks Lodge was filled to capacity as a team of 17 trained Masons of this lodge undertook the work. It was very impressive. There was reverence for the service and praise for the participants. It was this type of activity which had caused Grand Master Adams to suggest that various cities located in different centers of the state could carry on a remarkable work of Masonic education. This caused him to believe that "the intellectual progress and numerical increase would be the greatest in our history."
A new lodge was instituted through a dispensation granted on March 18, 1914, for Marietta, Ohio. This lodge was inducted with the cooperation of representatives from St. Marks Lodge of Columbus with 30 members as representatives. This event was regarded as one of the great events in the history of the Grand Lodge when 50 Master Masons assembled n Marietta to establish Menelek Lodge in that city. The Grand Master stated, ''never have I witnessed, in my experience, a more complete success than this event and no body of men could add greater dignity to a similar occasion and the fraternal love that was in evidence at all times, made it an occasion that will be sweet in our memories for all time to come.'' This action was approved by the Grand Lodge which assembled in August, 1914. Menelek Lodge was named for King Menelek I of Ethiopia, one of the great African Kings whom history had recorded as being a great leader of his people.
The Sixty-fifth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge assembled in the Knights of Pythias Hall, Xenia, Ohio, August 18-19, 1914. After devotional services and the appointing of standing committees the lodge was opened in due form with 49 lodges represented, 19 Grand Officers, 47 Past Grand Officers and Past Masters and 51 Worshipful Master's, Wardens and Proxies present. The total official members present were 166. The Grand Master's Address described the passing of Past Grand Master Jere A. Brown who for some years prior had been ill, having served the Grand Lodge as Grand Master but ''for some reason best known to him" had "passed away without again renewing the bonds of love that for many year's was the inspiration of his valuable service.'' Nevertheless, the Grand Master praised him for the excellent service which he had rendered to the Grand Lodge which had contributed "to its present standing and efficiency'' and notable reference was made to his scholarly service as Historian.
Official visits to lodges were noted together with the new Menelek Lodge. This lodge as described by him was that no other lodge could have "received the degrees as did this lodge, in all its completeness, with equal solemnity arid dramatic expression." The Grand Master presented the plan to provide a Masonic Home and called attention to the resolution which was adopted to set aside one fourth of the annual per capita, which was increased to $1.00, to establish a fund for this purpose. He stated that the last returns would show a membership of about eighteen hundred and that if there could be an increase of two hundred a year, it would require at least 10 years to purchase a farm of forty acres. He said that he did not believe that the time had yet come that a Masonic Home would be required and the membership would be sufficiently strong to support it It was added by the Grand Master that, "in my judgment I believe that your time and effort would be more profitably spent toward the building of a Masonic Temple. This Jurisdiction needs, in the very worst way, some permanent place for the keeping of the property and records of the Grand Lodge and the establishment of a library that at any time important references were needed, they could be found at the proper place in charge of a competent custodian." In this connection he referred to the library of Brother William Boyd which they should be making every effort to take care of in accordance with his request. He again made reference to the need for a Revised Ritual and stated that it was time "that the Negro Mason was using a Ritual of proper and legal authority." A Revised Code was also needed he said, since there were errors and omissions.
The only unpleasant feature of consequence which developed since the last session was said to be the failure to publish the annual proceedings at the appointed time. Correspondence with Brother William E. Clemens who was appointed Grand Secretary was read leading to the fact that he finally stated under date of August 14, 1914, that he would be unable to attend the Grand Lodge. After endeavoring to secure action from Brother Clemens on July 21, 1914, charges were preferred against him by the Grand Master acting for the Grand Lodge. It was alleged that he had violated the law and had been insubordinate to the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master, and it was the opinion that he should be deprived of all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry until he had made amends to the satisfaction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio for the inconvenience, embarrassment and expense made necessary by the willful violation of the Masonic Code. The Committee on Grand Master's Report regretted the action taken by the Grand Master but they heartily approved the action and referred the charges to the Committee on Grievances. This committee recommended that the Grand Lodge comply with the request made by the Grand Master as set forth in the charges against Brother Clemens.
The facts concerning the desire of Tuscan Lodge in Kentucky to withdraw from the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and to 8ffiliate itself with the Grand Lodge of the State of Kentucky were again reviewed by the Grand Master by the detailing of correspondence with Grand Master S. M. Munday of the Grand Lodge of the State of Kentucky. Grand Master Adams denied that Ohio had been discourteous to Kentucky by maintaining two lodges in her Jurisdiction. Reference was made by him again to the resolution of May 22 and 23, 1880 that the Grand Lodge of Ohio agreed "not to establish any more lodges within the State of Kentucky, while such fraternal relations exist, provided, that the Grand Lodge for Kentucky concedes that the Grand Lodge for Ohio violated no Masonic right in the organization of lodges in Kentucky." Grand Master Adams added that no effort bad been made since the adoption of this resolution by joint committees of both lodges to encourage or establish any additional lodges in Kentucky.
It was reported that the Worshipful Master's Jewel, the Masonic paraphernalia and monies of Tuscan Lodge were seized in defiance to the Grand Master and the Jurisdiction of Ohio. The point of view of Grand Master Adams was, "in new of the past and mutual agreements pertaining to the lodges of her obedience and residing within the Jurisdiction of Kentucky, Ohio could mean no discourtesy. She does not envy nor have the least desire to further encroach upon her territory." He added that "so long as these lodges ding to Ohio, she cannot abandon them nor would she drive them away, but should they wish to relinquish their allegiance to Ohio for that of Kentucky and would seek our counsel, we would immediately and in all sincerity advise them to do so and aid in whatever steps that would be required to accomplish their desire." The Grand Lodge approved the action of Grand Master Adams. Another incident was the controversy with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts due to the fact that the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, near the Grand East of Massachusetts, William L. Reed haul been expelled from Prince Hall Grand Lodge. When an appeal arrived from Brother William H. Reed against this action the facts had to be secured. The Grand Master stated that this investigation should be continued until all the facts had become known.
The Committee on Grand Master's Report commended the position taken by Grand Master Adams relative to the relations with Kentucky and Massachusetts. The Massachusetts matter was referred to the Grand Master for adjudication. In the Kentucky relationship, a resolution was adopted urging the Grand Lodge to take the step of either appointing a committee or of adopting a directive action "to relinquish our holdings in Kentucky without any retraction of our former standing and declarations of rights and jurisdiction of a Grand jurisdiction."
The same question was presented to the Committee on Jurisprudence by another resolution stating Ohio's "withdrawal of its active jurisdiction within the geographical limits of Kentucky would reestablish peace, promote harmony and the restoration of the fraternal relation that should exist amicably between the Grand Lodge for the State of Kentucky and this Grand Lodge." In order to accomplish this purpose, the charters of Rubicon Lodge No. 27 of Warsaw, Kentucky, and Tuscan Lodge No. 58 of Louisville, Kentucky were recommended to be revoked in sixty days. The committee on jurisprudence usually referred this resolution to the Grand Lodge without recommendation.
Additional emphasis was placed by Grand Master Adams upon temperance as one of the cardinal virtues and he urged action against any of the members who were engaged in traffic in intoxicating liquors. He also wanted action to be taken against those who own or conduct places of gambling and urged that the standards of the life of Masonry should be held high by the membership. Consideration should be given, he said, to the building of a Masonic Temple but he recommended that the resolution to establish a Masonic Home be repealed. The Committee on jurisprudence recommend that the appointment of a committee on the Grand Lodge Temple be approved and that the city of Columbus was the best location because of its central situation within the state. This report was adopted.
In concluding his report Grand Master Adams said, ''You are on the road to progress. The growth throughout the jurisdiction is remarkable, in some instances phenomenal and is due to the fact that by your zealous and efficient energy, you are realizing more fully the beauty of Masonry; therefore, your pride is uncrossed, your interest removed. You are guarding with zealous care our sacred portals against the flu worthy and appreciating more sincerely our love for one another. You are making the fraternity an institution to be desired, and the result is a rapid and substantial growth."
The same note of standards was sounded by the Deputy Grand Master in the address, Brother J. Foster Lewis. The Fraternity, its aims and purposes, its duties and teachings were described by him. The Grand Lecturer, Charles L. Porter told of the visits to the lodges and the good condition in which he found the vast majority of them. The Masonic schools were regarded by him as "the most important step taken by the Grand Lodge." This was the first time, he added, that this plan had been taken up in a whole hearted manner. The Ideal Masonic Mutual Benefit Association was found in good condition and it was recommended that it continue to be conducted as a "strictly business proposition." The total receipts had been $1218.00 and the total claims paid haul equaled the Mime amount.
The Committee on Jurisprudence approved the appointment of a Grand Lodge Temple Building Committee. Brother John H. Bowles, Grand Historian, submitted a report describing historic events which had taken place since the last annual Communication and noted in particular the establishment of Menelek Lodge No. 74 in the city of Marietta, Ohio. The statement was again made that the lodge was named after King Menelek, one of the first African Kings of Ethiopia. He stated that it was in Marietta that the first white lodge was instituted west of the Alleghenies and that his hope was that the lodge would be a great power for the uplift of the race.
A lodge of Past Masters was instituted and the Past Master's Degree was conferred. It was unanimously decided that the Past Master's Lodge should be a permanent organization and the following were elected as officers for the ensuing year:
Charles A. Former, Worshipful Master; David Galloway, Senior Warden; L. Howard Jones, Junior Warden; B. M. Fox, Secretary; H. B. Howard, Master of Ceremonies; Albert Alford, Senior Deacon; Paul Cumberland, Junior Deacon; Archie Holloway, Senior Steward; Joseph Green, Junior Steward; O. L Hicks, Chaplain.
The elected Grand Lodge officers were as follows: Cory Adams, Findlay, Grand Master; J. Foster Lewis, Columbus, Deputy Grand Master; J. H. Davis, Cleveland, Senior Grand Warden; Charles L. Porter, Dayton, Junior Grand Warden; Otis G. Fields, Toledo, Grand Treasurer and Joseph J. Lee, Columbus, Grand Secretary.
The emphasis upon standards was continued by the Grand Master throughout the next year. Circular letters emphasized this desire. In one letter he wrote, ''Ohio is struggling for purer and higher standards, a more perfect conception of the principles of Masonry and to demonstrate our sincerity by their practical and efficient application." The result of this emphasis was clearly noted in the issuance of the Official Ritual of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. This meant that there would be uniformity of work not only in Ohio but also throughout the Jurisdiction of the United States and Canada because the Ritual had been approved unanimously by the Grand Masters at the International Conference in Chicago. In presenting it to the Grand Lodge Membership, Grand Master Adams said that he was presenting it "to make it possible for Brethren of our nationality to accomplish an achievement that those of other nationalities have strived for and failed, that is, to adopt a work that all Jurisdictions of recognized regularity be governed by the same Esoteric Work."
Two of the important events of 1915 were the Semi-Centennial of the Grand Lodge of Michigan and the International Conference of Grand Masters, Past Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries representing the United States and Canada in the city of Detroit, Michigan, July 21-22, 1915. One of the purposes of the second meeting was the studying of problems of interest to all and the development of findings which would be of value to the respective Jurisdiction. Representatives of Grand Lodges were present and the following were on program: Brothers Cory Adams, Grand Master, Ohio; A. A. Martin, Grand Master, Illinois; J. M. Munday, Grand Master, Ky.; W. H. Mayo, Grand Secretary, Ky.; E. J. Hawkins, Grand Master, Kansas; J. H. Dickerson, Grand Master, Florida; R. B. McCrary, Grand Master, North Carolina; E. B. Burroughs, Past Grand Master, South Carolina; C. C. Johnson, Grand Master, S. C.; J. W. Nichols, Past Grand Master, Pennsylvania; E. R. Spaulding, Past Grand Master, New York; J. S Hicks Past Grand Master, Pennsylvania; J. L. Thompson, Grand Master, Towa; and W. A. J. Morgan, Grand Master, Mississippi; S. M. Strayhorne, Grand Master, Tennessee; T. A. Harris, California; W. M. Grimshaw, Past Grand Master, District of Columbia ; D. W. Caine, Grand Master, Indiana and F. F. Bailey, Grand Secretary, Oklahoma; C. S. Brown, Grand Secretary, North Carolina. The meeting was called to order by Grand Master Cory Adams of Ohio.
After lengthy discussions it was decided that the next meeting of the committee would convene in Chicago and full consideration would he given to the plan for a new Ritual. Grand Master Adams had led in the discussion of the subject, "Is Uniform Work A Possibility." The result of the report was that a committee was formed with Brother Adams as Chairman entitled, Committee on Uniform Work. This committee was authorized to use its best endeavors to secure a copy of the adopted standard Ritual of every Jurisdiction in the United States for comparison, review and ultimate selection and preparation of a Ritual to be submitted at the next Conference in 1916. It was observed that many jurisdictions had never standardized their work and that their Lodges were using various open exposures and cipher keys which resulted in confusion and corruption of the work. Said Brother Adams, ''the time is now, that all that is clandestine, all that is superfluous and impractical in Masonic ceremony should be eliminated. Masonry must progress with the age, not by innovation but by perfection. Prince Hall Masons must advance with the Jurisdictions of other nationalities whose numbers, wealth, and intellectual advantages have made in strong and in this one particular, more perfect and complete." He added that the Grand Lodge of Ohio at its Communication had authorized a compiling and publication of an Official Ritual. This was the work of a committee of competent Ritualists and this committee had compared their Ritual with other Rituals and had developed a good one. This event was another indication of the leadership of Grand Master Adams in the development of higher standards for Masonry.
The Kentucky relationship continued to remain the same in 1915. Grand Master Adams met Grand Master Munday of Kentucky at the Detroit meeting and impressed him with the fact that the Grand Lodge of Ohio had no desire to maintain the lodges in its jurisdiction. However, he added that "Ohio demands that so long as she has jurisdiction, her subordinates must obey her laws, and that Kentucky cannot ignore this authority without a gross breach of fraternal courtesy.''
The Sixty-sixth Annual Communication of
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for
the State of Ohio and its Jurisdiction was held in Lorain, Ohio,
August 17-18, 1915. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form, committees
were appointed and Grand Master Adams delivered his address. So
far as the Ritual was concerned he reported that the manuscript
had been completed and the linotype galley sheets were in the
hands of the Ritual Committee for proof reading. The revision
of the Code had proceeded and another year would lead also to
its completion. The situation between Ohio and Kentucky in reference
to Tuscan Lodge remained unsettled. The Grand Master said that
Ohio was demanding that Obedience would be had to her laws and
that no objection was being made to lodges in Kentucky going with
the Kentucky Grand Lodge but that there were legal ways that the
procedure should be followed and with this understanding, he expressed
the belief that the matter would be adjusted speedily.
Menelek Lodge had been instituted, the Grand Master reported,
in March, 1914, that it did not receive its Charter until November.
On January 3, 1915, Grand Master Adams proceeded to the city and
with others assisting constituted the lodge. As reported the officers
were: A. C. Alford, Worshipful Master; Mert Mason, Senior Warden;
G. T. Muncie, Junior Warden; J. W. Robinson, Treasurer; A. A.
Curtis, Secretary; E. E. Davis, Senior Deacon; F. P. Alford, Junior
Deacon; J. L. Burke, Senior Steward; A. H. Curtis, Junior Steward;
R L. Patterson Tyler. D. K. Bruce Lodge in Athens, Ohio was instituted
on January 30, 1915. Titivations were extended to surrounding
lodges and the men were initiated, passed and raised.
Two lodges, Valley Lodge No. 55, Rendville, Ohio and Carbon Lodge No. 62 were reported to have suffered as a result of the closing of the mines over a period of one year and four months. Unemployment had taken its toll in lodge and family life and taxes could not be elected.
A Committee was recommended to make arrangements
to celebrate the Bi-Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge
of England, either in connection with other Jurisdictions or by
Ohio. This action was caused by a letter from Brother N. F. Rowells,
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, reporting that
his Grand Lodge had authorized correspondence with other jurisdictions
to request what action was best to be taken by the Grand Lodges
in commemoration of this important event in Masonic history. Since
it was from the Grand Lodge of England that Prince Hall Masonry
had its origin, it was proposed that recognition be taken of
this event.
Another Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, announced that it would celebrate its one hundredth anniversary in September, 1915, and the Ohio Grand Lodge was invited to participate in these deliberations on this occasion. Grand Master Adams wrote in reply, "Ohio extends to her Mother Grand Lodge, her heartiest congratulations and will be glad to render any service that will make this event one long to be remembered."
One lodge, the B. K. Bruce Lodge, Athens, Ohio, had its organization in 1914-1915. Its organization was from a club of twenty-eight men of Athens, Ohio. They presented a petition to Carbon Lodge, No. 62 for release of jurisdiction. This petition was granted and an invitation was presented to St. Mark's Lodge No. 7 of Columbus, Ohio to confer the degrees and on January 30, 1915, this event took place.
An unusual aspect of this occasion was the presence of a brother from Europe who had come to witness the ceremonies. This brother was George Peter Flemings of Dublin Ireland. Grand Master Adams reported that he was "a gentleman of the highest type, a Scotchman by birth, but at the present time residing in the city of Dublin where he was the manager and director of a large linen paper mill and the proprietor of at course paper mill." His credentials were examined and found to be complete ill the branches of Masonry. After his visit, he said that he had witnessed work "of the highest standard and equal to any that he had witnessed by the Irish Brethren at home."
The twenty-eight men were initiated, passed, and raised with the leadership and cooperation of St. Mark's Lodge and instituted as the B. K. Bruce Lodge. It was reported by Grand Master Adams that this was ''a very auspicious beginning;'' and that a charter was recommended to be approved by the Grand Lodge.
The reinstatement of Past Grand Master William E. Clemens was introduced by Grand Master Adams and a letter was read from him expressing regret for his for his actions and negligence. This was referred to the Committee on Appeals, who reported that he should be restored to membership where he repaid the expenses occasioned by his insubordination.
Emphasis was placed by Grand Master Adams upon the conduct of the Grand Lodge's finance affairs through the use of modern business methods. He recommended that a committee revise the books, audit the same and report a form of credential and voucher system for the Grand Lodge. This was the beginning of a plait to stabilize the finances and led to the accumulation of funds for the later purchase of government bonds and Grand Lodge property.
Action upon the proposal for the Masonic Temple was made through the report of the Committee on the Masonic Temple Building. This committee reported that the Grand Lodge should take some action looking toward the purchase of a suitable piece of property which could be used as a State Masonic Temple and Library. This property was to be centrally located so that the lower floor could be rented by the hall used for Masonic purposes. A Masonic Stock company for the creation and accumulation of funds was provided, so that the Grand Lodge could purchase sixty per cent of the stock and the remaining forty per cent could be purchased by the subordinate Masonic bodies and members of the fraternity. There were forty lodges represented at this Grand Lodge session of fifty lodges enrolled. There were eighteen Grand Officers present, twenty-eight permanent members and forty- seven Masters, Wardens and Proxies, making. a total attendance of ninety-three.
The election of Grand Officers resulted in the following: Cory Adams, Findlay, Grand Master; J. Foster Lewis, Columbus, Deputy Grand Master; J H. Davis, Cleveland, Senior Grand Warden; Robert J. Evans, Cincinnati, Junior Grand Warden; Otis G. Fields, Toledo Grand Treasurer; Joseph J. Lee, Columbus, Grand Secretary.
The Ritual Committee of which Brother Charles Porter was chairman reported that with the assistance of Brothers Ray E. Hughes and Robert Stevens, Jr., the committee had expected to report the completed ritual but that the next report would include cost of printing and binding of the copy. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances recommended that Past Grand Master William E. Clemens be restored to full membership in the Grand Body upon the payment of the expense the Grand Lodge had experienced by reason of his action of insubordination in connection with the work of the Grand Secretary which he should have undertaking for which he was suspended.
The establishment of a Sinking Fund of $1,500 was reported with interest of 3% amounting to $37.87. While Grand Master Adams wanted to secure a larger investment, he said that "we would decry an investment that did not bear in every particular proof positive of 'safety First.'" The report of Grand Treasurer, Otis G. Fields, showed receipts of $2,782.11, disbursements of $1,171.60 and a balance of $1,610.51.
The Grand Historiographer, Brother John H. Bowles, reported that since the published history of 1906, the following lodges were organized St. Peter Lodge, No. 25, changed to Morning Star, No. 70 at Cambridge, Ohio; Samuel Lodge, No. 68, Lorain, Ohio; Doris Lodge, No. 69, Massillon, Ohio; Fidelity Lodge, No. 71, Madisonville, Ohio; Hiram Abiff Lodge, No. 72, Canton, Ohio; Central Star Lodge, No. 73, Oberlin, Ohio; Menelek Lodge, No. 74, Marietta, Ohio, and B. K. Bruce Lodge, No. 75, Athens, Ohio. Brother Bowles concluded the report with "there is a great deal of work to be done to bring up all the intervening history of our Grand Lodge to date, as our other historians have failed to do anything along that line." A resolution was adopted to offer the history, known as Volume I for sale at the reduced price of fifty cents. An announcement of this fact was carried in the Proceedings for 1915, stating that the Grand Secretary had been authorized to dispose or the copies of the ''Official History'' at fifty cents a copy which was one-half of the original price.
In November, 1915, Grand Master Adams was advised by members of St. Marks Lodge, Columbus, that the National Compact Masons known as the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the United States of America, Colored, was planning to bring suit for an injunction against the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and its Jurisdiction, Free and Accepted Masons. The Grand Master determined to investigate this matter and conferred with Attorney L. Howard Jones, Findlay, Ohio, and Wilbur F. King, Attorney, Columbus, Ohio. After a meeting with the Trustee Board of the Grand Lodge it was agreed to ad Attorneys Harry E. Davis and Alexander Martin of Cleveland as co-attorneys. The latter was accepted through the action of Excelsior Lodge of Cleveland. At a later period Brothers Davis and Martin withdrew from legal participation.
Notice of the petition was served on February 1, 1916, and was filed in Franklin County Court, Columbus, Ohio, by the National Compact Masons who brought suit to deny the Grand Lodge of Ohio the right to use the name "Masons," the signs, emblems, ceremonies, and insignia of the Order. The petition in substance stated that The National Grand Lodge was "the only true, legal, authoritative Masonic body concerned in the controversy," and that "the privileges, and prerogatives of Masonry" were in question.
The court sustained the demurrer of the Grand Lodge of Ohio because the petition was "insufficient in substance" and held that the plaintiff was "a clandestine organization" but gave leave for an amended petition by them. This amended petition alleged that they had legal warrant for their existence from the warrant of the Grand Lodge of England to Prince Hall in 1784. The Ohio Grand Lodge attorney challenged them to show this legal descent from their warrant. Another amended petition stated that they did not contend that their authority was derived from a warrant from Free and Accepted Masons. On April 29, 1916, a hearing was held but a decision was not rendered for several months after this date.
Grand Master Adams sent letters to the Grand Masters of Sister Jurisdictions, including copies of the petition against the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its answer and cross-petitions. This letter declared, ''that we win in Ohio is of importance to every other jurisdiction in view of the fact that nearly all south and west of this state are directly or indirectly the offspring of this Grand Lodge."
A similar suit had been filed in Indiana in 1912. The Superior Court in Marion County, Indiana, had ruled in favor of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Since this suit in Ohio also struck at the very existence of the Order, the attorneys of the Grand Lodge were determined to develop an adequate defense against this attack. As the Grand Master said, "Ohio has been complimented the country over for the able reply that our attorneys have filed and the noble fight she is making for the protection of the fraternity's name, and the Masonic life, not only focuses on those that are in Ohio, but the thousands who are the direct descendants of Ohio in the jurisdictions west and south.'' The appeal made by Grand Master Adams was answered by most of the lodges. Cincinnati alone contributed more than two hundred dollars and other lodges large and small contributed according to their ability.
It was in the midst of this fight that the Grand Lodge representatives met in Dayton, Ohio, August 15-16, 1916, to hold the Sixty-seventh Annual Communication. After the opening in due form the Address of the Grand Master outlined at length the suit filed against the Grand Lodge by the National Grand Lodge known as the National Compact Body. He also stated that evidence was on hand from most lodges that "Ohio is having her awakening and rapidly replacing the darkened places with the light of knowledge and understanding. Lodges are being better housed, better equipped, more proficient in the work and better governed." Tribute was paid to Past Grand Master William T. Boyd who for sixty years had contributed to the honor of the Grand Lodge and as the Grand Master said, he stood ''next to the honored Prince Hall as a Venerable Brother and Most Worshipful Master Grand Master and Prince of the Roundtable."
Every phase of the work was touched by the Grand Master in his annual address. The proceedings state that "the Grand Master finished his address amid the plaudits of his auditors.''
The Committee on Grand Master's Address commended him for the prompt action taken in connection with the compact suit. Brother John C. Logan, Grand Lecturer submitted a report describing numerous visits to lodges and the progress that was being made throughout the Jurisdiction was reported by him. The report of the Committee on Credentials showed that there were forty-five of fifty-one lodges represented. Sixteen Grand Officers, forty-eight permanent members, thirty-five representatives making a total number of Grand Lodge members in attendance of ninety-nine. The Grand Treasurer Otis G. Fields' report showed a balance or $1,714.07.
The Grand Historiographer, Brother John H. Bowles, reported that he was compiling the next section of the history but that he was having difficulty in locating materials including the Grand Lodge Proceedings. In this connection, the Masonic Library of Brother William T. Boyd was brought up for consideration and the securing of a permanent location for it. The ideal Masonic Mutual Benefit Association made a report stating that since its organization in 1906, there had been enrolled 656 with a loss by death of forty-eight, a delinquency loss of 208 and a financial membership of 400. Their first death claim was $39.68 and the current claim was $200.00.
A report was made by the attorneys for the Ohio Grand Lodge in the case of the National Grand Lodge against the Ohio Grand Lodge through which it was sought to oust the Ohio Grand Lodge from its Jurisdiction and to have its property decreed to the National Grand Lodge. The report was made to the Grand Lodge by Attorneys L. Howard Jones and Wilbur E. King that the court sustained a Demurrer to the original Petition because it was insufficient in substance, that the attorneys again demurred challenging the National Grand Lodge to show its legal descent from that warrant. Finally the National Grand Lodge stated that it does not contend that its authority was derived from the warrant of 1784. In concluding their report the attorneys said "these two antagonistic bodies can no longer travel in the same orb. The Free and Accepted Masons cannot become a creature of a clandestine organization, nor surrender its true legal Masonic existence."
Finally the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County issued its decision in this case. This decision again indicated that the National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons had not shown that it was a descendant under the warrant to Prince Hall. The Court said, ''This petition alleges that it has a warrant from London England, issued to Prince Hall. But the name of plaintiff is 'The Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the United States of America, Colored'." The warrant was not from such a society for this constituted them into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons under the title and denomination of the African Lodge.
It was claimed in argument that Ancient York Masons were a different Lodge from Free and Accepted Masons. The warrant pled by the petition did not support their claim. The court found "a material difference'' between Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons and Free and Accepted Masons, and that the warrant pleaded authorized only the latter to be organized for it was "a warrant of the humble petition of Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson, and others in Boston, New England in North America, constituting them into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons not Free and Accepted York Masons."
The court also said that the petition from
the National Grand Lodge failed "to show by proper allegation
of ultimate operative facts ally proper title and lineage from
the parent English organization connecting it with the warrant
set forth and pleaded in the petition." In the light of this
decision it can be seen why Attorney Wilbur F. King wrote under
date of June 24, 1916, to the Grand Master, "I am sending
you a copy of the court's decision. It is sweeping. Our position
has been vindicated all the way through; it is a personal victory
for you also. Now let's hurry up oil the evidence The last sentence
showed that Prince Hall Masonry was faced with the challenge of
proving that it was a legitimate lodge of Free and Accepted Masons,
that its standards would have to be raised above those of clandestine
groups and it was evident that Prince Hall Masons would pledge
themselves to this Great Cause.
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